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Rumors
Book by Abrams, Stephanie
344 pages, Paperback
First published December 29, 2012
5 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Abrams
1 book68 followersStephanie Abrams is recognized worldwide as a travel expert and has been rated as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Travel. She is the executive producer and host of two nationally syndicated radio shows about travel and has appreared on CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, BBC1 Radio and BBC1 TV. She is a sought-after motivational speaker and has given seminars for the last nine years at the NYTimes Travel Show. She is a journalist whose work has appeared in TRAVELHOST, travelgirl, Fido Friendly and WHERE NY. She travels widely globally and in the US and has an award-winning website,which includes the family of brands www.sAbrams.com, www.travelers411.com and www.JetSet411.com.
Stephanie Abrams first novel,"Rumors," while a work of fiction, presents characters and events inspired by her world travels and observations of life's experiences, creating believable people and incidents with unexpected twists and turns. The quiet lives of ordinary people are thrown into chaos that all beings with rumors.
Abrams favorite things in life are traveling with her husband producing exciting radio programming, finding occasions to speak French and kissing her English springer spaniel, Maggie McGee, on the nose.
Abrams is currently working on a series of travel guides, the first of which is a guide to visiting Ireland, and a sequel to "Rumors."
Stephanie Abrams first novel,"Rumors," while a work of fiction, presents characters and events inspired by her world travels and observations of life's experiences, creating believable people and incidents with unexpected twists and turns. The quiet lives of ordinary people are thrown into chaos that all beings with rumors.
Abrams favorite things in life are traveling with her husband producing exciting radio programming, finding occasions to speak French and kissing her English springer spaniel, Maggie McGee, on the nose.
Abrams is currently working on a series of travel guides, the first of which is a guide to visiting Ireland, and a sequel to "Rumors."
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 24, 2022
Terrible! Cartoonish characters. Ridiculous plot. Made me embarrassed to be Jewish because these stereotypes are exactly what perpetuates antisemitism. And I’m pretty sure the author is Jewish. Shame on you Stephanie Abrams.
February 28, 2024
A fun and quick read! Drawn in from the first page and kept entertained by the authors gift for layering multiple characters into a storyline that does not disappoint.
February 1, 2025
I think the book ended abruptly. There was a lot more that could be said. It was a quick read.
June 4, 2013
This tale was very interesting in that it reminds me of all of the gossip and rumors that go along with living in a small community. Rumors wasn't necessarily set in a small community but it surrounds the connections with people in a family and a church. The lack of communication with these poor people was astounding.
1) Frank and Maisy. Wow. I can relate to them by getting married two weeks after I graduated high school, but the similarities definitely stop there. I am hoping there is a side to Frank that wasn't portrayed or I guess Maisy was as clueless as she seemed, because he was an overall odd guy. Frank is mostly trying to get to "easy street" and thinks his new job opportunity is going to take them there. They were seriously the oddest little couple in the book.
2) Allison & The Davids. Poor Allison. She gets the shortest end of the stick and the worst part of the rumors. And little does she know that after all she does for her church that not one person (namely her husband) asks her what is going on. The whole situation is jacked up but definitely drives the point home that rumors are the worst! and the grass is usually not greener on the other side. She worked hard for everyone: the church, the sick, her husband, and her kids, and enjoyed a little attention from David. She and Dave were a total trainwreck as well! Note to self: don't hire an au pair...! ;)
3) Melanie. She was my favorite part of this story. She is well off due to her father leaving her a lot of money, but she does good for people simply because she has a good heart. She is sort of the centerpiece for the story as well, because she is the common connection. She is Maizy's cousin, she goes to church with Allison, and she works with David King. She also gets sucked into the rumor mill in a bad way like Shelley said, and even when she sets the record straight no one wants to hear it. More proof that some people suck! If it hadn't been for the mentioning of cell phones I would've also wondered what time period we were in during Rumors because of the closed mindedness of the congregation, community, and some business associates toward African American people and women. I suppose that these things still go on all over the place, but it sucks.
I liked Rumors and it's a fairly quick read even though it's 346 pages. It is fun to try to figure out how all of these lives are connected, and even when it's small it has a purpose. I also thought that it was pretty well wrapped up so we'll have to see what is going to happen in the next book Secret, and who that could be about!
1) Frank and Maisy. Wow. I can relate to them by getting married two weeks after I graduated high school, but the similarities definitely stop there. I am hoping there is a side to Frank that wasn't portrayed or I guess Maisy was as clueless as she seemed, because he was an overall odd guy. Frank is mostly trying to get to "easy street" and thinks his new job opportunity is going to take them there. They were seriously the oddest little couple in the book.
2) Allison & The Davids. Poor Allison. She gets the shortest end of the stick and the worst part of the rumors. And little does she know that after all she does for her church that not one person (namely her husband) asks her what is going on. The whole situation is jacked up but definitely drives the point home that rumors are the worst! and the grass is usually not greener on the other side. She worked hard for everyone: the church, the sick, her husband, and her kids, and enjoyed a little attention from David. She and Dave were a total trainwreck as well! Note to self: don't hire an au pair...! ;)
3) Melanie. She was my favorite part of this story. She is well off due to her father leaving her a lot of money, but she does good for people simply because she has a good heart. She is sort of the centerpiece for the story as well, because she is the common connection. She is Maizy's cousin, she goes to church with Allison, and she works with David King. She also gets sucked into the rumor mill in a bad way like Shelley said, and even when she sets the record straight no one wants to hear it. More proof that some people suck! If it hadn't been for the mentioning of cell phones I would've also wondered what time period we were in during Rumors because of the closed mindedness of the congregation, community, and some business associates toward African American people and women. I suppose that these things still go on all over the place, but it sucks.
I liked Rumors and it's a fairly quick read even though it's 346 pages. It is fun to try to figure out how all of these lives are connected, and even when it's small it has a purpose. I also thought that it was pretty well wrapped up so we'll have to see what is going to happen in the next book Secret, and who that could be about!
December 21, 2015
One writer who speaks for many
by Bob McNeil
Over the course of five years, I served as host of the Harlem Book Fair. Within that time, I met many literary luminaries. Case in point, before audiences in the Courtyard as well as on the Main Stage, I had the pleasure of introducing Sonia Sanchez, Terry McMillan, Zane and many others. However, Stephanie Abrams created a buzz among audience members like no other writer before her.
Previous to meeting Stephanie, I was told quite a few things about her. I had no problem believing that she was a well-traveled person. Furthermore, someone said that she was a gifted radio personality. If those things were not enough, many people were impressed with her erudition.
Initially, to be honest, one detail about Stephanie’s enumerated accomplishments made me skeptical—her book entitled Rumors. From what I heard, the author was white and she wrote intensively about people of African descent.
Since I am not an advocate of censorship, my heart believes writers should express whatever they want. On the other hand, I am a proponent of this axiom: “Write what you know.” Certain writers, albeit a few, wrote effectively from the point of view of races other than their own. Upon typing those aforementioned words, James Baldwin and William Styron came to mind.
Anyway, all of my reservations about Stephanie Abrams came to an end when I read her superlative work entitled Rumors. Imbued with the ability to delve into myriad minds, she expresses the concerns of various people. A multitude of eloquent characters reside in her head. With that said, after reading her novel, I was pleased about visiting the plethora of inhabitants inside her eclectic mind.
Motivated by admiration, I suggest that anyone who enjoys convincing characterization and exposition should read Rumors. Mind you, my assessment is not based on hearsay. All the proof can be found on Stephanie’s profound pages.
by Bob McNeil
Over the course of five years, I served as host of the Harlem Book Fair. Within that time, I met many literary luminaries. Case in point, before audiences in the Courtyard as well as on the Main Stage, I had the pleasure of introducing Sonia Sanchez, Terry McMillan, Zane and many others. However, Stephanie Abrams created a buzz among audience members like no other writer before her.
Previous to meeting Stephanie, I was told quite a few things about her. I had no problem believing that she was a well-traveled person. Furthermore, someone said that she was a gifted radio personality. If those things were not enough, many people were impressed with her erudition.
Initially, to be honest, one detail about Stephanie’s enumerated accomplishments made me skeptical—her book entitled Rumors. From what I heard, the author was white and she wrote intensively about people of African descent.
Since I am not an advocate of censorship, my heart believes writers should express whatever they want. On the other hand, I am a proponent of this axiom: “Write what you know.” Certain writers, albeit a few, wrote effectively from the point of view of races other than their own. Upon typing those aforementioned words, James Baldwin and William Styron came to mind.
Anyway, all of my reservations about Stephanie Abrams came to an end when I read her superlative work entitled Rumors. Imbued with the ability to delve into myriad minds, she expresses the concerns of various people. A multitude of eloquent characters reside in her head. With that said, after reading her novel, I was pleased about visiting the plethora of inhabitants inside her eclectic mind.
Motivated by admiration, I suggest that anyone who enjoys convincing characterization and exposition should read Rumors. Mind you, my assessment is not based on hearsay. All the proof can be found on Stephanie’s profound pages.
May 22, 2013
Rumors by Stephanie Abrams was such a unique read. It was filled with mystery, deceit, love, friendship, passion, and of course rumors. That is the basis of the book. Rumors starting with one couple and catapulting like a domino effect. How those rumors real or not and their effect on each and every characters relationship. Not only with one another but with their lives in the community. I loved the old time feel in this book. I felt like I was taken back in time. Where secrets and lies were as taboo as they could get.
The story starts with Frank and Maisy. A newly wed couple. Frank is offered a job that is less on the up and up. Even being warned by his father in law doesn't deter him. He want to provide for his new wife. So after accepting the job he realizes after a unconventional welcome that he should of never taken this job. Unfortunately he can't back out now, when your in your in. Everything is on a tail spin where we meet family and friends of this couple. How rumors can destroy relationships and the hand we are dealt can effect not just one life but many involved. I loved the element of mystery and how some of the characters especially the women were very independent. I think that's why I enjoy this book so much. I am used to a plethora of romances while reading. Now there was a unique element of romance. but the book did not revolve around that. That was what separated this book from others in it's genre. It wasn't your typical story. There were many characters and a lot of life changes involved during the span of the book. It also flowed very well considering there were many different stories being told.
I would recommend this book not for just the story but for it's uniqueness. It is far from the typical romance, mystery, or drama you may be used to.
The story starts with Frank and Maisy. A newly wed couple. Frank is offered a job that is less on the up and up. Even being warned by his father in law doesn't deter him. He want to provide for his new wife. So after accepting the job he realizes after a unconventional welcome that he should of never taken this job. Unfortunately he can't back out now, when your in your in. Everything is on a tail spin where we meet family and friends of this couple. How rumors can destroy relationships and the hand we are dealt can effect not just one life but many involved. I loved the element of mystery and how some of the characters especially the women were very independent. I think that's why I enjoy this book so much. I am used to a plethora of romances while reading. Now there was a unique element of romance. but the book did not revolve around that. That was what separated this book from others in it's genre. It wasn't your typical story. There were many characters and a lot of life changes involved during the span of the book. It also flowed very well considering there were many different stories being told.
I would recommend this book not for just the story but for it's uniqueness. It is far from the typical romance, mystery, or drama you may be used to.
September 14, 2013
Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Are the rumors true or do they just cause more trouble than there worth? On Long Island NY, Jewish congregants gather weekly for temple and the “T”. A group of privileged individuals who are committed more to weekly juicing than the Shabbat. So the rumor mill swirls and people get hurt feelings. The book started off so great with this shady company and a man that deals in dead bodies. I thought I was being set up for a crime thriller, but that all wanes away. What we get left with is a philandering wife, an old bitty Jewish committee, the oppressed black family, the dimwit newlyweds, and a still mysterious company. Now there are other things also, but none of them really interesting and not worth mentioning. Everything in this was very vanilla and filled with milk. There was so many bland descriptions used to plump up the book and none of it was relevant.
As a reader I wanted more Frank and Maisy, Dugan, Sylvie, and that Herb guy. That is your foundation and what kept me going. Melanie, just throw her away. Sweet, do-gooder Melanie who just gets swept up into the “drama”. Who cares? This wasn’t awful and for someone who likes a soft read (not me), this will be your Gone Girl. This book was soft. So supple and plain, it was downright boring. The books needs sex, violence, deceit, scandal (real scandal), crime and a hero.
Are the rumors true or do they just cause more trouble than there worth? On Long Island NY, Jewish congregants gather weekly for temple and the “T”. A group of privileged individuals who are committed more to weekly juicing than the Shabbat. So the rumor mill swirls and people get hurt feelings. The book started off so great with this shady company and a man that deals in dead bodies. I thought I was being set up for a crime thriller, but that all wanes away. What we get left with is a philandering wife, an old bitty Jewish committee, the oppressed black family, the dimwit newlyweds, and a still mysterious company. Now there are other things also, but none of them really interesting and not worth mentioning. Everything in this was very vanilla and filled with milk. There was so many bland descriptions used to plump up the book and none of it was relevant.
As a reader I wanted more Frank and Maisy, Dugan, Sylvie, and that Herb guy. That is your foundation and what kept me going. Melanie, just throw her away. Sweet, do-gooder Melanie who just gets swept up into the “drama”. Who cares? This wasn’t awful and for someone who likes a soft read (not me), this will be your Gone Girl. This book was soft. So supple and plain, it was downright boring. The books needs sex, violence, deceit, scandal (real scandal), crime and a hero.
May 21, 2013
Deceit, twisted plots, opportunistic backstabbing characters,
Rumors
has it all.
Mystery novels are not my go to genre BUT having said that after reading Rumors I might be more inclined to check it out more often.
Stephanie does a good job involving you with the characters and wrapping you into the story.
You get sucked into the worlds of these selfish, self entered, unfortunate characters.
I particularly liked how everything and everyone seemed to be linked together.
There are many stories happening at the same time. I particularly liked Allison story. The Rumors that were manufactured against her changed her entire life. Melanie's story made me laugh at times with her perseverance trying to get her ideas for the flowers on the bema (that were plastic, tacky, and dusty) conceptualized. Newlyweds Frank and Maisy get more than they bargain while trying to create a life together.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the story with its many twist and turns.
My favorite quote from the book:
"People are crazy and I'm not going to make myself crazy trying to sort them out"
Yep that pretty much sums it up.
Mystery novels are not my go to genre BUT having said that after reading Rumors I might be more inclined to check it out more often.
Stephanie does a good job involving you with the characters and wrapping you into the story.
You get sucked into the worlds of these selfish, self entered, unfortunate characters.
I particularly liked how everything and everyone seemed to be linked together.
There are many stories happening at the same time. I particularly liked Allison story. The Rumors that were manufactured against her changed her entire life. Melanie's story made me laugh at times with her perseverance trying to get her ideas for the flowers on the bema (that were plastic, tacky, and dusty) conceptualized. Newlyweds Frank and Maisy get more than they bargain while trying to create a life together.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the story with its many twist and turns.
My favorite quote from the book:
"People are crazy and I'm not going to make myself crazy trying to sort them out"
Yep that pretty much sums it up.
July 22, 2013
I don't usually read mysteries, but a friend recommended a new book entitled RUMORS, and I knew why before finishing the first paragraph. Not since ROSEMARY'S BABY have I been given a book I could not stop reading. Gripping plot, well written ("Hilda's southern Tokyo Rose voice"), visual descriptions and characters women can relate to and care about. RUMORS would make a great movie. I googled the author, Stephanie Abrams, and was surprised to see that she was the radio show host of a Saturday and Sunday travel show. But Stephanie being a travel expert explained the expansive world view evident in many of the chapters.
RUMORS is completely engrossing, yet not difficult to read. The book is perfect for a long flight, bedtime after a stressful work day or for those lucky enough, a day at the beach. In fact, when a friend emailed saying she needed to run away to Tulum for a week, I ordered a copy of RUMORS to be delivered before she left--partially a selfish act, as I know she will think of me fondly as she reads.
RUMORS is completely engrossing, yet not difficult to read. The book is perfect for a long flight, bedtime after a stressful work day or for those lucky enough, a day at the beach. In fact, when a friend emailed saying she needed to run away to Tulum for a week, I ordered a copy of RUMORS to be delivered before she left--partially a selfish act, as I know she will think of me fondly as she reads.
May 25, 2013
This book really shocked me, it was very entertaining....definitely outside of my typical read. Rumors was filled with mystery, gossip, deceit, friendship, and passion.. Rumors engrossed me from start to finish. 4 stars
The story starts with Frank and Maisy, a couple newly married. Frank is offered a job and even with a warning from his father in law, it doesn't stop him from taking the job. He wants to take care of his new wife. He eventually realizes, after a unconventional welcome, that he should of never taken this job. It's too late now, there is no way he can back out. Things are spiraling out of control as we meet family and friends of this couple and see relationship destroyed all by rumors. I loved how this book kept you guessing all the way through and thinking about how everything tied together.
I recommend you read this book, heck, this would be a great TV show. Rumors is unique, full of secrets and lies, and will grip you from start to finish.
*Review by Brandi
The story starts with Frank and Maisy, a couple newly married. Frank is offered a job and even with a warning from his father in law, it doesn't stop him from taking the job. He wants to take care of his new wife. He eventually realizes, after a unconventional welcome, that he should of never taken this job. It's too late now, there is no way he can back out. Things are spiraling out of control as we meet family and friends of this couple and see relationship destroyed all by rumors. I loved how this book kept you guessing all the way through and thinking about how everything tied together.
I recommend you read this book, heck, this would be a great TV show. Rumors is unique, full of secrets and lies, and will grip you from start to finish.
*Review by Brandi
October 18, 2016
**My actual rating is 4.5 stars**
Where to begin! If you haven't read this book, it needs to be added to your TBR! Salacious rumors, gossip, criminals... This book has it all! Welcome to the world of the bored, rich, and not-so-religious lives of women who have nothing better to do than stab each other in the back. Throw in some shady and illegal characters in the middle, and you have one book that will keep you thinking the whole way through the book! You know since they are all in the book that they must all be tied together somehow... With that in mind, it's a race to find out how everything is tied in one neat bow in the end.
Where to begin! If you haven't read this book, it needs to be added to your TBR! Salacious rumors, gossip, criminals... This book has it all! Welcome to the world of the bored, rich, and not-so-religious lives of women who have nothing better to do than stab each other in the back. Throw in some shady and illegal characters in the middle, and you have one book that will keep you thinking the whole way through the book! You know since they are all in the book that they must all be tied together somehow... With that in mind, it's a race to find out how everything is tied in one neat bow in the end.
March 7, 2013
"Rumors" describes how ordinary people become involved in extraordinary situations. Ms. Abrams does a wonderful job sharing the characters' lives and their personalities. She colorfully illustrates how good things happen to people with bad intentions...and how bad things happen to people with good intentions. In addition to making a great TV experience, "Rumors" would be very entertaining as a stage production. It was an enjoyable adventure!
May 23, 2013
Watch for my review on the 24th loved ot
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