A Guiding Star

Gables of Legacy #2

by Anita Stansfield

Armed with the love of a good man, Jess Hamilton, Tamra Banks has made the difficult decision to reconcile with her estranged mother. Over the years, Tamra has had to fight through the ugly memories of her abusive childhood, the complete absence of her father, and her mother’s angry reaction to Tamra’s conversion to the Church.

When the encounter with her mother goes badly, memories and doubts threaten to suffocate Tamra with long-buried emotions. In a swirling tide of confusion and distrust, the confidence Tamra feels about her relationship with Jess quickly dwindles in the face of her growing doubts. With my background and upbringing, am I worthy of Jess’s love, after all?

Volume II in Anita Stansfield’s stunning series, Gables of Legacy, explores the powerful grasp of a horrible childhood, the guiding light of the gospel, and the healing that comes when you learn to forgive others-and yourself.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Romance, Lds, Christian Fiction, Religion, Fiction, Clean Romance

149 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Anita 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."

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book talked about how Tamra and Jess met, and how they worked through his issues (with help, of course!). This book talks about Tamra's issues and how they work through them. I really like that the characters in these books (for the most part) talk through things. I've come to know that one of the most important things a couple can do is communicate effectively to work through the issues that will naturally come up during a lifetime together.
Note that this book is told from a Latter-day Saint viewpoint, and as such might not be interesting to those not of that faith.

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts off immediately where book one left of. This book, Tamra is working through her own problems and its a bit of a mini roller coaster. Book one was definitely better. Both books stay true to the cookie cutter happy and fun theme. Weird analogy, but this book can compare to breakfast cereal. Mostly sweet, can have nutritional value, but you still need something for breakfast and its what you have.

I probably butchered that analogy.

The first book left off on such a good high note, that i was tempted enough to read the second book. This book, i might read the third book to see whats next, but maybe not.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Gables of Legacy series. I am loving the sweet story and flow of the words. If makes me want to read more. I love how the the story just continues the characters lives in every way. I'm definitely feeling like I'm in Australia going through the ups and down of life with these characters. Heading into the third book in this series!

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay, but I felt immediately like I'd already read it! And then I remembered that I had, just before this one and everyother Anita Stansfield books! I have to admit I'm getting a tad bit sick of reading Anita Stansfield. All the books follow similar plots. There's always something horrible that happens in the life/lives of the main characters and the other characters are forced to have to bring this person out of their depression. Several times in each book the characters say or think something along the lines of not feeling worthy of the love/affection/etc. the other characters are showing. Finally after at least 100 pages of reading the same thing over and over again some big miracle happens and the person accepts the atonement and magically every thing is wonderful and happy again! Then we read another 20 times that the person is so blessed and amazed at the love they have been shown. That's fine and dandy, but after reading the SAME thing in most of the books, it gets old. I can't help but wonder if Anita Stansfield gets tired of writing these thoughts over and over again. And the love-at-first sight thing is a common theme in each of her books. I wonder if her relationship is the same way with her husband or is this what she wishes it could be? It just doesn't seem to be in the same world I'm in. Call me a cynic, but it wasn't love at first sight with my husband and I don't think it has been with many other people I know. It doesn't mean it doesn't happen, I just don't think it's too likely or common. Another thing in EVERY ONE OF THE BOOKS is the man hugs the women and twirls her. It's fun for the first book, but I've read about 20 of her books, and it has happened in EACH book!!!

I'm not sure if I will read any more of her books after I'm finished with the Gables Of Legacy series. I think I'll move on to something a bit more original!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually book 2 in the series even tho the heading says book 4. I LOVED this book, maybe because it was quite close to home in a couple areas. It just really gave me a new perspective to look at things. It was a really quick read for me, I started and finished it in one day. The thing I like about her writing, is you can read the whole series or not. The books can stand alone. I know it sounds corny to say this about a love story, but this book really really helped me.

[Anna Lisby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like I had read this before but I don't know how since I don't own it and the Douglas County Library had to loan it from another library for me. Hmmm.... Anyway, I enjoyed it and it was a quick read. Now I can read #3 and hopefully I won't feel like I've already read that one as well! This is the series about the Australians.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book about the power of forgiveness! I love this story. I would strongly recommend reading the books that precede this first, especially "The Guardian (Gables of Legacy, V.1). The First Love series and the other Gables books also precede this one. See Anita Stansfield's web site for the chronological order that these books come in.

[Joni Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this one today, and enjoyed every minute of it! I can not wait to start the next one, but it will have to wait until I get some homework done! I will be glad when school is done so I can read again!

[Maggie]

A Guiding Star is Volume 2 of the Gables of Legacy, and it explores the powerful grasp of a horrible childhood, the guiding light of the gospel, and the healing that comes when you learn to forgive others- and yourself.

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not one of my favortie Anita Stansfield books. To me this book, even though it was pretty short, could have been summarized even more and just added to the next book. Let's hope the next one is better!

[Shirley Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not quite as good as her first book in this series. It seemed like to me that the roles were just reversed for Jess and Tamra. Her issues were the topic and his love and support helped her to regain her self-confidence and strengthened her testimony.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is about the reconciling with a less that optimal mother.

[Karen Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel brought different challenges for it's characters but it helped make this story and the characters even fuller. Another great read that makes me want to keep reading the next three books!!

[Eileen]

I love all Anita Stansfield books. I learn something about having faith through trials, from each book that she writes.

[Sheree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series by Anita Stansfield.

[Erin Morrissey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was nearly as good as the first! I enjoy the messages that are in the books, this one also has a message of enduring and pressing through difficult times...a great read.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't my favorite in the series - probably because it's so short. However, I really like the characters.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Own: Book/Tape

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable, but enjoyable.

[Savannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book, but I liked the 1st one better!

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to see how applying the atonement of Jesus Christ can really elivate self appointed burdens in peoples lives.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a feel good book with some great gospel truths in it.

[Amber Rencher · Rating 1 out of 5]

Drama drama drama! quit moping about your past, move on and grow a backbone! I lost patience with this book at about the 3 chapter.

[Heidi Rothert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, as always. It has real characters and a real story line, but it keeps the romance clean and shows real love. Thanks!

[Brooke Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a really quick read. Now on to the next.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

typical Anita Stansfield. Just continuing on with the story. It was fine.

[Anne (Angel Anne Reviews) Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 angel stars