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The Godmothers #6.25
Hideaway
Part One of the New Three-Part Godmothers Serial!
The best of friends, Toots, Ida, Mavis, and Sophie have been there for each other through thick and thin. Now Sophie needs the rest of the Godmothers to help her through something they’ve never faced before . . .
As Sophie De Luca has learned, many things really are better the second time around. She’s celebrating a wonderful year of marriage to her sweet second husband, Goebel. Meanwhile, the rekindled bond between Sophie and her childhood friends Toots, Ida, and Mavis is stronger and more supportive than it’s ever been. All four are happily settled outside of Charleston, and Toots, who’d sworn to never marry again after eight trips down the aisle, is so blissfully content with her beau that she might be ready for lucky number nine . . . with a little coaxing.
Yet ever since she and Goebel moved into their new home, Sophie has sensed something a little . . . unusual. Old houses often contain items left behind from previous owners, but what remains in this case is the legacy of a painful secret that only Sophie’s unique gift can uncover. It’s a special kind of challenge . . . and who better than three extraordinary friends to help her do it?
The best of friends, Toots, Ida, Mavis, and Sophie have been there for each other through thick and thin. Now Sophie needs the rest of the Godmothers to help her through something they’ve never faced before . . .
As Sophie De Luca has learned, many things really are better the second time around. She’s celebrating a wonderful year of marriage to her sweet second husband, Goebel. Meanwhile, the rekindled bond between Sophie and her childhood friends Toots, Ida, and Mavis is stronger and more supportive than it’s ever been. All four are happily settled outside of Charleston, and Toots, who’d sworn to never marry again after eight trips down the aisle, is so blissfully content with her beau that she might be ready for lucky number nine . . . with a little coaxing.
Yet ever since she and Goebel moved into their new home, Sophie has sensed something a little . . . unusual. Old houses often contain items left behind from previous owners, but what remains in this case is the legacy of a painful secret that only Sophie’s unique gift can uncover. It’s a special kind of challenge . . . and who better than three extraordinary friends to help her do it?
- GenresRomanceFictionParanormal
95 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2017
919 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
427 books6,545 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/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 8, 2017
The saga of The Godmothers continues! I was a bit surprised to learn that this was part 1 of a 3-part serial, but enjoyed catching up with Toots, Sophie, Mavis and Ida -- though Sophie and Toots are the main focus of the mini-series. My curiosity is piqued, so am ready to read on! 6 out of 10.
April 25, 2017
This book is the beginning of what may turn out to be the most challenging of what the Godmothers have gone through. There is something in Sophie's new home and it feels frightening. Can the other ladies help or will she keep them far away?
This book has a cliffhanger.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book has a cliffhanger.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2017
Since all three books in the new godmother series by Fern Michaels relate directly to each other and since all the books are totally intertwined within each other, I am reviewing Hideaway, Spirited Away and Getaway together. None of the three books is particularly long, and each reads rather quickly, making them seem more like one “big” book. In this trilogy, the four friends, Toots, Sophie, Mavis and Ida, join forces to figure out what exactly is happening in Sophia’s new, apparently haunted house. Sophia’s psychic/paranormal abilities help the foursome as they move through a series of strange events, all related to the history of Sophia’s house. This is also a story of the four seniors who have “been there, done that” and are ready to settle down in happily married life once again. One thing I did not understand, however, is why after all the other books in the series, the author chose to provide short snippets of how the four came together as adolescents at a religious school none particularly even wanted to attend. It would seem that this sort of recap/back story would have been better suited for an earlier book in the series, if not the first book, where the four are introduced.
The story, as I said, move along at a nice, steady clip. I am not sure, however, if the way they choose to put the final piece of the puzzle together is the realistic way these sorts of things are done. I am not going to go into this more because I want to avoid spoilers. Naturally, throughout the three books we are introduced (or perhaps re-introduced in some cases) to the men, who now become an integral part of their lives and how the entire crew interacts and works together. In addition, Abby, the once-upon-a-time journalist daughter of Toots and mother of one-year old twins (the apples of their grandmother’s and godmother’s eyes) as well as her husband and twin children also play a solid, though not dominant, role in the book, giving the story a bit of hominess and levity. Nevertheless, I wondered sometimes, as I read, if these were the same characters from the other books and why things between and among Toots and the three godmothers seemed off, not really like the way they were in other books. Possibly, the introduction of men into the lives of these four women is what made things unlike the characters in the other books in the series. They just did not seem, as I said, like they were in the other books. The story reads well and quickly, as I said. The three books are well-written and interesting. I just found the way things were handled a bit off. If you enjoy other books by the author or if you enjoy this series, you will enjoy this one. I am also not sure about stretching the story over three books, as there was a story line and plot, though not much of one. I am not sure having the reader procure three books was a great idea, though it is a bit unique. This is a fast easy read for someone who enjoys curling up with a book, or books in this case, and reading something or things that is/are quick and light. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
The story, as I said, move along at a nice, steady clip. I am not sure, however, if the way they choose to put the final piece of the puzzle together is the realistic way these sorts of things are done. I am not going to go into this more because I want to avoid spoilers. Naturally, throughout the three books we are introduced (or perhaps re-introduced in some cases) to the men, who now become an integral part of their lives and how the entire crew interacts and works together. In addition, Abby, the once-upon-a-time journalist daughter of Toots and mother of one-year old twins (the apples of their grandmother’s and godmother’s eyes) as well as her husband and twin children also play a solid, though not dominant, role in the book, giving the story a bit of hominess and levity. Nevertheless, I wondered sometimes, as I read, if these were the same characters from the other books and why things between and among Toots and the three godmothers seemed off, not really like the way they were in other books. Possibly, the introduction of men into the lives of these four women is what made things unlike the characters in the other books in the series. They just did not seem, as I said, like they were in the other books. The story reads well and quickly, as I said. The three books are well-written and interesting. I just found the way things were handled a bit off. If you enjoy other books by the author or if you enjoy this series, you will enjoy this one. I am also not sure about stretching the story over three books, as there was a story line and plot, though not much of one. I am not sure having the reader procure three books was a great idea, though it is a bit unique. This is a fast easy read for someone who enjoys curling up with a book, or books in this case, and reading something or things that is/are quick and light. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
March 23, 2017
I have been reading Fern Michaels since I was a teenager. There is something comforting about her books.
I've read the first Godmothers book and reading Hideaway makes me want to go back and read the rest of them. We join the Godmothers as they have each moved to their respective homes in the outskirts of Charleston, SC. Sophie and her husband are occupying a 100 year old house with a terrible secret. The ghost is trying to make contact with Sophie but is having trouble doing so.
I don't usually read books involving clairvoyants and ghosts but Fern Michaels has a way to make you believe. You get so wrapped up in the story that you don't remember you aren't a fan of ghosts.
I cannot wait to continue the story as I am on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened in the house many years ago.
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review with my own honest opinion.
I've read the first Godmothers book and reading Hideaway makes me want to go back and read the rest of them. We join the Godmothers as they have each moved to their respective homes in the outskirts of Charleston, SC. Sophie and her husband are occupying a 100 year old house with a terrible secret. The ghost is trying to make contact with Sophie but is having trouble doing so.
I don't usually read books involving clairvoyants and ghosts but Fern Michaels has a way to make you believe. You get so wrapped up in the story that you don't remember you aren't a fan of ghosts.
I cannot wait to continue the story as I am on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened in the house many years ago.
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review with my own honest opinion.
April 25, 2017
If you know the Godmothers, you already know that they are a particularly close-knit and well-meshed group of women. They’ve seen each other through a series of adventures and challenges, both in their own personal growth and with the people they seek to help and keep safe. Now things have settled, somewhat, and with everyone finding life proceeding nicely, Sophie is finding new challenges. Not in her marriage, a happy event for all, or even in her daily life, but a presence in her new house feels “off” and more than slightly threatening.
Sophie is the Godmother most closely tied to the “other”, her own gifts tend toward psychic and empathetic, and her ability to communicate with those who are no longer present in this world gives her an unusual perspective among the women. And her perspective is being tested now, with a confused and occasionally angry ghost that is desperate to gain Sophie’s help in finding answers for her.
Understand that this is only the first part of a story, as a serial, so there are plenty of unanswered questions, a cliffhanger and the story does not wrap up cleanly. But, if you are one who enjoys the series, and are drawn to stories that bring a touch of mystery to the table, while highlighting the friendships, support and solid relationships between the women, this is a wonderful start to a new adventure for the ladies. Michaels writes characters that you want to befriend and know – you celebrate their successes, worry during their difficult moments and grieve for their losses: and even in the short form, those moments are palpable and present. Stay tuned for the next in this serial, Get Away, coming in May.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Sophie is the Godmother most closely tied to the “other”, her own gifts tend toward psychic and empathetic, and her ability to communicate with those who are no longer present in this world gives her an unusual perspective among the women. And her perspective is being tested now, with a confused and occasionally angry ghost that is desperate to gain Sophie’s help in finding answers for her.
Understand that this is only the first part of a story, as a serial, so there are plenty of unanswered questions, a cliffhanger and the story does not wrap up cleanly. But, if you are one who enjoys the series, and are drawn to stories that bring a touch of mystery to the table, while highlighting the friendships, support and solid relationships between the women, this is a wonderful start to a new adventure for the ladies. Michaels writes characters that you want to befriend and know – you celebrate their successes, worry during their difficult moments and grieve for their losses: and even in the short form, those moments are palpable and present. Stay tuned for the next in this serial, Get Away, coming in May.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
June 22, 2017
Title: Hideaway - The Godmothers Book 7
Author: Fern Michaels
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 4-25-2017
Pages: 95
Genre: Women's Fiction
Sub-Genre: Sagas; Short Reads; Contemporary Fiction; Paranormal
ISBN: 9781496712066
ASIN: B01JEJCABE
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 3.75 Stars
I was lucky enough to read all three books at one sitting. As for "Hideaway" at only 95 pages it is the shortest story of Fern Michaels I have read before. My other complaint was that we were not warned it was only first third of a complete book. The cost accumulation equals one full book in the Godmother Series.
Now lets go to the other side of the coin and say that as always Fern Michaels delivers a story that grabs your interest and draws you in. The Hideaway, brings Sophie De Luca to her friends about problem with her new home at the unusual thing left behind by the previous owners.
Well worth the time and effort to read. Part 2 is "Spirited Away" and the final part is "Getaway"
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JEJCABE/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hide...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Fern Michaels
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 4-25-2017
Pages: 95
Genre: Women's Fiction
Sub-Genre: Sagas; Short Reads; Contemporary Fiction; Paranormal
ISBN: 9781496712066
ASIN: B01JEJCABE
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 3.75 Stars
I was lucky enough to read all three books at one sitting. As for "Hideaway" at only 95 pages it is the shortest story of Fern Michaels I have read before. My other complaint was that we were not warned it was only first third of a complete book. The cost accumulation equals one full book in the Godmother Series.
Now lets go to the other side of the coin and say that as always Fern Michaels delivers a story that grabs your interest and draws you in. The Hideaway, brings Sophie De Luca to her friends about problem with her new home at the unusual thing left behind by the previous owners.
Well worth the time and effort to read. Part 2 is "Spirited Away" and the final part is "Getaway"
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JEJCABE/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hide...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
October 7, 2020
This is listed on Goodreads as number 6.25, but on Amazon as book 7. It is also supposed to be book 1 of 3 of the Godmothers. It's less than 100 pages in length.
The name Fern Michaels is one I've heard of before, and she seems to be a popular author, but I am not a fan of this book. The story fell flat with a rather large cast of characters for such a small book, and it's surprisingly boring. The biggest takeaway I got was that the characters have sex, and the main character, Sophie, can be rather rude at times. I found the characters to be rather lifeless, and I didn't like any of them.
I'm guessing this fits in a larger series somewhere, but after reading this, I wont be picking up the rest.
The name Fern Michaels is one I've heard of before, and she seems to be a popular author, but I am not a fan of this book. The story fell flat with a rather large cast of characters for such a small book, and it's surprisingly boring. The biggest takeaway I got was that the characters have sex, and the main character, Sophie, can be rather rude at times. I found the characters to be rather lifeless, and I didn't like any of them.
I'm guessing this fits in a larger series somewhere, but after reading this, I wont be picking up the rest.
May 9, 2017
The godmothers: Sophie, Toots, Mavis, and Ida are on an adventure that starts on Sophie and Goebel's first anniversary and in their home, the Dabney House. Sophie has a dream or vision of a woman and feels that she is trying to tell her something. Sophie has had some chilling experiences and unusual happenings already and they begin to escalate after her vision.
I really became involved in the story and had to scramble to get the next installment right away. This is the first of a three part series and I wanted to keep reading!
Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.
I really became involved in the story and had to scramble to get the next installment right away. This is the first of a three part series and I wanted to keep reading!
Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.
May 5, 2017
This book is in the middle of the series and as far as I am concerned, I never quite figured out what was going on. And, it ends right in the middle of the story. I have ordered the next book in the series, but not happy with this one.
May 11, 2017
Another fabulous tale
I really enjoyed this book. I have read most of the Godmother books and this story has this amazing group of friends off on another adventure. Can't wait to start the next installment
I really enjoyed this book. I have read most of the Godmother books and this story has this amazing group of friends off on another adventure. Can't wait to start the next installment
June 3, 2017
Hideaway
As usual, Fern Michaels has you in her spellbinding clutches, as soon as you start reading this latest edition of the godmothers series! I can't wait to read the next copy of this three part series!
As usual, Fern Michaels has you in her spellbinding clutches, as soon as you start reading this latest edition of the godmothers series! I can't wait to read the next copy of this three part series!
June 13, 2017
Good reading!
If you have not started the Godmothers books, start from the beginning. All the books are fantastic. Keep you wanting to just keep reading and reading. I have enjoyed every book.
If you have not started the Godmothers books, start from the beginning. All the books are fantastic. Keep you wanting to just keep reading and reading. I have enjoyed every book.
June 22, 2017
The freaky ghost..
I love this series with the godmother . This story leaves you worried about Sophie and the twins. And wondering if this ghost is just weird or is there violence there too connected with her death. All the characters are back and the house sounds awesome.
I love this series with the godmother . This story leaves you worried about Sophie and the twins. And wondering if this ghost is just weird or is there violence there too connected with her death. All the characters are back and the house sounds awesome.
August 26, 2017
Great read. She is such a great author interweaving her characters.
This author continues to have the ability to entertain the reader. Her series are wonderful and I can always count on a good read with her books.
This author continues to have the ability to entertain the reader. Her series are wonderful and I can always count on a good read with her books.
July 13, 2018
Read 7/12/18
I thought this was a full length novel, but no it is a novella - and not even a full story! It is the first of 3 books and all it does it set the scene! Why don't you just put all three novellas together and give us one book!?
I thought this was a full length novel, but no it is a novella - and not even a full story! It is the first of 3 books and all it does it set the scene! Why don't you just put all three novellas together and give us one book!?
March 26, 2021
Hideaway
Another great book in this series of the Godmothers by Fern Michaels is another great read and well worth the time to read and enjoy. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Another great book in this series of the Godmothers by Fern Michaels is another great read and well worth the time to read and enjoy. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
May 7, 2017
Excellent
I love the godmother series..
it is a very interesting read..
they are different, and I'm different so a good read for me..
I love the godmother series..
it is a very interesting read..
they are different, and I'm different so a good read for me..
May 17, 2017
Good start to the story
This book doesn't really end. It continues to the next release of The Godmothers. This book piques your interest but kind of leaves you hanging.
This book doesn't really end. It continues to the next release of The Godmothers. This book piques your interest but kind of leaves you hanging.
May 22, 2017
I love this book.
June 5, 2017
This was a short tease for an ongoing book series. I felt cheated. No real plotline. Will not read the follow-up.
June 10, 2017
Hideaway review
Hideaway is the first of a three part serial in The Godmothers series written by author Fern Michaels. Good story, but I absolutely detest serials.
Hideaway is the first of a three part serial in The Godmothers series written by author Fern Michaels. Good story, but I absolutely detest serials.
August 5, 2017
So glad the Godmother series is back I have missed all these characters.
August 26, 2017
Always a good mystery with the godmothers
4 independent women who are great friends and solve mysterious. They all have a different part in finding who killed the ghost.
4 independent women who are great friends and solve mysterious. They all have a different part in finding who killed the ghost.
January 1, 2018
Never a dull moment with the Godmothers! I enjoyed this 3 part story and hope there will be more to come. Don’t miss these!
August 26, 2018
very disappointed to find out it was only a few chapters then left you hanging
April 9, 2022
Good series
I love reading a series ... getting to know all the characters is the best! Thank you! Keep them coming!
I love reading a series ... getting to know all the characters is the best! Thank you! Keep them coming!
September 20, 2022
I didn’t realize this is just part of a book, the part 6.25 should have been my clue
March 2, 2023
Hoopla ebook it's ok short.
March 5, 2025
Liked the antics of the four godmothers, but the book left me at a cliff hanger.
The four of them couldn't figure out the ghost in Sophie's house and they left it at that
The four of them couldn't figure out the ghost in Sophie's house and they left it at that
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews