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Texas #4
Texas Sunrise
"As sizzling and sexy as its predecessors, "Texas Sunrise" shares the final chapter of the Coleman family, whose lifelong drama of heartbreak and triumph has captivated millions of readers.
"Billie Coleman Kingsley, beloved matriarch of the clan and founder of a fabulously successful fashion empire, is dying. As her family gathers together in this time of heartbreak, the indomitable Billie offers new hope to heal the rifts that separate them. Even as her own strength fails, Billie instills courage, fortitude, and her conviction that life goes on after tragedy. From the seductive waters of Hawaii to the rustic splendor of Vermont, from the family's sprawling Texas ranch, Sunbridge, to the exotic beauty and high-tech glamour of Japan, the Colemans have been driven apart by the passions and betrayals of a new generation. But now, as they deal with the shattering news of Billie's illness, all the Colemans must transform their lives.
"Billie Coleman Kingsley, beloved matriarch of the clan and founder of a fabulously successful fashion empire, is dying. As her family gathers together in this time of heartbreak, the indomitable Billie offers new hope to heal the rifts that separate them. Even as her own strength fails, Billie instills courage, fortitude, and her conviction that life goes on after tragedy. From the seductive waters of Hawaii to the rustic splendor of Vermont, from the family's sprawling Texas ranch, Sunbridge, to the exotic beauty and high-tech glamour of Japan, the Colemans have been driven apart by the passions and betrayals of a new generation. But now, as they deal with the shattering news of Billie's illness, all the Colemans must transform their lives.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
About the author
Fern Michaels
289 books6,804 followersFern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 6, 2021
This was an interesting read, though i have not read the previous once before this you can enjoy it as a stand-alone. The family tree and references by the author helped.
3 stars.
3 stars.
April 7, 2020
At the start of the book all of a sudden it's noted, with little info, that Susan's daughter has died. Add to that, her husband is suddenly a jerk and is divorcing her. Makes no sense; the guy was so great in the previous book. Disappointing. Susan turns out to be a real whiny bitch, and even at the end is still a bitch. Billie is killed off; hated that. She dies of cancer -- and if you follow the timeline she's only about 67 years old. The timeline dates don't always fit right. Billie's business is given to Maggie -I didn't know Maggie knew anything about color or design, but apparently suddenly she does. Rand is killed off Rand in an obscure accident; hated that. Nothing much was said about his daughter; the only thing was that she flew back to live in England and got money from his estate. Carey gets burned in an accident and his eyes are ruined, but it doesn't say how. When Billie dies her eyes are given to him, but it doesn't say anything at the end about how well he is seeing through her eyes. The end was unfulfilling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2016
Wow what a ending to this Texas Series. Billie Coleman Kingsley, beloved matriarch of the family is dying. Her family gathers at this time of heartbreak. Maggie, Rand, Cary, self centered Susan, Sawyer, Cole and Riley deal with tragedy, heartbreak, and love. From Hawaii to Japan and back to Sunbridge. I read this series back late 80's and this last sequel in 1993. I loved it then and now I love it even more this second time around.
October 31, 2018
** Note: To get the full story of characters & there are many.
1st Read - Texas series. 2nd Read - Vegas series. 3rd Read - Kentucky series. **
-- Saw this in some reviews after I already read the Vegas Series.
Excellent books, kept me right there wanting more. Full of family excitement, drama, death, long time friends, tragic things happen and . . .
1st Read - Texas series. 2nd Read - Vegas series. 3rd Read - Kentucky series. **
-- Saw this in some reviews after I already read the Vegas Series.
Excellent books, kept me right there wanting more. Full of family excitement, drama, death, long time friends, tragic things happen and . . .
August 21, 2021
Texas Sunrise
This book by Fern Michaels along with the rest of this series was an enjoyable book to read and cry over as many will when the end of the story takes place. Thank you Fern for the most amazing books I have read in a long time! This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This book by Fern Michaels along with the rest of this series was an enjoyable book to read and cry over as many will when the end of the story takes place. Thank you Fern for the most amazing books I have read in a long time! This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
December 24, 2019
I really enjoy Fern Michaels and loved the entire Coleman family series, I was rather disappointed in the Texas series due to the amount of spelling and grammar errors. Expected better from this author.
Read
April 18, 2020As series books go this fourth book kept the suspense and romance. A new generation is taking over and the Coleman’s continue to have their ups-and-downs, their family squabbles, even bankruptcy and what will happen as all their benefactors are now gone?
July 30, 2018
Such a good book. I’ve grown to love the Coleman family!
June 4, 2024
I love this series. Texas Sunrise is the final book in the Texas series by Fern Michaels. It completes the story of the Coleman family that began with Texas Rich. The story is ending for Billie Coleman Kingsley. She has made her life from the wrong side of the tracks to the head of her own fashion househe fashion industry and is quite famous. Her family has gathered to say goodbye and hopefully heal some of the rift that has developed over the years. There have been tears through the years, love and heartbreak. This is not the book to start with.....start with book 1, Texas Sunrise and read all 4 books. You won't regret it, but be prepared.....keep a box of kleenex ready. I've read this series twice and will probably read it again. I love the way Fern Michaels writes her descriptive tales, I feel like I'm there to hold Billie's hand as she goes through her life.
April 24, 2023
I completely fell in love with this family while reading these books and in each one, I experienced many emotions with these characters, from outrage to laughter, red hot anger to hot steamy fan your face moments… but now I’m left grieving, not only the head of the family, but the end of the series also..
My only advice is, if your reading or listening to all 4 books, be very careful, this family with consume you and leave you with a pretty bad book hangover all while your heart broken and looking for something else to read/listen to that comes close to what you just finished!
Overall, excellent series, even though it’s a bit dated.. I mean hello, why can’t you just call their cell phones? 😂😂 and ha ha what’s a beeper? (Totally joking, as I had one as a young kid) 😂
My only advice is, if your reading or listening to all 4 books, be very careful, this family with consume you and leave you with a pretty bad book hangover all while your heart broken and looking for something else to read/listen to that comes close to what you just finished!
Overall, excellent series, even though it’s a bit dated.. I mean hello, why can’t you just call their cell phones? 😂😂 and ha ha what’s a beeper? (Totally joking, as I had one as a young kid) 😂
July 7, 2018
I missed book #3. A lot happened in book 3 cause Riley and Cole are married. Sawyer has twin girls. Susan has remarried and her daughter died and Amelia died. So it wasnt to hard to catch up. This book I have to say I cried a lot. Billie the head of the family is dying. I hurt for Maggie, but Rand got what he deserved. Billie pasted and everyone, but Susan became stronger in their messed up crazy family.
June 23, 2022
A beautiful family saga
These books take place in a period of approximately 50 years. The characters are a mix mostly of love, but there are also a few you love to hate! Billie is the central character from page one to the last pages of book four and her wonderful spirit is passed to every generation! This is a great read from book one to the ending pages of book four! I will miss each wonderful character. Try it, you'll like it!
These books take place in a period of approximately 50 years. The characters are a mix mostly of love, but there are also a few you love to hate! Billie is the central character from page one to the last pages of book four and her wonderful spirit is passed to every generation! This is a great read from book one to the ending pages of book four! I will miss each wonderful character. Try it, you'll like it!
June 3, 2017
LOVED. THIS. SERIES. This is book four in Fern Michael's Texas series. I've read them all because the stories just flowed and I couldn't stop myself from going on to the next book immediately. The Coleman story, along with all of the other families not on center stage, was a writing triumph. Great job Ms. Michaels!!
April 23, 2023
Another Fern Michaels winner!
In the conclusion of the Texas series, you will laugh and you will cry and you will cheer And you might even swear! This family is family through thick and through thin.
Read it! You will not be disappointed.
In the conclusion of the Texas series, you will laugh and you will cry and you will cheer And you might even swear! This family is family through thick and through thin.
Read it! You will not be disappointed.
April 29, 2023
Enjoyed the many characters, and their quirks. Seemed to be true to generations of families. This was written in Fern Michaels style and it wasn't necessary to read previous books to immediately connect with the characters.
May 14, 2023
fantastic
This is my second time reading this series. The first being 35 years ago. Loved it then as much as I ado now. Wonderful characters with a wonderful story. You can really feel all the layers of love and pain they endure. Very very moving.
This is my second time reading this series. The first being 35 years ago. Loved it then as much as I ado now. Wonderful characters with a wonderful story. You can really feel all the layers of love and pain they endure. Very very moving.
June 30, 2023
What a beautiful book!
I loved this series, but there was no way I was ready for the heart break in it. Maybe I needed just a few more pages of the life after the loss! I was a little sad that the wasn't more of the lawyer. Incredibly good!
I loved this series, but there was no way I was ready for the heart break in it. Maybe I needed just a few more pages of the life after the loss! I was a little sad that the wasn't more of the lawyer. Incredibly good!
July 11, 2023
Wonderful series!!
Just finished the series!! With my trusty box of Kleenex and a carton of Poland Springs Water I read all 4 books eagerly and loved them! Great character development! Loved them all!!!
Just finished the series!! With my trusty box of Kleenex and a carton of Poland Springs Water I read all 4 books eagerly and loved them! Great character development! Loved them all!!!
September 20, 2023
Powerful
I have now read all 4 of these wonderful and moving stori tes, a family saga that spans the years and the troubles and triumphs of two strong families. Can't recitation highly
I have now read all 4 of these wonderful and moving stori tes, a family saga that spans the years and the troubles and triumphs of two strong families. Can't recitation highly
December 16, 2023
Wow, this final book in the series left me wanting to read more about this family. Lots of ups and downs but this is a strong family who seem to have more drama than the normal family. It is well written and an interesting read.
March 18, 2025
Fine Family
This booked had surprise drama and some not so surprising. The characters are still interesting and passing the all important matriarch mantle is interesting to read. The state of Texas is on the backburner while the book heavily relies on the characters.
This booked had surprise drama and some not so surprising. The characters are still interesting and passing the all important matriarch mantle is interesting to read. The state of Texas is on the backburner while the book heavily relies on the characters.
September 15, 2025
I’m sorry it ended-Kleenex required
This was a great finale. The saga of Billie Coleman Kingsley comes to a close with drama in the Coleman family. Events in Texas resonate across the world in Europe, Asia and Hawaii. Twists and turns abound. A great read!
This was a great finale. The saga of Billie Coleman Kingsley comes to a close with drama in the Coleman family. Events in Texas resonate across the world in Europe, Asia and Hawaii. Twists and turns abound. A great read!
September 15, 2025
This was a great finale. The saga of Billie Coleman Kingsley comes to a close with drama in the Coleman family. Events in Texas resonate across the world in Europe, Asia and Hawaii. Twists and turns abound. A great read!
May 8, 2017
Wonderful series. Just when I thought I was finished... I was told by my sister that the saga continues on two more series!!! Texas to Vegas to Kentucky.
June 11, 2017
Loved it
Read all books very interesting. Enjoyed the characters. Liked watching everyone mature. Enjoyed how the series ended. Great job writing this
Read all books very interesting. Enjoyed the characters. Liked watching everyone mature. Enjoyed how the series ended. Great job writing this
February 25, 2019
It’s a great story but the ending is weak and unbelievable.
July 29, 2019
The most disappointing of the series. Too many issues were left hanging at the end: what happens to Susan? to Val? Also, the emotional ending was just a bit contrived. I hate it when a book or series ends and you feel like there should be another book!
January 22, 2021
Love her books. Another great story
February 1, 2022
This was my least favorite of the series. I don't know if I got sick of the characters, tired of drama, I don't know. I hated most of the characters by the end and just wanted the story to end
August 19, 2022
Loved this whole Texas series. The ending was sad but had a bright side to it also.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews