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Byrnehouse-Davies & Hamilton Saga #2
Gables Against the Sky
The Powerful and Moving Sequel to The Gable Faces East
It has been nearly two decades since Alexa Byrnehouse and Jess Davies married and started a family, and their twins, Emma and Tyson, have now grown to young adulthood. The Byrnehouse-Davies family is one of the richest in Australia, known for its exceptional handling of horses and abandoned boys. Boys like Michael Hamilton, who seems born for trouble. Still, he holds a special place in Alexa’s heart-and he loves Emma helplessly, hopelessly from a distance as he works in the stables. Will their two worlds, now so far apart, ever come together?
In prose as vivid as the blue Australian sky, author Anita Stansfield expertly fashions a powerful saga of passion, betrayal, forgiveness, and ultimate redemption. In the end, when lives and virtue are threatened, true love and commitment are put into perfect perspective-and a happy ending is guaranteed!
It has been nearly two decades since Alexa Byrnehouse and Jess Davies married and started a family, and their twins, Emma and Tyson, have now grown to young adulthood. The Byrnehouse-Davies family is one of the richest in Australia, known for its exceptional handling of horses and abandoned boys. Boys like Michael Hamilton, who seems born for trouble. Still, he holds a special place in Alexa’s heart-and he loves Emma helplessly, hopelessly from a distance as he works in the stables. Will their two worlds, now so far apart, ever come together?
In prose as vivid as the blue Australian sky, author Anita Stansfield expertly fashions a powerful saga of passion, betrayal, forgiveness, and ultimate redemption. In the end, when lives and virtue are threatened, true love and commitment are put into perfect perspective-and a happy ending is guaranteed!
567 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
Anita Stansfield
135 books481 followersAnita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
October 24, 2015
My Review (May Contain Spoilers-fair warning upon reading this review)
Gables Against the Sky is the second book in the Byrnehouse-Davis Hamilton Saga. This is a combined love tale of a set of twins. Tyson and Emma Davies. Tyson and Emma while they are twins, couldn't be more different but they both have had a tight connection to each other. Tyson has yearned to explore the world, and Emma is more than content to live in her books and embrace the home she loves. Our love interests for our twins are Lacey (a young woman that they fostered but not a blood relation) she was raised with Tyson and Emma, but as Tyson and Lacey grow into adulthood, there is a love that builds between them. Then we have Michael Hamilton, who was sent to a boys home on the station, and he had a deep love for Emma, but when his interest was spurned by Emma, he left the only home he had ever known and has been gone for four years.
Now its the current time frame, Emma and Lacey are kidnapped by Michael Hamilton, who obviously has something to prove. And right when they are kidnapped, Tyson returns home to find secrets and unresolved pain and issues. While Lacey was scared of being kidnapped, Emma had a courage to face Michael head-on. She starts to sense that there is something so much beneath the surface of Michael's motives, and when the truth becomes laid bare, it will take courage and determination from both Michael and Emma to move forward.
Gables Against the Sky is a powerful read of a romance and I definitely had a blast in the reading of this one here. This was a reread of course, as I read it closer to when it was first released. I have to say that I absolutely had a fun time returning to Michael and Emma especially. They are my favorite romance of the two that we see here. I am just not a fan of Lacey at all, and never have been. She acts very spoiled and holier than thou through much of the story and it just rubs you the wrong way. Michael and Emma's story just hits different, it tugs at some deep emotion that you easily relate to and the author really handles the situation so delicately and just right. And yes she makes a kidnapping story work in all of the right and best ways.
If you are a fan of proper historicals or just historical romance, then I highly recommend this one.
Gables Against the Sky is the second book in the Byrnehouse-Davis Hamilton Saga. This is a combined love tale of a set of twins. Tyson and Emma Davies. Tyson and Emma while they are twins, couldn't be more different but they both have had a tight connection to each other. Tyson has yearned to explore the world, and Emma is more than content to live in her books and embrace the home she loves. Our love interests for our twins are Lacey (a young woman that they fostered but not a blood relation) she was raised with Tyson and Emma, but as Tyson and Lacey grow into adulthood, there is a love that builds between them. Then we have Michael Hamilton, who was sent to a boys home on the station, and he had a deep love for Emma, but when his interest was spurned by Emma, he left the only home he had ever known and has been gone for four years.
Now its the current time frame, Emma and Lacey are kidnapped by Michael Hamilton, who obviously has something to prove. And right when they are kidnapped, Tyson returns home to find secrets and unresolved pain and issues. While Lacey was scared of being kidnapped, Emma had a courage to face Michael head-on. She starts to sense that there is something so much beneath the surface of Michael's motives, and when the truth becomes laid bare, it will take courage and determination from both Michael and Emma to move forward.
Gables Against the Sky is a powerful read of a romance and I definitely had a blast in the reading of this one here. This was a reread of course, as I read it closer to when it was first released. I have to say that I absolutely had a fun time returning to Michael and Emma especially. They are my favorite romance of the two that we see here. I am just not a fan of Lacey at all, and never have been. She acts very spoiled and holier than thou through much of the story and it just rubs you the wrong way. Michael and Emma's story just hits different, it tugs at some deep emotion that you easily relate to and the author really handles the situation so delicately and just right. And yes she makes a kidnapping story work in all of the right and best ways.
If you are a fan of proper historicals or just historical romance, then I highly recommend this one.
November 2, 2008
This is my all-time favorite Anita Stansfield novel - and the one before it, The Gable Faces East, is a close second. They are intense stories with intricate characters. Michael Hamilton makes such a likable villain! I love the historical setting. An added bonus is that you get the complete stories that are only hinted at in the original modern-time Michael and Emily trilogy.
My only complaint would be that Lacey's antagonism gets old and redundant. I cannot find it in my heart to like her even when she finally gets over it - she's been such a creep for too long.
My only complaint would be that Lacey's antagonism gets old and redundant. I cannot find it in my heart to like her even when she finally gets over it - she's been such a creep for too long.
June 8, 2008
Ooh, I absolutely love this book. I read it a long time ago, but have read it 3 times since. It is captivating and wonderful as are all of Anita's earlier books. I really enjoy how a lot of them interconnect. I found it amusing, after reading others comments, how they too would like to be kidnapped by an Australian rogue and fall in love with him. That would be nice. *Sigh*
October 8, 2011
This is everything I hoped it would be and more. I thoroughly love a good romance novel and a period drama is even better. You know how those historical romance novels are usually pretty cheesy? Well, this one isn't! I'm not sure I would even put it in the same class as a regular historical romance. This is way out of their league! It is totally believable and you fall for the characters immediately. The setting is very desirable. Australian outback, gorgeous rich family, horse racing, and even a home for wayward boys!
Emma is my favorite character. She is so strong and smart. Very down to earth. I wasn't so fond of Lacey though. I knew she was going through a lot, but after all she had been given she shouldn't have been acting like that. She really needed to get over it sooner than she did. I fell in love with Michael and Tyson. I wanted more Tyson actually.
The plot just kept moving. There was always something new happening and I just fell in love with the surroundings. Author Anita Stansfield writes as if you ARE part of the family. I know them so well. I know where my room is, and where my horse stays, and what we'll be having for dinner. I felt a part of their life. She is a master writer!
I'm hooked! Thank goodness there are more books in the Byrnehouse-Davies & Hamilton Saga! I'm in love! If you are looking for a clean, historical romance then this is for you.
Quote:
"Where's she gonna ride?"
"With me of course, " Michael stated, hardening his gaze on Emma.
Emma is my favorite character. She is so strong and smart. Very down to earth. I wasn't so fond of Lacey though. I knew she was going through a lot, but after all she had been given she shouldn't have been acting like that. She really needed to get over it sooner than she did. I fell in love with Michael and Tyson. I wanted more Tyson actually.
The plot just kept moving. There was always something new happening and I just fell in love with the surroundings. Author Anita Stansfield writes as if you ARE part of the family. I know them so well. I know where my room is, and where my horse stays, and what we'll be having for dinner. I felt a part of their life. She is a master writer!
I'm hooked! Thank goodness there are more books in the Byrnehouse-Davies & Hamilton Saga! I'm in love! If you are looking for a clean, historical romance then this is for you.
Quote:
"Where's she gonna ride?"
"With me of course, " Michael stated, hardening his gaze on Emma.
November 4, 2008
Of all the Anita Stansfield books, this 2-book set, is probably close to my favorite. A few sets of her books expound upon the lives of the main characters in the her first 3-books series about Emily and Michael. Subsequent books tell stories about them and their children and their children's lives. This 2-book set talks about Michael's ancestors. I have read these several times. :)
October 1, 2008
This book was not only a good lose yourself book it taught a lot about family relationships, love, healing and service. It offered a good cry and taught me things I needed to know! I am currently reading it aloud to my husband!
December 25, 2007
I'm completely enthralled with the Byrnehouse-Davies and Hamilton books - especially this story of Michael and Emma.
January 27, 2008
I re-read this book this weekend. I love all of her books even though they can be a little mushy and predictable but I think this one is my favorite. I can't count how many times I've read it.
January 30, 2008
I used to read Anita Stansfield books a lot. Some of them get a little monotonous, but the Gable books were awesome. Lots of different emotions...
February 1, 2008
Another Great book.... its a series too. This one is set back...uh.... 1800's maybe? Its awesome!
February 2, 2008
I fell in love with this book along with the villain/hero. After reading it, I want to get kidnapped too, but only by a ruggedly handsome Australian.
February 12, 2008
This book if another one of my all times loves. This book makes every girl dream of getting kidnapped by a Australian rouge. I could read this a million times over and still enjoy every page.
March 10, 2008
I absolutely love this book. It is my favorite by far!!
April 12, 2008
This one isn't written with LDS gospel however it is still very good.
May 23, 2008
This book was even better, to see the kids grow and just progress. It was absolutely my favorite out of all. :D
May 29, 2008
A great romance novel that really made me think about forgiveness.
July 6, 2008
This is one of my all time favorite books. I absolutely love Michael Hamilton.
July 8, 2008
this was definetely anita stansfields best book
July 15, 2008
This is another favorite. It has romance, suspense, and everything a girl could want. I have read it a hundred times.
August 27, 2008
My favorite series from Anita Stansfield. This is the 2nd book to the Gable Faces East.
September 6, 2008
Anita Stansfield writes clean love stories. This was the next book after the Gable Faces East.
November 14, 2008
Almost as good as The Gable Faces East. Just a continuation of the story. Loved it!
February 22, 2009
I love this book! I read it over and over. I even used it as inspriation to name my daughter.
April 8, 2009
I had never read any Anita Stansfield books until now and I absolutely love her. She's definitely one of my favorite romance authors.
October 12, 2013
When the term 'sweeping historical saga' is used, a lot of people would probably think of something like 'Gone With the Wind'. I will now think of this book (and its predecessor). This is a 560 page novel, yet it felt like it was much shorter, for how fast I read it. The storyline moved forward at a brisk, yet not too rushed, pace. I found that even with the quicker pace, I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
Another thing I noticed about this novel, which put me in mind of other Anita Stansfield novels, is the detailed psychological/sociological thoughts and 'methods' discussed. I have to wonder if the author was a student of those subjects, or if her knowledge is innate. I think this quality of really 'knowing' human nature brings a depth to her characters that would not likely be possible otherwise.
I am looking forward to the next book in this family's 'saga'!
(4.5 stars)
Another thing I noticed about this novel, which put me in mind of other Anita Stansfield novels, is the detailed psychological/sociological thoughts and 'methods' discussed. I have to wonder if the author was a student of those subjects, or if her knowledge is innate. I think this quality of really 'knowing' human nature brings a depth to her characters that would not likely be possible otherwise.
I am looking forward to the next book in this family's 'saga'!
(4.5 stars)
January 16, 2011
OK, I will attempt to review a couple of books at once from the "Gables" series. This was my favorite book, hence the 5 stars, (anytime I stay up past midnight reading a book, it automatically gets 5 stars-so it may not be a perfect literary novel, but a very good, interesting book). If you are interested in the series, you should probably read "The Gable Faces East" firt, I gave that book 4 stars. I've read a couple other "Gables of Legacy" books from the series, and just didn't like them as much. It could be because I read them in the wrong order?? I don't know, but give the first 2 I mentioned a try if you are into Hisorical Fiction, I think you will like them.
February 4, 2011
I really liked this book. Admittedly this is the first book by Anita Stansfield that I have really enjoyed and I simply could not put it down. Some of it was very predictable and I wasn't nearly as drawn to Tyson and Lacey as I was to other relationships. But I absolutely fell in love with the endearing story of Emma Byrnehouse-Davies and Michael Hamilton. This book is the second in a series (following The Gable Faces East) and though I did not read the first I had no trouble following the story line. It jumped right into the suspense and romance and I loved it! I thought I would read a chapter before going to bed one night and found myself still reading at 3am!
July 8, 2008
This book was better than the first, I know I have read this book before, I just don’t know when, and it was only snips of the book that I was remembering. It took me to the second to the last chapter of the First book to realize that id read it. Characters have too much emotional baggage, it got on my nerves. I would have slapped Lacey a long time ago. But that’s just me… (Not that I have actually ever slapped someone that has said something mean to me, but you better believe there have been many a livid mental slap given. Is that something I should be apologizing for?)
June 20, 2011
This author/book was recommend by a good friend of mine. It was sold to me as a clean, historical romance by an LDS author but not religion based. Anyway..... it was a cute romance but not really fitting of all the descriptors. The story was interesting, characters likable, and her writing style has greatly improved from the last book of hers that I read. It didn't make me want to seek out her other books but I can see why she has a large following. I think I like books a bit more subtle and intricate.
July 27, 2008
This is the next book my mom gave me that is about the children of that other book I just read. I liked this book too. As my mom said, "It's swashbuckling." However, since one character really bugged me, I didn't get into it as much as the first book. Like the first, this also had great themes of forgiveness and the ability to change oneself. It was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to the escapist reader who likes clean, fun books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews