Great little book. It grabbed hold of me and didn't let go until I came to the end. Couldn't wait to read the next in the Three Sister's Island trilogy

I liked nothing about any of the characters.
I didn't find anything good about the heroine and I don't know how could the hero really fall for her. It didn't make sense since he was lusting after Mia almost to the end.

Mia the former best friend of Riply was a wicked witch only without a broom who constantly stabbed Riply in the back by bringing her down in front of Mac.... and supposedly she still loves her friend very much and misses her terribly.....What the hell?

this book called heaven and earth, was a great book, however i recived
2 copies when i ordered only l. your policies make it stupid to return
it from a dollar stand point. this is just a complaint, not a request
for a remedy.

This was and excellent book from a wonderful series. I was sad when I finished reading it!

Ripley Todd is a deputy on Three Sisters, and also a reluctant witch. Nell, Ripley, and Mia are witches that descended from the original three sisters on the island. Eager for some independence and privacy, she plans to rent Mia's cottage, but is upset to learn it is already rented to MacAllister Booke. Ripley is further irritated to find out he is there to do research about witchcraft.

While Ripley is attracted to Mac, she will have to let go of some of her hostilities and past hurt to let him in. With the visions, dreams, and paranormal events that happen when they are together, it is evident they are connected. Ripley will need the help of her sisters to survive the threat that awaits her.

This is Ripley's story of the three and while she is integral, I wasn't very fond of her character. She is abrasive and harsh to everyone. She did grow on me as the story went on.

i can't believe how fast i read this book.. did not want it to end. but i guess i'll have to go and buy the last of the trilogy!! mac and ripley are opposites who do attract and fall in love and are ooh so perfect for each other. i didn't think as some other reviewers thought that she was too whiny or bitchy.. she is my kind of girl.. although her anger gets the best of her at times, she admits when she is completely in the wrong, and faces the music .. and OH MAC, MAC, MAC just understands her in a way that too many men of the real world never do!!!!! sigh.. i'm half in love with both ZACK and MAC!!!

fast read, with fun characters and magic intertwined to make a pretty enjoyable read. this is definitely a keeper..

While I loved the first and the last trilogy book in the series, this one ran cold to me. Ripley could have been created as a character who, although, had grown up independent, tough, and with ambivalence about her powers, revealed some redeeming soft side which would have given her more "believe-ability" with her story line and the readers. she did nothing but B**ch at Mac, showng no civility, let alone warmth. The men I talked to said they would never had been tempted to pursue Ripley even if she was a super hot thing, which in reading did not indicate she was that far over the top to cause a man to lose his brain power anyway (sorry, but that was the consensus: Mia was drop dead, cannot help but stare gorgeous, and Nell was the adorable sweet girl -next-door, everyone loved her). I never saw Mac falling for Ripley. Her character, while moral in seeking justice, did so with a blindness of anger over personal issues. I would have found her more balanced and believable if she had been written with more depth, and more of a history of what happened,(introduced earlier in the story) and why the ambivalence remained with her as an adult. As another reader also mentioned, 10 years of holding a fighting grudge, on such a small island in a tight knit community, is too much to believe (and no one in the community ever noticed it?, or commented on this to Nell,Mac,and Logan? That was hard to believe as well.). In the next installment, she still has her hard edges, and lack of like-ability. when she announced she was pregnant, it was still with a tough tom boy seague. Tough to warm up to...I am glad the other two books carried it through to the conclusion.

As usual, Nora Roberts delivers another excellent series. This series was one of the first Nora Roberts books I discovered.

Since then, and yeah, I'm a guy, and I lift weights, and I'm a straight macho guy, ad nauseum, but I love Nora Robert's writings, I have read thirty five of her books in the last three months.

The ladies at my favorite restaurant enjoy talking to me about Nora Roberts. I have a couple of them reading Nora Roberts and one lady and I are exchanging different copies of her books.

Enjoy this series. It is one of her best. It has the best blend of magic, romance, good plot twists, and strong characterization. Her series creates a desire in you to pick up the atlas and start hunting down the island and it's inhabitants.

And guys...with Nora Roberts you just might gather a little insight into the minds of these amazing female creatures. One hint...bring lots of chocolate and never forget what outfit and scent she wore the first time you met her.

Nora...I'm about to figure you out!

I liked it, but there was less substance to the storyline. The story focuses this time on Ripley. The strong willed deputy. Living with her brother and Nell, Ripley still struggles with coming to terms with the gift she was given and her relationship with Mia. A whole new can of worms is opened. How does Ripley handle threats upon those who she loves? How does she handle something evil brewing inside her? Read it.. its quick!

You can never go wrong with a Nora Roberts romance novel and this is just one more great one in the list.

I enjoyed Dance upon the Air, Nell was a believable and easy to relaate to character, Mia is self-possessed and interesting with a little bit of mystique thrown in. Ripley on the otherhand, I found simply irritating, not so much bitchy as umbelievabley whinny. I understand that Nora Roberts was most likely trying to write her as the 'angry' the one who needed to learn control over her rage, but she came across as mostly whiney and childish. Not an enjoyable read.

I didn't think this book could top the first one, but it was also amazing. Ripley's story is about falling in love, finding yourself, and there's also an amazing battle scene at the end. A definite must read!

Well, I love Nora Roberts, and I really like Dance Upon the Air, but this one I found kind of boring. I love witches, but Ripley seems kind of too-bitchy. I know the bitchy woman and the understanding man is a must have for any romance novel, but this one seems kind of S and M if you know what I mean. But it is worth reading if you want to complete the trilogy, but the Gallaghers of Ardmore is much better.

I think I loved this book as much if not more than I loved 'Dance Upon The Air'. MacAllister Booke aka Mac was the perfect absentminded professor. I loved how he existed in his own little world. He's so rich and so precise yet his work isn't. His findings @ most are nonexistent but the slight percent that he finds keeps him going. I loved and appreciated how Ripley,a woman so practical and down to earth would be attracted to him. She found his klutziness and absentminded nature appealing. She also finds that he brings out the best in her. My favorite of the 2 as you can tell is Mac. He reminds me so much of myself that I couldn't help but love him. Besides Nell and Zack,he's my favorite character.

I love this trilogy. I have always been interested in witches. Nora Roberts' writing flows. You can't wait to read the next one.

This book is #2 in the series and deals with many themes; chick-lit style female friendships, romance, and paranormal.

Ripley Todd, sister of the hero of book one (Dance Upon the Air) is a hard cop, exercise nut, witch, and prickly woman. She is working to repair her long lost friendship with Mia Devlin, a childhood friend, at the insistence of their mutual best friend Nell, heroine of book one, as well as learning to embrace the magic she's denied for so long.

Enter the bookishly sexy Dr. Mac, on the island to study Mia and the paranormal. Though his, um, neither regions are attracted to Mia his heart and mind are really into Ripley, his polar opposite. He studies her and finds she has massive power. But Ripley worries that that is what gets him hot under the collar, doubting her own charms.

In this one the romantic clashes and sexual tension between characters are crisp, the dialogue is well paced, and the action is well thought out. The enemy is dealt with in some hokey conventional witch scenes (lightning and circle forming) but those scenes are used more as devices to show the growing bond between the three women.

Mac was far more intelligent annd funny than most heroes, and still all yummy tall darkness. Ripley is the best heroine I've ever seen, amazingly fleshed out and real. She's a little too blunt and prickly, and well in touch with her emotional baggage but never expects anyone else to carry it. Seeing her and Mac fall in love is really sweet and touching.

This is the best of the three and could easily be read on its own. Do not miss this!

This book is #2 in the series and deals with many themes; chick-lit style female friendships, romance, and paranormal.

Ripley Todd, sister of the hero of book one (Dance Upon the Air) is a hard cop, exercise nut, witch, and prickly woman. She is working to repair her long lost friendship with Mia Devlin, a childhood friend, at the insistence of their mutual best friend Nell, heroine of book one, as well as learning to embrace the magic she's denied for so long.

Enter the bookishly sexy Dr. Mac, on the island to study Mia and the paranormal. Though his, um, neither region are attracted to Mia his heart and mind are really into Ripley, his polar opposite. He studies her and finds she has massive power. But Ripley worries that that is what gets him hot under the collar, doubting her own charms.

In this one the romantic clashes and sexual tension between characters is crisp, the dialogue is well paced, and the action is well thought out. The enemy is dealt with in some hokey conventional witch scenes (lightning and circle forming) but it's used more as a device to show the forming bond between the women.

This is the best of the three and could easily be read on its own. Do not miss this!

Loved it as, of course, I knew I would! How can Nora write a true, undiluted bitch heroine and make her so lovable? I need lessons. I can't wait to devour the third in the series. I'm sure it will be best-for-last, if the pattern holds.

The fact that I've read everything she's ever written probably doesn't help, but I find lately that after an engaging first book the second and third books in recent Nora trilogies always give me a sense of dýjý vue. The notable exception being the Key trilogy.

Otherwise it's a vintage Nora with a predictable romantic plot. I found myself getting slightly annoyed with the characters. Mostly because I had a feeling I had met them before and this was just another re-incarnation. Also, Ripley was not that likeable. I had trouble understanding what our boockish hero saw in her. Tough his chosen field probably gave him tough skin. All in all it wasn't a very satisfying read.

In Dance Upon Air, the three sisters became one on the island in order to save Nell from her abusive ex. Now in Heaven and Earth, the sister lifes are back - this time we learn Ripley's story. Deputy Ripley Todd has struggled with her powers through her adult years but when Dr Mac Boone appears on the island Ripley not only has to face her powers but open up her heart to her one true love - Ripley however isn't used to being vunerable to love and fate.

Next up, Face the Fire - Mia's story.

Being a huge fan of Nora Roberts I was so excited to read this triology. Roberts knows romance and doesn't dissapoint with this one. Each book you fall in love with the characters more and more. They could be your best friend or even you. Heaven and Earth was my favorite book of the trilogy. The main character Ripley is this feisty, hard yet beautiful and sexy character and you really relate to her throughout the book. This is a book you can definitely sink your teeth into! If you like this book I would also suggest checking out An Audience for Einstein by Mark Wakely. Another great page turner.

I picked-up all three books and fell in love with each character. I love the magic storyline and the romances are well developed.
Enjoy the Nora Robert's Three Sisters Island Collection: Dance upon the Air/Heaven and Earth/Face the Fire (Three Sisters Island Trilogy). Warning don't plan to get anything done once you start !!

In my opinion, no one does a better trilogy than Nora Roberts. She leaves the reader anxious for the next installment in the series with her compelling stories of romance that leave you saying, "Ah...". The Three Sisters Island Trilogy is no exception and is wonderful. Since all three books are now in print, I suggest that you buy them at the same time so you don't have to wait until the next book is purchased.

Nora Roberts has written several books dealing with witches as main characters (Donovan Series, being one of my favorites). She doesn't show the characters to be the stereotypical ideals we've been led to believe, but shows them to be human beings that care, laugh and love like every other person around. To put it mildly, she's made them "real".

Heaven and Earth is the second book in the Three Sisters Island Trilogy and continues with the legacy passed down on the island. This book features Ripley Todd, a witch who is trying hard to forget her powers because they make her uncomfortable. She has a temper and is worried about losing it and using her powers in a harmful way, so she feels it's best to ignore those powers altogether. She's grown up on the island and is now a deputy sheriff working with her brother. She's gruff, no-nonsense, temperamental, and a bit on the hostile side. She and Mia Devlin, the island's famous witch, used to be best friends, but a falling out has left them at odds with each other. "At odds" is a mild term compared to some of their arguments! And we're not told exactly what happened, just given tidbits to lead us to the next book, which holds the answers.

When a paranormal researcher, Dr. MacAllister (Mac) Booke, comes to the island to see what all the talk is about, he's intrigued with the tough acting deputy. His feelings run the standard romantic novel course from interested in her, to lusting after her, to falling head over heels in love with her. When Mac sets up his equipment that detects paranormal activity, he thinks it's a malfunction when Ripley sets the machines buzzing to the point of frying one of them. There begins the dilemma - does Mac love Ripley for herself or because she's a witch?

You have the standard good versus evil bit and a final scene complete with lightning flashing, the skies storming, and the ocean waves beating the shore. You have Ripley trying to stand alone against these forces to save the island. Ok, so it has to be the three witches forming a circle to protect the island that they love, but Ripley still tries to do it on her own!

Ripley is a fun character and I found myself smiling at many of her antics. She is known for telling everyone exactly how she feels. When she meets Mac and finds out about his profession her response is priceless and typical Ripley: "I didn't know they gave out degrees for the study of crapola". Ya gotta love Ripley!

Heaven and Earth lets us have glimpses of Nell (the main character from Dance Upon Air, the first book in this series). It also builds us up for the last book in the set, Face the Fire featuring Mia Devlin. It's a perfect middle book and holds the reader's interest from start to finish, leaving him/her anticipating the next one. Ah yes, not many can do a trilogy this well.

This story would be a typical romance if not for the witch elements and history of the island thrown in the mix. It's interesting and keeps most readers thrilled. If you don't like a happily-ever-after type of book, then this isn't for you.

This trilogy is one of Nora's best. The characters are so rich in description and the story so entrancing. This trilogy is a must-read for any Nora fan! Book 2, Heaven and Earth, is Ripley's story. She is a tough, independent deputy who learns to embrace her gift and the love and support of her family and friends. Great read!

I do agree with others that it isn't as good as the first book. But, it is a trilogy and I still had to know what happened. Ripley did frustrate me though - as I read others shared the same opinion... but maybe she was supposed to? Still it was a good story and I found it hard to put down.

Another great trilogy from Nora Roberts. Once you have read the first, you can't wit to read the next one. You do not have to read the other books in the trilogy to know what is going one. I highly recommend it.

For a review to get 5 stars doesn't mean it's perfect, and of course this book is definitely not perfect. IN this book we're dealing with Ripley, the witch who doesn't want to admit that she is one. She battles her attraction to Mac, the hot "Indiana Jones" type paranormal scientist. Ripley is a fascinating character, who really comes alive in this book. In the first one she seemed more closed off and brooding. However the book is not without flaws, as Ripley becomes a stronger character in the next book, which is where Roberts made the mistake. If Ripley had grown as she did in the first part of the third book in the second instead, I think the book would have been that much more interesting. Oh well. A wonderful series none the less, on to the last book!

This a wonderful story. Nora Roberts is the master of the romance with suspense novels. She creates likable characters, and scenes that take no effort to picture due to her wonderful discription abilities. This story, like most of hers is fast paced and easy to read. It was almost impossible for me to put down as I followed the trials of Ripley Todd and that of her family. I can't wait to get the 3rd book in this trilogy as this one left me wanting more of the same.

Three Sisters is a small, rocky island off the coast of Massachusetts. Legend has it that the island was once a part of the mainland. Back in the late 1600s, during the Salem witch trials, three sisters, good witches all, known as Fire, Earth and Air, conjured the island and made it a haven against persecution. Unfortunately, the sisters did not fare as well as their island. All three were doomed by unfortunate relationships and a misuse of power. Before the last sister died she cast a spell to keep the island safe for 300 years. At that time she prophesied a reunion of three sisters, descendants of the original three, who would join together to redeem their ancestors, right the wrongs of the past and save their home from destruction.

Fast forward 300 years to Three Sisters Island. Ripley Todd is the town's deputy sheriff and she's an earthy, practical, no nonsense kinda gal - not at all the type one would peg for a witch. And make no mistake, Ripley is a witch although she tries very hard to deny her powers. Handsome, scholarly MacAllister Booke comes to the island to research the legend and to interview the one inhabitant he knows possesses magical powers - Mia Devlin, owner of the local bookstore cafe, and direct descendant of the original sisters. Booke has studied, recorded and witnessed the impossible for over 12 years. "He'd interviewed witches, ghosts, lycanthropes, alien abductees and psychics. Ninety-eight percent of them were delusional or con-artists. But the remaining two percent...well, that kept him going." Imagine his surprise when he discovered that Three Sisters Island is the home of three witches, all descending from the original line - Nell Channing Todd (Ripley's new sister-in-law), Ripley and Mia.

He is immediately attracted to Ripley, who goes out of her way to be disagreeable to him. She wants nothing to do with magic or with anyone who is interested in the supernatural. However, the island's 300-year anniversary is coming up and Ripley has to come to grips with the powers that terrify her if she is going to help break the centuries-old curse and save her beloved home. Dr. Booke, Mia and Nell are behind Ripley all the way as she learns to manage her energy and fear.

"Heaven and Earth" is Nora Roberts' second book in the Three Sisters trilogy. You don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one, although it is a delight to continue with the story of Nell, Mia and Ripley. Ripley is a more difficult character than the other two sisters. She is abrasive, stubborn and initially did not fit my image of a witch. However, once the story is underway and Ripley's frailties are exposed, she becomes quite believable as a woman and a sorceress. Ms. Roberts creates a wonderful relationship between Ripley and Mac, as well as between the three woman. I wish the source of evil, thrills, chills and suspense were more original, and not something/someone dredged up from book one. The plot works well enough as is, but the novel would have been so much better with a new villain. The novel still makes for a wonderful light read, perfect for a rainy evening.
JANA

After reading the first in this Trilogy I was compelled to read the second book. I was disappointed to the point of boredom. The storyline was shallow and basically did not differ to the 1st book. I won't read any more of this author. Still in saying that if you want a simple read with not brain power required then this is the book for you.

Paranormal romance, and especially witches are my favorite kinds of romances. I guess I watch too much Charmed. This novel is the second in a series about three witches descended from three sisters who escaped the Salem Witch Trials by creating there own island.

Ripley was my favorite of the three sisters, and this installment of the series is my favorite too. Ripley is funny, tough, and beautiful. Her sense of justice is what makes her a no nonsense deputy sheriff. Ripley's love is a real "opposites attract" story.

Macalister Brooke is a nerdy professor of the paranormal who comes to the island to study the legend, and the new witches. Ripley wants nothing to do with his research, or her gifts as a witch.

Mac and Ripley seem so unsuited for each other, but they are so right together. I love they way Ripley always knows what Mac is looking for (he looses everything).

The magic is more important in this book as well, but it is not silly. Very sensationalized, but not silly.

A great romance from my favorite writer.

The second in Nora Roberts wonderful Three Sister Island Trilogy, "Heaven and Earth," takes us back to that wonderful little island just off the East coast of the USA. Ripley is a strong woman, as she says "My inner woman is lean and mean..." Well thats Rip for ya. A dedicated cop, surving along with her brother as law and order on Three Sisters Island, Ripley has given up that part of herself that see things that others do not. Now it is Ripley's turn to face what hunts her "sisters" and her home. Ripley will find that love will drive her to protect those she loves, the man she loves with her life if necessary. The question isn't wether or not Ripley is strong enough to fight, it is if she is strong enough not to fight. Ms. Roberts creates for us a world in which it isn't the magic of spells and potions that must win this battle...but of the heart. This is Ripley's fight and she's a woman with a temper who isn't afraid to fight, but can she fight with heart instead of the spells and potions she has forsaken for many a long year?

Nora Roberts is a mgician with writing books. Ripley is one of my favorite characters in this Trilogy and Nora did a great job with her story AAAA++++ I would love to see a movie about this trilogy!

After reading Dance Upon The Air I was looking forward to returning to Three Sister Island and see what was going on with Mia, Nell, Ripley, Zack and the rest of the locals there.

From the start of this book I had my doubts, it didn't jump out to me like Dance Upon The Air did. I think it mainly to do with the fact that I really couldn't stand Ripley. I felt most of the time Ripley was just putting up this shield around her life to protect from everything and when things got to unstable for her she up it up tighter and resisted many things.

I did like Mac and how he dealt with Ripley, I felt that he cared about Ripley more thens she ever realized and ever will. He brought out some of the good strengths in Ripley. I also liked how he protected her things. There were times I felt like smacking Ripley around and telling her here is a guy who would do anything for you and you just want to push him away further and further.

Overall I enjoyed how the story moved, there were times I felt it was a bit drawn out. But it still kept me reading and wanting to read the next book.

Nora Roberts is an excellent writer and I look forward to reading Face The Fire and some of her other work.

Ripley Todd is a kick-butt sheriff, who wants nothing to do with magic. But no one can escape their fate. And maybe MacAllister Booke is part of that fate. Try as she might, she can't seem to shake the slightly nerdy, very hunky researcher.

Mac is on Three Sisters Island for research and for a glimpse at his heritage. What he finds is Ripley, a woman who is a fascinating study in and of herself. More captivating than anything he's ever come across before. As a matter of fact, Mac could probably spend a lifetime with her and not know everything. And spending a lifetime with her is exactly what he plans to do...if the fates will allow.

Robert's second in the Three Sisters Trilogy was a spellbinding, page-turning read!

This book was good and a great addition to this trilogy. Ripley has turned her back on her heritage and is an angry person. Her brother Zach is the sheriff of the small island of the Sisters and she is his deputy. Ripley is paired with an unlikely hero who's name is Macallister Booke. Mac is a hunter of the supernatural and has more electronic equipment then most toy stores have toys. At times completly focused on his studies Mac still finds himself drawn to Ripley and her prickly personality, sexy good looks, and of course her tie to the craft. Ripley faces her part of the destiny of the curse in this story and some more answers are given to questions raised in the first book. Nell and Zach as well as other island inhabitants met in the first story will been seen here. You will not want to miss this story.

I really don't like contemporary romance as a general rule. But somehow I stumbled on Dancing on Air and loved it! The plot is solid, the suspense builds and the romance is wonderful. I could not wait to read Heaven and Earth. I got it three days ago and finished it this morning. WOW!

Deputy Ripley Todd has a big chip on her shoulder and her badge might as well say "Don't get too close to me." She's proud of her conquests with men, yet afraid and embarrassed by her Gifts. You see, Ripley is one of the descendants of the Three Sisters, three witches who created Three Sisters Island in the 1600's. She, along with her friend and sister-in-law, Nell, and her former best friend Mia, are together again to right the previous wrongs on the siland and keep each other safe. Just when she least expects it, love enters Ripley's life and from a most unusual source. She tried to push it away just like she pushes her powers away, but, like them, there is no denying it.

Thrilling, magical and wonderful. What a great read!

Nora has done it again! I feel in love with Nell and the bunch the first time around. I can't wait for the last book to arrive!! I think the first book was much better then this one but it's still a fun read! I wish I had myself a Mac Booke!!

I've now read both books (those published) in the trilogy and I can't wait for the third to come out this summer. I always enjoy Nora Roberts' books -- especially those with mystery involved and not just pure romance. The element of the spiritual and witchcraft in this book is loads of fun and whether you believe in this stuff or not, it certainly makes an interesting, entertaining read. Characters are great and the romance, well....it's classic Roberts!

I truly enjoy the characters in these books, but I feel like there is a lack of depth and substance to the entire plot. The paranormal and the witch idea is fun but with the relationships involved, it is very shallow in this story. I am thinking that maybe if she wrote this series about the sisters in the 1600's that founded Three Sisters Island then she just might have had something there. I am still confused on what exactly was happening back then...How did that sister Air ever meet that awful man if they hid out on that island???? Either Nora is just producing too many books, or I am just not into this Romance type. At any rate I do plan to read the last book when it comes out in June...hopefully it will have more to tie this trilogy up.
Sorry to having to disagree with all these 5 star ratings but I read many types of books and this is just not the caliber I am use to.

I truly enjoy the characters in these books, but I feel like there is a lack of depth and substance to the entire plot. The paranormal and the witch idea is fun but with the relationships involved, it is very shallow in this story. I am thinking that maybe if she wrote this series about the sisters in the 1600's that founded Three Sisters Island then she just might have had something there. I am still confused on what exactly was happening back then...How did that sister Air ever meet that awful man if they hid out on that island???? Either Nora is just producing too many books, or I am just not into this Romance type. At any rate I do plan to read the last book when it comes out in June...hopefully it will have more to tie this trilogy up.

The second installment of the Three Sisters Island trilogy continues the story of three modern witches--Ripley, Mia and Nell. This one focuses on Ripley's struggles with her magical powers and her growing interest in a visiting scientist whose interests in her magic are not entirely academic.

The legend of the island states that the three 'sisters' must unite to prevent the island from sinking into the depths of the sea. Sheriff's deputy, Ripley Todd, wants no part in this 'crapola' and believes the gun in her holster is all the magic she needs to fight evil. But, only by learning to control her emotions as well as her magical powers, can Ripley fight the evil that threatens to destroy all she holds dear. If she can't control her need for vengeance, she is doomed to repeat the mistakes of her ancestors and doom the island to a horrible fate.

This was a quick, fun follow-up to Dance Upon the Air. However, I agree with another reviewer who said that it wouldn't stand alone without being part of a trilogy. Maybe because Ripley is the least likable of the three witches? Or maybe I just found the idea of Ripley flying a little too hard to believe. Mia's story will wrap up the trilogy. She is the strongest, most likable of the three. Hopefully Roberts has saved the best for last!

The blend of romance and suspense in this book kept me up all night. You can almost feel the evil lurking in the shadows at times. Nora does it again!

I am not a reader who reads all of Nora Roberts books, but the Three Sisters Island trilogy has caught me in its magic. HEAVEN AND EARTH is the second in the Three Sisters Island trilogy and lives up to the expectations set by the first book. Ripley Todd is a sheriff�s deputy. She�s smart, sexy and pulls no punches. The only thorn in her side is that she�d like to deny her magical talents. Dr. MacAllister Brooke, with his degree in �the study of crapola�, arrives and wants only to help Ripley come to terms with her talents and a future with him. But before they can pursue the future they have to deal with the past.

Dance Upon the Air was great and I really enjoyed it but this second installment was terrific. I guess I relate to Ripley (what a scary thought that is) but I like her candor and her courage and her fierce protectiveness. Cannot wait for Mia's story.

What can I say? Nora Roberts is the "Martha Stewart" of Romance Novels... And typically I love everything she writes... (Do you sense a 'but' coming?') If so, read on...

The latest installment of the 'three sisters' trilogy features the life of Deputy Ripley Todd. Deputy Todd, a skeptic, with a traumatic magic-related childhood experience, has refused to use her powers ever since. Enter the hero... Mac Booke. Mac is an 'absent-minded professor type' whose investigations into the paranormal has somehow landed him on Three Sister's Island.

As usual, Nora has the setting, the characters, and the culture of a small town down pat. Her main and side characters are endearing and engaging.. Particularly, her hero, Mac Booke.

But... In my opinion, her heroine, Ripley, just didn't seem to 'fit in' to a novel with a paranormal setting.

Ripley (okay, I kept thinking 'believe it or not') seems like she would be more at home in a novel with a small-town murder-mystery theme... Than as the third sister in a coven of witches.

While I suspect Nora, wanted us to feel sympathetic towards Rip for her reluctance to practice magick, instead I was frustrated by her pig-headedness. I found it hard to believe that someone like Mia wouldn't have given her a `kick in the pants' or confronting her about her problem /ages/ ago.

My second problem with this novel was the villain. Bringing back the possessed ex-boyfriend from the first book was an unwelcome surprise. With so many challenges the girls might face, do we need to bring a possessed mental patient into the picture? This seemed heavy handed, even for Nora, who is quite notable for creating, exciting and believable villains.

Overall, the inclusion of Mac, and the return to `three sisters island' made this book worth reading... But I had to deduct one star for the `evil-ex-husband ?' and for the `Ripley' character which I just could noth sympathize with.

I was so looking forward to reading this book once I read the first in the series.. but this is terrible.. it takes forever to get through.

The first book was good because of the suspense.. but this one doesn't have any. The main character is a brat. The book lacks character development. You just don't get to care about these people.

But if you are into the witch aspect.. and you like to read about witch rituals.. this is the book for you. It goes into a lot of detail on that part of it.

I LOVED THE FIRST OF THE TRILOGY. LIKEABLE CHARACTERS, GREAT PLOT, WELL WRITTEN. RIPLEY IS THOROUGHLY UNLIKEABLE, OBNOXIOUS AND I FIND IT HARD TO CARE ANYTHING ABOUT HER. I AM SINCERELY HOPING THE THIRD BOOK STAYS MORE IN LINE WITH THE FIRST AND AM EAGERLY WAITING FOR IT TO ARRIVE.....

After reading the first book in this series, I was really looking forward to reading this book. I was sorely disappointed. Normally, I breeze through Roberts books in one to two days - this one took me a week and a half. I just couldn't get into it and that made the pages crawl by. Plus, knowing that the sisters have to ultimately succeed in overcoming their hurtles, it left little to the imagination. You know that basically what the challenge they have to overcome is. Not sure that I'll finish the series as this one wasn't worth what it cost.

If you choose to pick this book up, be prepared for a long read.

I have to admit, I've finally picked up a book with Nora Roberts name on it that I've enjoyed reading again. I was beginning to think it wasn't going to happen. Of the past few books I've read that were published with Roberts name on the book cover, this book sounded more like the Nora Roberts that I first enjoyed reading. Authors have things they say, expressions they hold, that stick with you. This book reminded me of NR that way. I didn't read the first book of this trilogy and now I'll have to do that. Overall, I felt the plot was lacking, but you have to give Roberts credit about her research. She's never lacking in that area when she writes about a certain subject. I'll give her credit there. I think Roberts can write romance like no other author I've read yet, but her plots and characters are starting to sound like replays, look like movie reruns and yeah, I've read about this rich person before. Some authors run the same character descriptions into the ground. Still, I found this book to be so much more of a better read than I've had by Roberts of late, that I have to say I'm going to go out and purchase the first book of this trilogy, and I'll buy the third one too. I have a bookcase full of Nora Roberts books and I'll add a few more. At least I'm getting enthused again.