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Tales from Marrying Stone #1
Marrying Stone
From a USA Today bestselling Author, comes a Publisher's Weekly starred review for Marrying Stone, who described the story as "rich and heady as a jug of mountain 'donk' - and just as hard to put down."
Any successful scholar will make personal sacrifices to enhance his research. But most are never expected to include a suspect marriage to a barefoot hill girl.
Musicologist, J. Monroe Farley hopes to prove that the wilds of the Ozark Mountains preserved the language and music of an era gone by. Hill Girl, Meggie Best only hopes for a handsome prince to make her dreams come true. Neither expects to have life suddenly upended by a jar of bad piccalilli and a skunk.
Tales from Marrying Stone
Book 1: Marrying Stone Book 2: Simple Jess522 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1994
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About the author
Pamela Morsi
61 books450 followersPamela Morsi was an American writer. She was the author of 29 romance novels, beginning in 1991.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 18, 2017
Like some of the other reviews, I didn't go into this novel to read about Meggie and Roe, I went into it for Jesse. I wanted to read the second book but some readers suggested reading the first as well. I'm glad I did, not because of the romance, but because of the friendship that blossomed between Roe and Jesse.
Jesse was adorable and I loved whenever he showed up on the page.
Although the romance wasn't bad, I didn't feel particularly attached to it either. There are a couple of times Roe mentions being with other women or desiring other women, so I did get annoyed with the constant mentions of that. It definitely didn't help picturing a romance between Meggie and Roe when he mentions the few other women he's been with. There's even a part where Jesse, who's a virgin, asks Roe to describe sex to him. Although it's a great moment in a friendship/bonding moment between the two, I didn't like it all that much when thinking about the romance. He hasn't been with Meggie at this point, so his experiences that he's describing are with other women. (Though, tbh, it would be super creepy if he were to describe his sexual experience with Meggie to Meggie's brother.)
(And on the mention of creepy...I don't know how old Meggie is, but I got really icked out at Roe mentioning her "young body." I don't think she's that much younger than him, but I was really not feeling it when he said or thought that.)
I also got annoyed at how Roe constantly described the Ozarks as being "primitive" and "backwoods." He came off classist to me. He got over it, sure, but I didn't like how he constantly looked down on the people of Marrying Stone simply because they'd had a different and less privileged experience than him. It's not that I expected him to be enlightened right off the bat, but throughout the book he's raised up as being smarter than the rest of these Ozarkers. Except that might not be true? The only reason he's viewed as being "smarter" is thanks to the polish he's gained because he's had the privilege of wealth and education.
I was hoping this would come bite him in the ass or something, but it never does. He's always writing in his journal about the primitive, backwoods people of Ozark. I was hoping someone would find his journal and give him shit for it.
The romance itself is pretty instalovey (at least on Meggie's end) and it's a lot of push-pull between the two. It was too much back and forth for me between them. First Roe rejects her, with regular mentions of how he's going to leave the mountain eventually and go back to his life, and then Meggie rejects him more than once. It's not that I wanted her to capitulate as soon as he came around, but she just came off as more stubborn rather than resolute. It was like she was just rejecting him because that's what her mother had done with Onery rather than because she really wanted to.
There was also some casual racism and mentions of Native Americans. There's one part about how "[their] folks run the Injuns out." First, they're obviously using a slur for Native Americans. And then second, I just hate reading casual references about how these white people stole the lands of the Native Americans. Can we just not get mentions of them, please? Unless some character's going to call them out on their shit, just don't mention it.
And then this part. So the "Indians" are the uncivilized folks? That's bad enough, but it's worse when you consider that it's Meggie saying this, not Roe. The author already has Meggie and the Ozarks being viewed as "backwoods" and "primitive"...so what the hell are the "Indians" considered in comparison to them, then? Meggie calls her people the civilized folks in comparison to them.
During both of these mentions, there's no wayward thought on the racism from Roe. He's supposed to be the educated, smart one, right? Enlightened and all? This book was published in the 90s, so it's not like the author can blame it being a product of the times and use that as an excuse. Besides, this book is taking place at the turn of the century, not in the thick of Native American conflicts.
Anyway, I didn't care much for the romance. If anything, if you're on the fence, I'd say to read it for the friendship between the guys and for Jesse.
"Hey, Meggie!" Jesse called out. "Come and meet Roe. He's my frien'."
Unable to move, Meggie merely stared as the two young men walked toward her.
"He's lost his mule," Jesse continued. "I ne'er had a frien' afore, Meggie. Can we keep him?"
Jesse was adorable and I loved whenever he showed up on the page.
Although the romance wasn't bad, I didn't feel particularly attached to it either. There are a couple of times Roe mentions being with other women or desiring other women, so I did get annoyed with the constant mentions of that. It definitely didn't help picturing a romance between Meggie and Roe when he mentions the few other women he's been with. There's even a part where Jesse, who's a virgin, asks Roe to describe sex to him. Although it's a great moment in a friendship/bonding moment between the two, I didn't like it all that much when thinking about the romance. He hasn't been with Meggie at this point, so his experiences that he's describing are with other women. (Though, tbh, it would be super creepy if he were to describe his sexual experience with Meggie to Meggie's brother.)
(And on the mention of creepy...I don't know how old Meggie is, but I got really icked out at Roe mentioning her "young body." I don't think she's that much younger than him, but I was really not feeling it when he said or thought that.)
I also got annoyed at how Roe constantly described the Ozarks as being "primitive" and "backwoods." He came off classist to me. He got over it, sure, but I didn't like how he constantly looked down on the people of Marrying Stone simply because they'd had a different and less privileged experience than him. It's not that I expected him to be enlightened right off the bat, but throughout the book he's raised up as being smarter than the rest of these Ozarkers. Except that might not be true? The only reason he's viewed as being "smarter" is thanks to the polish he's gained because he's had the privilege of wealth and education.
I was hoping this would come bite him in the ass or something, but it never does. He's always writing in his journal about the primitive, backwoods people of Ozark. I was hoping someone would find his journal and give him shit for it.
The romance itself is pretty instalovey (at least on Meggie's end) and it's a lot of push-pull between the two. It was too much back and forth for me between them. First Roe rejects her, with regular mentions of how he's going to leave the mountain eventually and go back to his life, and then Meggie rejects him more than once. It's not that I wanted her to capitulate as soon as he came around, but she just came off as more stubborn rather than resolute. It was like she was just rejecting him because that's what her mother had done with Onery rather than because she really wanted to.
There was also some casual racism and mentions of Native Americans. There's one part about how "[their] folks run the Injuns out." First, they're obviously using a slur for Native Americans. And then second, I just hate reading casual references about how these white people stole the lands of the Native Americans. Can we just not get mentions of them, please? Unless some character's going to call them out on their shit, just don't mention it.
"The Osage were real superstitious Indians, I guess. They thought the rock had spiritual powers to change the world and they would come here to ask for changes." She smiled warmly at him. "I guess us civilized folks are about as superstitious as the Indians," she admitted with a laugh.
And then this part. So the "Indians" are the uncivilized folks? That's bad enough, but it's worse when you consider that it's Meggie saying this, not Roe. The author already has Meggie and the Ozarks being viewed as "backwoods" and "primitive"...so what the hell are the "Indians" considered in comparison to them, then? Meggie calls her people the civilized folks in comparison to them.
During both of these mentions, there's no wayward thought on the racism from Roe. He's supposed to be the educated, smart one, right? Enlightened and all? This book was published in the 90s, so it's not like the author can blame it being a product of the times and use that as an excuse. Besides, this book is taking place at the turn of the century, not in the thick of Native American conflicts.
Anyway, I didn't care much for the romance. If anything, if you're on the fence, I'd say to read it for the friendship between the guys and for Jesse.
May 22, 2017
Monroe "Roe" Farley has traveled to the Ozarks with his ediphone to record local folk songs that he believes originated in Scotland and England. He meets Jesse Best, a simpleminded man who claims Roe as his friend. He also meets Jesse's sister, Meggie, a woman who has always dreamed that her prince would come and sweep her away. When Meggie sees Roe, she believes her prince is finally here. But when she nearly poisons him with her cooking, Roe decides to keep his distance.
This is a thoroughly entertaining book with unique characters. Meggie and Jesse live with their father on his rundown farm. Onery Best is a simple farmer with very little education. When Roe offers to pay him for room and board, Onery makes a deal with him to help out on the farm. Roe may be Harvard educated, but he has a lot to learn about the people in Marrying Stone, Arkansas. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is a thoroughly entertaining book with unique characters. Meggie and Jesse live with their father on his rundown farm. Onery Best is a simple farmer with very little education. When Roe offers to pay him for room and board, Onery makes a deal with him to help out on the farm. Roe may be Harvard educated, but he has a lot to learn about the people in Marrying Stone, Arkansas. My rating: 4 Stars.
June 15, 2020
2 stars for the first half
4 stars for the second half
Monroe Farley has come to the Ozarks to record old folk songs from the British Isles that have been preserved due to the community's isolation. He runs into Jesse Best, a kind but slow-minded man, and the two become friends. Roe meets Jesse's sister Meggie and she is immediately smitten with him thinking that he is the prince she always dreamed of come to whisk her away from the mountain. However that illusion is quickly shattered, so the rest of the story is Meggie and Roe navigating their attraction to each other knowing that nothing could feasibly come of a relationship between them since he'll be leaving in a few months once his work is done.
The first 40% of this book was so b o r i n g that I considered making it a DNF multiple times. I can't even remember much of what happened because I was that bored. It was mostly Roe and Jesse becoming friends and doing farm stuff, Meggie and Roe trying to ignore each other, and Meggie's father poking fun at her cooking non-stop. Like I get it already. Meggie is a bad cook, and she knows that she's a bad cook. These scenes aggravated me more than they probably should have but they presented Meggie's father in a bad light and made it seem like he had very little respect for his daughter's feelings since it's obvious that she doesn't like the teasing.
Things finally started happening once Meggie and Roe accidentally got "married" and we actually got to see Roe doing his work collecting folk songs, which I was excited about because I love that kind of stuff. Language history and linguistics are my absolute jam, so reading about it in a romance novel is just *chef kiss* lovely.
Meggie's brother Jesse really stole the show, though. He is such a pure sweet character and I'm looking forward to reading his story soon.
4 stars for the second half
Monroe Farley has come to the Ozarks to record old folk songs from the British Isles that have been preserved due to the community's isolation. He runs into Jesse Best, a kind but slow-minded man, and the two become friends. Roe meets Jesse's sister Meggie and she is immediately smitten with him thinking that he is the prince she always dreamed of come to whisk her away from the mountain. However that illusion is quickly shattered, so the rest of the story is Meggie and Roe navigating their attraction to each other knowing that nothing could feasibly come of a relationship between them since he'll be leaving in a few months once his work is done.
The first 40% of this book was so b o r i n g that I considered making it a DNF multiple times. I can't even remember much of what happened because I was that bored. It was mostly Roe and Jesse becoming friends and doing farm stuff, Meggie and Roe trying to ignore each other, and Meggie's father poking fun at her cooking non-stop. Like I get it already. Meggie is a bad cook, and she knows that she's a bad cook. These scenes aggravated me more than they probably should have but they presented Meggie's father in a bad light and made it seem like he had very little respect for his daughter's feelings since it's obvious that she doesn't like the teasing.
Things finally started happening once Meggie and Roe accidentally got "married" and we actually got to see Roe doing his work collecting folk songs, which I was excited about because I love that kind of stuff. Language history and linguistics are my absolute jam, so reading about it in a romance novel is just *chef kiss* lovely.
Meggie's brother Jesse really stole the show, though. He is such a pure sweet character and I'm looking forward to reading his story soon.
July 20, 2017
MARRYING STONE by Pamela Morsi made me laugh and cry due to the heartfelt emotion at the end. A captivating historical rendering of the Ozark people and their traditions, this short novel will win you over with characters who snag your heart.
Why was it in Dorine’s TBR? I’ve had this book since April of 2013. It landed in my Nook TBR along with SIMPLE JESS and THE LOVESICK CURE. After researching this a bit further, I realized that Willaful had a hand in this buying spree, by helping me decide in a discussion on Jill’s review of THE LOVESICK CURE at Goodreads. Since this is a short three-book series, it seemed doable within my limited reading time. Apparently, I’m a little slow because I’m finally getting to them four years later!
This book suits the series catch-up theme of Wendy’s TBR Challenge, but I’m starting a new series instead of catching up on a familiar one. I generally stay away from series books just because I can’t read them as fast as most authors write them. I prefer to mix up my reading with various authors, mostly new-to-me, due to limited time and the need for an eclectic experience.
In the NOOK digital version, this book is listed as 212 pages, which appealed to me for this challenge. I can’t seem to read anything longer during the summer and barely finished this one in time. The paperback versions are listed as 326 to 427 pages, so I’m not sure what’s right. It felt like a short novel to me, so I highly doubt if it was ever 427 pages unless it was large print or words were added significantly.
The premise of a scholar going to a primitive section of the Ozarks to collect songs for their historical value appealed to me. I’m sure I’ve seen a movie about this, and the first part of the book seemed vaguely familiar. I never figured out the book or movie that may have triggered my memory, so maybe someone else can help me remember.
In the beginning, the story moved slower and maybe it’s because I kept thinking I’ve heard this story before. Even so, about one third into it the characters captured my attention. Meggie is a simple gal with a huge heart, who has fairytale dreams of a prince coming to marry her. Roe is a scholar who thinks highly of his knowledge and standing at Cambridge, but discovers quite quickly that book knowledge isn’t always as wise as tradition or experience.
I got frustrated with Meggie’s resistance to Roe’s charms, but by the end of the book, I understood her completely. Every character is individually rendered in such a way that I grew to love them all, but Simple Jess stole the show. I can’t wait to read the rest of his story in SIMPLE JESS.
It’s rare that I buy a whole series before reading any of them in it, but I’m so glad I have all three of MARRYING STONE so there’s no reason to put off completing the series. Some of the simple antidotes spoken by the characters about life and love are so touching. I can’t wait to discover what else will be revealed through their no-nonsense approach to life. I also enjoyed the historical detail that added some laughter. It was a simpler time with many challenges but there wasn’t a lack of joy.
This book took a while to grab my emotion, but when it did I was all in. I believed every word, even the lies, and my heart wailed for the injustice of it all. The end was perfect, including the laugh-out-loud moments that made me love this book even more. MARRYING STONE is definitely a keeper and a treasure from the romance books written in the 1990s. Thanks to my Goodreads friends for the recommendation!
Review by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Digital copy purchased. Follow the TBR challenge discussion at my site.
Why was it in Dorine’s TBR? I’ve had this book since April of 2013. It landed in my Nook TBR along with SIMPLE JESS and THE LOVESICK CURE. After researching this a bit further, I realized that Willaful had a hand in this buying spree, by helping me decide in a discussion on Jill’s review of THE LOVESICK CURE at Goodreads. Since this is a short three-book series, it seemed doable within my limited reading time. Apparently, I’m a little slow because I’m finally getting to them four years later!
This book suits the series catch-up theme of Wendy’s TBR Challenge, but I’m starting a new series instead of catching up on a familiar one. I generally stay away from series books just because I can’t read them as fast as most authors write them. I prefer to mix up my reading with various authors, mostly new-to-me, due to limited time and the need for an eclectic experience.
In the NOOK digital version, this book is listed as 212 pages, which appealed to me for this challenge. I can’t seem to read anything longer during the summer and barely finished this one in time. The paperback versions are listed as 326 to 427 pages, so I’m not sure what’s right. It felt like a short novel to me, so I highly doubt if it was ever 427 pages unless it was large print or words were added significantly.
The premise of a scholar going to a primitive section of the Ozarks to collect songs for their historical value appealed to me. I’m sure I’ve seen a movie about this, and the first part of the book seemed vaguely familiar. I never figured out the book or movie that may have triggered my memory, so maybe someone else can help me remember.
In the beginning, the story moved slower and maybe it’s because I kept thinking I’ve heard this story before. Even so, about one third into it the characters captured my attention. Meggie is a simple gal with a huge heart, who has fairytale dreams of a prince coming to marry her. Roe is a scholar who thinks highly of his knowledge and standing at Cambridge, but discovers quite quickly that book knowledge isn’t always as wise as tradition or experience.
I got frustrated with Meggie’s resistance to Roe’s charms, but by the end of the book, I understood her completely. Every character is individually rendered in such a way that I grew to love them all, but Simple Jess stole the show. I can’t wait to read the rest of his story in SIMPLE JESS.
It’s rare that I buy a whole series before reading any of them in it, but I’m so glad I have all three of MARRYING STONE so there’s no reason to put off completing the series. Some of the simple antidotes spoken by the characters about life and love are so touching. I can’t wait to discover what else will be revealed through their no-nonsense approach to life. I also enjoyed the historical detail that added some laughter. It was a simpler time with many challenges but there wasn’t a lack of joy.
This book took a while to grab my emotion, but when it did I was all in. I believed every word, even the lies, and my heart wailed for the injustice of it all. The end was perfect, including the laugh-out-loud moments that made me love this book even more. MARRYING STONE is definitely a keeper and a treasure from the romance books written in the 1990s. Thanks to my Goodreads friends for the recommendation!
Review by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Digital copy purchased. Follow the TBR challenge discussion at my site.
August 21, 2020
I read book 2 in this series before book 1. Was a huge fan of book 2, but this one was pedestrian at best.
September 6, 2019
3 stars
This one is ok - more of a prelude to Simple Jess - not my fave by Morsi.
This one is ok - more of a prelude to Simple Jess - not my fave by Morsi.
April 18, 2012
2 ½ stars. Not a stand out romance but ok. The best part is the friendship between two men, one of whom is mentally slow.
STORY BRIEF:
Harvard educated Roe is researching folk music. He travels to a remote community in the Arkansas Ozark Mountains with a machine to record the locals singing and playing music. He stays with Meggie, Jesse, and their father. Their food is mostly from hunting, fishing, and whatever they grow on their small farm. Meggie weaves cloth to make their clothes and cooks food over a fire. Jesse suffered some brain damage at birth. He’s mentally slow but has a wonderful attitude and a great heart. Jesse says he’s never had a friend before and is excited that Roe is his new friend. Meggie and Roe are attracted to each other, but they have issues, including his plans to leave at the end of the summer.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I picked the wrong week to read this book because I was distracted by fun and exciting events while I was traveling. So my mind wandered too much. But trying to be fair, here’s what I see. The story could be divided into three sections - about equal time each. 1. Jesse and Roe being friends and doing things together. 2. Conflicts between Roe and Meggie, trying to stay apart from each other. 3. Roe working on the farm, gathering music, and interacting with the locals. It’s not a draw for romance. The Meggie romance was ok, but it didn’t stand out. The parts about the community, the way of life, and culture was interesting and nicely done. The Jesse friendship was my favorite part. Probably because Jesse is such a neat character. And I loved his story in the sequel “Simple Jess.” But overall I’d say read Simple Jess first. Then if you’d like more back story on him read this.
There were three sex scenes. Instead of passion, desire, or something special, they felt generic - like the author was required to put them in.
DATA:
Story length: 326 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: none to mild. Number of sex scenes: 3. Total number of sex scene pages: 8. Setting: 1902 - 1907 mostly Arkansas with a little Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright: 1994. Genre: rural american historical romance.
STORY BRIEF:
Harvard educated Roe is researching folk music. He travels to a remote community in the Arkansas Ozark Mountains with a machine to record the locals singing and playing music. He stays with Meggie, Jesse, and their father. Their food is mostly from hunting, fishing, and whatever they grow on their small farm. Meggie weaves cloth to make their clothes and cooks food over a fire. Jesse suffered some brain damage at birth. He’s mentally slow but has a wonderful attitude and a great heart. Jesse says he’s never had a friend before and is excited that Roe is his new friend. Meggie and Roe are attracted to each other, but they have issues, including his plans to leave at the end of the summer.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I picked the wrong week to read this book because I was distracted by fun and exciting events while I was traveling. So my mind wandered too much. But trying to be fair, here’s what I see. The story could be divided into three sections - about equal time each. 1. Jesse and Roe being friends and doing things together. 2. Conflicts between Roe and Meggie, trying to stay apart from each other. 3. Roe working on the farm, gathering music, and interacting with the locals. It’s not a draw for romance. The Meggie romance was ok, but it didn’t stand out. The parts about the community, the way of life, and culture was interesting and nicely done. The Jesse friendship was my favorite part. Probably because Jesse is such a neat character. And I loved his story in the sequel “Simple Jess.” But overall I’d say read Simple Jess first. Then if you’d like more back story on him read this.
There were three sex scenes. Instead of passion, desire, or something special, they felt generic - like the author was required to put them in.
DATA:
Story length: 326 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: none to mild. Number of sex scenes: 3. Total number of sex scene pages: 8. Setting: 1902 - 1907 mostly Arkansas with a little Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright: 1994. Genre: rural american historical romance.
August 8, 2009
OK, so I read this one a little out of order. It really is a nice prequel to Simple Jess. Meggie and Roe really are a good couple together, even if neither one of them sees it. Her stubborn resistance to marrying without love was a little trying to the patience, but Roe was definitely persistent. Also, his viewpoint of his new home and family is quite that of a modern person's take on this small, isolated community. I frequently found myself in agreement with his assessment of the Ozarks. Also, I love Roe's relationship with Jess. It was even better to me than his realtionship with Meggie because he and Jess spent the majority of the novel together and "male bonding." Almost like a historical bromance. Definitely, a bromance.
April 29, 2018
This book is different than any other I have read. It starts off a little slow and the events are odd. I enjoy all the characters, but they are quirky.
I would rate the beginning as 3 stars. However, the last 15% is 5 stars great; so I balanced with a 4 star rating.
I will definitely read the second book. Simple Jess was one of my favorite characters throughout the story. After the conclusion, there is no way I would miss reading it.
I would rate the beginning as 3 stars. However, the last 15% is 5 stars great; so I balanced with a 4 star rating.
I will definitely read the second book. Simple Jess was one of my favorite characters throughout the story. After the conclusion, there is no way I would miss reading it.
August 16, 2012
I read this because this was highly rated by all my friends on GR, I found the book sweet even though the romance was not front and centre.
December 23, 2015
I really loved this. Maybe it's because I am a Yankee who has had the life experience of knowing what mountain people are like (to a smaller degree).
Short intro summary:
It's 1902 and educated Roe Farley has come to the Ozarks from Cambridge Mass. to research music and lyrcis of the mountain people, believing they are of ancient Scottish-Irish -Celtic origin.
On his way up the mountain, Roe loses his mule and most of his belongings, now lost, luckily he runs into Jesse Best who leads him to his cabin and is introduced to the rest of Best family. One being Meggie Best, a barefooted mountain lady who is a dreamer and a terrible cook.
As you can guess the love story lies with Roe and Meggie. 2 people from 2 different worlds, 2 different cultures. To say anything more will ruin the story for the reader.
I will say this, I laughed, I cried, I loved. The characters are wonderful, complex three dimesional. There was apparently a lot of research done by the author, and although some readers may view the characters as being unrealistic, I would disagree totally. Remember it's 1902 in the Ozarks.
I truly loved this book, and will read it again and again. Although this can be a standalone, I would recommend reading this series in order to get the full flavor.
Short intro summary:
It's 1902 and educated Roe Farley has come to the Ozarks from Cambridge Mass. to research music and lyrcis of the mountain people, believing they are of ancient Scottish-Irish -Celtic origin.
On his way up the mountain, Roe loses his mule and most of his belongings, now lost, luckily he runs into Jesse Best who leads him to his cabin and is introduced to the rest of Best family. One being Meggie Best, a barefooted mountain lady who is a dreamer and a terrible cook.
As you can guess the love story lies with Roe and Meggie. 2 people from 2 different worlds, 2 different cultures. To say anything more will ruin the story for the reader.
I will say this, I laughed, I cried, I loved. The characters are wonderful, complex three dimesional. There was apparently a lot of research done by the author, and although some readers may view the characters as being unrealistic, I would disagree totally. Remember it's 1902 in the Ozarks.
I truly loved this book, and will read it again and again. Although this can be a standalone, I would recommend reading this series in order to get the full flavor.
December 7, 2015
I actually wasn't all that intrigued in this novel, I was actually interested in the second novel in the series but I read it somewhere (I *think* it was Jill ...) that it is highly recommended that I read the first one first. Although they're supposedly to be standalones in a series, I am glad that I listened to that recommendation because I already learned sooooo much about the next book's hero Jess that I actually cannot wait till I get to know this simple, yet lovable guy more. :)
More of my thoughts can be found HERE.
More of my thoughts can be found HERE.
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January 10, 2015
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Reading Marrying Stone, for me, was like going through a very different kind of a lifestyle and life stories. I generally love small-town romances, the settings and the characters; Pamela Morsi didn’t disappoint me in either. Prior to reading this book I had no idea about Ozark Mountains and the Ozarks so in that regard, this book was very informative. PM’s writing is very open and honest, the narratives of Ozark Mountains and the lifestyle of the people there was pretty remarkable. Never once I felt that I’m run down because she did a great job of making the mundane things of their life in early 20th century a fun read.
Monroe ‘Roe’ Farley comes to Ozark Mountains with a fellowship, where he’d research on the old Celtic music and its changes in the centuries of Ozark’s tradition. Roe is a city born and bred but lonely. His parents were never close to him and died when he was young. His life was spend mostly at schools. We don’t get much narration on his life in the city, but from his musings about that. In fact, city life isn’t involved unless by mention. The whole story takes place in the mountains. There are a few journal entries by Roe, which gives us a good idea about his mindset. He’s a brilliant student no doubt and has every ambition of fulfilling his fellowship and build a great carrier. So, 1st day here and he loses his mule and most of his belongings. Poor guy! While chasing for it, he comes across a giant of a man, blonde and handsome, smiling down at him. He introduces himself as Jesse Best and that he lives nearby. After a few word exchanges, Roe understands that Jesse is somewhere near his own age but probably younger and definitely slow witted. But he’s so honest in everything, almost childlike. Roe likes him on-spot when Jesse makes him his only frien’. Jesse takes Roe to his house where he meets Jesse’s younger sister Meggie. There is also Jesse’s elderly father, Henry or Onery, as he likes to be known as. Roe still didn’t know the kind of weird situation he’s going to be in when Jesse invites him to stay for supper.
Meggie is a dreamer. It’s said that her head is always in the clouds, which is why her bad cooking is a legend in this part of the mountains. Meggie has some education, so she can read and write and has been the winner of the spelling bee. Jesse thinks Meggie is the smartest girl, certainly smarter than him. You can’t help but love Jesse and how honest he’s about his short comings. No whining, no berating himself or the others but taking the fact inside and work harder. It’s not that he doesn’t understand but just slow to when sorting out his thoughts. Even then, hidden meanings of words aren’t his forte. He just takes is all straightforwardly. And Jesse loves his family without any conditions at all. He works hard, being the strongest member of the family. His father is crippled with a bad leg and aged. As I read on about the hard mountain life, I saw the kind of work they do all day... it’s kind of unimaginable for us but I loved reading about it all. Anyway, Meggie can read and so she’s read that only fairytale book her mother had and it gave her some distorted idea about men. She now wants her own prince charming and no man in this part of the mountain will do, which is why she’s still unmarried. So when she spots Roe and his handsome face and graceful figure with the charming, gentlemanly behavior, it wasn’t hard for Meggie to decide that he is the one, the prince she’s been waiting for. Yah I know but I found the honestly and comparable innocence of these mountain people really refreshing and Meggie is an innocent in every sense of the word. The incidents that follow later that day, sadly, took off the dreamy cloud out of her eyes. She kinda throws herself on Roe (but I didn’t see it that way, it was rather she was open in showing her affection and appreciation) and kisses him. Roe, hearing her words on ‘prince charming, marriage and love’ freaks out. For a city bred man like him, it was the scariest thought. Roe didn’t want to be tied down so soon and certainly not to this mountain girl. He has bigger plans on his life. It certainly leaves a bad taste in Meggie’s mouth and so she’s furious. But while all these happened, Roe was eating Meggie’s special piccalilli which makes him ill. It should’ve been but the whole incident, to me, was strangely funny!
When Onery and Jesse find Roe, they take him in. Onery decides the man would have to stay here and get well. Meggie, of course, doesn’t share this sentiment! She’s mad; on Roe and on herself for falling so easily for that slick, city stranger. Even though Meggie helps taking care of Roe, she ignores him as much as she could. Roe, as he is getting well, doesn’t like the feeling. He’s still resolute that there’s no way he’s taking it up with this innocent mountain girl. Roe has known women so he knows Meggie isn’t the type he can just have some mindless flings with and then leave her ruined when it’s time for him to leave. Other than that, he likes Jesse and her father. Jesse, simple though he is, would win anyone’s mind, Roe wasn’t any different. Onery is a jovial man and it’s easy to see why his offspring are so easy going living the tough life of the Ozark Mountains. Onery, when he hears of Roe’s work, isn’t very impressed. Scholarly life isn’t the most impressive thing in the mountains but Jesse sure is. He’s damn proud of his frien’! But anyway, Roe learns that Onery used to be a fiddler once and can sing, Jesse too and they invite Roe to stay with them for his research. Onery would introduce Roe to the next community meeting called the Literary and see if others are willing in his endeavor. But for that, Roe has to work with them! Oh boy, what do to now?! Roe can’t do a single thing that is called ‘farm work’ so he tries to pay them off for his lodgings, but Onery waves his money off. Work is what is necessary but I could already smell that Onery had a plan in mind, specially hearing what went on between him and Meggie... I could smell something fishy about that. Lol So Roe starts his mountain life, learning things. I loved those scenes a lot. Loved how Jesse would show things to Roe and so on. Jesse was so so adorable, can’t explain. He kind of stole the spotlight for me more than once.
In the Literary, Roe gets to meet with the folks of this small-town, where everybody knows everybody else. The people of this community has come from the Piggotts and the McNeeses and with many intermarriages, everybody is everybody’s relative to some extent. But still, there are rivalries in between, some like Beulah Winsloe can’t stand Granny Piggott, who with her late husband, was the first to settle in here and so she reigns supreme. No matter what, Granny Piggott’s words are the law here, or at least no one can ignore her words. She’s one smart old woman, I liked her a lot. But the people are instantly suspicious of Roe and not willing to help him. Meggie comes to the Literary too with Jesse and Onery and meets up with her girlfriends. One, Eda is instantly interested in Roe but she’s pretty vain and self-centered with a rude mouth. Her interest doesn’t sit well with Meggie. She is always reminding herself that Roe is not the prince she thought him to be and yet, she can’t stand this interest from other women. Anyway, Onery asks Roe to mix up with people in the time he’s here, so that people get to know him and they probably will be more interested to help him them. Roe is hurt by the unwillingness but he sees the wisdom of Onery’s words. And he does that. At first he records songs and music from Jesse and Onery. Jesse is an exceptional fiddle player; it’s like his instinct. Music just flows through his hands.
I’ve already mentioned how much I liked reading about the ‘mundane’ works of everyday life of Jesse and Meggie. I loved their easy banters. Jesse is always bringing in some critter/bugs/slimy creatures and scaring Meggie off with it. I loved how she’d go all ‘vermaint!!! I hate it!’ lol I wasn’t annoyed at Jesse because it was the source of such innocent fun for him. Meggie certainly wasn’t, though she hates those things with an inch of her life. One day, something happens. Roe was coming home with Jesse, when Jesse has this idea of scaring Meggie. They hear her in the wash-house so they figured she’s doing the washing. Jesse digs out a baby skink and tiptoeing he goes to the wash-house roof to drop it off. Jesse does that without looking, giggles and goes off when Meggie goes all ‘vermaint’ and screams (yah, those happened more than once :p). Roe didn’t really enjoy it, seeing how Meggie despised those critters but looking at Jesse’s giggle he can’t help starting to laugh. And then Roe decides to see what happened to Meggie, which kind of begins his undoing. He finds Meggie naked and wet from a bath. Meggie also sees him peeking through and feels desire running through her, a feeling she’s never really felt so far in her life or quite understood. They don’t really talk about it but it’s on their mind. By now, they have this truce and started talking to each-other, however minimal it was. Roe can’t help thinking about Meggie and as the days pass by, it becomes harder for him to ignore his desire for her.
In the meantime, they attend a community meeting where this ‘kangaroo court’ is held. It’s meant for fun and they were having fun. Jesse plays his fiddle and everyone’s entranced. Roe goes to sit on the marrying stone, a stone which have centuries-old tradition in this little town and is known to have magical powers. The couple wanting to marry or having such intentions, can jump off this small stone and let everyone know about it. Actually, once a couple jumps, everyone take that as an unofficial marriage. This town is also named after this stone. Meggie follows him there, they talk to each-other and Roe can’t help but kiss her. Then something startles them and they jump the stone together to save themselves. Sadly, the community people see them and the townsfolk, kind of forcefully, declares them married. This brings trouble for them because Meggie knows Roe won’t be happy about this. Then the other traditions begin as people began coming to their house with the dowry, gifts from the community, to ‘set the young couple’s nest.’ Onery understands that Meggie and Roe do not want this but Jesse is surely happy that his ‘frien’ is now his family too. When, as considered family, the people began welcoming Roe more and offered help with his research, Roe makes a plan of a pretend marriage as long as he’s here. Meggie only wants to help him and ‘pretend’ a marriage if that’s as far as she can go with Roe Farley, so she agrees. It works out but it also puts a lot of mental and physical stress on them. They sure do want one another but apparently, can’t do anything about it. Onery isn’t happy about this situation but he relents on Meggie’s pressure. They begin attending ceremonies and gatherings as a couple. Roe can’t help but be possessive of Meggie, even though he knows he has no business being possessive.
Roe continues his life with the Best family. At daytime he’d work hard and at the evening, he would go out with Jesse to record songs on his Ediphone from different townsfolk. One day, Jesse and Roe go to hunt bullfrogs at night. They come upon some guy who takes some of the frogs with a drink that’s known as ‘donk’ and both become drunk. I think I came across an odd but a really good scene here with Roe and Jess. As drunk, they open up their minds to each-other. Jesse talks about his ambitions and feelings, of his intentions of having a woman someday as a man want a woman. He talks about Althea McNees and how good she smells. They talk about sex, Jesse asking Roe about it and his experiences. Roe reluctantly tells him about his past lovers, not details mind you but how it feels and so on. It gave me the feeling that those were prostitutes and nothing else. He also tells Jesse that as a man, he has every right of have sex, and whatever Onery tells him doesn’t matter. Jesse is excited about it and informs Roe about some widow living down the mountains. They make a deal to visit her someday. Well, I’m glad that they never get to do that in the later part of the story! Meggie waits up for these two. Jesse injures his ankle and somehow Roe drags him home. Meggie is a bit angry about it and helps Roe to tuck Jesse in. Afterwards, one talk leads another and they somehow end up in the nearest forest, making love. Next day, Roe is horrified, knowing what he’s done in his inebriated state. It’s Meggie who is very calm about it. She doesn’t say ‘yes’ to Roe’s marriage proposal knowing he’s just doing his duty and someday would come to regret it and her. She tells Roe, when he leaves she’d make up some story to the folks about his death after some times and it’d not be a hurdle if she decides to marry since they already think she’s married to Roe and would be a widow to them. Roe is pissed as hell but he relents. Onery guesses what happened; only Jesse doesn’t.
Then, life again goes on as usual. One day, soon enough Meggie and Roe end up making love again. Boy, Roe is one hell of a sexy nerd! lol It happens where they were building an extension of the cabin, for Roe and Meggie. She sends Jesse to bring some herbs for Onery’s bad leg. Roe again proposes to her. Meggie refuses and he gets angry. I was getting a bit exasperated by now. Soon, they all attend the marriage of Althea McNees and Paisley Winsloe, Beulah the dragon’s son. Paisley is a momma’s boy, like every of his family members. In his family, there’s no nay saying on Beulah’s words. Paisley wanted to marry Meggie a few months ago but Meggie was never interested in him. He’s a braggart if one every saw one. All know Althea to be nice and a reserved sort of girl, who lives with her uncle. She was abandoned by her father when she was young, right after her mother died and hasn’t really known affection in that sense. So her uncle was kinda dumping her to Paisley. There are subtle hints that Jesse likes Althea and his liking is different. No one actually believes that simpleminded Jesse can have feelings and desires like any other grown man, so he can go near the women gatherings in the community meeting. But Jesse likes the smell of women. It feels great. But Althea is always nice to him, not like some other folks who are rude and dismissive about him. Poor babe doesn’t even understand that ‘simple’ is rather a derogatory word here, and just not his name, when they call him Simple Jess. Althea and Paisley marry, not the best of matches but it’s done. Anyway, Roe is still trying to get Meggie to say ‘yes’ to him, but without any success. In the wedding, he and Paisley exchange words on Meggie, and Roe kisses her in front of everyone to show them they are happy together. Meggie gets angry and frustrated. How long can this lie go on, when she wants it to be a truth so badly? After this incident, they fight and Meggie asks Roe to leave this place. Roe immediately decides that he would. It pains him to leave Onery with his bad legs, pains him to lie to Jesse and certainly pains him to leave Meggie forever but he has no other option. He just doesn’t know how to love because he has never known love in his life.
The last chapters were excellent. Meggie was living a listless life among all the activities. Jesse still didn’t know that Roe would return and so, he’d chatter away about Roe always, which made it harder for Meggie to forget about him. 3 months pass by and she’s yet to declare him dead to the community. She just can’t bring herself to do it. Suddenly she decides it’s time and she does. Jesse is heartbroken beyond words and his grief is as honest as his other emotions, it broke my heart too. I could see this dilemma that Meggie had and couldn’t really blame her, though the whole situation was really heartbreaking and depressing. Meanwhile, we read just one journal entry from Roe in the city, where he has presented his work but his work was rejected by the fellowship society. How utterly horrible! Now he’s thinking of doing a new research to earn this fellowship somehow but he still thinks of the mountain people and the Best family. But of Meggie, he tries not to think at all... As Meggie starts her mourning, Granny Piggott hearing the news comes to soothe her pain. But Meggie’s pain is of a different sort, of the loss of Roe in a different way and deceiving these people. Granny talks about her own life and her husband’s death, her wisdom about life. It was a great scene. Meggie listens to her and prepares herself for the next week’s funeral. But this funeral turned out to be a very very beautiful ending, which just left me crying. I was soooo happy for these two. For Jesse and Onery, too. Ah *sigh*
Great introduction for me to Pamela Morsi’s work. Now, I’m off to read Jesse’s book because he’s a big reason why Marrying Stone is a 5 star from me.
Reading Marrying Stone, for me, was like going through a very different kind of a lifestyle and life stories. I generally love small-town romances, the settings and the characters; Pamela Morsi didn’t disappoint me in either. Prior to reading this book I had no idea about Ozark Mountains and the Ozarks so in that regard, this book was very informative. PM’s writing is very open and honest, the narratives of Ozark Mountains and the lifestyle of the people there was pretty remarkable. Never once I felt that I’m run down because she did a great job of making the mundane things of their life in early 20th century a fun read.
Monroe ‘Roe’ Farley comes to Ozark Mountains with a fellowship, where he’d research on the old Celtic music and its changes in the centuries of Ozark’s tradition. Roe is a city born and bred but lonely. His parents were never close to him and died when he was young. His life was spend mostly at schools. We don’t get much narration on his life in the city, but from his musings about that. In fact, city life isn’t involved unless by mention. The whole story takes place in the mountains. There are a few journal entries by Roe, which gives us a good idea about his mindset. He’s a brilliant student no doubt and has every ambition of fulfilling his fellowship and build a great carrier. So, 1st day here and he loses his mule and most of his belongings. Poor guy! While chasing for it, he comes across a giant of a man, blonde and handsome, smiling down at him. He introduces himself as Jesse Best and that he lives nearby. After a few word exchanges, Roe understands that Jesse is somewhere near his own age but probably younger and definitely slow witted. But he’s so honest in everything, almost childlike. Roe likes him on-spot when Jesse makes him his only frien’. Jesse takes Roe to his house where he meets Jesse’s younger sister Meggie. There is also Jesse’s elderly father, Henry or Onery, as he likes to be known as. Roe still didn’t know the kind of weird situation he’s going to be in when Jesse invites him to stay for supper.
Meggie is a dreamer. It’s said that her head is always in the clouds, which is why her bad cooking is a legend in this part of the mountains. Meggie has some education, so she can read and write and has been the winner of the spelling bee. Jesse thinks Meggie is the smartest girl, certainly smarter than him. You can’t help but love Jesse and how honest he’s about his short comings. No whining, no berating himself or the others but taking the fact inside and work harder. It’s not that he doesn’t understand but just slow to when sorting out his thoughts. Even then, hidden meanings of words aren’t his forte. He just takes is all straightforwardly. And Jesse loves his family without any conditions at all. He works hard, being the strongest member of the family. His father is crippled with a bad leg and aged. As I read on about the hard mountain life, I saw the kind of work they do all day... it’s kind of unimaginable for us but I loved reading about it all. Anyway, Meggie can read and so she’s read that only fairytale book her mother had and it gave her some distorted idea about men. She now wants her own prince charming and no man in this part of the mountain will do, which is why she’s still unmarried. So when she spots Roe and his handsome face and graceful figure with the charming, gentlemanly behavior, it wasn’t hard for Meggie to decide that he is the one, the prince she’s been waiting for. Yah I know but I found the honestly and comparable innocence of these mountain people really refreshing and Meggie is an innocent in every sense of the word. The incidents that follow later that day, sadly, took off the dreamy cloud out of her eyes. She kinda throws herself on Roe (but I didn’t see it that way, it was rather she was open in showing her affection and appreciation) and kisses him. Roe, hearing her words on ‘prince charming, marriage and love’ freaks out. For a city bred man like him, it was the scariest thought. Roe didn’t want to be tied down so soon and certainly not to this mountain girl. He has bigger plans on his life. It certainly leaves a bad taste in Meggie’s mouth and so she’s furious. But while all these happened, Roe was eating Meggie’s special piccalilli which makes him ill. It should’ve been but the whole incident, to me, was strangely funny!
When Onery and Jesse find Roe, they take him in. Onery decides the man would have to stay here and get well. Meggie, of course, doesn’t share this sentiment! She’s mad; on Roe and on herself for falling so easily for that slick, city stranger. Even though Meggie helps taking care of Roe, she ignores him as much as she could. Roe, as he is getting well, doesn’t like the feeling. He’s still resolute that there’s no way he’s taking it up with this innocent mountain girl. Roe has known women so he knows Meggie isn’t the type he can just have some mindless flings with and then leave her ruined when it’s time for him to leave. Other than that, he likes Jesse and her father. Jesse, simple though he is, would win anyone’s mind, Roe wasn’t any different. Onery is a jovial man and it’s easy to see why his offspring are so easy going living the tough life of the Ozark Mountains. Onery, when he hears of Roe’s work, isn’t very impressed. Scholarly life isn’t the most impressive thing in the mountains but Jesse sure is. He’s damn proud of his frien’! But anyway, Roe learns that Onery used to be a fiddler once and can sing, Jesse too and they invite Roe to stay with them for his research. Onery would introduce Roe to the next community meeting called the Literary and see if others are willing in his endeavor. But for that, Roe has to work with them! Oh boy, what do to now?! Roe can’t do a single thing that is called ‘farm work’ so he tries to pay them off for his lodgings, but Onery waves his money off. Work is what is necessary but I could already smell that Onery had a plan in mind, specially hearing what went on between him and Meggie... I could smell something fishy about that. Lol So Roe starts his mountain life, learning things. I loved those scenes a lot. Loved how Jesse would show things to Roe and so on. Jesse was so so adorable, can’t explain. He kind of stole the spotlight for me more than once.
In the Literary, Roe gets to meet with the folks of this small-town, where everybody knows everybody else. The people of this community has come from the Piggotts and the McNeeses and with many intermarriages, everybody is everybody’s relative to some extent. But still, there are rivalries in between, some like Beulah Winsloe can’t stand Granny Piggott, who with her late husband, was the first to settle in here and so she reigns supreme. No matter what, Granny Piggott’s words are the law here, or at least no one can ignore her words. She’s one smart old woman, I liked her a lot. But the people are instantly suspicious of Roe and not willing to help him. Meggie comes to the Literary too with Jesse and Onery and meets up with her girlfriends. One, Eda is instantly interested in Roe but she’s pretty vain and self-centered with a rude mouth. Her interest doesn’t sit well with Meggie. She is always reminding herself that Roe is not the prince she thought him to be and yet, she can’t stand this interest from other women. Anyway, Onery asks Roe to mix up with people in the time he’s here, so that people get to know him and they probably will be more interested to help him them. Roe is hurt by the unwillingness but he sees the wisdom of Onery’s words. And he does that. At first he records songs and music from Jesse and Onery. Jesse is an exceptional fiddle player; it’s like his instinct. Music just flows through his hands.
I’ve already mentioned how much I liked reading about the ‘mundane’ works of everyday life of Jesse and Meggie. I loved their easy banters. Jesse is always bringing in some critter/bugs/slimy creatures and scaring Meggie off with it. I loved how she’d go all ‘vermaint!!! I hate it!’ lol I wasn’t annoyed at Jesse because it was the source of such innocent fun for him. Meggie certainly wasn’t, though she hates those things with an inch of her life. One day, something happens. Roe was coming home with Jesse, when Jesse has this idea of scaring Meggie. They hear her in the wash-house so they figured she’s doing the washing. Jesse digs out a baby skink and tiptoeing he goes to the wash-house roof to drop it off. Jesse does that without looking, giggles and goes off when Meggie goes all ‘vermaint’ and screams (yah, those happened more than once :p). Roe didn’t really enjoy it, seeing how Meggie despised those critters but looking at Jesse’s giggle he can’t help starting to laugh. And then Roe decides to see what happened to Meggie, which kind of begins his undoing. He finds Meggie naked and wet from a bath. Meggie also sees him peeking through and feels desire running through her, a feeling she’s never really felt so far in her life or quite understood. They don’t really talk about it but it’s on their mind. By now, they have this truce and started talking to each-other, however minimal it was. Roe can’t help thinking about Meggie and as the days pass by, it becomes harder for him to ignore his desire for her.
In the meantime, they attend a community meeting where this ‘kangaroo court’ is held. It’s meant for fun and they were having fun. Jesse plays his fiddle and everyone’s entranced. Roe goes to sit on the marrying stone, a stone which have centuries-old tradition in this little town and is known to have magical powers. The couple wanting to marry or having such intentions, can jump off this small stone and let everyone know about it. Actually, once a couple jumps, everyone take that as an unofficial marriage. This town is also named after this stone. Meggie follows him there, they talk to each-other and Roe can’t help but kiss her. Then something startles them and they jump the stone together to save themselves. Sadly, the community people see them and the townsfolk, kind of forcefully, declares them married. This brings trouble for them because Meggie knows Roe won’t be happy about this. Then the other traditions begin as people began coming to their house with the dowry, gifts from the community, to ‘set the young couple’s nest.’ Onery understands that Meggie and Roe do not want this but Jesse is surely happy that his ‘frien’ is now his family too. When, as considered family, the people began welcoming Roe more and offered help with his research, Roe makes a plan of a pretend marriage as long as he’s here. Meggie only wants to help him and ‘pretend’ a marriage if that’s as far as she can go with Roe Farley, so she agrees. It works out but it also puts a lot of mental and physical stress on them. They sure do want one another but apparently, can’t do anything about it. Onery isn’t happy about this situation but he relents on Meggie’s pressure. They begin attending ceremonies and gatherings as a couple. Roe can’t help but be possessive of Meggie, even though he knows he has no business being possessive.
Roe continues his life with the Best family. At daytime he’d work hard and at the evening, he would go out with Jesse to record songs on his Ediphone from different townsfolk. One day, Jesse and Roe go to hunt bullfrogs at night. They come upon some guy who takes some of the frogs with a drink that’s known as ‘donk’ and both become drunk. I think I came across an odd but a really good scene here with Roe and Jess. As drunk, they open up their minds to each-other. Jesse talks about his ambitions and feelings, of his intentions of having a woman someday as a man want a woman. He talks about Althea McNees and how good she smells. They talk about sex, Jesse asking Roe about it and his experiences. Roe reluctantly tells him about his past lovers, not details mind you but how it feels and so on. It gave me the feeling that those were prostitutes and nothing else. He also tells Jesse that as a man, he has every right of have sex, and whatever Onery tells him doesn’t matter. Jesse is excited about it and informs Roe about some widow living down the mountains. They make a deal to visit her someday. Well, I’m glad that they never get to do that in the later part of the story! Meggie waits up for these two. Jesse injures his ankle and somehow Roe drags him home. Meggie is a bit angry about it and helps Roe to tuck Jesse in. Afterwards, one talk leads another and they somehow end up in the nearest forest, making love. Next day, Roe is horrified, knowing what he’s done in his inebriated state. It’s Meggie who is very calm about it. She doesn’t say ‘yes’ to Roe’s marriage proposal knowing he’s just doing his duty and someday would come to regret it and her. She tells Roe, when he leaves she’d make up some story to the folks about his death after some times and it’d not be a hurdle if she decides to marry since they already think she’s married to Roe and would be a widow to them. Roe is pissed as hell but he relents. Onery guesses what happened; only Jesse doesn’t.
Then, life again goes on as usual. One day, soon enough Meggie and Roe end up making love again. Boy, Roe is one hell of a sexy nerd! lol It happens where they were building an extension of the cabin, for Roe and Meggie. She sends Jesse to bring some herbs for Onery’s bad leg. Roe again proposes to her. Meggie refuses and he gets angry. I was getting a bit exasperated by now. Soon, they all attend the marriage of Althea McNees and Paisley Winsloe, Beulah the dragon’s son. Paisley is a momma’s boy, like every of his family members. In his family, there’s no nay saying on Beulah’s words. Paisley wanted to marry Meggie a few months ago but Meggie was never interested in him. He’s a braggart if one every saw one. All know Althea to be nice and a reserved sort of girl, who lives with her uncle. She was abandoned by her father when she was young, right after her mother died and hasn’t really known affection in that sense. So her uncle was kinda dumping her to Paisley. There are subtle hints that Jesse likes Althea and his liking is different. No one actually believes that simpleminded Jesse can have feelings and desires like any other grown man, so he can go near the women gatherings in the community meeting. But Jesse likes the smell of women. It feels great. But Althea is always nice to him, not like some other folks who are rude and dismissive about him. Poor babe doesn’t even understand that ‘simple’ is rather a derogatory word here, and just not his name, when they call him Simple Jess. Althea and Paisley marry, not the best of matches but it’s done. Anyway, Roe is still trying to get Meggie to say ‘yes’ to him, but without any success. In the wedding, he and Paisley exchange words on Meggie, and Roe kisses her in front of everyone to show them they are happy together. Meggie gets angry and frustrated. How long can this lie go on, when she wants it to be a truth so badly? After this incident, they fight and Meggie asks Roe to leave this place. Roe immediately decides that he would. It pains him to leave Onery with his bad legs, pains him to lie to Jesse and certainly pains him to leave Meggie forever but he has no other option. He just doesn’t know how to love because he has never known love in his life.
The last chapters were excellent. Meggie was living a listless life among all the activities. Jesse still didn’t know that Roe would return and so, he’d chatter away about Roe always, which made it harder for Meggie to forget about him. 3 months pass by and she’s yet to declare him dead to the community. She just can’t bring herself to do it. Suddenly she decides it’s time and she does. Jesse is heartbroken beyond words and his grief is as honest as his other emotions, it broke my heart too. I could see this dilemma that Meggie had and couldn’t really blame her, though the whole situation was really heartbreaking and depressing. Meanwhile, we read just one journal entry from Roe in the city, where he has presented his work but his work was rejected by the fellowship society. How utterly horrible! Now he’s thinking of doing a new research to earn this fellowship somehow but he still thinks of the mountain people and the Best family. But of Meggie, he tries not to think at all... As Meggie starts her mourning, Granny Piggott hearing the news comes to soothe her pain. But Meggie’s pain is of a different sort, of the loss of Roe in a different way and deceiving these people. Granny talks about her own life and her husband’s death, her wisdom about life. It was a great scene. Meggie listens to her and prepares herself for the next week’s funeral. But this funeral turned out to be a very very beautiful ending, which just left me crying. I was soooo happy for these two. For Jesse and Onery, too. Ah *sigh*
Great introduction for me to Pamela Morsi’s work. Now, I’m off to read Jesse’s book because he’s a big reason why Marrying Stone is a 5 star from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2017
My God, just thinking that I almost overlooked this book makes my heart beat the tiniest bit faster! I don't know what changed my mind, but I'm unbelievably glad that I decided to read those first few pages of it.
It was refreshingly different, and I absolutely adored it. The only thing that I was not very happy about was that as much as I tried to prolong reading this book, it still came to an end too soon--an end where there was a frog instead of a ring, but was one of the cutest most romantic things I've read this year. *sigh*
The characters were ALL very interesting and fleshed-out, Meggie was a great heroine (the moment she woman-handled Roe I knew that she'd be a fave), and Roe was one sweet bespectacled dumbass that I loved. Onery I kind of despised, but Jesse was such a pure soul who made me look forward to read "Simple Jess", though I'm a bit wary about it tbh, because even though he sometimes seemed like the maturest most levelheaded person in Marrying Stone, other times he sounded like a little boy trapped in a hulky man's body.
Anyway, this was an amazing book, and definitely worthy of all the five stars.
It was refreshingly different, and I absolutely adored it. The only thing that I was not very happy about was that as much as I tried to prolong reading this book, it still came to an end too soon--an end where there was a frog instead of a ring, but was one of the cutest most romantic things I've read this year. *sigh*
The characters were ALL very interesting and fleshed-out, Meggie was a great heroine (the moment she woman-handled Roe I knew that she'd be a fave), and Roe was one sweet bespectacled dumbass that I loved. Onery I kind of despised, but Jesse was such a pure soul who made me look forward to read "Simple Jess", though I'm a bit wary about it tbh, because even though he sometimes seemed like the maturest most levelheaded person in Marrying Stone, other times he sounded like a little boy trapped in a hulky man's body.
Anyway, this was an amazing book, and definitely worthy of all the five stars.
April 28, 2015
So if you've seen the 2000 movie "Songcatcher," starring the gorgeous Aidan Quinn, then you have seen a version of this book. Change the gender of the songcatcher and move the location from the Appalachians to the Ozarks and you have some strong similarities between the book and the movie. Interestingly enough, Pamela Morsi's hardcover edition of The Marrying Stone predated the movie by six years.
The sequel to The Marrying Stone, a book called Simple Jess, was the first to catch my notice. Reviewers suggested reading The Marrying Stone first, and I'm glad I did. Besides providing a great backstory to Jess, this book introduces the reader to this iconic Ozarks community at the turn of the 20th century.
The main characters are mountain girl Meggie Best and Harvard musicologist Roe Farley. Morsi does a credible job of illustrating the attraction between these two unlikely people. The informality of the mountain folk is a shock to Roe, who is used to buttoned-up Eastern society. Roe's attraction starts with a glimpse of Meggie's bare toes, and that theme runs through the book. He also comes to appreciate the intelligence and wisdom of the members of the Best family, despite their lack of formal education. As unlikely as it seems, Roe comes to feel part of their family and part of the mountain community, which is something he has never had. Meggie and Roe get caught up in local folklore, but turn it to their advantage, falling in love along the way. The tension comes from the end-of-summer deadline Roe has on collecting his music; he must leave to complete his work at Harvard. They both know Meggie will never leave the Ozarks.
My one criticism, and the reason this is four stars instead of five, is that it takes a long, long time for the romance to heat up. Halfway into the book, there are just a few stolen kisses. The book suffers from too much internal dialogue, and perhaps the wooing would have moved along if Meggie and Roe had actually had a few more conversations. And maybe I didn't need to read seven pages about frog hunting.
Although I nit-picked about the frog hunting, Morsi's ability to craft a sense of time is excellent. She suffuses the book with details that firmly place the reader in a primitive setting early in the 1900s. She is also one of the best at fleshing out secondary characters. Onery Best, Jess Best and Granny Piggott are people I would want to know. Meddling elders like Onery and Granny have wisdom to impart, plus they just about steal every scene in which they appear.
I had a very enjoyable time on Marrying Stone Mountain.
The sequel to The Marrying Stone, a book called Simple Jess, was the first to catch my notice. Reviewers suggested reading The Marrying Stone first, and I'm glad I did. Besides providing a great backstory to Jess, this book introduces the reader to this iconic Ozarks community at the turn of the 20th century.
The main characters are mountain girl Meggie Best and Harvard musicologist Roe Farley. Morsi does a credible job of illustrating the attraction between these two unlikely people. The informality of the mountain folk is a shock to Roe, who is used to buttoned-up Eastern society. Roe's attraction starts with a glimpse of Meggie's bare toes, and that theme runs through the book. He also comes to appreciate the intelligence and wisdom of the members of the Best family, despite their lack of formal education. As unlikely as it seems, Roe comes to feel part of their family and part of the mountain community, which is something he has never had. Meggie and Roe get caught up in local folklore, but turn it to their advantage, falling in love along the way. The tension comes from the end-of-summer deadline Roe has on collecting his music; he must leave to complete his work at Harvard. They both know Meggie will never leave the Ozarks.
My one criticism, and the reason this is four stars instead of five, is that it takes a long, long time for the romance to heat up. Halfway into the book, there are just a few stolen kisses. The book suffers from too much internal dialogue, and perhaps the wooing would have moved along if Meggie and Roe had actually had a few more conversations. And maybe I didn't need to read seven pages about frog hunting.
Although I nit-picked about the frog hunting, Morsi's ability to craft a sense of time is excellent. She suffuses the book with details that firmly place the reader in a primitive setting early in the 1900s. She is also one of the best at fleshing out secondary characters. Onery Best, Jess Best and Granny Piggott are people I would want to know. Meddling elders like Onery and Granny have wisdom to impart, plus they just about steal every scene in which they appear.
I had a very enjoyable time on Marrying Stone Mountain.
October 24, 2015
MARRYING STONE was the first romance of two drawing from the town of Marrying Stone Mountain, Arkansas. It is 1902 and J. Monroe 'Roe' Farley was a man with a mission. He'd convinced the Harvard fellowship committee to allow him the summer to search the Ozarks for unknown Irish and English ballads. He was a scholar of Medieval and Renaissance musicology and he intended to prove that the Celtic music heritage originated closer to home. Unbeknownst to him he was going to arrive in a time and place that was nothing like he thought it would be.
His first contact was with Jesse Best, a lug of a guy with a simple mind. Both sweet and helpful, he assisted Roe to his home. Meggie Best, Jesse's sister, had dreamed all of her life of a prince who would sweep her away. Upon meeting Roe she thought she finally met royalty.
Both goofy and hokey, Roe and Meggie find they have to give before they can take. Coons, possums and gigging are part of this community. Roe has to continually remind himself of his mission until Meggie throws him another life lesson taking him one step back. Light and silly at times, the townspeople intrude to let them know what they think is best. Probably closer to 2.5 stars I liked the story because it took my mind off of more serious things at the time. Read it if you are looking for a plot that is a little different. If you enjoy this book look for the sequel, SIMPLE JESS.
His first contact was with Jesse Best, a lug of a guy with a simple mind. Both sweet and helpful, he assisted Roe to his home. Meggie Best, Jesse's sister, had dreamed all of her life of a prince who would sweep her away. Upon meeting Roe she thought she finally met royalty.
Both goofy and hokey, Roe and Meggie find they have to give before they can take. Coons, possums and gigging are part of this community. Roe has to continually remind himself of his mission until Meggie throws him another life lesson taking him one step back. Light and silly at times, the townspeople intrude to let them know what they think is best. Probably closer to 2.5 stars I liked the story because it took my mind off of more serious things at the time. Read it if you are looking for a plot that is a little different. If you enjoy this book look for the sequel, SIMPLE JESS.
January 6, 2016
I admit, I read this just to get some background before I read Simple Jess. But I got hooked.
There's so much in this book than just a romance between Roe and Meggie. There's some guide on how to live in the mountains, how close knit community works, how to operate an ediphone, there's a lot of songs... but what stood out the most was the charming friendship between Roe and Jesse.
I really like Roe's character. His willingness to learn and own up to his mistakes are admirable. Although he's a very educated man, he didn't look down to Marrying Stone people.
I also like how the author created her characters.
Although if you're looking for solely romance, you'd be slightly disappointed. Like I said earlier, there's a lot of stuff in this book. But don't worry the love was believable.
There's so much in this book than just a romance between Roe and Meggie. There's some guide on how to live in the mountains, how close knit community works, how to operate an ediphone, there's a lot of songs... but what stood out the most was the charming friendship between Roe and Jesse.
I really like Roe's character. His willingness to learn and own up to his mistakes are admirable. Although he's a very educated man, he didn't look down to Marrying Stone people.
I also like how the author created her characters.
Although if you're looking for solely romance, you'd be slightly disappointed. Like I said earlier, there's a lot of stuff in this book. But don't worry the love was believable.
November 7, 2012
I bought the book Simple Jess by Pamela Morsi not knowing that it was the second of a two book series. So I didn't read it till I found Marrying Stone. I just finished reading it and loved it. I haven't read many Historical Romances but this came with good recommendations so I tried it and loved it and can't wait to get started on Simple Jess.
October 22, 2019
Marrying Stone: Book 1
Author: Pamela Morsi
Narrator: Kevin Clay
Listening Time: 11 Hrs 8 Min.
I always like to preface any reviews I give with this information.
I am a 68 year old female who has been an avid reader since I was around 10 or 11 years old.
I read mainly for entertainment purposes although I do a lot of research in areas of personal interest.
I have a great interest in many things. Ancient History and Archeology are at the top of a very long list.
Disclaimer: "This Audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost, in exchange for an unbiased honest review."
I just finished this audiobook earlier today and I absolutely loved everything about this wonderful story.
This book is set in the early 1900s in Arkansas in a small place known as "Marrying Stone".
Roe, (J. Monroe Farley) is a Harvard educated Musicologist who travels to the Ozark mountains with an Ediphone to capture recordings of songs that he believes will prove the premise for his thesis; that the music of these somewhat isolated group of people, had it's roots in Celtic origins hundreds of years prior and because of their isolation in the mountains has been preserved and unchanged, by outside influences.
Roe ends up staying at the home of the Best family. The father "Ornery" (Henry), and his two children Meggie, and "Simple Jess".
Roe is a very sweet and clean cut fellow who believes himself to be more intelligent and knowledgeable because of his education, than those people he is visiting. He is a very proper kind of person.
Meggie is a young woman who has day dreamed of a prince charming since she was read fairy tales by her mother years earlier, and is the glue in the Best household that holds the family together and she is aware of that fact.
Jesse aka "Simple Jess" is a sweet innocent young man and is perceived as being simpleminded by everyone in his neck of the woods, and truly he is simpleminded in many ways, but he yearns to live a normal life. Jess is not quite as "simpleminded" as many people believe because he tends to keep his hurt feelings to himself when makes fun of him.
The father, "Ornery" aptly called that for a reason; is a wonderful and caring parent and very wise and wily as well.
Into this mix there are many characters that Roe will meet who share their history of songs. Some of these songs are quite old and Roe eventually comes to know and respect these people as time goes on and they come to sing for him so that he can record their songs on the Ediphone.
Over a period of time Roe comes to be accepted into the community.
This is a truly lovely story set in an era that was so much more innocent; a time when people cared about their neighbors and about family life. This is a story about community in a small isolated microcosm and all the blessings, issues, and petty grievances that go along with that.
It is about a way of life in very primitive conditions.
Roe has always lived in a city setting back east and has never done hard physical labor and in the course of his stay, he pays his way, by working around the cabin and on the land Mr Best owns.
This is also a story of how people from very different walks of life can learn to find a common path, as well.
One of the things I love about this book/audiobook is the emotional growth, and progression of the characters. This is a very sweet love story as well; and in addition to that, there is so much real life humor that I was entranced and captivated by the entire story. I laughed so much while listening to this audiobook.
Another plus for me was all the songs and singing that was done in this story.
Coming from a musically inclined family myself, where we used to have jam sessions and my grandmother used to make up parodies of popular songs when I was a kid; there was a very real connection that I felt with this group of people and their way of life.
Author Pamela Morsi is an author I had never read/listened to before, and I can tell you I will be watching for her work and intend to get more of it. She imbued this wonderful novel with all the elements of great storytelling.
Narrator Kevin Clay is someone whose work I have listened to several times now and I am always amazed at his ability to make characters come alive in my mind.
This audiobook had the added component of singing done by masculine and feminine characters and Kevin's singing voice ranges are so natural sounding that when I listened to the female characters singing, I was amazed. I never felt that I was listening to a man "do" a woman's voice. He is really incredible in this audiobook. I will be listening to more of his work.
I think this book would be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in a wide range of things. There is music and references to the history of music and how people can carry their ancestor's songs from different parts of the world. The interest in earlier periods of time in America, and especially in the Ozark Mountains, and of the way of life that many people lived in the very early 20th Century. This is a touching, wonderful, humorous, and realistic love story as well.
If I were to set an age, I would say anyone from the age of 20 and above would really enjoy it.
Author: Pamela Morsi
Narrator: Kevin Clay
Listening Time: 11 Hrs 8 Min.
I always like to preface any reviews I give with this information.
I am a 68 year old female who has been an avid reader since I was around 10 or 11 years old.
I read mainly for entertainment purposes although I do a lot of research in areas of personal interest.
I have a great interest in many things. Ancient History and Archeology are at the top of a very long list.
Disclaimer: "This Audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost, in exchange for an unbiased honest review."
I just finished this audiobook earlier today and I absolutely loved everything about this wonderful story.
This book is set in the early 1900s in Arkansas in a small place known as "Marrying Stone".
Roe, (J. Monroe Farley) is a Harvard educated Musicologist who travels to the Ozark mountains with an Ediphone to capture recordings of songs that he believes will prove the premise for his thesis; that the music of these somewhat isolated group of people, had it's roots in Celtic origins hundreds of years prior and because of their isolation in the mountains has been preserved and unchanged, by outside influences.
Roe ends up staying at the home of the Best family. The father "Ornery" (Henry), and his two children Meggie, and "Simple Jess".
Roe is a very sweet and clean cut fellow who believes himself to be more intelligent and knowledgeable because of his education, than those people he is visiting. He is a very proper kind of person.
Meggie is a young woman who has day dreamed of a prince charming since she was read fairy tales by her mother years earlier, and is the glue in the Best household that holds the family together and she is aware of that fact.
Jesse aka "Simple Jess" is a sweet innocent young man and is perceived as being simpleminded by everyone in his neck of the woods, and truly he is simpleminded in many ways, but he yearns to live a normal life. Jess is not quite as "simpleminded" as many people believe because he tends to keep his hurt feelings to himself when makes fun of him.
The father, "Ornery" aptly called that for a reason; is a wonderful and caring parent and very wise and wily as well.
Into this mix there are many characters that Roe will meet who share their history of songs. Some of these songs are quite old and Roe eventually comes to know and respect these people as time goes on and they come to sing for him so that he can record their songs on the Ediphone.
Over a period of time Roe comes to be accepted into the community.
This is a truly lovely story set in an era that was so much more innocent; a time when people cared about their neighbors and about family life. This is a story about community in a small isolated microcosm and all the blessings, issues, and petty grievances that go along with that.
It is about a way of life in very primitive conditions.
Roe has always lived in a city setting back east and has never done hard physical labor and in the course of his stay, he pays his way, by working around the cabin and on the land Mr Best owns.
This is also a story of how people from very different walks of life can learn to find a common path, as well.
One of the things I love about this book/audiobook is the emotional growth, and progression of the characters. This is a very sweet love story as well; and in addition to that, there is so much real life humor that I was entranced and captivated by the entire story. I laughed so much while listening to this audiobook.
Another plus for me was all the songs and singing that was done in this story.
Coming from a musically inclined family myself, where we used to have jam sessions and my grandmother used to make up parodies of popular songs when I was a kid; there was a very real connection that I felt with this group of people and their way of life.
Author Pamela Morsi is an author I had never read/listened to before, and I can tell you I will be watching for her work and intend to get more of it. She imbued this wonderful novel with all the elements of great storytelling.
Narrator Kevin Clay is someone whose work I have listened to several times now and I am always amazed at his ability to make characters come alive in my mind.
This audiobook had the added component of singing done by masculine and feminine characters and Kevin's singing voice ranges are so natural sounding that when I listened to the female characters singing, I was amazed. I never felt that I was listening to a man "do" a woman's voice. He is really incredible in this audiobook. I will be listening to more of his work.
I think this book would be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in a wide range of things. There is music and references to the history of music and how people can carry their ancestor's songs from different parts of the world. The interest in earlier periods of time in America, and especially in the Ozark Mountains, and of the way of life that many people lived in the very early 20th Century. This is a touching, wonderful, humorous, and realistic love story as well.
If I were to set an age, I would say anyone from the age of 20 and above would really enjoy it.
May 21, 2016
CUTE CUTE CUTE ARGHH SO CUTEEEE!!
December 31, 2018
Read this for Jess. The main story was bad and boring, so I skimmed it a little. Jess is a gem.
April 15, 2019
Pamela Morsi writes enchanting books, many about turn-of-the-century events. This one is about a musicologist from Harvard University, who wants to capture the songs, music, words of the isolated farmers of the Ozarks. Roe's belief is that these isolated people still use the music, songs and speech patterns that their forefathers brought from Celtic regions of Europe. To capture these old traditions, Roe has brought an Ediphone, to copy the offerings of the Ozark folks.
The Best family offers to help Roe convince the other members of the isolated mountains to share their traditions if Roe will help Mr. Best, Jesse and Meg around the farm.
This is another charmer from Pamela Morsi. Actually, the most engaging part of the story is the relationship between Roe and Simple Jess (a simple-minded young man of the Ozarks). The reason I didn't give the story 5 stars is because I just could not imagine Roe and Meggie together forever. Roe was simply too educated to be happy with living in the Ozarks long-term.
Marrying Stone Series
** 1. Marrying Stone (1994)
2. Simple Jess (1996)
3. The Lovesick Cure (2012)
The Best family offers to help Roe convince the other members of the isolated mountains to share their traditions if Roe will help Mr. Best, Jesse and Meg around the farm.
This is another charmer from Pamela Morsi. Actually, the most engaging part of the story is the relationship between Roe and Simple Jess (a simple-minded young man of the Ozarks). The reason I didn't give the story 5 stars is because I just could not imagine Roe and Meggie together forever. Roe was simply too educated to be happy with living in the Ozarks long-term.
Marrying Stone Series
** 1. Marrying Stone (1994)
2. Simple Jess (1996)
3. The Lovesick Cure (2012)
January 21, 2021
Oh, the disapointment. Simple Jess is one of my favorite romance so far. But this prequel is not for me. Pamela Morsi's writing is beautifully eloquent, and the way she describes the mountain transports you there immediately. But the heroin was overly naïve and quite ridiculous. The way she tries to seduce the hero is so cringy that I had to take breaks to read the entire chapter. And much like her, I then only wanted to Mr Monroe to go away so that the interactions between them stopped. Although she is described by herself and her family as smart....she is actually slower than her brother, and her brother is supposed to be unaware of socials norms ? But even he (spoiler Simple Jess)
May 26, 2021
I read this solely to read Simple Jesse. It started of a little slow, definitely took some time getting immersed into the story. But overall it was good. I liked how strong Meggie was. She didn’t compromise what she wanted - which was love. Roe was great, and his relationship with Meggie was sweet (very slow burn). The side characters and Onrey were also fun. The concept of the marrying stone was interesting.
The highlight of this book was definitely the relationship between Roe and Jesse. They’re friendship was so sweet and wholesome. I loved it!
Sweet. Slow burn. 4/5
The highlight of this book was definitely the relationship between Roe and Jesse. They’re friendship was so sweet and wholesome. I loved it!
Sweet. Slow burn. 4/5
December 27, 2020
Americana at it's best
Loved the story and the characters who were well developed and so real. I would recommend all the books in this series. I read them out of order and are fine on their own but you come to love the people of this community and want to read more about them and just one book isn't enough.
Loved the story and the characters who were well developed and so real. I would recommend all the books in this series. I read them out of order and are fine on their own but you come to love the people of this community and want to read more about them and just one book isn't enough.
July 15, 2021
An Ozarks Kind of Love
What a delightful read! The author created well-rounded, believeable characters, and described the setting so well I felt as if I were there. And the songs reminded me of an Everly Brothers album titled "Songs Our Daddy Taught Us", and "Barbry Allen" was among them. I highly recommend this book!
What a delightful read! The author created well-rounded, believeable characters, and described the setting so well I felt as if I were there. And the songs reminded me of an Everly Brothers album titled "Songs Our Daddy Taught Us", and "Barbry Allen" was among them. I highly recommend this book!
October 25, 2021
If you want something different
As an avid reader I always joy in finding a book that comes from an area of the country I've not read about before. Historical fiction, long a favorite, often finds me in London. Not The Marrying Stone. This book is true to human nature and a love story all in one. How refreshing to have romance in such an unexpected way.
As an avid reader I always joy in finding a book that comes from an area of the country I've not read about before. Historical fiction, long a favorite, often finds me in London. Not The Marrying Stone. This book is true to human nature and a love story all in one. How refreshing to have romance in such an unexpected way.
December 2, 2023
Love and Marriage
A great read with a profound message, the true meaning of love and how its necessary in a long lasting, happy marriage. I always thought true love is when you love the other person more than yourself. That's true. But love is quiet, it sneaks up. It's not all passion and bells ringing. It is,as Aristotle said, one soul between two people.
A great read with a profound message, the true meaning of love and how its necessary in a long lasting, happy marriage. I always thought true love is when you love the other person more than yourself. That's true. But love is quiet, it sneaks up. It's not all passion and bells ringing. It is,as Aristotle said, one soul between two people.
August 2, 2020
A wonderful story
I enjoyed your book very much and I am searching for others as we speak. In a manner of speaking...as it were. I expect to be searching for Pamela Morsi for quite a while Thanks for writing it.
I enjoyed your book very much and I am searching for others as we speak. In a manner of speaking...as it were. I expect to be searching for Pamela Morsi for quite a while Thanks for writing it.
April 7, 2021
Fun read
Fun read with lots if common sense through out about what we think is normal and how different many people and countries are. And of course some things do filter down to the next generation
Fun read with lots if common sense through out about what we think is normal and how different many people and countries are. And of course some things do filter down to the next generation
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews