Journal Entry 1 by Sidney1220 from McLean, Virginia USA on Saturday, February 16, 2008

Received from pbs.
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From Publishers Weekly
After three boys accidentally awaken an ancient evil near their small Maryland town, the tight-knit community finds itself lost to a Stephen King–style plague of madness and destruction for a week every seven years. Twenty-one years later, those three boys, now grown, are hoping to find a way to stop the evil before its third return, which may mean the end of the town; they don't know much about the anomalies, but they do know that [e]very time it gets stronger. This time, the town is graced by author Quinn Black, eager to document the paranormal mystery. When two more women arrive—one an associate of Quinn's, the other led to town by strange visions—the circle of six decide to face the oncoming apocalypse together. Hyperprolific bestseller Roberts frontloads her story with drama and endearing characters (especially in Quinn and bowling alley owner Caleb Hawkins), but an abundance of exposition and domestic concerns (protagonists decorate a house, trade banter and pair off predictably) slow the plot significantly. Though future volumes are sure to pick up, this trilogy kickoff suffers from a dearth of twists and little payoff; fans of the brisk, colorful Roberts style will enjoy the ride, though probably not as much as they'd expect. (Dec.)
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Journal Entry 2 by Sidney1220 from McLean, Virginia USA on Sunday, March 30, 2008

Finally, a book I couldn't put down. This new series is very similar to her Morrigan's Cross series, but the same thing that worked there also worked here. Nora Roberts has a knack for weaving tales involving ancient folklores, and I couldn't wait to find out what the connection the 3 women has to the town of Hawkin's Hollow, and how they're going to overcome the evil that has plagued the town for 21 years.

What I couldn't get too excited about was the central romance. Like all of the NR books I've read, the romanced was tepid and lacked steam. There was too much talking where every aspect of the relationship is analyzed to death- in a way this is good because it prevents any big misunderstanding from happening; but on the other hand it also contributes to a dearth of conflict or tension that makes a good romance. I can understand why some readers equate Nora Robert romances to comfort food - it's pleasant but do not tax your emotions over much. Unfortunately, I prefer my romance with a little more angst than what is usually offered by Ms. Roberts.

All in all, a good paranormal/mystery read. But look elsewhere if you're looking for a good romantic read.