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The Future Scrolls
For the first time in paperback--New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels presents the compelling tale of two strangers thrown together in a desperate race to save an innocent child. . .
THE FUTURE SCROLLS
To Manhattan editor Dani Arnold, it might have sounded like something out of a novel. But when she impulsively comes to the aid of a lost child, she finds herself plunged into a mystery more dangerous than anything on the city streets--with an enigmatic stranger who threatens everything she believes in. . .yet fascinates her in a way no other man ever has. . .
Dr. Alex Mendenares will do anything to keep his daughter safe. Anything except reveal the potentially devastating secret that has been guarded by his family for centuries. But he never bargained on meeting someone like Dani Arnold, who instantly captures his little girl's heart--and lights an unexpected spark in his own. Now, against the most deadly odds, Alex must place his trust in a woman he barely knows. . .but would like to know much better. . .
Praise for FERN MICHAELS
"A fun read. . .will keep readers on tenterhooks." -- Booklist on KENTUCKY RICH
"A tribute to the author." -- People on PLAIN JANE
THE FUTURE SCROLLS
To Manhattan editor Dani Arnold, it might have sounded like something out of a novel. But when she impulsively comes to the aid of a lost child, she finds herself plunged into a mystery more dangerous than anything on the city streets--with an enigmatic stranger who threatens everything she believes in. . .yet fascinates her in a way no other man ever has. . .
Dr. Alex Mendenares will do anything to keep his daughter safe. Anything except reveal the potentially devastating secret that has been guarded by his family for centuries. But he never bargained on meeting someone like Dani Arnold, who instantly captures his little girl's heart--and lights an unexpected spark in his own. Now, against the most deadly odds, Alex must place his trust in a woman he barely knows. . .but would like to know much better. . .
Praise for FERN MICHAELS
"A fun read. . .will keep readers on tenterhooks." -- Booklist on KENTUCKY RICH
"A tribute to the author." -- People on PLAIN JANE
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
576 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
426 books6,523 followersFern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 24, 2009
I got this book at one of those stuff-as-many-books-as-you-can-in-a-bag-for-a-buck sales. I thought it sounded interesting, but was I ever wrong. I HATED this book. The dialogue was extremely awkward and came off almost foreign... like someone did a crappy job of translating it from Vulcan or something. And there was zero chemistry between the main character and her romantic counterpart... I almost hoped that they didn't end up together because they were just so wrong. I regret the space this book took up in my bag, even though I only paid a dollar for the whole thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2017
In addition to being a chain smoker and on her way to an alcohol addiction, Dani, our "heroine," is probably the stupidest person on the planet. She makes decisions throughout the entire book that make absolutely no sense (from taking a lost child home, to letting a child in danger of being kidnapped walk the streets of New York on her own). Our hero's actions are also incomprehensible to me. Alex leaves Dani in the blind most of the time. At times she can't even contact him. And wouldn't you hire a bodyguard for Maria? Duh! And the scrolls, although mysteriously important to our hero, are never actually discussed.
The saving grace of this book was Maria, an extraordinarily bright and level-headed eight year old. She's the pawn in the game for the stolen scrolls. But Alex (her father) and Dani (her rescuer and then nanny/protector) do not do a great job protecting the child from harm. Their lack of communication with each other in regards to their plans puts Maria in danger a number of times.
The romance doesn't make much sense and, frankly, I was hoping she'd end up with her male friend.
The saving grace of this book was Maria, an extraordinarily bright and level-headed eight year old. She's the pawn in the game for the stolen scrolls. But Alex (her father) and Dani (her rescuer and then nanny/protector) do not do a great job protecting the child from harm. Their lack of communication with each other in regards to their plans puts Maria in danger a number of times.
The romance doesn't make much sense and, frankly, I was hoping she'd end up with her male friend.
June 12, 2012
This book is a clear case of warping the world to further your plot. By page 22 I was already reading with raised eyebrows. The female main character sees a lost little girl in an airport and takes her home. In what universe is that the correct action? Why didn't she go to the front desk and have someone announce the her name and ask her parents to come and get her? Why didn't she alert one of the millions of cops and homeland security agents milling around the airport? Why didn't she just buy the kid a snack and wait with her? There are endless possibilities but instead she hustles the kid into a cab (without learning her name first!) and takes her away from the designated area her parents may be looking for her.
This and countless other inconsistencies make the book a flop for me.
This and countless other inconsistencies make the book a flop for me.
September 6, 2012
The book was okay. I don't really know what to say. It's something I could have written when I was ten. Maria is the ten-year-old and she uses grammar that's far more intellectual for her age; she speaks better than most my friends.
Alex and Dani seem to hate each other until the last three pages they say, "Oh I love you".
Really?
And all of the Aah, Awk, ugh!, stuff is a bit much. Also, I've never heard a character talk to herself so much. And there are pages upon pages of just what the cat does.
Uh, it was an okay book. I have read worse, but this is not something I'd recommend for others. Sorry.
Alex and Dani seem to hate each other until the last three pages they say, "Oh I love you".
Really?
And all of the Aah, Awk, ugh!, stuff is a bit much. Also, I've never heard a character talk to herself so much. And there are pages upon pages of just what the cat does.
Uh, it was an okay book. I have read worse, but this is not something I'd recommend for others. Sorry.
July 29, 2018
Stilted and Dull
Same cadence of speech as in Sisterhood series. Who in the world talks like this? I feel the main character smells like an ashtray and no flow in the story. Jumps from one idea to another. One of MS Michaels worst attempts
Same cadence of speech as in Sisterhood series. Who in the world talks like this? I feel the main character smells like an ashtray and no flow in the story. Jumps from one idea to another. One of MS Michaels worst attempts
February 11, 2016
The premise for this book sounded so good, but the dialogue was terrible. it didn't sound like it was written in this century. just not a believable story.
July 1, 2018
This was a rather odd book but it had a delightful ten year old girl named Maria who kept me reading. Her mother hated her from birth. Her father seems to place her worth behind the worth of illuminated scrolls handed down through the centuries from one male to another in his family. There is a ghostly monk named Gian who appears when Maria is in danger and Dani, a woman who inadvertently meets Maria and becomes her caretaker. Dani seems to drink a lot and is also a smoker. Her decisions are sometimes downright stupid, but she and Maria's father somehow fall in love even though they rarely see each other. Overall the story wasn't too plausible but it was a quick read.
July 24, 2022
Danielle “Dani” Arnold is sitting in front of the United Nations feeling sorry for herself when she sees a little girl sitting by herself on another bench. The little girl introduces herself as Maria Elena Magdalene Mendeneres daughter of Alexander Renaldo Mendeneres of South America. Maria had been sent to America by her Grandmother and was to be met by her father who did not show up at the airport.
Dani takes Maria home with the intention of finding her father and returning her but soon finds herself in the mystery of the Future Scrolls and the secret Mendeneres Monk.
Dani takes Maria home with the intention of finding her father and returning her but soon finds herself in the mystery of the Future Scrolls and the secret Mendeneres Monk.
May 7, 2019
I have a decent imagination and can get past quite a book. But a average citizen being able to use a credit card to open a door at the Plaza Hotel in New York City? No, I cant let that go. That wouldn’t even be possible at a Motel 6 in anywhere USA. There where so many things about this book that I just could not accept. Some books by Fern Michaels I have enjoyed, others not so much. This one definately falls into the later category.
August 27, 2025
I found this book on a shelf in my library. Not remembering it I decided to read it again(?). After having read it it’s a mystery how it got into my library and I’m sure I never read it again - it was awful
Simplistic writing, unbelievable characters and events, contrived story and dialogues to make you cringe.
However, I’m glad I finished it so that I know that this is an author to be avoided.
The book is no longer in my library, it went into the recycle bin for paper.
Simplistic writing, unbelievable characters and events, contrived story and dialogues to make you cringe.
However, I’m glad I finished it so that I know that this is an author to be avoided.
The book is no longer in my library, it went into the recycle bin for paper.
January 31, 2021
I've read almost all of Fern Michael's books and enjoyed most of them. Not his one. Very disappointed and would have given it only 2 stars but I liked the 10-year old Maria, so she earned the extra star. I paid $1.99 to download and read this story on my Kindle but felt really cheated at the poor quality of the work received for the money. Don't any of you waste any more money on this book.
November 17, 2021
The Future Scrolls
This was a little different than most of her books but a good read. It's about a junior editor all but jilted by her boyfriend. She takes him to the airport and stops for a cup of coffee and rescues an abandoned looking 10 year old girl which leads to a complicated situation with her father and estranged mother. Everything ends well.
This was a little different than most of her books but a good read. It's about a junior editor all but jilted by her boyfriend. She takes him to the airport and stops for a cup of coffee and rescues an abandoned looking 10 year old girl which leads to a complicated situation with her father and estranged mother. Everything ends well.
April 8, 2022
I enjoyed the overall plot and thought it had suspense. However, I didn't particularly enjoy the dialogue and characters. The dialogue felt childish at times and I didn't understand the relationship between Dani and Alex (one second they hated each other and the next they marry each other). I also wished the author explained more about the scroll's history and the consequences of losing them.
January 21, 2024
This book was a bit slow, but still good. Dani ends up taking care of this little girl named Maria, who is from Argentina. She is sent to New York by her grandmother to her father Alexander. In order to get something back that was stolen from him. For an older book, it was enjoyable and entertaining. Especially with Dani’s mood pertaining to Alexander.
January 20, 2018
The Future Scrolls are intriguing
The child in this book will steal your heart and will keep you wondering about her well being. There’s fun, mystery and romance that will keep you reading until the end of the book!
The child in this book will steal your heart and will keep you wondering about her well being. There’s fun, mystery and romance that will keep you reading until the end of the book!
April 10, 2019
This book has one of the most unrealistic storylines I have ever read. I’d have an easier time believing in the battles of Middle Earth than everything that this story’s subject got away with. Pure drivel.
March 8, 2021
Did Fern Micheals really write this book?
Very disappointing book. Plot seemed to be very choppy and not well thought. I have read numerous books by Fern Michaels and this was the first one I didn’t really like.
Very disappointing book. Plot seemed to be very choppy and not well thought. I have read numerous books by Fern Michaels and this was the first one I didn’t really like.
September 11, 2021
Lost in New York
Dani finds a small girl sitting on the bench in front of the United Nations. The child had arrived that morning from Argentina. Trying to protect her as best she could Rank takes Maria to her apartment.
Dani finds a small girl sitting on the bench in front of the United Nations. The child had arrived that morning from Argentina. Trying to protect her as best she could Rank takes Maria to her apartment.
Read
November 24, 2021Angelic protection
Dani takes a lost ten year old home and thus begins a caring relationship that involves Argentinean Alex looking for his daughter and for the stolen scrolls his family has been responsible for.
Dani takes a lost ten year old home and thus begins a caring relationship that involves Argentinean Alex looking for his daughter and for the stolen scrolls his family has been responsible for.
December 23, 2021
Not one of the author’s better ones
Plot was awkward and not believable. Characters were not sympathetic, main characters were caricatures, even the dialogue was stilted. Sorry but this was a bad read.
Plot was awkward and not believable. Characters were not sympathetic, main characters were caricatures, even the dialogue was stilted. Sorry but this was a bad read.
April 9, 2022
The Future Scrolls
This was an amazing story about money and greed as well as the life of a ten year old girl and her wealthy father. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This was an amazing story about money and greed as well as the life of a ten year old girl and her wealthy father. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
June 7, 2022
Surprise Direction
Strange beginning but it developed nicely into and interesting plot. It certainly catches your need to continue reading into the night.
Not a surprise ending. Good read though.
Strange beginning but it developed nicely into and interesting plot. It certainly catches your need to continue reading into the night.
Not a surprise ending. Good read though.
August 19, 2018
Liked this book!
December 12, 2020
Not very good
Read
August 27, 2021I loved it but it wasn't long enough and left you hanging.
September 29, 2021
Weird
Very weird book. Too much stretch of imagination to be believable. Did enjoy the 10 year old girl and her dialog
Very weird book. Too much stretch of imagination to be believable. Did enjoy the 10 year old girl and her dialog
October 8, 2021
The Future Scrolls
This was a wonderful book. Dana takes a child home with her and waits for her Father to find her. A story that is great starts there. Kit Ryan
This was a wonderful book. Dana takes a child home with her and waits for her Father to find her. A story that is great starts there. Kit Ryan
December 9, 2021
Very predictable throughout. A 10 year old (going on 30) runs the show!!
January 30, 2022
Too absurd. Unfinished.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews