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Sutherland #3
Dreaming of Autumn Skies
A young girl does whatever’s necessary to take back her agency when she is sent to live with her controlling grandfather in this atmospheric novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Flowers in the Attic and the Landry series—now popular Lifetime movies.
With her mother deceased and her father remarried, Caroline is forced to live with her domineering grandfather. But having endured so much loss and cruelty in her young life, she is determined to not let her suffering to have been in vain. Soon, Caroline embarks on a campaign to reclaim her own power and win over the most influential person in her family. But when she finds herself in a heated rivalry with her uncle as they compete for her grandfather’s favor, Caroline stops at nothing to build the life—and the independence—she so desperately dreams of.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published October 22, 2024
About the author
V.C. Andrews
372 books9,459 followersBooks published under the following names - Virginia Andrews, V. Andrews, Virginia C. Andrews & V.C. Endrius. Books since her death ghost written by Andrew Neiderman, but still attributed to the V.C. Andrews name
Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 13, 2024
This is the third book of the Sutherland Series and since I had read the first two, naturally I had to read this one. This is not a stand alone read - you need to read the first two to have the history and make sense of what is happening.
Description:
A young girl does whatever’s necessary to take back her agency when she is sent to live with her controlling grandfather in this atmospheric novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Flowers in the Attic and the Landry series—now popular Lifetime movies.With her mother deceased and her father remarried, Caroline is forced to live with her domineering grandfather. But having endured so much loss and cruelty in her young life, she is determined to not let her suffering to have been in vain. Soon, Caroline embarks on a campaign to reclaim her own power and win over the most influential person in her family. But when she finds herself in a heated rivalry with her uncle as they compete for her grandfather’s favor, Caroline stops at nothing to build the life—and the independence—she so desperately dreams of.
My Thoughts:
Of the three books, the second one was my favorite of the three so far. This family has a lot of secrets and I think there are more to come. Caroline has learned some very hard lessons to be as young as she is, and some of those lessons are hard-won. She's trying to please her grandfather and become a Sutherland, but he's a hard man to please. Her cousin is having mental problems and Caroline is trying to be supportive for him, but she really can't trust him. There is a lot of family history, mostly bad that she is learning. This book ended fairly abruptly and I'm sure there will be another one to come. This is not my favorite series, but it is definitely interesting.
Thanks to Gallery Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
A young girl does whatever’s necessary to take back her agency when she is sent to live with her controlling grandfather in this atmospheric novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Flowers in the Attic and the Landry series—now popular Lifetime movies.With her mother deceased and her father remarried, Caroline is forced to live with her domineering grandfather. But having endured so much loss and cruelty in her young life, she is determined to not let her suffering to have been in vain. Soon, Caroline embarks on a campaign to reclaim her own power and win over the most influential person in her family. But when she finds herself in a heated rivalry with her uncle as they compete for her grandfather’s favor, Caroline stops at nothing to build the life—and the independence—she so desperately dreams of.
My Thoughts:
Of the three books, the second one was my favorite of the three so far. This family has a lot of secrets and I think there are more to come. Caroline has learned some very hard lessons to be as young as she is, and some of those lessons are hard-won. She's trying to please her grandfather and become a Sutherland, but he's a hard man to please. Her cousin is having mental problems and Caroline is trying to be supportive for him, but she really can't trust him. There is a lot of family history, mostly bad that she is learning. This book ended fairly abruptly and I'm sure there will be another one to come. This is not my favorite series, but it is definitely interesting.
Thanks to Gallery Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
August 14, 2024
I received a free copy of, Dreaming of Autumn Shies, by V.C. Andrews, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book three in The Sutherland Series. This is the first book I read in the series, actually. Caroline feels like she is on her own, with the loss of her mother, and her father already moved on to another marriage, Caroline is sent to live with her grandfather. Caroline is independent and plans to stay that way, she wants to win over her grandfather, will she be able to is the question. A wonderful read, by a wonderful author.
November 13, 2024
Another typical book by this author but still one of my favorite guilty pleasures.
May 28, 2024
I chose this book because VC Andrew’s is a nostalgic author for me. It has probably been 30 years since I have read a novel by her.
After reading this one, I question if her other books were as awful as this one and I just didn’t know any better due to my youth.
This book told the story of Caroline who came from a wealthy family and has been sent to live with her grandfather after her mother died tragically and she almost drowned when living with her father’s new family. Other than that, I am not sure if there was any story line. The book was boring and none of the characters had any development.
I would not recommend this book at all.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
After reading this one, I question if her other books were as awful as this one and I just didn’t know any better due to my youth.
This book told the story of Caroline who came from a wealthy family and has been sent to live with her grandfather after her mother died tragically and she almost drowned when living with her father’s new family. Other than that, I am not sure if there was any story line. The book was boring and none of the characters had any development.
I would not recommend this book at all.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 18, 2025
Dreaming of Autumn Skies follows Caroline Sutherland as she faces heartbreak, control, and hidden family secrets after her mother’s death and her father’s remarriage. Sent to live with her strict grandfather at the Sutherland estate, she uncovers painful truths and learns to fight for her own independence.
The novel blends gothic atmosphere, emotional drama, and familiar V.C. Andrews themes—family conflict, forbidden secrets, and the struggle for freedom.
The novel blends gothic atmosphere, emotional drama, and familiar V.C. Andrews themes—family conflict, forbidden secrets, and the struggle for freedom.
November 4, 2024
3rd book in the series, started off a little slow but began to get better mid book 📕
November 16, 2024
I was really hoping this book would end the series with a bang, but alas it sped up and then seemed to just lull out. It did have closure to this series but not in a big way. I've been reading VC books for years and know the deal so I have to and will keep reading.
Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery books and the Author V.C. Andrews for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery books and the Author V.C. Andrews for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2024
A very typical V C Andrews family drama with all the usual characterizations. What is most disappointing however is its whimsical ending, resultant from sudden significant personality changes.
September 15, 2024
I’ve been reading V.C. Andrews books for as long as I can remember. And although they are now being written by a ghostwriter named Andrew Neiderman, he does not disappoint. Dreaming of Autumn Skies is the 3rd book in his new Sutherland series. In this book, Caroline returns to Sutherland after a brief visit with her father and his new family in Hawaii. Things didn’t go well there so she is sent back to Sutherland to be looked after under the watchful and controlling eye of her grandfather. But this story ended with a whole other twist. Caroline slowly worked her magic by warming her grandfathers heart by acting all Sutherland in which resulted in many changes at the mansion and for the family. This change was as drastic as the color change of leaves in an Autumn sky. I really enjoyed reading this new series and would love to read more about these characters perhaps in future stories. I’d like to thank Lucy Nalen @ Simon & Schuster for responding to my request to be an early reader and for sending me the link to read it. I’m rating this book at 5 stars and I hope to read more by V.C. Andrews very soon!
April 25, 2024
Thank you @gallerybooks and @netgalley for the eARC of Dreaming of Autumn Skies by V.C. Andrews in exchange for an honest review.
📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 There is a special nostalgia that belongs in the heart of anyone who read V.C. Andrews growing up, a rite of passage passed from one generation to another. I am not ready to pass that torch yet but I will happily review the latest book! While I have not yet read the first two books in the Sutherland series, I had no problem picking up the third book, Dreaming of Autumn Skies, and absolutely devouring it in one sitting. When Caroline’s mother dies, she is relinquished to the care of her cruel and oppressive grandfather. As she settles into her new life, the depths of family secrets are vast and overwhelming.
Dreaming of Autumn Skies embodies all of the timeless and absolutely iconic qualities of the gothic horror style of V.C. Andrews. To be honest, this was my first time delving back into these novels since the countless hours that I spent with my beloved and worn out pages as a young adult and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I truly enjoyed this book. Reading a deliciously dark coming of age story amidst generational trauma absolutely strikes differently as an adult, and there is a newfound appreciation for the themes presented throughout the book. Dreaming of Autumn Skies is a hauntingly beautiful tale of how even in the darkest depths of secrets and sorrow, resilience and hope can survive.
📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 There is a special nostalgia that belongs in the heart of anyone who read V.C. Andrews growing up, a rite of passage passed from one generation to another. I am not ready to pass that torch yet but I will happily review the latest book! While I have not yet read the first two books in the Sutherland series, I had no problem picking up the third book, Dreaming of Autumn Skies, and absolutely devouring it in one sitting. When Caroline’s mother dies, she is relinquished to the care of her cruel and oppressive grandfather. As she settles into her new life, the depths of family secrets are vast and overwhelming.
Dreaming of Autumn Skies embodies all of the timeless and absolutely iconic qualities of the gothic horror style of V.C. Andrews. To be honest, this was my first time delving back into these novels since the countless hours that I spent with my beloved and worn out pages as a young adult and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I truly enjoyed this book. Reading a deliciously dark coming of age story amidst generational trauma absolutely strikes differently as an adult, and there is a newfound appreciation for the themes presented throughout the book. Dreaming of Autumn Skies is a hauntingly beautiful tale of how even in the darkest depths of secrets and sorrow, resilience and hope can survive.
May 15, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Oh man the nostalgia of reading a VC Andrews book! I used to devour her books as a young teenager.
Dreaming of Autumn Skies follows Caroline, who moves back in with her stern grandfather in his gothic mansion. No one is as they seem in this family and there are secrets at every turn.
The book was just okay for me. While I liked the storyline I was just left wishing we had gotten more of an insight into some of the family members, mostly Simon. I also would have liked to have seen more of Caroline attending the private school, The Oaks, as it seems there was more of a story to be told there. Writing was a little repetitive at times… for example Prissy’s circumstances were mentioned several times as was Caroline’s mother’s urn. We already knew these facts but the exact circumstances about both items would be reiterated multiple times in the story.
Overall I thought the book was okay but just wished we had gotten a little more depth to the characters.
Oh man the nostalgia of reading a VC Andrews book! I used to devour her books as a young teenager.
Dreaming of Autumn Skies follows Caroline, who moves back in with her stern grandfather in his gothic mansion. No one is as they seem in this family and there are secrets at every turn.
The book was just okay for me. While I liked the storyline I was just left wishing we had gotten more of an insight into some of the family members, mostly Simon. I also would have liked to have seen more of Caroline attending the private school, The Oaks, as it seems there was more of a story to be told there. Writing was a little repetitive at times… for example Prissy’s circumstances were mentioned several times as was Caroline’s mother’s urn. We already knew these facts but the exact circumstances about both items would be reiterated multiple times in the story.
Overall I thought the book was okay but just wished we had gotten a little more depth to the characters.
October 31, 2024
I didn’t realize that this was book three of a series when I requested and received a copy of it. I do think that this is a series you should read in order as I was lost a few times throughout the book. I read this author a lot as a teenager, I really enjoyed them, but I will say that the books now are not what I remember. I remember being so immersed in these stories, just engrossed, but now it felt different. Sure, I am older, but I love YA books and usually don’t have any problem with them. This one was more of a coming-of-age story with some mystery elements and that is where I struggled. I listened to this one on audio, and felt the pacing was on the slower side. The book slowly meandered on. Caroline did have immense character growth over the course of the book, which was nice to see. This book was very atmospheric and I felt it was very creepy. The vibes were intense which I enjoyed.
Overall this was a decent read, it just wasn’t as good as I remembered.
Thank you to @gallerybooks and @simon.audio for this book. All thoughts are my own.
Overall this was a decent read, it just wasn’t as good as I remembered.
Thank you to @gallerybooks and @simon.audio for this book. All thoughts are my own.
November 21, 2024
This is, quite possibly, the most boring book I have ever made it through. Did it help that I forced myself to finish the first and second book in the series? Yes, to an extent. It laid the ground work for what this book was about. But this book is really just filler for maybe another book in the series? The first half of this book is about Caroline and the decision to send her to a new school. The actual time spent at the school – maybe a chapter? There is very little about the school; it served for her to meet a few classmates and spend time with them. Then an accident happens with her father’s family and a little is mentioned about that, only so they can bring Boston back into the story. Nothing really happens. It’s a waste of time and money. Please let VC Andrews rest in peace and leave the rest of her story ideas unpublished. She deserves better.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
June 28, 2024
V.C. Andrews's Dreaming of Autumn Skies is a remarkable story the coming of age of a young woman determined to make something of herself, and show those who are just as determined to hold her back that she will rise above everything they throw at her. This book shows the growth of the leading female character, and the strength it takes for her to become who she is meant to be. The book is heartfelt, and will bring the reader to tears multiple times throughout the reading, however there are just as many times you will feel angry and frustrated, and will ask yourself "why" and say "it's not fair". If they decide to make another book of Ms. Andrews into a movie, Dreaming of Autumn Skies would be the perfect book to choose. There are so many ways this book can go, can each of them would be great. I just hope it doesn't take too long.
October 23, 2024
Dreaming of Autumn Skies
by V.C. Andrews
Pub Date: Oct 22 2024
I didn't realize "Dreaming of Autumn Skies" was the third book of the Sutherland Series when I first started to read the story as I haven't read the first two books. I picked this book as I am a fan of V.C. Andrews Flowers in the Attic's 1979 Gothic novel. This book told the story of Caroline who came from a wealthy family who has been sent to live with her grandfather after her mother died tragically and she almost drowned when living with her father’s new family. The book was good but in my opinion didn't compare to her earlier books.
Synopsis: A young girl does whatever’s necessary to take back her agency when she is sent to live with her controlling grandfather in this atmospheric novel.
Many thanks to #NetGalley, #GalleryBooks and Dreaming of Autumn Skies for providing me an E-ARC of this book.
by V.C. Andrews
Pub Date: Oct 22 2024
I didn't realize "Dreaming of Autumn Skies" was the third book of the Sutherland Series when I first started to read the story as I haven't read the first two books. I picked this book as I am a fan of V.C. Andrews Flowers in the Attic's 1979 Gothic novel. This book told the story of Caroline who came from a wealthy family who has been sent to live with her grandfather after her mother died tragically and she almost drowned when living with her father’s new family. The book was good but in my opinion didn't compare to her earlier books.
Synopsis: A young girl does whatever’s necessary to take back her agency when she is sent to live with her controlling grandfather in this atmospheric novel.
Many thanks to #NetGalley, #GalleryBooks and Dreaming of Autumn Skies for providing me an E-ARC of this book.
June 16, 2025
There are intriguing concepts to this series which is why I continued on to this book, but the writing is what earned the poor stars in this review. The author overused the protagonist thinking questions in her head to the point where I wanted to throw the book across the room! Question after question after question. I agree with other reviewers that the ghostwriter should retire. I like the themes and family intrigue presented in these books--I just hate to see these books pumped out so swiftly that it seems very little editing is done on them at all. The prose is often not clear, and the author's understanding of the workings of a teenage girl's mind is sadly lacking. I feel like this author is coasting at this point, no longer caring if a quality product is presented. He's counting on committed readers to purchase the book regardless of quality. And sadly, his gamble is paying off.
June 12, 2024
This is a coming-of-age story about Caroline, who is sent to live with her very wealthy, very cruel grandfather after the death of her mother. She tries very hard to please him, though it seems there are many secrets to unfold in this family. Ultimately, this is a tale of resilience and hope while craving to be loved.
Though I did like this book, I didn’t love it. I found it to be a bit long-winded and dull at times. It has a great plot and I adored Caroline’s character, but I have to say, I liked V.C. Andrews’ earlier books much more.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advanced reader copy of Dreaming of Autumn Skies, due to be published on October 22, 2024.
Though I did like this book, I didn’t love it. I found it to be a bit long-winded and dull at times. It has a great plot and I adored Caroline’s character, but I have to say, I liked V.C. Andrews’ earlier books much more.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advanced reader copy of Dreaming of Autumn Skies, due to be published on October 22, 2024.
November 2, 2024
I have been eager to see what happens next with Caroline in the Sutherland home. I am happy that Caroline has finally stepped in a role that is fitting for her. No spoilers, but I have enjoyed the progression of her character growth. While there are some disturbing scenes in the series, it adds sinister and creepy vibes for the series. I have really enjoyed Caitlin Davies' narration. The tones and inflections used throughout the book have been spot on.
This series is great for fans of family drama, secrets, coming of age and young adult reads. I would recommend reading the series in order.
A very special thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for the gifted ALC.
This series is great for fans of family drama, secrets, coming of age and young adult reads. I would recommend reading the series in order.
A very special thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for the gifted ALC.
November 13, 2024
I am pretty sure I’ve read every single VC Andrews book in existence. I started reading them when I was a young teenager and never stopped. I have never been disappointed in the books, and I’m still not!
Caroline’s mother sadly passes away. Her father is already moving on with a new marriage and when Caroline is with her father and their new family, an almost tragedy strikes. So Caroline goes on to live with her super strict controlling grandfather and decides to try to win over his love. She has to basically compete with her uncle in order to do so. Everywhere Caroline turns is tragedy. Will she win the love of a grumpy old man? Will she find her happiness?
September 2, 2024
Dreaming of autumn skies 🍂
I enjoyed this book..
I honestly feel if you don't read the first 2 books in this series you will get lost.
I have read them all.
Carolina,
Finds so much about her family in this third book. Reason why her grandfather is so hard on everyone.
Family can be so hard. Trying to live like so many generations before.
Carolina, is such a strong young woman.
For me V.c.andrews books are great I've been reading them for many years.
I enjoy the writer who is doing these stories now.
I'm always looking forward to new books Releasing...
I enjoyed this book..
I honestly feel if you don't read the first 2 books in this series you will get lost.
I have read them all.
Carolina,
Finds so much about her family in this third book. Reason why her grandfather is so hard on everyone.
Family can be so hard. Trying to live like so many generations before.
Carolina, is such a strong young woman.
For me V.c.andrews books are great I've been reading them for many years.
I enjoy the writer who is doing these stories now.
I'm always looking forward to new books Releasing...
May 16, 2024
Caroline, shaken from her mother’s tragic death and a failed attempt to live with her father's new family, returns to the Sutherland estate—her grandfather's sprawling estate where the past lingers in the air. Her grandfather puts her in charge of overlooking her mysterious and troubled cousin, Simon. In a new and dark environment, Caroline is thrown into unexpected responsibilities while navigating adolescence without her parents.
October 29, 2024
2024
Goodreads Giveaway Winner
I'll confess that unlike the majority of my high school, I never read a V.C. Andrews book. And, in this very moment, I am actually quiet saddened by this fact! I do wish that I had read the previous books in the Sutherland series, just for more background on the characters, but it was easy enough to get up-to-date just by reading through this book. So much drama and intrigue! A perfect October spooky time story!
Goodreads Giveaway Winner
I'll confess that unlike the majority of my high school, I never read a V.C. Andrews book. And, in this very moment, I am actually quiet saddened by this fact! I do wish that I had read the previous books in the Sutherland series, just for more background on the characters, but it was easy enough to get up-to-date just by reading through this book. So much drama and intrigue! A perfect October spooky time story!
March 4, 2025
I haven't read V.C. Andrews in more than 20 years, but when I saw this at the library, I decided to pick it up. On the plus side, it's hard to put down. On the negative side, it has many of the themes of the earlier V.C. Andrews books: a rich and rigid grandfather, a rebel mother, a stately mansion, someone locked in a room, etc. It was a nice break from another book I started that is a crashing bore. I don't think you need to read the earlier book to understand this.
September 29, 2025
It was pretty good. Interesting premise. Thought there would be more to Simon, backstory to Nattie and definitely thought there would be something darker as to why Caroline’s Mother’s urn was kept in the mansion.
I would also liked more on most of the characters honestly. Mrs Lawson , The scheme behind bribing the kid with money to take Caroline to her “homecoming.” Things were pretty superficial.
I would also liked more on most of the characters honestly. Mrs Lawson , The scheme behind bribing the kid with money to take Caroline to her “homecoming.” Things were pretty superficial.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
I was mildly hopeful that the final book in the series would be the best one. Non-spoiler alert: It wasn't.
The narrative and character actions were all over the map. Felt like maybe there were intentions of a 4th book (to complete the seasons) and then instead a hurried wrap-up to finish the series as a trilogy.
Not the worst books in the entire V.C. Andrews catalog but certainly one of the weakest series of all.
The narrative and character actions were all over the map. Felt like maybe there were intentions of a 4th book (to complete the seasons) and then instead a hurried wrap-up to finish the series as a trilogy.
Not the worst books in the entire V.C. Andrews catalog but certainly one of the weakest series of all.
November 17, 2024
I thought I had seen the trajectory of this novel to the end, but it was a bit surprising. By now all V.C. Andrews have a Bingo card of situations, but the books still have me hooked. I started reading FITA when I was 12 ( quite a bit different from the 1987 film, which I loved). Now I'm 46 and still reading these things. Sad! I enjoyed this series.
March 9, 2025
I didn't like this VC Andrews book at all.
Her mother decides to go off with her lesbian friend and divorces her Dad.
Her Dad is happy with his new girlfriend and family and rejects his own daughter.
She comes to live with her grandfather, who literally brain washes her to get rid of lesbian phobia.
She has a mad cousin whom she is supposed to keep happy and so on and on...
Her mother decides to go off with her lesbian friend and divorces her Dad.
Her Dad is happy with his new girlfriend and family and rejects his own daughter.
She comes to live with her grandfather, who literally brain washes her to get rid of lesbian phobia.
She has a mad cousin whom she is supposed to keep happy and so on and on...
December 2, 2024
I did not know this was the 3rd in the series when I started it. I was able to get up to speed and it was as still a good book. Possibly because I’ve read a lot of VC Andrews books, and they all have similar themes.
December 31, 2024
I really enjoyed the end of the series, or is it? The author always seems to leave an opening to write another months or years later and still flies with the beginning of the series . Almost as if the series begins with the end and the next books are the beginning. Keeps it interesting .
May 13, 2025
Enduring immeasurable loss and isolation, Caroline - now living with her grandfather - under his rules - is learning - at a young age to take control of her own life, do not trust those who may potentially do her harm and embrace her heritage and succeeds
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