Product Description

The spellbinding Orphans series concludes in this thrilling new novel from V.C. Andrews®...

"All for one and one for all" was the girls' motto. In the grim foster home for orphans run by Louise and Gordon Tooey, at least Brooke, Crystal, Raven, and Butterfly had each other. Calling themselves "sisters," together they could forget the past and dream of a new chance...a real home. Then they discovered a secret even more haunting than Gordon's heavy boots pounding on the wooden floors. Their fragile hopes of a better life shattered, they escaped the only way they could. Soon they were runaways in a borrowed car, desperately wishing to wake up one morning in a place of sunshine and love.

Raven hoped to be a singer, Butterfly wanted to be a dancer, Crystal planned for college, and Brooke privately hoped to find her mother in California. On the open road the chains of sadness that had bound them seemed to melt away, and the kindness of strangers made a secure future seem almost real. But the highway was a dangerous place, and soon they were penniless and more vulnerable than ever. Alone under the wide western sky, they had only each other to ask if they should give up their dreams...or if they were really halfway to a haven of safety and happiness.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (73)

Had been hoping...
that Neiderman would have gone back to his usual good work after this. The Cutler and Landry series had been good books, and I have no idea why he decided to write this miniseries. If something is classic - and VCA was - then stick with it! This story of the Orphans was a mildly interesting read, more for teens, and not a good representation of the VCA name. The ending also felt rather rushed together, and the novel overall was very, very cheesy, especially with the hippie character. The Orphans series certainly didn't represent Mr. Neiderman's best work and we had hoped it was temporary, but sadly, the VCA name would NEVER be the same again... and it's even more evident 10 years later. :/

runaways
11-15-06

Runaways
V.C. Andrews
Pocket star books

Imagine being a sixteen year old girl who had been an orphan ever since she was born, finally adopted, then put back in a foster home run by a very evil man who doesn't let you do anything and buys the worst food.Wouldn't you run away too?V.C. Andrews' Runaways, the last book of the Orphans mini series, is about four orphans.They like to think of themselves as "sisters". Throughout the years they have known each other they have created a very loving relationship for one another, almost like sisters.Nothing can break they tight bond of love they have for one another.The foster home was run by a very evil couple who won't let anyone adopt any of the kids in the foster home.After attacking crystal, one of "the sisters", they all decide that enough was enough.They were going to run away, no matter where they were going, they always had each other.That was all they needed to survive.

Brooke, probably the strongest of"the sisters", both physically and emotionally, was once adopted by a super model who wanted to take her away from her softball dream. Brooke is a very athletic sixteen year old with thick blonde hair.Brooke was the third to enter "the sisters".She was the one who thought of running away first, and made it possible.Throughout the story, she is the one in the driver's seat, with all of the control.Crystal, the brains of "the sisters", was adopted by a couple who wasn't able to have children.She quickly fell in love with a boy as smart as her, and everything was perfect.But one day her parents died in a car crash, and she had to go back to a foster home, where no one wanted her.This amazing sixteen year old was the first one to be there for Butterfly and created "the sisters".Butterfly is very small and delicate.She was adopted by a women in a wheel chair who used to be a prima ballerina.She forced Butterfly to learn the dance, but Butterfly failed her mother.Butterfly's mother quickly went crazy and her dad sent her back to a foster home.She is very sensitive, quiet, and she's the one who keeps "the sisters" so strong.Raven is the prettiest of "the sisters".Her mother was a drunk and she did a lot of drugs.When her mother got arrested, she had to go live with her evil uncle and her aunt.Her uncle abused her until she told the school, who quickly put her in a foster home.

This realistic fiction book was the last book in a wonderful mini series called Orphans.Throughout this book, even the whole series,there are many turning points and twists.There is a lot of action and the plot pulls you in from the beginning all the way to the end and Andrews wants you to read even more.The characters are so believable.You end up feeling what they feel and you can put yourself in their place as they go through the dangerous events through the run away.When you read this book, this series even, I guarantee you'll love it.

Good read for the teen crowd
I've read V.C. Andrews since I was about 14, I'm 25 now so I've really outgrown her stuff, I should say the ghostwriters' stuff, but I still reread FITA series and Heaven series every so often.Runaways was a nice break from the tired incest/secrets formula that the ghostwriters insist on sticking to for every book.I got so tired of the stereotyped dumpy maids and jolly black cooks and all that crap.

Runaways is a good read for young girls who aren't ready for the more adult themes of the old books.I liked the four main characters, although they all seemed pretty goody-goody and naive for the life they had led so far.Not that that's a bad thing but it's just not realistic.Brooke was my favorite, because I'm the most like her.(Even married a mechanic!)The story is interesting, though anyone that's been out in real world America knows that they would have encountered a lot more problems and a lot less convienently-timed jobs handed their way.But the main theme of the story, I think, is that if you want something bad enough, if you sacrifice you just might get it.That and the power of friendship.

A good story...
The ghost writers are no match to VC Andrews' original writing style. The Orphans series was ok but a bit predictable. I couldn't get into this one. This book is interesting but could be better.

Fun and Hilarious
It's the wild wild Life! These girls really put adventure in this V.C. Andrews novel. They took home, to a lot of people on their journey to California. Well, their attempted journey.

That's too bad that the Tooley's were crazy individuals. Seriously, if Ms. Tooley wanted money, she should have offered the foster home bussiness, to another guy!!! Hello! Read this book with your favorite Bolly and mair, in a comfortable place. Because you won't want to put this book down.

These girls are smart and fearless. In the words of a Black Queen: "Dorothy" and all her "imaginary friends" can't beat them!Haaeeey!! ... Read more

Product Description

The truth could not be revealed -- until now....

A fter the tragic death of her adoptive father, Willow De Beers receives an unexpected gift: a family diary that unlocks all the secrets of her world -- and shatters the life she's known in glitzy Palm Beach, Florida. At last, Willow learns the identity of her real father, and unearths his secret love affair with her real mother. She discovers the reasons for her adoptive mother's cruelty...and the truth about the mysterious woman who couldn't keep her, but would love her forever.

Look inside for the original e-book prequel Dark Seed -- first time in print! Also inside...a preview of the thrilling Broken Wings series -- coming soon from Pocket Star Books ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Illogical
There were so many things wrong with the DeBeers series overall, and this book is even sadder than the other books. I simply could not enjoy this book. No one makes any sense.

If Claude cared for Grace at all, he would have found a way to be with her. He was rich and successful, and he was unhappy with his wife and for whatever reason, stayed with her instead of taking the obvious choice and divorcing her. And poor Grace, condemned to spending the rest of her life alone, never seeing Claude again.

One has to wonder, after Alberta died, you'd think Claude could have contacted Grace and say, 'hey, you know what, it's been years, we've both grown, my wife's dead, let's get married!' He's a psychiatrist, he's supposed to be so smart, yet it never even occurred to him to take action once his evil wife died. The DeBeers series was thoroughly disappointing, but if you thought that was bad, it's now over 5 years later and what Mr. Neiderman is currently writing under the VCA name is even worse than this.

all the books by v c andrews
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU, THAT YOU HAD THE BOOKS I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR, FOR A LONG TIME.I LOVE VC ANDREWS.I HAVE 4 MORE I HAVE TO ORDER AND WILL HAVE THEM ALL. THANK YOU AGAIN VERY MUCH.BONNIE MARTIN

A terrible representation of the patient/psychiatrist relationship
As if prior offerings such as the Melody series weren't hint enough, this pretty much confirms that the VC Andrews ghost writer needs to move on. Trite, sappy, and unbelievable story. The protagonist did not evoke any of my sympathy. The woman was interesting.

Aside from the terrible writing, I had another problem with this book. Absolute appalling view of a patient/psychiatrist relationship. Even if the patient does want a relationship with a psychiatrist, in NO WAY is it acceptable for the psychiatrist to act on it. I don't care how "candle light and roses" the author makes it out to be, it is flat out unethical.

Great read
Excellent book in the series. I could not stop reading until I had finished this book and the whole series!

Hidden Leaves

The book I read was called, "Hidden Leaves" by V.C. Andrews.This book is just one big love story that has a sad but meaningful ending.A man named Claude realized his love for a woman named Grace.The whole book was just a long letter that Claude was writing to his daughter, Willow.But Willow was not the daughter of Alberta, his wife.Claude owned his own hospital and was a psychiatric doctor.Throughout the book he talked about all of his different patients and how he eventually fell in love with a patient named Grace, even though he was still married.He talked about how his whole life changed once he met her and how he knew she was the one.Claude did not really have a good relationship with Alberta and he always said that it was more like a friendship than a marriage.Grace was at the clinic because she was suffering major depression.Later on when Claude and Grace were getting deeper and deeper into the relationship, Grace finds out she is pregnant.This was pretty bad news because if anybody found out, Claude's clinic would be shut down.When Grace's mom finds out she is pregnant she wants her to come home immediately.The mother didn't know that Claude was the father.Grace could not take the baby back to her home so Claude had to "adopt" the baby.The rest of the story is about how Willow, the baby, grows up and learns about her amazing past.I also read the prequel which was included at the end of the book.
The book I read was exciting in some parts but mostly a little boring.It was boring because I am not really into love books and it just seemed like it kept going on and on.Sometimes I did feel like I was in the book especially when he was talking to Grace or at his clinic because usually there were really intense conversations.Some parts of the main conflict interested me but most of the time there were too many parts that just wouldn't end and would drag on throughout the whole book.The characters were very realistic because the people had pretty normal lives and the book described all of the people at the clinic as if it were a real hospital.The books ending was satisfying but kind of predictable because you pretty much knew what was going to happen because if it didn't happen the book wouldn't have made sense.
The voice of the authors' writing had so much description and it sounded like it was coming from himself.It sounded like it came from him because the whole book was of a father writing a letter to his daughter.The authors' use of vocabulary was excellent because he used so many metaphors and similes and it really made you feel like you were there.The author has a very different way of writing.His writing sounds very smart and kind of old-fashioned.V.C. Andrews described things very well.There wasn't much dialogue throughout the story but it didn't really need it.The tone of the book was overall kind of depressing but it was mostly set to a romantic tone.The main conflict and story was pretty boring but the author was great.
I rate this book a six out of ten.The book wasn't really my kind of read.When I first read the back I thought it might have been a little scarier but it ended up being one big love story.I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read kind of a mellow book or someone who just likes love stories.It doesn't really matter if you are a boy or girl; I think anyone could like it if you take that kind of stuff seriously.The age group would probably be more for adults or older teens.
Overall I didn't really like this book just because it carried on way to long.The only good part was probably all of the description and the ending because you really get to see Willow's point of view.I think mostly adults should read this book.You would like it if you want a lot of description but I can definitely say it's not one of my favorites.
... Read more

Product Description
For Carrie, Chris and Cathy the attic was a dark horror that would not leave their minds.

Of course mother had to pretend they didn't exist and grandmother was convinced they had the devil in them.

But that wasn't their fault. Was it?

Cathy knew what to do. She knew it was time to show her mother and grandmother that the pain and terror of the attic could not be forgotten...Show them. Show them -- once and for all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (137)

AWESOME
Awesome book, ive been looking for this book to complete my collection, and they knew just where to find it!!

HORRIBLE!!!
This book is a HORRIBLE read!!!! I wouldnt attempt it unless you want to fall asleep!!! Its sooooo far from real it makes me want to scream!!! I cant even finish it im half way through and its going to the used bookstore as a trade so i can hopefully get something better!! Dont waste your time!!!

Bittersweet Revenge
Well, I for one liked this Gothic novel.

Almost all of the main characters in this story are damaged: Paul, Julian, Carrie, Catherine, and especially Chris!...and they SHOULD BE considering their histories.

I know that many readers took issue with the unraveling of Catherine's character, but this is a woman whose whole motivation is fueled by her simultaneous hatred and love for her mother. I went into this book with an awareness that she was going to make many mistakes and hurt a lot of people left and right.

Loved it!!!
I've read the other reviews on here...I can't believe anyone can dislike this book! I thought it was so good I cannot decide my favorite between it and Flowers in the Attic! I thought it was an awesome sequel. This series is the BEST of V.C Andrews in my opinion and I'll never get tired of reading them.

Good sequel to FITA
ive read FITA years ago after watching the movie(which i feel should be redone and remade correct). For the longest time i wanted to know "what happens next?" and finally, now that i have more time to read i bought Petals on the Wind.

i finished this book in a week and enjoyed it very much. i dont think its fair to judge Cathy,being a prisoner for 3 years in the attic affected the 3 of them differently. I feel as though she went from man to man to erase her feelings for her brother. The fact that Chris wanted her so badly scared her, she didnt want to be a sinner and her feelings for him scared her.

When you are treated as if you are nothin but "attic mice" for Years and treated this way by your mother you are scarred.

Cathy wanted love she wanted comfort.

As for the revenge, it began too late into the book. And i wish she woulda played with her mother a bit more, like REally torment her.

I love the way the author arranged these books, FITA we go from a happy family, to sorrow,to horror @ the Mansion, to anger @ the mother, to YEARS later, mom has a new life and the kids exscape. Then we have Petals where Cathy is 15, they are all so ill, to being happy again, to cathy in NY, being abused,finding her moher having kids being married 2x....etc. SO much in 2 books i feel as tho these characters are REAl :)
Very good book and i highly reccommend itbut FITA is a classic in my opinion and was a VERY hard book to go up against with a sequel. But the author did an amazing job ... Read more

Product Description
Shadowed by her tortured past, Dawn has a bright new life of glimmering hopes...

Dawn can hardly believe she's a student at one of New York City's best music schools. Now her most precious wish, to become a singer, can come true. But Dawn still dreams about Jimmy, her strong, intense boyfriend, and the love and anguished secrets they share.

Then Michael Sutton arrives, a new teacher at the school, a singing star and the most wonderful looking man Dawn has ever seen. Together they create a world of feeling Dawn has never known. In his embrace Dawn awakens to disturbing, unfamiliar desires, and Michael's promises offer a vision of music and romance forever...until he disappears.

Dazed by his cruelty, alone with the bitter fruit of his betrayal, Dawn becomes, once again, a victim of her grandmothers twisted schemes. Desolate, she clings to the tender hope that Jimmy will return and renew with her their deepest hearts' dream... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

Secrets of the Morning
My "nearly new" book was yellow and had water stains.This is the first poor quality book I have ever gotten from Amazon.I was very disappointed in the misrepresentation of the book's appearance.

Favorite V.C. Andrews Series
I'm so glad these books area available on the cheap and in the conditions that was stated. Again, this series is an odd sort of genre for me but I really love the story here. Transaction fine, on time and good price!

Statutory Rape
I enjoyed this story about Dawn's new experiences at the Bernhardt school and the students she befriended along the way. However, one thing bugs me to no end...How come Michael Sutton was never brought up on rape charges? Dawn was a minor when he seduced and impregnated her. How come the powerful, strong Lillian Cutler let him just walk away, scot free? I don't believe it. No responsibility, not even child support from a celebrity!! No way. And who doesn't get tired of Dawn singing, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", which is a classic, I agree, but doesn't she know anymmore songs than that?

Secrets, indeed
I rate this book 4.5 out of five stars for a good read. After reading Dawn, I was naturally anxious to see what happened to her afterwards. This book packs quite a few punches, especially the ending where Dawn's paternity is revealed, and Grandmother Cutler's hatred of her now finally reveals the reason behind it. Once you read Darkest Hour - the last Cutler book, the whole series makes much more sense.

Secrets of the Mornin' Unpleasant...
Well, i decides to myself one day that i needs to catch up on meh readin; I comes across this book titled Secrets of the Mornin' and i thinks to my self sounds intriguin don't it?

It started off great when jus' then i finds out that dawnie, the filly is actually in lurve with her brother who ain't actually who he is. It's real disrespectful to us traditional families when y'all unconventional hillys go to New York and have an affair wit yer teacher. T'aint no respect on the school grounds.

I liked the grandmuther. She was too darn nice. If i were her, i'd smack dawnie the filly right side UP. ... Read more

Product Description
In the wake of a terrible loss, Rain is left alone to bear the Hudson family secreets -- as dark and forbidding as storm clouds on the horizon...

After the death of her beloved Grandmother Hudson, Rain found herself caught in a battle for the vast Hudson family wealth. Marked to inherit millions, Rain faced the fury of her unaccepting mother, her manipulative stepfather, and her cold, vicious Aunt Victoria. But no amount of money can keep Rain's world from crashing down when sudden tragedy strikes.

Left helpless after a devastating blow, Rain sinks into despair as her precious dreams are washed away - dreams that cannot be bought with the Hudson fortune. Her only hope for rebuilding her life rests in trusting a stranger who has come into her world -- a man whose generosity and kindness does not appear to come with strings attached, much to Rain's amazement. But just as she opens her heart to a promising new future, her past comes back to haunt her -- and Rain is pulled into a furious whirlpool of bitterness and heartache. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Eye of the Storm
Book arrived in very good condition and in a timely fashion. Great read for "tweenagers".

Lackluster, even for Neiderman
I enjoyed the books that Andrew Neiderman wrote after V.C. Andrews' death, namely the Cutler series. But after that, each series he wrote became progressively less like the masterpieces VCA herself would write. The Landry and Logan series were enjoyable, and the Orphans and Wildflowers miniseries were all right. But I was glad when Neiderman announced his return to a full-length series. I read Rain and Lightning Strikes, but both books were disappointing, and this book no less so. VCA did a superb job with family secrets and villains, but Neiderman plays with mental illness and even trivializes it, almost. In Lightning Strikes, there was the crazy great-aunt and uncle in England. And in this book, Victoria - VICTORIA - the person I thought least susceptible to craziness - snaps and displays her insanity in a pathetic, befuddling way that was so out of character even for her that I could not take this book seriously.

I was also disappointed with the fact that Grandma died - it felt like nothing more than a convenient plot twist for Neiderman to set up the events that would befall Rain, including her paralysis. Everything was just thrown together in a mishmash of 'convenient' plot devices (such as Victoria's true paternity) Nobody is explored in depth, and the family skeletons were just contrived and offered no real depth or good explanation.

Excellent service..
Book was in great condition, the service was reliable and fast. It has been a real pleasure buying from them.

V C Andrews Hudon Series
This series is by far the best I have read. I enjoyed these so much, I ordered another series. The customer service is outstanding. The books arrived sooner then I expected and in excellent shape.

just another storm
although this book was better than the first two book in the hudson series, it still wasn't great.when grandmother hudson dies, rain is to inherit millions.aunt victoria, on the other hand, has other plans for rain.rain thought her aunt was crazy before, but she never realized just how crazy she was until rain is forced to live her after a devastating accident.rain is just about to give up on life, until she meets austin clarke, a physical therapist.it was love at first site.aunt vicortia doens't like rain hanging out with austin, and she takes drastic measures to keep them apart.just when rain thinks that her life couldn't get any worse, rain finds herself in a situation where she has to fight for her own life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Help, I'm addicted.
VC Andrews and the ghost writer are exceptional authors.Once I start a novel, I can't put it down.Don't just buy one, get them all.

V.C. Andrews is the only author that I read.
V. C. Andrews move me with the imagination and mystery of her books. I have read all her books and wait each day for a new one to come out. I have read them more than just once. They are spellbinding and you never know howthey will end. I stay up late at night trying to finish them to know theending. She is an artist in her own way.

BEST AUTHOR OF ALL TIME.
HER STORIES PUT TEARS TO MY EYES.When their heart gets broken it makes me feel mine is too. They make me feel like I am one of them because it is all real in away, everyone lives just as bad of a life as they all do.

I'm glad V.C.'s family have continued to write for her.
My favorite series are the Cutler series and then comes the Dollanger family, with close behind them the Casteel family.If not for the family of the truly missed V.C. Andrews we'd never have books or series like this. All I really want to say are these keep me awake all the time, they arevery spellbinding.

Thank You,Jenn Bee.

Empty your mind with these books...
Nonononononon ... Read more

Product Description

From the imagination behind Flowers in the Attic comes a sensational new novel that spins a seductive web between fantasies and lies--and uncovers the price for keeping

Secrets in the Attic

Two Friends As Close As Sisters.

One Killer Secret That

Will Tear Their Small Town Apart.

In the dust and shadows of the attic, they shared everything -- fanciful stories, high school crushes, plans for the future, dreams to travel the world. For Karen, the attic is her escape from the reality of her stepfather's unwanted attention. Together in the eaves of a house with its own murderous history, the best friends concoct a scheme that will put Karen's stepfather in his place. It wasn't supposed to turn deadly. But in the attic Karen shares one more secret with her best friend--a secret to take to the grave.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Not Again....
That says everything. Not again.I am tired, too, of hearing (or reading) complaints that the book did not follow the "old formula".Honestly, now, there is no "formula" to writing a book - it is not chemistry!That is part of the problem.When writing a novel gets routine, and the characters start to fall in to categories, then it is time to give up writing.Every novel should be new, fresh, with memorable characters.Anyway, I agree that this is a little too much.Mr. Neiderman writes a new book every four months or so.Four Months!I write (though I have never published anything) and my last manuscript took six years.Someone should tell him quality over quantity.Also he should stop calling a set of two books a series, it's called a duology.Here's the definition of that word: `Duology` also known as `dilogy` is a set of two works of art, usually a two-part series relating to literature or film, that develop a single theme over two works. A duology may or may not involve a sequel and/or prequel.
Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duology
Therefor if it has two books it is a duology.

secrets in the attic..
This book was really good, until I reached the end. It just didn't make much sense. I mean Karen turns out to be an insane liar that gets sent to a mental institute. I would have never guessed that to happen. I guess its supposed to be a twist ending. The lamest character in the whole book was Zipporah. She had no personality it seemed. Another thing in the story that bothered me was the amount of times Karen used the phrase "Don't be thick." It got old real fast. Over all it was a good book, I just would have preferred a better ending.

Don't waste your time
I picked this book up at my library. Hadn't seen or heard of this. After reading it, I believe VC Andrews is probably turning over in her grave.

First of all, the storyline isn't believable to me. I know some of her stuff is far fetched, but it's GOOD. This was just lousy...a teenage girl living in an attic for that amount of time seems just silly. And after a while, she began to get on my nerves. She reminds me of a catty friend you just can't get rid of. Very aggravating to me.

Don't waste your time and money. Read the Dollanger series.

Pretty Okay
As a young girl in the 6th grade, I fell in love with the Dollanganger series, begining with the all too familiar "Flowers in the Attic". Some time later(now a sophmore in highschool), after having finished the series, I discovered "Secrets in the Attic" on my kindle. Being that it was written by the same author, V.C. Andrews, I decided to read it.

I was utterly disapointed. It was written, as far as I'm concerened, completely different than what the true V.C. Andrews would have done. In some parts I was completely baffled or just plain mistified. I found myself questioning "Who, in the right mind, could be THAT gullible?" The story even had me wondering if Zipporah's family could be more disfunctional than Karen's.

Towards the end I became very confused. It didn't close off the end so that the readers would be able to understand the full extent of what happened. Who was the bad guy? Was it all a big fat lie? Or was it the world's best cover up? It never fully explained. Was Karen crazy, or simply misunderstood?

Overall, the plot was good, the story, not so. It had great potentail, but the writter simply didn't know how to make it up to the fullest. I think it will really depend on the reader wether they like it or not. For me, it was just okay.

Setting myself up for disapointment
**WARNING SPOILERS*
I'm not sure why I keep purchasing the new Andrews books. Call it morbid curiosity, or a desperate need to capture the atmosphere that was present in the first couple of series.
Needless to say, this book was atrocious. Poorly written and badly edited to boot. Besides the rushed ending (do we really believe that Karen's mother would give up the baby for adoption? And what does Karen have to say about this?). There is a really obvious mistake that occurs midway in the book and continues throughout. At first I was confused and thought it was put in to set the two girls up as lyers, but as it progressed i realised that it was just an error, that was not picked up in editing. The night before Karen murders her stepfather she has dinner at Zipporah's and is offered a lift home by Zipporah's father, Karen refuses and rides home on her bike. The the very next day Zipporah is informed by her Mother about the murder. But later in the book Zipporah tells everyone (police, father, friends at school) that the last time she saw Karen was when she went to Karen's house to do homework??? It's really poor when a writer cannot even keep track of his character's movements. Very disapointing! ... Read more

Product Description

RAIN ALREADY KNOWS HOW HARD LIFE CAN BE. BUT SHE IS ABOUT TO DISCOVER A SHATTERING SECRET FROM THE PAST THAT WILL CHANGE HER FUTURE FOREVER....

Growing up in the ghettos of Washington, D.C., the cards are stacked against a hardworking dreamer like Rain Arnold. Rain has fought to be the best daughter she can: she studies hard and gets good grades; she helps her mother cook and clean. And unlike her defiant younger sister, she avoids the dangers of the city streets as if her life depends on it...and it does. But Rain can't suppress the feeling that she has never truly fit in, that she is a stranger in her own world.

Then one fateful night, Rain overhears something she shouldn't: a heartbreaking revelation from the past, a long-buried secret that is about to change her life in ways she never could have imagined. In the blink of an eye, everything Rain has ever known -- the family she has loved and the familiar place she has called home is left behind, and Rain is sent to live with total strangers, the wealthy Hudson family. But just as she did not belong to the troubled world she was raised in, Rain is also out of place in this realm of luxury and privilege. With nowhere to turn, Rain finds an escape in the theater, inside the walls of an exclusive private school. But will it be enough to fulfill her heart's deepest wish -- and give her a place to call home? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (120)

Ninety nine dollars for a an audio book?
I listen to audio books because my eyesight isn't what it was.However, I will not pay $99 for an audio book no matter how good or bad it is.It is absolutely extortionate to ask $100 for ANY audio book. Geeez

Rain
Rain is in the same series as Lightningstrikes. Different from the usual tales of V, C. Andrews, although she always makes a good read. This series is excellent in that it is different from the norm.

Okay read, but flawed.
After the decently-written Logan series, Andrew Neiderman wrote two mini-series (which were not awful, but not VCA-ish) and I was glad when he went back to writing a regular series. But I was disappointed. This was lacking in the same dark feel and mystery of the real VCA books as well as the three full series Mr. Neiderman wrote. (Granted, the Melody series was a bit different, but it was considerably better than the Rain series)

The problem wasn't that Rain was biracial or anything like that. The problem was the way everyone was portrayed, and the fact that it became obvious that Mr. Neiderman just wasn't trying as much anymore. The characters are more two-dimensional, and the plot, after Rain is reunited with her real mother, just becomes boring. The rest of the Hudson series is just as mildly amusing but ultimately disappointing, but the Willow/DeBeers series was even worse, and it was all a downward spiral after that.

Rain
I couldn't put the book down!! it was great!! I read the whole series! Rain went through alot in her early years, too much to handle for anyone. but the movie suck! don't wasted your time renting it.

RAIN
I absolutely love this book! I had a hard time putting it down!!! When I finished reading the book I couldn't wait to get the sequel. I ended up buying the rest of the series.

The book is really well written. ... Read more

Product Description
In her fine new Virginia school, Dawn Longchamp feels happy and safe. But nothing is what it seems...

Now Dawn and her older brother Jimmy have a chance for a decent, respectable life, and Dawn'ssecret, precious hope to study singing can come true. Philip Cutler, the handsomest boy in school, sets Dawn's heart on fire. She is deeply devoted to her brooding brother; but with Philip, she imagines alovely dream of romance...

Then Dawn's mother suddenly dies, and her entire world begins to crumble. After a terrible new shock, she is thrust into a different family and an evil web of unspoken sins. Her sweet innocence lost, humiliated and scorned, Dawn is desperate to find Jimmy again and...strip away the wicked lies that will change all their lives forever! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (105)

Boring
I have read flowers in the attic and the a another seires of v.c. andrews and loved those but i was disappointed to find this seires boring and perdictable.

Great Book.!
This book is another great saga about the "Cutler Family".! I definitely loved it an the book it self was in good condition. Couldn't be happier

Overpriced!
$11.99 for a digital copy of a book first published around 1990 is ridiculous! Are they only handing out so many copies of this book for the Kindle? This is just another example of publishers being greedy, and preying on people's sense of nostalgia! To anyone out there thinking about buying this book for your Kindle, I say don't! Buy it used,then the publisher doesn't get a single penny.

This series is just awful.
I love the real VC Andrews series, but this one was very dull, predictable if you've read the other series, and unbelievable.I couldn't fall in love with my brother like that ever.This book would be ok if you've never read the Heaven series or the Flowers in the Attic series.

Sadly this series gets worse.I picked up the whole lot of them on Ebay, and by the fourth book, I just put it down halfway through.The fourth book of the Dawn series is literally a copy cat of the fourth one in the Casteel series.

I agree with others, Dawn is conceited, whiny and just plain stupid.The only part I liked in this one was when she was sent to the Meadows.That to me was halfway original.And it just sounded interesting to live without power or running water.As everything was said in this book, I kept finding myself saying "What's so bad about that?? Get over it and grow up!!"

Now, the book Heaven.That's a good read.This Dawn book is written by the ghost writer, and it shows.

Not Buying!!
I have a few problems with the storytelling of "Dawn." First, I've read this book a few times over the years, and I've never quite been able to become a Dawn/Jimmy fan. I just can't get over how quickly she forgot that he was her big brother her entire life until she found out the truth at age fifteen!! And then, she was able to get over Philip as soon as her feet landed on the polished wood floor of Cutler's Cove Hotel. Unbelievable. By the end of the book, she has convinced Jimmy that she can have real feeling of passion for him. I might have been able to climb on board, if it hadn't all happened so quickly. And why can't Philip, the most popular, handsome boy in school get over Dawn? I'm sure he's dated prettier girls before. Please. I gave this book 3 stars because I enjoy the story, I just cannot get into Dawn and Jimmy's romance. And not to mention the weirdness of Grandmother Cutler, who obviously hates Dawn...why does she insist that Dawn be renamed Eugenia, after her beloved little sister? And why was Dawn named that in the first place? It just doesn't make sense to me. ... Read more

Product Description
Her life would never be the same once she ventured...

Soon Jackie Lee marries a sophisticated millionaire, Winston Montgomery, who is her ticket to high society. But happiness once again vanishes into the shadows...and it's not long before the young and dashing Kirby Scott works his way into Jackie Lee's life. He's got his eye on her newly inherited fortune -- and something much more precious: her beautiful, innocent daughter.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Into the Woods
Okay, my feeling is pretty much that of many others who have posted here. The timeline is very off. The way I figured it, if Jackie Lee is Hannah's great-grandmother, then this book should have taken place around the 50's or so. The plot itself is good, but I'm not understanding how the timeline could be so off. Was it written in this time period so that younger readers could relate? I'm wondering if the ghost writer really knows what their doing. It doesn't seem like it. Another issue I have with this book is that Grace is 15 years old and at times speaks as if she's 50 years old. If the book is to take place in the present time, then a 15 year old should probably be speaking more like a 15 year old would speak. 15 year olds don't say "You frightened me." 15 year olds say "You scared me". The dialogue is too formal for characters that are so young. Grace seems alittle too old for her age, yet she's hanging out with kids who smoke pot. That's just my take. But overall, if you've read the other books in the series, then this one is worth reading. I've loved the DeBeers series since I read Willow. Actually I wish more would be written. Certainly, more can be done with Hannah's character.

Does this schmuck know how to research?
Okay, if you do the math, this book should take place in roughly the '70's or so. Here's a little lession for everybody. Before you sit down to write a novel that takes place years and years ago, you do research. If you don't do research, your characters might be listening to Backstreet Boys cds in Ancient Rome or watching Survivor while traveling on the Oregon Trail. When that happens, it is called an ANACHRONISM. Thus, having Grace listen to Shania Twain in the '70's is an ANACHRONISM! Therefore, that makes for a sloppy book that shows the author does not care one whit about it.

Why does the Andrews family keep this guy on? He stinks. Anachronisms galore, shoddy writing, characters nobody cares about or likes, and cliched plots - in short, a book that never even should have made it past the slushpile. But hey, if it had been Joe Writer writing this, it never would have made it past the slushpile. But with a big name splashed all over it, it gets published anyway, even though it's crap.

Good night and happy reading...just don't read this book.

Thank God I'm not alone
After reading Willow, I was desperate to read the rest of the series, I bought the whole series from the USA as it would be quicker. All was great until now, where I am in the middle of Into The Woods. I was so shocked to see internet and Shania Twain and other modern things, that I promptly got on the internet. I thought that surely there must be a mistake, and if I read further that all would be explained. As I can see, there is no mistake. All I can say is I am VERY disappointed, as the reason I read Virginia Andrews books is the familiarity.(Although I agree we need fresh stories). Anyway I will carry on reading, as I quite like Grace, she reminds me of someone.......

Grace is Just like Me
I can relate to how Grace is feeling in this book.I feel tempted to hide whenever the pressure is too much.I didn't blame Grace formistrusting her fellow students in the private high school Winston enrolled her in.Jackie was too wrapped up in the wealth she married into.I believe Jackie needed a very rude awakening when Grace told her that Kirby assaulted her (G).I believe Grace found strength in loving her son Linden.Unfortunately Jackie wouldn't let her (G) be the mom she (G) wanted to be to Linden.I am sure that made her feel more upset.

"curiouser and curiouser" to quote a famous author
I actually enjoyed this book, it could stand on its own, and not belong to a series. But as it is part of a series it is all wrong. The time scale in it is totally incorrect, unless Hannah from the previous book was living many years in the future.
I started to read Virginia Andrews (as she is adverised in the UK) back in 1980, when Flowers in the Attic was first published over here. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and have 40 books on my shelf at the moment.
Over the past few series, the books have been much of a sameness, probably from Ruby onwards.
I agree with other contributers that the current "Ghost writer" should be changed. Are the stories that are being written, still from ideas that Virginia left? Surely not. It is hard to believe.
Also, the age group reading the books seems to be coming down, over here, I have bought book from a book club, where the books are advertised in the adult section and not in teenage, I notice from other reviews that many teenagers are now reading the books, I don't think that I would have read the books actually by Virginia Andrews when I was a teenager (quite a number of years ago, mind you) but the more recent books tend to lean towards a youger audience. ... Read more

Product Description
IN A WORLD OF HIDDEN DANGERS, IT'S EASY TO GET LOST....After discovering her true identity, Willow De Beers leaves her North Carolina town to live with her real mother and her half-brother in Palm Beach, Florida. Now caught up in a world of glamour and extravagant wealth -- where nosy neighbors, fueled by gossip and greed, keep an eye on her eccentric family -- Willow is determined to make a fresh start.

Thatcher Eaton, the debonair attorney, uses his intoxicating charm once again, this time convincing Willow to give him her hand in marriage. It's to be the ritziest wedding of the decade, even by Palm Beach standards. But as future plans are made, families feud and rumors fly -- and Willow soon learns the horrifying truth: from the darkest of secrets, there is no escape.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Predictable
After reading the first Debeers book, I was greatly disappointed. Back then when it first came out, I still had faith and hope in Mr. Neiderman's writing and hoped that he would go back to putting effort into the books he ghostwrote for the VCA name. But this book was plodding and shallow, and I found myself frustrated with the ending and how sloppily the book was put together.

Intrigue!
I loved this book because it explains in a subconscious way how a woman, can have all she wants and be jaded. Willow to me, is instinctual and she's not used to unlove from others! That's what I love about her! She's so smart, but so ungifted!

I feel sorry for Bunny, and her chat on multiple orgasms' is renting! That's what makes her such funny yet sad. All I can say is: YOU GO WILLOW! You'll love this novel! Yum...

This book is very "Basic Instict" in it's nature, except Willow doesn't expperiment other two-way streets. Not to mention, she's a total wimp! But she's smart and gorgeous!

Willow and Thatcher belong together
After I read Willow, I was thrilled that the book didn't include any of the usual incestual relationships found in VC Andrew's novels.Although there was an undercurrent of incestual thoughts on part of Linden for Willow, it didn't really come to it's full fruition.

I loved the character of Willow.The writers created a smart, ambitious, independent heroin.She was serious about her quest to find and know her birth mother, but she was vulnerable since the death of her father.When her college boyfriend failed to support her journey, it left Willow with a new fresh wound of vulnerability.

Willow had to marry Thatcher.She loved him and because she loved him, she wanted to trust him.That is her bottom line.

I would have loved to see the writers delve deeper into their relationship.It seems obvious to me that if they are both married to others and using their daughter like a pawn that they have unfinished business together.

The ladies who told Willow about Thatcher's infidelity was the writer's way of giving the story's heroin some female friends.

Finally, I have to admit that I cried during every part with Willow and Thatcher because I had a feeling that he would betray her in a most hurtful way.Willow has to deal with that hurt and I don't think that she has healed.Sure she divorced Thatcher and married her college professor, but that doesn't seem like closure enough for the love that they shared.

Wicked Forest
This book had me bored out of my mind. About 3/4 of the way through is the only time it held my interest. Why did Willow marry Thatcher Eaton? I thought Willow was a mature, smart women. Apparently everyone but her could tell that Thatcher had been cheating on her. Duh Willow.I like her occasional bad attitude. Her snide remarks to the locals actually was kind of humerous.

Why?
Can someone please explain to me why Willow marries the arrogant, ridiculous, unfaithful Thatcher Eaton?It's so pointless. ... Read more

Product Description

Everyone Says
Her Mother Was Crazy.
Is She Doomed to Repeat the Past?

Up in the attic, that's where Alice's mother used to escape to...and it's where, so Alice has been told, she plotted the murder of her own stepfather. Now, years later, with her mother locked away for life, the attic is where Alice finds comfort in her aloneness, writing poetry and painting pictures. When Alice finally finds the courage to come out of her shell, exchanging her dowdy looks for flattering clothes and makeup, her life completely opens up -- she even attends the prom with a cute, popular boy. But it's a night that turns quickly tragic -- sending her newfound happiness crashing down around her, and hurtling Alice into a shattering new life, one that leads her to a shocking reunion with the shadows she had fled.

From the imagination behind Flowers in the Attic comes a sensational new novel that spins a seductive web between fantasies and lies -- and uncovers the price for keeping secrets in the shadows. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Drags on a lot, pretty boring after the first quarter
I liked "Secrets in the Attic" and this book was okay about a fourth of the way through. Then it just started dragging on and on. Got pretty boring. The worst V.C Andrews (ghostwriter) book I have ever read. Except The Heavenstone Secrets.

JUST STOP!
This is for the family of VC Andrews: I am begging you please stop dragging Virginia's name through the mud! Every book is the same, there's really no need to read it because it has the same plot from the last one. I realize that you wanted to finish what Virginia started but now it has just become pathetic. Lay her to rest please and put her fans out of their misery!

He laughed, she laughed, we all laughed
I haven't read a "V. C. Andrews" book since I was a teenager, so I'm not sure what made me pick this one up.It has all the promise of those books I used to devour - a mysterious attic, religious zealotry, grandparents with questionable motives, an insane, murderous mother.But, after finishing the book I can't help but think - what?That's it?The grandparents are nice people.The religious zealot was just a ruse made up by a teenage boy.The attic was just another room in a gigantic house.The psychotic mother was benign and harmless.What?Is this what passes for a V. C. Andrews novel these days?Aside from the fact that this is a pretty dry story that doesn't really lead anywhere, a lot of the dialog is awful, especially from Craig, the star of the baseball team and most popular guy in school, but who sounds like he's in his 60s whenever he opens his mouth.And someone is always laughing - you can't turn a page without someone saying something and getting a laugh in response, when nothing was funny to begin with.(These are just the minor nitpicks.I wouldn't know where to begin if I was going to tear the story apart.)

I have no idea, and don't really care, why they still publish books under the V. C. Andrews name, besides to make money.This book has a lot of classic V. C. Andrews ideas going on, but they lead absolutely nowhere.

Eh
Like most of the reveiws suggest, this book was just okay. I find that as more and more books by this fake V.C. Andrews come out, the worse they are. While this book was okay, it was totally unrealistic. From the relationship with Craig to the meeting of her mother, Karen, it was all very aparent that not only was a man writing it, but that this man obviously didn't know what he was talking about.The fact that he portrayed her nearly leaping into bed with every guy that said hi to her makes me sick. Not to mention, the reaction of meeting her mother for the very first time was not nearly substantial to what would be expecteed in the world of an emotional teenager, being one myself.After reading the review by Mr. Foxworth, I have to suggest that he was paid to do so.

Better Than A Lot Of Them
I have read the other reviews for Secrets in the Shadows and in some ways I agreed that the ghostwriter was becoming redundant. Even with Secrets in the Attic, I was sure. But now that I have read this latest, I find hope in him. This story started out being predictable, but towards the middle through the end, it was good. I felt as though for the first time in several years, a character in his books actually had character. I could feel her troubles, much like I did for the lead characters in VC's books that she actually wrote. This one had an actual personal side to the story.
I have been a VC fan for a long time now and have all of her books. If others want her ghostwriter to hang it up, then perhaps it should be, but I feel that he should continue. After all, if you don't like the VC books nowadays, don't read them! But some of us do like them, so don't take them away from us. ... Read more

Product Description

ALL SHE WANTED WAS AN END TO BROKEN PROMISES....
Her Mama made it painfully clear that she wished Raven had never been born. But even after she was sent to live with her kindly aunt and domineering uncle, humiliating secrets lurked -- and threatened to dash forever Raven's dream of a true home.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

Hmmmm
Raven has a different feel than the first three since she still has her mom, even though she doesn't know who her dad is. Her mom lands in jail so it's off to live with Uncle. Since this is a mini-story, lots of details that could have been explored - the implication that Uncle had dome something maybe naughty with Mom - were briefly mentioned and then never explored. This series had the potential to have a full and more fleshed out story for each girl, it's too bad that Neiderman decided to cut short and make a mini-series instead of another superb series like the Cutler series.

Great
I've just finished reading Raven yesterday and I totally loved it, even thought some scenes scared me(u know which-with the uncle and the abuse). The book was good but the writing style is definatelly different. Since V.C Andrews passed away her family has been writing the books and they're almost like a sugar substitute for the real thing. Sweet but not quite there. She gave more depth, the houses were more descriptive and the evil sisters, cousins, mommas, grannys etc, were REAL bitchy. .Heavem series were my absolute favorite, the poverty, loss, fear, frustration and pain were very real, and they made for a tantalizing read.
All in it's time I suppose. I also loved Ruby and the Flowers in the attic ... Great books for those cold snowy winter days!

Best in the Series
Raven's mother, an alcoholic and a drug addict, has finally gotten herself into big trouble.As in, legal trouble, as in, she very well may go to jail.Raven is sent to live with her Uncle Reuben, Aunt Clara, and her cousins Jennifer and William.Reuben beats her, Clara won't stand up to him, Jennifer makes things unbearable for Raven in school.Raven dreams about getting away from them, but nothing seems to go right for her.Eventually, however, Reuben beats her badly enough for the school officials to find out, and Raven is taken from the home.

This is the best in the series, easily.It's better written and Raven is a better character than Butterfly or Crystal, equal with Brooke.The last two of the series, have characters that are more concrete, and that the reader will empathize with.If you are going to read the series, at least try to get to Raven.

Some people are morons not to like this book!
Raven was a good story I believe and I probably got a higher reading leval than you stuck up superfecialBEEEEEEEP. Beep had somthing to do with a female dog!! Im disappointed in you if you dont like the mini books how can you like the big books i would sugest you read some stupid boring novals about the life of a worm if you think that guy is a prevert you havent got a real taste of life have you well i have ive had friends who had to getprenacy tests and girls whove allready know their favorite comdome so go get a life and dont read vC Andrews!

MUCH better
This book was much, much, MUCH better than the first three in the series! Sadly, that's not saying much. Raven's story is different from the other girls', however, and not quite as predictable. I really liked Raven's character. She is bold, smart, and not afraid to speak her mind!
I would have loved to see this book made into a full-length novel, without the ugly cover! I am tired of these teenybopper "mini-books" V.C. keeps writing, but if you have to read one, pick this one. ... Read more

Product Description
Stunned by tragedy, desperate and alone, Heaven's daughter clung to the frailest of dreams!

The car crash that killed Heaven and Logan left Annie Casteel Stonewall orphaned and crippled. Whisked off to Farthinggale Manor by the possessive Tony Tatterton, Annie pines for her lost family, but especially for Luke, her half-brother. Friend of her childhood, her fantasy prince, her loving confidante...without the warm glow of Luke's love, she is lost in the shadows of despair. When Annie discovers Troy's cottage hidden in Farthinggale's woods, the mystery of her past deepens. And even as she yearns to see Luke again, her hopes and dreams are darkened by the sinister Casteel spell...treacherous, powerful and evil! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

I really hope this isn't a first V.C. Andrews read for some...
I would recommend that you read Heaven and Dark Angel. Even Fallen Hearts, while mostly written by the ghost writer, does helpfully wrap up many issues in the series. Gates of Paradise is unnecessary because Heaven and Logan die off early in the book, leaving us at the mercy of their whiney sheltered teen daughter Annie. Her devastating car accident does not make her a more interesting person to hear from, and neither do her artistic talent or her complicated feelings toward her good-boy half-brother. Heaven's real father, the wealthy Tony Tatterton, insists he is the only one equipped to help Annie recover. She is bundled off to Farthinggale Manor, and is dismayed to see that the mysterious estate of her dreams has fallen into serious decay. She does not know what Tony is really like, but as a V.C. Andrews fan I prefer to remember him the way he was- articulate and cultured and astute. Now he instantly comes off like a confused old pervert who dazedly repeats whole sentences, word for word, from the previous volumes. His servants have aged right along with him, and kept their predictable mannerisms. (Actually this book does have some camp value.) As a reader nears the end of the book, hoping for at least one really sordid scene, Annie manages to hold Tony off before he can do irreparable harm! (Could it be the ghost writer thought it would be too much to inflict incest on a crippled person?) Rather disappointing tale; it gets two stars only because Drake's transformation into a wealth-obsessed Tatterton protege was kind of sad and interesting. Troy (esconced beyond the maze after all) is responsible for Annie's rescue from Farthinggale Manor, and he clears up the issue of Annie's true parentage so she won't feel guilt-ridden about loving the guy she thought was her half-brother all her life. And Aunt Fanny finally reforms. Sorry about the spoilers, but this book is best skipped. The prequel, Web Of Dreams, is more interesting because of Leigh's point of view about what really went on in that mansion and the shack in the Willies.

Not my favorite in the series
I thought Annie was a spoiled little brat throughout the novel.I actually wished Tony was killed in the first few chapters instead of Heaven and Logan.I think the book could've been better without the repeating of history (Annie getting convinced to dye her hair like Leigh and Tony trying to rape her the same way he tried to do with Heaven)...it would've been nice to have a story from Fanny's viewpoint.

Another good read
While not as good as the other Casteel books (possibly because it was finished by Andrew Neiderman after VCAndrew's death), this book is still a very good read. The ending felt a bit rushed, but if you read the first three Heaven books and want to see how the saga closes, pick up this book. 4 out of five stars isn't bad at all, after all.

Whine Whine Whine Whine Whine
All Annie Stonewall can do is complain and then go into long and drawn out incestuous fantasies about Luke Jr.
The aging Tony Tatterton even is overly drawn out because YOU KNOW what is going to ultimately end up happening. Yes, you will need to read if it if you're into the Casteel series but you won't enjoy it as much as the others.
Annie will make you hate her because all she can do is complain about EVERYTHING!

What is the purpose of this book?
The same events could have happened, minus 200 pages of continuing saga of Annie being mistreated by Tony.Her character is whiny, boring, and vapid; I just wanted it all to end. ... Read more

Product Description
A stand-alone mystery thriller from the bestselling author of Flowers in the Attic.MY SWEET AUDRINAThe house in the wood was picturesque and charming. The family who lived there were happy and affluent. So what was the secret of the room -- empty of everything but the rocking chair?Audrina wanted to be as good as her sister. Audrina knew her parents could not love her as they loved her sister. Her sister was perfect, much loved -- and dead.But how did she die? Who was Audrina and who did she have to become? What was the secret that everyone knew? Everyone except sweet Audrina!The haunting story of love and deceit, innocence and betrayal, and terrible family secrets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (106)

Pretty good!
This was a pretty good read thought I figured out the "secret" midway through the book. It's really kind of obvious if you think about it!!! overall thought this was a good book.

great book
I love v c andrews this book was great and in great condition for the price.

Audrina forshadows many things we see in real-life today
At the time of its release, MY SWEET AUDRINA probably seemed like something that could never actually occur. Now in 2009, after reading the book some half a dozen times over the years, I am convinced that V. C. Andrews was prophetic in what some would do to protect those they love---or keep what they wanted for themselves.

Audrina is the poster child of how some are completely at the power of those charged with protecting them, and what can happen when that power is abused.

A novel that will haunt you long after you finish it, one has to wonder how the innocent little girl we meet would fair in our world today.

Her Best Book Yet!
This is really an awesome book and honestly this is at the tip top of my book list.VC Andrews has out done herself yet again and I look forward to reading another of her books.Audrina is a girl lost in time,believing ever thing her cousin and whatever her father,mother and aunt say.She is tormented by the memory of her dead sister,The First and Best Audrina.Bluntly her cousin Vera is a "frenemy" to Audrina and eventually dies (Vera) towards the end of the book.This book is really a deceitful stories with so many secrets and lies and that in turn makes it awesome.
I if I could I would give 10 stars!

Warning!Spoilers!

If the main character could do basic arithmetic, this book would have no plot.
This book is hilariously bad! Overwrought and ridiculous, all the suspense is pretty laughable. You just want to push the main character down a flight of stairs after awhile. If you like unintentionally funny books, this one will have you rolling. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (68)

Stopping so down on Olivia!
Although Olivia wasn't nice I thought she was justified in her treatment of Belinda. It's not like Olivia Foxworth of the Flowers In The Attic series, where she was just plain jealous of Alicia and later Corrine's looks despite them doing nothing personal to her and being nice to her. Belinda was mean, selfish, easy, and not to mention took advantage of everyone who loved her including Olivia and their father who loved her more despite her selfish and "easy" ways. I'm not saying she deserved her fate at the end but Olivia was justified in what she did in the end and I understood her coldness towards her sister and later Hallie then Melody who she obviously assumed was like them because she is of their blood. It kind of reminds me of the Petals of The Wind book and mirrors it in many ways: woman who can't have any more children has a daughter by someone else who is blonde beautiful that is hidden away. Only different is that Olivia is the one who wanted to do it and not her husband Samuel, who unlike Malcolm Foxworth is a nice guy who actually loves his wife. The only thing I didn't approve of was Olivia's treatment of Samuel. Granted Olivia is cold and I didn't like her treatment of Laura and later Melody but I can totally understand her treatment of Belinda. Overall, it's a pretty good book though. I wish it had of went further then it did and perhaps did like Petals of the Wind which starts when Olivia married Malcolm and ended when Flowers in the attic began. This book spent too much time on Olivia and Belinda when they were younger.

4 out of 5 stars

What is up with the title?
Why wasn't this book called Muted Voices, or something else that matched the other four titles in this series?

Nonetheless, this was a decent read, and the last of Mr. Neiderman's books I would recommend to anyone. Olivia is a strong person who refuses to be pushed around, and knows she is not pretty so she has to rely on other qualities to get what she wants. She is by no means helpless for anything, and when something gets thrown her way, she only toughens and gets harder. overall, this was a decent prequel to the Melody books, though I would have also liked to see a prequel about Haille, and why she ran away from home and all that, as this book still left a good number of questions unanswered.

Nonetheless, this book was overall a nice read, and like I already said, the last of Neiderman's 'VCA' books anyone should read.

v.c olivia
I got hooked on Virginia Andrews when i was a teenager and bought her books as i read them. Recently, i decided to start reading them again and noticed how many more there were. So i've started buying them from here and i'm so glad that i did as they don't take long at all to arrive and get here in very good condition. Thank you so much.

What?
There are a lot of things that bothered me about this book, the biggest thing being the author not keeping within the correct time period. When was this supposed to have taken place? Surely Olivia wouldn't have been watching television on a regular basis, being two generations ahead of Melody. And on page 322 (paperback), Belinda mentions possibly getting an abortion. What? Abortion wasn't even legal back then! Ever hear of Roe Vs Wade, which took place in the early 1970s? I found it hard to sympathize with Olivia. At times, she was pretty mean. I actually felt sorry for Samuel, at times, I even felt sorry for Belinda. Just what was the author trying to accomplish here? A book about Haille would definitely have been much better.

Hated the series, LOVED this book
Im not a huge fan of the Logan series, and I wasnt a fan of Olivia until I started reading this book. Upon reading the other novels, I wondered why Olivia was so mean and heartless...I was expecting this book to be another "Garden of Shadows" inwhich the protagonist is put through TONS of horrific things and mentally abused and that is why they end up horribly evil. But that was not the case in this novel.

I respected Olivia through the first half of the novel, she was a business woman, who was intelligent and independant. However after her marriage to Samuel I began to see how her "obsession" with Nelson Childs would lead to her evil personality. Samuel was a good husband- he valued her and their children(although I dont condone they way he behaved when Olivia shut him out of her bedroom). But Olivia was "in love" with Nelson, and angry at Belinda because they had an affair. Olivia did NOT take in Hallie because she wanted what was best for the child or her family. She took in Hallie because she wanted to have some sort of CONTROL over Nelson, and fantize that she was the mother to his child. If any other guy had gotten Belinda pregnant, Olivia would have just kicked her out on the street.

I wish the book had not ended with Hallie's birth, but included parts of her childhood and shown how Olivia treated her. I believe Olivia always dissapproved of Hallie because she was jealous of her- just like she was jealous of Belinda. Yes, Belinda was immature, but Olivia had other options than to institutionalize her. Olivia loved CONTROL more than anything else- she could have had a good, loving, life with her HUSBAND rather than becoming hateful over a man that wanted only her sister. The reason I like this book is because while the reader can feel sorry for Olivia, its easy to see that she had other choices- yet she made the easy choice to become bitter and evil when she didnt get what she wanted; this makes for a more realistic character. ... Read more

Product Description

After tragedy tears her family apart, Jordan March is shipped off by her domineering Grandmother Emma to live with Emma's long-forgotten sister. Shuttered in a rundown farmhouse, Aunt Frances is the strangest person Jordan has ever met. Why has Grandmother hidden away this fragile, harmless woman -- did Frances grow up much too fast, like Jordan did? In the shadows of the farmhouse, Jordan is about to unearth the shattering truth -- and the March family will never be the same.... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

had to read the sequel
wow...talk about DRAMA, there is too much in this book, so much that you cant put it down, its insane...i enjoyed it though.

Sad
This is nothing like a real VCA book, or even the books that the ghostwriter started out with (Cutler, Landry)

So this girl hit puberty early? Big deal? The "secrets" revealed within this book are hardly shocking or thrilling, and the fact that there's just two books in this series shows the author's lack of effort. It's clear that he just doesn't care anymore about writing a good story.

Hated it
It's my own fault for not researching the book before I bought it, but I thought I was purchasing a novel. This falls more into the "Babysitter's Club" genre. I would put it at a third or fourth grade reading level, though I wouldn't actually recommend someone that age read it, due to some bizarre and unnecessary events and character traits.

The plot was weak and the character development was inconsistent, not to mention the author's flagrant use of race/class stereotypes. The characters were unbelievable and downright strange. To sum it up: it was painful to read.

VC Andrews - Scattered Leaves
I love VC Andrews books. I have all of them. I got my mother started collecting them also. My daughter had bought this book for me, not knowing I get them for my mother. Of course they were sold out locally, and I had to get Mom's!! She's as bad as I am about being afraid of missing one of the books...lol! Most of the books are in a series anyway. I'd recommend the books to anyone...and do.

Predictable
The conclusion to the Early Spring Series was so predictable, if you don't guess the family secret in this one I would be extremely surprised. This book also seemed a little sloppy in plot, and characters particularly those of Jordan's brother Ian, and her father seemed to take major personality U-turns that had little explanation.
The book was concluded in a way that left alot of characters dangling without explanation and without a point. The friendship between Jordan and her older friends seemed a little far fetched also. Also, as with Broken flower, some scenes in this book appear to be recycled from the Wildflowers miniseries, particularly Cat's story.
Overall, it wasn't bad enough for me to put the book down, and it did have some enjoyable suspensful moments throughout. But definately not one of V C Andrews best. ... Read more

Product Description

He was her mirror image. Now the mirror has cracked.

Celeste and her identical twin brother, Noble, are as close as can be -- until a tragic accident takes Noble's life. It's a loss that pushes their mother, a woman obsessed with New Age superstitions, over the edge....

Desperate to keep her son "alive," Celeste's mother forces her to cut her hair, wear boys' clothes, and take on Noble's identity. Celeste has virtually disappeared -- until a handsome boy moves in next door, and Celeste will risk her mother's wrath to let herself come back to life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

Horrible
I love V.C. Andrew's books. However, this book is horrible. I can't even get through the whole book. It's super slow paced and very boring.

Great!
I loved Celeste. Ghostwriter did a great job. Couldn't put the book down and I loved every single one in the series. Very unique story, not cliche.

Terrible debut to a terrible series
This series made no sense to me. The premise of twins with 'gifts' was a interesting one, but not appropriate for the VCA genre.

This book/series bothered me in so many ways. NO reason is given for Mom's obsessive preference over Noble. She doesn't explain or give any indication as to why Noble is her valued child, even though his 'gifts' are apparently lacking. The preference for Noble is so obvious, and when Celeste is forced to assume his role, that really goes too far. After Celeste had to assume his role, the story only spun into more silliness and implausibility. I just wanted to shake everyone in this story. Why didn't Celeste run away and get help? Why didn't she stand up to her rapist? Why didn't she insist that she was Celeste?

This book was just filled with holes and poor writing, and I am ashamed that this was published under Miss Andrew's name. Neiderman should just publish these under his own name!

A complete waste of time
After reading reviews on here, I decided to give this book a shot. I just finished reading it and I am surprised that I was able to even get through it. The book is very flat and repetitive, the same thing happening over and over and over. It was also quite predictible, which makes the book even that much more boring. I have read other books by VC Andres and was impressed, but this was just a complete disappointment and waste of time.

Twins With A Twist
Celeste inaugurates the beginning of the Gemini Series by author Virginia Andrews, who is known for her dark and twisted stories about strange families and the evil secrets that lurk in their every corner. As twins, Celeste and Noble are inseparable but only Noble is the favored child of their superstitious mother, who insists that Noble will be the one to `cross over' and speak to the spirits of their ancestors. When Celeste begins to show signs that she is, in fact, the `chosen' one for the spirits to connect with, Noble gets agitated and rebels. In a freak accident that shatters their mother, Noble dies and Celeste is forced to resume her dead brother's identity and watch helplessly as her mother buries `Celeste' six feet underground. For years, Celeste becomes Noble, the son her mother is obsessed with, although she cannot ignore the changes in her body or the womanly yearnings that are screaming to get out. When Elliot Fletcher moves next door, Celeste finds herself pulled into a vortex of desire she finds both addictive and repulsive until events start spiraling out of her control. Slow paced and disturbing, the concept of the book is really not so unrealistic. Insane mother loses her beloved son, and gets his sibling to pretend to be him. It has been done before. But as always the case with books by this author, the pages gives you a sense of frustration and phobia as you watch a perfectly normal little girl doing all she can to please her psychopathic mother at the expense of her own sanity. We whimper when we see her unwittingly fall victim to the cruelty of others who are more experienced and not as naïve as she is, when she is forced to succumb to `blackmail' just to protect her mother who was ultimately her own destroyer. For those who are used to VC Andrews's style, you will find similarities that are akin to her previous books. But don't be Mr/Miss Know It All just yet, because unlike the beautiful heroines in her other books, Celeste was not swept off her feet by true love. Those who are as`dark and twisty' as Dr Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy will find themselves drawn to VC's books for the simple reason it will make them breathe a sigh of relief that their lives are not so warped. ... Read more