Romance in a Marriage? *spoilers*

When I started reading this series I had no idea that this series would continue from book to book with the same couple. I have to admit that once I finished book one and two I thought that their story was finished. I didn't believe that the author would keep me interested enough in the adventures on a single couple's marriage to continue reading.
Much to my shock I am forced to admit I was very wrong.

As a reader of romance novels I am used to each and every story coming to a neat and happy ending at the close of each book. It's romance, right? I want to read about that first meeting, the courtship, their happy ending. Why, in God's name, would I want to read about a marriage. What's romantic about that? The same couple from book to book? Believe me if someone would have told me that's this series is about one couple I wouldn't have picked it up.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not against, the sacrament of, institution of, contract of, or whatever you wish to call it, marriage. I'm married. Though I am very happy in my marriage from time to time looking at the world from a married woman's point of view. The word romance isn't the first thing that pops into one's mind at the mention of husband. Argument happen, some worse then others, reconciliation, compromises and sacrifices are made. All these things come to mind when I think of marriage not romance. Is there romance in marriage? Yea, sure... But most often it's overlooked. With THAT BIT said I should mention the book and I'll just touch lightly just so I won't spoil too much. *wink*

I've never read such a beautiful reunion of a couple... Ever! It gave me goose bumps and that doesn't happen with me at all, believe me. Not only that, but with the other side of the coin have I ever read a couple's anger toward each other rise to a point until you think they might not recover.

Gabaldon liked to put little bombshells in her stories. By bombshell I mean little tidbits of information that are over looked until it's stepped on like a land mind! Blowing the story wide open and letting the character bits fall where they may!

The series, so far, is rich in character, backdrop, adventure, history, details, details, details and... Oh yes romance too.

Oh, and FYI did I mention this story is epic? Yea, there are a lot of pages and a lot of details but its organized really well and doesn't leave your head spinning. Her historical facts are so on point that historical fans like me will totally get their history geek on by being steeped in this story. By the end of the book you'll be exhausted.

It's so worth it...

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4 people found this helpful

The only audio books that was professional

Loved it. I got all of them am believe if she is sick to death of this story that there is more room for several books. The down side is that these books were extremely hard to read & if I didnt have audio I would not know the story.

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2 people found this helpful

One thing really ticked me off!

Audio-book: Narrator – Davina Porter

Another excellent performance. However, this time I did struggle with some of the new accents/characters that were introduced. No matter how much I slowed the speed there were times I just could not understand what was being said. That’s one of the problems when listening rather than reading.


I was hesitant about continuing with the series, knowing that Jamie and Claire have been separated for twenty years. That kind of situation leads to circumstances that I’m not a fan of, and yes, that was exactly the case here and even worse! However, I trudged through the grime of it all – reminding myself that in “real” life this is pretty much what would happen…well, if anyone could travel two hundred years back in time. Once this couple are reunited and they struggle through the awkwardness of that reunion, I found myself to be a happy reader again. And oh my lord! This couple are still just as deeply involved in danger and intrigue as they ever were. When are they going to learn???

In the end, I was glad that I delved further into their story. However, I’m again in question as to whether or not to continue the next as I understand it to be Brianna’s story. Sigh. After all, I’m in this for Jamie and Claire, ya know?

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2 people found this helpful

Worth every minute!

I was reluctant to start this book due to the lenght of over 40 hours. Warning to all, you'd want to listen to the whole saga. Very entertaining, that hours go by and you wish there's even more. Unabridged is definitely the best version.

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2 people found this helpful

Another wonderful addition.

I have been going through every book like water.The story is very engaging. I love the adventure, history and romance. A must read!

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1 person found this helpful

A little slow sometimes

This book was great but a little slow in spots. Just push through because it gets better!

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1 person found this helpful

Did not disappoint

Read the first book then watched seasons 1&2. Decided to listen to book 3 and it picked up right where the show left off. Claire and Jamie do not disappoint in this novel. I appreciate the passion and sensuality they experience, even after 20 years apart. Very well done.

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1 person found this helpful

Just keeps getting better

I know I'm late in coming to the Outlander series but better late than never. My daughter tried to get me to read these books years ago, but I didn't make the effort. Now I'm totally engrossed and must force myself to break away if I want to get anything done. Sometimes I read, sometimes I listen, but the adventures of the people in this world are always in the back of my mind.

Davina Porter does an absolutely stunning job of narrating with each onel of the characters, but it's particularly mesmerizing when it comes to the voice of Jamie. I don't know how she does it, but she makes him come alive in a painfully sexy way and makes you long to hear more, no matter what he's saying. What a thrill to experience Diana Gabaldon's words and Davina Porter's wonderful voice and diction in this beautiful story. It makes you want to hear that lilting Scottish dialect 24/7.

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I'm so in love with these characters!

The transition from one book to another in the series is so effortless and not overdone as is the case oftentimes. Immediately you are reinvested in the storyline, and the characters resume their familiarity with the reader seamlessly. They are so well developed and the dialogue between them is witty, humorous, well timed, and best of all, believable.
The final scenes took me through a myriad of emotions. At times I openly wept, overcome with the rich descriptions of Claire's experience in the waves and Jaime's desperation to keep her with him; I was gasping for breath as if on the character's behalf, and then ultimately rejoicing in their safety and success but most of all reveling in the beautiful tenderness of their love story. To echo Claire's thoughts as she and Jaime waited out the storm in the makeshift shelter in the jungle, I too am sure that with Jaime, she is and always safe and all is right.
Davina Porter is an absolute gift, and brings each character the distinction in voice that they richly deserve.

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Fantastic all around

Great story, wonderful performance from Ms Porter with distinct characters well emoted and I'm downloading the next book now! Loved it!

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