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The Abyss
It's 1803 and Napoleon is set to conquer all of Europe. Two lovers in Lisbon will be split by war — only to find each other again in a new land; a land as wild as their passion.
Clara and Gabriel are in love, but when he is disinherited for loving her, she must refuse his marriage proposal. Now he must make his own way in the world without her ...
But when, years later, the Portuguese court sets sail for Brazil to escape Napoleon, Clara and her family must leave as well. And in Rio de Janeiro Clara meets Gabriel again.
He has made his fortune, and they can get married. But as they travel to Gabriel’s vast sugar estate in the interior, a letter from Lisbon confirms a dormant suspicion in him, and an abyss will open between husband and wife.
Clara and Gabriel are in love, but when he is disinherited for loving her, she must refuse his marriage proposal. Now he must make his own way in the world without her ...
But when, years later, the Portuguese court sets sail for Brazil to escape Napoleon, Clara and her family must leave as well. And in Rio de Janeiro Clara meets Gabriel again.
He has made his fortune, and they can get married. But as they travel to Gabriel’s vast sugar estate in the interior, a letter from Lisbon confirms a dormant suspicion in him, and an abyss will open between husband and wife.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 5, 2016
43 reviews with 93% being 5 stars on Amazon is what convinced me to purchase this book when it was on sale for $.99. I rarely read outside of JAFF but this was one of those occasions. The book does need editing.
The story reminded me of a parable: reading about lessons of trust, loyalty, forgiveness, enduring love and honor were themes throughout told over a number of years during which love was recognized, lovers separated and then found but with many ideas and misconceptions about the more mature character of each other and even the knowledge or lack of such about what the other had experienced. Both made judgments and decisions which were not always understood and which had reactions or consequences of the severest nature.
This author chose to throw in a vast amount of history: much about a period in Portugal's history, Brazil's settlement, the slave trade and the intermingling of classes with natives and various European cultures mixing. We read about the native fruits, plants and animals and their use and about mineral resources and their mining. At times the story seemed to drag as we slough through the hardships of traveling over sea with limited diets and crowded ships and storms at sea.
Religion plays a big part in the relationship between Clara and Gabriel; she adheres strictly to a literal interpretation of commandments the church endorses while he has rejected his religion. His father literally threw him out of this house when he announced his plans to propose while she, in shock at his now being disinherited and her head full of tales of poverty from her mother, rejects him.
He makes his way to Brazil where even with an almost fatal event he triumphs to become wealthy. This is a man who acts with honor but also who has reasons not to trust. Clara has rejected suitor after suitor; even one her own mother allows to "court" her during a compromising scene. But the Court of which her father is a member immigrates to Brazil due to the political crisis in Portugal and it is in Brazil that our would-be-lovers meet again.
You know what they say about eavesdropping: Gabriel happens to overhear Clara say to her mother that there will be enough money now for everything and puts the worst interpretation on that. Clara hears a toddler call Gabriel her papa and does the same. Then a letter arrives from one of Clara's old beaus. Disaster after disaster befall this couple and occur in this story. Will they ever find peace and acceptance between them?
An aside: The "innocence" of one young bride as to what is natural and what is lust made me shake my head. It was not a part of the story which read as things expected. But you may read this through KU and make your own decisions. I did read it in about a half a day.
The story reminded me of a parable: reading about lessons of trust, loyalty, forgiveness, enduring love and honor were themes throughout told over a number of years during which love was recognized, lovers separated and then found but with many ideas and misconceptions about the more mature character of each other and even the knowledge or lack of such about what the other had experienced. Both made judgments and decisions which were not always understood and which had reactions or consequences of the severest nature.
This author chose to throw in a vast amount of history: much about a period in Portugal's history, Brazil's settlement, the slave trade and the intermingling of classes with natives and various European cultures mixing. We read about the native fruits, plants and animals and their use and about mineral resources and their mining. At times the story seemed to drag as we slough through the hardships of traveling over sea with limited diets and crowded ships and storms at sea.
Religion plays a big part in the relationship between Clara and Gabriel; she adheres strictly to a literal interpretation of commandments the church endorses while he has rejected his religion. His father literally threw him out of this house when he announced his plans to propose while she, in shock at his now being disinherited and her head full of tales of poverty from her mother, rejects him.
He makes his way to Brazil where even with an almost fatal event he triumphs to become wealthy. This is a man who acts with honor but also who has reasons not to trust. Clara has rejected suitor after suitor; even one her own mother allows to "court" her during a compromising scene. But the Court of which her father is a member immigrates to Brazil due to the political crisis in Portugal and it is in Brazil that our would-be-lovers meet again.
You know what they say about eavesdropping: Gabriel happens to overhear Clara say to her mother that there will be enough money now for everything and puts the worst interpretation on that. Clara hears a toddler call Gabriel her papa and does the same. Then a letter arrives from one of Clara's old beaus. Disaster after disaster befall this couple and occur in this story. Will they ever find peace and acceptance between them?
An aside: The "innocence" of one young bride as to what is natural and what is lust made me shake my head. It was not a part of the story which read as things expected. But you may read this through KU and make your own decisions. I did read it in about a half a day.
July 31, 2017
4 and ½ Stars - Love & Danger in 19th Century Brazil
Set in the early 19th century, beginning in 1803 in the regency of Prince John of Portugal, this is the story of Clara Moreira Tavares whose domineering mother tells her she must marry title and money. But Clara wants only Gabriel Almada de Castro, the younger son of the Marquis de Vargas. When the marquis disinherits Gabriel for his choice of Clara, at the urging of her parents, she refuses his proposal and he disappears.
Four years later Napoleon is about to invade Portugal and the regent decides to flee with his court to Brazil. Clara and her family go with him, to find a new life. Meanwhile, Gabriel has been busy amassing wealth in that same country and, betrayed by his partners, is suspicious of everyone.
In Rio, Clara again meets Gabriel and, this time when he proposes, she accepts. Married, they move to the interior where he has vast lands. When a letter arrives describing Clara as having been the lover of a former suitor, Gabriel believes the lie even when the evidence suggests otherwise (among other things, she was a virgin on their wedding night).
Notwithstanding his past, Gabriel’s behavior seemed a bit inconsistent with his “deep love” for Clara. She acts the saint and continues to be the perfect lady, reigning over Gabriel’s estate and winning his people’s affection, in one case, too much affection, which endangers them all. Much happens in their on and off again love, the dialog well written.
As with the first book I read by this author, it took me some time to get used to her style of writing. She uses mostly narrative to “tell” the story with the heroine as the primary storyteller. But the writing is good and there are some very exciting scenes. And the setting is certainly exotic. For those looking for the unusual in romance, I recommend it!
Set in the early 19th century, beginning in 1803 in the regency of Prince John of Portugal, this is the story of Clara Moreira Tavares whose domineering mother tells her she must marry title and money. But Clara wants only Gabriel Almada de Castro, the younger son of the Marquis de Vargas. When the marquis disinherits Gabriel for his choice of Clara, at the urging of her parents, she refuses his proposal and he disappears.
Four years later Napoleon is about to invade Portugal and the regent decides to flee with his court to Brazil. Clara and her family go with him, to find a new life. Meanwhile, Gabriel has been busy amassing wealth in that same country and, betrayed by his partners, is suspicious of everyone.
In Rio, Clara again meets Gabriel and, this time when he proposes, she accepts. Married, they move to the interior where he has vast lands. When a letter arrives describing Clara as having been the lover of a former suitor, Gabriel believes the lie even when the evidence suggests otherwise (among other things, she was a virgin on their wedding night).
Notwithstanding his past, Gabriel’s behavior seemed a bit inconsistent with his “deep love” for Clara. She acts the saint and continues to be the perfect lady, reigning over Gabriel’s estate and winning his people’s affection, in one case, too much affection, which endangers them all. Much happens in their on and off again love, the dialog well written.
As with the first book I read by this author, it took me some time to get used to her style of writing. She uses mostly narrative to “tell” the story with the heroine as the primary storyteller. But the writing is good and there are some very exciting scenes. And the setting is certainly exotic. For those looking for the unusual in romance, I recommend it!
April 27, 2016
Just came out and I was waiting. What an amazing ride this book is! From Lisbon to Brazil, with Napoleon invading Portugal and the prince escaping. Amazing characters once more, and strong, strong emotions.
A woman who is full of spirit, and a man who is proud and has a lot of attitude: wow, what a match for each other! And the author really knows how to make us (and them) wait for just the right moment, you will see what I mean! I wanted so badly to know what happened but at the same time I didn’t want it to end.
A woman who is full of spirit, and a man who is proud and has a lot of attitude: wow, what a match for each other! And the author really knows how to make us (and them) wait for just the right moment, you will see what I mean! I wanted so badly to know what happened but at the same time I didn’t want it to end.
April 27, 2016
I finished reading The Abyss by Lara Blunte this weekend and let me tell you it is a heart-wrenching romance and epic adventure rolled into one. The story takes place from Lisbon to Rio during a time when who you married was all a woman was supposed to focus on, but between the daring suitor who defies his family and the upheaval of the world she knows, Clara's life is much more about essence than etiquette.
The Abyss is a dazzling page turner in Lara Blunte's classic style that is smooth as silk. Spinning a web of lies, deception and just-out-of-reach romance, Blunte satisfies the reader with sexy details that bring the romance to fruition. The lush historical setting of colonial Rio is painstakingly researched and painted with such vivid imagery, and the characters, Clara and Gabriel, bring out the best and absolute worst in each other, even at the brink of life and death. Without giving away too much of the ending, I'll just say you won't want to miss the river scene that signifies the tumultuous quality of this dysfunctional relationship or the aching that comes from lost love returned.
The Abyss is a dazzling page turner in Lara Blunte's classic style that is smooth as silk. Spinning a web of lies, deception and just-out-of-reach romance, Blunte satisfies the reader with sexy details that bring the romance to fruition. The lush historical setting of colonial Rio is painstakingly researched and painted with such vivid imagery, and the characters, Clara and Gabriel, bring out the best and absolute worst in each other, even at the brink of life and death. Without giving away too much of the ending, I'll just say you won't want to miss the river scene that signifies the tumultuous quality of this dysfunctional relationship or the aching that comes from lost love returned.
April 30, 2016
The Abyss, by Lara Blunte, held my attention from beginning to end! I couldn’t put it down!! This book is filled with romance and exceptionally well-researched historical facts about the time period. Her main, and other supporting characters had me really caught up in their story. She literally captures Clara and Gabriel’s emotions and involved this reader in every part of this wonderful story! From Lisbon to Rio, Lara Blunte has truly outdone herself with this wonderful historical romance!
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2016
No typical romance
I love that in this story, there were actual hard struggles, you can feel the heartache, frustration, and conflict. Was not your cliche love stories with a simple misunderstood problem, it was complicated messiness that the author pieced back together perfectly. Very good story.
I love that in this story, there were actual hard struggles, you can feel the heartache, frustration, and conflict. Was not your cliche love stories with a simple misunderstood problem, it was complicated messiness that the author pieced back together perfectly. Very good story.
June 29, 2016
Mightily satisfying
Romance, action, and lessons on living well. This book was hard to put down. A classic tale, well executed and left me smiling.
Romance, action, and lessons on living well. This book was hard to put down. A classic tale, well executed and left me smiling.
January 13, 2018
I really liked another of Bluntes books but didn't like this one very much. Just too much Drama and one bad thing after another got old. Good heavens the Drama. I gave this 2 stars maybe 3 because I did finish it but what a mess. I had to see if these two could actually make it, I was almost routing for them not too. Give each other a rest already and just go find someone else to love good heavens. This had a great plot and scenery and some side characters that could have been more developed. This book just drove me a little crazy for many reasons. The writing style was different and I liked it at first but the longer this drug on the less I liked it. I liked her other book To Be King a lot more. This had some sex scenes in it that were not too detailed and short. It had crude sexual humor in one part. There was talk of God and being religious, but I would not call this a Christian book. There was a lot of violence, killing and slavery and revenge and people shooting people. Talk if sex throughout the book, it seemed to be one of the main themes of this book.
June 4, 2017
Great story
Interesting story with multi dimensional characters. Gabriel should never have believed what he did but then again we wouldn't have the plot of the book. I just wish it hadn't taken them so long to find their HEA (not reading the story wise, but in book character time).
Interesting story with multi dimensional characters. Gabriel should never have believed what he did but then again we wouldn't have the plot of the book. I just wish it hadn't taken them so long to find their HEA (not reading the story wise, but in book character time).
February 6, 2022
Powerful, wrenching love story
I was not engaged with this novel from the start, but I persisted. And if you also do keep reading you will be ripped apart and put back together again, over and over. Black magic and scripture and faith - for me it was the bleakness of Rick in Casablanca saying that "nobody ever loved me that much". He was so very wrong.
I was not engaged with this novel from the start, but I persisted. And if you also do keep reading you will be ripped apart and put back together again, over and over. Black magic and scripture and faith - for me it was the bleakness of Rick in Casablanca saying that "nobody ever loved me that much". He was so very wrong.
May 24, 2017
Awesome sauce
This book ended to fast or my reading speed has increased because this book was amazing. I loved the suspense and the story that lead to such a beautiful ending. Will there be a part two?
This book ended to fast or my reading speed has increased because this book was amazing. I loved the suspense and the story that lead to such a beautiful ending. Will there be a part two?
March 9, 2020
Very good read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It isn't often that you can locate a book that you just can't put down. I plan to read all of Ms Blunte books, I'm sure she won't disappoint. Get this book, if you are like me, I Iike a good read. Be Blessed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It isn't often that you can locate a book that you just can't put down. I plan to read all of Ms Blunte books, I'm sure she won't disappoint. Get this book, if you are like me, I Iike a good read. Be Blessed.
March 2, 2023
The Abyss
Set in a historical context, the lives of a man and woman are guided by family values, pride, fear, and a long enduring love. Hurt by the past, their love struggles to grow beyond what is defined by others.
Set in a historical context, the lives of a man and woman are guided by family values, pride, fear, and a long enduring love. Hurt by the past, their love struggles to grow beyond what is defined by others.
October 26, 2018
Wonderfully written
This book is a fast read due to the engaging way the story unfolds. A look at gratitude and trust and human behaviors. I highly recommend this book.
This book is a fast read due to the engaging way the story unfolds. A look at gratitude and trust and human behaviors. I highly recommend this book.
November 19, 2021
Entertaining Book
I enjoyed this book. It keeps the readers attention all the way through. The characters really come to life making it a good read
I enjoyed this book. It keeps the readers attention all the way through. The characters really come to life making it a good read
December 31, 2022
excellent book. Could not put it down.
excellent read. could not put it down. I will look forward to reading any thing else written by this author.
excellent read. could not put it down. I will look forward to reading any thing else written by this author.
March 7, 2017
Yes...good read
March 1, 2017
Well written, with lush details and well-rounded characters. I like the unusual setting--Portugal and then Brazil.
However, the book gets a bit long and stretches my credulity a few times with the hero's miraculous recoveries. I'm also less than fond of how the ending borrows so heavily from Jane Eyre.
However, the book gets a bit long and stretches my credulity a few times with the hero's miraculous recoveries. I'm also less than fond of how the ending borrows so heavily from Jane Eyre.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2016
Hard to read but good
I found myself angry as I read on. Bringing out such feelings while reading a good book is like almost crying listening to an aria! This is a really good book! It has several grammatical errors, but well worth the effort to finish it.
This is a story about misunderstandings from start to finish. Usually too much angst seems tedious to me...but it isn't like that at all. It has three very strong characters, and pride seems to be their worst enemy. The romance never dies.
I would very much recommend this book to others.
I found myself angry as I read on. Bringing out such feelings while reading a good book is like almost crying listening to an aria! This is a really good book! It has several grammatical errors, but well worth the effort to finish it.
This is a story about misunderstandings from start to finish. Usually too much angst seems tedious to me...but it isn't like that at all. It has three very strong characters, and pride seems to be their worst enemy. The romance never dies.
I would very much recommend this book to others.
August 9, 2016
2.5 stars. I did not enjoy the BIG "misunderstanding" that Gabriel believed about Clara for about half of the book, in which one particular rumor did not seem plausible, causing me to lose some interest (and patience) during the story. I did appreciate learning about the historical aspects of Brazil, with the Portuguese settlers living with the native Indians and Africans, especially with the Olympics in Rio now taking place.
August 19, 2016
Was not a favorite of mine
While the characters on the whole are nicely developed I am not a fan of the dark psychotic persona. Too much suspicion and mistrust for my taste, and heaven forbid the number of misfortunes that befall the main character. If was like the writer was under contract for #### pages and the story line just had to suffer through it. Well I don't plan to suffer any more. Good background development but too much of a "bad" thing.
While the characters on the whole are nicely developed I am not a fan of the dark psychotic persona. Too much suspicion and mistrust for my taste, and heaven forbid the number of misfortunes that befall the main character. If was like the writer was under contract for #### pages and the story line just had to suffer through it. Well I don't plan to suffer any more. Good background development but too much of a "bad" thing.
November 11, 2016
Passion and pride in Brazil
A happily ever after romance which takes place in early 19th century Brazil. I especially liked the pieces of history inserted in this tempestuous romance. So many period romances are based in England as if the Napoleonic wars didn't affect other countries. This story fills in some more of the details while doing a beautiful job of describing the lush landscape of a country many know very little about.
A happily ever after romance which takes place in early 19th century Brazil. I especially liked the pieces of history inserted in this tempestuous romance. So many period romances are based in England as if the Napoleonic wars didn't affect other countries. This story fills in some more of the details while doing a beautiful job of describing the lush landscape of a country many know very little about.
May 18, 2016
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. I so loved this book and the characters and story line Lara used. You will love reading about Gabriel and Clara and the trials they go through for their love. This is a very interesting love but what could come between husband and wife as they have set on their adventure together.
August 11, 2016
Especially enjoyed the setting
The plot and characters worked well and were easy to empathize with. Would be stronger, I think, with more of the interactions shown through more dialogue inserted rather than description. The description and "thought" passages were well done, but I would have liked more conversation. I do recommend, especially for a more unusual location.
The plot and characters worked well and were easy to empathize with. Would be stronger, I think, with more of the interactions shown through more dialogue inserted rather than description. The description and "thought" passages were well done, but I would have liked more conversation. I do recommend, especially for a more unusual location.
Read
August 17, 2016So fun to read this book while the Olympics are happening in Rio. I don't know how much of the "history" in the book is accurate, but it's certainly fascinating to see how the cultures blended to produce the country of Brazil we see now.
As to the story it's the classic pig-headed refuse to listen to anyone hero, but this time the heroine has a spine and takes the high road.
As to the story it's the classic pig-headed refuse to listen to anyone hero, but this time the heroine has a spine and takes the high road.
December 16, 2016
Great Book
I really enjoyed reading about Brazil and her warm and loving people. I know first hand that the people truly are like this book portrays them. I've been there several times and the people are so gracious and welcoming. The story was also very good - full of drama and emotion. It's interesting how stubborn and full of pride some people can be!
I really enjoyed reading about Brazil and her warm and loving people. I know first hand that the people truly are like this book portrays them. I've been there several times and the people are so gracious and welcoming. The story was also very good - full of drama and emotion. It's interesting how stubborn and full of pride some people can be!
November 21, 2016
The Abyss
This was an interesting story about a romance between a daughter of a couple who were of a merchant class and a Marquis in Portugal at the time just before Napoleon's invasion. Because his father disowned him, if he married the girl, Gabriel fled to Brazil. Years later as Clara and her parents also fled to Brazil to escape Napoleon they meet again.
This was an interesting story about a romance between a daughter of a couple who were of a merchant class and a Marquis in Portugal at the time just before Napoleon's invasion. Because his father disowned him, if he married the girl, Gabriel fled to Brazil. Years later as Clara and her parents also fled to Brazil to escape Napoleon they meet again.
June 14, 2016
An amazing tale
This book has interwoven plots and the author keeps one enthralled . The descriptions of the early Brazil were very interesting and the characters are very much multi-dimensional. One truly doesn't want to put it down.
This book has interwoven plots and the author keeps one enthralled . The descriptions of the early Brazil were very interesting and the characters are very much multi-dimensional. One truly doesn't want to put it down.
August 3, 2016
I am amazed at wonderful this book is- wow!
There was love, suspense, believable characters and knowledge about the times and places.
I feel like this book will remain with me for quite a while!
Gonna read all of her books-Yea!!
There was love, suspense, believable characters and knowledge about the times and places.
I feel like this book will remain with me for quite a while!
Gonna read all of her books-Yea!!
February 8, 2017
Pride goes before a fall!
Those words were written in the only holy book inspired by God, and they are true and fitting in this lovely work of Ms. Blunte's! Pride can destroy the most wonderful relationships, and almost did, here. I love that she did not allow it to win.
Those words were written in the only holy book inspired by God, and they are true and fitting in this lovely work of Ms. Blunte's! Pride can destroy the most wonderful relationships, and almost did, here. I love that she did not allow it to win.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews