Beautiful!

I read a review of this book and it gave it only 2 stars because it didn’t have sex in it. If you want sex in every romance you read or listen to then read/ listen to erotica. This is one of my favorite Books if Jae’s. Samantha Cook brought some of my favorite characters to life. I really like historical romances and this is at the top of my list. It didn’t need a sex scene to make it sensual, sexy and beautiful. Well written and you could actually feel the fear and adversity the characters had to overcome. I look forward to a story about Lucy Hamilton Sharpe. Maybe with a guest spot for Kate and Giuliana! Thanks Jae for putting this on audio. Well done!

6 people found this helpful

Another terrific installment in the Oregon series!

If Jae decided to write nothing but historical fiction, I can't say that I would complain. The research and meticulous attention to detail is exquisite. So it is here with Shaken to the Core - a romance amidst the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. This is the third novel in the Oregon series (none of it takes place there, but there IS a tie to it) and as has come to be expected from the stories, this is another that grips your heart and doesn't let go. In this installment, there are independently-minded female characters, a romance between women of different nationalities and social classes, stringent family dynamics and a fascinating glimpse at the devastating event that wiped out nearly 80 percent of the city.
Giuliana Russo, a Sicilian immigrant who accompanied her brother to the U.S., only intended to stay temporarily while he earned money as a fisherman to help support their family back home. But when she loses her brother to illness, she must find a way not only to survive herself, but make enough money to continue helping her family back home. Not knowing how to read or write, she finds a job as a maid on Nob Hill, the richest area of San Francisco, and literally runs into the beautiful daughter of the wealthy owners as she's leaving the job interview. The daughter, Kate Winthrop, dreams of becoming a newspaper photographer, much to the chagrin of her parents, whose only goal is for her to marry well and into her same social class. But Kate is drawn to Giuliana more than any man who has ever tried to court her, and besides - she's got goals of her own to fulfill. Giuliana knows it would be nothing but trouble for Kate to spend time with her, but she too enjoys her company and it feels good being treated as an equal and not a servant by the kind, appealing woman. Then the earthquake hits and the focus switches to survival. Their experiences bring them even closer together and their story is riveting.
Adding to the quality of the audiobook is Samantha Cook's narration, who does a great job with character voices - especially Giuliana's - with her strong Sicilian accent. As I was nearing the end I slowed down because I just didn't want it to be over. Jae has confirmed that a popular character in this book (the tie to the first two Oregon ones) will eventually get her own book. I can't wait! Recommend!

3 people found this helpful

sexless

Not one. But that's Jae for you. No sex. You get 12 , 15 hours and no sex. But its okay, I like the way she writes.
She is a good write with long stories. What is she a Nun?

3 people found this helpful

Contains mature themes???

This was a well written and sweet book. It did a nice job of detailing the impact of the San Fransisco earthquake and what people did to survive it. The character development was enjoyable. It was a rather light book, given the backdrop of devastation. I do have one particular complaint, which is with the labeling of the book. I've listened to about 400 books on Audible, mostly mysteries. Many had gruesome murders, explicit heterosexual sexual content (in and out of marriage), sexual violence, and explicit language, which this book does not. This was a story about two women navigating the San Fransisco earthquake and figuring out along the way that they are attracted to one another and falling in love. How, for the love of good sense, does this require a 'contains mature themes' note while brutal murders and much more explicit heterosexual sex do not? Given that several of the reviews published noted the distinct lack of sex in this book, I am at a loss as to why this book received this content warning, possibly leading some people to not purchase it.

1 person found this helpful

Disasters and Desires to the Starting Gate

This book could've concluded on the 15th chapter. I hung in there but was tough.

1 person found this helpful

What a courageous story

Loved this book from the beginning until the end. Kate is one brave and sassy woman. Gulliana was irresistibly loyal and has a quiet strength that I adored. Ms. Cook narration was flawless!!! Especially the accents!

P.S. There is an epic Titanic scene,can you find it?

1 person found this helpful

really good historical fiction full of action

Jae books keep getting better and better. Loved the high paced storyline of Ameican history. So well read too. 5 stars.

1 person found this helpful

One of Jae's Best

Leave it to Jae to write a brilliant historical romance. This is a wonderful story about love, survival, determination and commitment. These two women from different classes and different cultures found a way to look past all of that and see the true essence of each other. In the midst of all the turmoil of the devastating earthquake they found a way to save each other and help others along the way. A wonderful journey and outstanding narration by Samantha Cook made this one of Jae's best books. Having read the Oregon series, I was happy for the references to the characters from those books as well. True, there were no sex scenes but with all the raw emotions and detail to the closeness of the two women, this book really did not need the sex scenes. I look forward to more of these characters by Jae and can't wait for the next installment! Well done!

Beautiful

Jae managed to make me feel like I'm in San-Fransisco with the characters. It was amazing. I could hear, feel and smell the words and descriptions.
The era is usually my least favourite time, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Love this book

Worth the time... Has a nice bit of history mixed in, good character development... All the things you need to enjoy a story - emotion, suspense, laughter, sadness... Enjoy the story.