A powerful, poignant novel of love, redemption, and family secrets from the incomparable #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sisterhood books. On his thirty-fifth birthday, Jake St. Cloud inherits a fortune—and learns the whereabouts of his mysterious half-brother. On her deathbed, Selma St. Cloud revealed that Jake had a sibling, a product of his father’s affair. At last, Jake is in a position to track down Alex Rosario and make amends for their father’s past neglect. When their initial meeting goes badly, a distraught Jake crashes his car and is sentenced to community work—with Alex as his parole officer. Jake must spend a year helping Angelica Dancer and her daughter, Fancy, at the Dancer Foundation for neglected children. Fancy, scarred by the accident that ended her ballet career, is even less happy with the arrangement than Jake. Yet as they’re all thrown together, unexpected connections help Jake realize that his mother’s greatest gift to him lies not in his inheritance, but in the future, and the family he’s slowly piecing together . . . Praise for Fern Michaels “Prose so natural that it seems you are witnessing a story rather than reading about it.” —Los Angeles Sunday Times “Michaels’ Danielle Steel-like fun read has more plot twists than a soap opera, and will keep readers on tenterhooks for the next in the series.” —Booklist “Michaels just keeps getting better and better with each book . . . She never disappoints.” —RT Book Reviews
Fern 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.
While it definitely was an ultra cheesy and super predictable story, I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. Sometimes it’s fun to read something that’s the equivalent of popcorn to snacks, light and airy and easy to go through the whole bag in one sitting. Which is exactly what I did with this book! I didn’t really connect with the characters but it was a fun, fast paced easy read and I really enjoyed it.
With the writing...I wasn't sure of I was reading a book written for adults or 2nd graders? Just wasn't for me. I like a little more depth in the books I read.
This is one of the worst books ever written. Now, before I go off, understand that I used to be a legal assistant and it's obvious that Fern Michaels did not one lick of legal research before writing a legal romance. Second, this is based on the audio book, ended before the end of CD #2, when the father called someone in venomous anger a "stupid female." That was the last straw. Seriously. Who says THAT? Stupid woman, stupid bitch, I get, but who the hell says "stupid female" to someone's face?
Now, as I only got through the first bit, I don't feel like I'm giving many spoilers away, but feel free to stop reading this review in case you think it will affect your enjoyment of this book, although I'm thinking a hurricane coming through your living room would be more enjoyable.
1) Jake gets into a car accident, and is arrested and taken to jail. He was driving, and the woman backed out INTO him. But, of course, he was at fault. She had three children in the car. Everyone was fine and dandy and walked away. Jake tells the cops he did it and gets thrown into jail where the next morning, a judge sentences him to one year of community service. Oh, all this happens in 24 HOURS.
2) Said community service is to be under house arrest at a foundation the judge READ ABOUT IN THE PAPER RIGHT BEFORE SENTENCING and whose founders know nothing about the sentencing and have no room for the 'prisoner' so they have to give up one of their bedrooms. Surprise! Another mouth to feed and you have no say in it. In fact, when you complain when they bring him over, they threaten YOU with contempt of court.
3) Bailiff puts an ankle monitor on Jake's ankle after sentencing and tells Jake that the judge "loves the things, loves little surprises." No judge in the world would do this.
Look, I don't pretend to know the law 100% by any means, and understand that law varies from state to state and even judge to judge, but this entire story line is so ludicrous I'm spending more time writing this review than listening to the audio book. I've left out a LOT of craziness, if you can believe. This book so infuriated me. This is a ridiculous sentence for a fender bender, even if he did plead guilty. This is ridiculous to shove a criminal (which, if this sentence includes an ankle bracelet, is what he is, yet the land stretches "as far as the eye can see" and he's sent out to clean the entire grounds...which makes no sense) onto an unsuspecting charity.
The entire storyline is just so awful. I'm amazed this woman got this book published. Does she not have editors who laughed at this? It's incredible.
Oh, and the entire "Estes, or was it Elroy?" bit got very old, very fast. You'll understand if you get even a little bit in.
Seventeen year old Jake St. Cloud sits by his mother's death bed and several hours later seventeen year old Jake St. Cloud makes the funeral arrangements for his mom ... 18 years later Jake St. Cloud returns to his home town. He made promises to his mom on her death bed .... he needs to keep those promises, for himself.
This is a story about second chances and forgiveness. It is a story of family ... and friends who choose to become family. It is a story of lies and miscommunication of heartache and pain as well as joy and new beginnings. It is a story about fathers and sons, commitment and acceptance.
As a side note, I had difficulty recognizing the significance of some of the storylines and felt not all of them had a resolution. This, however, did not alter my enjoyment of this book. And, if anyone can enlighten me as to why the name "Fancy Dancer" was chosen for this story I would appreciate it so much. ;) Although I have touched on a couple of questions I had when reading this story, I will continue to read additional books by this wonderful author.
This was not an enjoyable read. The story was not at all believable and the dialogue even less so. This seemed to be written by someone very young and inexperienced rather than by a best-selling author.
When a story brings tears to your eyes in the first few minutes (if you’re tenderhearted), then you know you’re in for a roller coaster ride of emotions. Such is the case with FANCY DANCER by Fern Michaels. Narrator Luke Daniels does a superb job of bringing out the emotions of the various characters throughout the story. His timing and inflections are spot on. His cadence enhances this delightful story. The title is a bit misleading to me as the story is really more about the character Jake St. Cloud rather than Fancy Dancer, though she does play a big role in his life. Both characters, along with the rest, are well-developed and likable (including the ones you love to hate). The chemistry among the characters is crafted well. The setting draws you in as the suspense and tension mounts. The story flows smoothly with some ups and downs to keep you guessing. A charming story of finding what you’re looking for without realizing how much you wanted it. Overall this is a light-hearted entertaining story that will tug on your heartstrings in places and have you laughing in others. FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
Jake St. Cloud has been on his own since his mother died when he was seventeen years old. He has sowed his wild oats and has come back home to settle down now. He finds his long lost brother Alex, and the two lawyers that handled his mother's estate. He also finds a friend in Zeke, who worked with his father in the oil business for many years. As time goes on and secrets are revealed, Jake finds out that Mr. St. Cloud is not his real father, but the father of his long lost brother. Alex doesn't care, as far as he's concerned Jake will always be his brother. Jake gets into a car accident and for his punishment he has to work out at Fancy and her mother's establishment helping people. He starts dating Fancy and in the interim gains a whole new family. He's adopted by Alex and his mother and changes his name to Jacob Rosario, Zeke started dating Alex's mother and although Jake finds out his real father's name was Trousoux, he opts to go with Rosario. Jake has found the family and the happiness that has eluded him for so long, at last. Read: January 2016
I love all Fern Michaels' books, and this is no exception, but it wasn't exactly realistic. I know, I know, it's fiction, not necessarily supposed to be realistic. The story is sweet, and just the right thing to read when you want a lift.
I didn't read this writer before and I'm not going to read her again. The plot is meandering, the characters are flat, and I can't even say what this story is about. Is it a romance? No. Is it a self-discovery story? No. Is it adventure? No. It's formless and boring.
Consistently good if predictable, Fern Michaels is a master. Her explanation of "how the book came about" was thought provoking. The story wasn't quite as good, but still . . .
Something about this book just didn't click with me. I kept going thinking it would make sense, but it still felt like a mishmash of odd bits and pieces.
I cannot believe that a bestselling author wrote this book. Possibly Fern Michaels has people writing for her now? This book is HORRIBLE. The only upside is that it encourages me to try my hand at writing. I could not get much worse than this. First of all, I've noticed that all of Fern Michael's characters are unbelievable. Everyone she writes about is a multi millionaire, heiress, etc. I've known a lot of people but noone close to the people she writes about. Secondly, this was badly researched. There is no way a fender-bender would land you a year in jail. Third, "Fancy Dancer" - really? It "just so happens" that someone with the last name Dancer would be a pitiful ex prima ballerina. Give me a break. Then there's the repeated use of "Estes or maybe it was Elroy". What was the point in that anyway? Why did we need to have twin lawyers that noone could tell apart? And the story really wasn't about Fancy Dancer anyway. She was a minor character.
I would give this book 0 stars if that were possible. I HATED this book. I read it as a joke and that's exactly what it turned out to be. Truly awful. I have no idea how this woman has written and published so many books. This is awful. Do not read this. Nothing happens and yet there are so many changes from page 1 to the last page. It's the weirdest book I've ever read. There's a casual mention of
Seriously, do not waste your time reading this garbage. The fanfiction I wrote as a 14 year old is better than this.
Fancy is a dancer who is in an accident and can no longer live her dream of dancing. So, she starts a place for children to live. Jake is a rich-boy who has to serve community service at Fancy's farm. A few days into it, his father or as Jake calls him, the "sperm donor" drags him away from the farm to help with an oil rig spill. The story is mostly about Jake's relationship or lack of relationship ship with his father. Once the truth comes out, the story is easier to get into and understand. I thought it was going to be about Fancy and Jake.
When the past is not what Jake thought it was, love changes his future.
Drifting for eighteen years after his Mother's health, Jake St. Cloud has a life changing moment on his thirty fifth Birthday. Meeting his half brother, Alex, and a special young woman name, Fancy. Fancy's career as a ballerina was destroyed by an accident. Read how, Jake, Alex, and Fancy's lives change.
I enjoyed this romance. I received it from my mother-in-law during a visit. I voluntarily chose to review this story and I've given it a 4* rating. It has a nice storyline but sometimes I felt the conversations lacked luster, but that could be just my take on it. Rich guy meets girl who needs help, and it goes from there. There are several twists and turns throughout the story so there are some surprises along the way. A feel good at the end of the story.
While I enjoyed the writing and the story, it's not what it said it was. It was supposed to be a romance between Fancy and Jake (the last 5th of the book is the very quick romance), but instead, it was more of a coming to terms with his life for Jake. The romance wasn't really shown, it was just told. I did like seeing Jake's growth as a character, the story wasn't what I thought it was going to be.
Pick your Poison-Beach Days-author who lives somewhere warm-(South Carolina)-Jake makes promises to his dying mother and when he turns 35 realized he didn't come through on any of them. He discovers he has a half brother, for reckless driving he gets sentenced to a year lof community service living at a facility for neglected children and finds himself facing a future he never dreamed possible.
Feel good story!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was my first "Fern Michaels"book - which I found on a clearance stack at Barnes & Noble. No wonder! It was SO predictable and trite. Also, there were errors with regard to characters' names being wrong within the context of conversations, etc. VERY poor proof-reading, in my opinion. Won't be searching out any more books by this author.
I like this author, and hadn't read her for quite awhile, so decided to do so with this short easy read which I did enjoy. Title is a bit misleading if you are looking for a simple "girly" book, but there were interesting situations one wasn't expecting unless you had read the jacket or another review. Good "beach type" book,
Super cute and quick read about Jake St. Cloud, who lost his mother and made promises on her deathbed to find his half sibling. Along the way he finds not only them, but the truth about his parents and what’s most important, as he serves volunteer time at Fancy’s and her mother’s home for youth. Definitely a hallmark feel but really enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Well developed characters. A great story bringing many emotions, the best of which were love, healing and hope. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end.
This audio book was the craziest book I've listened to. The narrator was absolutely crazy, giving the male characters exaggerated accents and gravely voices. And the story line was stupid. thankfully it was only 5 CDs, a quick "read".