From Publishers Weekly
Set in California's Santa Cruz mountains, Gould's (Till the End of Time; Rhapsody) new drama tells a story of selfless love colored by the machinations of players in the high-stakes orchid business. But plot clich?s and hyperventilated dialogue mar this tale of jealousy, betrayal and sacrifice. Young, attractive couple Josh and Joanna Lawrence run a successful nursery, supplying some of the world's most sought-after orchids. The Lawrences inherited the business from Joanna's father, along with a gorgeous mansion and the Lawrence family maid, Connie Cespedes. Connie's brother, Carl, manages the greenhouses and his wife, Luna, handles administrative matters. All appears serene in this close-knit enterprise, but Joanna is hiding a secret from Josh: she has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and has only a few months to live. Before she dies, she wants to complete two projects, one of which is to build a peaceful grotto in an old stone building behind the house. In hiring artist April Woodward to carry out her plan, Joanna fulfills her second purpose, which is to prepare for her successor in Josh's life, by cultivating a friendship with April and bringing her into their home. Meanwhile, Joanna's jealous sister, Christina, is busy trying to ruin her sister's happiness. The thrice-divorced Christina begins an affair with Peter Rossi, the unscrupulous owner of a rival orchid nursery. Together, they attempt to sabotage the Lawrence greenhouse and force Joanna and Josh to sell out, eliciting the aid of one of the Lawrences' trusted employees. Despite the stretch of credibility that Joanna's noble sacrifice requires, this might have been a sensitive, quirky tribute to selfless love. But its lack of stylistic grace and a predictable denouement worthy of a bodice-ripper keep it soapily formulaic. (Aug.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Joanna Lawrence has a plan, and loveDin perhaps its purest formDmakes it successful. Joanna and her husband, Josh, live in the mountains near the Monterey coast, a beautiful setting where they grow orchids. A lover of shells and art, Joanna develops a project that uses the shells she has been collecting for years on the walls of a grotto in her garden to reflect her family's longstanding connection with orchids. Joanna asks artist April Woodward to bring the seashell-covered walls of the grotto to life. In so doing, Joanna discovers that her love for Josh and her concern for his future are both connected to April. As always, Gould (Second Love: Till the End of Time) not only offers love (with some sex) but also insight into an usual environmentDin this case orchid farming.-DAnnelle R. Huggins, Univ. of Memphis Lib., TN Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Joanna and Josh are a perfect couple. They are blessed with great looks, a beautiful home on California's Central Coast, and a thriving orchid business. But their idyllic existence is about to be shattered when Joanna learns she has terminal cancer. Gould, however, takes an unexpected tack and has her strong and compassionate heroine come up with an altruistic plan to find a new love for her soon-to-be widowed husband. Joanna joins forces with April, the woman chosen as her replacement, and together they create a beautiful grotto encrusted with seashells and designs of rare orchids. But it isn't all bittersweet romance. Gould interweaves poignant interludes with lusty sex scenes and a subplot involving a hostile takeover attempt orchestrated by Josh's evil business rival, Joanna's avaricious and oversexed sister, and a treacherous maid. Will their conniving be foiled by the more ethical and deserving threesome? Gould, at the top of her form, whips up emotional and plot-driven suspense. Alice Joyce
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Book Description
Living an idyllic existence as orchid farmers along the breathtaking Monterey coast, Joanna and Josh Lawrence seem to have the perfect life together. But when Joanna invites a stranger into their home, a stunning scheme will unfold. She has asked designer April Woodward to help her build the inspirational grotto--embedded with the beautiful shells Joanna has collected over the years--that she has always envisioned on their land. But Joanna also has another agenda. She has recently learned that she is dying, and as her final gift of love to her dear husband, Joanna will provide for him a replacement.
As a premiere author of compelling women's fiction, Judith Gould introduces readers to extraordinary people who linger in our minds long after the last page is turned.
"The virtues of this novel . . . are its lively pace, its nimble plot turns, and its ability to tug, oh so gently, at the heart strings."--Publishers Weekly (on Till the End of Time)
Time to Say Good-Bye FROM THE PUBLISHER
From the New York Times bestselling author of Rhapsody comes the unforgettable story of a husband and a wife...the ultimate sacrifice...and the healing power of everlasting love. Time to Say Good-Bye is Judith Gould at her absolute best. This contemporary story of life and love in the face of death has quickly become a favorite among readers-and Gould's highest-grossing hardcover to date...
FROM THE CRITICS
People
Fueled by a speedy...plot, delicious Dynasty-style details and some lusty sex scenes...this yarn delivers.
BookPage
A powerful story of love and loss...keep your hanky handy.
Library Journal
Joanna Lawrence has a plan, and love--in perhaps its purest form--makes it successful. Joanna and her husband, Josh, live in the mountains near the Monterey coast, a beautiful setting where they grow orchids. A lover of shells and art, Joanna develops a project that uses the shells she has been collecting for years on the walls of a grotto in her garden to reflect her family's longstanding connection with orchids. Joanna asks artist April Woodward to bring the seashell-covered walls of the grotto to life. In so doing, Joanna discovers that her love for Josh and her concern for his future are both connected to April. As always, Gould (Second Love: Till the End of Time) not only offers love (with some sex) but also insight into an usual environment--in this case orchid farming. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 4/1/00.]--Annelle R. Huggins, Univ. of Memphis Lib., TN Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\
Internet Book Watch - Internet Book Watch
In the Santa Cruz Mountains near Monterey, California, Josh and Joanna Lawrence run an internationally acclaimed orchid business. Besides the success of their enterprise, observers clearly can see that the couple loves each other and will Forever. However, a serpent enters the picturesque lifestyle of the Lawrences when Joann learns she suffers from brain cancer that leaves her with a few months of life left. Knowing she will love Josh Till The End Of Time, Joanna establishes two goals to complete before she dies. She wants to build a grotto and find her replacement so that Josh goes on with his life. She hires artist April Woodward to accomplish her first aim and to fulfill the role of the second objective as Josh's Second Love. Time To Say Good-Bye is a heart wrenching relationship drama centering on a terminally ill person accepting her impending death with a grace and an unselfish love by placing her spouse first. When the story line focuses on the triangle, the tale is warm and sensitive. However, when Judith Gould adds unnecessary elements of suspense caused by a teaming up of Joanna's envious sister and a despicable business rival, the tale loses some of its momentum and charm. In spite of this insipid sidebar, Ms. Gould provides her readers with a tribute to the power of love.
Art & Photography
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