What do you think?
Rate this book
Heiress
Rivals for their father's love, social position, and the rightful claim to the large family fortune, two beautiful sisters are bound together by a fateful secret--one of them is illegitimate
477 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
209 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Janet Dailey
394 books1,844 followersJanet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 15, 2009
I could handle the predictability of many parts of it, since they were at least handled well (at least, after the stilted beginning). But that ending!!! I kept hitting the page down button on my Palm, not believing that was how she was actually ending it!
I was actually shocked at how melodramatic it was. And yeah, the whole book was pretty much a soap opera. But I didn't expect a soap opera ending!
Made me go from wondering if the author's more recent books were any better (it is from 20+ years ago) to never wanting to invest emotionally in any book of hers again. Because it definitely was written well enough to get me sucked in -- hence the second star. Until the last chapter, we were looking at 3 stars, and maybe 3.5.
I was actually shocked at how melodramatic it was. And yeah, the whole book was pretty much a soap opera. But I didn't expect a soap opera ending!
Made me go from wondering if the author's more recent books were any better (it is from 20+ years ago) to never wanting to invest emotionally in any book of hers again. Because it definitely was written well enough to get me sucked in -- hence the second star. Until the last chapter, we were looking at 3 stars, and maybe 3.5.
Currently reading
July 11, 2010Said to be one of the greatest romance novels of all time. As I am only on page 99 of 475 I have a bit to go before I can form a judgement but so far so good (for a very obviously dated 80's novel). I feel like I have entered Dynasty and DAllas all over again. HA!
July 13, 2018
I keep trying another of Janet Dailey's books hoping to find one worth something. Unfortunately, this was not the book, Do not waste your time.
January 28, 2012
first of all, i cannot say that i love the immoral fiction, such as this one (Janet Dailey is my first start of reading novel, i love her jobs, i collect all of her works as most as possible to find out). Love is all the heart of most classic romance novel, but not the immoral, Rechael's mother to the mistress of Dean although she do its as she love but why love can solve everything, Dean has wife, as JD always told in the book that Babb is so so. But i always feel awful, he should divorce before get mistress and for Racheal herself, she married Lane and have Tipp for her lover, OMG and she asked for real love, its is very awful to my moral feeling why u can take love from the one have real couple, as Dean, he should divorce. I continue to finish this book as i love the character of Abbie and MacCrea. As Abbie is the spoil girl but her do the right thing she divorce her first husband. As if her fist husband is very bad guy or so so+++, but divorce first then continue to have the next relationship with other guys.
Babb, Abbie's mother, i like her although she know her husband has lover, she's very nicely wife in my point of view, although someone will not agree with me, but when she knew that their family lose all money and asset, but she's very strong mind to help and support her kid in the way that she only knew. i love this one character.
MacCrea's himself is the one that i try very hard to finish this book, he know what he want and what to do guy, i like this character to support Heroin.
Ben is still good guy better than Dean, Lane, Racheal and Recheal' mother, ask only love and love can solve the immoral behavior. Its' s not my taste that only love can solve everything but as u and me knew its only the novel.
Babb, Abbie's mother, i like her although she know her husband has lover, she's very nicely wife in my point of view, although someone will not agree with me, but when she knew that their family lose all money and asset, but she's very strong mind to help and support her kid in the way that she only knew. i love this one character.
MacCrea's himself is the one that i try very hard to finish this book, he know what he want and what to do guy, i like this character to support Heroin.
Ben is still good guy better than Dean, Lane, Racheal and Recheal' mother, ask only love and love can solve the immoral behavior. Its' s not my taste that only love can solve everything but as u and me knew its only the novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2018
Okay, sigh. I read this because I've been collecting trashy 80's epics and from the cover this seemed to fit the bill. And it did. Kind of.
It's the story of two sisters, one legal heir, Abbie, and the other a "love child" (as the characters continually say), Rachel. When their shared father dies Abbie is left with a pile of debts that force her to sell the family seat, River Bend, outside of Houston, Texas and Rachel, not named in the will, is given two million dollars set aside of her in a trust long before the debts started accruing. Both are strong willed and stubborn and neither believe they were the favored child. Their feud fuels the majority of this novel. And then there are the men in their lives; MacCrea Wilder (not even joking), Lane Canfield, Ross Tibbs, and Dobie Hix. On book jacket they are described as vibrant but I couldn't have picked a lamer crop if I'd walked directly into a twenty four hour truck stop diner blindfolded and pointed my finger around wildly. None of them have any personality. Well, MacCrea had a little personality, unfortunately the personality was "I'm a man and I know best so come 'ere toots and lay one on me". Just... ew. Not to say the women are perfect, definitely not. But at least they were entertaining. Or at least a little entertaining. Abbie was by far the standout. I felt like at points we were supposed to feel sorry for Rachel but I never did and her naivety at the beginning felt forced even before she became a cold bitch.
It was like a mashup of Dallas and Dynasty. Sometimes in the best of ways, but unfortunately often in the most cliche and eye-roll inducing ways.
I did learn more about Arabian horses than I ever would though, so that's a plus?
It's the story of two sisters, one legal heir, Abbie, and the other a "love child" (as the characters continually say), Rachel. When their shared father dies Abbie is left with a pile of debts that force her to sell the family seat, River Bend, outside of Houston, Texas and Rachel, not named in the will, is given two million dollars set aside of her in a trust long before the debts started accruing. Both are strong willed and stubborn and neither believe they were the favored child. Their feud fuels the majority of this novel. And then there are the men in their lives; MacCrea Wilder (not even joking), Lane Canfield, Ross Tibbs, and Dobie Hix. On book jacket they are described as vibrant but I couldn't have picked a lamer crop if I'd walked directly into a twenty four hour truck stop diner blindfolded and pointed my finger around wildly. None of them have any personality. Well, MacCrea had a little personality, unfortunately the personality was "I'm a man and I know best so come 'ere toots and lay one on me". Just... ew. Not to say the women are perfect, definitely not. But at least they were entertaining. Or at least a little entertaining. Abbie was by far the standout. I felt like at points we were supposed to feel sorry for Rachel but I never did and her naivety at the beginning felt forced even before she became a cold bitch.
It was like a mashup of Dallas and Dynasty. Sometimes in the best of ways, but unfortunately often in the most cliche and eye-roll inducing ways.
I did learn more about Arabian horses than I ever would though, so that's a plus?
February 4, 2015
Predictable.
Daddy has an affair, and keeps families totally separate.
Creates trust fund for weaker, illegitimate daughter who grows backbone with money.
Legit daughter left with bankrupt estate but pulls up her panties and gets to work.
Lots of familial fighting with 'tragic' end that brings two sides together.
Daddy has an affair, and keeps families totally separate.
Creates trust fund for weaker, illegitimate daughter who grows backbone with money.
Legit daughter left with bankrupt estate but pulls up her panties and gets to work.
Lots of familial fighting with 'tragic' end that brings two sides together.
March 12, 2014
This book is a bad soap opera in a novel. I found the rivalry between the half sisters to be unbelievably irrational and overdone. The "romances" were not romantic. The ending was pathetic. I was obviously expected to cry over it but instead I was rolling my eyes.
July 19, 2015
It wasn't badly written, that's why I'm giving it a two but the romance isn't romantic and there were cheating all around which I didn't like at all. I did like some characters: Abbie, Babs, Ben. MacCrea at first but sometimes he's such an asshole. Rachel is just whacked.
November 28, 2018
Heiress
Wow Wow Wow! Such a good book. As you are reading, along comes another twist that you didn't see coming. Two women, turned out to be sisters, with the same dad. So many issues but you just kept reading. Highly recommend.
Wow Wow Wow! Such a good book. As you are reading, along comes another twist that you didn't see coming. Two women, turned out to be sisters, with the same dad. So many issues but you just kept reading. Highly recommend.
April 16, 2013
I liked the character Mac , but again this book failed to entice me as he was the only likable character. A sad ending in the book though!
April 9, 2024
Families are never easy
Love the way Janet Dailey wrote this story. It brings such reality of half sisters who really didn't know about each other til their fathers death. How misunderstandings, misconceptions can lead to bitterness that effects your whole life, and the decisions you make. When Abbie and Rachel meet after their fathers funeral, they immediately decide that the other had most of their fathers love. Then due to circumstances of their fathers death, the bitterness grew. Abbie loses her beloved home and horses due to her fathers business decisions. While Rachel came out rich with the horses her father gave her. Can the two sisters get past their bitterness or will they allow it to continue to ruin their lives? The ending is bitter sweet
Love the way Janet Dailey wrote this story. It brings such reality of half sisters who really didn't know about each other til their fathers death. How misunderstandings, misconceptions can lead to bitterness that effects your whole life, and the decisions you make. When Abbie and Rachel meet after their fathers funeral, they immediately decide that the other had most of their fathers love. Then due to circumstances of their fathers death, the bitterness grew. Abbie loses her beloved home and horses due to her fathers business decisions. While Rachel came out rich with the horses her father gave her. Can the two sisters get past their bitterness or will they allow it to continue to ruin their lives? The ending is bitter sweet
February 27, 2017
Loved it a wonderfully written story of two women suffering the results of the choices made by their parents and the mistakes they themselves make. Very good read and look forward to reading mor by MS Dailey.
September 6, 2019
Such a good book. As you are reading, along comes another twist that you didn't see coming. Two women, turned out to be sisters, with the same dad. So many issues but you just kept reading. Highly recommend.
October 19, 2023
Family
If you are looking for a book that has drama, romance and heartbreak this one is for you. I’m so glad I reread this book. It hits a lot differently than it did 20 some years ago when I first read the book.
If you are looking for a book that has drama, romance and heartbreak this one is for you. I’m so glad I reread this book. It hits a lot differently than it did 20 some years ago when I first read the book.
April 2, 2024
ending
I usually love her books! Life is hard few folks get their happy ever after. I look forward to it in the books I read. I’m disappointed and will be sad for a while. So boo shame on you
I usually love her books! Life is hard few folks get their happy ever after. I look forward to it in the books I read. I’m disappointed and will be sad for a while. So boo shame on you
April 7, 2025
forgiveness ruins souls
A heart wrenching story of betrayal and loss of two sisters driven apart by hate and anger because of a daddy who didn’t know how to demonstrate his love to each other
A heart wrenching story of betrayal and loss of two sisters driven apart by hate and anger because of a daddy who didn’t know how to demonstrate his love to each other
October 12, 2025
This book was really good, lots of conflict and interpersonal relationships. I liked the way the author used the idea of how deep parental relationships effect each person and each of their future relationships.
March 14, 2017
I enjoyed the book even though some of it was predictable. The ending was very unexpected and made the book fun to have read.
June 6, 2017
Very enjoyable
A predictable story line that went at a good steady pace. For me it made for a good read on the beach.
A predictable story line that went at a good steady pace. For me it made for a good read on the beach.
October 24, 2017
this is a book for horse lovers, for me there was just too much description of the horses and the history. So even though the story line was very interesting, it was spoilt by too much information
January 3, 2018
Took way too many pages to tell the story of two half sisters who spent their life hating each other and loving way too many men.
March 26, 2018
Awesome read....
It is a emotion filled ride dealing with two woman trying to cope with life, and love. Read it.. It's worth it.
It is a emotion filled ride dealing with two woman trying to cope with life, and love. Read it.. It's worth it.
December 30, 2019
Two sisters with same dad, both felt slighted and not enough love from him. They became bitter enemies, and big rivals.
February 19, 2021
Just couldn't get into it
April 28, 2024
A true soap opera book with horse girlies that deserves a TV adaptation .. it would be like Yellowstone for philandering wives
August 4, 2024
A must read
This is one of the most captivating books I have read. Just as you think things go it takes a drastic turn. I enjoyed the detail in which I was brought into the scenes.
This is one of the most captivating books I have read. Just as you think things go it takes a drastic turn. I enjoyed the detail in which I was brought into the scenes.
March 23, 2025
Heiress
Emotional reading. Relatable story. Janet Dailey as always has written a powerful story as only she is able to do. One of my favorites.
Emotional reading. Relatable story. Janet Dailey as always has written a powerful story as only she is able to do. One of my favorites.
July 1, 2025
80s trashy romance but I could not put it down. The drama, the romance, the horses, the really dumb men and petty women. It’s a guilty pleasure.
February 27, 2017
Great book! I loved the setting of Arabian horse farms. The story gives lots to think about of how hate can destroy what really matters most in life--family! Thoroughly enjoyed this book ❣️
February 24, 2017
I'm still not sure what I think about this book...I liked it, and it kept me interested for days. It was well written, and explored the foibles we all have. I think it was a book in which I will enjoy the journey more than the destination...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews