November of the Heart

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 show more 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. show less

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 show more 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. show less

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.

Again, another LaVyrle Spencer that I actually remember. One of the first books I ever read where I didn't like the main female character initially.

From BackCover:
Lorna Barnett was from a wealthy St. Paul Family; summers were spent at their second home, where her father was absorbed in his yacht racing, her sisters taken by the latest hairstyles. But at eighteen, Lorna wanted more...Jens Harken was an odd-jobs man, hired to serve and be silent. But he dared to offer his services as a shipbuilder and be commissioned by Lorna's father to build a racing yacht. And as he entered the Barnett's privileged world, his heart fell for Lorna's sweet innocent beauty. But as summer turned to fall, they weathered the tumult of a scandal that would change their lives forever -- and shake the boundaries of a world of rigid expectations and unspoken desires.

In the past when people recommended THE NOTEBOOK to me, I turned right around and recommended this to them. Beautiful love story.

En una sociedad aún inmersa en los principios victorianos, la familia Barnett no se diferencia de las demás familias de posición acomodada que procuran educar a sus hijos en los mismos esquemas rígidos. Un padre autoritario, magnate de la industria maderera, y una madre que se limita a cumplir su papel de mujer sometida, intentarán imponer su voluntad y casar a su hija Lorna con un hombre acaudalado a quien la joven no ama. La navegación, el deporte preferido del señor Barnett, permitirá a Jens Harken, un joven de extracción baja, relacionarse laboralmente con la familia y conocer a Lorna. La pasión que nace entre ambos deberá enfrentarse a diversos avatares y los dos jóvenes tendrán que luchar por defender un amor que ha show more dado su fruto. show less