Heart of the Sea Reviews

• A wonderful conclusion to a wonderful series

  
  By on 2000-12-03
  Over the past year, I have treated myself to first two part of this Nora Roberts trilogy. I had high expectations for the third and final book, and I was not disappointed. Heart of the Sea tells the story of Darcy, the last single Gallagher sibling, and Trevor Magee, a couple made for eachother. But also, the story includes the tale of Gwen and Carrick, and how they both hope to find eachother after three centuries of separation. This reunion depends upon the fate of Darcy and Trevor. This book, like the ones that preceded it, is rich with Irish flavor, noticeable in everything from the scenery to the dialogue. The friendly, homey atmosphere established in the first two books is again well maintained in the third. Of course, our friends Shawn, Brenna, Aidan, and a very pregnant Jude are around going on with their daily lives, observing the happenings between their Darcy and the Yank. A quick paced story with many acting characters keeps the readers interest, and a lovely story it is at that. After reading this book, the reader is satisfied and happy for the family they have come to know and love.
  
  

• A grat finale to this paranormalromamce trilogy

  
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2000-12-05
  Once upon a time, a fairy prince loved a mortal woman, but pride on both their parts kept them apart. In anger, Prince Carrick curses their relationship by forbidding them seeing one another until three couples admit what is inside their hearts. The two Gallagher brothers have done so leaving only their sister Daisy to find her true love. It galls Carrick that Darcyy seems in no rush for he has waited three long centuries to see his beloved Gwen.

  Trevor Magee has come to Ardmore, Ireland to build a theater attached to the Gallagher Pub. He and Darcy immediately connect, but neither believes they are capable of feeling true love. However, Trevor reconsiders after speaking with the ghosts of a beautiful woman and Carrick.

  Nora Roberts finishes her paranormal family saga in grandiose style with a happily-ever-after ending that will bring tears of joy to the readers. The hero and heroine are adorable as they are so busy dissecting their feelings they neglect to understand their true meanings. HEART OF THE SEA is Ms. Roberts at her delightful best with another top chartbuster.

  Harriet Klausner
  
  

• I am a big Nora Roberts fan, but I was disappointed.

  
  By A382SCGCD86LKK on 2000-12-14
  I was looking forward to the conclusion of this trilogy, as I had loved the first one, Jewels of the Sun. The second installment, Tears of the Moon, didn't live up to Ms. Roberts' reputation for warm likeable characters. Unfortunately, for the second time in a row, we have a thoroughly unlikeable heroine. I agree with a previous reviewer who said that Darcy is the "worst sort of money grubber." It seems unrealistic to me for Trevor to believe she'd love him even if he were penniless. Trevor seems to be an okay guy but if he's such a hunk, and rich to boot, why does he feel the need to "buy" her companionship? What saves this book is the charming backdrop of a small Irish village and the rowdy, wonderful Gallagher's Pub. The best parts of the book are the ones where Aidan(the perfect hero, in my opinion) and Jude are in the forefront. Their relationship is so sweet and loving. If this is your first Nora Roberts novel, Heart of the Sea can give you a glimpse of how wonderful her stories are, but she has written far better ones than this.
  
  

• Heart of the Sea

  
  By A1OGPR0AKZ4K7D on 2008-02-25
  Irish Trilogy - Book 3
  
  The conclusion brings Darcy to the forefront. She is restless working and singing the family pub. She longs for an exciting better life and wants the finer things for herself. Darcy comes off as shallow and materialistic.
  
  Trevor Magee is a businessman searching for his Irish roots while building the new theater, and too much of the story was spent on the construction. He is an arrogant flashy, and doesn't mind flaunting it.
  
  These two have to be together for the story to conclude, and for the spirits to be at rest.
  
  
  

• Here it is. The last leg of a beautiful journey.

  
  By AQ7V1UO19U1N9 on 2002-07-13
  Back to Ardmore we go. Two couples down. One more to hitch. If it can be managed Prince Carrick and Lady Gwen Fitzgerald will finally be able to spend eternity together as they were meant to, basking forever in the love that first touched and ignited their hearts 300 years back (YAY! :) )
  What more can be said? Aidan is more in love with Jude than ever and Shawn and Brenna finally realized their own happiness together. These two couples show that it's really wonderful that love can be so strong, last for such a time, and make lives so rich as it grows stronger day by day. All the humor and scenic color and flavor of the other two books in this series is back in Heart Of The Sea. The spice is back with a vengeance too. (Keep your tongues in your mouths! :D)
  When we last left our band of merry heroes and heroines there was discussion of expanding Gallagher's pub. Now that plan gets put into full action. Enter Trevor Magee, a New York businessman who goes RIGHT after whatever he wants and pulls no punches to get it. He is, unlike his grandfather, very sentimental about his roots in Ireland and wants to go back to Ardmore to build a theater. Gallagher's pub and Trevor's theater seem like a match made in Heaven, and so they are.
  Naturally after seeing her two happy go lucky brothers fall willing and happy victim to love's sweet embrace, Darcy begins to wonder "Where's mine?" (Don't worry sweetheart, he's flying in from New York today at 10. :D)
  Another reviewer mentioned that she loved that Lady Gwen spoke more in this book. I have to agree. It was nice to get her opinion on things and have her tell her story. I love the fact also that through MUCH debate and heated discussion with some good-humoured banter thrown in, we learn that despite being materalistic Darcy Gallagher is in fact a much deeper and very tender woman that really only wants to be loved for who she is as a woman and a person. I love how both she AND Trevor are able to go after thier dream but through their passionate "battles" and talks and more they learn that love is FAR more important to life than ambition. I was really struck by Darcy's line "Do you think I'm so small of heart that I can't love where there isn't gain". VERY powerful stuff. Kudos.
  I love and adore the fact that this book (and this entire series) shows the world that love indeed can and does conquer everything, that it barrels right through obstacles, even if it has to chip away at them bit by bit to get the job done. The job WILL and DOES get done. The final reunion between Prince Carrick and Lady Gwen Fitzgerald warmed my heart and brought a smle to my face, along with tears to my eyes.
  In short this is a lovely story and a fitting conclusion to a great trilogy of books. A love story with lots of spice but not too graphic. It is more poetic than lewd or explicit. It just makes you feel good to pick up and read. It transports back to a place and time where love really is the strongest "magic" that exists. I loved this book and series, and I hope you can grow to love it too. Peace. God bless you.
  
  
• It would have been wonderful
  By AKGGLH3S5TNNI on 2000-12-15
  Darcy Gallagher is a woman who knows exactly what she wants. She wants fame. She wants fortune. She wants a man to provide it for her. And she makes it clear to everyone that she will get that. With her beauty and her charm, which are balanced by an inordinate amount of pride and arrogance, Darcy oversees the service at her family's pub. She is not simply a barmaid. She is so much more. Trevor Magee can see that. Aside from her beauty and her arrogance, which fascinate him to no end, he sees a market for her stunningly rich voice. He could make her famous. He knows it's what she wants. But as the two struggle with and indulge in the attraction they bear for one another, they come to realize that what they say they want is not their true hearts' desire. As if being confused by their unexpected feelings for each other is not enough, a faerie prince is pulling all the strings he can to make sure they fulfill their part of the legend.

  This conclusion to Nora Roberts' Waterford trilogy is wonderfully written where style comes into play. Although some of the dream sequences are a little too trite, she has integrated them well into a solidly written story and the legend she has created for these characters. Because the legend of Carrick and Gwen has stretched across the two preceding stories, Roberts' audience has come to care for them as if they were main characters themselves. I was somewhat disappointed with her treatment of them overall simply because I felt they were shortchanged in the end. In addition, Darcy Gallagher was a character that elicited a mixed reaction from me, most of which was unfavorable. Though I appreciated her emotional comeuppance, I wasn't quite sure what she brought to the relationship though it remains clear the part she played in fulfilling the legend. The best part of this story, however, is Trevor Magee. When he comes to Ireland, he is a man with the supposedly linear purpose of building his theater. But what Darcy and the reader soon learn of Trevor is that behind the successful businessman lies a man who is in search of his roots. When Trevor opens himself up to the community of Ardmore, he opens himself up to the possibility of its magic as well. And in pushing aside his initial distance, Trevor becomes more a part of that community than he ever anticipated. Most of all, he is to be admired for loving Darcy despite the fact that she deliberately, and continuously, misrepresents herself and expects him to understand her in spite of it.
  
  

• Conclusion to a delightful series
  By ARK63JEZGNMNU on 2000-12-30
  JEWELS OF THE SUN, the first book in the "enchanting" trilogy by Nora Roberts, was the first Nora Roberts book I ever read. It hooked me on her books very quickly, and it's a great plus that she writes them fairly quickly. HEART OF THE SEA is truly enchanting, as it says on the cover. The magic is more evident in this last installment: in the first book, Gwen was only seen, in the second (TEARS OF THE MOON) she spoke to Brenna, now, finally, Gwen actually sticks around to have conversations. It was very rewarding to finally get to hear her side of the romance with Carrick. And speaking of Carrick, he is as charming and impatient as ever!

  I was also pleased that Roberts developed Darcy's character to be more than her materialistic traits that appeared prevalent in the pervious books. She is a caring and talented woman who is unafraid of going after what she wants, but she is vulnerable as well, which makes her more human and even more likable. Trevor is the perfect match for her. He, too, goes after what he wants with single-minded determination, which is why it's so great to watch the sparks fly between him and Darcy.

  The secondary characters are back in force as well. Jude and Aidan's relationship is stronger than ever, and it is wonderful to see Jude's tremendous growth in confidence since JEWELS OF THE SUN. I confess to being a little disappointed in Brenna and Shawn; I expected them to bicker and snap good-naturedly as they did before they got married, but becoming husband and wife seems to have made them a little *too* sappy -- despite this, it was still nice to visit with them again.

  HEART OF THE SEA and its predecessors are lighthearted and uplifting throughout, and I came away as fulfilled as I have with any book by Roberts. Any fan of Roberts will appreciate this book; first-time readers, start this series at the beginning, but by all means, read it.
  
  

• Heart of the Sea
  By A2VM7IV80HFJZK on 2000-12-08
  I am going against the reviews here. I thought the ending seemed rushed. First off, I hated Darcy and all that she stood for. Nora did a great job with her character because I did despise her. Trevor is too weak though. When Darcy was asked by Trevor to show him the local attractions and she told him he would have to pay her in order for that to happen. He should have dumped her then and there. She was nothing but the worst form of money grubber. The ending with Carrick and Gwen was what I was waiting for and it was really played down. I expected more about them, rather than the a-typical ride off into the sunset with not a word more.
  
  
• Nice conclusion to a nice series
  By A2GO2DPX0E1NFN on 2001-01-12
  I think I've read everything Nora Roberts has written. I am amazed that this woman can be so prolific and yet manages to avoid being stale. This is the third book of the Faerie trilogy set in Ireland. It tells the story of the last Gallagher sibling, Darcy and her relationship with Irish-American entrepreneur Trevor McGee. It also concludes the saga of Carrick and Gwen.

  Is this book a tad formulaic? Yes. If you've read any of her other trilogies such as her "Born In..." series or her "...Dream" series, you could pretty much tell how this trilogy would unfold. But that doesn't detract from the feeling of story well told after you've finished the series. Darcy is he kind of a heroine I always wanted to have when used to read Harlequins or Silhouette romances. She is determined, ambitious and has a strong sense of herself. She is sexy and sexual. And she is unabashedly in love with her family. My biggest quibble with this book is that I felt Darcy's character overshadowed Trevor's. I kept asking myself "Why would she love him except that he is handsome and has money?" I didn't get the sense of satisfaction from their relationship the way I did with Jude/Aidan or Brenna/Shawn. My biggest praise of this book, and especially of this series, is that the sense of family and familial feeling is really strong. That is always a strong point in Nora Roberts' books and this one is no different. A nice conclusion to a fine series.
  
  

• Paperback Pulp
  By A287AT20N7YAG3 on 2001-01-15
  What a farce! The vocabulary would barely challenge a sixth grader. The plot is painfully predictable. Weary idioms are everywhere-p.145..."I'll talk to Magee again and see just what's up his sleeve". The intimate scenes are ridiculous-p.187..."His mouth was savaging hers". Savaging?! Roberts certainly doesn't lack for words. Try p.315..."A storm hovered over the village, marching down from the northeast to camp on the border as an army digs in for a siege". What?! And then there are gross lines like-p342..."the baby shot out, a slick bullet, into his hands, and already wailing". But the worst is the profanity. When is someone going to 'blow the whistle' on all the profanity? It's totally unnecessary, not politically correct and, in this case, an insult to the Irish....
  
  
• Roberts' Ireland Trilogy Part 3
  By A2HR1Y2FK5KTWM on 2001-08-10
  Nora Roberts' talent for writing dramatic, exciting romance novels resurfaced in *Heart of the Sea*, the final installment in the Ireland trilogy. The male Gallagher siblings' have already been paired off in books one and two, leaving sister Darcy wide open for the next lusty affair. But Darcy, a sharp minded and sharp tongued waitress, expects more than a kiss and some flowers: she desires a man of wealth, adventure, and well, more wealth.

  Enter Trevor Magee, the rich American who has plans to build a theater next to the ever popular Gallagher Pub. Magee's goals in Ireland are simply to do his job and do his job well. Romance is not in the cards, however, for Trevor has only recently split up with his fiancé back in New York. But the moment Darcy and Trevor see one another, sparks fly.

  With the interfering assistance of Carrick, the fairy prince once refused by the beautiful maiden, Gwen, Darcy and Trevor search for a future together. But only those in the heavens know if they will truly find happiness.
  
  

• Good ending to the series, but a few missteps...
  By A2GRQU28GFOXLT on 2000-12-14
  I've read all three books and enjoyed them greatly. The characters are all well drawn and the interaction between them is terrific. I only had a few quibbles. I thought that the initial meeting between Darcy and Trevor was contrived. How many American's named Trevor are going to be on the building crew? How many men named Trevor do *you* know? (G). It's not a common name. Ms. Roberts would have done better to give him some family nickname he could have given Darcy without lying about what he was called. That entire scene was an insult to Darcy's intelligence.

  The ending! I was so happy that Carrick and Lady Gwen got together, but just riding off into the sunset was dissapointing in the extreme. After cheering for them through three books, I expected some kind of 'show' when they got back together. Sort of a la Ladyhawke. Not the same, but certianly more drama/melodrama. After all (G), we're talking about Ireland, Ghosts, and a Prince of the Faeries here!

  Still in all a great read. If it weren't for those two things, which bothered me a lot, I would have given this book five stars.
  
  

• Finally, a break from the norm!
  By on 2000-12-20
  I've read some of the other reviews and have my own theory as to why there is such a conflict among readers. Ms. Roberts has broken away from her normal heroines, those who need something that they were missing; loving parents, self-confidence, loving relationships. Darcy has it all, a loving family, self-confidence that falls just shy of overabundance, a healthy happy life. She likes men and sex and isn't afraid to take what she likes. She also likes money, and admit it, whom among us doesn't? Most fictional heroines just don't acknowledge this need. Altruism is their motto. Frankly, that just wears thin. This was a refreshing change of pace, and I hope that Ms. Roberts continues in this vein for some time.

  The only fault I could find with this book was the lack of story that dealt with Carrick and Gwen. They were barely mentioned, and then only as an afterthought to the general plot. Hopefully Ms. Roberts will see her way to telling their story, before during and after this trilogy.
  
  

• laughable
  By AB9R0IX816BC8 on 2001-01-18
  oh but this was bad. so horridly awful. what does this say about the reader if we're willing to croon over this?

  i've come to the conclusion that nora roberts is a one woman factory out of touch with the real world. she tries to get into our heads, even uses random entertainment references and profanity. only, these two "literary devices" are so arbitrary that it's laughable; kind of like when a parent will listen to "that music" to connect with the kids. also, every turn of event is so formulaic that it hurts. easy way to make a trilogy: get siblings, give them quirky "differences," and make them have to fall in love.

  the characters: i swear i've read this book before. the characters are based on concepts, and are therefore not people. there is nothing in either darcy or her love interest that make them human. everything they say, do, wear, is all to support their image of " suave business man who must find heart" and "power hungry small town girl who must find heart." the characters from the previous two books are boiled down to where every action or advice they offer is perfect because they've "found love."

  the love scenes: laughable. roberts must have a highlighted thesaurus somewhere because she uses the same words over and over again. "ravish... crush... taste... feast..." hilarious. passion isn't always a feast. it was kind of like the lite porn on cinemax; i was waiting for the airbrushing and the smooth jazz.

  and ireland: generic. ruins, stupid ghosts, green, pubs, clever old people. where's the leperchaun?! really, if you want a good story set in ireland, read some maeve binchy. if you want some winged horse and didactic lessons in love that are so painfully obvious yet never happen in real life, read this novel. buy a thesaurus.
  
  

• Not One of My Favorites
  By A32KDVGMCJLQME on 2001-02-21
  You don't need me to tell the you the story in this, the third of her stories about the life and loves the Gallagher siblings. That has been done very well by the other reviewers. I just want to add to the reviews by saying that, as a Nora Roberts fan, this one was one of my least favorites. The first book of this trilogy captured my imagination with the use of the ghosts and legend and their impact on the main charaters' lives, but with each of the successive books, the story got weaker and weaker. I can't get a handle on my dismay with this book, but suffice it to say that when I finished, all I could say was to my friends and fellow romance readers, "Oh well -- whatever." Not my usual, "you've gotta buy this one!" Trust me, you can wait to borrow it from a friend.
  
  
• Darcy is a vain money grabber with no real brains!
  By on 2001-05-25
  I'm sorry to have to say this, as I really like Nora's books, so it's upsetting when I have to write a review like this.

  Nora, what were you thinking??

  The first two books were fantastic, especially the second one Tears of the Moon.

  All Darcy thinks and dreams about is money, money, and ooops money some more. There's no harm in wanting to be successful in life, but she's waiting for a rich guty to come along so she can marry him. To all the independent ladies out there - how pathetic! Go out there and make your bread and butter.

  She would have been an extremely likable character if she was more into becoming successful throuth her own hard work. And as for Nora trying to make out she has a brain, yeah right, that waw just added to make her have a bit of character because she has none.

  Nora, next time make your female characters the way you normally do please, none of this vain money hungry types. i believe the majority of us women out there prefer characters like Brenna, and Tess from Montana Sky - a good read.

  I suggest to anyone buying this book to ignore it and just read the other first two. Or at least get it from a library so you won't have to waste good money.

  The only reason I have given this 2 stars is because I really like the male character, apart from that, that's it.

  No repeat performances please Nora!!
  
  

• The conclusion to the Gallagher trilogy
  By A13KQYPEFE3R90 on 2002-10-03
  Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
  
  Darcy is the youngest of the Gallagher siblings and the only one still looking for happily-ever-after. She is a small town girl with big city dreams. She swears she will only marry a rich man who can give her the exotic life she has always longed for. She believes in fate and magic and faery legends, but who wouldn't when living a life in the small Irish town of Ardmore, where legends are a matter of course?
  
  Trevor Magee is an Irishman who was raised in the US by his exceedingly practical parents. He comes to Ardmore to build a theatre, and learn more about his family history and what caused them to abandon their roots. He is happy to meet the Gallagher clan and is brought into their fold. When he first sees Darcy in a window, he is fascinated by her beauty and is determined to get to know her.
  
  Trevor and Darcy are mutually attracted and agreeable to having a fling. Darcy has no interest in love, only money and fame; Trevor doesn't believe in love, but is willing to shower Darcy with riches and adventure. The more they are together, the more they are drawn to each other, until their agreement is no longer enough. With the help of Carrick the faery prince and his lady love who is now a ghost, maybe Trevor and Darcy will come together and realize their real dreams are in fact each other.
  
  This conclusion to the Gallagher trilogy is definitely not the best of the three. It is in fact, extremely disappointing. Darcy is very shallow, caring only about money and fame and flaunting them both. When she was a minor character in the other two books, this was tolerable, when she is the heroine, it is annoying. All through the story, she made it very clear to Trevor that was all she wanted from him, nothing more. Until she started to fall in love with him... Then suddenly she gets angry when that is all he is giving her, though she never told him her feelings had changed and that she now wanted more. She expected him to be a mind reader and got mad when he wasn't. Her only saving grace is her love for her family. It is obvious how much she cares about them and is evident she would do anything for them. Trevor tries hard to meet her desires, even when he comes to realize he wants more then her gratitude. He goes out of his way to accommodate what she had originally desired and is confused when she isn't happy with that anymore. Trevor is seen for the good man he is, all the way to the end, but Darcy never redeems herself, in this reviewer's opinion.
  
  Also disappointing was the conclusion of the underlying story woven throughout the entire trilogy...the story of Carrick and Gwen. They both only played minor roles in all three books, but the reader comes to love them both and hope for the curse placed by Carrick, in a moment of sorrow and anger, to be broken. Much build-up to their story's conclusion was given, and more was expected then was granted. Their saga's end is brushed over, added almost as an afterthought, where this reviewer would have liked to see a better climactic ending.
  
  © Kelley A. Hartsell, July 2002. All rights reserved.
  
  
• #3 Of the Series, Bigger and Better
  By A6BBR19SSNS4K on 2005-10-22
  Prince Carrick and Lady Gwen, supernatural star-crossed lovers, have a curse upon them. If three siblings can fall in love they can be reunited through death and time. Aidan Gallagher and Jude Francis (Jewels of the Sun) were pretty easy, Shawn Gallagher and Brenna O'Toole (Tears of the Sun) proved more challenging, but Carrick ain't seen nuthin' yet when it comes to directing the lives of mortals.
  
  Darcy Gallagher, witchy and beautiful, shallow and classy, has a beautiful singing voice, a capable manner, and a stunningly practical heart that doesn't want to ever be tied down.
  
  One look at her and prodigal son Trevor Magee is smitten. Back in town to build a theater, lured there by Darcy's brother Shawn's immense singing/songwriting talent, he is staying in lady Gwen's old cottage and sees her ghost nightly. He knows the tales and isn't fazed, not even when a petulant Carrick chews him out for moving too slowly.
  
  However, fiercely independent Darcy wants no part in falling in love, losing control, and marrying. She knows how to handle most rich men but gorgeous Trevor is too hot to handle, and her games are child's play to him.
  
  They clash and have brilliant dialogue, the sexual tension is just delicious. The supernatural characters, most notably Carrick, seem so real and are brilliantly written.
  
  This book is about destiny in part, but most of all it is about the beauty and purity of love, how it scares us all. It can tear you apart and make you whole, the greatest adventure in life. Watching Trevor and Darcy take the ride is enthralling.
  
  As a stand-alone this novel is delectable, but as the conclusion to a brilliant trilogy it is a must-not-miss novel by the accomplished master, Nora Roberts, of all things love and Irish.
  
  
• Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy by Nora Roberts
  By A1B80KXW5HQ7W4 on 2007-02-16
  Do you believe in fairies? Do you have a fondness for the Emerald Isle? Do you believe in true love? You will after reading this enchanting trilogy by Nora Roberts. Thank goodness I purchased all three books at the same time as I couldn't wait for the pages to turn. The characters are so endearing, I often felt that I was inside Gallagher's pub or walking with them over the green hills of Ireland on a "soft" day.
  
  
  
  
• the best yet
  By A1ADA74RT8Z0RG on 2000-12-29
  this book is by far the best of all three. it tied in all of the loose ends of the first and second books, and it was a good ending for carrick and lady gwen. nora roberts is an inspiring author... although this may be considered a trashy romance by some, it captures all the magic and myth of ireland. i credit her for sparking my interest in ireland. i have fallen in love with the country, and i believe her books have made me all the more interested in the legends and myths and fairy tales of this magical place, where ghosts and faeries are something to be believed in and relied upon. i thank her for that.

  roberts has a solid, well-written story all through the trilogy. she also has a talent for capturing feelings and translating them into words that few people have. i am thoroughly pleased by the outcome of the three books.
  
  

• Great Final to the Gallagher Family!!
  By AICL9EYP1ATML on 2001-06-21
  I have just finished reading the final book to Nora Roberts Irish Trilogy: "Heart of the Sea" was my favorite of all three. All three were wonderful tales of love and trust, 1st to trust in oneself, 2nd to see the beauty within, and 3rd being "finding one's own true hearts desire", unexpectedly of course. Darcy was the most exciting of characters from the Gallagher family and I was immediately drawn to Trevor and his self assured ways. It was no surprise that these two would fall hard and create such a steamy romance. It was the excitement and energy that the two brought to the table that left me absolutely breathless time and again. The Gallagher Family Trilogy: "Jewel of the Sun" and "Tears of the Moon" where all wonderful in themselves, but "Heart of the Sea" captured me and made me love the Gallagher's Family Final encore. A++
  
  
• Disappointing To Say The Least.... (Sorry, Mrs R.)
  By on 2004-04-01
  The first two books in this series were absolutely fantastic, but this one was boring, and didn't show Darcy in a very good light. Darcy was pretentious, superficial, and was obsessed with greed; fine clothes, nice house, that sort of thing, which had to be the best. She completely overshadowed Trevor, who should have shined here. There's no one better than Nora Roberts, this one just didn't measure up.
  
  
• 300 Years Apart and Still No Sensuality!
  By A2E9Q3T876TQ6C on 2005-03-19
  In Jewels of the Sun and Tears of the Moon, we were treated to a glimpse of life in Ardmore, Ireland and exactly what that life entailed if you were a Gallagher. I followed Jude and Adain's love story in the first book and was hooked on this trilogy. Then came the story of Shawn and Brenna and I continued to be enthralled. (I've written reviews on both of these books). But I have to say, that even though I enjoyed the first two, I was anxiously awaiting the story of free-spirited Darcy Gallagher, and the outcome of the love shared between a faerie prince and the love he lost. Ok, so it sounds a bit hokey but what can I say, I'm a romantic!
  
  Heart of the Sea is the finale of the Faerie Tale Trilogy and focuses on the youngest Gallagher and only female, Darcy. Darcy is beautiful and has quite the singing voice, as do all of the Gallaghers. I wonder if it doesn't go hand-in-hand with growing up working and owning an Irish pub. Darcy wants to see the world and wants more out of life than what Ardmore can offer. When wealthy American builder Trevor Magee comes to town, there is instant sparks between the two of them.
  
  It seems that Trevor's Irish roots have drawn him back to Ireland (or some say it's fate) and he wants to build a theater behind the Gallagher pub. It's not an easy battle - the theater nor his attraction for Darcy, but Trevor decides that both are worth his time and energy.
  
  When Trevor hears Darcy sing, he's amazed and has his company offer her a recording contract. It's everything she wants and will enable her to see the world, but at what costs? She's torn between the music that has always been a special part of her life, and the man that she loves.
  
  But don't forget the three centuries old spell that needs to be broken in order for Carrick, Prince of the Faeries, to be able to claim his lost love, Gwen. Carrick has two of the three requirements met and just needs Darcy to fall for Trevor in order to finally break the hex.
  
  The plot line is a simple romance, with a little made-up mythology thrown in. The book is an easy read and enjoyable, but not without a few bumps along the way. I found the scenes between Gwen and Trevor a bit more than I could handle. It was very sugarcoated and make-believe type stuff. Whereas the scenes in the first two novels were a little more believable, if you can believe in faeries and curses.
  
  When the story leaves Ardmore and has Darcy and Trevor traveling it took some of the charm away from the tale. One thing that Nora Roberts does well is write about Ireland (read her Born In series to understand her love for the country and the Irish people) and she shouldn't try to deviate from it in a series about Ireland!
  
  I was also a bit disappointed with the ending. Not with the Darcy and Trevor ending, as anyone could predict that outcome, but with the faerie tale ending. It was anticlimactic and I felt let down. There were fireworks, of course, but I expect so much more. After all, Carrick and Gwen had been apart for three hundred years - how about some sensual embraces or something!
  
  Overall it was enjoyable and not mind-boggling. Heart of the Sea is a perfect book to take on vacation with you - it can be put down easily and won't interfere with your site-seeing plans.
  
  
  
• My Favorite Trilogy
  By A1JSPW57WXLZBW on 2007-06-01
  I was recently introduced to Nora Roberts through her In the Garden Trilogy, which I only enjoyed two of the three. Since then, I have jumped head first into reading her books and have experienced quite a few enjoyable reads, both through individual books and trilogies. On a whim, I picked up these three books and, within days, I was finished with the third book. This would have to be my favorite of all her series and by the end of the third book, I was wishing that I hadn't gone through them so fast. The Gallagher family was a blast to read and I enjoyed everything from their family dynamic, to their pub and also the Irish setting. I've already passed them off to a co-worker and am looking forward to reading them again. Roberts also made me fall in love with Ireland through her wonderfully described setting and Irish tales. Highly recommended reading!
  
  
• Fitting End to a Terrific Trilogy
  By AUCDQ0SM9SS8V on 2000-12-06
  In this, the third installment, of Nora Roberts' latest trilogy set in the Emerald Isle, the last of the Gallagher Clan meets her match!

  If you like your heroines strong, independent, and feisty, you're going to love Darcy Gallagher! Determined she'd marry a man of wealth who can give her the world on a silver platter, Darcy has her hands full taming American, Trevor. For, while the sparks of attraction are definitely there, these two equally matched, strong willed individuals have determined there's to be no form of permanence between them. No demands.

  Trouble is, Darcy and Trev each lose their heart to the other and don't want to be the first to admit it. But without that admission and acceptance, a 300 year old curse can never be reversed and true love that has been waiting centuries can never be realized.

  This, as with the first two novels in this series, are pure Irish magic. Smooth as Irish whiskey, Roberts' words are a dream to read. Her characters come alive and you can just lose yourself in the magic!

  Don't miss this marvelously crafted novel!
  
  

• Wonderful...........
  By on 2000-12-08
  This final (Sigh) book in the Gwen & Carrick saga is as warm as the fire at Gallagher's Pub. We all know from the beginning of the book how it will end, but all the fun is in getting there! It's like being part of a large loving affectionate family. You come away from this book smiling.......and VERY satisfied.

  Well written characters and enchanting descriptions of Ireland. It made me want to be on the next flight out!
  
  

• Not as good as the other two
  By A2XRAHH2EI3EMM on 2000-12-20
  I'd marked the date for the release of Heart of the Sea on my calendar months before it came out. I have to admit, I had to make myself finish it. As predicted, it was about Darcy Gallagher and Trevor McGhee, the third set of love birds who have to get together to reunite Carrick and Gwen. If you don't get sick of hearing how beautiful Darcy is and get the impression that she knows it, you're probably skimming too fast. Darcy is a gold digger and the most materialistic barmaid in Ireland and she ain't ashamed to admit it.... on about every page. The book's all about how Carrick works his magic to bring the last of the Gallagher clan to their true love. There's some of the same sexual tension you read in the previous two books with some singing and shopping thrown in. Perhaps the best scene is when Jude's baby is born. Even then, though, Darcy comes across like a greedy twit. As other reviewers have said, you expect more from Ghost Gwen and Fairie Carrick in the end rather than the "ride off into the sunset on a winged horse," especially after three books of buildup, but they get about a paragraph on the last page. Not nearly as good as the second book which wasn't nearly as good as the first, but Nora loves those trilogies!
  
  
• You'll be sad to see the Gallaghers go!
  By ACV35SEOG56CY on 2000-12-24
  I sure was sad to see them leave. When I held _Heart of the Sea_ in my hands at the bookstore, I had mixed feelings running through me... a part of me wanted to rush up to the counter slap some money into the cashier's hand and then rush home and gobble it up. Another part of me wanted to carefully set the book cak down and walk away so that I would have a part of Ardmore waiting for me for as long as I liked. In a way, it seemed to me that buying _Heart of the Sea_ was like sealing it's fate. As soon as I bought it, it would be like saying good bye to a cherished friend. It seemed as if I bought _Heart of the Sea_ I would be sending the Gallaghers away, for their story would end. If this little battle is going on inside you, put an end to it right now. _Heart of the Sea_ was worth the wait and Nora Roberts once more delivers many hours of pleasurable reading.

  Travel again to the little town of Ardmore, a place of love, magic and faeries. Meet up with the Gallaghers, two of them happily married. Aidan and Jude are two peas in a pod, or should I say three, as the Jude you'll meet in here is a very pregnant Jude. Shawn and Brenna still have their arguments about their future, but the love between them is obvious. And then there's Darcy, the wild Gallagher. What about her? She's always said she wanted to land a rich husband, but when the wealthy Trevor Magee comes to the sleepy little town to build his theater, is it Darcy's dream come true?

  Trevor is drawn to Ardmore because of his past. His roots are sunk into the little town, and when he visits, he finds that it is the perfect spot to build a theater. And, Darcy Gallagher might not be a bad thing to amuse himself with. She's gorgeous, intelligent, and talanted. The two are attracted to each other, and it seems like it will be the perfect relationship as the two of them are determined that they are not capable of love. But, as the days progress, they do fall in love. Can they both sacrifice their pride to admit it?

  I loved _Heart of the Sea_. I've been waiting for it ever since the end of the last book. Oh, if only all waiting was rewarded this sweetly! In the last books of the Ardmore trilogy, we got to know Darcy, and many people came to think of her as a brat. In _Heart_, you get inside Darcy's head, and realize that she's not the selfish person you once thought. Trevor was definitely a good match for her, and they both play very nicely off each other. Nora Roberts did a very good job of fleshing him out and making him come alive. It was very entertaining to watch them interact.

  In the previous books of the Ardmore trilogy, Ms. Roberts captures the essence of Ireland. She's captured it in _Heart_ also, but she's got something else too. Music. Nora Roberts has grasped the heart of music and stuck it into this book. It's amazing. You can almost hear it. The swells, the cries, it's all here. Her writing talant shines and it will capture you.

  The only thing that disapointed me about _Heart of the Sea_ was the lack of ending between Carrik and Gwen. They are the underlying rythum of these books, and when their spell is finally put to an end, there's not very much attention put to it. But, it's not enough to ruin the book. All in all, _Heart of the Sea_ is a fantastic read, and I can't wait to visit the Gallaghers again soon. Buying this book doesn't put an end to the trilogy. No, it's just the begining.
  
  

• Excellent!
  By A31DCHMMMVDGGF on 2001-01-15
  I really enjoyed Heart of the Sea and found the story of Darcy and Trevor both interesting and fun. I do however think that their characters were not as fleshed out as they could have been and I wasn't quite as into their romance as I was with the first two. It seemed a little something was missing, perhaps it was the materialistic aspect of both of them that made them slightly less likable. I loved the interactions of Prince Carrick and Lady Gwen and wished there could have been a little more focus on their finally coming together at the end. I am sad to come to the end of the series, I think it is some of Nora's best work yet. The first "Jewels of the Sun" and second "Tears of the Moon" were an absolute pleasure to read. Although Heart may not be my favorite of the three I still enjoyed it very much. In this trilogy I think the story of Shawn and Brenna in "Tears of the Moon" ranks as the best of the bunch but they are all in good company. I highly recommend the series!
  
  
• Great Trilogy....Gotta Love Those Irish!!
  By A39CV1TL679NWY on 2001-01-21
  Heart of the Sea is the final book in Nora Roberts Irish trilogy. It is a great read, and even better series. In this book Darcy Gallagher, the only Gallagher sibling yet to find love, meets Trevor Mcgee. Trevor is in Adamore, the quaint Irish village, to build a music theater, which will be part of the Gallagher Pub. Darcy has always dreamed of marrying rich, and of course Trevor is loaded. Their relationship starts as a cat and mouse game, but evolves into something neither of them expects....love. Darcy doesn't want to admit she loves Trevor for fear that he doesn't feel the same way. While Trevor doesn't want to express his feelings because he thinks Darcy just wants what his money can buy. Of course Gwen and Carrick are there to help them, as they themselves want Darcy and Trevor to unite, to break the century old spell against their love. Heart of the Sea touches base with the rest of the family: Aidan and preganant Jude, Shawn and Brenna, and of course the rest of the pub gang. I have to say that out of the three books this one was a little slower. It seemed as if Darcy wasn't portrayed the same as she was in the first two books. Not that I didn't love the book, it was still good, as it connected with the rest of the series, it just seemed to lack something between Darcy and Trevor. The whole trilogy is a definte read. All in all you gotta love those Irish!!
  
  

• Tears of the Moon
• Jewels of the Sun: The Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy #1 (Irish Trilogy)
• Face the Fire (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)
• Heaven and Earth (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)
• Dance upon the Air (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)