Book Details

Title: Northern Lights

Author: Nora Roberts

Publication Date: October 12 2004

Publisher: Jove

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length:637 Pages

Spice Level:

Warmin’ by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.

POV: 3rd POV

Rating-3.5 Blossoms

The town of Lunacy, Alaska, was Nate Burke’s last chance. As a Baltimore cop, he’d watched his partner die on the street – and the guilt still haunts him. With nowhere else to go, he accepts the job as chief of police in this tiny, remote Alaskan town. Aside from sorting out a run-in between a couple of motor vehicles and a moose, he finds his first few weeks on the job are relatively quiet. But just as he wonders whether this has been all a big mistake, an unexpected kiss on New Year’s Eve under the brilliant Northern Lights of the Alaskan sky lifts his spirits and convinces him to stay just a little longer.

Meg Galloway, born and raised in Lunacy, is used to being alone. She was a young girl when her father disappeared, and she has learned to be independent, flying her small plane, living on the outskirts of town with just her huskies for company. After her New Year’s kiss with the chief of police, she allows herself to give in to passion – while remaining determined to keep things as simple as possible. But there’s something about Nate’s sad eyes that gets under her skin and warms her frozen heart.

And now, things in Lunacy are heating up. Years ago, on one of the majestic mountains shadowing the town, a crime occurred that is unsolved to this day – and Nate suspects that a killer still walks the snowy streets. His investigation will unearth the secrets and suspicions that lurk beneath the placid surface, as well as bring out the big-city survival instincts that made him a cop in the first place. And his discovery will threaten the new life – and the new love – that he has finally found for himself.

Book to Film Adaptation-Midnight Bayou

nora roberts

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

First Impressions

This was quite interesting, and I am surprised the film wasn’t longer considering how long the book is. There is a lot that the movie misses in regard to character depth. The setting is well done, and while I really enjoyed the plot, there just felt like something major was missing in the adaptation. There is a lot more that they could have done that didn’t quite make the mark. But despite the issues, I do think the film is endearing and has its own magic in its own way. You don’t get to see too many films like this set in Alaska, so I do recommend it.

The Main Protagonists

The Hero: Nate Burke

The Heroine: Meg Galloway

What I Loved

I think what I found to be the most endearing was the character growth of the hero. There is a lot in the book that we get to see …. In fact, I would say if you like Emma Chase’s style of hero growth and perspective, then this is most definitely a book for you. I found it really refreshing. But the actual romance and the plot line with the suspense is SUPER SLOW!! So keep that in mind while reading AND watching. It’s not going to be a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat here. But it has its own charm that will keep you interested within the story. I did really love how devoted the hero is.

What I Struggled With

I think what I struggled with the most is the pacing of both the book and the film. That is something that they did get right with the adaptation: how slow everything actually is. And I wasn’t a huge fan of the heroine….I think it’s safe to say that the hero is what truly carries this story from beginning to end. If there was men’s fiction like women’s fiction, this would be a close match haha. But I soaked it up like a sponge. I do wish the heroine had been more fleshed out there; she was just prickly from beginning to end and one of my least favorite heroines from this author.

Overall Thoughts

I would recommend this, but it has some flaws along the way. But if you are looking for a good adventure up in the Alaskan territory ….. it’s a fun but slow ride!