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Landry #3
All That Glitters
Ruby ha vuelto al bayou a la tierra que la vio nacer y crecer. Todos sus parientes más cercanos han fallecido y se ha visto separada de Beau el joven a quien más amaba en la vida. Pero no está sola: tiene a Pearl su hijita y junto a ella está dispuesta a empezar una nueva vida y a olvidar todas las penalidades sufridas hasta el momento enfrentándose a las trampas que el destino intente tenderle.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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3862 people want to read
About the author
V.C. Andrews
370 books9,075 followersBooks published under the following names - Virginia Andrews, V. Andrews, Virginia C. Andrews & V.C. Endrius. Books since her death ghost written by Andrew Neiderman, but still attributed to the V.C. Andrews name
Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
February 24, 2011
I preferred Paul over Beau from day one so naturally I had issues with this book. Ruby turned into her sister as much as she would like to deny it. She should never have swapped with her Sick sister and taken advantage of Giselle like that. She didn't even feel sad for Giselle dying, it was like she was just some doppleganger in the end. Lost all respect for Ruby, she was everything the author swore she wasn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2017
... I don't even have a proper way to begin this review. So I'll just put about as much effort into this as Andrew Neiderman did.
This book sucked. Honestly, Ruby is about as likable as Christina Aguilera's character in Burlesque. She. Is. Awful. Once again we have a Mary Sue that is just so damn sweet that nothing can taint her aura of perfection. And trust me, in this book she does plenty that would cause uproar in any other universe.
I guess the best place to start is with Ruby, who at this point is unbearably Mary Sue like, except less perfect but still acts as though she is, and the author writes her as though she’s flawless. In the last book I gave Ruby a break because she was still a victim of her circumstances, but in All That Glitters she actually does some shitty stuff with hardly any repercussions and somehow we’re still supposed to feel sorry for her. She marries her half brother/childhood sweetheart Paul but then has a secret affair with her baby’s father once he comes back into the story, then for some reason decides to inform Paul that she would like to switch places with her comatose twin so that she and Beau can be together, which ultimately leads Paul to drown in a drunken stupor. But Ruby’s the victim, right? Everything about this plot was stupid, selfish, and unnecessarily difficult.
Then there's the affair. Now I just hate the whole troupe leading up to it because it follows yet another troupe of bad communication causing problems for idiots. To sum it up, Ruby's been told by Gisselle that Beau's moved to Europe with his new fiance, and since her chances of being with him are clearly out the window she decides to marry Paul upon that basis. Little does she know that Beau broke off the engagement and came back to for her. Since common sense doesn't exist in this series and Beau can’t just seek Ruby out in the most obvious place she would flock to Beau decides that if he can't marry Ruby then he'll simply marry someone that looks like Ruby. Yeah, that says so much about what he really appreciates about Ruby: her looks. Eventually even fucking a Ruby lookalike isn't enough for him so Beau and Ruby start hooking up again. Never mind the fact that Beau pretty much abandoned Ruby and her baby and then decides to take Ruby away to take care of her sexually while allowing Paul to continue taking care of her in every other aspect, but it’s okay! He weakly assumes that his own wife has a bunch of her own boyfriends, so that totally justifies his own infidelity. Why doesn’t Ruby and Beau simply divorce their spouses and marry each other? Because that would give other people even more bad reasons to dislike our precious Ruby, and our ghost writer's ego is just too fragile to have his main character be purposely unlikable.
I'll end my rant with Paul's mother, Gladys, who is supposed to be kind of a co-antagonist in this book simply due to the fact that she doesn't adore the crap that comes out of Ruby's ass. And really she is just an awful person. First of, she's completely against the son that she's loved as her own marrying his half sister (because what's the worst that can happen there?). And when her son dies in a drunken stupor she takes revenge against Ruby by selfishly taking away the baby she already abandoned as her own by taking on Gisselle's identity. Honestly, I was on Gladys' side in this book. Paul was driven to his death because Ruby wanted to have everything with no consequences, and all Gladys did was show her that even she wasn't above reproach. Ruby almost lost her daughter because getting her one true love without anyone hating her for it was the most important thing in the world, and she really didn't think about any consequences when making the decision to switch places with her twin. Does it totally justify what Gladys did? No. In a well written book with a realistically likable protagonist, trying to take custody of someone's child beyond the grounds of unsafe living environments would have been borderline evil. But given that Gladys did have her reasons to hate Ruby I'll give her a pass in this review. At least someone had the balls and the backup to let Ruby know she wasn't a ray of sunshine on everyone's lives.
Everything that I hated about the way Andrew Neiderman wrote Ruby was exacerbated in this book. Ruby is written as the most perfect, beautiful human on the planet, her mistakes and flaws are more obvious than ever, and Neiderman relies even more on other characters liking her to justify those flaws. I can't even finish the series now thanks to All That Glitters: it was that hard to get through. I don't care anymore what happens to Pearl, and I could care even less about what happened to Ruby's mother. I'm so done with this red haired devil from the depths of her mother's supposed perfection.
This book sucked. Honestly, Ruby is about as likable as Christina Aguilera's character in Burlesque. She. Is. Awful. Once again we have a Mary Sue that is just so damn sweet that nothing can taint her aura of perfection. And trust me, in this book she does plenty that would cause uproar in any other universe.
I guess the best place to start is with Ruby, who at this point is unbearably Mary Sue like, except less perfect but still acts as though she is, and the author writes her as though she’s flawless. In the last book I gave Ruby a break because she was still a victim of her circumstances, but in All That Glitters she actually does some shitty stuff with hardly any repercussions and somehow we’re still supposed to feel sorry for her. She marries her half brother/childhood sweetheart Paul but then has a secret affair with her baby’s father once he comes back into the story, then for some reason decides to inform Paul that she would like to switch places with her comatose twin so that she and Beau can be together, which ultimately leads Paul to drown in a drunken stupor. But Ruby’s the victim, right? Everything about this plot was stupid, selfish, and unnecessarily difficult.
Then there's the affair. Now I just hate the whole troupe leading up to it because it follows yet another troupe of bad communication causing problems for idiots. To sum it up, Ruby's been told by Gisselle that Beau's moved to Europe with his new fiance, and since her chances of being with him are clearly out the window she decides to marry Paul upon that basis. Little does she know that Beau broke off the engagement and came back to for her. Since common sense doesn't exist in this series and Beau can’t just seek Ruby out in the most obvious place she would flock to Beau decides that if he can't marry Ruby then he'll simply marry someone that looks like Ruby. Yeah, that says so much about what he really appreciates about Ruby: her looks. Eventually even fucking a Ruby lookalike isn't enough for him so Beau and Ruby start hooking up again. Never mind the fact that Beau pretty much abandoned Ruby and her baby and then decides to take Ruby away to take care of her sexually while allowing Paul to continue taking care of her in every other aspect, but it’s okay! He weakly assumes that his own wife has a bunch of her own boyfriends, so that totally justifies his own infidelity. Why doesn’t Ruby and Beau simply divorce their spouses and marry each other? Because that would give other people even more bad reasons to dislike our precious Ruby, and our ghost writer's ego is just too fragile to have his main character be purposely unlikable.
I'll end my rant with Paul's mother, Gladys, who is supposed to be kind of a co-antagonist in this book simply due to the fact that she doesn't adore the crap that comes out of Ruby's ass. And really she is just an awful person. First of, she's completely against the son that she's loved as her own marrying his half sister (because what's the worst that can happen there?). And when her son dies in a drunken stupor she takes revenge against Ruby by selfishly taking away the baby she already abandoned as her own by taking on Gisselle's identity. Honestly, I was on Gladys' side in this book. Paul was driven to his death because Ruby wanted to have everything with no consequences, and all Gladys did was show her that even she wasn't above reproach. Ruby almost lost her daughter because getting her one true love without anyone hating her for it was the most important thing in the world, and she really didn't think about any consequences when making the decision to switch places with her twin. Does it totally justify what Gladys did? No. In a well written book with a realistically likable protagonist, trying to take custody of someone's child beyond the grounds of unsafe living environments would have been borderline evil. But given that Gladys did have her reasons to hate Ruby I'll give her a pass in this review. At least someone had the balls and the backup to let Ruby know she wasn't a ray of sunshine on everyone's lives.
Everything that I hated about the way Andrew Neiderman wrote Ruby was exacerbated in this book. Ruby is written as the most perfect, beautiful human on the planet, her mistakes and flaws are more obvious than ever, and Neiderman relies even more on other characters liking her to justify those flaws. I can't even finish the series now thanks to All That Glitters: it was that hard to get through. I don't care anymore what happens to Pearl, and I could care even less about what happened to Ruby's mother. I'm so done with this red haired devil from the depths of her mother's supposed perfection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2013
1.5 stars, It really pissed me off. I spent the first two books kind of liking the main character, who always tried to do what was right or at least would not hurt people. But towards the end of this book she makes a very stupid desion that didn't not fit with her character and in general it was a very stupid idea, that could not work. It wasn't even a intresting stupid that I want to watch and see what happens. Instead I spent the last part of the book skimming.
Honestly I'm not sure if I'm going to read the 4th book because this one had me so mad, but I might read the 5th for the back story.
Honestly I'm not sure if I'm going to read the 4th book because this one had me so mad, but I might read the 5th for the back story.
December 8, 2021
Lire cette série c’est être une maso-lectrice 🤣
J’ai eu un peut de mal à me replonger dans cet univers. La finale du 2e me semblait satisfaisante et amener un peu de bon à cette pauvre Ruby.
Le 3e tome est différent pour la grande majorité parce qu’il est axé sur les enjeux et dilemmes de l’amour et de tous les mensonges entourant Ruby.
Ruby est déchirée entre le véritable amour et un homme qui l’aime, qui veut prendre soin d’elle, mais avec qui elle ne peut pas vivre d’amour passionnel.
La deuxième moitié du livre est remplie de revirement de situations, de mensonges et de manigances. Si j’arrivais à sentir que le trouble arrivait, je n’ai pas réussi à le prévoir exactement! Et faut dire qu’il y en a en taaaaaa! 😂
La finale (le dernier 1/3) est complètement essoufflant! J’étais complètement vidée de mon énergie, à fleur de peau et constamment sur le bord de la mort, mais incapable de tourner les pages…Je devais connaître la fin! Pas déçue du tout mais brulée! 🤣
J’ai eu un peut de mal à me replonger dans cet univers. La finale du 2e me semblait satisfaisante et amener un peu de bon à cette pauvre Ruby.
Le 3e tome est différent pour la grande majorité parce qu’il est axé sur les enjeux et dilemmes de l’amour et de tous les mensonges entourant Ruby.
Ruby est déchirée entre le véritable amour et un homme qui l’aime, qui veut prendre soin d’elle, mais avec qui elle ne peut pas vivre d’amour passionnel.
La deuxième moitié du livre est remplie de revirement de situations, de mensonges et de manigances. Si j’arrivais à sentir que le trouble arrivait, je n’ai pas réussi à le prévoir exactement! Et faut dire qu’il y en a en taaaaaa! 😂
La finale (le dernier 1/3) est complètement essoufflant! J’étais complètement vidée de mon énergie, à fleur de peau et constamment sur le bord de la mort, mais incapable de tourner les pages…Je devais connaître la fin! Pas déçue du tout mais brulée! 🤣
February 28, 2024
Another one in this series I actually really enjoyed. There was a lot of drama and craziness without most of the themes usually found in these books. My only complaint was Paul. I enjoyed his character and actually felt sorry for him in the end. But the incestuous relationship with his half sister was too much for me. If it wasn’t for that, the story would’ve been 5 stars!
October 19, 2023
Best YA books ever a true must read by all. I loved this series.
December 4, 2013
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.
I am giving this one an extra star than it deserves simply because of the sheer entertainment value. All That Glitters is the third book in the Landry Saga. By now, we're firmly entrenched in silly, soap like shenanigans. Ruby is married to her half brother Paul, Giselle is still a bitch and is now married to Beau and Daphne conveniently falls off a horse and dies, so we don't have to worry too much about her any more.
The first half of the novel builds up to an affair between Ruby and Beau (why on earth she would want him back after he ditched her when she got pregnant and then married her sister is anyone's guess, but whatever,) and then the pair try to work out a way that they can be together, forever (obviously divorce or elopement isn't an option here,) they have no idea what is to be done and then ... Hey Presto! Giselle contracts a deadly disease. She and Ruby trade places, everyone thinks that Ruby is dead and the real Ruby can return to New Orleans with Beau and pretend to be Giselle.
And then Paul goes mad with grief, believing that his wife/sister is dead and drowns. And if that wasn't bad enough, Paul's mother wants custody of Ruby's child. Actually, I don't really blame the formidable Gladys Tate for this. For one, at this point, she doesn't know that "Giselle" is actually Ruby. And for another why would anyone trust an irresponsible prick (who never wanted his child before now anyway,) and an unstable, spoiled brat like Giselle to look after a child. This is a child, for heaven's sake. But needless to say, there is a court trial, Ruby reveals her true identity, wins Pearl back and they all live happily ever after.
As I stated before, this book has some great entertainment value. It's stilly, unbelievable and unpredictable, but it is still a damn sight more entertaining than some of the later V.C. Andrews novels that would follow.
I am giving this one an extra star than it deserves simply because of the sheer entertainment value. All That Glitters is the third book in the Landry Saga. By now, we're firmly entrenched in silly, soap like shenanigans. Ruby is married to her half brother Paul, Giselle is still a bitch and is now married to Beau and Daphne conveniently falls off a horse and dies, so we don't have to worry too much about her any more.
The first half of the novel builds up to an affair between Ruby and Beau (why on earth she would want him back after he ditched her when she got pregnant and then married her sister is anyone's guess, but whatever,) and then the pair try to work out a way that they can be together, forever (obviously divorce or elopement isn't an option here,) they have no idea what is to be done and then ... Hey Presto! Giselle contracts a deadly disease. She and Ruby trade places, everyone thinks that Ruby is dead and the real Ruby can return to New Orleans with Beau and pretend to be Giselle.
And then Paul goes mad with grief, believing that his wife/sister is dead and drowns. And if that wasn't bad enough, Paul's mother wants custody of Ruby's child. Actually, I don't really blame the formidable Gladys Tate for this. For one, at this point, she doesn't know that "Giselle" is actually Ruby. And for another why would anyone trust an irresponsible prick (who never wanted his child before now anyway,) and an unstable, spoiled brat like Giselle to look after a child. This is a child, for heaven's sake. But needless to say, there is a court trial, Ruby reveals her true identity, wins Pearl back and they all live happily ever after.
As I stated before, this book has some great entertainment value. It's stilly, unbelievable and unpredictable, but it is still a damn sight more entertaining than some of the later V.C. Andrews novels that would follow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2013
Totally ridiculous and over the top story line but I loved every page of it.
Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby......
What were you thinking!?
How was it ever a good idea to marry your half brother for security when he is still madly in love with you? You went on and on about how lives shouldn't be based on lies and then go about creating the biggest lie for yourself. You only had to wait a year. ONE YEAR! before you would have been given your trust money and then you could have lived a happy lie free life with pleanty of money.
In the meantime Gisselle marries Beau after convincing him that she's more like Ruby. Why would you waste your time on someone who didn't even love you? Just because she delights in tormenting Ruby with this. BUT THEN.....WAIT FOR IT!....
Gisselle becomes paralysed and goes into a coma so Beau comes up with this brilliant plan that Ruby and Gisselle can switch places. He gets to live with the women he loves and Paul gets to look after a sick Gisselle. Yay! Everyones happy!
Well...
except Paul, trust him to put a downer on the whole thing. Goes of the rails and then ends up getting himself killed. I really didn't understand why Ruby would have been so selfish to do this. She never should have married him in the first place but switching places with her sister was just pure selfish madness. I lost some respect for her after this.
After Paul dies, his parents take Pearl, resulting in a courtcase where the truth is revealed and everything is okay. Sooooo....
why did they not just tell the truth in the first place? And why were they not punished for pretending to be someone who was dead. Is that not a pretty big crime? I don't know, the whole thing is incredibly stupid but so compelling. Must keep reading Landry saga........
Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby......
What were you thinking!?
How was it ever a good idea to marry your half brother for security when he is still madly in love with you? You went on and on about how lives shouldn't be based on lies and then go about creating the biggest lie for yourself. You only had to wait a year. ONE YEAR! before you would have been given your trust money and then you could have lived a happy lie free life with pleanty of money.
In the meantime Gisselle marries Beau after convincing him that she's more like Ruby. Why would you waste your time on someone who didn't even love you? Just because she delights in tormenting Ruby with this. BUT THEN.....WAIT FOR IT!....
Gisselle becomes paralysed and goes into a coma so Beau comes up with this brilliant plan that Ruby and Gisselle can switch places. He gets to live with the women he loves and Paul gets to look after a sick Gisselle. Yay! Everyones happy!
Well...
except Paul, trust him to put a downer on the whole thing. Goes of the rails and then ends up getting himself killed. I really didn't understand why Ruby would have been so selfish to do this. She never should have married him in the first place but switching places with her sister was just pure selfish madness. I lost some respect for her after this.
After Paul dies, his parents take Pearl, resulting in a courtcase where the truth is revealed and everything is okay. Sooooo....
why did they not just tell the truth in the first place? And why were they not punished for pretending to be someone who was dead. Is that not a pretty big crime? I don't know, the whole thing is incredibly stupid but so compelling. Must keep reading Landry saga........
October 29, 2014
****Contains Spoilers****
Did you ever watch Days of Our Lives in the early 90's? If you did, you'll know what I'm talking about, if you didn't that's okay too, this will still make sense. The plot lines in this are so ridiculous they are reminiscent of Stefano kidnapping Marlena and keeping her in a giant bird cage - yes they are that ridiculous. Ruby goes back to the Bayou to have her baby Pearl, and her half brother is still in love with her even though he knows they are half siblings! She agrees to marry him so that he can take care of them since he is a rich oil tycoon now. My question is - why does she have to marry him? Why can't they just live together as brother and sister. Makes no sense!
Then her twin sister falls sick and Beau comes up with a plan to switch identities so that Beau and Ruby can be back together again. Seriously? Why is this even a thing? Of course the truth comes out in the end because her half brother's mom fights for custody of her baby even though she has no blood relation and all the family secrets come out in court. Talk about a soap opera!
I will say though - as ridiculous as V.C. Andrews gets I can't help but devour the books. The story kept me turning the pages and wanting more.
It's so trashy, yet it's so good!
Did you ever watch Days of Our Lives in the early 90's? If you did, you'll know what I'm talking about, if you didn't that's okay too, this will still make sense. The plot lines in this are so ridiculous they are reminiscent of Stefano kidnapping Marlena and keeping her in a giant bird cage - yes they are that ridiculous. Ruby goes back to the Bayou to have her baby Pearl, and her half brother is still in love with her even though he knows they are half siblings! She agrees to marry him so that he can take care of them since he is a rich oil tycoon now. My question is - why does she have to marry him? Why can't they just live together as brother and sister. Makes no sense!
Then her twin sister falls sick and Beau comes up with a plan to switch identities so that Beau and Ruby can be back together again. Seriously? Why is this even a thing? Of course the truth comes out in the end because her half brother's mom fights for custody of her baby even though she has no blood relation and all the family secrets come out in court. Talk about a soap opera!
I will say though - as ridiculous as V.C. Andrews gets I can't help but devour the books. The story kept me turning the pages and wanting more.
It's so trashy, yet it's so good!
September 7, 2021
This was easily the most dramatic book so far in this series.
Daphne died.
Paul died.
Jean died.
Pearl was born.
Ruby married. Nearly twice.
Court hearing.
Secrets outed.
Paul went crazy.
I mean, what didn't happen in this book.
What they did was absolutely wrong and I get why Gladys wanted revenge. I would too. But she was evil about it. I am glad that Ruby got Pearl back.
Notes in Updates.
Daphne died.
Paul died.
Jean died.
Pearl was born.
Ruby married. Nearly twice.
Court hearing.
Secrets outed.
Paul went crazy.
I mean, what didn't happen in this book.
What they did was absolutely wrong and I get why Gladys wanted revenge. I would too. But she was evil about it. I am glad that Ruby got Pearl back.
Notes in Updates.
June 16, 2018
Por esta altura, Ruby quase que já fazia parte da minha vida e sei que estava ansiosa por ler o volume 4.
February 4, 2022
I feel bad for Paul. What Ruby did was really awful and didn’t fit her character. Giselle also deserved better even if she wasn’t the best sister. I hope we at least see some effect of what they did in the next book. It’s unrealistic if they got away with it all. I also wish we could’ve seen more of Louis. Sure it was nice to see how he got better but he could’ve played a bigger role. His plot was rushed.
September 17, 2024
This book brought the series to a level that I really had difficulty suspending disbelief for. The choices and outcome felt ridiculous, and ultimately, while the book is fiction, it didn't feel like choices anyone would in reality. This made me roll my eyes a lot, and I wonder if I want to continue reading. However, the book itself was well written and difficult to put down. Even if the plot felt a bit ridiculous, the writing itself was enjoyable enough to keep reading.
January 16, 2024
this book taught me one thing. don’t marry your half brother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2022
This has been the best book of the series so far. A lot happened I did not suspect and the ending made me want to start the next one right away.
August 1, 2017
I wasn't much of a fan of this book. I'm still going to give it a 3 star rating but I was very disappointed in a lot of it. I wrote as I read so not much of a review. Just my 2 cents.
So how does this work out? Ruby was 15 in Ruby. Spent a year in New Orleans. Not even a year at school. So 16 by this point when she got pregnant. Give it time for pregnancy. She should be 17. 18 at the most but this book starts with her being 19. 🤔🤔🤔 Changes how I picture her.
I'm surprised that Beau moved on from Ruby.
Lol Rock on. Said when she's rocking Pearl.
I do feel she should see Giselle when she goes to New Orleans. And show Giselle Pearl.
I'm surprised there was so little about their trip to New Orleans.
I couldn't believe Beau went back to Giselle. He could have sent Ruby letters back when when she moved back to the bayou. He's a jerk. Back to not liking him too much.
Did NOT see Daphne dying.
So he did write letters. And his reasoning makes sense.
She disappoints me. Are they really love or lust?
Funny this one is different than the other series. Instead of being in love incestiously she loves Beau who isn't her relation.
How can Ruby think this is a good idea???? Take on the identity of Giselle. I was wondering when Giselle would fall bed ridden as per the cover. Took a bit to think of Pearl. She's going to raise her daughter as her aunt???? Ugh! 😒 And how would Beau's parents feel about him taking in his own daughter even if as a niece???? This would also hurt Paul's sisters. Wonder if Paul will have his way with Giselle? 🤔
I feel so angry that Beau n Ruby are finding excuses not to be blameful for Paul's misery. Omg it IS her fault. Not the curse part but her fault for letting people mourn over her when it wouldn't have hurt people so much with Giselle.
I can't believe Giselle is dead. I'm actually really upset. I wanted her to get better. As mean as she was she did love Ruby. She's kind of like my own sister. I'm sad.
Ugh Ruby and Beau are just so selfish. I'm so angry over this whole facade. Total bs!
I'm glad Paul's mother knew about Ruby pretending to be Giselle. I'm also glad she chewed her out. I had really liked Ruby but have just been disgusted with her since this. Even with explanation Beau was a dick after she was pregnant. He's a bit forgiven but I'm still angry with him and don't even want them together anymore. Frustrated! I do want everyone happy regardless.
Yes glad Paul wasn't eaten by alligators. So sad for Paul! What terrible things for them.
Boy would that be something if Beau started cheating.
It is totally Beau's fault. He keeps pushing blame off. He mentions how Ruby should have ended it with him. Ummm ya! Don't believe in divorce so let's live a lie???? Geez!
Ha! When Toby called to say they were taking Pearl. Though of course I don't want Ruby to lose her.
How did they get custody without court? Maybe I just don't know. Or that's how it was.
No paternity tests back then.
People are going to be mad.............. (after revealing the truth about the switch)
Ruby should tell everyone the entire truth. Like that Paul is her brother. 😈
She would know things that Giselle wouldn't. I'm sure there would be people who could confirm she is Ruby. Like her grandmas friends. And what about the mark under Giselle's breast. Oh and the secrets she would have shared with Jean.
When Jean came by I'm surprised she didn't ask Ruby how she could do that to all of them. Not just Paul.
Surprise witness? Will be what's his pickle. Lol Daphne's hubby.
Bruce! That's it!
Like really! If Bruce's statements are good enough others should be.
I figured it was a boy. Did NOT see twin boys coming though. Awe! Yay! I feel like they or at least one will be evil in Pearl's book. Awe! Named after her dad and uncle. Sniff!
So how does this work out? Ruby was 15 in Ruby. Spent a year in New Orleans. Not even a year at school. So 16 by this point when she got pregnant. Give it time for pregnancy. She should be 17. 18 at the most but this book starts with her being 19. 🤔🤔🤔 Changes how I picture her.
I'm surprised that Beau moved on from Ruby.
Lol Rock on. Said when she's rocking Pearl.
I do feel she should see Giselle when she goes to New Orleans. And show Giselle Pearl.
I'm surprised there was so little about their trip to New Orleans.
I couldn't believe Beau went back to Giselle. He could have sent Ruby letters back when when she moved back to the bayou. He's a jerk. Back to not liking him too much.
Did NOT see Daphne dying.
So he did write letters. And his reasoning makes sense.
She disappoints me. Are they really love or lust?
Funny this one is different than the other series. Instead of being in love incestiously she loves Beau who isn't her relation.
How can Ruby think this is a good idea???? Take on the identity of Giselle. I was wondering when Giselle would fall bed ridden as per the cover. Took a bit to think of Pearl. She's going to raise her daughter as her aunt???? Ugh! 😒 And how would Beau's parents feel about him taking in his own daughter even if as a niece???? This would also hurt Paul's sisters. Wonder if Paul will have his way with Giselle? 🤔
I feel so angry that Beau n Ruby are finding excuses not to be blameful for Paul's misery. Omg it IS her fault. Not the curse part but her fault for letting people mourn over her when it wouldn't have hurt people so much with Giselle.
I can't believe Giselle is dead. I'm actually really upset. I wanted her to get better. As mean as she was she did love Ruby. She's kind of like my own sister. I'm sad.
Ugh Ruby and Beau are just so selfish. I'm so angry over this whole facade. Total bs!
I'm glad Paul's mother knew about Ruby pretending to be Giselle. I'm also glad she chewed her out. I had really liked Ruby but have just been disgusted with her since this. Even with explanation Beau was a dick after she was pregnant. He's a bit forgiven but I'm still angry with him and don't even want them together anymore. Frustrated! I do want everyone happy regardless.
Yes glad Paul wasn't eaten by alligators. So sad for Paul! What terrible things for them.
Boy would that be something if Beau started cheating.
It is totally Beau's fault. He keeps pushing blame off. He mentions how Ruby should have ended it with him. Ummm ya! Don't believe in divorce so let's live a lie???? Geez!
Ha! When Toby called to say they were taking Pearl. Though of course I don't want Ruby to lose her.
How did they get custody without court? Maybe I just don't know. Or that's how it was.
No paternity tests back then.
People are going to be mad.............. (after revealing the truth about the switch)
Ruby should tell everyone the entire truth. Like that Paul is her brother. 😈
She would know things that Giselle wouldn't. I'm sure there would be people who could confirm she is Ruby. Like her grandmas friends. And what about the mark under Giselle's breast. Oh and the secrets she would have shared with Jean.
When Jean came by I'm surprised she didn't ask Ruby how she could do that to all of them. Not just Paul.
Surprise witness? Will be what's his pickle. Lol Daphne's hubby.
Bruce! That's it!
Like really! If Bruce's statements are good enough others should be.
I figured it was a boy. Did NOT see twin boys coming though. Awe! Yay! I feel like they or at least one will be evil in Pearl's book. Awe! Named after her dad and uncle. Sniff!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2015
SPOILERS for major plot points as well as the ending (Spoilers for Tarnished Gold as well.)
I really enjoyed this book. My third favorite in a great series.
Here are my gripes about the characters and plot :)
1. Ruby and Beau are selfish assholes. They let themselves do the one thing that, in these books, only the rich douche bags obsessed with what society thinks and their family reputations do: create an elaborate ruse and live with elaborate lies in order cover up something/get what they want. This is what causes so much strife in the upper-class families in these books. Good going idiots! I was fully hoping that Ruby would start to go batty and think she really was Giselle. Instead Paul ends up in ruin :( Oh and DON'T even get me STARTED on Beau. This whole plan was HIS fucking idea to cover HIS spoiled ass and HIS inheritance.
2. If Ruby gave as many shits as she acts like she does when it come to Jean and his welfare why the fuck didn't she ask Paul to help out? Paul wouldn't have hesitated to get better accommodations for Jean if Ruby asked. And if Daphne wants to start a courtroom battle for control over Jean just to spite Ruby it wouldn't end well. Ruby is Jean's blood niece and she WOULD have been the one who wanted to pay money to put him in better care. It's a no brainer for any judge, really. Instead she fucking forgets about him until Giselle tells her he died in the institution. Then she grieves for him. What a selective bitch. I don't like you anymore, Ruby.
3. Gladys' failed custody battle only managed to divulge her deep secret, make Gabrielle look even worse and FREE RUBY to be herself, rather than live as Giselle for life.
4. Octavius DID NOT come clean. Coming clean would've meant telling the full truth so that the community doesn't continue to view Gabrielle as a "double home wrecking whore" SPOILERS FOR BOOK FIVE_---->(but I guess we needed that "dramatic" reveal for the 5th book?)
5. What kind of judge gives custody of a child to a woman who knowingly married her brother and charaded around as her dead twin? You'd think THAT would be the reason why Ruby would want to keep that on the down low. Oh, and a woman who committed such outlandish fraud?
6. Poor Paul :(
Edit: Think I found something brilliant in hindsight. In book one Catherine tells Ruby the dark secret about why she and Paul can't be together BUT she tells Ruby not to tell Paul. She say's it's his parents place to do that and if Ruby tells him she will drive a wedge between him and his family. And remaining with Paul any longer regardless would do the same thing. Paul would face losing his parents if it meant being with Ruby but Catherine warns not to try to separate a Cajun man from his family. That it will only bring him grief. Ruby tells him the secret soon enough anyway and while Paul holds it against his dad for a while he stays close to his family. But oh, holy shit. Catherine made a prediction that came true in a different way. It's not his natal family; his mother, father and sisters. No, It's his wife and child that he loses that ruins him. oooooooh shiiiiit. Touche Catherine. Fucking called it.
I really enjoyed this book. My third favorite in a great series.
Here are my gripes about the characters and plot :)
1. Ruby and Beau are selfish assholes. They let themselves do the one thing that, in these books, only the rich douche bags obsessed with what society thinks and their family reputations do: create an elaborate ruse and live with elaborate lies in order cover up something/get what they want. This is what causes so much strife in the upper-class families in these books. Good going idiots! I was fully hoping that Ruby would start to go batty and think she really was Giselle. Instead Paul ends up in ruin :( Oh and DON'T even get me STARTED on Beau. This whole plan was HIS fucking idea to cover HIS spoiled ass and HIS inheritance.
2. If Ruby gave as many shits as she acts like she does when it come to Jean and his welfare why the fuck didn't she ask Paul to help out? Paul wouldn't have hesitated to get better accommodations for Jean if Ruby asked. And if Daphne wants to start a courtroom battle for control over Jean just to spite Ruby it wouldn't end well. Ruby is Jean's blood niece and she WOULD have been the one who wanted to pay money to put him in better care. It's a no brainer for any judge, really. Instead she fucking forgets about him until Giselle tells her he died in the institution. Then she grieves for him. What a selective bitch. I don't like you anymore, Ruby.
3. Gladys' failed custody battle only managed to divulge her deep secret, make Gabrielle look even worse and FREE RUBY to be herself, rather than live as Giselle for life.
4. Octavius DID NOT come clean. Coming clean would've meant telling the full truth so that the community doesn't continue to view Gabrielle as a "double home wrecking whore" SPOILERS FOR BOOK FIVE_---->(but I guess we needed that "dramatic" reveal for the 5th book?)
5. What kind of judge gives custody of a child to a woman who knowingly married her brother and charaded around as her dead twin? You'd think THAT would be the reason why Ruby would want to keep that on the down low. Oh, and a woman who committed such outlandish fraud?
6. Poor Paul :(
Edit: Think I found something brilliant in hindsight. In book one Catherine tells Ruby the dark secret about why she and Paul can't be together BUT she tells Ruby not to tell Paul. She say's it's his parents place to do that and if Ruby tells him she will drive a wedge between him and his family. And remaining with Paul any longer regardless would do the same thing. Paul would face losing his parents if it meant being with Ruby but Catherine warns not to try to separate a Cajun man from his family. That it will only bring him grief. Ruby tells him the secret soon enough anyway and while Paul holds it against his dad for a while he stays close to his family. But oh, holy shit. Catherine made a prediction that came true in a different way. It's not his natal family; his mother, father and sisters. No, It's his wife and child that he loses that ruins him. oooooooh shiiiiit. Touche Catherine. Fucking called it.
July 12, 2007
The lies that started before Ruby Dumas was born seemed to have one impact after another on Ruby, her life, and people around her.
With her baby Pearl, Ruby was driven back to the bayou, and to her original roots. She was contended living in the old shack she used to share with her Grandmere. However, her old flame Paul was stubborn and he had built an empire for her and her baby. If you know the secret, you would know why Ruby was so resistant, but of course, providing security for her daughter Pearl was high on Ruby's list, so she relented, against the wish of Paul's parents, Mr and Mrs Tate.
Ruby also thought she had no other choice, for the love of her life, and the father of Pearl, Beau, had moved on with her twin sister, Giselle.
Fate struck the family once again. Giselle was stricken with a disease, and Beau came up with the idea of switching the twins, so he could be with Ruby, and for Paul to take care of Giselle. After some persuading, Ruby had agreed, especially that Paul was willing to play along, for he loved her so much and was willing to put up with anything to make Ruby happy.
Paul fell into a deep depression, and Giselle passed away. Soon, Paul followed. Mrs Tate was beyond herself with grief and blamed Ruby for killing her son. She decided to take revenge by taking custody of Pearl. By then, everyone had thought Ruby was the one who had died, instead of Giselle.
This series's a great series to show how one lie after another could really mess up lives, especially destinies. The original lie started before Ruby was born, and has continued into the third book of the series.
With her baby Pearl, Ruby was driven back to the bayou, and to her original roots. She was contended living in the old shack she used to share with her Grandmere. However, her old flame Paul was stubborn and he had built an empire for her and her baby. If you know the secret, you would know why Ruby was so resistant, but of course, providing security for her daughter Pearl was high on Ruby's list, so she relented, against the wish of Paul's parents, Mr and Mrs Tate.
Ruby also thought she had no other choice, for the love of her life, and the father of Pearl, Beau, had moved on with her twin sister, Giselle.
Fate struck the family once again. Giselle was stricken with a disease, and Beau came up with the idea of switching the twins, so he could be with Ruby, and for Paul to take care of Giselle. After some persuading, Ruby had agreed, especially that Paul was willing to play along, for he loved her so much and was willing to put up with anything to make Ruby happy.
Paul fell into a deep depression, and Giselle passed away. Soon, Paul followed. Mrs Tate was beyond herself with grief and blamed Ruby for killing her son. She decided to take revenge by taking custody of Pearl. By then, everyone had thought Ruby was the one who had died, instead of Giselle.
This series's a great series to show how one lie after another could really mess up lives, especially destinies. The original lie started before Ruby was born, and has continued into the third book of the series.
June 26, 2017
I've enjoyed following Ruby thus far, but this book made me question her character. Ruby can usually be described as a young painter who is selfless, smart (although naive too), and eager to please. This addition to the series proves otherwise in almost every way. In the past, Ruby has been the victim of circumstance and the decisions of the people around her. However, throughout this book she leaves her own string of victims, while also telling herself that she is doing what is best for her child (lie). She crushes and betrays the person who loves her the most ad is willing to give up everything for her own happiness. She hurts, lies to, abandons, or uses almost everyone around her for the guy who abandoned her when she was pregnant with his child.
Of course the book is written in Andrews' style, where she manages to take you from reality into whatever story she is telling. You become enchanted by the roller coaster of emotion and tragedy that befalls Ruby, just like any one of her other main characters.
Of course the book is written in Andrews' style, where she manages to take you from reality into whatever story she is telling. You become enchanted by the roller coaster of emotion and tragedy that befalls Ruby, just like any one of her other main characters.
July 1, 2020
Even though it’s been a long time since I’ve read this, I remembered the plot fairly well so it was interesting to read knowing what was about to unravel.
I ended up enjoying this one even more this time around. The first half is the best, but the second half had me gnawing my fingernails even though I knew the outcome.
As an adult, I can better understand Ruby’s decisions, even if they weren’t well thought out. I also managed to like Beau a little better than in the previous books because he owned up to his past actions and stepped up when needed. Still not my favorite person but I respected him for that.
I still love Paul and cried at his demise. He deserved better. The setting of Cypress Woods is my second favorite setting in the entire VCA universe.
The story for this one is wild in a soap opera kind of way but it made for a fun reread. I’d say this one is almost as good as the previous book.
I ended up enjoying this one even more this time around. The first half is the best, but the second half had me gnawing my fingernails even though I knew the outcome.
As an adult, I can better understand Ruby’s decisions, even if they weren’t well thought out. I also managed to like Beau a little better than in the previous books because he owned up to his past actions and stepped up when needed. Still not my favorite person but I respected him for that.
I still love Paul and cried at his demise. He deserved better. The setting of Cypress Woods is my second favorite setting in the entire VCA universe.
The story for this one is wild in a soap opera kind of way but it made for a fun reread. I’d say this one is almost as good as the previous book.
October 27, 2018
Ruby Landry is the dumbest of all of V.C. Andrews's heroines, and that's saying something, since several of them are Too Stupid to Live. But Ruby truly takes the cake, especially in this novel. Both she and the man she loves, who is married to her twin sister, make the most idiotic decisions. There is just nothing to like to about these characters, and the decisions they make lead to consequences they really should have seen coming. I don't recommend this series, aside from "Hidden Jewel," which is about Ruby's daughter, Pearl. Read that book, and skip the rest. At least Pearl has a brain.
May 30, 2009
This book ended a lot better than I thought it would. For once, a VC Andrews book had an ending that was completely happy. I admit, some of the characters didn't turn out exactly as I thought they would, and mid-book I was more irate with the characters because things weren't going the way I wanted them to, but it ended very well. On to the next book in the series.
May 13, 2012
I did not enjoy this book as I did the first two, Ruby and Pearl in the Mist. I feel that Ruby, the main character, became so weak and annoying. Honestly, her stupidity made the book difficult to read. However, the ending redeemed the series for me, and I am eager to start the next book.
February 20, 2010
drama drama drama, i didn't even finish it i was so disgusted with the whole thing
March 15, 2018
best book in this particular saga
September 30, 2011
LIKED HOW DAPHENE HAD DIED, DID NOT LIKE HOW GISSEL DIED, WANTED HER TO EVENTUALLY BE THE KIND OF SISER RUBY WOULD HAVE WANTED. I WISH THAT PAUL WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND SOME ONE TO TRUELY LOVE.
September 15, 2015
. . . and with this book, I stopped reading VC Andrews.
June 10, 2016
What even ... they ruined Paul :(
February 1, 2024
My grandmother gave me every VC Andrews book at least up until the early 2000s but for some reason this one was missing from the collection. I had to order it on amazon and was soooo elated to see that the only one available was the 2021 print... the cover with a real person on it.... it's so terribly ugly and I hate how all the other ones are first editions and this tall ass ugly ass woman had to ruin it. ugh. anyways most of my enjoyment from the vc andrews books stemmed from the fact that two generations of my family had read these books, and then passed them down to me. so when I had this clean brand new book I was like.... I don't want to read this. but begrudgingly I forced myself through because I spent 10 dollars on this book and god be damned I WILL finish it. it's the only book small enough to fit in my bag so I would bring to school for me to read when I had nothing else to do.
somewhere along the way I actually became intrigued by the story... and became a reading fool. eventually I finished this in like 2 days because oh my god there is so much drama. its a real page turner guys. a lot of the things that happen are so stupid but you're like "what?!?!? really?!?!? " and you just have to read the rest. now this might not be a good book but it was really entertaining and I WILL be going on to see how this story continues.
somewhere along the way I actually became intrigued by the story... and became a reading fool. eventually I finished this in like 2 days because oh my god there is so much drama. its a real page turner guys. a lot of the things that happen are so stupid but you're like "what?!?!? really?!?!? " and you just have to read the rest. now this might not be a good book but it was really entertaining and I WILL be going on to see how this story continues.
October 17, 2020
It ends so abruptly. It satisfies that guilty pleasure for drama, but not nearly as good as the first book.
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