Jude Deveraux has never written a bad book and this one captured me just like all the other ones did. She's such a good writer and I can't wait till she publishes more.

Alot of reviewers have said "The Awakening" was right up there with " A Knight in Shining Armor", I didnt feel this was true. I generally liked this book, but in many ways I felt it was somewhat lacking for a Jude Deveraux novel. I liked Dr.Montgomery but I really did not like Amanda, I couldn't place myself in her shoes. I felt she was too self-righteous and snobby. What I did like was how Deveraux used real history and people in this novel. She did very well on that aspect. As always I will be a loyal Jude Deveraux fan, she is one of the greatest writers out there.

Having read almost all of Jude Deveraux's other novels, I have to say that this one is not her best work. Mostly I think I feel that way because I get really annoyed at leading characters who are weak and ignorant - like Amanda.

Overall the book was interesting, particularly because the hop riots were based on fact.

You always know that the best guy will transform the girl into something much better then win her heart.

It was really interesting that this was based on a true story. It was based on the Wheatland Hop Riot of 1913.

Jude Deveraux is one of my favorite authors. This is one of her earlier books. I enjoyed it very much.

Amanda is being controlled by her husband to be. She meets Hank Montgomery and he helps her to see outside her home.

Her father is a tyrant farmer. He treats his farmworkers horribly.

If you like Jude's books you will enjoy this one.

I'm a self-proclaimed history nerd, so I absolutely loved the context of this novel. I thought it was fascinating!! I also loved Amanda and Hank, especially Amanda - watching her go from a cold, closed up, shell with every second planned by that awful Taylor to the woman who runs after Hank and ends up dancing with Aria in THe Princess was incredible! And Hank was great, the way he got her to come out of her shell!

That said, this book STILL isn't my favorite of Jude Deveraux's. I felt the ending was abrupt - Amanda changed just a little too quickly for me... I know she'd been warming up, but to suddenly go flying into his arms?? ANywho, I much prefer The Raider, Twin of Ice, Eternity, and Mountain Laurel (PS does anybody know how Hank and JT Montgomery connect to the Montgomery's of Eternity and Mountain Laurel? I know Hank and Jason, his brother mentioned in The Princess, is one of the Montgomery's sons because his father owns Warbrooke Shipping which Laurel and Eternity dealt with, but I'm not sure which!). But I'd rate it JUST SLIGHTLY above The Princess and The Temptress, purely because of the historical context. It definitely beats Twin of Fire and The Heiress by a mile!

Definitely read The Awakening for a compelling historical story, but don't make it your definitive Jude Deveraux novel