Rating: Summary: Good Read Review: Hyacinth the romantic, young artist who believes in true love and Gerald fresh out of medical school get married. Gerald has big plans for the future and wants the social status that Hyacinth's family can provide. Hyacinth's needs true love that she doesn't believe she truly deserves. Hyacinth discovers that Gerald is cheating on her. Gerald manipulates Hyacinth into believing that she is emotionally unstable. A fire breaks out in the medical offices and Gerald learns that Hyacinth had been there. He accuses her of starting the fire that cost a fireman his life. And with this blackmail is able to take custody of their children. While grieving for her children and for the comfort and warmth of the home she had made with them Hyacinth recreates her life. The end is victorious and the secret to the mystery surprising. A great book.
Rating: Summary: Plain disappointed Review: I always read Belva Plain's new books since I have enjoyed her previous books very much. I found this book to be predictable from the onset. I looked at the front of the book twice to be sure I hadn't inadvertently grabbed a Danielle Steele book from the library shelves. The story line is a standard and I found nothing redeeming or unique in any of the characters. I didn't feel any empathy for Hyacinth's situation since it seemed totally unrealistic that she would have relinquished her children without resorting to every possible alternative. I am certain that Belva Plain will return to her previous writing style with her next book(s)...please.
Rating: Summary: What a disappointment! Review: I am a big Belva Plain fan and have always enjoyed her books. After the Fire is a disappointing read. What bothered me the most is the character of Hyacinth-what a weak and stupid woman! She is not believable at all. Any mother will fight to the end for her children. I kept hoping she would snap out of it, but she never did. She just kept trusting stupid men and believing them. I will think twice before spending money on another Belva Plain novel in the future.
Rating: Summary: Mr & Mrs Who? Review: I am well into the book and am enjoying it as I am a fan of Belva Plain. However, no where so far do I find the last name of Hyacinth's family or Gerald's family. They are Dr & Mrs Gerald Who? Am I missing something or was this intentional on the part of the author?
Rating: Summary: This soap opera is a squeaky clean page turner! Review: I assume that this work is indicative of other titles by the author. Never dull, it is remarkably wholesome in spite of "sordid" subject matter. If it's a G-rated romance/soap opera novel you're after, this is a good choice. Not racy enough to be a LIFETIME movie, it will at least be good company on that cross-country airline ride!
Rating: Summary: This soap opera is a squeaky clean page turner! Review: I assume that this work is indicative of other titles by the author. Never dull, it is remarkably wholesome in spite of "sordid" subject matter. If it's a G-rated romance/soap opera novel you're after, this is a good choice. Not racy enough to be a LIFETIME movie, it will at least be good company on that cross-country airline ride!
Rating: Summary: After the Fire Review: I could hardly put "After the Fire" aside once I began reading it! I feel each emotion which Hyancinth feels - love, joy, anger, hurt, sadness, pain, shame, pride - as her life develops. How sad that this wonderfully talented woman is manipulated by almost everyone she encounters as well as by a horrible secret that is all consuming. This intelligent, attractive, talented woman is naieve, but also trusting. She is entrenched in negative situations and the grief process so many times, I wonder if she can become an emotionally stable, successful and proud person. As I learn to know and love Hyancinth, I know that she not only can but will endure all that comes her way and, most of all, that she is a survivor.
Rating: Summary: Pretty good,surprising ending Review: I have gone through similar things as Hycinth in the novel did. I was getting angry at her for keeping in this horrible secret and most of all, witholding it from Will. That, to me, was too much. But, in the end, the truth prevailed. It is a sad thing to see children used as pawns and money makers today, but that is the way it is.
Rating: Summary: Another entertainer from Belva Plain Review: I think my first Belva Plain was Evergreen, and I have to admit I haven't found another book as wonderful as that one. But I have enjoyed Plain's novels over the years just the same. I usually suggest Ms. Plain to fans of Maeve Binchy because they are both such wonderful storytellers. After the Fire was no disappointment. Hyacinth, a naive artist, falls in love with Gerald, a seemingly responsible, loving husband. After the birth of their two children, Gerald strays from the marriage and his family. They divorce and the rest of the novel depicts Hyacinth's ability to pick herself up and move on. There are a lot of surprises in the novel, and I think you will enjoy taking time to read After the Fire.
Rating: Summary: After The Fire Review: I was hooked from the first page to this novel. It wasn't until the last 30 pages that I had an idea of how this might end. I really enjoyed the read. I read alot and really enjoyed this one
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