The Umbrella Lady

Umbrella #1

by V.C. Andrews

An abandoned young girl finds herself at the mercy of a mysterious woman who is not quite what she seems in this atmospheric and unputdownable novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Flowers in the Attic—now a popular Lifetime movie.Left on a train platform in an unfamiliar village, little Saffron Faith Anders is certain her father will return shortly, just like he promised. She holds out hope even as the hours pass and the station grows dark. When a strange old woman with a large umbrella approaches and inquiries about her situation, Saffron doesn’t immediately trust the imposing do-gooder, but with the chances of her father returning growing ever slimmer, she agrees to rest at the old woman’s house. Her stay was supposed to be for a few minutes, hours at most, but soon, Saffron soon realizes she has been confined to a house of dark secrets and is now at the mercy of the enigmatic Umbrella Lady. One minute grandmotherly and the next wickedly cruel, she shears Saffron’s hair, burns all the clothes she had in her suitcase, and pretends that the photo of a young girl hanging on her bedroom wall is no one in particular. When strange letters arrive from Saffron’s father, claiming that he will send for her shortly, hope returns to her young heart. But Saffron soon discovers that those who claim to love you will often hurt you the most.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Horror, Family, Mystery Thriller, Coming Of Age

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2021

About the author

Books published under the following names - Virginia Andrews, V. Andrews, Virginia C. Andrews & V.C. Endrius. Books since her death ghost written by Andrew Neiderman, but still attributed to the V.C. Andrews name

Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.

While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.

Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.

After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.

Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.

Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.

Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.

Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.

Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by

Reviews

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

"...a lady holding a closed black umbrella with a silver handle...she was suddenly there, as if she had taken shape from a shadow". Saffron Faith Anders, nine years old, was sitting on a bench on a train platform, in an unfamiliar village. Her father had left her with a coloring book and crayons. "...work on this until I come back from getting a few things...". "Where was he?...I felt like crying...Should I just run up the road screaming for him?" The Umbrella Lady approached Saffron. "I'll be like your guardian angel. Who else but a guardian angel would have rescued you from a closed train station on a cold, dark night?"

Not wanting to stay at the train station in the darkness, Saffron decided it was logical to wait for her father at the Umbrella Lady's house. "...you mustn't be afraid of coming with me, Saffron. I'm full of good things as a jar of mixed jelly beans". The Umbrella Lady's house was "a real gingerbread house, orange-brown with a white roof".

"If your father doesn't come today, maybe he'll come tomorrow, but you shouldn't worry. Your room is ready for you...When you're with me for a while,...you will grow older quickly. There is no baby time...for someone left at a train station". Why was there a little girl's room replete with brand new soft pajamas, atop a white, four poster bed? The Umbrella Lady promptly discarded Saffron's travel bag of clothes and then proceeded to chop off Saffron's hair. Everything must be clean and fresh. "...weeks from now, you'll thank me...". According to Saffron,"I felt like I had fallen down a well, like Alice who fell into Wonderland, only I was still falling".

"Did everyone change into a different person? Why would those who claim to love you often hurt you the most...?" "Saffron soon realizes she has been confined to a house of dark secrets and is now at the mercy of the enigmatic Umbrella Lady...[who is] one minute grandmotherly, and the next wickedly cruel".

"The Umbrella Lady" by V.C. Andrews is ghostwritten by Andrew Neiderman. Not having read or viewed the "Flowers in the Attic" series by V.C. Andrews, this reader cannot venture a guess as to how this tome compares to Andrews's actual prior writings. That said, this reader had no preconceived expectations for this enjoyable read.

Thank you Gallery Books and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Giveaway Win!

2.5 Stars

This the first V.C. Andrews novel I've read that wasn't written by her. Andrews of course died in 1986 but her name continues to pump out novels.

I don't know exactly how I'm supposed to feel about this book. In my opinion it's not really a book. It felt like a prequel novella, I felt like the story didn't start until 50 pages from the end. I know that this is the first book in a series but it felt more like one of those free novellas on Kindle that are trying to get you to buy the rest of the series.

Would I read book 2?

Sure, but i wouldn't buy it.

The Umbrella Lady is pitched as a mystery but it's not. It's more of a coming or age story about an abandoned girl and the lady who cares for her. Had I known that before reading it I probably would have given it a higher rating because if you read as a coming of age story than its 3 to 3.5 star read. But since I thought I was reading a mystery, I was disappointed.

No rec.

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Rounded up. Not a bad read as it was probably done by a ghostwriter. A little twisty and wicked, but some parts were a little repetitive and slow going. I did keep at it as I was eager to find out how Saffron's story will play out. I will definitely continue with the second book.

[Vonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful easy read that flows quickly and keeps you glued. The words are a bit YA and flowery but the book is still super enjoyable and the mystery keeps you guessing. A relaxing read it is highly recommended.

[CYIReadBooks (Claire) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you start, you won’t want to stop until you finish. The Umbrella Lady will capture you, drag you in, and keep you mesmerized until the end, leaving you with wanting more.

Derick Anders and his eight year old daughter, Saffron are about to start anew after a tragic fire destroys their home, possessions, and Derick’s wife, Lindsey.

Left sitting on a bench at the train station while her father leaves to get refreshments and supplies, Saffron is left stranded until the umbrella lady (aka Mazy Dazy,) appears and convinces Saffron to seek shelter at her home. What is supposed to be a few hours, ends up to be years with the mystery disappearance of Saffron’s father remaining unsolved.

I really enjoyed The Umbrella Lady inasmuch as the character development of Mazy and Saffron is intriguing to say the least. Mazy the eccentric, Saffron the naive, and Derick the enigma. All of these characters play out well into a puzzle of a novel that will keep you guessing until the end. Full of plot twists and turns, it is a must read for mystery and V. C. Andrews fans. Five stars.

I received a digital ARC from Gallery Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, for a ghostwriter writing as VC Andrews, and being 40 years since she published Flowers In the Attic, the story did flow much the same as you’d expect an Andrews book to go. I will be writing a full review soon, however since I just finished I thought I would share my initial reaction as sometimes that is what makes the difference for me in whether to read or not read. I hope it helps you too.

The actual storyline kept my attention and the writing was solid. I both hurt for and was mad at Saffron which always makes me happy as it means I’m invested in the story. There is the end mention of an incest type relationship between brother and sister resulting in the birth of Saffron, however then it is debunked, yet you’re still left with that “feel.” I was grateful for it being at the end of the book. Truly ... the last few pages ... so if that’s a deal breaker for you ... I’d skip this one.

Otherwise ... strong storyline and I would love to see if she hops a train and finds “Daddy!” Over all 3.5/ 5 stars, I rounded up to 4 because I did enjoy the writing of the story. Happy reading my friends!

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a GR giveaway, and I was thoroughly prepared to be unimpressed because honestly, who is V.C. Andrews these days? Flowers in the Attic V.C. Andrews died many moons ago, and I know Andrew Neiderman wrote another 200 books (slight exaggeration) under that pen name, but he must be close to 100 years old now himself - is he really still writing books? Anyway, all of that played into my reasoning that this was not going to be an overly enjoyable read, but in the end, while it is not going to be a Pulitzer Prize winner, it actually kept my interest and didn't totally suck (which is more than I can say for a few thrillers of late!).

After a fire in which eight-year-old Saffron’s mother dies, her father informs Saffron that they’re moving to a new town. At a seemingly random stop along the way, he leaves Saffron at the train station, where she sits for hours before an old lady, Mazy, carrying only an umbrella, shows up and convinces Saffron to come home with her and wait. Oddly enough, Mazy’s house has a little girl’s bedroom filled with clothes that just so happen to fit Saffron perfectly. As days turn into months and then years, Saffron gives up hope her father will return, but on occasion, Mazy shows Saffron typed letters from her father. In those letters, he always has excuses as to why he hasn't yet come for Saffron. Life with Mazy, "the umbrella lady," is complex, as one minute, Mazy is almost grandmotherly, and the next minute, she is cruel - cutting off Saffron's hair, burning all the clothes she brought with her, and confining her to a house of dark secrets. Realizing she is at Mazy's mercy, she submits and resigns herself to her her new life. The two develop an odd co-dependency that takes a few interesting turns, most of which I guessed, but still kept me interested to the end.

The story is told in first person, which detracted a bit from the overall execution for me, as it's hard to have an eight year old girl narrate a story without the entire book coming across as YA. Even so, it was a quick read that I found hard to put down, as I wanted to see if I was right about all of the numerous pieces to the puzzle. The characters of Mazy and Saffron were actually somewhat engaging, and there was no animal cruelty or Freudian "flowers in the attic" type-relationships (save for one passing reference - but still pretty tame), which is always a plus. I didn't realize until the end that this is to be a series, but I read a snippet of the next book, and I would likely read it to see where Saffron's journey takes her. 3.5 better-than-expected stars.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and to V.C. Andrews (whoever you may be) for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an OK read- I got sucked in by the VC Andrews connection even though I know, as others have said, that these books are ghostwritten now and have been for years. It centers on Saffron, who is 8 years old and traveling with her father after the untimely death of her mother, when she is picked up from a train platform by an older lady who is claiming to be there to help her because her father has vanished.

This was an interesting plot that uncovered some secrets in Saffron's past and culminated in a couple big twists, one that I saw coming and one that was a surprise (though less so if you read a lot of Andrews' books). While the plot was interesting, the pace was rather slow, with many situations and conversations happening repeatedly throughout the book. Sometimes one conversation would take many pages and others times, months will pass in the same page. That being said, I wanted to find out where it would end up and what secrets would be revealed.

So, overall, decent read- not hugely memorable but not bad either. There was an excerpt for the next book in this new series at the end and I am interesting in reading it to find out more about the skeletons in the closet of Saffron's family. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jannelies (living between hope and fear) · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Flowers in the Attic was published, in 1979, it was quickly translated in Dutch and I really enjoyed the book - and later the other books in the series. I also liked My Sweet Audrina a lot. So, looking for something nice and simple to read after a series of dark thrillers.
Yes, it's nice and simple because we are only dealing with two main characters here. And yes, it did remind me of the original books. On the other hand I thought it way too slow sometimes, with all the raving and ranting Mazy does. There was more to the story and I would have liked the book better if this was worked out better and not saved all to the end - although I already guessed part of it.
It's a pity when a ghost writer absolutely doesn't live up to the original author.

[Jo_Scho_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eight year old Saffron is convinced her father will come back soon, but as she waits and waits on the train platform she begins to wonder. Then a strange old woman approaches her, brandishing an umbrella. She tells Saffron she needs to wait at her house while she awakes her father.

Years pass and Saffron is still with the Umbrella Lady. She is home schooled. No visitors come to the house. But she still hopes, and hopes, that one day her father will return.

I used to love Virginia Andrews. My first ‘grown up’ books were the Flowers in the Attic series & I continued on with many other series. I saw this book, randomly in the library so decided to give it a go. I have to say, I really quite enjoyed it. The style is exactly the same as previous books, it felt comfortable and nostalgic. It also had a decent plot, I was intrigued by the Umbrella Lady. What was her story? Of course in true Andrews style I’ll have to read about 4 other books in the series to find out.

And do you know what? I just might do that.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically same plot recycled again and again

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Umbrella Lady by VC Andrews was an odd book I thought. I have never read another book by this author so maybe a readjustment was required. It was told in first person but very much from a distance, almost as if she were watching her own life unfold without participating in it. Saffron was nine years old when her father left her on a bench on a train platform, promising to return. In the evening, the umbrella lady showed up and convinced Saffron to come home with her. They left her father a note. At first Saffron believed he would come. It was all so odd. They umbrella lady had clothing for her that was the right size, et al. After a long while they got a letter from him explaining that he could not come for her right now. Life went on. Eventually Mazy (the umbrella lady) sent her to school. She had never been before. As children can be, they were not nice to her. She was different and that never sat well.

Odd barely describes this story of an abandoned child. It was not about abuse or neglect, just a very odd way of behaving as well as telling the story. Gradually May opened up to Saffron, although she never told her the whole truth. Eventually Saffron came to accept this reality. She grew to love Mazy and settle into her new life. She never did really understand it all, until Mazy died and Saffron found letters. Even then, she didn't understand. I didn't love this book. I found it difficult to keep reading. I was bored, I guess. The characters were no particularly endearing and the description was cold. I may or may not try VC Andrews again.

I was invited to read a free ARC of The Umbrella Lady by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #theumbrellalady

[Barbara Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derick and his 8 year old daughter are starting over after a fire destroyed their home and takes the life of their wife/mother. Derick leaves Saffron sitting on a bench at the train station saying he’s just going to grab a few things to make their trip easier and then seems to disappear. After waiting and waiting for her dad to come back, a kind old lady comes and takes her to her house to wait for her dad to come back. What is supposed to be a temporary arrangement turns into years of living together under the umbrella lady’s (Mazy Dazy) guidance and care. Although she is comfortable there, Saffron always questions why her dad left her and when he would be coming back for her.
The characters were intriguing and the storyline flowed well and the ending resolves most of your questions about what led up to the life changing fire.
Easy read and a good mystery.
Thanks to netgalley for this arc in exchange for my review.

[Michelle Fairchild · Rating 1 out of 5]

I understand there are ghostwriters for any V.C. Andrews new book. However, I feel that the quality of the stories for a few new books has declined. The tone and captivating elements that were V.C. Andrews's signatures are no longer there. This story was bland and boring. Even the girls that are protagonists don't have color in their personalities. There was no hook at any point that keeps me wanting to know more. It is a huge letdown. I don't ever not finish a story; therefore, I pushed through to the end of this. However, it took some hard determination to do it. This particular ghostwriter doesn't impress me with his or her writing.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

OMG... what do you do with a book like this?


So Saffron is left at a train station by her sorry father who is going to get something... yeah right!
He doesn't come back, but an old lady with an umbrella shows up and takes her home with her to feed her. Nobody notices this or thinks it strange. The old lady WAS a school teacher, she keeps the girl at home. The kids in the neighborhood think she is strange and the old lady is a witch. The old lady dies. THE END.

Yep! There it is folks, a redundant short book of which I hit the highlights above. What a freaking letdown. I won't be back for the second run and thank goodness I got it from the library loan!

2 Star

Happy Reading!

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE UMBRELLA LADY is your typical V.C. Andrews read, meaning you will get your first person account of a heroine in distress dealing with an unbalanced person as an antagonist. That said, I still enjoyed this shorter novel which is part one of two in the series. When little Saffron is left at the train station she gets rescued by what seems at first glance to be a very nice lady but, beware, what hides behind that kind facade is one cuckoo of a control freak, to say the least. What Saffron goes through when she gets trapped in what I considered to be a house of hell is one page-turning experience I will gladly take again when volume two comes out. Congrats Andrew Neiderman for having created another engrossing horror read. Yes, anything this crazy involving the abuse of a child qualifies as horror in my opinion. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, it was okay I guess. It felt like I've read it before and it's predictable. I have no desire to read the sequel. I think it's weird that it's "written" by V.C. Andrews.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Terry Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank to the publisher for the free book.

Not much to say on this one . The premise is there but like soda that loses carbonation, it was somewhat flat. The vibrancy and excitement is no longer there.

[CoCoBug · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was torturous. The only reason I finished it was because it was so short. The book is on repeat from beginning to 10 pages before the end. The twist is sort of a typical V.C. Andrews twist, but this book is dull and lethargic from start to finish. I can't recommend this at all.

[Leslie McKee]

I grew up reading V.C. Andrews, and I've tried to stick with them over the years. However, since her death, the quality has really changed ... and not in a good way. It may be time for me to just give up on them.

The story isn't horrible, but it's not "V.C. Andrews" quality, if that's what you go into this book anticipating. This book is better than some of the prior ones since Andrews' death. The plot was somewhat interesting, but the pace was just too slow. Conversations dragged at times. There wasn't anything memorable about this. It was just average ... and something I likely would've passed on all together if it wasn't for the name attached to it. It does feel rushed and a bit thrown together, and there's not much character development. The "twist" at the end wasn't much of a surprise. I doubt I'll read the sequel. I do have to wonder why books continue to be published under V.C. Andrew's name (unless the new author hopes to convince her fans it's the same quality as hers used to be).

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Kristen Lichtle · Rating 1 out of 5]

So boring. Nothing happened…lots of build up but then it just ended.

[Courtney (caffeinereadrepeat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twirling Tumbleweeds! 😳😯🤯😳

⊰ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐕. 𝐂. 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐬 ⊱

Since I was 14, I've been such a fan of Andrews & all her books she wrote when she was alive. Even though now it's ghost writers under her name, it can be hit or miss with the books. This one was actually pleasantly good! I really adored this plot, the lead up and the ending. I don't know how, but this book seriously provoked emotions in me big time! It had poignancy, relatability and even thought it could read as YA, I barely noticed.
Young Saffron is left waiting at the train station for her father and as hours pass an older lady with an umbrella spots Saffron and talks with her. Deciding to offer Saffron a night to her home so she doesn't wait out in the cold, taking her in a night, turns into far longer. As Saffron wonders how this woman can be equally harsh yet loving, she begins to realize perhaps her Father has abandoned her where letters come sporadically. As Saffron becomes older and matures far beyond her age, things will come to light she never would've imagined and how much she needs The Umbrella Lady.
I don't know why, but dear heavens this plot pulled at my heart strings! It had moments of heartwarming scenes, heartbreak, & one unbelievably ending I didn't see coming. You can't help feel and connect with both characters and my gosh it was such a fast read! Definitely one of the best ghostwriter's V. C. Andrews I've read in a long time! Totally refreshing & absolutely delectable!

𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4 / 5 Full Moons! 🌕

[Jody Blanchette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Saffron Anders didn't notice the time pass as she colored in her new coloring book, waiting for her father to return to her at the train station. An old woman, with a large umbrella, brings to her attention that its late, and she is by herself, which isn't safe.
The Umbrella Lady offers her a warm meal, and a place to sleep while she waits for her father to come back. Weeks turn into years as Saffron realizes her father is never coming back for her.
Saffron is not allowed out of the house and has no contact with children her age. She feels like a prisoner, but has never been told she couldn't leave. After all, The Umbrella Lady is only trying to help....

It has been years since I have read a VC Andrews book. Picking up her newest novel is like meeting up with an old friend. All the deciet, drama and secrets found in her other books, are in this one.
In the traditional VC Andrews way, this book starts off with a series of tragic events that eventually lead to a child being abandoned. The twist in this new novel, is that the child is found by a stranger. No incestuous Uncle or Wicked Stepmother, but a little old lady.
The Umbrella Lady is a perfectly wicked and warm character. She is strict with rules, with bouts of rage, but comforts and forgives in her own way. Even though the story is about Saffron, The Umbrella Lady is star. You love and hate her, and cant wait to see what lie she spouts off next.
This book is the first in a new series. There was a teaser at the end, but I chose to not read it. I want to be surprised when I pick up the next one. I really can't wait to see what happens next.

[Amie · Rating 3 out of 5]

☆☆½ (rounded up, but could just as easily be rounded down).

This one was fine—nothing to write home about, but still readable. The Umbrella Lady follows young Saffron Faith Anders, who is left alone after a fire seemingly claims the life of her mother, and her father leaves her at a railway station, promising to return. She's taken in by a mysterious, old-fashioned woman known only as the Umbrella Lady, who lives in a quiet, rule-bound town and seems to have secrets of her own. As Saffron settles into this new life, she starts to question the circumstances of the fire, her family’s past, and whether she’s truly safe in this new home.

There’s a slow-burn mystery at the heart of the book and a few twists, but I didn’t find the plot particularly gripping. The "emotional weight" didn’t quite land, and the characters—particularly the Umbrella Lady—felt more odd than deep. That said, I stayed with it to the end. It had enough atmosphere to keep the pages (slowly) turning, even if it wasn’t memorable.

[Margie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of V.C. Andrews books every since they first started coming out back when I was just a teen with Flowers In the Attic. And yes, I know the books are now being written by a ghost writer named Andrew Neiderman and that he’s been ghostwriting for 26 years since the passing of Virginia Andrews. It seems there is a lot of controversy over this which I don’t understand. He is a wonderful writer and once again the proof is in this book. This was a great story and one I couldn’t put down. It’s about a little girl named Saffron, whose father leaves sitting on a bench at a train station all the while promising to be back for her after he does a little shopping. After the train station closes she is found by The Umbrella Lady and is taken to her home to stay. From reading so many other V.C. Andrews books I knew that something about this storyline was going to be twisted which held my interest and piqued my curiosity. It’s not until close to the end where the final little twist reveals the whole truth about Saffron’s connection to Mazy Dazy, aka The Umbrella Lady. And boy was it a good one! On 02/02/2021, which is the publication date, I’ll be running out to grab my copy to add to my home collection of all V.C. Andrews books. But for now I’m left anxiously awaiting a chance to read the sequel Out Of the Rain to see how Saffron’s future goes as she heads home to Daddy! I’d like to thank Gallery Books for granting my request and NetGalley for the arc to read, review and enjoy. This book was a 5 star read for me.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derick and his 8 year old daughter are starting over after a fire destroyed their home and takes the life of their wife/mother. Derick leaves Saffron sitting on a bench at the train station saying he’s just going to grab a few things to make their trip easier and then seems to disappear. After waiting and waiting for her dad to come back, a kind old lady comes and takes her to her house to wait for her dad to come back. What is supposed to be a temporary arrangement turns into years of living together under the umbrella lady’s (Mazy Dazy) guidance and care. Although she is comfortable there, Saffron always questions why her dad left her and when he would be coming back for her.
The characters were intriguing and the storyline flowed well and the ending resolves most of your questions about what led up to the life changing fire.
Easy read and a good mystery.
Thanks to netgalley for this arc in exchange for my review.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 3 out of 5]

The train that never came

Saffron is a young child, her father tells her to wait on the bench at the train station. He says he will return and they will catch another train. He never returns. A lady with an umbrella takes her home with her. She waits every day for her father to come and get her, he never does.

The story is told from the girl's thoughts and feelings. The fear she feels at the beginning as a very young child, and as she grows and finally realizes her father will not come and grows fond of Mazy. It is written as if she is telling you the story, not as dialogue between characters. It is not a style I particularly like to read.

Her first days at school, the horrible event, and finally finding out Mazy's secret, and the reason her father never came back for her. These are as traumatic to her as her father leaving her at the train station. The ending is a little abrupt as if there is a sequel coming.

The book is a bit different than most of the other books I have read by this author. It is a bit repetitious in spots. It did keep me reading because I wanted to know how it ended.

Thanks to V.C. Andrews, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to a copy of the book for an honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I came to reading Andrews' books later in life than some, they are still sort of nostalgic reads for me. This one, the story of Saffron Anders, hooks the reader in right away. At only eight years old, she travels with her father on a train after a devastating home fire. At the station, he leaves her with a new coloring book and promises to return shortly after a quick errand. But as the station empties out, and night approaches, soon Saffron is all alone... until the titular Umbrella Lady appears. With answers full of logic, she takes the young girl home with her. Part coming-of-age and part mounting dread, this is an engaging read that leaves the reader waiting for some twisted shoe to drop.

Fast-paced and well-plotted, I do wish that the book had a few more grounding details. It's unclear just where the village of Hurley is located. Plus, the time period feels a bit vague - there's a few mentions of smartphones, selfies and computers, but there are also pay phones that work and high school freshmen sing the Rick Springfield hit, "Jessie's Girl." These oddities aside, I am definitely looking forward to seeing Saffron's story continue in the next book (a teaser for it is included)!

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is different than any "V.C. Andrews books I've ever read.
It had a real creep factor to it that I haven't experienced in any of the other books by this author.
I honestly expected the "Umbrella Lady" to do something very mean or even hurt the child . The book put me on edge. It was a fast paced book with a mystery just waiting to be explained.
The ending was not what I was expecting at all.
I'll be reading the follow up to this soon.

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Stephanie Stagner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this because it was just engaging enough to want to know how it ended. But seriously, who wrote this? Has the author ever talked to or listened to how kids interact? The verbiage was so annoying!!