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Sweet Valley Twins #24
Jumping to Conclusions
Impossible...but could it be true?
Elizabeth Wakefield thinks that her twin sister, Jessica, must be wrong: their very own mother in love with a strange man? There's no way it could be true. But how else can they explain all of Mom's hushed phone calls and her mysterious trips out? Even their brother, Steve, spotted Mom having a fancy lunch with a very handsome and rich-looking man!
Now, even Elizabeth is beginning to believe the worst. There's only one way to find out the truth, but they'll need the help f their friends. Can they round up the gang and put the plan into action before it's too late?
Elizabeth Wakefield thinks that her twin sister, Jessica, must be wrong: their very own mother in love with a strange man? There's no way it could be true. But how else can they explain all of Mom's hushed phone calls and her mysterious trips out? Even their brother, Steve, spotted Mom having a fancy lunch with a very handsome and rich-looking man!
Now, even Elizabeth is beginning to believe the worst. There's only one way to find out the truth, but they'll need the help f their friends. Can they round up the gang and put the plan into action before it's too late?
150 pages, Turtleback
First published November 1, 1988
1 person is currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Francine Pascal
1,139 books1,849 followersFrancine Paula Pascal was an American author best known for her Sweet Valley series of young adult novels. Sweet Valley High, the backbone of the collection, was made into a television series, which led to several spin-offs, including The Unicorn Club and Sweet Valley University. Although most of these books were published in the 1980s and 1990s, they remained so popular that several titles were re-released decades later.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 8, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)
I picked up one of the Sweet Valley Twins novel at the library (before my strict read in order only rule) and fell in love with the California twins and their friends and family. I had just started reading thicker chapter books, and joining the library summer reading club, I went through these books pretty quick. I was excited that I could read and really fell in love with books and reading. I believe I was about 7-9 when I read these books so it was exciting to read about 12 year old popular preteens. I could relate to both Elizabeth and Jessica, and really could not pick which twin I liked better. I would not finish this series as I would quickly move on to Sweet Valley High (Double Love). These are very tame books, and any age could read them. First crushes and bullying were the big issues that I can remember. This is very Full House (TV series) kind of books.
***This is a series review***
(Review Not on Blog)
I picked up one of the Sweet Valley Twins novel at the library (before my strict read in order only rule) and fell in love with the California twins and their friends and family. I had just started reading thicker chapter books, and joining the library summer reading club, I went through these books pretty quick. I was excited that I could read and really fell in love with books and reading. I believe I was about 7-9 when I read these books so it was exciting to read about 12 year old popular preteens. I could relate to both Elizabeth and Jessica, and really could not pick which twin I liked better. I would not finish this series as I would quickly move on to Sweet Valley High (Double Love). These are very tame books, and any age could read them. First crushes and bullying were the big issues that I can remember. This is very Full House (TV series) kind of books.
***This is a series review***
September 4, 2016
I Loved All the books. But Can't Stand Jessica. I think the girls should of got in trouble for being Noisy in adults lives and business. they needed to mind their own and be kids.
January 17, 2016
The students in the class are doing a Living History project where they will be asking relatives questions about family history. Elizabeth's parents are very busy and neither she nor Jessica seem to have a chance to ask them their questions.
Things turn bad when Jessica thinks their mother is starting to see a handsome man. Before long Elizabeth and Steven both believe her as the evidence seems to be strong. They try to work out some schemes that can get the guy to thinking that all three kids are out of control and their mother is not a good one.
They don't want their parents to break up, of course. The question is, are their parents breaking up, or is there a perfectly rational answer for what seems to be their mother falling for another man. A cute story.
Things turn bad when Jessica thinks their mother is starting to see a handsome man. Before long Elizabeth and Steven both believe her as the evidence seems to be strong. They try to work out some schemes that can get the guy to thinking that all three kids are out of control and their mother is not a good one.
They don't want their parents to break up, of course. The question is, are their parents breaking up, or is there a perfectly rational answer for what seems to be their mother falling for another man. A cute story.
August 4, 2015
In this one, the Wakefield children believe their mother is having an affair, so like all stories with this trope, they humiliate their mother and almost cost her a high paying job because of their inability to just ASK HER
Jessica, at one point, says, "She's going to leave us, I just know it. She'll run off with some rich Arab!"..........................???????
Also, Jessica Wakefield is a sociopath
Jessica, at one point, says, "She's going to leave us, I just know it. She'll run off with some rich Arab!"..........................???????
Also, Jessica Wakefield is a sociopath
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June 22, 2024Jumping to Conclusions
It’s Ned and Alice’s 16th wedding anniversary and the twins are throwing them a party. Jessica comments that they’ve been so busy lately she’s going to have to start scheduling family meetings to remind her what they look like. Mr. Wakefield has had a big case, Steven is now always at basket ball practice, and Mrs. Wakefield has been busy with clients. Men clients. Jessica brings up one she saw her mother dining with at a restaurant a couple of days ok. Liz tells her to be fair. She never even asked her mother about it and she only saw her out with the man once. When her parents come home, they’re surprised. They forgot all about their anniversary. Ned makes a teasing remark that he guessed the romance is over. Jessica takes this seriously and later tells Liz she’s worried about her parents. Liz tells her not to. They’ve just been extremely busy.
“The Hairnet” gives a social studies project that Amy and Pamela complain about. They have to find someone to interview and then do some research about era or subject they discuss. They don’t really know anyone interesting enough. Then they start talking about how their parents got together. This leads them to them deciding to interview their parents to find out how they meet. Then they’d find other comantic couples in history and end the report with a love poem. Liz thinks this will be just the thing to help her parents. She can’t wait to tell Jessica.
Later she finds Jessica at her “thinking seat”. She says she heard Mrs. Wakefield on the phone. She says she was doing a lot of laughing for a business call. Then five minutes later the same man called. Jessica is nearly in tears. She says after the call Alice rushed out the house. She thinks she’s going to leave them and run off with a rich Arab. Liz says they should just ask about the call. Jessica says she won’t admit it. Later her mom says she’s working on a new account with a client from La. She says he’s very wealthy and has a huge home in Beverly Hills. He’s hardly there and calls in from his private jet. She shows them a picture. His name is Frances Howard. Liz and Jess can’t help be impressed. Alice says he’s normal looking but he has a nice smile. Then (as if he heard them) he calls. Alice takes the call in the other room.
Liz, Amy, and Pamela discuss their project the next day. Liz has already written up sample questions. Amy says she already talked to her parents. Their story went like this. They both got summer jobs at an amusement park. Her dad ran the loop to loop. Her mom took tickets at the gate. After the park closed, it was left open for the employees. They were seated next to each other on the ferris wheel. The ferris wheel got stuck at the top. Amy’s mom got scared and her dad had to tell her what the problem was. They see the full moon and by the time they’ve gotten back down they’re in love. They ask Liz if she’s talked to her parents and she says they’ve been busy. Since they’re at Pamela’s, they interview Mrs. Jacobson. She says it wasn’t love at first sight. More like third. She says she was in so much pain from spraining her ankle that she got from a volleyball game she was in with her sorority that she didn’t know how handsome he was. It wasn’t until he paid her a house call that she knew he was interested in her. Shortly after they were engaged and married. Liz hopes her parent's story will be just as romantic. Amy and Pamela says it will. Her parents are the perfect couple. Lz wonders if they are or if they’re just pretending for their sake.
Jessica is walking home with Lila when she sees a well dressed man and his limo outside her house. Lila recognizes him immediately as FranK Howard. Later, their father tells them her mom is working late and won’t be home for dinner. Her father doesn’t seem bothered by it. He’s more wondered about what kind of pizza they’re going to order. Liz wonders if he’s glad their mother isn’t with them. Jessica expresses her concern again. Liz reminds her that her mother told them he was just a rich client. Jessica said she forgot to mention he’s gorgeous a fact she didn’t want to share because maybe she’s in love with him. Liz says their dad wouldn’t let that happen. Jessica says he probably has no idea what’s going on (and won’t until it’s too late). Liz doesn’t want to hear anymore. Thankfully then the pizza arrives. Liz tries to ask her dad how he and Mrs. Wakefield meet but he’s distracted by a game that’s on. Mrs. Wakefield then comes home and says she’s exhausted. Liz asks her if she can interview her. She says yes but then when Liz and Jessica start the questions she says she’s too tired and she’ll answer the questions tomorrow. The twins have to remind her to say goodnight to their father. Both twins are horrified. Jess says they have to do something before it’s too late. They call Steven in for a conference. Then they fill him in on their mom spending time with another guy. Steven said he say them together the other day at a restaurant. He waved to them but she didn’t notice. The twins say they think their mom has fallen for Frank Howard. Steven says he thinks they’re crazy. Then they go on to tell him about his house. The twins realize that maybe she showed them the pictures because that’s where they’ll be living. Liz says they need a plan. Jessica says they should think of a way to scare Mr. Howard off by making him think they’re the worse kids in the world. Liz doesn’t know if she likes the plan, but Jessica and Steven are in agreement. Liz loves Steve and Jessica and couldn’t imagine them being split up so she agrees.
Alice has some designs that she needs to give to Frank so Jessica volunteers to go take them to him. Liz goes with her and they both dress tackily and make their hair look stringy with styling gel. Frank Howard is even more handsome close-up. He looks at them in shock when they come up to them. He says it looks like they’ve been doing yard work, but the twins sdays no that’s how they always dress. Theier mom designs all their clothes. They ask if he’d be interested in Alice designing them a suit. He declines politely and says he has his own tailors. After they leave he’s still staring at them dazed. The twins think that’s the end of him. But he turns up that night. Steven acts obnoxious and plays the music too loud. Frank has brought over the plans and Alice invites him to lunch. Jessica whips up her special spicy salad dressing that consists of (molasses, garlic, catsup, soy sauce, and chili peppers). He chocks. The twins says it’s their mom’s secret recipe and they have it every day. They offer to bring him so more but he practically rushes out the door (passing up their mom’s casserole). Jessica walks him out and says it’s a shame he couldn’t stay. Their mom is known for her unsual dishes and he would have meet their other brother half brothers and sisters from her other two marriages. They’re hoping this one will last. They watch his schoked expression and him speed off down the road.
Liz ends up telling Amy about her parents. Amy tells her sensibly a lot of parents get busy with their jobs. Doesn’t mean they’ve fallen out of love. Amy says her parents have to leave messaves for each on the refridgerator they get so involved in their work. Pamela suggest they take an ice cream break. She and Amy have finished their reports and looked up Romeo and Juliet. Liz feels bad she’s holding up the project but they tell she’s got plenty of time (a week). While at Casey’s they see her mom and Mr. Howard looking in a fancy furniture store. Mrs. Jacobson (whose with them) sees them and asks if they’re Liz’s parents and she explains that’s her mom and a client of hers. Mrs. Jacobson says it looks like someone’s following them. Liz sees Jessica in a trench coat and hat (holding a newspaper). She follows them into Brass and Glass. Liv makes an excuse that she was supposed to meet Jessica and rushes to the store. She warns Jessica they’re being watched. Jessica explains that she was home and her mother got a call. Jessica says she decided to follow them. From what she’s seen it’s not good. They’ve been shopping for silverware. When they look up they’ve gone into the jewelry store and are looking at rings. The ring they see she’s picked is beautiful (a sapphire with diamonds).
Jessica slips Liz a note at school to meet her that day in front of her father’s office (in her locker). She runs into Janet and she says they have a meeting about the service award for the organization that does the most good in the community. She’s been so busy thinking about Mr. Howard that she forgot. Jessica tells her she can’t make it, Jessica’s plan is to tell Mr. Wakefield. He’s surprised to see them. Liz asks about the case and he says it’s almost wrapped up and he thinks there going to win. He says he’s going to all take them to celebrate. The twins suggest he take his wife out for a romantic dinner instead. He says it’s not a bad idea and says there’s a little Italian restaurant he and Alice went to before they were married. Then he says he has work to do and sends them on their way. Later, the twins talk about the dinner. Jessica says it’s a good start but and Liz knows she’s about to be up to something. Liz makes her promise she’s not about to get anyone in trouble. Jessica pretends to be offended and promises he won’t.
The next day, Jessica goes to Mr. Howard’s office planning to tell him to back off. Jessica hears him talking to a lady on the phone that he calls “Darling”. He tells her he has the ring and he can’t wait to be together Saturday night. Meanwhile, Liz works on the family project with Amy and Pamela. She tells them she wasn’t able to get her interview finished. She says she might have to drop out of the project. Pamela tells her whatever happens they are all in it together. Pamela knows because Amy told her. Then Jessica rushes in and tells them what she heard. Jessica says she has an idea. But first they have to go get Steven. They tell him Alice and Frank are going to elope. They tell him their going to convince Mr. Howard getting involved with their mother is the worst thing he can do. After their parents go out, they’ll invite Mr. Howard over and introduce him to Alice’s ten children. Steven gets ten of his friends from the team to colunteer. The secretary thiks Jessica is Alice and says Mrs. Howard will be there at seven fifteen. Jessica tells the guys to put on the dirties clothes they can find.
Pamela and Amy join the group in ratty clothes and with oil on their faces. They all take the good furniture out on the patio and replace it with the tattered stuff in the basement. When Mr. Howard comes they make it seem like Alice is a drunk that has frequent memory loss. Some of the guys grab Amy and announce they’re playing a game of “Drop the Sister”. They say they’re going to take her to the roof. Mr. Howard orders them to drop her. Amy smiles at him gratefully. She’s missing teeth. Then they all start laughing. Mr. Howard realizes (and says) this is a prank and he’s not amused by it. The Wakefields (Ned and Alice) then appear in the doorway. Mr. Howard recaps what happened. Ned and Alice demand to know what’s going on but before anyone can say anything, a beautiful woman shows up (Karen Barkley). She’s his fiancé.
So, Jessica, Liz, and Steve had to explain. Mr. Howard thinks it’s hilarious! Even Mrs. Wakefield and Mrs. Wakefield have to smile. Mr. Howard says he can’t say he approves of their methods but he commends their determination. Not that many children would go as far as they did. Jessica asks why their back. They said the realized they forgot something. The best of their marriage has been them. So they came back to get them. Mr. Wakefield says they’ve realized they haven’t been spending a lot of time together and sometimes it takes a crisis to bring a family back together. Mr. Howard says they should leave but Alice to stay. Alice says Mr. Howard invited her to invite his main offices in LA but she turned it down. It would take up too much time. They all decide to have dinner together at DeSalvio’s.
Liz calls Amy later and tells her the story of her parents. Her father was in law school. Her mother was working as a waitress at Desalvio’s. It was close to graduation. Her dad and three friends had reserved a table to celebrate. It was her mom’s first-day waitressing. She pout the food on the tray and spilled it all over Ned. She ran into the kitchen and cried. Her dad said it was so awful it was funny. The chef made im go into the back and put on white pants and a shirt. Alice thought he looked cute. The chef said he owed Ned a free dinner and he asked Alice to join him. Liz says knowing Jessica she’ll have them go back every year and have Tony serenade them. Jessica over hears and thinks good idea. Liz, Amy, and Pamela get an A on their assignments.
My Thoughts
I guess I can kind of see how if you were married to a person a long time a 16th anniversary might slip your mind or may not be as crucial to celebrate as a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd anniversary. It’s not the end of the world as long as your partner stll take the time to celebrate big and small moments. That’s how I’ve always felt about that day in February. I said that had I ever had it spuse *that* day wouldn’t even be a thought because we’d show our love for each other every day and we wouldn’t need a “holiday” (in this case special day) to give gifts or other signs of affection. I hope I’d be the kind of spouse that *unlike Jessica) I would’t go off the deep end and think my partner was falling out of love or that they’d found someone new (and go jumping to conclusions). It actually is one of the many reasons I’m ok with not being married or being in a relationship. I’ve seen with my own eyes time and time again how people can go into a relationship (or a marriage) and be inserapable, but then as years go by they just get futher and further apart. Until they’re just together. I think the story would have been a little bid more interesting if there *was* a slight hint (just a touch) that Alice *was* attracted to Frank. Maybe they’d started out working together on Frank’s office, but then as they spend more time they started to talk more. Maybe Frank begain to notice how beautiful and talented Alice was. Maybe she was just a little bit charmed by the glamor of being with such a rich and powerful man. Maybe Frank could have tried to kick some game and for a minute Alice allowed it because she liked the attention. But in the end she decided when Ned asked her to the restaurant that her life was with her family and she couldn’t be with Frank. The twist would have been that it *was* what Jessica thought it was (Alice would confess this later) and not the opposite (and she was right for a change).
Rating: 5
It’s Ned and Alice’s 16th wedding anniversary and the twins are throwing them a party. Jessica comments that they’ve been so busy lately she’s going to have to start scheduling family meetings to remind her what they look like. Mr. Wakefield has had a big case, Steven is now always at basket ball practice, and Mrs. Wakefield has been busy with clients. Men clients. Jessica brings up one she saw her mother dining with at a restaurant a couple of days ok. Liz tells her to be fair. She never even asked her mother about it and she only saw her out with the man once. When her parents come home, they’re surprised. They forgot all about their anniversary. Ned makes a teasing remark that he guessed the romance is over. Jessica takes this seriously and later tells Liz she’s worried about her parents. Liz tells her not to. They’ve just been extremely busy.
“The Hairnet” gives a social studies project that Amy and Pamela complain about. They have to find someone to interview and then do some research about era or subject they discuss. They don’t really know anyone interesting enough. Then they start talking about how their parents got together. This leads them to them deciding to interview their parents to find out how they meet. Then they’d find other comantic couples in history and end the report with a love poem. Liz thinks this will be just the thing to help her parents. She can’t wait to tell Jessica.
Later she finds Jessica at her “thinking seat”. She says she heard Mrs. Wakefield on the phone. She says she was doing a lot of laughing for a business call. Then five minutes later the same man called. Jessica is nearly in tears. She says after the call Alice rushed out the house. She thinks she’s going to leave them and run off with a rich Arab. Liz says they should just ask about the call. Jessica says she won’t admit it. Later her mom says she’s working on a new account with a client from La. She says he’s very wealthy and has a huge home in Beverly Hills. He’s hardly there and calls in from his private jet. She shows them a picture. His name is Frances Howard. Liz and Jess can’t help be impressed. Alice says he’s normal looking but he has a nice smile. Then (as if he heard them) he calls. Alice takes the call in the other room.
Liz, Amy, and Pamela discuss their project the next day. Liz has already written up sample questions. Amy says she already talked to her parents. Their story went like this. They both got summer jobs at an amusement park. Her dad ran the loop to loop. Her mom took tickets at the gate. After the park closed, it was left open for the employees. They were seated next to each other on the ferris wheel. The ferris wheel got stuck at the top. Amy’s mom got scared and her dad had to tell her what the problem was. They see the full moon and by the time they’ve gotten back down they’re in love. They ask Liz if she’s talked to her parents and she says they’ve been busy. Since they’re at Pamela’s, they interview Mrs. Jacobson. She says it wasn’t love at first sight. More like third. She says she was in so much pain from spraining her ankle that she got from a volleyball game she was in with her sorority that she didn’t know how handsome he was. It wasn’t until he paid her a house call that she knew he was interested in her. Shortly after they were engaged and married. Liz hopes her parent's story will be just as romantic. Amy and Pamela says it will. Her parents are the perfect couple. Lz wonders if they are or if they’re just pretending for their sake.
Jessica is walking home with Lila when she sees a well dressed man and his limo outside her house. Lila recognizes him immediately as FranK Howard. Later, their father tells them her mom is working late and won’t be home for dinner. Her father doesn’t seem bothered by it. He’s more wondered about what kind of pizza they’re going to order. Liz wonders if he’s glad their mother isn’t with them. Jessica expresses her concern again. Liz reminds her that her mother told them he was just a rich client. Jessica said she forgot to mention he’s gorgeous a fact she didn’t want to share because maybe she’s in love with him. Liz says their dad wouldn’t let that happen. Jessica says he probably has no idea what’s going on (and won’t until it’s too late). Liz doesn’t want to hear anymore. Thankfully then the pizza arrives. Liz tries to ask her dad how he and Mrs. Wakefield meet but he’s distracted by a game that’s on. Mrs. Wakefield then comes home and says she’s exhausted. Liz asks her if she can interview her. She says yes but then when Liz and Jessica start the questions she says she’s too tired and she’ll answer the questions tomorrow. The twins have to remind her to say goodnight to their father. Both twins are horrified. Jess says they have to do something before it’s too late. They call Steven in for a conference. Then they fill him in on their mom spending time with another guy. Steven said he say them together the other day at a restaurant. He waved to them but she didn’t notice. The twins say they think their mom has fallen for Frank Howard. Steven says he thinks they’re crazy. Then they go on to tell him about his house. The twins realize that maybe she showed them the pictures because that’s where they’ll be living. Liz says they need a plan. Jessica says they should think of a way to scare Mr. Howard off by making him think they’re the worse kids in the world. Liz doesn’t know if she likes the plan, but Jessica and Steven are in agreement. Liz loves Steve and Jessica and couldn’t imagine them being split up so she agrees.
Alice has some designs that she needs to give to Frank so Jessica volunteers to go take them to him. Liz goes with her and they both dress tackily and make their hair look stringy with styling gel. Frank Howard is even more handsome close-up. He looks at them in shock when they come up to them. He says it looks like they’ve been doing yard work, but the twins sdays no that’s how they always dress. Theier mom designs all their clothes. They ask if he’d be interested in Alice designing them a suit. He declines politely and says he has his own tailors. After they leave he’s still staring at them dazed. The twins think that’s the end of him. But he turns up that night. Steven acts obnoxious and plays the music too loud. Frank has brought over the plans and Alice invites him to lunch. Jessica whips up her special spicy salad dressing that consists of (molasses, garlic, catsup, soy sauce, and chili peppers). He chocks. The twins says it’s their mom’s secret recipe and they have it every day. They offer to bring him so more but he practically rushes out the door (passing up their mom’s casserole). Jessica walks him out and says it’s a shame he couldn’t stay. Their mom is known for her unsual dishes and he would have meet their other brother half brothers and sisters from her other two marriages. They’re hoping this one will last. They watch his schoked expression and him speed off down the road.
Liz ends up telling Amy about her parents. Amy tells her sensibly a lot of parents get busy with their jobs. Doesn’t mean they’ve fallen out of love. Amy says her parents have to leave messaves for each on the refridgerator they get so involved in their work. Pamela suggest they take an ice cream break. She and Amy have finished their reports and looked up Romeo and Juliet. Liz feels bad she’s holding up the project but they tell she’s got plenty of time (a week). While at Casey’s they see her mom and Mr. Howard looking in a fancy furniture store. Mrs. Jacobson (whose with them) sees them and asks if they’re Liz’s parents and she explains that’s her mom and a client of hers. Mrs. Jacobson says it looks like someone’s following them. Liz sees Jessica in a trench coat and hat (holding a newspaper). She follows them into Brass and Glass. Liv makes an excuse that she was supposed to meet Jessica and rushes to the store. She warns Jessica they’re being watched. Jessica explains that she was home and her mother got a call. Jessica says she decided to follow them. From what she’s seen it’s not good. They’ve been shopping for silverware. When they look up they’ve gone into the jewelry store and are looking at rings. The ring they see she’s picked is beautiful (a sapphire with diamonds).
Jessica slips Liz a note at school to meet her that day in front of her father’s office (in her locker). She runs into Janet and she says they have a meeting about the service award for the organization that does the most good in the community. She’s been so busy thinking about Mr. Howard that she forgot. Jessica tells her she can’t make it, Jessica’s plan is to tell Mr. Wakefield. He’s surprised to see them. Liz asks about the case and he says it’s almost wrapped up and he thinks there going to win. He says he’s going to all take them to celebrate. The twins suggest he take his wife out for a romantic dinner instead. He says it’s not a bad idea and says there’s a little Italian restaurant he and Alice went to before they were married. Then he says he has work to do and sends them on their way. Later, the twins talk about the dinner. Jessica says it’s a good start but and Liz knows she’s about to be up to something. Liz makes her promise she’s not about to get anyone in trouble. Jessica pretends to be offended and promises he won’t.
The next day, Jessica goes to Mr. Howard’s office planning to tell him to back off. Jessica hears him talking to a lady on the phone that he calls “Darling”. He tells her he has the ring and he can’t wait to be together Saturday night. Meanwhile, Liz works on the family project with Amy and Pamela. She tells them she wasn’t able to get her interview finished. She says she might have to drop out of the project. Pamela tells her whatever happens they are all in it together. Pamela knows because Amy told her. Then Jessica rushes in and tells them what she heard. Jessica says she has an idea. But first they have to go get Steven. They tell him Alice and Frank are going to elope. They tell him their going to convince Mr. Howard getting involved with their mother is the worst thing he can do. After their parents go out, they’ll invite Mr. Howard over and introduce him to Alice’s ten children. Steven gets ten of his friends from the team to colunteer. The secretary thiks Jessica is Alice and says Mrs. Howard will be there at seven fifteen. Jessica tells the guys to put on the dirties clothes they can find.
Pamela and Amy join the group in ratty clothes and with oil on their faces. They all take the good furniture out on the patio and replace it with the tattered stuff in the basement. When Mr. Howard comes they make it seem like Alice is a drunk that has frequent memory loss. Some of the guys grab Amy and announce they’re playing a game of “Drop the Sister”. They say they’re going to take her to the roof. Mr. Howard orders them to drop her. Amy smiles at him gratefully. She’s missing teeth. Then they all start laughing. Mr. Howard realizes (and says) this is a prank and he’s not amused by it. The Wakefields (Ned and Alice) then appear in the doorway. Mr. Howard recaps what happened. Ned and Alice demand to know what’s going on but before anyone can say anything, a beautiful woman shows up (Karen Barkley). She’s his fiancé.
So, Jessica, Liz, and Steve had to explain. Mr. Howard thinks it’s hilarious! Even Mrs. Wakefield and Mrs. Wakefield have to smile. Mr. Howard says he can’t say he approves of their methods but he commends their determination. Not that many children would go as far as they did. Jessica asks why their back. They said the realized they forgot something. The best of their marriage has been them. So they came back to get them. Mr. Wakefield says they’ve realized they haven’t been spending a lot of time together and sometimes it takes a crisis to bring a family back together. Mr. Howard says they should leave but Alice to stay. Alice says Mr. Howard invited her to invite his main offices in LA but she turned it down. It would take up too much time. They all decide to have dinner together at DeSalvio’s.
Liz calls Amy later and tells her the story of her parents. Her father was in law school. Her mother was working as a waitress at Desalvio’s. It was close to graduation. Her dad and three friends had reserved a table to celebrate. It was her mom’s first-day waitressing. She pout the food on the tray and spilled it all over Ned. She ran into the kitchen and cried. Her dad said it was so awful it was funny. The chef made im go into the back and put on white pants and a shirt. Alice thought he looked cute. The chef said he owed Ned a free dinner and he asked Alice to join him. Liz says knowing Jessica she’ll have them go back every year and have Tony serenade them. Jessica over hears and thinks good idea. Liz, Amy, and Pamela get an A on their assignments.
My Thoughts
I guess I can kind of see how if you were married to a person a long time a 16th anniversary might slip your mind or may not be as crucial to celebrate as a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd anniversary. It’s not the end of the world as long as your partner stll take the time to celebrate big and small moments. That’s how I’ve always felt about that day in February. I said that had I ever had it spuse *that* day wouldn’t even be a thought because we’d show our love for each other every day and we wouldn’t need a “holiday” (in this case special day) to give gifts or other signs of affection. I hope I’d be the kind of spouse that *unlike Jessica) I would’t go off the deep end and think my partner was falling out of love or that they’d found someone new (and go jumping to conclusions). It actually is one of the many reasons I’m ok with not being married or being in a relationship. I’ve seen with my own eyes time and time again how people can go into a relationship (or a marriage) and be inserapable, but then as years go by they just get futher and further apart. Until they’re just together. I think the story would have been a little bid more interesting if there *was* a slight hint (just a touch) that Alice *was* attracted to Frank. Maybe they’d started out working together on Frank’s office, but then as they spend more time they started to talk more. Maybe Frank begain to notice how beautiful and talented Alice was. Maybe she was just a little bit charmed by the glamor of being with such a rich and powerful man. Maybe Frank could have tried to kick some game and for a minute Alice allowed it because she liked the attention. But in the end she decided when Ned asked her to the restaurant that her life was with her family and she couldn’t be with Frank. The twist would have been that it *was* what Jessica thought it was (Alice would confess this later) and not the opposite (and she was right for a change).
Rating: 5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
This was an entertaining enough read! It's the Wakefield parents, Ned and Alice, 16th wedding anniversary. The kids (led by Jess of course) suspect Alice is having an affair with a wealthy businessman as she is spending more time working with him decorating his new office, when she is meant to be only working part time interior decorator. They set up a scheme to make the man hate Alice, but of course it backfires when he cottons on to it and it is revealed he in fact has a fiancé.
Side story is that Liz is working on a project with Amy and Pamela Jacobsen, writing a story on how each of their parents met, interviewing them, etc. Turns out Ned and Alice met while she was a waitress and he was graduating law school, and she spilt food on him at the restaurant. They have a dinner and fall in love. Awwww!
Side story is that Liz is working on a project with Amy and Pamela Jacobsen, writing a story on how each of their parents met, interviewing them, etc. Turns out Ned and Alice met while she was a waitress and he was graduating law school, and she spilt food on him at the restaurant. They have a dinner and fall in love. Awwww!
January 6, 2023
Ate these up in elementary school and middle school in the 90's.
Over the last decade (or so) was able to collect the whole series again. Every once in a while I'll pick one up again just to read for fun. Most can easily be read in one sitting. This one only took me 2 nights as I was exhausted before bed.
Overall a fun read. I like it when the twins team up together and form a plan of sorts. This time though, their older brother Steven joined in on the fun too! I found myself laughing rioutously OUT LOUD at a few parts too.
These books are so nostalgic and easily cozy, too! :)
Over the last decade (or so) was able to collect the whole series again. Every once in a while I'll pick one up again just to read for fun. Most can easily be read in one sitting. This one only took me 2 nights as I was exhausted before bed.
Overall a fun read. I like it when the twins team up together and form a plan of sorts. This time though, their older brother Steven joined in on the fun too! I found myself laughing rioutously OUT LOUD at a few parts too.
These books are so nostalgic and easily cozy, too! :)
August 4, 2017
Ummm, the story Alice tells here of how she met Ned is not at ALL how it happened. Did the ghostwriter not read their copy of The Wakefields of Sweet Valley?
July 25, 2023
If you know Sweet Valley Twins, you know exactly what you're getting lol. Jessica and Elizabeth think their mother is having an affair, so of course, they feel the need to get involved.
August 5, 2013
Synopsis: So the elder Wakefields have been very busy lately. You know the time when both were busy in SVH? Yeah, that didn't go over so well then. But here Ned & Alice aren't at each other's throats, and Jessica is just being stupid and paranoid. So what else is new? Liz and her friends have a Living History project due for Mrs. Arnette's social studies class. Amy, Pamela, and Liz decide that their project should have a romantic theme (how convenient). They will each interview their parents to find out how they met. Amy has the best story, because her parents met at an amusement park on the ferris wheel. Liz would like to know her parents' history, but Alice and Ned can't seem to find the time to tell her. Jessica collects growing proof that something suspicious is going on with her parents. Their mother is working on a huge project with a man named Frank Howard. He is from Beverly Hills, and the twins saw a picture of his mansion in Designer's Monthly. Alice bugs off how cute he is, but Jess and Liz can see clear as day that Frank Howard is a very handsome millionaire. With her parents being busy and her mom working with Frank, Jessica naturally assumes the obvious: affair! scandal!
Frank and Alice never do anything except talk on the phone and occasionally shop together, so there's not much to report concerning that. But the twins and Steven come up with increasingly bizarre schemes to get Frank to leave Mrs. Wakefield alone. Their main scheme consists of being so ratty and gross that it will scare Frank away. Not likely. What millionaire cares about some 12-year-old brats, anyway? The last straw is when Jessica confronts Frank at his office and overhears him talking to a woman and saying that they will elope on Saturday. Ruh roh. Once more Jess enlists the help of Liz and Steven for Operation Grossout. Their parents are out on a date (finally!) and so Jessica invites Frank over to scare him off once and for all. She has also convinced Mr. Howard that her mom has 10 kids total and some from previous marriages, so part of Steven's basketball team plays the other "siblings." Good lord. Obviously Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield come home in the middle of the date to find their house in shambles and more than a few extra kids. As Jessica comes clean to Mr. Howard, she realizes how ridiculous it all sounded. Instead of punishing the girls and Steven, Ned, Alice, and Frank laugh it off and all celebrate Frank's engagement (to a woman OTHER than Mrs. Wakefield) at dinner. Wow.
Alternate Title : "The Man from Beverly Hills"
Tagline: "Is Mrs. Wakefield hiding something from the twins?" (Answer: No. This is called "Jumping to Conclusions" after all).
On a Scale of 1-10, How Annoying is Elizabeth? 0.
On a Scale of 1-10, How Sociopathic is Jessica? 2.
The Big Deal: It's the 16th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield.
Lingering Questions: They said how Ned & Alice met in that huge SVH Magna addition about the Wakefields (the women's side of the family), and I am pretty sure it didn't involve Ned and Alice and a diner. Like, I know it was more spectacular. AND Alice almost chose Mr. Patman over Ned.
Cover: Good or Bad?: Jessica's face is kind of priceless. Her outfit? Kind of ridiculous.
Quotes from the Book: "Jessica paced back and forth on the grass in front of the tree. 'She's going to leave us, I just know it. She'll run off with some rich Arab.'"
What?
"'I read about [Frank Howard] in Faces magazine. Women go crazy over him but he's never gotten married.'" - Lila
Ooo sounds like George Clooney.
"'She could be at some restaurant with Mr. Howard right now, eating dinner by candlelight and planning how they're going to run off together.' 'Jessica,' Elizabeth cried out. 'Those things only happen in the movies.'"
They seem to happen quite frequently in Sweet Valley too...
Jessica: "'You're right. I'd probably hate it in Beverly Hills. I mean, they have so many stars and beautiful people, nobody would notice me.'"
AHAHAHAHAHA.
Moral of the Story: Perfect families don't split up.
Final Rating: 2 stars.
Frank and Alice never do anything except talk on the phone and occasionally shop together, so there's not much to report concerning that. But the twins and Steven come up with increasingly bizarre schemes to get Frank to leave Mrs. Wakefield alone. Their main scheme consists of being so ratty and gross that it will scare Frank away. Not likely. What millionaire cares about some 12-year-old brats, anyway? The last straw is when Jessica confronts Frank at his office and overhears him talking to a woman and saying that they will elope on Saturday. Ruh roh. Once more Jess enlists the help of Liz and Steven for Operation Grossout. Their parents are out on a date (finally!) and so Jessica invites Frank over to scare him off once and for all. She has also convinced Mr. Howard that her mom has 10 kids total and some from previous marriages, so part of Steven's basketball team plays the other "siblings." Good lord. Obviously Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield come home in the middle of the date to find their house in shambles and more than a few extra kids. As Jessica comes clean to Mr. Howard, she realizes how ridiculous it all sounded. Instead of punishing the girls and Steven, Ned, Alice, and Frank laugh it off and all celebrate Frank's engagement (to a woman OTHER than Mrs. Wakefield) at dinner. Wow.
Alternate Title : "The Man from Beverly Hills"
Tagline: "Is Mrs. Wakefield hiding something from the twins?" (Answer: No. This is called "Jumping to Conclusions" after all).
On a Scale of 1-10, How Annoying is Elizabeth? 0.
On a Scale of 1-10, How Sociopathic is Jessica? 2.
The Big Deal: It's the 16th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield.
Lingering Questions: They said how Ned & Alice met in that huge SVH Magna addition about the Wakefields (the women's side of the family), and I am pretty sure it didn't involve Ned and Alice and a diner. Like, I know it was more spectacular. AND Alice almost chose Mr. Patman over Ned.
Cover: Good or Bad?: Jessica's face is kind of priceless. Her outfit? Kind of ridiculous.
Quotes from the Book: "Jessica paced back and forth on the grass in front of the tree. 'She's going to leave us, I just know it. She'll run off with some rich Arab.'"
What?
"'I read about [Frank Howard] in Faces magazine. Women go crazy over him but he's never gotten married.'" - Lila
Ooo sounds like George Clooney.
"'She could be at some restaurant with Mr. Howard right now, eating dinner by candlelight and planning how they're going to run off together.' 'Jessica,' Elizabeth cried out. 'Those things only happen in the movies.'"
They seem to happen quite frequently in Sweet Valley too...
Jessica: "'You're right. I'd probably hate it in Beverly Hills. I mean, they have so many stars and beautiful people, nobody would notice me.'"
AHAHAHAHAHA.
Moral of the Story: Perfect families don't split up.
Final Rating: 2 stars.
October 24, 2010
I love the cover art of all of these books. They were always so cool to me...I wanted to own some of the outfits that the twins wore. I even got a sweater once that looked like one Jessica wore. Oh, the memories.
Read
January 10, 2023Once again, Jessica's wild imagination takes wing. She really should be the writer, not Elizabeth! This is one of those books where the issue could be sold pretty much immediately with proper communication, so it's a bit frustrating when that doesn't happen.
Read
June 4, 2009JEAR3-Pas
May 6, 2021
Loved these books as a child
June 22, 2013
I remember the cover just not the story.
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