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The Gamble
The Gamble
Author: Lavyrle Spencer
They were enemies, then friends. Then the sweet innocence of a child opened their eyes and their hearts. "La Vyrle Spencer is magic." (Affaire de Coeup)
ISBN-13: 9780006477150
ISBN-10: 0006477151
Publication Date: 4/17/2000
Pages: 576
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 9

4.1 stars, based on 9 ratings
Publisher: Harpercollins Pub Ltd
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

WMRod avatar reviewed The Gamble on + 171 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Endearing, wonderful. A great read!
Read All 23 Book Reviews of "The Gamble"

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jjares avatar reviewed The Gamble on + 3242 more book reviews
This book earned the 1988 Rita Award for Best Novel and for good reason. This is another incredible story by LaVyrle Spencer.

Agatha Downing is a unique type of American western lady. She does not look down on the 3 former prostitutes; she eventually looks upon them as friends. Because she is a lady, she is hampered by the prohibitions inherent in that title. Its obvious that she would like to break out of that mold from time-to-time, but generally, she is a woman of intelligence, spunk and fashion.

Scott Gandy is a wonderful character; handsome, charming and flawed. When his wife and daughter died, he started to coast. Because it was too hard to stay at his familys plantation (where he was so happy with his wife and daughter), he drifted from one area to another finally winding up in Proffitt, Kansas.

One amazing thing about him is that Gandy always sees it as his responsibility to find a way for all 8 of his new family (actually employees) to stay together. When challenged by the Ladys Temperance Society, he shows guile and a wry sense of humor. Whenever they confront him and his business, he has a ready and clever response.

The child Willy allows Agatha and Scott to move from antagonistic adversaries to cautious friends. This book takes longer than usual to tell its tale; but I appreciated the fact that the author realized that it takes time for the couple to move from being so different to being in love.

This is a moving story that will resonate with the reader a long time. Simply Beautiful!
reviewed The Gamble on
This book is so good. The uptight girl mean this southern and sparks do fly
reviewed The Gamble on + 809 more book reviews
Her stories are always so well written & this one is no exception. Could not put down.
grandmalydia avatar reviewed The Gamble on + 7 more book reviews
great book, Ms Spencer one of my all time favorite authors
reviewed The Gamble on + 78 more book reviews
A good read.
reviewed The Gamble on + 134 more book reviews
Spencer has a great imagination and is a wonderful story-teller--as usual.
reviewed The Gamble on + 109 more book reviews
Agatha was the picture of primness and propriety although her green eyes could blaze with anger or sparkle with humor.
Scott was the picture of lazy charm and happy indifference to what others thought was right and wrong.
They were enemies, then friends. Then the sweet innocence of a child opened their eyes and their hearts. And in each other's arms they were reborn---by the gift of love.


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