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Fearless
Weaving a thread of suspense into her trademark powerful storytelling, #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels delivers a compelling new novel about a woman who learns that her new life may not be all it appears . . .
Anna Campbell is ready to take her first tentative steps back into the world after widowhood. On a singles cruise, she meets divorced professor Ryan Robertson, and the sparks between them are undeniable. Back home in West Texas, Anna and Ryan continue their romance, and Anna decides it's time for their families to meet.
Anna is delighted when her daughter, Christina, hits it off with Ryan's daughter, Ren�e. The two girls are close in age and have lots in common. Ryan's son, Patrick, is college-bound and somewhat aloof, but Anna feels sure they'll grow closer in time. She happily accepts Ryan's proposal, confident in the bond they've formed.
But the idyllic relationships Anna is hoping for are quickly thrown into doubt. Ryan and his children may not be all she thinks they are. And as the situation grows more desperate, Anna must reach deep within and draw on all her courage and self-reliance to fight for the family and home she deserves . . .
Anna Campbell is ready to take her first tentative steps back into the world after widowhood. On a singles cruise, she meets divorced professor Ryan Robertson, and the sparks between them are undeniable. Back home in West Texas, Anna and Ryan continue their romance, and Anna decides it's time for their families to meet.
Anna is delighted when her daughter, Christina, hits it off with Ryan's daughter, Ren�e. The two girls are close in age and have lots in common. Ryan's son, Patrick, is college-bound and somewhat aloof, but Anna feels sure they'll grow closer in time. She happily accepts Ryan's proposal, confident in the bond they've formed.
But the idyllic relationships Anna is hoping for are quickly thrown into doubt. Ryan and his children may not be all she thinks they are. And as the situation grows more desperate, Anna must reach deep within and draw on all her courage and self-reliance to fight for the family and home she deserves . . .
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2020
2547 people are currently reading
8375 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
421 books6,452 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 424 reviews
April 17, 2020
Predictable
I’ve read pretty much all of Fern Michaels’ books over the years. This one was formulaic and there are lots of gaps that need explaining.
First, the incident on the cruise...she was drugged but that was never addressed. Going to ER was made to be a big deal but test results were never mentioned. And she was so naive...just didn’t make sense.
Even the ending, Ryan’s disappearance isn’t even mentioned or explained...as if the ending was hurried and that part forgotten about.
And the way Mona spoke? Was this some kind of 19th century western? “If’n”? A bit much.
I’m disappointed...not a good read at all.
I’ve read pretty much all of Fern Michaels’ books over the years. This one was formulaic and there are lots of gaps that need explaining.
First, the incident on the cruise...she was drugged but that was never addressed. Going to ER was made to be a big deal but test results were never mentioned. And she was so naive...just didn’t make sense.
Even the ending, Ryan’s disappearance isn’t even mentioned or explained...as if the ending was hurried and that part forgotten about.
And the way Mona spoke? Was this some kind of 19th century western? “If’n”? A bit much.
I’m disappointed...not a good read at all.
May 9, 2020
I’m feeling generous so I’ll say 2 1/2 stars. Anna was such an idiot that I never had any sympathy for her. The entire “relationship” was just weird and unbelievable from the very beginning.
April 24, 2020
Not sure how this book has such high ratings. It was predictable from the beginning. How did Anne not know she had been slipped a roofie on the cruise. Then to contact him like it was nothing afterword. She said several times it was not like her to have random hookups, but the fact that she didn’t remember it at all didn’t cause a panic in this self made millionaire. She was apparently do business savvy she went to living on the edge to a millionaire in just a few short years, what like 11. Yet she couldn’t realize a man was playing her. I struggled to get through this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2020
Who recommended this garbage? I will find you.
November 6, 2020
3.5 / 5.0 stars
This standalone story was an interesting enough and suspenseful read. Unfortunately, the edition I read had a few inconsistencies among the details which I found off-putting. Having read a few of Fern Michael's stories, I did not find this to be her best effort. The writing seemed a bit hasty, perhaps from a tight deadline. Regardless, the story distracted me from the real world drama swirling around us during election week. For that, I am most grateful to Ms. Michaels.
This standalone story was an interesting enough and suspenseful read. Unfortunately, the edition I read had a few inconsistencies among the details which I found off-putting. Having read a few of Fern Michael's stories, I did not find this to be her best effort. The writing seemed a bit hasty, perhaps from a tight deadline. Regardless, the story distracted me from the real world drama swirling around us during election week. For that, I am most grateful to Ms. Michaels.
August 15, 2020
This was awful.
The storyline jumped all over in time, and was extremely hard to follow. The characters were flat, one dimensional; the depiction of someone having anxiety attacks as a Xanax popper who was ashamed of needing pills was insulting; and the entire story was predictable and....dull.
Oh! There's a stalker! But there's absolutely no backstory!
Oh! THere's borderline offensive stereotypical twangy "housekeepers"
Oh! Look! Another bad guy!
Oh! Look! Yet another bad guy!
I've read Fern Michaels before, and I don't expect Nobel Prize lit, but this was just.....bad.
The storyline jumped all over in time, and was extremely hard to follow. The characters were flat, one dimensional; the depiction of someone having anxiety attacks as a Xanax popper who was ashamed of needing pills was insulting; and the entire story was predictable and....dull.
Oh! There's a stalker! But there's absolutely no backstory!
Oh! THere's borderline offensive stereotypical twangy "housekeepers"
Oh! Look! Another bad guy!
Oh! Look! Yet another bad guy!
I've read Fern Michaels before, and I don't expect Nobel Prize lit, but this was just.....bad.
June 26, 2020
What a waste of my time! Usually I really enjoy this author. Not so this time.
There were a number of times when the reader has no idea what is going on because we are not told who Anna is interacting with.
The whole singles cruise thing was ridiculous - i wondered if even the butler gave her something that made her feel loopy. If not him then Ryan and the author never addresses this at all.
Why would anyone in there right mind take up with Ryan after she got home. Ryan and his family were nutso! Lots of things left unexplained. I will stick with the sisterhood books thank you very much - although it is time for that series to end. It is getting old!
There were a number of times when the reader has no idea what is going on because we are not told who Anna is interacting with.
The whole singles cruise thing was ridiculous - i wondered if even the butler gave her something that made her feel loopy. If not him then Ryan and the author never addresses this at all.
Why would anyone in there right mind take up with Ryan after she got home. Ryan and his family were nutso! Lots of things left unexplained. I will stick with the sisterhood books thank you very much - although it is time for that series to end. It is getting old!
March 28, 2020
OMG what craziness did I just read????!!!!!!! The evil in this book is just insane & in my past reading experience not Fern Michaels sweet, innocent norm. This book was so good that I read it in one day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow is an understatement!!!!!!! Trust me you need to read this book if you love thrillers w/some evil characters but also some lovable ones mixed in!!!!!!!! Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for my honest review
June 3, 2020
The book started out slow for me. Started to finally get interesting about halfway through.
A good mystery story.
A good mystery story.
August 17, 2020
Fern Michaels throws a bit of suspense into this story -- just enough to keep you wondering what is really going on. Otherwise, nothing spectacular but it was a good read. 6 out of 10.
March 13, 2022
Once again Fern Michaels has put out senseless garbage, though this one might be garbage plus. It did have me going for a while - in suspense wondering when the plot was going to unfold. But in the end, I just cannot give it more than one star. Here are my problems with the book:
- The foreshadowing wasn't necessary. Not like there was a big reveal in the end.
- The extra "stalker" made no contribution to the plot. Why he showed up in the hospital room is a mystery. Why was he even in the story?
- For someone who made millions on You Tube, Anne was clueless and insecure. She ran away from a cruise because she had sex? Please.
- Anne was obviously drugged on the cruise yet this plot twist remained open.
- The whole plot led up to Ryan being the bad guy. There is no explanation to all the creepy bad-guy foreshadowing, like the fact that the author alluded to him drugging Anne, yet that was left unexplained.
- Why was Christine afraid to go home? That was repeated several times but never addressed.
- The Title: Who was Fearless? Not Anne. She had panic attacks. Not Christine. She was afraid to go home from the hospital. Who was the fearless hero?
I've kept reading Fern Michaels as research because I'm wanting to write a book and it encourages me that she can make millions cranking out this garbage.
- The foreshadowing wasn't necessary. Not like there was a big reveal in the end.
- The extra "stalker" made no contribution to the plot. Why he showed up in the hospital room is a mystery. Why was he even in the story?
- For someone who made millions on You Tube, Anne was clueless and insecure. She ran away from a cruise because she had sex? Please.
- Anne was obviously drugged on the cruise yet this plot twist remained open.
- The whole plot led up to Ryan being the bad guy. There is no explanation to all the creepy bad-guy foreshadowing, like the fact that the author alluded to him drugging Anne, yet that was left unexplained.
- Why was Christine afraid to go home? That was repeated several times but never addressed.
- The Title: Who was Fearless? Not Anne. She had panic attacks. Not Christine. She was afraid to go home from the hospital. Who was the fearless hero?
I've kept reading Fern Michaels as research because I'm wanting to write a book and it encourages me that she can make millions cranking out this garbage.
February 16, 2020
What a tangled web we weave.... This book is one mass of shockwave after shockwave and at any moment I expected the sisters (another of Michaels' series) to pop in here. Interesting characters, new ways of shock and awe. They all fill this book from front to back.
While I enjoy reading all of what this author writes this wasn't my favorite one, too many missed connections.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I enjoy reading all of what this author writes this wasn't my favorite one, too many missed connections.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2020
This was not one of my favorite Fern Michael’s book. The main character had too many hang ups. The description of the books was also misleading, unless I slept thru some of the pages, it stated that Ryan proposed and she accepted...where was that part? Too many issues were left hanging that I would have liked to know if they were true, still alive, etc! I’m on a rant now so I will say that I will read more of her books....just not happy with this one. 🤗
December 9, 2020
I've read most of Fern Michaels' books. This one is by far my least favorite. The story is extremely disjointed and highly unbelievable. Why would Anna even consider a relationship with Ryan after the cruise encounter? The stalker appears in a random scene, when she says the name I have to go back and look to see who it is or just wonder who it might be. Hope the next one is better.
November 13, 2020
I hadn’t read Fern Michaels in a very long time...I won’t be reading this author again anytime soon.
August 28, 2020
I have a memory of reading and enjoying many Fern Michaels books every summer. I'm disappointed that it appears those days are over. This book reads as if written by a complete novice, chock-full of every mistake and misstep calculated to lose a reader's attention--excessive back story that adds nothing to the story, overzealous explanation, stage direction, and worst of all a constant sense that she doesn't believe the reader is intelligent enough to get the hints she's dropping, so "as if" appears seemingly every other word. Add to that a couple of giant plot holes (how does she never figure outt she's been roofied, for crying out loud?) and a protagonist who is supposedly a self-made woman but appears to be extraordinarily clueless and gullible, if not downright stupid, and I'm surprised I got through to the end of the book. Oh, and one more note--I picked this up at the library based on the jacket notes and this might be the first time that those were a complete lie. The story in no way resembled what was put forth. All in all, a letdown from an author I once loved.
December 31, 2021
A bit of a stretch. Very hard to believe that Anna went from poor, grieving, alone in the world young mom to "money doesn't matter" successful wealthy in 11 years. And then is SO incredibly dumb, doesn't realize she's been drugged, cannot see the warming signs in this relationship. 🤯 mind blowing 🤯
The stalker angle seemed a little out of the blue / not really relevant to the overall story (and had no set up, just flung in suddenly at points in the story - then there were 2 stalkers, maybe ????)
The whole ending/ wrap up seemed very fast / rushed; just a couple of chapters that were only a couple of pages each.
The stalker angle seemed a little out of the blue / not really relevant to the overall story (and had no set up, just flung in suddenly at points in the story - then there were 2 stalkers, maybe ????)
The whole ending/ wrap up seemed very fast / rushed; just a couple of chapters that were only a couple of pages each.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2020
I overall enjoyed this book. I loved all the twist and turns! To be completely honest ; the beginning was hard to get through. Just not enough detail. I was going to be done with it but had about 10 more minutes on my break and decided to continue reading and couldn't put it down! I just wish there was more. More chapters, more detail and more questioned answered...it felt rushed at the end. Overall, good.
July 3, 2021
1.5 stars bumped up to 2. What did I think? I think I would not try another by Michaels. I had enjoyed some of the earlier Sisterhood series until they became old in my mind. When I saw this book (not one of the Sisterhood), I thought it it sounded pretty good but it was NOT. Too many unanswered questions, too many unbelievable scenarios, and a rush job at the end to put a bow on the book and and send it off to the editor...
March 8, 2020
Thank you Goodreads for the ARC of Fearless. I really liked this book but had a hard time with the rating. This book could have been so much more. The characters and plots could have been developed into a very engrossing novel instead of reading like a short story. This book comes out in April. If you are looking for a light, easy, interesting read, this is it.
July 29, 2024
Anna was Pretty stupid.. . But it was fine to pass the time.. It's not like I had anything else to do... If you are social distancing right now and looking for a fine read choose this one...
The ending of the book.. ended with a recipe!
The ending of the book.. ended with a recipe!
January 19, 2021
I admit I didnt really finish this book. It jumped all over the place and eventually made no sense at all. Very disappointing.
August 31, 2021
This book was definitely great. From a sense of fear to falling inlove with a psycho and his kids. A must read.
Always trust your instincts
Always trust your instincts
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2020
OMG what craziness did I just read????!!!!!!! The evil in this book is just insane & in my past reading experience not Fern Michaels sweet, innocent norm. This book was so good that I read it in one day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow is an understatement!!!!!!! Trust me you need to read this book if you love thrillers w/some evil characters but also some lovable ones mixed in!!!!!!!! Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for my honest review
March 26, 2020
This was an enjoyable read. I sometimes got irritated with the heroine (hence the 4 stars) but all in all I enjoyed the book. 😊
May 12, 2020
This was a quick and enjoyable read. The plot had some twists that were surprising, although some of the storyline was not quite as developed as it could have been. But it was an interesting take on how easily a person who has been alone for a long time can be dazzled and duped. I did receive an ARC of this book and appreciate it very much!
February 11, 2023
Creepy.
June 14, 2021
Not my most favorite of Fern Michael’s books since the story had many gaps in it and could have had better character development.
March 29, 2020
this was really a great book with many twists and turns and a great ending
i have always been a fern micheals fan and this book does not disappoint
i have always been a fern micheals fan and this book does not disappoint
April 15, 2023
First time reading this author. I was impressed and I could not put it down. It was full of family drama. I loved it. Will be reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 424 reviews