Here is my idea of a well written engaging book, populated by believable characters struggling through realistic situations, making decisions and choices that reflect those we ourselves might choose or make in circumstances that conspire and challenge us. I thoroughly enjoyed this absorbing, page-turning action-adventure, and the characters who took me on a journey of discovery into the depths of Antarctica, where personalities clashed and emotions smoldered just beneath the surface. Macphersons' well-written prose evokes a sense of place immediately, while her ability to bring us right into the characters lives and personalities, from the get go, has you turning the pages to find out what's going to happen next. Add this one to your 'must read' list.
Great character development and pace
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Unlike many lesbian-themed books, Helen doesn't rush the story. She takes time to develop the characters and get the reader engaged in their lives and perspectives. She moves the romance along at a slow, realistic pace while keeping the reader looking forward to the next development.
Clear Your Calendar and Get Comfortable
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
This book is so good that once you start reading, you won't want to stop. Clear your calendar, grab a hot toddy, and curl up in your favorite spot... you're going to be mesmorized until the last page. My first Macpherson read, I'm now anxiously awaiting the arrival of 'And Those Who Trespass Against Us.' Psychologist Dr. Michela DeGrasse and archaeologist Dr. Allison Shaunessy are two driven, professional women who are about to take the journey of their lives. Alli wrote her doctoral dissertation on the as-yet unsubstantiated arctic explorer Eric Finlayson. When glaciologist Sarah and her team discover a wooden structure hidden under the ice in Antarctica, one possibility is it's finally proof of the Finlayson expedition. Alli is surprised to get 40% of the cost of a new expedition from the museum she represents. Michela, researching team dynamics under harsh conditions for the Mars program, secures an additional 20% from her own organization. The psychologist gets the remaining funds from the Finlayson family themselves -- under two conditions. The first condition is that Michela head up the expedition herself. The second is that they bring the body of the explorer home for proper burial. Strangers before the adventure, Alli concedes leadership to Michela so the expedition will be fully financed. The women learn to overcome their differences over the preparations, training, and actual journey itself. Michela has broken up with her cheating partner and has an uncharacteristic one-night-stand. Seemingly-straight Alli is having problems with her long-time boyfriend, and is struggling with newfound feelings for Michela. The other six explorers on their team range from supportive to destructive, making for a story with depth and dimensionality. Not only do the women discover great things about the original Finlayson expedition, they also discover themselves. Finally, after many months of struggling, their Finlayson benefactor plays matchmaker in the most interesting of ways. Great book... Don't miss!
Suspense! Intrigue! Romance!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Antarctica, is a cold, frozen and unforgiving continent. When an accidental discovery is made there Australian archaeologist Allison Shaunessy is eager to mount an expedition to the site and immediately sets out to obtain the necessary funding. Michela DeGrasse, an American psychologist, learns of the expedition and of Allison's mission to secure funding. Viewing this expedition as the perfect setting to research how humans react and interact in extreme conditions she sets out to lend assistance when Allison's funding goal falls short. One of Michela's requests is made of the granddaughter of a previous explorer. She agrees to provide the remaining funds needed, with one major stipulation...Michela is to be in charge of the expedition. This fact does not set well with Allison and she is immediately resentful and antaganistic. Preparation gets underway and things do not go smoothly for the two women. Their continuous clashing begins to affect the expedition, and both women are forced to forge a somewhat amiable working relationship in order to stay. Recovering from a bad breakup with her lover, Michela is understandably reluctant to acknowledge when she begins to experience "new feelings" for Allison. Allison, herself is totally confused by hers. She's been dating a man but has begun to find herself attracted to Michela. Will the two women be able to overcome the whole "oil and water" aspect and let theirself see where these feelings lead? Both wonder if all the trials and tribulations of romance are worthy of the effort. What happens to what could be a new love once the expedition is over? And when an intrusion comes from an unlikely source, how will both women react? How could this intrusion impact the relationship in a way that neither woman could ever have foreseen? Colder Than Ice is a terrific tale of two women finding love amidst the harshest of conditions. It's a fantastic story filled with drama, suspense, intrigue and romance allowing the reader to emerge themselves deeply into the story to the point they feel they are experiencing the atmosphere and action at the same time as the characters. It is simply a book that must be read!
Another fine book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
This is Helen MacPherson's second novel and, like And Those Who Trespass Against Us, it features interesting characters and an engaging story. Dr. Allison Shaunessy, an archaeologist from Australia, wants to launch an expedition into Antarctica to find the possible remains of the Finlayson Expedition. She is trying to prove that Finlayson was actually the first explorer to reach that continent, but she's having trouble raising the money to cover the costs. Enter Dr. Michela DeGrasse, a psychologist with the International Space Research Institute, who is working on psychological studies for the first Mars mission and would like to go on the expedition to study how the team interacts under adverse circumstances. Michela manages to find the descendent of Finlayson, who is willing to fund the project, if she heads it. The rest of the story unfolds as these two strong-willed women get to know each other and try to find a way to work together, while struggling with a physical attraction that surprises both of them. They do find Finlayson and a surprise they hadn't counted on. And they discover something about themselves, too. This is a really good read.
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.