Almost Heaven: A Novel (The Sequels series)

Only few heroes who really affect me so much that I can't help but wish that they are alive and real, in the flesh and mine to keep. They are: Ian (AH); Jamie (Outlander/Gabaldon); Samuel (The Shadow and the Star/Kinsale); Christian (Flower From the Storm/Kinsale) and Derek (Dreaming of You/Kleypas).
Ian Thornton is just, IMHO, simply the best hero McNaught ever created and he ranks among the best of all the heroes in the world of literature. The heroine, Elizabeth Cameron, is just his perfect match. I love these two to death. Both are strong, stubborn, proud and yet vulnerable.
I agree with one of the previous reviewers: I love how McNaught combined subtle humor and heartwrenching emotions in this book. Ian and Elizabeth are fully developed, and the ways McNaught developed them are just interesting. Another thing that I love about this book is that instead of a misunderstanding, as in her other books, we get a conflict (It's alright if you don't agree with me here). I thought the conflict was amazingly written. And the Courtroom scene! That was just classic. I really admired Elizabeth in that scene.
'Almost Heaven' is my favorite McNaught and my favorite romance. I'm going to buy a new copy of AH, since my copy at the moment is in poor conditions due to countless rereads LOL. Seriously, this book is just very special to me and I would recommend it to those readers who are yet to read it and hope youl'll love it as much as I do.

Judith McNaught is my favorite romance author. That is saying a lot because I have been an avid reader of romance novels since the 1970's. I read my first Judith McNaught novel late, in 2010, and once I read one book by her I felt compelled to seek out and read every single book she had ever written. Her contemporary romances are every bit as good as her historical romances. "Almost Heaven" is historical romance about a young orphan who is brought to London to be raised and she ends up falling in love with a rogue sea captain. The course of love does not go well. There are many twists and turns before the happily-ever-after. I shall forever think of Judith McNaught as the queen of romance.

I don't read historical novels very often, but this book is the most romantic read I have read in a while both contemporary and historical . I have been looking for a good read for a while and when a friend recommended this I gave it a shot and WOW from the moment I started reading to the last page it was full of suspense, undeniable chemistry between H&h, humor, emotion and much much more. The main characters and even supporting charachters are well developed.the plot is interesting and unlike most romance novels with predictable high peak to low peak and back to high peak plots, this book kept the reader in susepnse the entire time. You get a good potion of the book just to fall in love with H/h who by the way are not cliche personality but rather very real with both good and bad sides, and the remaining parts are full love, devption, heartbreaks, and twist and turns that you both expect and dread. It's very well written and very realistic. The book has it all! I wholeheartedly recommend this book if you love romance genre give it a try you will not be disappointed.

Such a fun and witty book. When reading this book or any other period piece you gotta keep in mind the heroines are sheltered beyond belief, add that in to hardly any life experience outside their bubble and tender ages and you really do get somewhat of a nitwit. But they are given some backbone sometimes, but paired against a more worldly and older hero, their out of their league, so yeah, theres a lot of take, take, take on the guys part.

So to expect the young lady to be more mature than her years and smarter than a world traveler is a stretch on the readers part. This isn't the 21st century, and even in ours there are plenty of gullible people.

This book was an easy read and I gotta say a nail biter towards the end, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Its a romance book, and they are built on tons of push/pull between the lead characters. And yeah the ending is predictable, just keep in mind its entertainment, not a dissertation on the human experience.

Synopsis: Elizabeth Cameron's uncle is eager to marry her off so he writes a letter to every man who proposed to Elizabeth two years ago. Only three men respond to his proposal, so he arranges for her to visit each man for a week. One of these men is Ian Thorton, the son of a Scottish peasant and an English lord. Elizabeth and Ian met at a party two years ago, during Elizabeth's first and only season in London. They shared a dangerous flirtation that cost Elizabeth her reputation and her future. But it also cost Ian his heart as well as his pride. They despise each other, but fate is about to bring them together again. When Elizabeth shows up on his doorstep, Ian is furious but the two eventually fall in love all over again...until fate and Elizabeth's brother intervenes.

Almost Heaven is the best romance novel I've read in years. It isn't your typical romance; the characters have a lot of emotional depth and are compelling not only as individual characters but also as a couple. Elizabeth has a lot of pride and refuses to admit she's a pauper, even at the expense of Ian's good opinion. She's also willing to stand up for someone who is being treated unfairly, regardless of their status or reputation in society. She's friendly with the servants and isn't afraid of hard work: she's an accomplished gardener and adept at haggling with local artisans to get fair prices. She's a strong, intelligent woman who refuses to bow down to the whims of the hero, especially when he's wrong. But she's also willing to admit when she's wrong and uses logic to understand the hero. Her opinion of him does change but that change felt true to her character, instead of being forced by the author to move the story along. I appreciated that about her character and the romance itself, Judith never compromised Elizabeth's character to elevate Ian's, which happens all too often in the romance genre. Elizabeth was a very original character and I enjoyed her humor as well as her warmth. She has set a new standard for romance heroine's.

Ian was more flawed than Elizabeth, but I still enjoyed his character. He wasn't a womanizer and he never lied about his feelings for Elizabeth, not even in the beginning. When he was angry with her, he was honest about it and when he loved her, he showed it in a hundred different ways. But there was that part in the middle of the story where he'd want her one minute then push her away the next minute. Typical of the genre but still frustrating each time it happened. But once he fell in love with her the second time around, he stayed true to that love. His cold treatment of her toward the end of the book was understandable and I did not hate him for it since he felt betrayed and rightly so. I did like that Ian was able to admit and apologize to Elizabeth for those wrongs, a refreshing characteristic in a male character. Again, Ian has set the bar when it comes to heroes in these types of stories. He had his flaws but all in all, he was an admirable character. He tries his best to make up for his mistakes and he appreciates what he was with Elizabeth. Even when he takes her for granted, he finds ways to make it up to her. And Elizabeth helped him become a more patient and understanding man.

The secondary characters added a lot of warmth and humor to the story as well. They all were vital to the story and they helped give the reader a complete picture of who the hero and heroine were. Elizabeth's butler and Ian's uncle were a riot. Ian's grandfather was a tragic figure that did not get enough time in the story. My only real complaint with the story was the lack of development between Ian and his grandfather. There was a lot of wasted potential with that part of the story, but it didn't detract from the overall story. I just would've liked to see them develop a guanine relationship, I think it would've added a little more depth to Ian's character. Despite that, I highly recommend this novel. It has the typical angst at the end of the story but it does tie up loose ends that were alluded to at the beginning of the story and it helped Ian get past one of his flaws. So all in all, that angst was worth the pain. This is a story that truly exists in the time period it's written in. The things that Elizabeth was ashamed of were typical of the time as was the language and the intricacies of the ton. That little touch added a lot to the story and it was one of many reasons why I'd recommend this to lovers of historical romance.

Judith McNaught is one of my favorite authors and once again she delivered as a master storyteller. When I read a book I generally seek out the themes and what impressed me most about the book. In this case I found the book to center on the themes of trust, forgiveness and as a result of these, love. McNaught does a good job of bringing these to the fore, using likable characters like Elizabeth (heroine) and Ian (hero).

The use of secondary characters, particularly the grandfather also helped the themes along. I love a family tale, where there is reconciliation. True to form McNaught's prose is great -- there is humor (I was in tears on some parts), there is joy and sadness -- and a bit of mystery. In other words, the book made me feel and this is a good thing.

However, I did not give it 5 stars because I thought the book failed about 3/4 way in (SPOILER ALERT), when Elizabeth foolishly believed her brother, who had proven to be less than trustworthy, over her now husband, with whom she had taken vows to love and honor -- and with whom she had spent meaningful time. By not at least giving Ian the chance to explain his side of things, she showed that she did not trust her husband nor truly love him -- enough. I'm not sure why McNaught included this portion in the book. If she wanted to reconcile the disappearance of the brother, she should have done it in a way that made Elizabeth seem mature and intelligent -- which is how she had been portrayed throughout the book. In fact, the whole courtroom drama seemed out of place to me. And worse yet, McNaught made it seem as if the onus was on Ian to be the forgiving spouse! I was greatly annoyed.

Having said that, McNaught being the great storyteller that she is managed to somewhat redeem the story (and soothe my annoyance) with a well done ending and epilogue. It was touching, especially having Elizabeth return to Scotland to await his arrival! And it is for this reason that I would recommend it to other readers of historical romance. It was not my favorite McNaught, but it is a good read.

This book has sexual content.

There are good summaries so I will skip that here.

The author writes a solid, twisty plot with a very handsome, rougish, Rhett Butler-ish hero and a heroine that borders on obnoxious. She was interesting to be sure, but I found her on the cusp of annoying. Not quite but almost.

I give this book a solid recommend.

It seems as though with the flood of romance novels these days, a lot of authors have lost what makes a romance and actual romance--chemistry between the characters. This book has some of the best character building I have seen in a romance novel. You are aware from the beginning that this is going to be an undoubtedly complicated relationship, and as it progresses, you find yourself falling in love with the characters. This book is the kind of romance that made me love reading this genre in the first place. My only small complaint with this book is that the plot structure is very similar to other books I have previously read by this author. Otherwise, this book moved along at a steady pace, the characters are passionate and intriguing and I thought the ending was perfect. I would recommend this book to all lovers of romance.

Almost Heaven is my first Judith McNaught book. Having been a Julie Garwood fan, I had run out of her books, so decided to try Ms. McNaught instead and I can't say I was disappointed. Now I have to get Whitney, My Love and already have Something Wonderful and A Kingdom Of Dreams, which I can't wait to read.
Elizabeth Cameron had once been the most sought-after debutante in London history, blessed with indescribable beauty. Needing to make a successful union in order to save her beloved country home from creditors, she has agreed to marry whoever her brother chooses. One night, however, she meets the intriguing and handsome Ian Thorton at a party of more "experienced" ladies and gentlemen. The innocent deb comes to Ian's defense time and again when other gentlemen called him a cheat and challenged him to duels just because he wasn't a noble like them. This causes Ian and Elizabeth to become closer as he opens his heart to this brave young woman...and they fall in love, with Ian offering marriage. Except everyone finds out due to a trick and now Elizabeth's reputation has been torn to shreds by gossip and Ian has disappeared after finding out that she was already betrothed. There is no longer any chance of marrying well in order to save her beloved Havenhurst. On top of that, her brother has also disappeared after having tried to Ian twice.
Two years later, with Elizabeth's uncle as her guardian, she is shamelessly offered to all suitors who had once sought her. Ian Thorton was one of them! Elizabeth hurt and betrayed, no longer wants to marry and tries to dissuade each and every suitor. Ian, finding her in his Scotland cottage, begins to soften toward her once again. He remains remote until Elizabeth is summoned home to marry a disgustingly perverted old man...realizing from his uncle, Duncan, the trials and tribulations that Elizabeth endured the past two years because of their scandal, Ian races to marry her...in order for her uncle to accept his offer for her hand, he must be titled. And so, after two decades of avoiding his grandfather, Ian reunites with the Duke of Stanhope, becoming his new heir.
Ian then rushes to London to find Elizabeth and save her from the gossipers who will surely tear her apart if she tries to enter society again. Elizabeth has no other choice but to show herself in society in order to avoid marriage to a lecher...and though she's championed by one of the most powerful women in London society, everyone either laughs at her or ignores her...that is, until the new Marquess of Kensington and his grandfather the Duke of Stanhope step in and make things right. Ian then goes through the traditional courting methods to win Elizabeth's hand in marriage, even though the contract had been signed long before. After the marriage, all is happy as the characters confess their love...until one night, her brother Robert returns...and opens Elizabeth's ears to a horrifying story. She runs away leaving Ian to believe she has taken a lover, and also leaving him on trial for her and her brother's murder since Robert has disappeared for two years. Elizabeth comes back...but will she be able to earn back his love?
This book is a treasure. I especially liked the ending because I believe that the ending ties everything together and no matter how well the story is woven, if the ending is lacking, then you will still be disappointed. However, this ending is so tender and sweet and the words spoken by the characters are so full of love, that I couldn't help but smile and wish I was ELizabeth. This book has made me laugh and cry, love and hate (esp. her uncle Julius and her brother Robert)...and I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I have. It's a definite keeper! You will want to read it time and again.

Judith McNaught is one of those rare authors that cannot write a bad book. Her characters whether they be contemporary or historical are truly the best in romance! Ian and Elizabeth are two of my favorites. Often when a couple has so many difficulties one or the other is usually at fault in some way - not so with this couple - they behaved as one would expect, except maybe in the end when Elizabeth believed in her brother after all those months of bliss with her husband. Ian might be one of the best males in romance novels, he truly was one of those people that knows what he wants and goes after it. And the depths to which he was capable of loving was almost poetic! I love how romantically and unique this story is written. Ian and Elizabeth appear to almost fall in love not just lust rather quickly. Instead though of building on just the physical McNaught builds on the exchange of thoughts and feelings between the two and it makes for such and intense love story. There were moments towards the end of the book that I had so many tears I almost could not finish reading. And for sure the ending and where these two end up is totally perfect! And McNaught follows through and allows one more bit of dialog between the couple to totally clear the air for any potential problems in their future!It was fun to see Alex and Jordan again although Alex did frey my nerves some with her lack of trust in Ian - like Jordan was a total prince in their book?? I did not think Ian deserved Alex's mistrust! And the epilogue was truly heaven - I love epilogues like this! If you are looking for a 100% winner of an author - read any McNaught book - each and every one is the best ever!!!

How can I compete with the previous reviewers? They have put most of it to words. Judith McNaught is an excellent writer. She has an uncanny sense of the humorous. McNaught is very much in control of her characters and they never degenerate.
We are given Elizabeth Cameron: a strong-willed, beautiful Countess who takes pleasure from gardening and bartering. Parentless most of her life, her family is her staff at her home, Havenhurst. Her familial home is what she will fight most valiantly for. Her father and brother left her their gambling debts and an uncle out for nothing short of profiting grandly from a wealthy husband.
Thrown into the London ton to find a wealthy match, she finds Ian Thornton. They are intrigued by each other, but are found in a compromising situation, which leads to her ostracization from the London crowd of elite and leaves our leading actors hating and hurting from the accusations.
In a fit of financial panic two years later, her Uncle decides to throw out a line to hopefully catch any titled nobility for her hand in marriage even after the scandal. Some lines get crossed and Ian ends up on the list.
There's no denying it when they finally meet again that it wasn't some weekend dalliance. But there is a lot of unsettled business between the two of them that lead to all sorts of trouble.
Elizabeth's untainted pride in her accomplishments is extraordinary and she is never the haughty brat seen in so manny other novels. She is the most brilliantly written heroine I have read in a long time (excluding Robin McKinley's, of course)
I found myself giggling at some of the little absurdities and rolling with joyful laughter at some of the wittiest comedy ever written into a romance novel. Almost heaven? McNaught, you have raised my standards!

In ALMOST HEAVEN, Judith McNaught created a courageous yet vulnerable heroine (Elizabeth, Countess of Havenhurst) & a distant yet longing-to-be-loved hero (Ian Thornton, Marquess of Kensington), added with some of J.M's usual spices of misunderstandings & complicated twisters - which made this book one of the most exhilirating story I've read by far.
I won't dilly-dally on summarizing the story for new readers since the the store Editorial Book Description, Synopsis & other book reviewers here did a pretty good job in covering those details. However, I'd like to add just how much I enjoyed ALL the secondary characters. To name a few of my favorites: Ian's charming yet nosy great aunts, Horstene & Charity. His heartwarming grandfather (Duke of Stanhope) - Ian's eventual acceptance & forgiveness towards him and the old mans reaction to his long awaited grandson will truly quench your heart. Ian's honorable Uncle, Duncan & the ever high almighty Ms. Lucinda Throckmorton-Jones, oh and don't u dare call her otherwise (geez! lol) . But most of all, I favored Jordan & Alexandra (Duke & Duchess of Hawthorne). They are both the H/H in Judith McNaught's "SOMETHING WONDERFUL", which I read and is also one of my top favs book. It was a delight to read updates of Jordan & Alexandra together with the Dowager Duchess of Hawthorne as well as Roddy Castair. I suggest you read S.W. first then this book. ALMOST HEAVEN is sorta like a sequel to that (Although in S.W, Elizabeth & Ian wasn't mentioned at all). But I think it will spark an additional interest if you know the romance of the secondary characters here in A.H.. You will appreciate their apprearances more.
I know there are couple of readers here in the store who complained about Elizabeth's "decision" when she believed her half brother (Robert) & doubted Ian. Thing is, she really didn't know Ian all that much compared to his half brother, who she knew all her life. Also, Robert have always been nice to her. He never mistreated her nor abused her. In fact, he did take care of her in some ways however misguided it might have been. So I think Elizabeth's initial response to Robert's tales was more realistic. Mostly, Fear & anger towards Ian then doubts & confusions follows. However, don't be discourage as Judith McNaught once again overturned this bad choice into an amusing & sighing conclusion that will leave you smirking and thinking about it for hours afterwards. Overall, this book is exuberant & riveting. A must READ & A must HAVE in your collection - As I sure do.

ALMOST HEAVEN is a magnificent book and none of Judith's other books can top this (A KINGDOM OF DREAMS is a close second). This is the book that made a firm-believer-of-romance out of me.What I love about this book are the hero and heroine (and I'll focus more on them). They're both a bit different from the rest of Judith' regency heroes and heroines. I was drawn to Elizabeth Cameron from the first page she appeared and was rooting for her from the beginning. I found it easy to relate to a heroine who was incredibly beautiful and intelligent, but not entirely perfect - she made mistakes, which made her very human and very appealing to me. I love how she was naive and inexperienced at first and then matured as the story proceed. Unlike the rest of JM's regency heroines, she was a countess and very sheltered. She's never a victim, and that's what I love about her.
Ian Thornton is the best of all JM heroes, IMHO. A half Scot/half English who possesses both good and bad characteristics because of that combined bloodlines. He's strong,intelligent, tough, proud, arrogant, infuriating, indomitable, bold, blunt, sensitive, compassionate, physically beautiful, unforgiving when wronged, loyal, honorable and...the list goes on and on. He's full of suprises. He has depth, integrity and principles. He has flaws too, especially his temper (if you call that flaw). And he spoiled me for all the others.
Their love story is very powerful, not completely perfect (there's no such thing as a perfect love story) and permanently branded into my mind. It leaves me quite breathless. Both Ian and Elizabeth are strong, humorous and charismatic and they're both each other's equal - in every way. And you can't help but love Lucinda (Elizabeth's duenna).
This is one of Judith's longest book (517 pages). It starts slow and then it picks up it speed and what you get is an emotional, rollercoaster ride. And you can't help but scream for more Ian and Elizabeth and more pages to be added to this book (although I know they both live beyond the pages of this book)
To Judith, Thank You for bringing me into the lives of Ian and Elizabeth Thornton.

Almost Heaven is my favorite romance because of the two beautiful people who are most definitely in love in it... two beautiful people who strive to be together despite all that tries to separate them. In a lot of romance novels, you have a hero who is afraid to love the heroine and won't admit it 'til the end. In others, you have a heroine who is gratingly feisty and won't listen to reason. It's quite tiring to read about couples who fight each other to the death, then in the end somehow manage to be 'in love'.
In Almost Heaven you have Ian Thornton, a hero who is unique even if he possesses qualities common to men of his kind. Ian is cynical, dark and tough...but he is also open to loving and isn't afraid to fight for his Elizabeth. Ian is one of the reasons why AH is my favorite because when you look into his words and actions, you can tell how much he would do for her. Even when was cold to her in Scotland or wrathful to her that night in his study after the trial...everything he did or said was a result of his feelings for her*. As a whole, I find it refreshing to find a hero who is very strong, very intelligent and very much in love. Isn't that what being a romance novel hero is about?
And Elizabeth is the perfect soul mate for this amazing man. You really get to see her grow in the story, and get to appreciate her character's development. She started of as very young and sheltered, making great mistakes that made me want to cringe...yet she never was afraid to admit when in the wrong. Even when sinned against, she always tried to see things from her opponents' point of view, which is very mature and rare in most romance novel heroines. She's also very level headed in a sense that while most women of her time had little to think about but the next ball gown, Elizabeth main responsibility was managing her family estate, Havenhurst.
Being resourceful and kind hearted are mere bonuses, making her the kind of woman you envy because of her beautiful appearance...and the kind of heroine you empathize with (and root for) because of her inner beauty. :)
Unsurprisingly, this amazing couple engages in the most touching, heartfelt dialogue ever to grace the pages of a romance novel. Their dancing together is just one of many scenes I reread often. Their beautiful wedding night, the tension between them in Scotland for the first time (I loved Ian's frustrated attempts in denying Elizabeth's appeal ^.~) , Ian's remorse in finding out the truth and the way he made it up to her...and not* to mention the most heartfelt fight scene and the subsequent reconciliation that followed it.
For me, Almost Heaven is the ultimate romance novel experience.
I always read this book when I want to have a good laugh, a good cry, or whether I simply want to feel good inside. And it never fails to deliver the best, which is why I keep coming back to it. :)

I enjoyed this story immensely. The strong passion between the characters and the words of love spoken between them is enough to make the heart flutter.
This book would have received 5 stars from me, however there are a few things I had a beef about...
The first one being it was too wordy. I felt the same story could have been told without having to go into description over every little thing. I actually skipped some of the descriptions because they weren't needed in my opinion.
Second, the main characters didn't make love until very late in the book. There were *many* passionate scenes (stress the many), but it felt unfulfilling in a way that they never made it to the bed in all those times of passion.
Third, the heroine is just dense to believe her brother that he was tortured under Ian's care. She'd been around Ian long enough and made love to him many many times to know that he wasn't the kind of man to do such a thing. Sure, her brother convinced her of this, but she should have been suspicious of his story, since she knew he cheated at the duel with Ian and even had proof of his many attempts at Ian's life. I felt that the brother plot was contrived and the book could have ended before the whole courtroom drama unfolded.
I believe that the brother/courtroom plot might have played out better *before* she married Ian, before she came to know the man that he truly was. I wanted to slap her silly when she ran away and broke his heart.
However, (and that's a BIG however), the author makes up for the heroine's lack of wisdom at the end of the book with a splendid homecoming and epilogue.
Even with it's faults, this book is worth reading.

Elizabeth Cameron and Ian Thornton fall in love almost at first sight. When Ian proposes for Elizabeth's hand in marriage, he had no idea that she was a Countess, and already engaged to someone else. Elizabeth's brother (her guardian) comes on time to save Elizabeth from marrying Ian, but causes a big scene. People at the ton find out about Elizabeth's behaviour through gossip and thus causing a scandal for her. 2 years later, Ian and Elizabeth meet again. Ian treats Elizabeth hostilely, but Elizabeth endures it all, because she realizes that she still loves him, and vice versa when Ian discovers that he was trying too hard to get her out of his life. And so, this begins their quest for love.
This is my favorite romance novel of all-time. I have never, ever read such an emotional novel before. Judith McNaught has an incredible ability to write solid novels. With Elizabeth Cameron's character she was able to write Elizabeth as a young, innocent, naive girl of seventeen, and this was prior to her scandal. After almost 2 years later, when she meets Ian for the first time since her scandal (caused by him!) there is this new transition in Elizabeth's character and as a reader you can tell that she's grown up and matured. I did not believe that she was a weak character, she is probably one of McNaught's strongest heroines. A must read! This book is pack with details, and many tear jerker scenes.

There are so many reasons why this book touched me. I loved seeing Jordon and Alex from Something Wonderful... I absolutely fell in love with Ian and found his unconditional love for Elizabeth to be a truly beautiful thing. Judith painted Ian as such an awesome man... faults and all, that I could almost believe that a man such as him really does exist somewhere out there.
As always, the love scenes were tender, tender, tender and brought tears to my eyes. Judith even took their first kiss and wrote it into such a magnificent moment that I was actually shaken when I finished reading it.
I was hurt at Elizabeth's treatment of Ian after her brother came back for her... even angered, but in some ways I could understand why she did what she did. He was, after all, her brother. I guess when a story evokes such strong emotions in you, its gotta be an excellent book.
I don't know if Judith could top this book... this and A Kingdom of Dreams are my absolute favourites out of all her books... but the rest are amazing too.

There are so many fabulous scenes in this book that I just keep returning to read time after time....
... When Elizabeth visits her first two suitors, Sir Francis Belhaven and Lord John Marchman in order to turn them off the idea of marrying her -- a total scream! (Judith, please consider giving Lord Marchman his own story! He's absolutely charming.)
... The courtroom scene when Elizabeth must atone for her stupidity in running off with her brother (hey, we're all allowed to be stupid now and again -- nobody's perfect) by convincing the chauvinistic House of Lords that she's stupid featherbrain! (And Elizabeth is in fact the most intelligent and witty of McNaught's heroines.)
... Ian and Elizabeth's reunion in Scotland. That's probably one of the tenderest, most profound love scenes I've ever read.
... And finally, the epilogue. Only a stone-cold heart could fail to be warmed by Ian's explanation of heaven to his six year old son, Jonathon. One of my favorite scenes of all time!
Treat yourself to Almost Heaven. It's romance at its very best!

(First printing in 1990) One of the most charming, humorous, heartbreaking love stories you will ever read. A young woman falls in love, but is setup for disgrace. Two years, later the man who was involved in her disgrace has a chance to right a wrong. Falling in love was always in the cards. Keeping it is no easy task, forgiveness makes it possible. Bring out the tissues. This one will make you laugh and cry.

Among the English society, he is known as a reckless gambler with no background, breeding or connection. Rumors say he's the illegitimate heir of the Duke of Stanhope, but no one really knows the truth about the mysterious Ian Thornton. One thing is for sure though - women all over adore his good looks, sexual magnitude and brooding demeanor.

After being orphaned at a very early age, Lady Elizabeth Cameron, the Countess of Havenhurst, faces the magnitude of her father's addiction to gambling. When she turns seventeen, her brother arranges for her debut in the ton hoping she can find a wealthy and titled husband who will rescue them from their financial catastrophe. With her beauty and unspoken allure, she is an overnight success and has received several offers for her hand in marriage. But everything changes when she meets Ian Thornton. After being caught in a compromising position, the darling of the society quickly becomes the most hated woman in the ton. She is now an outcast and leaves London in disgrace to the safety of her beloved Havenhurst.

Almost two years later and Elizabeth finds herself practically coerced into marrying by her controlling Uncle who couldn't wait to be rid of her. He sends a letter out to those who previously asked for her hand and out of fifteen, three responds, one of them by accident - Ian Thornton's secretary mixes up his letters and inadvertently sends a message to Elizabeth's Uncle advising Ian's location in Scotland where he was taking a rest. Unaware of the mistake and although nervous at the prospect of meeting him again, Elizabeth goes and both her and Ian were shocked to see each other again; Ian more so because of his contempt for the woman, who once rejected his hand in marriage, not knowing what has happened to her since her night of disgrace. Under the impression that she is after his money (for he has since built himself a massive fortune since their fateful meeting), he treats her rudely and asks her to leave. But fate, of course, has other ideas and this time in the form of Elizabeth's chaperon who plots to make sure that Elizabeth is left alone with Ian hoping that they would once again find the connection that had once made Ian fancy himself in love with her enough for him to propose.

ALMOST HEAVEN is another great historical romance from Judith McNaught. Featuring the wit and sensuality that readers have come to love in her other historicals, it has well-rounded characters that draws you to them and make you feel all the emotions that they're going through. I loved how Ian is so honest with his feelings for Elizabeth and how unafraid he is to show his affection for her in public. And Elizabeth's compassionate nature and quiet intelligence is very endearing. I enjoyed the part when she tries to prevent a duel when Ian was accused of cheating in a card game and when she tries to prove his innocence in court.

Another thing I enjoyed is the involvement of Jordan and Alexandra Townsende from SOMETHING WONDERFUL. I noticed that some have commented that their appearance kind of took away some of the spotlight from Ian and Elizabeth, but personally, I didn't feel that it did. But then again I loved SOMETHING WONDERFUL so much that I was just happy to read about them again.

Although there were a couple of parts that dragged a bit, it didn't bother me at all. If you love historical romance, don't miss this book and JM's other books.

What a great story. Whitney, my love was my favorite and outstanding, until I read this story. What wonderful characters, and as you said, I can see how the story just wrote itself. It's would take me forever to write everything wonderful about this book, I will sum it up as EXCEPTIONAL.

I love Judith Mcnaught. Although Whitney, My love, Paradise and Kingdom of Dreams are my top favorites I never thought another book would meet their standards, but I was so wrong! I would place this book at the top 5 of my all time favorite romance novels ever (and I read a lot), because it is just that...romantic. This book had so many moments between Ian and Elizabeth that truly takes your breath away. Ian IS the most romantic, mysterious, loving, intelligent and sexy hero I have EVER had the pleasure to read about. There was nothing about his character in the book that made me cringe or dislike him. He always had the right thing to say or do at just the right time. Sigh!

Ok onto the book....Ian and Elizabeth met one night during Elizabeth's debut season mingling among the "ton". She was tricked, sort of, into asking him to dance and it all began from there. These two people felt a romantic pull from the beginning, one that neither could ignore, especially the dashing, romantic and notorious gambler Ian. Judith wrote their love story in a fashion that wasn't fantastical, silly or light. It was real with natural emotions and heartfelt tendancies. You can tell she really loved these two characters because she brought them, and the secondary characters, to life with every page.

Ian and Elizabeth, soon after they meet, are caught in a compromising position that would spark gossip and contriversy... and it did. Because of the gossip surrounding Elizabeth she was basically left to fend for herself for 2 years, shunned from society and not hearing from Ian again...not that she really wanted to. Then the book really heats up when Elizabeth meets Ian again (against her wishes) and where and why and how is all hilarious, sad, sweet and all the while it puts them in a position to realize they still have sparks between them and oh my there are definately some sparks!!!! (And this is just the beginning...)

There is so much to this book I cannot say enough in this review. There is tons of romantic moments, moments that make your heart melt, there is laugh out loud hilarity, suspense, and overall just a great juicy, never for one moment boring story of two people who love eachother with everything they have. It's really sweet watching them fall in love and to watch how their love develops through the ups and downs and surprises that come. I have so many favorite moments that I can't name them all. BUT one of my very favorites that had me in stitches was when Elizabeth made the big "pan biscuit" because she didn't know better and Ian tried so hard not to laugh at her and hurt her. I laughed so hard after reading that, but the most memorable moments where their tender ones. I can't say enough about this book and I fear I haven't done it justice at all. Just read it...if you're a Judith fan than this is her in top, classic form. If you just love romance...this book is packed full of it. It's a true, solid love story that I will surely read again and again.

EDIT: After having read almost all of JM's books I'm rearranging my favorites list. 1) Whitney, My love (will always be at the top) 2) Almost Heaven 3) Kingdom of Dreams 4) Once and Always and 5) Paradise.

I have become a huge fan of Judith McNaught because her novels have always gotten a reaction from me as I read them, whereby anger, frustration, passion, happiness and/or a sense of accomplishment for having read such a beautiful story. The author does have quite a predictable formula that I've become quite familiar with, but her stories are still touching and wonderful to the core. Almost Heaven, though not my favorite McNaught novel, is another gem that makes me feel the aforementioned emotions from beginning to the end. Elizabeth Cameron, the Countess of Havenhurst, is not only a rage among the haute ton, she is THE rage. Despite her somewhat limited dowry due to her family's financial downfall, fifteen suitors are hoping to win her hand in marriage. But out of the fifteen suitors, only one man awakens feelings within her: the tall, dark, handsome and very mysterious Ian Thornton. He is the one she cannot have, for he is not a member of the nobility and is a notorious gambler to boot. The handsome stranger and the noble beauty have a wonderful romantic encounter at a hidden cottage that ends up ruining things for them when jealousy and betrayal are thrown into the mix. Elizabeth isn't allowed to mix with Ian, a man of ill-repute and no title of his own, or so everyone thinks. There are various twists throughout the novel.

Almost Heaven is full of McNaught's signature misunderstandings that lead to endless fights between the protagonists. The heroine is proud and stubborn and the hero is hot-tempered and incredibly mean and callous when provoked. However, the characters aren't quite as over the top as the protagonists from previous novels. Ian isn't overly temperamental or a himbo (male bimbo) like Clayton (Whitney, My Love), Jason (Once and Always) and Jordan (Something Wonderful). He is quite wonderful during the first chapters of the novel. And he is back to being the loving, sensual man when he isn't otherwise angry or wary of Elizabeth. Elizabeth isn't quite as spirited or as challenging as the heroines of other McNaught novels. In fact, other than the infuriating first encounter with Ian after not seeing him for a couple of years, she is disappointingly docile most of the time and a little too perfect for my taste. She isn't as memorable as Jennifer Westmoreland (A Kingdom of Dreams), Alexandra (Something Wonderful) or Whitney (Whitney, My Love). She lacks the courage and determination the aforementioned heroines had. The secondary characters are good and they keep the storyline fresh. I hated Elizabeth's brother, the biggest obstacle between the couple. As said earlier, the storyline in this novel follows quite a formulaic approach that McNaught has used in all of the novels I have read so far: misunderstandings, betrayal, over-the-top reactions from the hero, etc. I find it hard to believe that a man as intelligent as Ian couldn't put two and two together in that big misunderstanding toward the end. Elizabeth isn't very far behind with her stupidity. This has happened in all McNaught novels and the only thing I am glad about is that this book doesn't have the very violent reactions from the other heroes. The story is still wonderful though. It kept me reading until the late hours of the night. It was nice to read about Alexandra and Jordan again. They are a great couple and reading about them here reminded me of their beautiful love story. I recommend Almost Heaven. This one is a lighter alternative to emotionally-driven, heart wrenching love stories like Once and Always and Whitney, My Love.

This is a magnificent love story of two proud,stubborn wilful, strong and admirable people who are already in love at the beginning of the novel (one of them realizes it but the other doesn't - not yet). They have to overcome obstacles and fight fate to be together. You cry with them, laugh with them, cheer with them and feel their pain. The background setting of this story are absolutely breathtaking - from London ballrooms to the wild and hauntingly beautiful Scottish highlands. Ian Thornton will make you wish he's yours, and if I have a daughter one day, I shall name her Elizabeth, so that she'll grow up to be someone admirable, just like the heroine of ALMOST HEAVEN.

WOW!!! Nothing made me believe that JMcNaught could get better than Something Wonderful. I am happy to report that I was so so WRONG! I fell in love with these characters just like JM has made me fall in love with her other characters. Funny, spunky, smart, charming, brave, pigheaded, and flawed is how I describe both wonderful characters. I could gush on on on about Elizabeth and Ian but I think that time is better spent hunting down more JM books, as I'm sure many will agree! : ) On a personal note, so happy to see the return of Alex and Jordan from Someting Wonderful, which will still be my favorite by a narrow margin!

i must say this book was CAPTIVATING! Especially the the main characters...ie. Elizabeth and Ian. The fact that Ian Thorntorn is a very brilliant and smart man, i find him very admirable.I would wish that my future husband to have such intelectual quality. He is also a man of great principles, unlike the main men in Until You where Stephen Westmoreland treats women as garbage! The description on Elizabeth was so well written that i would wonder who could fit her role perfectly if a movie was made out of this magnificent stroy. This book proves that love is so strong that all sin is forgiven. A great book. NIce WORk !!!

I read Almost Heaven for the first time almost two years ago. This book was my introduction to regency/historical romance. I didn't realize then how high of a bar it set for the romance reads that followed.

I have since re-read the book, and I still think it is incredibly well-written and engaging. I have a hard time putting it down even though I've read it a few times now! The main characters, as well as the secondary characters, are complex and often funny. McNaught took the effort and time to craft this story and its characters into something memorable.

The only part of the book that I don't really like is the trial and the events that precede it. The main characters' actions during this part felt inconsistent with their actions in the rest of the book. Also, this whole story line seemed unrealistic to me. With this minor criticism aside, I whole-heartedly recommend Almost Heaven. Definitely a 5-star read.

What another wonderful book from McNaught! This is one of her best! What I loved about this novel was especially Ian's character. I loved how expressive he was of his emotions and thoughts. And that he was the one that said "I love you" first - that rarely happens! I also thought this book made me laugh more than any of the other's I have read from McNaught. Especially when Elizabeth was faking who she was so she wouldn't have to marry those first two suitors! Ian and Elizabeth really had love and passion between them through the whole novel. The only downfall was of course the typical big "misunderstanding", that is known in McNaught's writing. However, as usual, it has a happy ending. I found myself wanting to jump ahead in this novel just because I couldn't wait to see when they were together again each time! Wow! Don't pass this one up, it was a great and worthwhile read!!

Almost Heaven was a divine read. The characters are well depicted and the conflicts between them entertaining. The most appealing things about the book are the hilarity built into the plot when Elizabeth is visiting the older suitors and trying to discourage them. I laughed so hard I was shaking. In addition, it ended well and I felt thoroughly satisfied. I feel like I've taken a journey that leaves me wanting another trip into a McKnaught book. She painted a couple with an intimate relationship on an emotional, sexual, psychological, and physical level. Their intimacy makes the book that much more irresistable. Though I rarely read a book more than once, I will save this one so that I can savor it again. I too am enamored with Ian. He is the type of man I adore: tall, strong, and complicated yet in need of an enduring love. Like most men, he likes to push the boundaries, but he displays self-control which is also appealing in a man. READ This book if you love historical romances and desire a magnificent journey.

This romance novel is well-written and solid. The story has a nice pace and the plot draws you in. Moreover, the characters are so loveable. Elizabeth is enchanting, strong, intelligent and beautiful, and Ian is the perfect man for her. He is practically a genius, charming, gorgeous, and protective.
The ending of a novel is the most vital part of a book and "Almost Heaven" doesn't leave any questions unanswered. The ending is so strong and leaves you with a sweet closure that makes the characters stay with you and makes you want to revisit them often.
If the author ever reads this review I would like to say thank you for an amazing story and breathtaking characters that came to life and seemed so very real. You have a wonderful talent and I look forward to reading more of your work.

Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught was released in 1990. A great Regency romance novel. Elizabeth and Ian make a great couple,take their time getting together, and keep your interest as the story goes along. Fans of Judith McNaught will like this the most.

whenever I read a Judith Mcnaught novel, it simply has all the element ones needs to enjoy the book.
One can easily go from laughing out loudly, to sadness, to frustration, to joy and finally happily ever after.
It's these feelings that make it so real and worthwhile.
Her writing is so maturely written that one can always be assured of getting their money's worth.
Since the synopsis of the novel as been adequately written by other reviewers, there isn't any need for me to repeat it here.
This book is definitely a page turner as with all of her other historical novels I have had the upmost honour to read.
The book is certainly worth so much more than 5 stars.
Awesome Read!!!!! It doesn't get any better than having a hero in Ian Thorton.

......My husband was not tried before his peers
He was merely tried before the Lords of the
British Realm. Ian Thorton has no peers

Judith McNaught has a style that you either hate or love. I happen to be one who loves her work. Her novels are not without flaws, sometimes quite corny but very endearing none the less.
I started reading her work about five years back and have recently started reading her books again. Almost Heaven still remains my all time favorite both in the genre as well as among her works.
Ian Thornton as a hero makes me sad. Sad because there are really no such men born that I know of. I am married to one of the best ones out there (lol) even then I could not help but pine for someone like Ian.
What always stirs me about the book is the aching romance that jumps out of the pages and gives you goose bumps.
In the beginning, Elizabeth asks Ian to dance and he refuses and then stunned by what she does, he asks her to... I mean the whole connotation of the scene is one of the best romance sequences that I have read.
I am not particularly fond of prose like romance novels where we are given a history lesson more than a romance. There are plenty of serious books and internet sites for that, and believe me I am a history buff.
But when I want to read a romance, I want romance.
Mcnaught's books have heroes who are strong, good looking :), rich, intelligent and everything else that are good.Why would we women read romance novels otherwise? :)
Misunderstandings are common in her work, but I'll tolerate all that only to read the beautiful, poignant way she brings the protagonists together again. I also happen to like the fact that almost all her heroines are virgins. I cannot tolerate idolizing sex and the city women as protagonists. (Although I really did like the show as a sitcom (lol!!)
Opinions and tastes however differ and I cannot make anyone like the books if they've decided not to. Personally I read a romance with very little expectation of getting a classic.
If you have not read Almost Heaven, get one copy and read it. Most of you won't be disappointed. Five Stars!

McNaught doesn't disappoint in this one. You have this unforgiving hero, who makes it all worth it in the end. I hate retelling the story, but this was typical McNaught romance. So if you enjoyed, Whitney My Love, Something Wonderful, Once and Always, Until You, and Kingdom of Dreams, then add this one to your list!

ENCHANTING. HEARTWARMING. HEARTWRENCHING. UNFORGETTABLE. I was hooked from the beginning to the end -- staying up all hours of the night to finish it. The dialogue was wonderful -- poignant, clever, witty. I fell in love with Ian and Elizabeth and their story. I reread it immediately after reading it the first time -- it was that good! Mine was a library copy but I'm going to buy my own copy so I will always have it on hand. I think I'll be reading it again soon. I agree with the review that said the part of her leaving b/c of her brother and Ian not figuring it out was hard to believe but I forgive that because it is such a wonderful story. I loved everything about it. I wish their would be a sequel or that it could be made into a movie. Their love is so magical. It's inspirational.

I have read countless novels for many years, but Almost Heaven is undoubtedly still my absolute, number one favourite of all time. The love, humor, poignancy, and main characters are all unsurpassed and unforgettable. I have read it and reread it many times, and I still feel every heartwrenching emotion that Ian and Elizabeth experience. There are so many tender scenes that make me smile and cry all at the same time. Ian and Elizabeth's reunion in the Scotland cottage had me crying like I had never cried before!
Judith McNaught is a goddess!! Her books have an irresistable charm that will make you fall in love... I cannot find the words to describe the magnificence of Almost Heaven. You will have to experience its unbelievable love and touching emtions for yourself...
Could someone please recommend another book/author like Almost Heaven/JM? I have tried other authors, but was always disappointed. I have yet to find another author who can tap into emotions as deeply as Judith McNaught does...

This book is absolutely spectacular! Judith McNaught out does herself. I'm normally not a big fan of historical romance but if its written like this how could anyone not love it. This is truly the ultimate love story and I must say I think Mr.Ian Thornton is the man of all our dreams. This book will make you laugh, cry and never want to put it down. It is amazing how McNaught can make you adore a character one minute then the next you want to strangle the same character for being such a gullable idiot. Buy this book. It will not dissapoint.

wow... what a great book... I stayed up last night until 5:00 a.m. to finish this book.... I could not put it down FOR THE LIFE OF ME! Ian Thorton is every woman's dream man... honest, strong, intellegent, gorgeous (he says the most wonderful, romantic things... <sigh>), and Elizabeth is just as Ian called her "magnificent". When you read this book, you laugh with them, cry with them.... you wish you lived back then and knew them... Judith McNaught is truly gifted... It is now almost 12 hours after I finished the book (usually I'm just onto the next book by now) and I keep going back, re-reading favorite parts... re-living the excitement and wonder... feeling what they felt... It is a book like this that makes you sit back and reflect on what a wonderful thing it is to be able to read... get caught up in a story... This is my first of Judith McNaught's..... can anyone recommend one that is on par with this one?

Wonderful romance, endearing characters, and HILARIOUS. Of the several McNaught novels I have read, this is the best. The usual McNaught is tragedy, drama, and narcissistic, tyrannical heroes. This book is a real exception. The tension is there, but so is the fun!
Both hero and heroine are warm, likable people who get separated through unfortunate circumstances by no real fault of their own. Their reunion is reluctant and laugh-out-loud funny.

Prior to this writing, 177 reviews have been written for Almost Heaven; I could hardly say more. But next to reading the novel itself, I find the reviews almost as interesting. Forty years ago, Clark Gable, (Rhett Butler in Gone With the Wind) could have easily portrayed Ian. In fact, both characters remind me a lot of each other. Elizabeth's character really comes together with the help of her background. She is far ahead of the phony and sophisticated crowd in which she is placed. And the first cottage scene should have been enough to let the reader know how little sexual instruction or experience she has had. And even later she does not comprehend Ian's meaning, "I want you." Both she and Ian commit mistakes due to the pain or void in their earlier years. I thought the characters were brilliant, very real and refreshing. Judith McNaught deserves the 5 Star ratings that most of these readers gave her. I am hesitant to read her other books; they just can't be better than Almost Heaven.

This is my favorite romance novel of ALL TIME!! I first read this book when I was in high school in the late '80's early '90's and have read it MANY times since. It is my go-to romance novel. I have read this book so many times that I have had to purchase new copies at least twice because the pages start falling out!! I highly recommend to any lover of historical romance!

Judith Mcnaught does it again! Since everyone knows what the book is about, I will just say that this book is in the same league as Kingdom of dreams, Paradise and Perfect. This is another beautifully written, sweet and emotionally charged love story. Ian and Elizabeth are made for each and their love story will remain in my heart for a long long time. Please don't miss this one.

Judith McNaught is one of the best. Almost Heaven not only captures the readers' imagination but their hearts as well. The humor is quite refreshing and the dialogues are the best. Every moment spent reading it and experiencing things with Ian and Elizabeth will always remain in the hearts of all those who knew and love them.