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House of Secrets #2
Echoes in the Walls
New York Times bestselling author and literary phenomenon V.C. Andrews (Flowers in the Attic, My Sweet Audrina) presents the second book in the gothic saga of romance, class divisions, and the family secrets that began with House of Secrets.
The grand, gothic Wyndemere House is a labyrinth, containing as many secrets as it does corners obscured in shadow. Home to the Davenports, a wealthy and distinguished family, Fern Corey and her mother have lived there as servants for Fern's entire young life. Despite their difference in station, Fern and Dr. Davenport's son, Ryder, have always been extremely close. Which was never a problem... until they came of age.
An intimate encounter following a high school prom brings the pair near-tragic consequences, and the forces of fate, arrogance, and class prejudice gather to crush their warm relationship. Still, the real threat to their happiness is something no one can control: the past, and the unspoken truths that lurk there.
Fern and Ryder's parents suffer with empathy, they themselves caught in the emotional maze the house creates. When the slow revelations of Wyndemere's secrets finally unfold, everyone party to them will become entangled in a treachery more complete than any could have imagined.
For the past is never really past, no matter what age you are.
The grand, gothic Wyndemere House is a labyrinth, containing as many secrets as it does corners obscured in shadow. Home to the Davenports, a wealthy and distinguished family, Fern Corey and her mother have lived there as servants for Fern's entire young life. Despite their difference in station, Fern and Dr. Davenport's son, Ryder, have always been extremely close. Which was never a problem... until they came of age.
An intimate encounter following a high school prom brings the pair near-tragic consequences, and the forces of fate, arrogance, and class prejudice gather to crush their warm relationship. Still, the real threat to their happiness is something no one can control: the past, and the unspoken truths that lurk there.
Fern and Ryder's parents suffer with empathy, they themselves caught in the emotional maze the house creates. When the slow revelations of Wyndemere's secrets finally unfold, everyone party to them will become entangled in a treachery more complete than any could have imagined.
For the past is never really past, no matter what age you are.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 28, 2018
191 people are currently reading
1222 people want to read
About the author
V.C. Andrews
370 books9,111 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 46 reviews
August 29, 2018
Pretty good. No suspense but engaging. 3.5 Stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book is book two in a series and I was at the bit of a disadvantage as I had not read book one. However, as I moved through the story, the author did do due diligence on filling in some of the backstory to help me understand this book.
Focusing on the young adult, high school age kids, this story is a tragic romance with a bit of a interesting twist with the love interests. Tragedy and sorrow could be felt through the history of the home and the family, along with choices that had been made in the past.
While the story was interesting, the lack of suspense and easy to solve mystery surrounding the incidence and the revelation left the story a bit lackluster. I enjoyed the characters and the plot but felt that there was so much more that could’ve brought those missing elements into the book. I think I missed the part where the house became part of the issue… Seriously, read book one first.
A solid read with an interesting story made for a pleasant afternoon. However, there was definitely much missing from this celebrated author.
* advance copy received for review consideration
full review- https://amidlifewife.com/echoes-in-th...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book is book two in a series and I was at the bit of a disadvantage as I had not read book one. However, as I moved through the story, the author did do due diligence on filling in some of the backstory to help me understand this book.
Focusing on the young adult, high school age kids, this story is a tragic romance with a bit of a interesting twist with the love interests. Tragedy and sorrow could be felt through the history of the home and the family, along with choices that had been made in the past.
While the story was interesting, the lack of suspense and easy to solve mystery surrounding the incidence and the revelation left the story a bit lackluster. I enjoyed the characters and the plot but felt that there was so much more that could’ve brought those missing elements into the book. I think I missed the part where the house became part of the issue… Seriously, read book one first.
A solid read with an interesting story made for a pleasant afternoon. However, there was definitely much missing from this celebrated author.
* advance copy received for review consideration
full review- https://amidlifewife.com/echoes-in-th...
January 18, 2019
I’m going to first say that I have not read this book. I was in the bookstore browsing and the first author I always head for is V.C. Andrews. From a young kid, her elegant writing and tangled plots were always fascinating and now I own almost every book that was ever published under her name. Her ghost writer has put out some decent content that resembled her writing close enough, along with a few awful mistakes like the series with the vampires. I had this book in hand and I was headed for the checkout line when I decided to skim the first few pages. The back of the book showed promise, the typical foreshadowing of a family secret that will destroy dreams and hopes. Then I got to around the third page and read where the main character KNOWS she is related to the boy she is about to have sexual relations with who DOESN’T know they are related. I immediately felt nauseous and realized that all this book is, is an exact example of every stereotype I’ve ever heard about her books. Every time I’ve defended them, and could explain that the characters were unaware of their relations or were put through absolute trauma and neglect that let them to those decisions. This book is an absolute disgrace to V.C. Andrew’s writing and she would be turning in her grave. Dear ghost writer: quit ruining the books we all love and the spirit of a writer that some of us adore. Write under your own terrible name and stop disgracing someone else’s.
November 17, 2020
Another typical VC Andrews Ghost written book second in the House of secrets series.
This book was good but kind of slow.
I've been a VC fan since the very beginning so I feel like I have to read all these books.
Hope the next will be a little more exciting!
This book was good but kind of slow.
I've been a VC fan since the very beginning so I feel like I have to read all these books.
Hope the next will be a little more exciting!
October 2, 2018
Totally unnecessary book.
December 22, 2018
"I just......ugh." <-- Me. Reading this book. Look, I love V.C Andrews books, and even though every single one of the new novels in the last 10 years has left me with a feeling of disappointment and boredom that I can't even begin to describe- I'll probably keep buying them and reading them, as a collector, but I've all but given up on them ever getting better.
This book was just so.......boring. That's the problem. That's the problem with all of the recent novels. Like, I will never argue that any VCA book (even the originals) were ever like masterpieces of the written word- they were silly and campy with strange dialogue and questionable heroines with even more questionable decision-making skills- but they were never BORING.
This is actually the second one in this new series- I said in my review of the first book that it was still bad, really bad at points, but there were still a few interesting things that I was looking forward to seeing built upon in the next book. I thought that the sister (I forget her name) had a pretty interesting backstory being equal parts controlled/ ignored by her mother Bea. But nope- in this book she just out of nowhere becomes Bea 2.0 because I don't think the ghostwriter knows how to write a VCA book without at least ONE 'mean girl' trope to contrast to our lovable heroine. The first 200 pages of this book are so repetitive and boring- it honestly started to make me angry. Just 200 pages of....."He has amnesia, but I think I still love him.....but he's my brother....does he still love me? HMMMMMMMM." FOR 200 PAGES. It started to pick up towards the end which is the only reason I'm even giving it the 2 stars.
SMALL RANT/ MAJOR SPOILER- The biggest thing that pissed me off- the Dr.Davenport/ Ferns mother wedding in the last chapter. Came out of nowhere- meant nothing. I mean literally OUT OF NOWHERE. I know that they obviously had a thing at some point hence- Fern. But still- the author goes out of his way to repeat many, many times that they are friends and she's the house manager that keeps his life running. Was their sudden marriage supposed to be romantic? Am I supposed to assume the good Doctor just gave up and was like- "Yeah, I'll marry that? Why not? I've got time today." Then it hit me- that was supposed to be a TWIST. Ummmm...what? No. NO. Stop. Neiderman- you're embarrassing yourself (assuming it's even you writing these anymore and not some sentient Tumblr page with access to a word processing program).
There's supposed to be one last book in this series- everything was pretty wrapped up at the end of this book. At this point- it's out of sheer morbid curiosity as to what this last book could possibly be about that makes me want to read it. Ugh. I'm done. I'm going to go read something good now. Bye.
This book was just so.......boring. That's the problem. That's the problem with all of the recent novels. Like, I will never argue that any VCA book (even the originals) were ever like masterpieces of the written word- they were silly and campy with strange dialogue and questionable heroines with even more questionable decision-making skills- but they were never BORING.
This is actually the second one in this new series- I said in my review of the first book that it was still bad, really bad at points, but there were still a few interesting things that I was looking forward to seeing built upon in the next book. I thought that the sister (I forget her name) had a pretty interesting backstory being equal parts controlled/ ignored by her mother Bea. But nope- in this book she just out of nowhere becomes Bea 2.0 because I don't think the ghostwriter knows how to write a VCA book without at least ONE 'mean girl' trope to contrast to our lovable heroine. The first 200 pages of this book are so repetitive and boring- it honestly started to make me angry. Just 200 pages of....."He has amnesia, but I think I still love him.....but he's my brother....does he still love me? HMMMMMMMM." FOR 200 PAGES. It started to pick up towards the end which is the only reason I'm even giving it the 2 stars.
SMALL RANT/ MAJOR SPOILER- The biggest thing that pissed me off- the Dr.Davenport/ Ferns mother wedding in the last chapter. Came out of nowhere- meant nothing. I mean literally OUT OF NOWHERE. I know that they obviously had a thing at some point hence- Fern. But still- the author goes out of his way to repeat many, many times that they are friends and she's the house manager that keeps his life running. Was their sudden marriage supposed to be romantic? Am I supposed to assume the good Doctor just gave up and was like- "Yeah, I'll marry that? Why not? I've got time today." Then it hit me- that was supposed to be a TWIST. Ummmm...what? No. NO. Stop. Neiderman- you're embarrassing yourself (assuming it's even you writing these anymore and not some sentient Tumblr page with access to a word processing program).
There's supposed to be one last book in this series- everything was pretty wrapped up at the end of this book. At this point- it's out of sheer morbid curiosity as to what this last book could possibly be about that makes me want to read it. Ugh. I'm done. I'm going to go read something good now. Bye.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2018
Let me start out by mentioning this book was a really quick read for me. The book is nearly 400 pages and I read it late last night in one sitting.
CONS: The first few chapters spends way too much time recapping the first book, House of Secrets. Trust me when I say this, most readers who will buy Echoes in the Walls have already read the first novel, so they don't need a recap!! There is absolutely no plot!!! The main characters spends 3/4 of the novel debating whether or not she should tell her half-brother about their previous relationship. The rest of the story is Fern's quest to sleep with her boyfriend, Dillon, who happens to be one of the most horribly written characters ever.
PROS: Similar to previous books, Echoes in the Walls is written a little better than the last handful of V.C. Andrews titles. The narration and pacing is pretty decent.
Echoes in the Walls might be a slight improvement in the ghostwriter's writing style, but there's no reason why this book needed to exist in the first place. House of Secrets should have been a standalone novel, as there's no more story to tell. Besides from Ryder's memory problem, nothing important occurs. In the end, I didn't like reading Echoes in the Walls!!
Note: A third novel, Whispering Hearts, is scheduled to be released next year. Why????
CONS: The first few chapters spends way too much time recapping the first book, House of Secrets. Trust me when I say this, most readers who will buy Echoes in the Walls have already read the first novel, so they don't need a recap!! There is absolutely no plot!!! The main characters spends 3/4 of the novel debating whether or not she should tell her half-brother about their previous relationship. The rest of the story is Fern's quest to sleep with her boyfriend, Dillon, who happens to be one of the most horribly written characters ever.
PROS: Similar to previous books, Echoes in the Walls is written a little better than the last handful of V.C. Andrews titles. The narration and pacing is pretty decent.
Echoes in the Walls might be a slight improvement in the ghostwriter's writing style, but there's no reason why this book needed to exist in the first place. House of Secrets should have been a standalone novel, as there's no more story to tell. Besides from Ryder's memory problem, nothing important occurs. In the end, I didn't like reading Echoes in the Walls!!
Note: A third novel, Whispering Hearts, is scheduled to be released next year. Why????
December 20, 2018
I like all of V.C. Andrews novels. I don't care if the plot is almost always the same. This was the sequel to the book House of Secrets and although I don't remember the first one all that well, this book did refresh some of my memory on what happened in the first book and this book just continues where the first book left off. The ending of the book was a happy ending, which wasn't as surprising because all her books end the same way, especially the first to last book in the series.
February 12, 2025
This is the second book in the series. The saga continues with new twists and turns. Keeping the reader wanting to read more. Looking forward to the final book in the series
September 30, 2018
Pretty boring. Knew from the get go what was going on. No real suspense, no big climax.
Wish they’d stop using V.C. Andrews name to publish this crap.
Wish they’d stop using V.C. Andrews name to publish this crap.
September 12, 2018
The story of the Davenport Family of Wyndemere house continues with the aftermath of events that occurred in volume I of the House of Secrets series. The protagonists, Fern Corey and Ryder Davenport grew up together in the house though Fern was the daughter of the Housekeeper Emma Corey and Ryder, the son of Harrison Davenport, the renowned cardiologist of the community. All was well until they became teenagers and their attraction for each other was obvious but not addressed by Emma and Harrison until it was nearly too late. Wyndemere is a dark, atmospheric, seemingly reaching out to destroy lives with its secrets that reach into the core of the semi-combined family.
When Ryder is injured in a boat accident and incurs brain damage, Fern's ability to move on with her teenage life by pursuing a new relationship is hampered by her guilt and lack of understanding about hidden information about Ryder's condition. The menace from her step sister Samantha adds to the confusion and builds to a climactic event that resolves the story in a satisfying way. For V.C. Andrews fans.
When Ryder is injured in a boat accident and incurs brain damage, Fern's ability to move on with her teenage life by pursuing a new relationship is hampered by her guilt and lack of understanding about hidden information about Ryder's condition. The menace from her step sister Samantha adds to the confusion and builds to a climactic event that resolves the story in a satisfying way. For V.C. Andrews fans.
October 27, 2018
I was feeling nostalgic, had been talking about Flowers in the Attic recently and so I grabbed this out of the library. Yes, I know VC Andrews died 25+ years ago so I wasn’t expecting it to be anywhere as good but it was so flat - and boring.
December 3, 2018
The real V.C. Andrews is probably rolling over in her grave at what they've done to her name. I could barely get through it except it was so easy.
February 7, 2019
let's make a comparison... if V C Andrews is 100% whole milk, flavorful and rich...this ghost writer is at best skim milk, watery and almost flavorless...
I like my milk whole...
I like my milk whole...
July 21, 2019
I loved it.
February 4, 2025
Sometimes I read V C Andrews books and think I'm never going to read another as they are mostly the same. But then I read the next one in the series which makes me have to read the one after.
In the 2nd book, Fern and Ryder are facing the recovery of Ryder after his drowning accident and his subsequent anoxic brain injury. Ryder has lost his memories and Dr's have stated that it would be in his best interests to learn of his past slowly. Fern is unable to be 'normal' around Ryder as everything she does can be misconstrued as a way of her trying to get back the love that her and Ryder shared before they discovered they were brother and sister.
The younger sister, Samantha, who is spoiled and isn't called out for anything, is delighted to say how much she talks to Ryder and stays with him and how Fern doesn't to make Fern jealous, without knowing the reasoning behind why Fern doesn't hang out with Ryder much. Eventually Fern gets involved with a friend from school and meets a boy that goes to her school who she begins to like. This, coupled with her mixed up feelings for Ryder and Ryders own lack of memories about his life and his odd behaviours towards he and Ferns graduation picture, that he somehow got from Fern's room adds many complications into the daily life of of the whole Davenport family. Eventually this all comes to light and though not implied in this book, creates then next book of the series.
In the 2nd book, Fern and Ryder are facing the recovery of Ryder after his drowning accident and his subsequent anoxic brain injury. Ryder has lost his memories and Dr's have stated that it would be in his best interests to learn of his past slowly. Fern is unable to be 'normal' around Ryder as everything she does can be misconstrued as a way of her trying to get back the love that her and Ryder shared before they discovered they were brother and sister.
The younger sister, Samantha, who is spoiled and isn't called out for anything, is delighted to say how much she talks to Ryder and stays with him and how Fern doesn't to make Fern jealous, without knowing the reasoning behind why Fern doesn't hang out with Ryder much. Eventually Fern gets involved with a friend from school and meets a boy that goes to her school who she begins to like. This, coupled with her mixed up feelings for Ryder and Ryders own lack of memories about his life and his odd behaviours towards he and Ferns graduation picture, that he somehow got from Fern's room adds many complications into the daily life of of the whole Davenport family. Eventually this all comes to light and though not implied in this book, creates then next book of the series.
March 9, 2021
This book picks up right where the last left off.
Fern is dealing with the aftermath of learning all the truths about who her father is, and what that means about her relationship with Ryder.
Ryder, however, has no memories.
Fern is still trying to get rid of her thoughts about Ryder because they are no longer appropriate, but it's made harder because of Ryder's condition. He can't remember the accident or the revelations that came after. All he seems to know is that he has feelings about Fern and can't understand why she doesn't return them.
There is tons of drama in this book. I mean I get why Fern's parents tried to keep quiet about their little romance that wasn't technically a romance I guess, but all it did was make things harder for Ryder and Fern. If they would of known from the get go they were half siblings it definitely could of kept their feelings from blooming into what they were. What I didn't care for with this book was that Ryder's situation changed from the ending of the last book. In the last book he didn't suffer any problems from the almost drowning. He was told all the revelations, and him and Fern accepted their new relationship. At the beginning of this book we're told Fern hasn't even really seen Ryder since the accident, and that he left the hospital to go to a clinic for his memory loss. I mean it just was aggravating that all that changed. I mean I get needing to have something to write about in this story, but the first book should of ended with Ryder going to the clinic or whatever. I still gave this book 4 stars, but I think it should be more of a 3.5. I enjoyed the story in itself. Fern trying to get over all the revelations and try to keep her feelings at bay. I mean it technically wasn't the kids faults anyway. They never knew they were related or anything so the parents should understand it will take time to get over everything and try to turn off feelings. I also didn't like that Sam became such a brat. I guess I can understand that she was going through a lot too so, she would possibly act out, but her whole personality changed. She was a sweet girl in the first book that loved Fern and Ryder. In the second she became a self centered brat that wanted to torture Fern. I still plan to read the third book and this won't turn me off of future reads, but I seriously think the facts need to stay the same in the stories. I noticed this same thing in other book series that were started off by Andrews' and then continued by the ghost writer, not saying that's what happened here, I know the ghost writer wrote both of these books. But it aggravates me when you start a series and these facts are presented to you and then they completely change in another book. Or when someone's personality completely changes in another book.
Fern is dealing with the aftermath of learning all the truths about who her father is, and what that means about her relationship with Ryder.
Ryder, however, has no memories.
Fern is still trying to get rid of her thoughts about Ryder because they are no longer appropriate, but it's made harder because of Ryder's condition. He can't remember the accident or the revelations that came after. All he seems to know is that he has feelings about Fern and can't understand why she doesn't return them.
There is tons of drama in this book. I mean I get why Fern's parents tried to keep quiet about their little romance that wasn't technically a romance I guess, but all it did was make things harder for Ryder and Fern. If they would of known from the get go they were half siblings it definitely could of kept their feelings from blooming into what they were. What I didn't care for with this book was that Ryder's situation changed from the ending of the last book. In the last book he didn't suffer any problems from the almost drowning. He was told all the revelations, and him and Fern accepted their new relationship. At the beginning of this book we're told Fern hasn't even really seen Ryder since the accident, and that he left the hospital to go to a clinic for his memory loss. I mean it just was aggravating that all that changed. I mean I get needing to have something to write about in this story, but the first book should of ended with Ryder going to the clinic or whatever. I still gave this book 4 stars, but I think it should be more of a 3.5. I enjoyed the story in itself. Fern trying to get over all the revelations and try to keep her feelings at bay. I mean it technically wasn't the kids faults anyway. They never knew they were related or anything so the parents should understand it will take time to get over everything and try to turn off feelings. I also didn't like that Sam became such a brat. I guess I can understand that she was going through a lot too so, she would possibly act out, but her whole personality changed. She was a sweet girl in the first book that loved Fern and Ryder. In the second she became a self centered brat that wanted to torture Fern. I still plan to read the third book and this won't turn me off of future reads, but I seriously think the facts need to stay the same in the stories. I noticed this same thing in other book series that were started off by Andrews' and then continued by the ghost writer, not saying that's what happened here, I know the ghost writer wrote both of these books. But it aggravates me when you start a series and these facts are presented to you and then they completely change in another book. Or when someone's personality completely changes in another book.
January 28, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the House Of Secrets Series again.
This book continues to follow the complex relationship and forbidden love between Fern and Ryder.
We see that the accident they both had affected Ryders memory to the point he has to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
We see Fern trying to accept their sibling relationship and move forward in life and forge new relationships.
We get to see Fern learn about her own body and the feelings that arise when she enters a new relationship.
We see the family dynamic change and learn that even hidden truths can put to rest.
This book continues to follow the complex relationship and forbidden love between Fern and Ryder.
We see that the accident they both had affected Ryders memory to the point he has to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
We see Fern trying to accept their sibling relationship and move forward in life and forge new relationships.
We get to see Fern learn about her own body and the feelings that arise when she enters a new relationship.
We see the family dynamic change and learn that even hidden truths can put to rest.
September 7, 2020
I found this book to repeat to much of the previous book to the point you would not have to read it. I enjoyed the first book more and this book was not needed in my opinion maybe the last two chapters added on to the previous one. I do normally enjoy Virginia Andrews as they are familiar read and love her descriptive writing of the character mansions and her out dated narrative i find a interesting read.
September 2, 2021
I wouldn’t have thought it was possible to repeat the same thing over and over enough to make an entire book out of it but it’s been done! I have steadfastly refused to read any book by VC Andrews since she passed away because they AREN’T by her. I was low on books so I picked this one up at the library. I see I haven’t missed anything all these years and I’ll go back to my ban of pseudo VC Andrews.
August 21, 2025
WOW
What a lovely book. Teenagers perils and young love can twist you every way possible. It may even break you, especially when long kept secrets are revealed. Ones that can break a young, fragile mind. This story has so many feelings, as well as twists and turns. Fern and Ryder have so much to look forward to until a long kept secret is revealed. They then have to deal with it in their own way.Where will it take them? Read these two books and find out!
What a lovely book. Teenagers perils and young love can twist you every way possible. It may even break you, especially when long kept secrets are revealed. Ones that can break a young, fragile mind. This story has so many feelings, as well as twists and turns. Fern and Ryder have so much to look forward to until a long kept secret is revealed. They then have to deal with it in their own way.Where will it take them? Read these two books and find out!
August 21, 2025
What a lovely book. Teenagers perils and young love can twist you every way possible. It may even break you, especially when long kept secrets are revealed. Ones that can break a young, fragile mind. This story has so many feelings, as well as twists and turns. Fern and Ryder have so much to look forward to until a long kept secret is revealed. They then have to deal with it in their own way.Where will it take them? Read these two books and find out!
July 10, 2019
I enjoyed this book. I used to be a big fan of this author, but lost interest several years ago after reading too many with similar stories. After a break, I enjoyed this one. I also have House of Secrets which I should have read first but will read next, out of sequence. It will still complete the facts.
October 26, 2024
Book 2 in the House of Secrets series was better than the 1st, mostly because the new character Dillon Evans was decently interesting. The epilogue rapidly ties up plot threads and character relationships - looking ahead to the description for Book 3 I now understand why as it is a prequel to Book 1.
If half-stars were an option, I'd rate this 2.5.
If half-stars were an option, I'd rate this 2.5.
October 18, 2018
Its a ok story. These use to be so good you could not put them down. Whoever is writing them now seems to just put out a story, and not keep with the Original V C Andrews way of writing. They are getting more and more disapointing. I miss the V C Andrews and her writing.
December 31, 2018
Book two in the series. A quick, easy read and one to take your mind off the stress of the holidays.
VC Andrews books never disappoint.
Young and old love, money and secrets. Ya know what all the good books are made of.
VC Andrews books never disappoint.
Young and old love, money and secrets. Ya know what all the good books are made of.
November 16, 2022
I enjoyed the first book but this book was just horrible! It felt like a different book since the storyline didn’t flow from one book to the next. It was short and a disappointment. It was definitely missing that VC Andrews vibe.
August 2, 2024
I just can't with the adults in this book. Ryder doesn't remember anything, OK. Lets NOT TELL him Fern is his sister. What therapist thinks this is a good solid plan?? The stupidity up there with Goosebumps adults and adds a "Hold my beer."
September 21, 2018
Wow, now this was a good ole VC style book. Fern is just trying to come to terms with a secret from the House of Secrets book one. Although, Ryder can't seem to let things go.
October 22, 2018
Awesome Book. I really enjoyed this book series. I enjoy V.C. Andrews books.
November 19, 2018
Spellbinding
Wasn't quite sure on how it was going to end. Was left sitting on the edge of my seat for the whole book.
Wasn't quite sure on how it was going to end. Was left sitting on the edge of my seat for the whole book.
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