series review: beneath the attic

alright. 
it's no surprise that i didn't like this series. 
did i read it anyways? yes. 
why? because i can't argue why it's garbage if i have no evidence

beware of spoilers :) 


beneath the attic 

not many of us who are "hardcore" fans were excited for this. he is really beating this horse just to get a paycheck. enough, man. please retire writing under the VCA name. we beg you.

anyways 
i ended up giving this one a 1 star on goodreads.
If it was possible to give a 0, I would have. 
How could anyone enjoy this drivel? An obvious cash-grab with the 40th anniversary of FITA soon after publishing. It felt like he took the outline for Garden of Shadows and just changed (most) of the names and no consideration of the time period.
We learned nothing about the characters and the characters we thought we knew were rewritten into sex-crazed weirdos.A slow build up to nothing happening... all of this could have been 5 chapters, instead of 350 pages that dragged on. The ramblings of Corinne's feelings about sex with her new husband and whether or not they even love each other was slow and difficult to get through.



Such disrespect. 


Out of the attic 

I had no expectations or hopes for this story. 
I find the whole series a waste of time - but, being a vca purist, i had to give it a shot.
It was at least better than the first (though not by much)

I find his writing of a toddler being so evil and rude coming out of left field. This kid is being raised by a sweet nanny, and a decent mother ... and his fathers influence is no where to be found. So why is this kid sucha jerk? The character arc makes no sense.

The author has been hyping this story up for months, but really... I can't figure out why? We all knew she ran off with another man. She seemed quite loving to her kid, well, she tried to be (* see jerk comment above) and her husband is a piece of garbage so I am okay with her running off.

after reading this one, I was curious if we'll be getting different POVs in the next one since, without it, we will have many questions left over (though the author uses that as excuses to butcher our beloved stories)
but we aren't able to find a story synopsis anywhere so us fans are left out. 


also! what does the attic have to do with any of this series? 
insert eye roll here. 


shadows of foxworth  (does not come out til june 2020~. arc was from netgalley) 


honestly sir, find another word! Shadows has been used 4 other times in book titles under the VC andrews name. expand your vocab. (secrets is another one. oy.) 

since the synopsis of the book was not updated on any platform, us readers really have no idea what we are getting into. 
and it is not corinne's story. 
it is her children's. 
conveniently, corinne and her hubby die off in the first few pages. 
oh look, another recycled plot point. 
jeeze. 
it took me a few pages to figure out whose POV i was getting 
and finally, i got it. 
Marlena, corinne's daughter, is telling us how her parents died 
after a wonderful childhood in france 
and now she must go live with an aunt they've never met in america 
(beau's sister) 
with her older brother, the two are off to find out what it means to be a member of the Dawson family in Richmond, VA. where the mysterious Foxworth family lives.
Can you guess the rest of the story? i'm sure you can. 
I did. 

as a "dollanganger" book, this was terrible. 
if he had made it a new series, yes it is all recycled plot but it would've made a good 
first book in a series. 
well, decent, at least. 

that ending was rushed and made no sense 
and while i'm happy malcolm doesn't become a baby daddy to his half sister 
(enough with this story too!) 
it made for a flat ending of happily ever after. 

~~~ 


I do NOT recommend this series to anyone. 
everything under the VCA name until 2004 was great, and since then, the stories have decreased in creativity and excitement 
there was a time when he jumped on the supernatural bandwagon, and we got some interesting stories, but nothing beloved like those original stories. 

if you are interested in the vca fellowship, start at flowers in the attic and work your way through the books following publication order. that's really the best way to see the progression of the writing and characters*.

*i mostly say this because if you read My Sweet Audrina, and then Whitefern you will be very, very confused. wait 40 years (or longer). same with the diary series and now the above garbage. wait at least 40 years. i promise you, you'll thank yourself. 



i am also happy to report i got these off netgalley/the library and spent no money. 
i would be returning them. 

Review: Out of the attic

so this is more of a rant, than review, and beware of spoilers ! 


i didn't know where AN was going to take this one 
and while I thought it was better than the first 
i was highly disappointed in this as a whole 



reasons i liked it: 
- stuff happened (i feel like book 1 was so stale) 
- timelines were right 

reasons i disliked it: 
- malcolm is a jerk. and i don't know where this came from. he's being raised by a sweet woman, you'd think he would get his mannerisms from her. but nope. hes becoming this snotty little dude and i can't figure out his motive for it. when he's older, sure, but at 5? gimme a break. 
- the repetitive of his story lines and names. a painter? hello jillian. another beau? come on... plus, friends and me are wondering if the news of the ruby movie influenced his use of repeating the name. 
- the nanny. look, i get that, back then, other people raised your children. however, this lady is too much for me. and corinne doesn't deserve to be a mother anyways - either you're involved in your kids life or you aren't (like garland) which is why i don't understand malcolms persona.  

overall? 
i was surprised how much i liked this one. i went in with a negative mindset since i hate that these are being written to begin with (well, why read them at all? you might ask ... it's because i co-run a facebook fan group and i need to know the content if i'm to co-run it properly) 

the ending was predictable as the story progressed. 
in a typical vca-style 
which, is fine i guess, though it would be a big scandal in that time 
so i hope book three captures that

also, question about book three: is there going to be multi- POVs? i feel like it's warranted, unless he gives us a short story/elilogue which captures garland's perspective on the whole thing. 
or give it all from malcolms POV as a child and how he confronts both his parents? who knows. 

all i do know is that i give Out of the Attic a 2.5 star as it was better than what I thought it was going to be ... 

... but not as great as it was hyped to be. 

Heaven movie adaption review

You know what's disappointing?
Reading the same book for 17 years, only to have a pathetic movie made about it.

Lifetime network has been making the VC Andrews books into TV movies over the past few years.
It started with the Dollanganger series (starting with Flowers in the attic), then My Sweet Audrina (a stand alone story only until recently) and now the Casteel series (starting with Heaven).

SPOILER ALERT. I write as if you have read the whole story. Also, I rant a lot *grins*


Based in the 60's, Heaven is the story of the Casteels, hillbilly trash that live in Virginia. 5 children - Heaven, Tom, Fanny, Keith and "Our Jane" - live with their parents, Sarah and Luke, and Luke's parents Toby and Annie. They are known as "the scum of the hills" as they are one of the poorest families around and the reputation of the Casteel boys (Luke's brothers) precedes them.

As they struggle to make ends-meet and have at least one meal a day (usually of biscuits and lard-gravy), Heaven remains strong willed that things will be better, with the help of her brother Tom to keep her optimistic.  Until the faithful day that Sarah leaves, Granny dies, and Luke decides that his children would be better off if they had other families. So he sells them all. For $500 a piece.

Now, the movie.

I hated it.
Sure, it would've been fine as a general movie but as an adaptation?

The heart of it was missing.

The tiny shack where all 4 kids sleep in the same bed?
Now bunk beds.
Modern everything.
THEY HAVE A PIANO FFS!
Where is the struggle to survive? How are we supposed to feel compassion for these kids? (I mean, sure, they don't live in a mansion, but they have a new outfit in almost every scene and Heaven even has a purse!)

Keep in mind, the storyline of book vs movie is all over the place and choppy so it's hard to review this in a linear way.


Fanny is one of the fanbases' most love-to-hate character, as she is stuck up, slutty and always trying to prove to Heaven that she is Pa's favourite. Her attitude toward her sister, and the family situation, is terrible but she does provide some "comedic relief" if you will with her ridiculous antics. 
Movie Fanny is timid, covered up and does not lash out at Heaven the way she should. Many who were chatting with this reviewer agreed that the actress who played Fanny would have made a more convincing Heaven (and she had the right hair colour).

Writing out the grandpa was a bad move. He plays an intricate part of the story later on and now they will have to come up with another way for the events of the story to take place. 


When the children go with their new families, the reactions are not at all as they should be. Heaven is upset at the two smallest leaving (who are NOT twins btw), Fanny's performance is confusing - book Fanny wanted to go and have a better life that she feels she is entitled too, but movie Fanny just walks out sombrely.

Tom and Heaven's goodbye, when Tom goes off to his "job" that Pa got him, is more like a brother going out with his friends than a separating of best friends/siblings. Tom fights harder to stay with Heaven, and not be taken as a work-mule for a local farmer.


In the story, Luke is there for each child being picked up. Movie Luke is no where to be seen, except for the smallest two leaving.  Luke's overbearing presence, and his distaste for Heaven, is not anywhere to be seen.   Luke is not present much in the story, we learn about his behaviour more from Heaven's dialogue, but when he is there you can feel his strong-will seeping off the pages. They really dropped the ball on his attitude towards his life.

Finally, we get to Heaven's new family. While I understand the choice to not give Heaven a choice between two families (for timing and the relationship with Luke being ignored), I still think there should have been more of a confrontation with daughter and father when Kitty and Cal show up.  At least they got the fact that Kitty and Cal live in Atlanta right.     

Also, while we are on this note, the only confrontation we see is Luke being inappropriate with Heaven, thinking that she is her dead mother.  Leigh "Angel" VanVoreen is the biological mother of Heaven, who dies giving birth to her.  This causes Luke to resent her for her whole life, and is a trigger for the relationship with her and Fanny. Heaven is also supposed to be identical to her mother, except in hair colour (blonde mother, brunette daughter) but movie Heaven has red hair. Uhm, what?! This plot point becomes a catalyst for many of the events to follow, but the directors etc have ignored that completely.  Most fans are outraged at this.

So, back to Kitty and Cal Dennison. Heaven's new parents. Book wise, Kitty is a fierce and crass red-headed, hairdresser, obsessed with cleanliness and the want to stay young and fresh.
Movie Kitty is a blonde, alcoholic dental hygienist who is barely around. The abuse she delivers to Heaven for 2 years is completely missing in the movie. A few moments of her downward spiral into madness, caused by age and illness, come through in the portrayal of our beloved Kitty. Her hillbilly past never comes through, and her relationship with Cal is not accurate - book wise, they are not a loving, happy couple, where we get those vibes more so on screen.

Since Kitty is supposed to be in high demand at her salon, Cal and Heaven end up together a lot for dinners and weekends. Book Heaven is supposed to be in school, but that got deleted completely since the semester was ending soon so Kitty decides she should wait for the new one. Which we never see.
Movie wise, she just works a lot and demands Heaven clean the entire house daily... Cal ends up helping out since he is a stay-at-home writer (which made this reader laugh). The two act more like a newlywed couple than a father-daughter. Book wise, the grooming and seduction of Heaven takes a long time. Cal knows how to play Kitty's jealously and uses Heaven against her. Eventually, Cal has his way with Heaven... though on screen it looked random and more consentual than it was. All of the sudden, they were sleeping together.  Where is the set up for this? besides a few stolen glances at each other does not a taboo-relationship make, lifetime.

There are pivotal scenes that happen in the story that are glossed over or omitted. Heaven's mother had a suitcase full of her stuff at the cabin that Heaven had brought with her. This contained her mother's outfits, vanity items and a doll that is made to look identical to her. Book Kitty ends up burning this in a jealous fit during the story, but instead Heaven comes home to Kitty stroking it and lashing out with the thought of Luke and his Angel (since Kitty was in love with him and is using Heaven as the daughter she never had with Luke Casteel) causing her to bash the doll into pieces, and then Heaven into a table. Book wise, this whole scene takes place after a major confrontation and accusations from Kitty about how Heaven is not the clean daughter Kitty dreamed of.


When Kitty gets sick, they go back to the town of Winnerrow so Kitty's mother can help take care of her. Heaven reunites with Tom and Logan Stonewall, her boyfriend (who is much more important in the series than we see in this first movie). Cal's jealously of both of these men in her life cause him to lash out in non-Cal ways. Book Cal was much more sombre and lost as a person, than this young, attractive man we see. Like Kitty, the portrayal of Kitty's strong-willed mother is missing. Also, Kitty's siblings are missing. Now, while I understand why, her sister Maise is a minor character who does some damage later on.   They seem to put this responsibility into the hands of Mrs Stonewall, who is a substitute teacher (WHAT?)

On a side note, none of the jobs of these characters are correct. Small things like this really annoy fans. Why is it necessary to change the little things?

Book wise, Heaven does not connect with her father again, but he does come through for her. Luke writes to Leigh's parents in Boston and has arranged that Heaven go visit them. Heaven does not demand it and that whole movie scene was laughable. "Get on your knees" ? really. Who wrote this garbage.



Overall, I give it a 1 star for getting most of the names right. None of the characters were true to their book counterpart, and many of the themes were glossed over or overlooked. For an adaptation, it feels like someone read the book years ago and only remembered the basic story of children being sold off.

4 more movies to go, and I would categorise them under Comedy vs Drama as it was a joke.

Lifetime, STOP MAKING THESE CRAPPY MOVIES. Thank you.

Review: Echoes in the walls

 Echoes in the walls
 House of Secrets - Book 2
 V.C Andrews


Continuing on right from book one, House of Secrets, Fern is left to deal with the consequences of her romance with Ryder and the Revelations that were forced to come out.

Ryder's accident has left him with holes in his memory. He doesn't know who he is, where he is, or who his family is.

Their younger sister, Samantha, is out to get spiteful revenge on both of them and though she has been told to leave Ryder alone, so his memory can come back naturally, she decides to cause trouble and force the issue.

Fern tries to distract herself by going out with her friend Ivy, and ends up dating Dillon. While the romance is fine, Ryder and Fern cannot keep each other out of their thoughts. When Samantha intervenes, forcing Ryder's treatment to backfire, Fern has to come to terms with what she wants from her family and her heart.



Honestly, I didn't hate this story. The epilogue was stupid and rushed (there's a third book, isn't there? why did he force a bunch of plot points into one unnecessary chapter?! and if there isn't a third book coming, then there should be because WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?! Fern and Ryder need to end up together please. run away together or something but tell your parents to get lost, and have your sister fall down the stairs in true VCA fashion. Thanks.)  but overall, i thought it was alright. Better than most of his books lately, and I like that we actually get back to the VCA roots with the incest and family drama and not just some girl, in a stand alone story, where nothing happens but her thinking to herself for 120 pages if she is old mature to be an adult yet or not. blah blah blah.

Not great, by any means, and I wouldn't mind some of the story from Ryder's POV - though when do we ever get the boy's side of the story - but I think if the writing goes back to this kind of style, maybe this fandom isn't as doomed as we fans have been thinking? Fingers crossed.

3.5 stars.

   

Review: The unwelcomed child

 The Unwelcomed Child
 V. C Andrews


One of the more recent stand alone books, The Unwelcomed Child follows Elle Edwards as she describes her life living with her grandparents. The "unwelcomed" part comes from being a product of rape, and her grandparents forced Elle's mother to have the baby anyways (it being against their religion to do anything else with the child).

We follow Elle through a summer of self-leaning, with her grandmother's rigorous chores, strict religious teachings, and seclusion.  Unable to leave the house on her own, as she is home-schooled and does not drive yet, Elle is quite lonely.

However,

Elle ventures out into her backyard and down to the lake one day to draw and she meets her neighbours. A brother and sister, Mason and Claudine, who are visiting their summer house.  When they learn about Elle and her life, they try to show her there is more to the world than the soul-less existence she has been made to believe. Knowing her grandparents would disapprove, she hides her new friends from them, but life decides to call it's own shots.


A decent story line, but could have easily been stretched over a few books. Very heavy with inner dialogue/thoughts (and often the same ones repeated every chapter as Elle questions if she carries the sins of her mother with her) and not a lot of drama - especially when Elle's mother visits, and she finds out about her biological father - after all, what's VC Andrews without parental drama? - but everything was wrapped up in a nice little bow by the end of the book. Slightly disappointing, but not the worst story us fans have read.  I'd probably give it 3 stars, but that's being generous. Maybe 2.5?

Tell me what you thought of it !


 

Review: House of Secrets

 House of Secrets
V.C Andrews
House of Secrets - Book 1


Let me start off by saying that overall, I give the book a 3. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it, and I am hopeful that book two will have better secrets.  The hype around this one was high, and the premise was intriguing ... but yet again, us fans were let down. (That said, I did binge it in a day as I wanted to know what happened)

The beginning was decent, but it was very predictable as to why Fern's mother refused to leave the house even though they were treated badly.  Bea Davenport's "wrath" was actually not as cruel as the book summary on the back was made out to be - she didn't want her stepson and Fern hanging out. All she did was ban them from seeing each other (small grounding punishments etc - it was nothing like physical abuse we have seen other characters go through) so I am unsure why the cruelty was hyped up?

Fern and Ryder's friendship was similar to Chris and Cathy in the attic in the sense that they were a product of their circumstances; no different than Roy/Rain or Dawn/Jimmy too. There was nothing shocking about them, but I wish Ryder's younger sister was involved more in the story. She seemed like an after-thought - either include her in the story or don't put her in at all.  It was a perfect opportunity to have another cruel sister, or the complete opposite, and for a MC to finally have a friend who supports her (though I doubt any girl would help someone her mother hates hook up with her brother?)

The story did have that olden-VCA feel to it in most parts; the secrets, the love affairs all over the place, the lonely girl wondering about herself and where she comes from... but it felt repetitive at times. It was wrapped up nicely and while I don't think the secrets of this house are the worst we've seen, maybe we just haven't gone deep enough yet.

p.s He needs to throw out his list of already used names...


 

Review: Shattered Memories (Mirror Sisters 3)

 Shattered Memories
 The Mirror Sisters - Book 3
 V.C Andrews


The anticipated finale of this intriguing series finally came to a close... yet it opened more doors for us readers.  SPOILER ALERT if you have not read the book(s) yet.


Kaylee is dealing with her recovery. Haylee is locked away being treated for her issues (they aren't exactly stated in the book so I won't label them)

The book is told only from Kaylee's perspective, which was slightly disappointing. The unique hook of book two, Broken Glass, was seeing the events from both sisters. Going back to only one POV was not as exciting - even if our beloved author had only added one chapter, or a diary entry at the end as the epilogue. Many of us I'm sure would have loved to get into Haylee's psyche while she was in the ward and being treated.

The story itself was a faster pace than the two before it. We move on from the back and forth of the sister drama and Kaylee beings to take on a life of her own. She moves to a private school where she finds her own friends and even a love interest.

Side note: As much as I love this franchise, the recycled names have GOT TO GO! If he can come up with names like Mayfair and Jocasta, then there is no need for another Clara- name but I digress!

Speaking of Mayfair, this past summer us readers were given a tease into her world in the form of the school she is sent to. Corliss and Donna were released as back-stories to two other girls attending Spindrift school.  The school that Kaylee attends has a Spindrift vibe to it. The people she meets there, while not sent there for their high IQs but for their intriguing and possibly troubled back-story, give a sense that there is more to the place than meets the eye (no pun intended). Unfortunately, we never get into it much as this story's focus is still Kaylee.

Will we see more spin-off series happening? I for one am curious about Kaylee's roommate, Claudia. There is something going on there that seems very juicy (as oppose to Troy's back-story that just seemed forced and unnecessary as it went nowhere)


Overall, it was the best of the three and it had it's moments of excitement and resolution. That ending is one for the books - okay, maybe that pun was intended - but I wish it was more flushed out.
I hope that this tip to the classic vibe is a sign of good things to come.  3.5 stars.

 

Review: Broken Glass (Mirror Sisters #2)

 Broken Glass
 Mirror Sisters - Book 2
 V.C Andrews


Literally starting off where book one left off, we begin through Haylee's perspective on how she deals with her mother and the police dealing with Kaylee's "running off" with this man she met online. Throughout the story, we go between the two sisters... and as much as I love dual perspective stories, this one left much to be desired.

Kaylee's side of the story feels incomplete; I felt like there needed to be more conflict. There was many points that could have been expanded on (the mother, the cat, the door hinges, the land she is on, her captor himself) but for some reason the author chose to keep it clean and simple.

On the other hand, we have Haylee who is a complete sociopath.  The way she plays everyone around her is astounding. I hope karma comes a'knocking on her door in the next book; she deserves it. However, she spends most of the book just repeating her ramblings from book one on how much her and Kaylee are the same, and the changes she wishes to make now that she is "the only one".

My favourite line of the whole book is definitely that final one. The path the mother takes is very interesting.  Her reaction I feel was very VCA-esque, and I am hopeful that it continues this way into the next installment.

Overall, it was a disappointment. I was hopeful that we would see the classic VCA villain come out with Haylee, but no such luck. However, I will give credit to the cliffhanger ending and it does make me want to know what happens when the twins finally come face to face after all this.

Time to wait again:  #bookwormproblems

Meet my bookshelves!

So after moving into our own place (finally!) I got around to putting up my bookshelves. Hubby wanted double-deep for his office stuff and he likes symmetry so I got stuck with half my book being hidden.
It worked out - ended up with a smaller office than I wanted.

~


Bookshelf 1: Series

There are so many on here, it's a bit ridiculous.  Some have to be on the top shelf (I know, it's weird!) Like Harry Potter and Pendragon. Lately, I have been putting the Mortal Instrument series there too - but Ron is blocking it right now. The rest kinda just go where they fit. There is clearly room for so much more. Not sure if you can tell but behind the Jamie Mcguire books (second from top - far right), there is the begining of like 6 or 7 series. As that grows, I'll have to reorganize.
Other series that are hidden: artemis fowl, game of thrones, Georgia Nicolson, and LJ Smith's "Nightworld".
Beside the Eragon books, is another favourite author - Norma Klein. I emptied a second hand store once when I found all those. She writes a lot of coming of age type stuff that spoke to me when I was 12/13, go figure.

I have a lot more HP related items that go on here, but they cover up most of the top shelf.
The picture that has massive glare is my German Shepherd puppy from childhood. The 2 mugs on the last shelf have an "A" and a "J" - I'm A, hubby is J.  The snowman elephant is just something that needs to go in the xmas boxes.


Bookshelf 2: Author specific/ non-series

This starts with all my VC Andrews books at the very top - some are missing from this as my mother is reading a bunch.  She is my favourite author, and a lot of her books are reviewed on here. I also co-run a fan group on facebook called "VC Andrews' Dolls" if anyone is interested :)

Going down the shelves, we have RL Stein - he gets a full shelf -, then random hardcover/fancy books - far right are all Harry Potter related. The last self is everything else. I tried to keep all the bio-ish stuff on the right hand side, and everything else is all just done by size of the book.  My Series of Unfortunate events box set is still packed away. Not all have been read but I'd say at least 60%  have.
Some of these were read as a kid, and I bought because I love them. Some I cannot bring myself to read (such as the fault in our stars) after watching the movie (I KNOW I KNOW!!)   I am missing a bunch from here too because they are on my mom's TBR pile.

There's usually decor stuff in front of these too, like a pic of my grandparents-in-laws, a HP figurine in package, and a "licence plate" blank with a orca whale on it. Nothing fancy. \


~

 That's me in a nutshell. I read pretty much everything except horror/thriller/mystery stuff. I used to read Dean Koontz in high school, but I had to downsize books at one point and he had to go. You can kind of see the 1 john grisham book and there's a brad meltzer book that I loved so I kept that. Otherwise, it's YA all the way.

Review: The Mirror Sisters (Mirror Sisters 1)

 V. C Andrews
 The Mirror Sisters
The Mirror Sisters - Book 1

Many of the fans were anticipating this series, this reader and Andrewverse-enthusiast included, but it came with apprehension. Lately the ghost writer has been trying new things: more standalone novels, more paranormal plots, more mainstream ideas.  While they have their merits, to some degree, you cannot help but miss the old classic VC Andrew style that we all know and love.

That being said, I went into “The Mirror Sisters” with an open mind. The premise was intriguing and I was willing to give him another shot. Lately, his stuff has been missing the mark with me.

I was pleasantly surprised with the overall story. We have two sisters, Haylee and Kaylee, who are identical twins. Their mother drives this term home in every way she can possible think; to the point of obsession and high on the creep factor scale. If one daughter gets a cut on her hand, she cuts the other daughter in the same place. When one daughter cries, the other must cry too.  The beginning of the book is very jumpy, to be honest – Kaylee, who is telling us the story, gives us lots of puzzle pieces from her childhood. At times she is a child, the next page she is a teenager, the next page she goes back to a story of when she was a child. It got very confusing.

The story really doesn’t get interesting until the final few chapters when the plot thickens. As the girls get older, they are still not allowed to have any independence from each other and one of the girls has 

had enough.

Overall, I did enjoy it and it did hold my attention so I will give it 4 stars, but again, the main point of the story did not start to pick up until the very end and we are left with a heavy and shocking cliff hanger! Fans will be itching to get their hands on the next book, for sure.  I was happy to see that we get a new kind of conflict – this is not typical VCA style, it is way more modern and very “2016”.  Time will tell with how the author takes the story, and just how far the bond of twins and sisterhood can be pushed.  

Review: Celeste (Gemini 1)

 V. C. Andrews
Celeste
Gemini - Book 1

Celeste and her twin brother Noble have always treated different.
Their mother is very intune with the spirits of their ancestors, who have told her things about the twins.
Celeste always felt like Noble was treated better; always got more attention, was always considered more special. Yet one birthday, Celeste finally got "the sight" and was also able to see the spirits.
This made their mother very happy.

While Noble and Celeste got along well enough, Celeste was always made out to be "the older one" and her brother's keeper. Noble liked the simple things - he liked to be outside, playing with bugs or building a tree fort. Living in the country in upstate New York, and being home schooled allowed for this. When the family went into town, they were made fun of because of the mother's beliefs and "weirdness".

When their father dies in a horrible car accident, their mother becomes more strict with how to raise her children. Their father, Arthur, always criticized his wife, Sarah, for her beliefs and how she treated her children.  With him gone, the responsibility to watch Noble became more of a burden on Celeste's shoulders.

When tragedy strikes again, this time it is against the children. Noble and Celeste's bond will forever be changed when Noble is in an accident.

Sarah believes it was not his time - and if Celeste had been a better keeper, it would not have happened. Therefore, Celeste must be the one to have had died and Noble must live.
So her daughter must become her son in order to keep the balance happy.

Unfortunately, no secret can be buried forever.

This story is a unique one; It begins the supernatural theme that the author takes over the next little while.  The writing is alright, but you definitely notice a difference compared to all the previous series as this will only be a trilogy, as opposed to the typical 5-book structure we fans are used to.

The story is told from Celeste's point of view, and it starts at a young age. As we watch her grow, and then become her brother, we see a child who struggles with pleasing her mother yet being true to herself. It is a coming of age novel, of sorts. The struggle Celeste goes through can be parallelled with many a struggle that can be applied to everyday issues that we see nowadays.

*On a personal note, this is the first story I read after I was told that V.C Andrews had passed away (yes, late on the news but I was young when I got into VCA) so for me I noticed a very different writing style. I still love this story, but more for it's uniqueness and supernatural aspect than for the writing.

Review: Willow (DeBeers #1)

V.C Andrews
Willow
DeBeers Series - Book 1

Growing up, Willow knew she was adopted. Her adopted mother, as she was to call her, made that fact quite clear. While she had happy memories with her father and her nanny, Amou, Willow always felt cheated in life. She was a product of rape. Her adoptive father, a world renowned psychiatrist, had a famous clinic in which she was named after. This is also where she was conceived.

Years later, her father passes and Willow receives his journal. This journal contains a shocking truth which sends Willow off to the ritzy town of Palm Beach, Florida to see if she can find her birth family. In the midst of all the glamour, she is swept off her feet by the charming Thatcher Eaton, but is constantly being pulled in numerous directions between where her roots are, and where her wings want to go.

A beautiful beginning to a charming series. A mature heroine, so there are new milestones the readers get to experience with this series, as oppose to the typical stories where our main characters are rather young and have coming of age milestones that they share with us readers.

A family set up, and torn down by lies and secrets. Unique characters and the attractive, ritzy setting of Palm Beach make for a thrilling ride. This series is one of my personal favourites. I love how strong Willow is. I love the dark shadows lurking in the corners of her past, present and future. I love the story of how her father and mother came to be (and yes, we get more about them later on in the series).  This story will have you reaching for the next book the second you're done!

Review: Cinnamon (Shooting Stars 1)

Now, some of you may be wondering why I have so many V.C Andrews Books on here.  While yes, she is my favourite (at least, the classics are – they are written by a ghostwriter since Virginia died in the 80’s) I am one of the admins for two Facebook fan groups called V.C Andrews’ Dolls and Tatterton Cottage: VCA Misfits so when we do our book discussions or our “character of the month” feature, I reread the book and/or series as a refresher.

and I cannot read a book without reviewing it.So that is why they seem so random and out of the blue. 

If you’re interested in the stories, I always suggest starting from the beginning with Flowers in the Attic. A complete list of the books can be found on completevca.com/library. 

but I digress…


V.C Andrews
Cinnamon
Shooting Stars Book 1

Cinnamon Carlson wants to be an actress. She has the look, she has the talent. She doesn’t have the popularity … and that gets her into some trouble. 

With her best friend always ready to be her partner in crime, Cinnamon is really just trying to survive her home life. Her grandmother is a tyrant, her father is never around anymore, and her poor mother is now sent to a clinic from the result of a slight mental breakdown. 

With Cinnamon trying to be the adult in the house, she still manages to make the lead in the school play. While most of the school is happy for her, her competition is out to get some revenge on her. Cinnamon must try and remember that while life is a like a stage, it is important to keep reality and fantasy separate. 

I barely remembered this story.  I especially did not recall how strange the characters were; the father’s secrets, the grandmothers tyrant ways, even Cinnamon description of pale skin and wearing white lipstick had me questioning what the author was thinking. 

As a novella, it was difficult to go into any deep story-line. The main goal for these mini-series (Shooting Stars, Wildflowers, Orphans and Broken Wings) is to set up briefly how each girl’s life is before they come together. For this particular series, it is at a prestigious performing arts school. Overall, Cinnamon story is an intriguing one. There is conflict, emotions running high, drama both on stage and off and an overall happy ending. What more could you ask for? 



*To read more about Cinnamon and what happens to her, check out the rest of the Shooting Stars novellas, and the dramatic conclusion Falling Stars by V.C Andrews 

Review: Adare Series

My Sweet Audrina and Whitefern

My Sweet Audrina (MSA)
V.C. Andrews

Audrina always knew she was second best. Second best to the First, to the original, perfect Audrina.

Audrina Adare grew up knowing she was born with a purpose. Her parents were trying to replace the daughter they lost. When her sister Audrina (the first) was killed in the woods, her parents felt such a loss at their beloved daughter that they decided to replace her. Audrina knew she could never be like her sister. She could never be so perfect, try as she might.

She lived with her parents Damian and Lucietta, her younger sister Sylvia, her aunt Ellsbeth and her cousin Vera. They all lived in her mother’s family home, which was called “Whitefern”.

At 9 years old, Audrina never felt right. It was difficult, always being told about the first Audrina. The perfect Audrina. Her father, Damian, was convinced that Audrina could channel her sister and be just like her. He forces Audrina to sit in a rocking chair, and meditate (for lack of better word), trying to connect with the First Audrina’s spirit.

There is also one rule in this house: Do not go into the woods. That is where Audrina was killed. They are not safe.

But when Audrina meets the new neighbours, Arden Lowe and his mother Billie, she cannot help but be drawn to them. Finally, people who seem to accept her for who she is: Audrina. Just Audrina; no “second” in front of, no mocking, no judgement.  The Lowe’s seem to have their own secrets though: Why doesn’t Billie ever come out of the house? Why is Arden so anxious to get close to Audrina?

and secrets always come out in the end.

A dark, twisted story with secrets around every corner. I won’t give too much away, so this is a very basic outline of the story. Originally written by V.C. Andrews herself, she does a wonderful job of portraying the lengths people will go to protect their family members. The characters are described so in-depth that you have no problem envisioning them as you eagerly turn the pages and fall deeper and deeper into the web of lies, betrayal and secrets that hold this fragile world together.  The shocking twist at the end will have you in awe and disbelief, and possibly rereading in order to pick up on all the nuances throughout the story.

I personally love that the ending is vague, it leaves it to the reader to imagine what could happen next. One of my favourites! You will not be disappointed.  5/5 stars!

*There is a Lifetime adaptation of this book.  Strongly suggest reading the book first as the movie focuses on main points only, and leaves a lot out (character development and whole characters). Plus Spoilers! 

Whitefern
V.C. Andrews (written by the ghostwriter: Andrew Neiderman)

*Spoilers for those who haven’t read this or MSA

The highly anticipated sequel, published 34 years later, but set only 12 years in the story’s future.

Audrina and Arden are married. Sylvia has grown into her own person, albeit still needing help now and then.

Damian is on his deathbed. It come to pass that he has left the majority to his company to Audrina, not Arden as it originally seemed. Arden is not happy and demands Audrina sign over her authority.

As the story progresses, Arden turns into a sort of Damian-esque character. The word that comes to mind is “brute”. He is rough, quick to anger and just downright mean to Audrina. Most of this is due to their inability to conceive a child.

While Audrina is busy being a housewife, and teaching Sylvia how to take care of herself and learn new skills, it seems that besides Arden’s new attitude, Whitefern is no longer the dark and dreary place it once was.

However, Audrina cannot figure out her father’s motives for giving her majority control over the business. She refuses to sign it over to Arden, which just irritates him more.

Then one day, Sylvia announces “baby’s coming”. This throws Audrina’s world upside down, and it looks as if Audrina will never be free of the curse that is on the house.

More secrets, a deeper web of betrayal and the whole truth finally revealed!

A very unique way to continue the story so many years later. Predictable at times, but overall, a more “classic” V.C. Andrew-style story than what us fans have been reading lately. Although, any hardcore VCA fan can tell it has been written by the ghostwriter, just by the style of writing and a few timeline mistakes. 

For this particular reader, the characters didn’t grow up to be who I thought they would be.  Like I mentioned in my review of My Sweet Audrina, I liked how the original story ended and could imagine what happened to the characters in my own way, but I do believe Virginia would be proud of this story-line.

Review: Fallen Hearts (Casteel #3)

Fallen Hearts
V. C Andrews
Casteel Series #3

*Spoilers*


As Logan's bride, Heaven is trying to find where her place is in the world. Overcoming the Casteel scum reputation is difficult, but she is determined. Tony has other plans for her and Logan though.

He has decided to open up a toy factory in the Willies, with a special collection of mini's created by the people from Winnerrow. Logan is to run the factory. Leaving his family business, Logan jumps at the chance to be Tony's right-hand man. Heaven is cautious.

As always, lingering in the background is Fanny. Causing problem after problem, she phones up Heaven one day to give her world shattering news: She is pregnant.... by Logan.

As if Heaven does not have enough to deal with, Pa and his new wife are killed in a tragic accident. Now the fate of their son Drake is up in the air and Heaven will do anything to make sure she does right by him.

Fate may not be on her side though.

Full of surprises, heartache, twists and turns, Fallen Hearts has your attention from the very first page. Is Fanny telling the truth? What is Tony's intentions with keeping Logan so close? Are Rye Whiskey's ghosts back?  Will Heaven ever be free to live happily?  This one will have you glued to the pages until the very end.

5/5 stars!

Review: Rain (Hudson #1)

Rain
VC Andrews

Hudson #1

*Spoilers

Growing up in the projects of Washington, D.C has never been easy. With her sister trying to prove to the world that shes a grown up, and a brother who is very protective of her, Rain Arnold is just trying to survive. Her mother does what she can to support the family, as her father is not around much, as he's usually out drinking away all the money they have - and when he is around, he's complaining about everything.

Life is getting more difficult as time goes on. Rain's father, Ken, decides that it's time to get more money. What they got the first time was not enough.

When Rain hears this conversation, she is confused... the first time? What is Ken talking about? Her mother then explains that they were paid to take Rain and raise her away from her real family.

After her sister is murdered, and her brother decides to enlist in the army, Rain's mother decides it is time for Rain to go back to her biological family.

Unfortunately, her biological mother cannot reveal the truth about Rain. She is willing to accept her in private, but she cannot tell her husband and children the truth.  She sets Rain up at her grandmother's house instead, with the ruse of it being a charity case. Rain settles into her routine at her grandmother's house, and her new school. She even lands herself the lead in the school play on her first day.

Being a V. C Andrew book, it is not without it's share of drama. The heroine is just as strong as those before her. The hurdles she overcomes are big ones. The strength she has is endless. The heartbreak she goes through is powerful and real. A beautiful story.

Review: Dark Angel (Casteel #2)

Dark Angel
VC Andrews

Casteel #2

*Spoilers


The second book in the Casteel series opens up on Heaven going to Boston to find her mother's family. The little bit she knows, she has learned from Pa's letter and from talking to Granny. She is going on faith that they will accept her.

Tony and Jillian Tatterton are one of the most prominent families in Boston. When Leigh ran away all those years ago, she left her mother in a terrible state.

Jillian Tatterton is a fragile soul. The damage her daughter caused on her reputation, and on her youth. was devastating. Tony is the backbone she relies on. The couple lives in a grand home, known as Farthington Mannor.  This is also where Leigh lived, after her mother married Tony.

Heaven moves into her mother's suite. She feels a strong connection to Leigh, but is still at odds with how cold her grandparents feel to her.  Right away, Tony is quick to lay out rules for Heaven. If she wishes to continue to stay with them, they must be followed to a T.

One of these rules includes Tony having control over her wardrobe, and where she will be going to school.  Being the new girl is always difficult. Being the new girl who is forced to dress better than everyone, in a school of spoiled girls is worse.

While Heaven is excited to be with family, she misses her siblings terribly. Determined to bring them all back together one day, she keeps in contact with them. Even if it is against Tony's rules. She is also longing for Logan and hopes one day they can reconnect and live out all the dreams they dreamed as children.


This book is full of surprises. Mysterious mazes, ghosts of the pasts (and present), struggling to overcome the Casteel reputation, trying to make a name for herself.... it wears down on Heaven. However, she has a strength like no one else. She is as stubborn as ever, and when she sets her mind to something, she always follows through. If only she thought about the consequences.

A beautiful sequel to "Heaven", you see more obstacles that this young girl must go through. Your heart goes out to her as she tries to be strong. Her intentions are always good, but sometimes... the heart wants what the heart wants.

4/5 stars!

Next: Fallen Hearts

Review: Heaven (Casteel Series #1)

Heaven
V.C. Andrews
The Casteel Series

*Spoilers*

Heaven is a story of loss. When her mother died giving birth to her, her father Luke lost a piece of his heart that day. He was never the same. He settled down with Sarah, and living with his parents Annie and Toby, they had their family.

Growing up with her siblings Tom, Fanny, Keith and Jane (nick named Our Jane), Heaven struggled being the only one who looked nothing like either parent.

Tom, the loving brother, and her best friend. They did everything together - mostly because Pa wasn't around and Sarah was too busy cooking, cleaning and complaining about life. Heaven helped out as much as she could, but she also had school.

Heaven loved school. She was good at it. It was her escape from the evil reality that she faced every day. She tried to get her siblings interested in it too, but Fanny was too busy with boys, and Keith and Our Jane were too distracted by their hunger.

One day, a new family comes into town. Logan Stonewall is perfect in Heaven's eyes. Wary of him, due to her embarrassment of her family, she tries to keep him at bay until she knows his intentions. Logan cannot help but be in love with Heaven though. Even with Fanny flaunting herself around all the time, Logan and Heaven manage to find a small piece of paradise in the cold shadows of the Virginia mountains.

After tragedy strikes the family, Heaven and her siblings are left to fend for themselves. Just when they think they cannot continue, Pa comes in with a surprise.  He has found new homes for each of the children. They are to leave immediately.

Our Jane and Keith end up being together, as the couple agrees it would be heartbreaking to tear them apart.

Fanny is bought by the local reverend and his wife.

Tom is bought by a local man in the community.

Heaven is last to be bought. Two couples come to see her... Pa gives her a choice. She chooses the younger couple: Kitty and Cal Dennison.

Out of the frying pan, and into the fire.

Heaven goes to live with Kitty and Cal for a few years. Kitty makes Heaven a slave, of sorts. She is to do daily chores and she is to be clean at all times (physically and spiritually). Eventually, Kitty begins to spend less and less time focusing on Heaven, once she learns the rules of the house. However, since she is not allowed to have a social life, her only friend becomes Cal.

Tragedy strikes again, and Heaven is finally in a place where she can go and find her mother's family... What will happen next?

(Next: Dark Angel)


This book is a powerful one. There is so much raw emotion that comes off the pages. From the short time we are with Heaven, she must deal with hardships and obstacles that no one, much less a child of 14-18 should deal with. You cannot help but fall into the pages of this book. From the beginning, the author draws you into the Willies with such description that you can smell the summer rain and you can feel the chill in your bones.  Make sure you have the next book ready to go, as the second you put this one down, you will be picking "Dark Angel" up!

Review: Midnight Flight (Broken wings #2)

*See Review: Broken Wings (First in series)


Midnight Flight by V.C. Andrews
Book two in the Broken Wings series.


This book is told from Phoebe's perspective. After she is drugged and taken away from her home, she is brought to Dr. Foreman's school for girls. She meets Robin and Teal, and the three girls embark on this strange new challenge that lays before them. With no where to go, and no one else to rely on, the girls know they must do whatever they can to survive.

We are introduced to three ladies, to be called M'Lady as a sign of respect, who will be the mentors/buddies to our girls. They are former students and are under order from Dr Foreman to ensure that Robin, Teal and Phoebe settle in and understand the rules of the school.

Unfortunately, the rules are simple: listen, and you will be rewarded. Do not listen, and you will be punished. There is a demerit system. Rewards are in the form of basic necessities, such as clothes, a mattress, blankets, pillows... but the punishments are much worse. If a girl receives enough demerit points for not listening, she is sent to the dreaded Ice Room. No one talks about what happens in the Ice Room.

There are also two other girls at the school. Gia and Mindy. Right from the start there is tension between all five girls. Teal is the most defiant. She has a hard time understanding why the rules are what they are, why she is forced to do manual labor and she is severely home sick. Gia and Mindy have secrets of their own. Since they have been at the school longer, they know the lay of the land and what Dr Foreman requires of her students. However, they always like to be rewarded ...

As time goes on, the girls get in a routine and learn what is expected of them. Phoebe connects with the gardener, Natani, who lives on the premises. He teaches her things from his native background, life skills and how to learn how to be okay with herself.

There are many mysteries in this book, and you see the growth of three broken girls, who deal with their hardships beautifully and come out stronger for it. A bittersweet story that will have you at the edge of your seat while you ache for these students and the horrors they are forced to deal with.  The author leaves you wanting to know more, but we do get a glimpse into some of their futures, which is always nice.

5/5 stars across the board!

Review: Broken Wings

Broken Wings: VC Andrews  *Spoilers*


Broken Wings is a mini-series by the author V.C. Andrews. Part 1 of 2 of the Broken Wings series.

We have 3 girls, Robin Lyn, Teal, and Phoebe and we learn each of their stories and what happens before they are sent off to Dr. Foreman's school.



Robin 

Robin Lyn, or Robin for short is the first girl we meet. A girl who's never really fit in. Whose mother is trying to make it in the music business. A girl who is looking to be loved.

Doing anything to get some attention, Robin steals, gets in trouble at school... and finally her mother has had enough. Living with her grandparents, and their strict rules and glares of judgement, Robin's mother Kay is fed up. She and Robin leave in the middle of the night and go off to Nashville in the hopes that Kay's friend Cory can help her become a star.

From the get go, nothing is going in Robin's favor. She meets some girls, who are just stuck up and vindictive.... and then she meets Keefer. A boy from the wrong side of the tracks, but has such a sweet smile. The two make a plan to get away together, but to do so, they set out to rob the grocery store where Robin works. Another run in with the police has Kay at her wit's end.

The only place that Robin stands a chance before being put in jail is a special school for troubled girls...


Teal


Teal Sommers is the next girl we meet. Teal was born late in her parent's life, a point which is never hidden from Teal. This makes her feel unwanted half the time... and with an older brother constantly counting how much damage Teal costs the family, down to the penny, Teal has had enough.

Teal has never cared much for rules. When she finally catches the eye of Del Grant, the two fall into a quick relationship, but Del comes with baggage all of his own. With a drunk for a mother, and 2 younger siblings to take care, he doesn't think he has what it takes to be there for Teal. Teal is determined to show Del that she is not the snob that everyone thinks she is, but the bad girl streak in her just can't be smothered.

Her parents are tired of her antics. Grounding does nothing, she ignores her punishments, she has no respect for any rules... maybe a school for troubled girls will set her straight?


Phoebe


Phoebe Elder has grown up with both parents. One day, she is awoken by her father telling her that her mother has finally left them.  Her father is unable to take care of Phoebe on his own, so he is sending her to live with her aunt and uncle.

Right from the start, Phoebe feels like an outcast. From the wrong side of the tracks and not compliant enough for her aunt's approval, Phoebe struggles to settle in to a place where no one wants her.

She makes friends with a boy at school. Little does she know, he is a player who says anything to get with a girl. After being caught in a compromising position in the school nurse's office, the boy starts a rumor that Phoebe accepts money for sexual acts. A group of boys gang up on her with the intent of assaulting her, but Phoebe defends herself and runs away.

It is their word against hers and one of the boys ended up in the hospital because of her actions. Her Aunt and Uncle do not know what to do with her. After a tragic accident causes the death of her father, she learns that her mother is in a hospital. Phoebe thinks that if she runs to her mother, they two will be able to be a family now.

Little does she know, her mother is not well enough. She ends up back with her Uncle, only to have him tell her that she is ruining their reputation in the community and there is a school for girls like her...



 A fantastic series. These girls capture your heart with every page. Three misunderstood girls who get involved with the wrong people, and are born into the wrong families. The stories leave you wanting more about each girl. You cannot help but sympathize with them as they make one bad choice after another. Each story, while similar in structure, has the reader feeling second-hand empathy, making you want to reach in and hug the characters. 5/5 stars!


Victims of circumstances, you cannot help but wait and see what this mysterious school is all about.
Will the girls finally have a happy ending? Stay tuned for the review of "Midnight Flight"