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November of the Heart
Set at the turn of the century, November of the Heart tells of Lorna Barnett, a young woman from a wealthy Saint Paul family, and Jens Harken, the ambitious dreamer who works in the kitchen of her family’s summer estate. Lorna’s father, Gideon, an avid sailor, is determined to claim victory for his own White Bear Yacht Club in the next summer regatta. Having recently suffered defeat at the hands of the rival club, Gideon is willing to do almost anything to win back the prize he sees as his.
Jens, pressed into service as a waiter as an elegant family dinner party, overhears Gideon’s lament, and is sure his boatbuilding skills can be put to use on behalf of his employer. Brazenly crossing the boundary between servant and master by offering to design and build a boat that is sure to win the race. Jens incites Gideon’s ire but piques his interest too. With Lorna’s help, he convinces Gideon to finance the project.
Grateful for her intervention yet wary of jeopardizing his chance to build the boat of his dreams, Jens nevertheless is powerless to face of Lorna’s growing interest in the boat and him. He soon finds himself eagerly awaiting her visits to the boatshed, and stars teaching her about the craft of boatbuilding, as well as the craft of love.
Despite the rigid caste system which keeps them apart, Lorna and Jens are drawn inexorably together, and begin an affair as fresh and innocent as the summer itself. But the repercussions of their passionate idyll soon separate them against their shame to endure loneliness where it is always “November of the heart.”
Jens, pressed into service as a waiter as an elegant family dinner party, overhears Gideon’s lament, and is sure his boatbuilding skills can be put to use on behalf of his employer. Brazenly crossing the boundary between servant and master by offering to design and build a boat that is sure to win the race. Jens incites Gideon’s ire but piques his interest too. With Lorna’s help, he convinces Gideon to finance the project.
Grateful for her intervention yet wary of jeopardizing his chance to build the boat of his dreams, Jens nevertheless is powerless to face of Lorna’s growing interest in the boat and him. He soon finds himself eagerly awaiting her visits to the boatshed, and stars teaching her about the craft of boatbuilding, as well as the craft of love.
Despite the rigid caste system which keeps them apart, Lorna and Jens are drawn inexorably together, and begin an affair as fresh and innocent as the summer itself. But the repercussions of their passionate idyll soon separate them against their shame to endure loneliness where it is always “November of the heart.”
396 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
170 people are currently reading
1382 people want to read
About the author
LaVyrle Spencer
105 books1,586 followersLaVyrle Spencer is an American best-selling author of contemporary and historical romance novels. She has successfully published a number of books, with several of them made into movies. Twelve of her books have been New York Times bestsellers, and Spencer was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 1988.
Spencer is known for creating realistic characters and stories that focus on families rather than only the relationship between a man and woman. These "ordinary" men and women are warm and vulnerable and are always portrayed sympathetically.[1] Her heroines tend to be a mix of fire and warmth, strength, savvy and soft–heartedness who must overcome some sort of adversity, such as pregnancy, divorce, a lengthy separation, the loss of a loved one, and then undergo a catharsis. The stories center on themes of abiding love, family ties and strength in difficult times.
In the 1980s and 1990s Spencer wrote 12 New York Times Bestsellers. Her books have been sold to book clubs worldwide, and have been published around the world. Condensed versions of many of her novels have appeared in Reader's Digest and Good Housekeeping.
She retired from writing in 1997.
Spencer is known for creating realistic characters and stories that focus on families rather than only the relationship between a man and woman. These "ordinary" men and women are warm and vulnerable and are always portrayed sympathetically.[1] Her heroines tend to be a mix of fire and warmth, strength, savvy and soft–heartedness who must overcome some sort of adversity, such as pregnancy, divorce, a lengthy separation, the loss of a loved one, and then undergo a catharsis. The stories center on themes of abiding love, family ties and strength in difficult times.
In the 1980s and 1990s Spencer wrote 12 New York Times Bestsellers. Her books have been sold to book clubs worldwide, and have been published around the world. Condensed versions of many of her novels have appeared in Reader's Digest and Good Housekeeping.
She retired from writing in 1997.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
October 13, 2016
Si tuviera que definir este libro con una sola palabra sería DULCE. Realmente tengo que confesar que no me esperaba que fuera a gustarle tanto, como para otorgarle mis últimas seis estrellas de este año. ¡Sencillamente es perfecto! La autora no sólo ha conseguido sorprenderme con una historia original sino que ha retratado a la perfección el modo de vida y las costumbres de esa época, y a cuidado el lenguaje hasta el más pequeño detalle. Es que hasta la voz con que narra la historia es hermosa y dulce...
"El lapso del silencio se alargó, transformándose en un estado de conciencia en el que se dedicaron otra vez a admirar el rostro del otro, por primera vez en intimidad total. Afuera, el bosque estaba tranquilo, no se oía ni el piar de un pájaro. En el otro extremo del cobertizo seguía zumbando la mosca y la luz verdosa proyectaba sombras de hojas sobre el suelo tosco y la cara interior de la pared, formando un encaje sobre los pernos oxidados y las chapas cubiertas de polvo. Dentro, donde estaban Jens y Lorna, la luz de la ventana a medio lavar sólo les iluminaba un lado de la cara. La de ella, tensa y curva, alzada por el alto cuello de encaje que casi le tocaba los lóbulos de las orejas. La de él, polvorienta y angulosa, acariciada por el cuello abierto de la rústica camisa de cambray".
"El lapso del silencio se alargó, transformándose en un estado de conciencia en el que se dedicaron otra vez a admirar el rostro del otro, por primera vez en intimidad total. Afuera, el bosque estaba tranquilo, no se oía ni el piar de un pájaro. En el otro extremo del cobertizo seguía zumbando la mosca y la luz verdosa proyectaba sombras de hojas sobre el suelo tosco y la cara interior de la pared, formando un encaje sobre los pernos oxidados y las chapas cubiertas de polvo. Dentro, donde estaban Jens y Lorna, la luz de la ventana a medio lavar sólo les iluminaba un lado de la cara. La de ella, tensa y curva, alzada por el alto cuello de encaje que casi le tocaba los lóbulos de las orejas. La de él, polvorienta y angulosa, acariciada por el cuello abierto de la rústica camisa de cambray".
July 9, 2017
¡Una DELICIA! ❤️
Lorna y Jens son ADORABLES.
Una historia preciosa y muy tierna.
Lorna y Jens son ADORABLES.
Una historia preciosa y muy tierna.
January 31, 2009
This is just one of those super-romantic impossible love stories. LaVerle Spencer only writes these kinds of stories, and they always have happy endings! This isn't good literature... by anyone's standards... but it is a nice little piece of escapism. Only women would appreciate this kind of stuff... what my husband would dub "porn for women," because the level of romance is ridiculous and may cause women to sigh and wonder why their man doesn't treat them like this! And of course... the sex in LaVerle's books is always tastefully done but hotter than August. Yikes... prepare to need a cigarette after this one... even if, like me, you've never smoked!
September 25, 2017
3'5 Estrellas. Podría haber sido más, pero no me ha emocionado tanto como esperaba. Creo que "Maravilla" me dejó el listón muy alto y esperaba un libro del estilo, pero aunque es un buen libro y se nota el trabajo que ha desarrollado la autora, me ha faltado algo.
En éste caso tenemos una historia muy tópica, en un ambiente que podría desarrollarse en cualquier parte, tanto en EE.UU. como ocurre, o en Inglaterra, lo mismo da. "Otoño en el corazón" ocurre en EE.UU. a finales del siglo XIX. Los protagonistas, Jens Harken y Lorna Barnett son dos jóvenes que en otras circunstancias no debían haberse conocido.
Jens Harken es un joven atractivo de veinticinco años que trabaja como mozo de cocina, es hijo de inmigrantes noruegos y al igual que su padre, su sueño es trabajar como diseñador de barcos y tener su propio astillero, pero por lo pronto, debe conformarse con ayudar a la cocinera de la familia Barnett. Los Barnett son ricos adinerados y poderosos, con una preciosa casa junto al lago donde van a veranear todos los años. La hija mayor, Lorna Barnett es una joven atractiva y caprichosa que no se deja llevar por el decoro ni por las actividades femeninas, disfruta navegando al aire libre y está siendo cortejada por un chico de su misma condición social, pero el destino es extraño y hará que Lorna y Jens, se encuentren más veces de las que deben.
Ambos son conscientes de la presencia del otro cuando una noche, Gideon Barnett, el padre de Lorna, pierde la regata anual en el lago, y Jens tiene la impertinencia de decirle que con su diseño de barco ganará al año siguiente. A regañadientes, Gideon Barnett acepta el diseño del joven Jens, y éste puede salir de las cocinas y cumplir su sueño. El problema empieza cuando ambos jóvenes pasan más tiempo del que deben juntos, y ocurre lo inevitable, que se enamoran, en contra de lo que se espera de ellos, y sobre todo de su posición social.
Admito que el libro se me hizo bastante pesado y aburrido, sobre todo al principio, cuando debe arrancar el romance. No lo veía venir, y aunque Jens me parecía un amor, no conseguía congeniar con Lorna, quien me parecía una niña de papá malcriada y caprichosa. Pero a la mitad de la novela la trama cambia, y aunque se torna bastante dramática y culebronera, entiendes lo que ocurre y por qué, y ha sido ésa segunda parte la que me ha enganchado.
Es una historia bonita, muy de las de antes, pero que no me ha dejado una gran huella, aunque me ha convencido la actitud de los protagonistas al final del libro, y me ha gustado su madurez y sensatez. Me quedo con el recuerdo de que aunque me ha gustado, podría haber sido mejor.
En éste caso tenemos una historia muy tópica, en un ambiente que podría desarrollarse en cualquier parte, tanto en EE.UU. como ocurre, o en Inglaterra, lo mismo da. "Otoño en el corazón" ocurre en EE.UU. a finales del siglo XIX. Los protagonistas, Jens Harken y Lorna Barnett son dos jóvenes que en otras circunstancias no debían haberse conocido.
Jens Harken es un joven atractivo de veinticinco años que trabaja como mozo de cocina, es hijo de inmigrantes noruegos y al igual que su padre, su sueño es trabajar como diseñador de barcos y tener su propio astillero, pero por lo pronto, debe conformarse con ayudar a la cocinera de la familia Barnett. Los Barnett son ricos adinerados y poderosos, con una preciosa casa junto al lago donde van a veranear todos los años. La hija mayor, Lorna Barnett es una joven atractiva y caprichosa que no se deja llevar por el decoro ni por las actividades femeninas, disfruta navegando al aire libre y está siendo cortejada por un chico de su misma condición social, pero el destino es extraño y hará que Lorna y Jens, se encuentren más veces de las que deben.
Ambos son conscientes de la presencia del otro cuando una noche, Gideon Barnett, el padre de Lorna, pierde la regata anual en el lago, y Jens tiene la impertinencia de decirle que con su diseño de barco ganará al año siguiente. A regañadientes, Gideon Barnett acepta el diseño del joven Jens, y éste puede salir de las cocinas y cumplir su sueño. El problema empieza cuando ambos jóvenes pasan más tiempo del que deben juntos, y ocurre lo inevitable, que se enamoran, en contra de lo que se espera de ellos, y sobre todo de su posición social.
Admito que el libro se me hizo bastante pesado y aburrido, sobre todo al principio, cuando debe arrancar el romance. No lo veía venir, y aunque Jens me parecía un amor, no conseguía congeniar con Lorna, quien me parecía una niña de papá malcriada y caprichosa. Pero a la mitad de la novela la trama cambia, y aunque se torna bastante dramática y culebronera, entiendes lo que ocurre y por qué, y ha sido ésa segunda parte la que me ha enganchado.
Es una historia bonita, muy de las de antes, pero que no me ha dejado una gran huella, aunque me ha convencido la actitud de los protagonistas al final del libro, y me ha gustado su madurez y sensatez. Me quedo con el recuerdo de que aunque me ha gustado, podría haber sido mejor.
August 26, 2017
Gratamente sorprendida! pensaba que iba a encontrarme con la típica historia entre personaje que se enfrentan a distintas clases sociales, pero tiene unos giros que la hacen diferente. Me encantó el ambiente en que se desarrolló la historia y sus personajes son adorables!. Preciosa Historia!.
December 30, 2014
2 to 2 1/2 stars
I did not care for this book. The heroine was spineless and unsympathetic. The author tried to redeem her character in the last few pages of the book, but, frankly, by then it was too little too late. I really liked the hero and felt he was charming, honorable, and swoonworthy. I will say, though, I had a hard time believing the hero continued to harbor strong feelings toward the heroine during their two year separation, or that he would have considered taking her back.
I also felt this story fell short in the romance department. The hero and heroine spent only half the book together, then spent the remainder of the story having feeling of animosity toward each other. Not to mention, the ending felt rushed and anticlimactic. I did not believe in this couple's happily-ever-after. Overall, November of the Heart turned out to be a disappointing read.
I did not care for this book. The heroine was spineless and unsympathetic. The author tried to redeem her character in the last few pages of the book, but, frankly, by then it was too little too late. I really liked the hero and felt he was charming, honorable, and swoonworthy. I will say, though, I had a hard time believing the hero continued to harbor strong feelings toward the heroine during their two year separation, or that he would have considered taking her back.
I also felt this story fell short in the romance department. The hero and heroine spent only half the book together, then spent the remainder of the story having feeling of animosity toward each other. Not to mention, the ending felt rushed and anticlimactic. I did not believe in this couple's happily-ever-after. Overall, November of the Heart turned out to be a disappointing read.
June 3, 2022
Esta novela sobre un chico pobre y una niña rica se ambienta en Minesota, a finales del siglo XIX, en torno a St. Paul y el lago White Bear, lugar de veraneo de los ricos, que regateaban en ese lago interior. El chico pobre es Jens Harken, inmigrante noruego que sabe construir barcos, y aspira a un astillero propio. La niña rica es Lorna, apasionada de la navegación y curiosa por las cosas del querer, aunque ignorante del detalle, como era propio de nuestras antepasadas. Al principio me resultó un poco lenta, pero es que Spencer emplea su buen tiempo para introducirte en otro mundo. Te reconstruye toda una sociedad, aunque sea el pequeñito círculo de veraneantes en una localidad del Medio Oeste. Es fácil imaginarlos como protagonistas de cuentos de Chéjov o novelas de Henry James, con sus sombreros de paja y sus vestidos veraniegos de lino. Históricas muy bien contadas, con personajes creíbles y una intensa (y algo atormentada) historia de amor.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
September 22, 2024
Este libro al principio parecía ligero muy introductorio de todos los personajes. La historia de amor empieza poco a poco, se fragua a fuego lento al principio es muy tierna.
Lorna la protagonista al principio me pareció una niña rica consentida y coqueta, pero luego tiene que madurar de golpe. Más o menos a más de la mitad de la historia está da un giro dramático
Debo decir que sufrí mucho con la parte donde le quitan al niño, no soy madre pero esas cosas siempre que las veo en libros o en novelas o donde sea siempre me remueven. Debo decir que no me gusta ese tipo de tropos por decirlo de alguna forma.
Luego también en determinados momentos me han caído mal los dos. Primero ella por dejarse convencer de quedarse en el convento por la madre, luego el por pensar que ella regalo al niño y ella por no plantar cara a sus padres una vez que encuentra a su hijo. Y los padres de ella los he odiado profundamente. Osea prefieren que de al niño en vez de casarse con el padre por ser pobre. Osea no entendí su lógica según ellos era una pecadora que iba a arruinar la reputación de sus hermanas pero no querían que se casará con el causante del problema. En fin sé que es una novela pero no le encuentro la lógica. El final me hubiera gustado que hubiera durado más o un buen epílogo con los padres pidiendo perdón o algo y años después que se casaran y prosperarán con el astillero. El libro me gustó mucho pero lo empecé en una época que no tengo mucho tiempo y por eso tardé más en leerlo y eso creo que influyó en mi impresión final le doy 3.5 redondeando a 4.
Lorna la protagonista al principio me pareció una niña rica consentida y coqueta, pero luego tiene que madurar de golpe. Más o menos a más de la mitad de la historia está da un giro dramático
Debo decir que sufrí mucho con la parte donde le quitan al niño, no soy madre pero esas cosas siempre que las veo en libros o en novelas o donde sea siempre me remueven. Debo decir que no me gusta ese tipo de tropos por decirlo de alguna forma.
Luego también en determinados momentos me han caído mal los dos. Primero ella por dejarse convencer de quedarse en el convento por la madre, luego el por pensar que ella regalo al niño y ella por no plantar cara a sus padres una vez que encuentra a su hijo. Y los padres de ella los he odiado profundamente. Osea prefieren que de al niño en vez de casarse con el padre por ser pobre. Osea no entendí su lógica según ellos era una pecadora que iba a arruinar la reputación de sus hermanas pero no querían que se casará con el causante del problema. En fin sé que es una novela pero no le encuentro la lógica. El final me hubiera gustado que hubiera durado más o un buen epílogo con los padres pidiendo perdón o algo y años después que se casaran y prosperarán con el astillero. El libro me gustó mucho pero lo empecé en una época que no tengo mucho tiempo y por eso tardé más en leerlo y eso creo que influyó en mi impresión final le doy 3.5 redondeando a 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2023
November of the Heart has stuck with me for a long time. This book came into my life at a time when I hadn’t been doing much (fiction) reading (*gasp*, I know! It was just what I needed to get me back into fiction. I was a total sucker for this one right from the start – a forbidden romance, a boating theme, a Norwegian male lead character – not to mention that historical fiction is my absolute fave. (This one set during the Victorian era.) I still clearly remember reading this during my lunch hours at work. I was 10 pages away from finishing it one lunch break when I couldn’t extend my lunch time any further and had to go back into the office. Total torture!
A pleasant, minimalist read that will make you smile. It’s not the type of book that will win rewards for massive historical research, but I didn’t notice any anachronisms or other blatant faux pas’s, and the setting, mood, and love story at the heart of the novel are utterly charming. Great reading recommended for a light, spring day or for cozying up with a blanket on the couch in fall.
---04/24/2023 Update---
THE GOOD:
Lovely, almost Southern-like atmospheric lake scenes. Beautiful boats on the water. Boat craft, wood smells... very evocative of time and place.
Our leading man is a stubborn but determined Norwegian of blond hair and blue eyes. Lorna is very sweet, if naive.
Takes you through the rigors of a good narrative: Introduce your characters, throw stumbling blocks in their path.
THE BAD:
A few sex scenes. Not fade to black, but not overly detailed. A bit more descriptive than I typically feel comfortable with, though.
I also don't love that the early 20th century characters break social convention many times with premarital sex. They pay the ultimate "price" with an out of wedlock baby.
Then when they have their happy ending and get together again at the end, they don't learn their lesson. Two rooms at a hotel, but they hook up again immediately.
CONCLUSION:
Great escape fiction with a feel-good ending.
A pleasant, minimalist read that will make you smile. It’s not the type of book that will win rewards for massive historical research, but I didn’t notice any anachronisms or other blatant faux pas’s, and the setting, mood, and love story at the heart of the novel are utterly charming. Great reading recommended for a light, spring day or for cozying up with a blanket on the couch in fall.
---04/24/2023 Update---
THE GOOD:
Lovely, almost Southern-like atmospheric lake scenes. Beautiful boats on the water. Boat craft, wood smells... very evocative of time and place.
Our leading man is a stubborn but determined Norwegian of blond hair and blue eyes. Lorna is very sweet, if naive.
Takes you through the rigors of a good narrative: Introduce your characters, throw stumbling blocks in their path.
THE BAD:
A few sex scenes. Not fade to black, but not overly detailed. A bit more descriptive than I typically feel comfortable with, though.
I also don't love that the early 20th century characters break social convention many times with premarital sex. They pay the ultimate "price" with an out of wedlock baby.
Then when they have their happy ending and get together again at the end, they don't learn their lesson. Two rooms at a hotel, but they hook up again immediately.
CONCLUSION:
Great escape fiction with a feel-good ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2024
If you haven't read any of LaVyrle Spencer's historicals yet then all I can say is you're missing out🤷♀️This book, another unforgettable and unique story that will have you unable to stop reading. Hero is a boatbuilder of Norwegian descent (super hot) and a young, feisty, independent passionate heroine from the upper classes. They are drawn to each other against the norms of the society in which they live. As usual, the historical detail in this book is nothing like you would see in modern historical romance, going above and beyond...truly amazing. Rich with interesting secondary characters. An angsty, emotional story of forbidden love immersed with the love of being on the open water and the natural world.
An all-around beauty.
An all-around beauty.
August 31, 2016
What I find most interesting about this is how many people have read the book more than once. I, also, don't read books twice--there are just too many other ones waiting to be read! But this one I did, and found it equally moving and satisfying both times. In fact, it made it to my permanent bookshelf, while 99% of what I read gets recycled. There is just something to this story. The love feels true. I sympathize and empathize with the characters.
I didn't LOooooVe the book--that feels too sappy for some reason. There are other books I do LOooooVe. Like chocolate ice cream. This was more substantial and fulfilling, like a good casserole with hot cider.
I didn't LOooooVe the book--that feels too sappy for some reason. There are other books I do LOooooVe. Like chocolate ice cream. This was more substantial and fulfilling, like a good casserole with hot cider.
November 1, 2017
Parecía lenta al principio, pero enseguida engancha y eres incapaz de soltarlo
January 23, 2018
3 de 5 estrellas ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (me ha gustado)
No soy muy de novela romántica, es un genero del que huyo porque no me hace disfrutar de la lectura.
En este caso, la ambientación, la época y las circunstancias que rodean esta relación de pareja me han mantenido enganchada a la trama y me ha entretenido bastante. Es dulce y con personajes muy adorables.
No soy muy de novela romántica, es un genero del que huyo porque no me hace disfrutar de la lectura.
En este caso, la ambientación, la época y las circunstancias que rodean esta relación de pareja me han mantenido enganchada a la trama y me ha entretenido bastante. Es dulce y con personajes muy adorables.
December 19, 2024
I discovered this book on an "Accidental Pregnancy" shelf, a trope I used to be so into. For some reason, I wanted to read another accidental pregnancy romance novel. I'm so glad I added this book out of all the books (I didn't add any others) because it turned out to be such a fantastic story! I had never read LaVyrle Spencer before, so I lucked out too. I loved her writing style. Authors don't seem to write books in this style anymore... I just wish this book had been adapted for film/TV like her other works. The novel kept me entertained on my four plane rides to Tucson and back for my friend's wedding.
This was such a poignant love story of class differences in the sailing world of 1895 Minnesota. Typically, I read historical romance set in England in the 1800s, not the U.S... I don't think I've ever read a book where the subplot is regarding sailing and building the fastest boat. I could tell the author had really done her research. A lot of the details regarding shipbuilding and sailing went over my head, but I still loved the story.
The class difference between our hero and heroine felt insurmountable as if she were a queen and he a beggar. I knew this was a romance novel, so it would probably have a HEA, but I didn't see how these two would be together! (Also, the book was published in 1993 and the beginning read like a novel about the love between two people of very different classes, not as a romance novel. For instance, the omniscient narrator described the going on's of other people, namely family, in the heroine's household, especially as they got ready for bed.)
Both resist their attraction, but Jens, who is a working-class immigrant and the older of the pair, tries his best to be decent and adhere to propriety. Headstrong Lorna cares less about their class differences and is used to getting her way, so she does a lot of the pursuing.
I loved Lorna, though I would have
I liked how this book was published in 1993, the year my guy was born, and that the hero and heroine have the same age gap as us: 7 years. My library only had the large print version, so I read 744 pages. It's a long book--438 pages typically--but I wouldn't have had it a page shorter. I wouldn't have even wanted the choices I would have made differently than Lorna and Jens, which would have shortened the novel, because I enjoyed the extended frustration of them not being able to be together and how they battled their way to a HEA.
I will definitely be reading more by LaVryle Spencer, and I hope everyone checks out this gem of a historical romance.
This was such a poignant love story of class differences in the sailing world of 1895 Minnesota. Typically, I read historical romance set in England in the 1800s, not the U.S... I don't think I've ever read a book where the subplot is regarding sailing and building the fastest boat. I could tell the author had really done her research. A lot of the details regarding shipbuilding and sailing went over my head, but I still loved the story.
The class difference between our hero and heroine felt insurmountable as if she were a queen and he a beggar. I knew this was a romance novel, so it would probably have a HEA, but I didn't see how these two would be together! (Also, the book was published in 1993 and the beginning read like a novel about the love between two people of very different classes, not as a romance novel. For instance, the omniscient narrator described the going on's of other people, namely family, in the heroine's household, especially as they got ready for bed.)
Both resist their attraction, but Jens, who is a working-class immigrant and the older of the pair, tries his best to be decent and adhere to propriety. Headstrong Lorna cares less about their class differences and is used to getting her way, so she does a lot of the pursuing.
I loved Lorna, though I would have
I liked how this book was published in 1993, the year my guy was born, and that the hero and heroine have the same age gap as us: 7 years. My library only had the large print version, so I read 744 pages. It's a long book--438 pages typically--but I wouldn't have had it a page shorter. I wouldn't have even wanted the choices I would have made differently than Lorna and Jens, which would have shortened the novel, because I enjoyed the extended frustration of them not being able to be together and how they battled their way to a HEA.
I will definitely be reading more by LaVryle Spencer, and I hope everyone checks out this gem of a historical romance.
January 22, 2012
The only thing I didn't like about the book was that it couldn't decide on the tone it wanted to take. It started out playful and light and then turned darker and more serious. Maybe that was the point. I'm glad I'm a woman in 2012 instead of 1900. I don't want to give anything away and maybe this is a **********spoiler alert******** Jens wants Lorna to make a sacrifice and make a stand. Hello! She had a baby, almost bled to death and was mentally tortured. Poor man...nobody does anything for him.(sarcasm) However, the end was good.
July 31, 2019
Another emotional and heartfelt read from Spencer. Spencer never fails to illicit a plethora of emotions while reading. I feel like she's a master at accurate historicals. Lorna is one of her weaker heroines, but I felt it was in tune with the time period. My heart ached for all she and Jens endured.
May 20, 2010
I loved the movie/book The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks and the movie Titanic. There is just something about class differences and forbidden romance that holds unmistakable appeal for me. This book deals with this controversy and so much more.
Lorna Barnett was the 18 year-old daughter of a wealthy commodore. Jens Harken was the kitchen help. These two people's lives intersect when Lorna's father looses a boating race and will do anything to win the next one. Jens is from Norway and comes from a long line of boat builders. He convinces Lorna's father to let him build a boat that he says will be the fastest in the water. This leads to a friendship between Lorna and Jens that turns out to be so much more.
Lorna was very likable. She wasn't self-centered or uppity. She was honest, forthright, and assertive. Jens was also likable, hardworking, and was a man of integrity.
This book had some very tragic moments...I was moved to tears several times. At one point I thought these star-crossed lovers would never get their HEA.
My only complaint with this book is that it was a bit "slow to go". I'm not much of a "boating" person....so all the descriptions of the boat and building process got tedious for me. I did appreciate the slow couple development. These two are friends first and Spencer takes her time bringing them to the next level of lovers.
All in all, a memorable read.
Lorna Barnett was the 18 year-old daughter of a wealthy commodore. Jens Harken was the kitchen help. These two people's lives intersect when Lorna's father looses a boating race and will do anything to win the next one. Jens is from Norway and comes from a long line of boat builders. He convinces Lorna's father to let him build a boat that he says will be the fastest in the water. This leads to a friendship between Lorna and Jens that turns out to be so much more.
Lorna was very likable. She wasn't self-centered or uppity. She was honest, forthright, and assertive. Jens was also likable, hardworking, and was a man of integrity.
This book had some very tragic moments...I was moved to tears several times. At one point I thought these star-crossed lovers would never get their HEA.
My only complaint with this book is that it was a bit "slow to go". I'm not much of a "boating" person....so all the descriptions of the boat and building process got tedious for me. I did appreciate the slow couple development. These two are friends first and Spencer takes her time bringing them to the next level of lovers.
All in all, a memorable read.
April 10, 2010
I have read this book probably 100 times, its my all time favorite! I'm reading again now!
March 27, 2011
I think this has to be my favourite book ever, I love everything about it ! And I've read it about 17 times (:
November 30, 2024
November of the Heart (1993) is another captivating love story by LaVyrle Spencer… full of sharp dialogue and unforgettable characters. Absolutely loved it!
Minnesota, 1895.., Lorna falls for the Norwegian odd jobs man working in the family kitchen at her parent’s lake front estate. Jens is ambitious.. he actually is skilled at building racing yachts and insists he can build a winning yacht for Lorna’s father.
Lorna and Jens are instantly attracted to each other… she’s bold and determined, never mind the class differences. Both are incredibly naive about how her parents will react. The story is filled with exquisite prose, sensual love scenes, heartache and the power of love…. it’s definitely a page turner. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Minnesota, 1895.., Lorna falls for the Norwegian odd jobs man working in the family kitchen at her parent’s lake front estate. Jens is ambitious.. he actually is skilled at building racing yachts and insists he can build a winning yacht for Lorna’s father.
Lorna and Jens are instantly attracted to each other… she’s bold and determined, never mind the class differences. Both are incredibly naive about how her parents will react. The story is filled with exquisite prose, sensual love scenes, heartache and the power of love…. it’s definitely a page turner. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 15, 2017
AMO ESTE LIBRO. Lo amo totalmente. Fue el primero que leí de Lavyrle Spencer y me hizo enamorarme de su estilo, sus personajes, su pluma, todo!!! Desde entonces no he dejado de leerla y es mi autora favorita ♥
July 5, 2012
I absolutely love this book! Spencer is a wonderful story teller. She weaves dialogue and plot in a well-balanced way. She is one of my greatest writing inspirations. Although, I will admit from a literary standpoint, omniscient point of view (head-hopping, too) doesn't work well for her, there are a lot of other more redeeming qualities though. I like her use of showing the reader through what the characters say (dialogue) and not what they do. I'm especially pulled into romances about forbidden love wrought by differences in social class. Either way the author wrote it, I never forgot this book after I read it over 5 years ago!
I've read "November of the Heart" two times now and each time I've been unable to put it down. Pretty Lorna Barnett grows into a woman before our eyes. Not to mention, you can't go wrong with a handsome Norwegian boat builder as a hero. Their passion is so strong. Their story will live on forever in my mind. This book will make you cry, bring on your anger, and encourage you to see what is most important in life. Not money or position in society, but love and family. :)
I've read "November of the Heart" two times now and each time I've been unable to put it down. Pretty Lorna Barnett grows into a woman before our eyes. Not to mention, you can't go wrong with a handsome Norwegian boat builder as a hero. Their passion is so strong. Their story will live on forever in my mind. This book will make you cry, bring on your anger, and encourage you to see what is most important in life. Not money or position in society, but love and family. :)
September 10, 2010
Una historia preciosa entre dos personas de origen muy distinto. Ambos tratan de luchar por impedirlo pero terminarán cayendo en las complicadas redes del amor.
Reseña completa enn http://beldevoradoradelibros.blogspot...
Reseña completa enn http://beldevoradoradelibros.blogspot...
July 6, 2020
No creí que fuera a gustarme tanto esta historia. Lorna y Jens me han llenado el corazón y me han hecho sufrir con ellos. No imaginaba un final mejor 💖
August 22, 2016
Historical romances featuring a poor or servant hero are hard to find amid a sea of books about dashing dukes and wealthy rakes. The ones that do exist often cop out with a storyline about mistaken identities or "the hero is actually an aristocrat in disguise," or else are horribly unrealistic. But this hero is a genuine working class man who starts out as a lowly kitchen boy. I liked that the book depicted the very real class differences and the morality of the time, and that the characters' actions and behavior were appropriate for the period. Admittedly there were times I wanted to shake the heroine, or strangle her parents (I still don't think I can forgive them!) yet their actions were still understandable given the social mores of the day. The descriptions of the settings and various events were lovely, almost like looking at an old painting, and gave me a strong feeling of the spirit of the age. Unfortunately this sometimes translated into feeling a bit "detached," like I was reading an account of something that happened long ago instead of feeling "in the moment." Jens was a great hero, strong but not a bossy "alpha" type, a dreamer but still down to earth and aware of the consequences of their actions. Lorna was immature sometimes but sweet, wearing her heart on her sleeve, just as you'd imagine a sheltered eighteen year old falling in love for the first time. I also liked that although they were attracted right away, they still fell in love gradually instead of immediately falling into bed.
June 16, 2016
A classic romance which reminded me of Nicholas Sparks' novels but without the explicit religious message which is present in most of his stories.
Set at the beginning of the XXth century, the story of two young people, Jens, a kitchen boy who dreams of having his own boat building business, and Lorna, the eldest and pampered daughter of the master of the house, who are divided by their social class, their future perspectives and their youthful innocence. It's an improbable match and they both know it, but they can't fight against the growing attraction between each other which finally leads them to fall helplessly and irrevocably in love, ignoring the consequences of their secret romance.
The novel hides little surprise: lineal storyline, predictable outcome and worn out characters.
Nevertheless, Spencer manages to capture your attention, the story is unfolded in a tactful and even tender way and it's easy for romantics like me to get hooked by the story, even though the last chapters were a bit unrealistic.
I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, but I'd say this is a readable book, perfect to read in between more complex and overwhelming novels because it's an easy going and fresh story which will move those who still remember the folly of first love
Set at the beginning of the XXth century, the story of two young people, Jens, a kitchen boy who dreams of having his own boat building business, and Lorna, the eldest and pampered daughter of the master of the house, who are divided by their social class, their future perspectives and their youthful innocence. It's an improbable match and they both know it, but they can't fight against the growing attraction between each other which finally leads them to fall helplessly and irrevocably in love, ignoring the consequences of their secret romance.
The novel hides little surprise: lineal storyline, predictable outcome and worn out characters.
Nevertheless, Spencer manages to capture your attention, the story is unfolded in a tactful and even tender way and it's easy for romantics like me to get hooked by the story, even though the last chapters were a bit unrealistic.
I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, but I'd say this is a readable book, perfect to read in between more complex and overwhelming novels because it's an easy going and fresh story which will move those who still remember the folly of first love
June 9, 2011
**2,5** - This is a sweet story about young love between an ambitious Norwegian immigrant kitchen-help turned boat-builder and a naive high society girl taking place at the end of 19th century in Minnesota. Because much importance is given to social standing in those times, and difference therein, their love and relationship is far from welcome and the girl’s parents will do everything to keep them apart.
With her usual immense talent, LaVyrle Spencer does a great job to tell a compelling tale. Personally, I only started to genuinely enjoy the story about two thirds down in the book, when the pace of the story picks up, and more momentum and impulse is given to to the story and all its protagonists. Overall, this read was lovely, but I wasn't truly charmed, nor convinced by the main characters. I enjoyed reading about boat-building and sailboat races, but it was certainly not my favourite book by this talented romance author.
With her usual immense talent, LaVyrle Spencer does a great job to tell a compelling tale. Personally, I only started to genuinely enjoy the story about two thirds down in the book, when the pace of the story picks up, and more momentum and impulse is given to to the story and all its protagonists. Overall, this read was lovely, but I wasn't truly charmed, nor convinced by the main characters. I enjoyed reading about boat-building and sailboat races, but it was certainly not my favourite book by this talented romance author.
January 25, 2013
Another wonderful love story by LaVyrle Spencer who evokes time and place so beautifully in her books. This story begins in a summer colony on a lake in Minnesota in 1895. Lorna, the lovely willful daughter of a wealthy St. Paul couple, decides to champion Jens, a young Norwegian immigrant, who has a brilliant new concept for a boat design that he's convinced will allow Lorna's father to win the cup at the next regatta. Their budding friendship turns to love and their love turns to trouble in their struggle to cope with their differences in class and society.
November 29, 2009
Another great tearjerker of a romance from LaVyrle Spencer. I really loved this one. Jens made a great hero, Lorna was a likable heroine, and the upstairs/downstairs aspect of their romance made for a good story. I was so impatient for them to be together at the end that I had trouble putting the book down. This book also really brought home for me just how little freedom women had at the end of the 19th century.
June 18, 2011
A heart warming, emotion journey into the late 19th century social circles and their resrtictions. But love holds no bounds and this book takes you through their trials and struggles as only Lavyrl can do it. Loved this book and the place it took me everytime I opened it up.
The characters are so real and genuine you can't help but love them and root for them.
The characters are so real and genuine you can't help but love them and root for them.
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