Born in Shame - Nora Roberts

Publication
1996, Jove, Born In Trilogy #3

In short
Shannon Bodine is a talented graphic artist whose life revolves around her job at a prestigious New York advertising agency. Her world is turned upside down when she learns the identity of her real father: Thomas Concannon. Respecting her late mother’s wish, Shannon travels, however reluctantly, to County Clare. There, her loneliness and shame melt away in the embrace of the family she never kew existed. And amid the lush Irish landscape, steeped in mysticism and legend, she discovers the possibility of a love that is meant to be.

In words
It feels as if you're visiting Ireland in this trilogy and I reread it every 2 years or so. Regarding the titles, I can hardly think of another trilogy with such apt titles regarding contents. Unfortunately this is the weakest book of the three, even though it's still a nice book to read. It's just that the first two have such strong and distinct characters and Shannon and Murphy seem very nice, and very ordinary. The mystery element is there, but not strongly present. Still... a very nice book. Personally I think that's the problem with Nora Roberts: she has written so many books that you start comparing her with herself instead of other people...

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 1 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars

Born in Ice - Nora Roberts

Publication
1995, Jove, Born In Trilogy #2

In short
When the harsh storms of winter descend upon western Ireland, the locals stay indoors - and visitors stay away. Brianna Concannon’s bed-and-breakfast becomes a cold and empty place. And that is fine with Brianna. She enjoys the peace and quiet, even when icy winds howl at her window. This year, though, she’s expecting an unusual guest - mystery writer Grayson Thane, from America. A restless wanderer with a dark past, he plans to spend the cold winter alone. Yet sometimes fate ha s a plan of its own. Sometimes a fire can be born in ice...

In words
It feels as if you're visiting Ireland in this trilogy and I reread it every 2 years or so. Regarding the titles, I can hardly think of another trilogy with such apt titles regarding contents. Brianna is an artist in her own right, even though she doesn't see it that way. She is the perfect partner for Gray, who never had a home and keeps convincing himself he doesn't need one. Brianna also grows after she meets Gray, especially where her mother is concerned.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Setting - 1
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 12
A = 9,5/10 = 5 stars

Born in Fire - Nora Roberts

Publication
1994, Jove, Born In Trilogy #1

In short
Maggie Concannon is a glassmaker whose exquisite works are more than mere objects of beauty; they are the reflections of her own true nature. One man has seen the soul in her art, and vows to help this complex woman build a lucrative career. When American gallery owner Rogan Sweeney comes to Maggie’s isolated studio, her heart is enflamed by their fierce attraction - and her scarred past is slowly healed by a gentle and forgiving love.

In words
It feels as if you're visiting Ireland in this trilogy and I reread it every 2 years or so. Regarding the titles, I can hardly think of another trilogy with such apt titles regarding contents. The attraction and connection between Rogan and Maggie is powerful and believable. They're one of my favorite romance couples. Her profession - glass artist - is fairly unique and interesting and makes Maggie what she is without overpowering the story. The same goes for the loving relation with her sister and the strained relation with their mother.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Setting - 1
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 12
A = 9,5/10 = 5 stars

Tribute - Nora Roberts

Publication
August 2008, Putnam/Jove

In short
Cilla McGowan, a former child star, has found a more satisfying life restoring homes. So she comes to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley to save the dilapidated farmhouse that once belonged to her grandmother - a legendary actress who died of an overdose more than thirty years ago.
Plunging into the project with gusto, Cilla's almost too busy and exhausted to notice her neighbor, graphic novelist Ford Sawyer. Determined not to carry on the family tradition of ill-fated romances, Cilla steels herself against Ford's quirky charm, though she can't help indulging in a little fantasy.
But it's reality that holds its share of dangers for Cilla. A cache of unsigned letters found in the attic points to a mysterious romance in her grandmother's life - and may be the catalyst for a frightening, violent assault. And if Cilla and Ford are unable to sort out who is targeting her and why, she may, like her world-famous grandmother, be cut down in the prime of her life.

In words
Nice read, but NR has so many great books that I found this one average. Especially Cilla's character seemed to be a bit flat - I couldn't warm up to her. For my taste, there could have been a few more sex scenes. As always, the hero is memorable. NR writes her hero's so well, especially the beta-types like Sawyer. His dog is equally adorable and not at all too fantastic - if you have ever been the proud owner of an equally weird dog.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Humor - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars