Helpful Score: 4
Not really enough "romance" for me, but still a very good read. A very heartwarming, family story.
Helpful Score: 3
I picked up this book in the hospital gift shop while my husband was in the hospital. I was just looking for something to pass the time, I didn't care what it was. Well, this was the best book I have read in a long while. Very heartwarming, fun and memorable characters. Laugh out loud funny at times. This book ran like a movie in my head. I'll be lookin' for more Fern Michaels.
Helpful Score: 2
Good romance novel about the transforming power of love and a simple woman whose broken heart finds more room for the simple pleasures of family and home, and for discovering true love in the last place she expected.
Helpful Score: 1
Promises to her best childhood friend brings Darby back to her roots and her friend's brother.Very enjoyable romance.
Helpful Score: 1
too good the three sisters are a hoot and the grandaughter who they cherish..couldn't put it down...
Helpful Score: 1
Another great book from Fern Michaels. Darby learns to live again after a tragic accident takes her friend's life. Full of fun times and romance.
Helpful Score: 1
as always a good read!
If you are a fan of Fern Michaels, you will like this book about the ladies club, family secrets and new loves. I am not a fan of hers and didn't particularly like the book, except for some amusing moments.
WOW, one of the best Fern Michaels books I have read.
Very funny & entertaining throughout the whole book.
Very funny & entertaining throughout the whole book.
This is a wonderful book.
very cute book...great storyline
Darby Lane and Russel Gunn had ben inseparable friends since their days in the Horseshoe, the wonderful Baton Rouge neighborhood of their youth. But after graduate schoo, a tragic accident takes Russ's life- and Darby's world is shattered. Her long journey to healing brings her closer to Russ's brother Ben, whom she begins to see throught new eyes. Suddenly love blooms in the place of grief; and now with the help of the three wiley and colorful aunts who raised her, Darby faces the challenge of reuniting Ben with his enstranged father- if she and her aunts can get through the conniving schemes of Ben's social climber stepmother. Bit by bit, Darby discovers that loss can build a new life - and love truly can conquer anything.
Nice and sweet!
Nice and sweet!
For all you who have a best friend of the opposite sex this is a must read
I purchased this book after having read on of Fern Michaels book for the first time. It was was the best $8.00 I'd spent long time. Darby and Russell work thorough the nuts boths of a transitional period in both their lives. The aunts are the epitome of southern charm and wit, seasoned with a pure frankness that is comical. More than one romance unfolds as the story is told and we begin to wonder if history will repeat itself. Within 2 days, I was finished. Captivated, I just couldn't put it down! You'll love it! I'm sure!
Another great book by Fern Michaels. Grab a tissue towards the end.
Cute - quick read! Darby Lane and Russell Gunn had been inseparable friends ever since they were three years old. Due to Russ's untimely death, Darby not only inherits his vast fortune, but his older, handsome brother, too.
Reading this book only makes me wish that I had three fantastic, crazy aunts just like Darby's!
Reading this book only makes me wish that I had three fantastic, crazy aunts just like Darby's!
A lovely read about a family that has been torn apart by death and betrayal; an organ donor whose last wishes were not followed; and three wacky and wise little old ladies.
Good book made me laugh and cry
Sad, funny, heart-warming ... so many emotions but a great read.
Darby and Russel were friends from childhood. As adults they start looking at each other differently.
Great, fun read.
Great, fun read.
I was a little disappointed with this book not because it wasn't a good read but because it wasn't what I thought it was. The summary boasted an unrequited love between a woman and her best friend's brother but really it focused on her elderly aunts and what was happening in the neighborhood.
I just didn't like the confusion.
I just didn't like the confusion.
I love the Lane sisters in this book! They were so funny, it made you wish you had three Aunts like that! Plus Darby and Ben are so cute. I didnt want to put the book down
Darby Lane and Russell Gunn had been inseperable friends since their days in the Horseshoe, the wonderful Baton Rouge neighborhood of their youth. But after graduate school, a tragic accident takes Russ's life - and Darby's world is shattered. Her long journey to healing brings her closer to Russ's brother Ben, whom she begins to see through new eyes. Suddenly love blooms in the place of grief; and now, with the help of the three wily and colorful aunts who raised her, Darby faces the challenge of reuniting Ben with his estranged father - if she and her aunts can get through the conniving schemes of Ben's social climber stepmother. Bit by bit, Darby discovers that loss can build new life - and love truly can conquer anything.
Different from her other books, but still good.
Good fast read>
Good book!
This was a very good story and a fast read
Enjoy all her books. Good read.
Quick romance
Wonderful story. Characters are amazing and you never want the story to end.
Absolutely wonderful!! Very emotional books so have the kleenex handy.
This is a very good book. Darby Lane and Russell Gunn had been best friends all their lives. An accident claims Russell's life. Darby, her three aunts (Dodo,Diddy and Ducky)and Ben (Russell's brother)have to stop the wicked stepmother, kidnap Ben's father and bring other family members together.
Darby's broken heart finds more room for the simple pleasures of family and home with her three zany aunts and for discovering true love in the last place she expects.
Ive been dealing with a bit of bad luck in reading books that I truly like, so I thought Id find something I like with my first Fern Michaels book. (This is at least her 11th book as there are ten other books mentioned as written by her in the book.) I know shes a popular author and Im expecting something along the lines of Danielle Steel (whose books I like when I was reading them years ago) and Nora Roberts (whose books Ive been reading quite a bit lately and always enjoy.) Im not expecting great literature just a fun, well-written story.
Boy, was I wrong the book is just full of nonsense.
Darby Lanes best friend in the whole world, Russell Gunn, has just been killed in a tragic car accident. Darby was in Scotland at the time of the accident and Russells evil stepmother had the funeral as fast as she could, so Darby wasnt able to return home to Baton Rouge to attend the funeral.
Darby was named the executrix of Russells estate when they graduated from college ten years earlier and one of the things that she was instructed as part of his final wishes was that he not be an organ donor. She was also named as his sole beneficiary. Darby is furious that this has happened as are her aunts (who essentially raised her and Russell and his brother, Ben, and sister, Mary.) Ben is upset as well.
Russell had been dating a woman, Claire we have no idea how she feels about all this and apparently, Russell did nothing to change his will even though he had purchased a diamond ring and was about to propose marriage to Claire. Even better, his dates with Claire were regularly threesomes Russell, Claire and Darby. That had to be fun for her. Claire is treated well, but despite being the woman Russell was about to marry is just dumped as a character. I would expect this person to play a much more prominent role in avenging the injustice of his organs being donated. And, I would have expected a guy who wrote a will at age 22, to have rewritten the will 10-years later to name his soon-to-be fiancé as at least the beneficiary of his will.
Donating Russells organs has given the evil stepmother, Bella Gunn, what she has wanted for 20 years in Baton Rouge acceptance by the high society women of the town. (Well, except of course, Darbys three aunts.) Her husband, Marcus (Russell, Ben and Marys father), is bed-ridden after suffering strokes and heart attacks. He has 24-hour nurse care and is kept strongly medicated including meds that keep him incoherent most of the time.
Ben Gunn, while sad at the loss of his brother, is thrilled at the opportunity to hook up with Darby. You see, despite the fact that Darby and Russell spent pretty much every day of their lives seeing each other (they both went to the same college and lived a couple blocks from each other), they werent in love. No, Ben, who had minimal interaction with Darby was in love with her. Of course, Darby, who spent no time with Ben, was secretly in love with Ben as well. Isnt that just . . . stupid?
Then there are Darbys three aunts Dippy, Divey and Dopey. Okay, those arent their names theyre Dodo, Ducky and Diddy. (Yes, those are the names the aunts use although they arent the given names.) They each own a home on the historic Horseshoe in Baton Rouge. The two other homes are owned by the Gunn family, but have sat essentially abandoned since Marcus dumped Diddy (I think it was Diddy with dumb names it just doesnt matter whos who) to married Bella. Those homes, although in major disrepair, are intended for Russell and Ben upon their fathers death. (Apparently, the death of Russell is making his house Darbys despite the fact that the owner, Marcus, hasnt died and passed the home onto Russell.) Mary seems to be left homeless.
Tragedy has struck since Bella has gained acceptance by the Rougies (the Baton Rouge society women) she has been granted a provisional construction license. Now, despite the fact that these are historical homes, Bella has a wrecking ball and other construction equipment lined up on the Shoe, ready to accidently knock the homes down. (The provisional license doesnt allow destruction and she has said she is only doing changes to the interior and that the exteriors will remain the same.) The three aunts come up with a plan to stop Bella which involves hiring a private detective to find dirt on Bella (which no one has been able or bothered to find for 20 years) and kidnapping Marcus Gunn. (Its a really bad plan, too.)
I never thought Id say this about a repeat best-selling author, but this book is horrid. I cannot believe she got anyone to even publish it. And, worse, if this is at all similar to her other books, I cant believe she has a contract to write any books, let alone has made any best seller list.
Oh yeah, and there were numerous typos in the book -- missing closed quotes, etc. Bad book, bad editing.
Boy, was I wrong the book is just full of nonsense.
Darby Lanes best friend in the whole world, Russell Gunn, has just been killed in a tragic car accident. Darby was in Scotland at the time of the accident and Russells evil stepmother had the funeral as fast as she could, so Darby wasnt able to return home to Baton Rouge to attend the funeral.
Darby was named the executrix of Russells estate when they graduated from college ten years earlier and one of the things that she was instructed as part of his final wishes was that he not be an organ donor. She was also named as his sole beneficiary. Darby is furious that this has happened as are her aunts (who essentially raised her and Russell and his brother, Ben, and sister, Mary.) Ben is upset as well.
Russell had been dating a woman, Claire we have no idea how she feels about all this and apparently, Russell did nothing to change his will even though he had purchased a diamond ring and was about to propose marriage to Claire. Even better, his dates with Claire were regularly threesomes Russell, Claire and Darby. That had to be fun for her. Claire is treated well, but despite being the woman Russell was about to marry is just dumped as a character. I would expect this person to play a much more prominent role in avenging the injustice of his organs being donated. And, I would have expected a guy who wrote a will at age 22, to have rewritten the will 10-years later to name his soon-to-be fiancé as at least the beneficiary of his will.
Donating Russells organs has given the evil stepmother, Bella Gunn, what she has wanted for 20 years in Baton Rouge acceptance by the high society women of the town. (Well, except of course, Darbys three aunts.) Her husband, Marcus (Russell, Ben and Marys father), is bed-ridden after suffering strokes and heart attacks. He has 24-hour nurse care and is kept strongly medicated including meds that keep him incoherent most of the time.
Ben Gunn, while sad at the loss of his brother, is thrilled at the opportunity to hook up with Darby. You see, despite the fact that Darby and Russell spent pretty much every day of their lives seeing each other (they both went to the same college and lived a couple blocks from each other), they werent in love. No, Ben, who had minimal interaction with Darby was in love with her. Of course, Darby, who spent no time with Ben, was secretly in love with Ben as well. Isnt that just . . . stupid?
Then there are Darbys three aunts Dippy, Divey and Dopey. Okay, those arent their names theyre Dodo, Ducky and Diddy. (Yes, those are the names the aunts use although they arent the given names.) They each own a home on the historic Horseshoe in Baton Rouge. The two other homes are owned by the Gunn family, but have sat essentially abandoned since Marcus dumped Diddy (I think it was Diddy with dumb names it just doesnt matter whos who) to married Bella. Those homes, although in major disrepair, are intended for Russell and Ben upon their fathers death. (Apparently, the death of Russell is making his house Darbys despite the fact that the owner, Marcus, hasnt died and passed the home onto Russell.) Mary seems to be left homeless.
Tragedy has struck since Bella has gained acceptance by the Rougies (the Baton Rouge society women) she has been granted a provisional construction license. Now, despite the fact that these are historical homes, Bella has a wrecking ball and other construction equipment lined up on the Shoe, ready to accidently knock the homes down. (The provisional license doesnt allow destruction and she has said she is only doing changes to the interior and that the exteriors will remain the same.) The three aunts come up with a plan to stop Bella which involves hiring a private detective to find dirt on Bella (which no one has been able or bothered to find for 20 years) and kidnapping Marcus Gunn. (Its a really bad plan, too.)
I never thought Id say this about a repeat best-selling author, but this book is horrid. I cannot believe she got anyone to even publish it. And, worse, if this is at all similar to her other books, I cant believe she has a contract to write any books, let alone has made any best seller list.
Oh yeah, and there were numerous typos in the book -- missing closed quotes, etc. Bad book, bad editing.
Good book! A little windy, but that is just Fern Michaels. A wicked step mother provides havoc in the lives of the bigger "family". There's a death, body organ donations, lots of romance and some mystery. A good read!
A good read.
enjoyed as I all of Fern Michaels books. Once I start I cannot put it down.
fun fast read
A great story of friendship and family, a tragic accident and ultimately, the power of love.
Another great book by Fern Micheals!!
I absolutely loved this book. One of Fern's best
Good book, thought it sounded familiar guess because I had read it in hard back. Still a great Ferm Michaels book.
Enjoyed this story. Like Fern's books!
this is another great book by this author/
HEY GOOD LOOKING
I laughed & cried love this story highly rrecomend
I laughed & cried love this story highly rrecomend
Excellent book. Could not put it down
From the Publisher
New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels inspires and entertains with a touching tale of the transforming power of love -- and a woman whose broken heart finds room for the simple pleasures of family and home, and for discovering true love in the last place she expected.
Darby Lane and Russell Gunn had been inseparable friends from their early years in the Horseshoe, their wonderful Baton Rouge neighborhood, all the way through to graduate school dreams and beyond. Then the unthinkable happens: a tragic accident takes Russ's life, and Darby's world is shattered.
Her long journey to healing takes hold as Darby begins to see Russ's brother Ben through new eyes. Suddenly love blooms in the place of grief and Darby faces the challenge of reuniting Ben with his estranged father -- if they can get through the conniving schemes of Ben's social climber stepmother. Like the custom dollhouses Darby creates with tender care and patience, she begins to understand that loss can build new life -- and love truly can conquer anything.
New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels inspires and entertains with a touching tale of the transforming power of love -- and a woman whose broken heart finds room for the simple pleasures of family and home, and for discovering true love in the last place she expected.
Darby Lane and Russell Gunn had been inseparable friends from their early years in the Horseshoe, their wonderful Baton Rouge neighborhood, all the way through to graduate school dreams and beyond. Then the unthinkable happens: a tragic accident takes Russ's life, and Darby's world is shattered.
Her long journey to healing takes hold as Darby begins to see Russ's brother Ben through new eyes. Suddenly love blooms in the place of grief and Darby faces the challenge of reuniting Ben with his estranged father -- if they can get through the conniving schemes of Ben's social climber stepmother. Like the custom dollhouses Darby creates with tender care and patience, she begins to understand that loss can build new life -- and love truly can conquer anything.
Good summer read
"Darby Lane and Russell Gunn had been inseparable friends since their days in the Horseshoe, the wonderful Baton Rouge neighborhood of their youth. But after graduate school, a tragic accident takes Russ's life--and Darby's world is shattered, Her long journey to healing brings her closer to Russ's brother Ben, whom she begins to see through new eyes. Suddenly love blooms in the place of grief; and now, with the help of the three wily and colorful aunts who raised her, Darby faces the challenge of reuniting Ben with his estranged father--if she and her aunts can get through the conniving schemes of Ben's social climber stepmother. Bit by bit, Darby discovers that loss can build new life--and love truly can conquer anything." A good book to take with you to read in grocery lines, in bank lines, in traffic jams, or in a comfortable chair in your living room.
Darby Lane and Russell Gunn had been inseparable friends from their early years in the Horseshoe, their wonderful Baton Rouge neighborhood, all the way through to graduate school dreams and beyond. Then the unthinkable happens: a tragic accident takes Russ's life, and Darby's world is shattered.
Her long journey to healing takes hold as Darby begins to see Russ's brother Ben through new eyes. Suddenly love blooms in the place of grief and Darby faces the challenge of reuniting Ben with his estranged father -- if they can get through the conniving schemes of Ben's social climber stepmother. Like the custom dollhouses Darby creates with tender care and patience, she begins to understand that loss can build new life -- and love truly can conquer anything.
Her long journey to healing takes hold as Darby begins to see Russ's brother Ben through new eyes. Suddenly love blooms in the place of grief and Darby faces the challenge of reuniting Ben with his estranged father -- if they can get through the conniving schemes of Ben's social climber stepmother. Like the custom dollhouses Darby creates with tender care and patience, she begins to understand that loss can build new life -- and love truly can conquer anything.
Darby Lane and Russell Gunn had been inseparable friends from their early years in the Horseshoe, their wonderful Baton Rouge neighborhood of Southern comforts and childhood fancies, all the way through to graduate school dreams and beyond. Then the unthinkable happens: a tragic accident takes Russ's life and Darby's world is shattered. Returning to the Horseshoe in utter dispair, Darby clings to the only family she's ever known: the three wily and colorful aunts who raised her.
Her long journey to healing takes hold as Darby begins to see Russ's brother Ben through new eyes. Suddenly love blooms in the place of grief, and now with the help of her aunts, Darby faces the challenge of reuniting Ben with his estranged father -- if they can get through the conniving schemes of Ben's social climber stepmother. Calling on the same tender care and patience with which she builds custom dollhouses, Darby begins to create a new life out of her loss -- and comes to understand that love truly can conquer anthing.
Her long journey to healing takes hold as Darby begins to see Russ's brother Ben through new eyes. Suddenly love blooms in the place of grief, and now with the help of her aunts, Darby faces the challenge of reuniting Ben with his estranged father -- if they can get through the conniving schemes of Ben's social climber stepmother. Calling on the same tender care and patience with which she builds custom dollhouses, Darby begins to create a new life out of her loss -- and comes to understand that love truly can conquer anthing.
Derby Lane and Russell Gunn had been inseparable friends from their early years in the Horseshoe, their wonderful Baton Rouge neighborhood of Southerrn comforts and childhood fancies, all the way through graduate school and beyond. Then the unthinkable happen; a tragic accident takes Russ's life, and Darby's world is shattered. Returning to the Horseshoe in utter despair, Darby clings to the only family she's ever known: the three wily and colorful aunts who raised her.
GREAT READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
never read it , but looks good!
I will be on vacation from April 29th til May 13th. If you are interested in this book, understand it can not be shipped during this time frame.
