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Cutler #2
Secrets of the Morning
Soon to be a Lifetime limited series! The second in #1 New York Times bestselling author V.C. Andrew’s Cutler series follows Dawn as she embarks on a glittering future in New York City, only for tragedy and betrayal to plague her.Dawn can hardly believe she’s a student at one of New York City’s best performing arts schools, on track to achieve her dreams of becoming a professional singer. But she is still haunted by memories of Jimmy, her strong, intense boyfriend, and the love and anguished secrets they share. Then Michael Sutton arrives, a new teacher at the school, a singing star and the most handsome man Dawn has ever seen. Together they create a world of feeling she has never known. In his embrace Dawn awakens to disturbing, unfamiliar desires, and Michael’s promises offer a vision of music and romance forever...until he disappears. Dazed by his cruelty, alone with the bitter fruit of his betrayal, Dawn becomes, once again, a victim of her grandmother’s twisted schemes. Desolate, she clings to the tender hope that Jimmy will return and renew their ultimate dream.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1991
197 people are currently reading
3744 people want to read
About the author
V.C. Andrews
370 books9,091 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 182 reviews
December 14, 2008
All I've got to say on this book is that she's an idiot
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February 19, 2024Antroji Katlerių šeimos sagos dalis, kuri mane labiau nuvylė nei nustebino. Žinoma, jau sunku ir nustebinti, kai autorė pagal vieną (beveik) šabloną visus romanus rašo, tačiau... Būna tų netikėtų vingių ir posūkių, o ši knyga savo banalumu dažniau vargino. Viskas buvo taip nuspėjama, kad galėjau antrąją dalį praleidusi tiesiog imtis trečiosios...
Don išsiunčiama mokytis dainavimo į prestižinę menų mokyklą. Dėl neabejotino merginos talento ir parašyto įtakingosios senelės laiško Don vietą gauna iškart. Ją apgyvendina buvusios kino žvaigždės namuose, kurie yra lyg ir menų mokyklos studentų namai. Jos kambarioke tampa balerina siekianti tapti Triša. Mergaitės iškart susidraugauja ir Don draugei išpasakoja visą liūdną savo gyvenimo istoriją: pagrobimą, brolio prievartą, tikrąją meilę Džimiui... Triša nesmerkia Don, o tiesiog ją palaiko. Mokykloje Don sekasi itin gerai ir ją greitai pastebi mokytojas - garsiausias operos solistas - Michaelis Satonas. Jis imasi sustiprintai lavinti Don gebėjimus ir tarp jų užsimezga romanas. Saltonas prisako apie tai niekam nepasakoti, nes tokia meilė pakenks jo karjerai. Garbindamas Don ir jos balsą, jis prisiekia jai padovanosiantis pasaulinę šlovę. Don tiki mylimuoju ir nieko nesako net Trišai. Tačiau draugė įtaria kažką negero...
Ir viskas "Ryto paslpatyse" tai nuobodžiai ir vilkosi... Vienas lėtai slankantis įvykis su akivaizdžia pabaiga veja kitą tokį patį... Buvo ta Andrews dvasia ir kuriama pompastiška drama, tačiau šį kartą ji nei jaudino nei stebino. Vienintelis smagesnis dalykas buvo tas, kad pirmą kartą Andrews savo pagrindinei veikėjai davė tikrą ir nuoširdžią geriausią draugę, o ne apsimetinėjančią melagę. Aišku, imsiuos ir trečios dalies. Reikia gi sužinot kuo čia visiems baigsis:)
Don išsiunčiama mokytis dainavimo į prestižinę menų mokyklą. Dėl neabejotino merginos talento ir parašyto įtakingosios senelės laiško Don vietą gauna iškart. Ją apgyvendina buvusios kino žvaigždės namuose, kurie yra lyg ir menų mokyklos studentų namai. Jos kambarioke tampa balerina siekianti tapti Triša. Mergaitės iškart susidraugauja ir Don draugei išpasakoja visą liūdną savo gyvenimo istoriją: pagrobimą, brolio prievartą, tikrąją meilę Džimiui... Triša nesmerkia Don, o tiesiog ją palaiko. Mokykloje Don sekasi itin gerai ir ją greitai pastebi mokytojas - garsiausias operos solistas - Michaelis Satonas. Jis imasi sustiprintai lavinti Don gebėjimus ir tarp jų užsimezga romanas. Saltonas prisako apie tai niekam nepasakoti, nes tokia meilė pakenks jo karjerai. Garbindamas Don ir jos balsą, jis prisiekia jai padovanosiantis pasaulinę šlovę. Don tiki mylimuoju ir nieko nesako net Trišai. Tačiau draugė įtaria kažką negero...
Ir viskas "Ryto paslpatyse" tai nuobodžiai ir vilkosi... Vienas lėtai slankantis įvykis su akivaizdžia pabaiga veja kitą tokį patį... Buvo ta Andrews dvasia ir kuriama pompastiška drama, tačiau šį kartą ji nei jaudino nei stebino. Vienintelis smagesnis dalykas buvo tas, kad pirmą kartą Andrews savo pagrindinei veikėjai davė tikrą ir nuoširdžią geriausią draugę, o ne apsimetinėjančią melagę. Aišku, imsiuos ir trečios dalies. Reikia gi sužinot kuo čia visiems baigsis:)
August 12, 2011
The second book in the Cutler series. Not better than the first, and Dawn is even more unbelievable in this one than the last. So, she finally made it to a school for performing arts (Thank you, Grandmother Cutler) and things start off really slow with the reader being tortured by her house mother Agnes' over the top behavior. Dawn soon meets a broadway singer, drops her panties for him quickly (Have poor Jimmy even gotten to second base by now?) and big surprise, finds out she's pregnant. Michael makes promises to her and she naively believes him. Grandmother Cutler ships her off to the Meadows, and introduces Dawn to the true meaning of Hell by living with her sister, Emily. (Never mind the fact that Dawn could have ran away or something, or even...(gasp)gotten a job to support herself. Then, Jimmy finds out, becomes pissed for like two minutes, and then tells Dawn it's okay, he'll be the father to her baby. This is why I never liked Jimmy: no personality, weak, and boring. Dawn inherits the hotel (Like we really believe a man would give a daughter controlling interest rather than his son). But, because Dawn is trying to show that you don't have to finish high school to succeed, she becomes the owner of Cutler Cove.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2019
Review to follow shortly.
I read this series quite awhile ago but this was a better series then the "Rain" series and some others.
I liked Dawn. And I really liked that she was so musically gifted. That was an interesting plot point and I liked reading about her musical talent and her time at the music academy despite all the awful things that happen to her. (To many.)
I am going to have to reread before going into more detail. I always liked this book though and if anyone happens to be seeking a V.C. Andrews series and sees my review, this is a good one to read.
I read this series quite awhile ago but this was a better series then the "Rain" series and some others.
I liked Dawn. And I really liked that she was so musically gifted. That was an interesting plot point and I liked reading about her musical talent and her time at the music academy despite all the awful things that happen to her. (To many.)
I am going to have to reread before going into more detail. I always liked this book though and if anyone happens to be seeking a V.C. Andrews series and sees my review, this is a good one to read.
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March 31, 2017Tak moje guilty pleasure pokračuje (snad jsem to napsala správně), zase nehodnotím. Tenhle díl byl o něco pomalejší, ale na bizarnosti mu to rozhodně neubralo. :D
Dost mi celá tato série připomíná telenovelu pro mladší... Strašné osudy hlavní hrdinky, strašné zvraty, strašné zacházení...
No, jelikož jsem druhý díl dostala k recenzi, tak očekávejte video na oba díly zároveň... Uvidíme, co z toho vznikne. :D
Dost mi celá tato série připomíná telenovelu pro mladší... Strašné osudy hlavní hrdinky, strašné zvraty, strašné zacházení...
No, jelikož jsem druhý díl dostala k recenzi, tak očekávejte video na oba díly zároveň... Uvidíme, co z toho vznikne. :D
March 18, 2008
Now this is an amazing story. Dawn's newly acquired fancy life moves to the scary world of New York City! However, Dawn is still haunted by Grandmother Cutler's evil manipulation, as she had written a letter to Dawn's house mother at Sarah Bernhardt School talking about what a slut Dawn is.
Dawn is determined to prove her wrong! She does well in school, becomes a concert pianist, and is selected to be in a "special" vocal class with the sexy rakish opera star, Michael Sutton. Of course, he knocks her up.
She is promptly abandoned by him after he finds out, and then hit by a car. Grandmother Cutler takes the reins and sends Dawn to her insane sister Emily who lives on some abandoned plantation in Virginia. Emily is evil as well, and is constantly trying to inexplicably induce a miscarriage.
Of course, all of this evil is to no avail, as Dawn is hauntingly beautiful with flaxen hair and cerulean blue eyes. She therefore gives birth to an equally beautiful baby and is promptly rescued by ex-brother/current boyfriend Jimmy. But what has become of beautiful Baby Christie? Grandmother Cutler strikes again: and has given Christie up for adoption! Will her evil prevail? Can Dawn's beauty win the day?
Dawn is determined to prove her wrong! She does well in school, becomes a concert pianist, and is selected to be in a "special" vocal class with the sexy rakish opera star, Michael Sutton. Of course, he knocks her up.
She is promptly abandoned by him after he finds out, and then hit by a car. Grandmother Cutler takes the reins and sends Dawn to her insane sister Emily who lives on some abandoned plantation in Virginia. Emily is evil as well, and is constantly trying to inexplicably induce a miscarriage.
Of course, all of this evil is to no avail, as Dawn is hauntingly beautiful with flaxen hair and cerulean blue eyes. She therefore gives birth to an equally beautiful baby and is promptly rescued by ex-brother/current boyfriend Jimmy. But what has become of beautiful Baby Christie? Grandmother Cutler strikes again: and has given Christie up for adoption! Will her evil prevail? Can Dawn's beauty win the day?
January 24, 2018
What can I say...? How about this:
If you didn't have an unhealthy obsession with V. C. Andrews' novels, then don't read this book.
My review for the prequel, Dawn: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3.5 stars. The only thing saving this book from a 2 stars rating is the ending.
Too stupid to live Long suffering heroines! Crappy parents! Evil older women! Unrealistic dreamboats! Incest...sort of!
Well, again it is just another day in Ms. Andrews' twisted fictional world.
Guess what? You know this one was written by Ms. Andrews' ghostwriter after her death instead of written by her, right? So...........I have to say this, Ms. Andrews could wave her magic ward a lot better than her ghostwriter...I know it's hard to walk in Andrews' shoes, but still...
The problem I have with this book:
(1) The story line looks a lot like a copy of Petals on the Wind and a few other Andrews' novels.
(2) The heroine Dawn is so mother freakingly stupid.
(3) The same like the first book, the heroine continues to suffer endlessly for nearly an entire book. Okay...this one isn't entirely a bad thing...I'm okay with the heroine suffering throughout the first book, but in this second book, I think my patience have ran out.
(4) The writing: it isn't bad, but Ms. Andrews' Gothic undertone is nearly gone in here.
Still...as an attempt of self-torment, I will continue reading the next book.
My review for the prequel, Dawn: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3.5 stars. The only thing saving this book from a 2 stars rating is the ending.
Well, again it is just another day in Ms. Andrews' twisted fictional world.
Guess what? You know this one was written by Ms. Andrews' ghostwriter after her death instead of written by her, right? So...........I have to say this, Ms. Andrews could wave her magic ward a lot better than her ghostwriter...I know it's hard to walk in Andrews' shoes, but still...
The problem I have with this book:
(1) The story line looks a lot like a copy of Petals on the Wind and a few other Andrews' novels.
(2) The heroine Dawn is so mother freakingly stupid.
(3) The same like the first book, the heroine continues to suffer endlessly for nearly an entire book. Okay...this one isn't entirely a bad thing...I'm okay with the heroine suffering throughout the first book, but in this second book, I think my patience have ran out.
(4) The writing: it isn't bad, but Ms. Andrews' Gothic undertone is nearly gone in here.
Still...as an attempt of self-torment, I will continue reading the next book.
January 18, 2024
I cannot believe anyone could be so dumb and so naive as Dawn was in this book. For someone who has been through all she has you'd think she'd pick up some street smarts. My Lord. The book starts off good with Dawn arriving in New York. She makes friends, she kicks butt at her new school and does everything her evil grandmother said she wouldn't. Then she gets drawn into an affair with her teacher Michael Sutton. As a teen I'm sure I thought the whole thing grand and romantic, now he's just a creepy slimy old man, even though he's younger than I am now. He gets her pregnant and she's shipped off to the evil Emily and simple Charlotte where she's worked like a slave until the baby comes. Then Jimmy saves her and they head for home planning to find Dawn's baby who was taken from her as soon as she was born. I liked Trisha and Arthur the friends Dawn makes at school Agnes was a fun eccentric old lady who makes things interesting. As I said Dawn was dumb, she not only fell for her teacher but she gave up an amazing opportunity and basically did everything her grandmother said she would. I cringed hearing the way she talked and acted. She whined a lot about everything. She was a bit better in book one, I'm almost afraid to try book three but I always have to finish what I started.
November 7, 2016
3.5 stars
Once again this series spins you around and straight into more drama and intrigue. Just as a disclaimer, like I said in my last review, I haven't read this book since I was 14. I do not remember much about this book other than the plot and that I enjoyed it.
This book is actually pretty sad, when you think about the circumstances Dawn has been placed in.
I found this book to be slower then the first in terms of the flow of the plot. When Dawn was in seclusion during her pregnancy, that part really dragged on for me, which is why I am giving it 3.5 stars, rather then 4. This book kind of delves into an even darker and more construed plot then the first installment.
Once again this series spins you around and straight into more drama and intrigue. Just as a disclaimer, like I said in my last review, I haven't read this book since I was 14. I do not remember much about this book other than the plot and that I enjoyed it.
This book is actually pretty sad, when you think about the circumstances Dawn has been placed in.
I found this book to be slower then the first in terms of the flow of the plot. When Dawn was in seclusion during her pregnancy, that part really dragged on for me, which is why I am giving it 3.5 stars, rather then 4. This book kind of delves into an even darker and more construed plot then the first installment.
January 26, 2024
4.75 Rounded Up
This is the third series I’m reading by this author and I’m putting together that there is a distinct formula being followed for each book in the series. The first book you get introduced to the character (who always has a talent) and a life altering secret gets revealed. With the second book, the characters typically go off to some artistic school and fall for someone at school whom it never works out with because they’re so naïve lol. Thirty year old with a seventeen year old? Cringey! Then BOOM another life altering secret is revealed with other questions still lurking in the background to be answered…
Is it a good storyline? Yes, if you haven’t read a ton by the author. This is my third series so it’s getting predictable. However, I’m a glutton for punishment and I’m still interested in the reads. So, I will be continuing on in this series even though all the fmcs have the absolute same personality types. Lol.
This book in particular is a feel good classic to me because Dawn was the first series I read multiple times as a teenager and now my second time reading it as an adult. I enjoyed her time in New York City at school and reading about her troubles and the new people she met.
Trish was my favorite character of all! A true friend to Dawn! She deserves at least that much! This book also helped her relationship with Jimmy be less cringey to me….
I’m looking forward to the next book.
This is the third series I’m reading by this author and I’m putting together that there is a distinct formula being followed for each book in the series. The first book you get introduced to the character (who always has a talent) and a life altering secret gets revealed. With the second book, the characters typically go off to some artistic school and fall for someone at school whom it never works out with because they’re so naïve lol. Thirty year old with a seventeen year old? Cringey! Then BOOM another life altering secret is revealed with other questions still lurking in the background to be answered…
Is it a good storyline? Yes, if you haven’t read a ton by the author. This is my third series so it’s getting predictable. However, I’m a glutton for punishment and I’m still interested in the reads. So, I will be continuing on in this series even though all the fmcs have the absolute same personality types. Lol.
This book in particular is a feel good classic to me because Dawn was the first series I read multiple times as a teenager and now my second time reading it as an adult. I enjoyed her time in New York City at school and reading about her troubles and the new people she met.
Trish was my favorite character of all! A true friend to Dawn! She deserves at least that much! This book also helped her relationship with Jimmy be less cringey to me….
I’m looking forward to the next book.
January 30, 2023
At this point it’s so clear that if you read one VCA series, you’ve basically read them all. Doesn’t make it any less good to read, but I do feel a little discouraged to read more series after this one
March 13, 2018
This is a re-read for me. I think the last time I read this, I was in late high school or early college. I hope to add a spoilery, snarky recap on my blog once life lets me.
Plot & Pacing
I remembered the plot for this one being better than Dawn and I wasn't disappointed. Dawn is whisked away to a fancy boarding school but her troubled life somehow manages to get even more complicated once she falls for her music teacher, the famous Michael Sutton. While Michael Sutton is the capital S in "Sleaze", it was still kind of fascinating (and sickening) watching Dawn be seduced, and then impregnated by him.
The pacing for the New York storyline is good and I'd forgotten all about Dawn being whisked off to the Meadows once Grandmother Cutler learns about her pregnancy. While that was definitely the creepy part of the story, it was still strangely fascinating to read about. Dawn really grew on me during this book even though I still shook my head at some of her actions and decisions. The pacing slows a bit near the end when Grandmother Cutler finally dies and Dawn learns exactly why her grandmother hated her so much--I actually remembered that tidbit.
Overall the plot and pacing for this one was a lot better than the previous book.
Setting & World-Building
The setting expands to a fancy art school in New York as well as an old Southern plantation called The Meadows down south somewhere. The hotel makes a bit of an appearance near the end. Each setting felt pretty realistic.
Characters & Development
I'm still not Dawn's biggest fan but her character definitely improved from the last book. She still makes stupid decisions but honestly, she's still a teenager, and I can only imagine how confused she is in her situation. While I wasn't Jimmy's biggest fan, I hated that Dawn cheated on him for the sleazeball Michael Sutton but it was an interesting affair to see unfold at the same time. I feel that by the end of the book, Dawn is even stronger than ever and I'm interested to see if that continues on into the next book, which I only remember a few details about.
Jimmy grew on me more during this book as well, especially when he came to visit Dawn in New York and when he came to rescue her from The Meadows. He's one of the more decent VCA men.
I liked Dawn's new friend, Trisha. While she was somewhat shallow and immature at times, she still obviously worried and cared about Dawn. I loved that she never had any issue putting herself out there to help Dawn out. She felt like a pretty realistic teenage girl, which was nice.
I also really liked Arthur (Bones), which doesn't surprise me as I also liked him when I first read this. I remember liking his and Dawn's relationship so much that I ended up writing a loosely based book of my own on it.
Dawn's real family continues to be either awful or pathetic. Her grandmother somehow manages to become even more cruel. It was nice to see some redemption for Daddy Longchamp, though I was sad that Dawn felt like she would be a burden to him once she was pregnant.
Emily Booth is almost as bad as Grandmother Cutler. I did like Charlotte, though--she was sweet.
Character Relationships
I warmed up more to Dawn and Jimmy, especially near the end.
As already stated, I also liked the brief relationship between Dawn and Arthur at the school. Dawn and Trisha's friendship was great and it was nice to see Dawn be able to be normal, at least for a short amount of time.
Michael Sutton is complete garbage but I still enjoyed the train wreck that was his and Dawn's "relationship", if you can call it that. As an adult, it was so much easier to see how he was playing/seducing her the entire time.
And while I didn't like Emily Booth at all, I found her relationships with her sisters to be somewhat interesting.
Writing & Voice
The writing and voice improved from the last one. I do like how some phrases, especially during sex scenes, have been cut and pasted from previous books, though. :-P
Climax & Ending
I remembered the twist concerning Dawn's heritage but had forgotten that her baby gets adopted out. Overall it was a pretty exciting climax and the death of Grandmother Cutler was satisfying (sorry not sorry). While I remember Clara Sue's revenge toward Dawn at the reading of the Will, it was still fun seeing her get so mad over it.
Overall, I'd give it 4.5 stars. Not quite a 5 star, but it came pretty close. Definitely one of the better Ghostwritten sequels.
Plot & Pacing
I remembered the plot for this one being better than Dawn and I wasn't disappointed. Dawn is whisked away to a fancy boarding school but her troubled life somehow manages to get even more complicated once she falls for her music teacher, the famous Michael Sutton. While Michael Sutton is the capital S in "Sleaze", it was still kind of fascinating (and sickening) watching Dawn be seduced, and then impregnated by him.
The pacing for the New York storyline is good and I'd forgotten all about Dawn being whisked off to the Meadows once Grandmother Cutler learns about her pregnancy. While that was definitely the creepy part of the story, it was still strangely fascinating to read about. Dawn really grew on me during this book even though I still shook my head at some of her actions and decisions. The pacing slows a bit near the end when Grandmother Cutler finally dies and Dawn learns exactly why her grandmother hated her so much--I actually remembered that tidbit.
Overall the plot and pacing for this one was a lot better than the previous book.
Setting & World-Building
The setting expands to a fancy art school in New York as well as an old Southern plantation called The Meadows down south somewhere. The hotel makes a bit of an appearance near the end. Each setting felt pretty realistic.
Characters & Development
I'm still not Dawn's biggest fan but her character definitely improved from the last book. She still makes stupid decisions but honestly, she's still a teenager, and I can only imagine how confused she is in her situation. While I wasn't Jimmy's biggest fan, I hated that Dawn cheated on him for the sleazeball Michael Sutton but it was an interesting affair to see unfold at the same time. I feel that by the end of the book, Dawn is even stronger than ever and I'm interested to see if that continues on into the next book, which I only remember a few details about.
Jimmy grew on me more during this book as well, especially when he came to visit Dawn in New York and when he came to rescue her from The Meadows. He's one of the more decent VCA men.
I liked Dawn's new friend, Trisha. While she was somewhat shallow and immature at times, she still obviously worried and cared about Dawn. I loved that she never had any issue putting herself out there to help Dawn out. She felt like a pretty realistic teenage girl, which was nice.
I also really liked Arthur (Bones), which doesn't surprise me as I also liked him when I first read this. I remember liking his and Dawn's relationship so much that I ended up writing a loosely based book of my own on it.
Dawn's real family continues to be either awful or pathetic. Her grandmother somehow manages to become even more cruel. It was nice to see some redemption for Daddy Longchamp, though I was sad that Dawn felt like she would be a burden to him once she was pregnant.
Emily Booth is almost as bad as Grandmother Cutler. I did like Charlotte, though--she was sweet.
Character Relationships
I warmed up more to Dawn and Jimmy, especially near the end.
As already stated, I also liked the brief relationship between Dawn and Arthur at the school. Dawn and Trisha's friendship was great and it was nice to see Dawn be able to be normal, at least for a short amount of time.
Michael Sutton is complete garbage but I still enjoyed the train wreck that was his and Dawn's "relationship", if you can call it that. As an adult, it was so much easier to see how he was playing/seducing her the entire time.
And while I didn't like Emily Booth at all, I found her relationships with her sisters to be somewhat interesting.
Writing & Voice
The writing and voice improved from the last one. I do like how some phrases, especially during sex scenes, have been cut and pasted from previous books, though. :-P
Climax & Ending
I remembered the twist concerning Dawn's heritage but had forgotten that her baby gets adopted out. Overall it was a pretty exciting climax and the death of Grandmother Cutler was satisfying (sorry not sorry). While I remember Clara Sue's revenge toward Dawn at the reading of the Will, it was still fun seeing her get so mad over it.
Overall, I'd give it 4.5 stars. Not quite a 5 star, but it came pretty close. Definitely one of the better Ghostwritten sequels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2019
When I first read this series, I started with book 5. This didn’t matter so much because it was a prequel. Then I jumped to book 2 which is this one and my love of Virginia Andrew’s was cemented.
Although I still really enjoyed this book, I do think differently about it now I'm no longer a 12 year old girl. I used to think her liaison with Michael was terribly exciting and romantic, reading it back now I can just see it’s a pervy old teacher seducing a pupil! The New York part of the book is still my favourite though.
Some things about Grandmother Cutler don’t make sense. Because I’ve Read ‘Darkest Hour' and I know what her childhood was like, I find it surprising that she has no sympathy for Dawn. They both have pretty horrific stuff happen to them. Also she wasn't in love with her husband, she was sold to him. So I find it pretty hard to understand why she considers Dawn ‘her curse’.
Also Dawn’s mother is the worst! What a nasty weak woman. You can tell where Clara Sue gets her wonderful personality from!
Having fun with this re-read, onto the next one!
Although I still really enjoyed this book, I do think differently about it now I'm no longer a 12 year old girl. I used to think her liaison with Michael was terribly exciting and romantic, reading it back now I can just see it’s a pervy old teacher seducing a pupil! The New York part of the book is still my favourite though.
Some things about Grandmother Cutler don’t make sense. Because I’ve Read ‘Darkest Hour' and I know what her childhood was like, I find it surprising that she has no sympathy for Dawn. They both have pretty horrific stuff happen to them. Also she wasn't in love with her husband, she was sold to him. So I find it pretty hard to understand why she considers Dawn ‘her curse’.
Also Dawn’s mother is the worst! What a nasty weak woman. You can tell where Clara Sue gets her wonderful personality from!
Having fun with this re-read, onto the next one!
November 22, 2013
I ate these books up when I was younger so I hate to give them a 3. However, I realize that they are actually terrible books, and I can't justify anything more.
July 7, 2024
Book two in Dawn’s saga (or the Cutler series if we want to get technical) and the madness remains at an all time high throughout!
This novel sees Dawn flying off to New York to attend a performing arts high school, but that is only the beginnings of where this novel takes us. Soon we’re wrapped up in a scandalous love affair that leads to a darker home than Dawn will ever know.
I loved this book. It had a slower start than the first installment, but by the end it felt just as bleak and terrifying. These books have a unique way of making me feel all of Dawn’s emotions (namely her frustrations or anger or helplessness) incredibly closely, almost as if I’m feeling them myself in her shoes. This book introduces us to a wider cast of characters that I feel really flesh out the story, and we get some answers to unanswered questions in book one that I did not see coming!
This series continues to surprise and impress, and I anticipate loving the rest of it just as much as I did the first two books.
(4.5 stars)
This novel sees Dawn flying off to New York to attend a performing arts high school, but that is only the beginnings of where this novel takes us. Soon we’re wrapped up in a scandalous love affair that leads to a darker home than Dawn will ever know.
I loved this book. It had a slower start than the first installment, but by the end it felt just as bleak and terrifying. These books have a unique way of making me feel all of Dawn’s emotions (namely her frustrations or anger or helplessness) incredibly closely, almost as if I’m feeling them myself in her shoes. This book introduces us to a wider cast of characters that I feel really flesh out the story, and we get some answers to unanswered questions in book one that I did not see coming!
This series continues to surprise and impress, and I anticipate loving the rest of it just as much as I did the first two books.
(4.5 stars)
October 28, 2013
Attending a prestigous school for the performing arts in New York, Dawn Cutler finally has a chance to realize her dreams. Her family members - all of whom are either distant or spiteful - no longer have the chance to bring her down, as her natural talent flourishes, and she grows more confident and comfortable in her life training to be a singer. Then seductive and debonair Michael Sutton builds her up only to destroy her, leaving her once again a pawn in her Grandmother's machinations.
I had a lot of issues with this book. Although I have had my heart broken - and badly - when I was a little younger and in a relationship where I was blind to the other person's flaws (and to mine!) and I can sympathize with Dawn, I found it difficult to believe that she so readily believed Michael Sutton's lies. He was one of the slimiest, greasiest characters I've ever read about, and with every false promise he made to Dawn, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do more - shake her, or slap him. Starved for love, she never questioned his intentions, and I wished, as I turned the pages, that somehow the story I remembered would turn out differently. But Michael's abandonment of Dawn hurt just as much this time, perhaps because (for some crazy reason) I actually adore her.
Watching Dawn flounder as Grandmother Cutler once again steps in to arrange the solution she has deemed best, my heart hurt for Dawn. Her family, we find out later, knows of her situation, and does nothing to help her. Dawn is sent to stay with her great-aunts, one of whom is simple, the other who is a religious fanatic, and cruel. Dawn definitely pays for her misplaced faith under great aunt Emily, who works her to the bone and endlessly lectures her about what a sinner she is. When Dawn finally gets to leave, I practically clapped.
I'm a little torn on this book. I loved some parts. I loved that despite everything she puts him through, Jimmy is still there for Dawn. She makes some HUGE mistakes, and he never wavers in his love for and his devotion to her. Some would call that blind, but I always saw him as choosing to rise above it all and move on from the past and the bad decisions. I didn't like that Dawn, at times, tended to depend on Jimmy too much, and I feel like she took for granted that he would always be there for her. She had to grow up a lot in this book, and when I get to my re-read of the next book, I hope to see that she realizes how amazing Jimmy is to love her like he does.
I was not fond of the twist at the end of the book. I thought it was a little too easy, and while it explained a lot from the current and previous book, I guess I will always wish Andrew Neiderman (writing as V.C. Andrews) had taken a different route. But overall this book was emotional and enjoyable, though somewhat bittersweet, as Dawn's rags-to-riches story takes on several new levels, and new turns in the road. The book ends on an extremely hopeful note though, with Dawn and Jimmy - quite literally - headed toward their future, together.
I had a lot of issues with this book. Although I have had my heart broken - and badly - when I was a little younger and in a relationship where I was blind to the other person's flaws (and to mine!) and I can sympathize with Dawn, I found it difficult to believe that she so readily believed Michael Sutton's lies. He was one of the slimiest, greasiest characters I've ever read about, and with every false promise he made to Dawn, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do more - shake her, or slap him. Starved for love, she never questioned his intentions, and I wished, as I turned the pages, that somehow the story I remembered would turn out differently. But Michael's abandonment of Dawn hurt just as much this time, perhaps because (for some crazy reason) I actually adore her.
Watching Dawn flounder as Grandmother Cutler once again steps in to arrange the solution she has deemed best, my heart hurt for Dawn. Her family, we find out later, knows of her situation, and does nothing to help her. Dawn is sent to stay with her great-aunts, one of whom is simple, the other who is a religious fanatic, and cruel. Dawn definitely pays for her misplaced faith under great aunt Emily, who works her to the bone and endlessly lectures her about what a sinner she is. When Dawn finally gets to leave, I practically clapped.
I'm a little torn on this book. I loved some parts. I loved that despite everything she puts him through, Jimmy is still there for Dawn. She makes some HUGE mistakes, and he never wavers in his love for and his devotion to her. Some would call that blind, but I always saw him as choosing to rise above it all and move on from the past and the bad decisions. I didn't like that Dawn, at times, tended to depend on Jimmy too much, and I feel like she took for granted that he would always be there for her. She had to grow up a lot in this book, and when I get to my re-read of the next book, I hope to see that she realizes how amazing Jimmy is to love her like he does.
I was not fond of the twist at the end of the book. I thought it was a little too easy, and while it explained a lot from the current and previous book, I guess I will always wish Andrew Neiderman (writing as V.C. Andrews) had taken a different route. But overall this book was emotional and enjoyable, though somewhat bittersweet, as Dawn's rags-to-riches story takes on several new levels, and new turns in the road. The book ends on an extremely hopeful note though, with Dawn and Jimmy - quite literally - headed toward their future, together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2009
I am not liking this book. The first in the series, "Dawn," was so much better. This one makes me kinda sick. Dawn is sent to a school for the arts in New York. She makes one really good friend, Trisha, who is about the nicest thing about this book. Dawn becomes extremely naive and is seduced by her singing teacher, the famous Michael Sutton. She is supposed to be Jimmy's girlfriend, (he's now in the army and has been shipped to London). However, she does repeatedly sleep w/ Michael and becomes pregnant with his child. When he finds this out, he flees from the school without so much as a word to her that he's leaving. When she finds out, she becomes dazed and gets "grazed" by a car and ends up in the hospital, in a coma for 4 days.
When she wakes up, her parents and evil grandmother have been informed of her pregnancy. She is then shipped off to live in Virginia with her evil grandmother's sisters. Miss Emily is just as evil as her grandmother, if not more. She treats Dawn like an animal. There is no heat, hot water, or electricity in the house. Dawn is stripped of her clothes and is permitted only to wear 2 dresses per week, no underclothes or socks. She isn't even allowed to have a comb for her hair and is permitted to bathe once a week in the same water that Miss Emily and Charlotte use. She is expected to perform heavy labor jobs daily, as this is Miss Emily's way of trying to have her miscarry her baby.
This book is so truly twisted, I have to admit, I'm not finished yet, but I have skipped over some of the pages hoping her stay at this house of hell will soon end. I have read spoilers on this website that the baby is taken away from her as soon as she gives birth, and I am on the chapter that she is now ready to have the baby. I'm sure the evil Miss Emily will make it as painful for her as possible. I hope the next book in the series isn't this dark and evil. this one is a hard read for me. I like at least a little bit of nice in the VC Andrews books.
Well, I finished this book today, and at least the end was good. Dawn had her baby girl and it was immediately taken away by the evil Emily. Jimmy found and rescued her, and they went back to the Hotel to confront the evil grandmother as to the whereabouts of Dawn's baby. The grandmother had a stroke and as in the hospital, where she died before giving any information. HOwever, the family attorney did know what happened, and was under the impression Dawn signed papers for her baby to be adopted. Before they leave to confront the family who adopted her baby, the grandmother's will is read. Her late husband also left a letter stating that Dawn is actually his daughter, as he slept with his son's wife. He then leaves 60% of the hotel to Dawn, which outrages her "sister." The books ends with Dawn and Jimmy off to fetch her daughter. At least it ended well. This makes me happy and I'm off to read the next in the series.
When she wakes up, her parents and evil grandmother have been informed of her pregnancy. She is then shipped off to live in Virginia with her evil grandmother's sisters. Miss Emily is just as evil as her grandmother, if not more. She treats Dawn like an animal. There is no heat, hot water, or electricity in the house. Dawn is stripped of her clothes and is permitted only to wear 2 dresses per week, no underclothes or socks. She isn't even allowed to have a comb for her hair and is permitted to bathe once a week in the same water that Miss Emily and Charlotte use. She is expected to perform heavy labor jobs daily, as this is Miss Emily's way of trying to have her miscarry her baby.
This book is so truly twisted, I have to admit, I'm not finished yet, but I have skipped over some of the pages hoping her stay at this house of hell will soon end. I have read spoilers on this website that the baby is taken away from her as soon as she gives birth, and I am on the chapter that she is now ready to have the baby. I'm sure the evil Miss Emily will make it as painful for her as possible. I hope the next book in the series isn't this dark and evil. this one is a hard read for me. I like at least a little bit of nice in the VC Andrews books.
Well, I finished this book today, and at least the end was good. Dawn had her baby girl and it was immediately taken away by the evil Emily. Jimmy found and rescued her, and they went back to the Hotel to confront the evil grandmother as to the whereabouts of Dawn's baby. The grandmother had a stroke and as in the hospital, where she died before giving any information. HOwever, the family attorney did know what happened, and was under the impression Dawn signed papers for her baby to be adopted. Before they leave to confront the family who adopted her baby, the grandmother's will is read. Her late husband also left a letter stating that Dawn is actually his daughter, as he slept with his son's wife. He then leaves 60% of the hotel to Dawn, which outrages her "sister." The books ends with Dawn and Jimmy off to fetch her daughter. At least it ended well. This makes me happy and I'm off to read the next in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2013
Summary: Grandmother Cutler decides that she wants Dawn out of her hair and sends her to New York. She calls a friend and gets her accepted into the Bernhardt school for Preforming Arts.
Dawn is only sixteen and has never been to New Ork before. She's afraid she will not make any friends because she knows no one in NY.
She makes her way to the building she will be housed in only to find that her Grandmother has sent a letter of lies about her to the woman in charge. Now the woman thinks she is spoiled and lustful and will only cause problems.
Dawn makes friends with her roommate Trisha. Soon she tells the girl all about her troubled past and they grow close as sisters. Jimmy has a little time off before he is shipped to Europe so he visits Dawn. he takes her to dinner and they go back to his motel and almost have sex. They decide to wait and promise to be true to each other until they can be together.
A musical performer named Michael Sutton comes to teach at the school. He chooses a class of six and Dawn is one of them. But soon they start a romantic relationship. Dawn is only seventeen and he is in his thirties. Dawn gets pregnant and he promises to take her away with him to Florida and marry her. But he runs off and leaves her.
She's too scared to tell Jimmy but she tells her friend and soon Grandmother Cutler finds out. She ships her off to the Meadows where her sisters live. She tells everyone that she's sick and is going to a resort to get better.
Dawn is about to get word to Trisha about where she's really going to be before she leaves the hospital. Soon Dawn is being held prisoner at the Meadows and she's forced to do horrible chores and eat hardly nothing.
Miss Emily, one of Grandmother Cutler's sisters, delivers her bay and then sends it away. Dawn find out and then Jimmy comes to rescue her.
They discover that Grandmother Cutler has had a stroke and before she can find out what has happened to her baby the old hag dies.
After the reading of the will Dawn finds out that her real Father is not a musician like she has been told but instead he is Grandfather Cutler. Then she learns why she's been treated so badly by Grandmother Cutler. Her Father leaves her sixty percent of the hotel and now she is rich.
The book ends with her and Jimmy going to the address of the people Grandmother Cutler chose to adopt her baby, Christie. Maybe they'll be happy after all.
Thoughts: Another addition to the series, still following Dawn and her screwed up family and uncovering more lies.
Dawn is only sixteen and has never been to New Ork before. She's afraid she will not make any friends because she knows no one in NY.
She makes her way to the building she will be housed in only to find that her Grandmother has sent a letter of lies about her to the woman in charge. Now the woman thinks she is spoiled and lustful and will only cause problems.
Dawn makes friends with her roommate Trisha. Soon she tells the girl all about her troubled past and they grow close as sisters. Jimmy has a little time off before he is shipped to Europe so he visits Dawn. he takes her to dinner and they go back to his motel and almost have sex. They decide to wait and promise to be true to each other until they can be together.
A musical performer named Michael Sutton comes to teach at the school. He chooses a class of six and Dawn is one of them. But soon they start a romantic relationship. Dawn is only seventeen and he is in his thirties. Dawn gets pregnant and he promises to take her away with him to Florida and marry her. But he runs off and leaves her.
She's too scared to tell Jimmy but she tells her friend and soon Grandmother Cutler finds out. She ships her off to the Meadows where her sisters live. She tells everyone that she's sick and is going to a resort to get better.
Dawn is about to get word to Trisha about where she's really going to be before she leaves the hospital. Soon Dawn is being held prisoner at the Meadows and she's forced to do horrible chores and eat hardly nothing.
Miss Emily, one of Grandmother Cutler's sisters, delivers her bay and then sends it away. Dawn find out and then Jimmy comes to rescue her.
They discover that Grandmother Cutler has had a stroke and before she can find out what has happened to her baby the old hag dies.
After the reading of the will Dawn finds out that her real Father is not a musician like she has been told but instead he is Grandfather Cutler. Then she learns why she's been treated so badly by Grandmother Cutler. Her Father leaves her sixty percent of the hotel and now she is rich.
The book ends with her and Jimmy going to the address of the people Grandmother Cutler chose to adopt her baby, Christie. Maybe they'll be happy after all.
Thoughts: Another addition to the series, still following Dawn and her screwed up family and uncovering more lies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2015
Lo primero es lo primero: reconozco que estoy súper enganchada, esto parece un culebrón y es más que probable que me lea los tres libros que me faltan.
PERO.
Si en el anterior libro dije que me había pasado la mayor parte del libro acordándome de todos los familiares difuntos de determinados personajes, en éste a la que le han tocado los descalificativos ha sido a la propia Dawn: una cosa es ser ingenua y otra ser tonta, con todas las letras. Han habido determinados capítulos en los que no podía creer lo estúpida que estaba siendo y me daba mucha rabia, de verdad.
Y otro pero gordo es que he empezado a encontrarla bastante Mary Sue: siempre tan perfecta y buena a pesar de lo mal que lo pasa (en serio, no hay prácticamente nada que no le haya pasado a esta mujer). Eso unido a la poca experiencia vital que parece haber sacado de todos sus dramas... Me ha parecido muy Mary Sue, la verdad.
Y, por favor, ignoremos las horrendas portadas setenteras de esta serie.
PERO.
Si en el anterior libro dije que me había pasado la mayor parte del libro acordándome de todos los familiares difuntos de determinados personajes, en éste a la que le han tocado los descalificativos ha sido a la propia Dawn: una cosa es ser ingenua y otra ser tonta, con todas las letras. Han habido determinados capítulos en los que no podía creer lo estúpida que estaba siendo y me daba mucha rabia, de verdad.
Y otro pero gordo es que he empezado a encontrarla bastante Mary Sue: siempre tan perfecta y buena a pesar de lo mal que lo pasa (en serio, no hay prácticamente nada que no le haya pasado a esta mujer). Eso unido a la poca experiencia vital que parece haber sacado de todos sus dramas... Me ha parecido muy Mary Sue, la verdad.
Y, por favor, ignoremos las horrendas portadas setenteras de esta serie.
November 3, 2021
In this book Cathy, sorry I mean Dawn, goes to New York to escape her evil grandmother Mrs Foxworth, no wait I mean Mrs Cutler, and go become a ballerina, no wait a singer! Meanwhile harboring complicated feelings towards Christopher, I mean Jimmy, when a new man enters the scene…
At this point I feel sure the Andrews family literally just took the outline to the Dollanganger series and gave it to a man to ”continue” V.C’s legacy, a.k.a. keep the checks coming, and didn’t give a flip about anything but those dollars.
Honestly, it is the sheer laziness of it all that bothers me the most.
The Dawn and Jimmy romance is so gross. Finding out they weren’t blood related was like the best news ever for them, and they can’t even be bothered to hide that. She should still think of him as her brother, they did grow up together. Anyway, that’s me out from this series. Waste of time.
At this point I feel sure the Andrews family literally just took the outline to the Dollanganger series and gave it to a man to ”continue” V.C’s legacy, a.k.a. keep the checks coming, and didn’t give a flip about anything but those dollars.
Honestly, it is the sheer laziness of it all that bothers me the most.
The Dawn and Jimmy romance is so gross. Finding out they weren’t blood related was like the best news ever for them, and they can’t even be bothered to hide that. She should still think of him as her brother, they did grow up together. Anyway, that’s me out from this series. Waste of time.
September 11, 2010
Definitely not literature at its finest. I am now able to recognize these books for what they were, a dirty, trashy good time, but I absolutely loved them so to give them any less than a 4 would not be fair. Of all the books I've read these are the ones that I can probably remember every single detail of. Call me a pervert, but I love them.
February 27, 2024
This 2nd book in the cutler series was a harder read. Knowing the vulnerability of Dawn through her journey in the 1st book, then witnessing her being groomed by Michael made for uncomfortable reading. The time spent with Miss Emily was also very reminiscent of Flowers in the Attic & the hardship of living under the stern rule of an older woman. Jimmy, being the knight in shining armour, makes you really hope that Dawn will see in him the right future for herself. I expect more will be revealed in the next chapter!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
What a fun, soap-opera-y time
May 18, 2017
1.5 ish just because good lord the last chunk of this was so creepy and downright twisted?? At least that made it entertaining in a morbid way, but otherwise it played out like a soap opera. Given the author and their reputation, not surprising.
The earlier half was so eyeroll inducing though. Dawn is extremely naive and falls for Michael so fast, but given the lack of love she's receiving from her family and the adult responsible for her in NY it's a little easy to see how she so willingly throws herself into his arms and is blind to just how narcissistic, creepy, and emotionally manipulative he is. Which is a lot.
But that didn't keep me grown groaning out loud when she cries to Trisha about his initial invitation turns out to "not be a date!!!" Like, child, what the heck??? You are sixteen; he's in his thirties, that's illegal??? Why is this just glossed over ??? It honestly makes him that much more skeezy and gross.
Not to mention she falls into the habit of lying a lot and being generally annoying about her lovesickness, but at the very least those negative traits balance out her positive ones which verge on the edge of 'MarySue'. But again, that doesn't mean that they're likable.
I still wonder why on earth this ghostwriter has never heard of a pregnancy test, good lord. That really irked me in the Landry saga. And if I see the phrase "brushed my hair until it shone" one more time I might just chuck the book out into the rain.
But alas, I have three more books before I can be free of this series and of the author once and for good.
The earlier half was so eyeroll inducing though. Dawn is extremely naive and falls for Michael so fast, but given the lack of love she's receiving from her family and the adult responsible for her in NY it's a little easy to see how she so willingly throws herself into his arms and is blind to just how narcissistic, creepy, and emotionally manipulative he is. Which is a lot.
But that didn't keep me grown groaning out loud when she cries to Trisha about his initial invitation turns out to "not be a date!!!" Like, child, what the heck??? You are sixteen; he's in his thirties, that's illegal??? Why is this just glossed over ??? It honestly makes him that much more skeezy and gross.
Not to mention she falls into the habit of lying a lot and being generally annoying about her lovesickness, but at the very least those negative traits balance out her positive ones which verge on the edge of 'MarySue'. But again, that doesn't mean that they're likable.
I still wonder why on earth this ghostwriter has never heard of a pregnancy test, good lord. That really irked me in the Landry saga. And if I see the phrase "brushed my hair until it shone" one more time I might just chuck the book out into the rain.
But alas, I have three more books before I can be free of this series and of the author once and for good.
December 10, 2015
To enjoy this book I had to completely separate this series from the Dollanganger series. I was very disappointed with "Dawn" because I hold the Dollanganger series in such high regard. There are many similarities between this book and the second book in that series (Petals on the Wind). It was actually kind of annoying how much they had in common. Although this series isn't nearly as interesting as those books, the story does get better as the series progresses.
A lot of people hate this book because they are frustrated with the main character and her choices. You'll enjoy this book if you consider Dawn's story through her eyes, instead of your own. What I mean is, I didn't relate to Dawn's way of thinking because I started reading this an an outsider observing her actions. Considering her psychological development will help you enjoy the story more.
&Unlike the Dollanganger series, this is one that I would recommend to preteens.
A lot of people hate this book because they are frustrated with the main character and her choices. You'll enjoy this book if you consider Dawn's story through her eyes, instead of your own. What I mean is, I didn't relate to Dawn's way of thinking because I started reading this an an outsider observing her actions. Considering her psychological development will help you enjoy the story more.
&Unlike the Dollanganger series, this is one that I would recommend to preteens.
March 6, 2009
This book was much better than the first one. Dawn flies off to New York to attend a school for performing arts and manages to make a few friends. When a famous opera singer comes to the school to teach, and just happens to be handsome to boot, Dawn gets caught up in an affair too advanced for her years and is abandoned by her lover. Grandmother Cutler finds out and then sends her off to an old, run-down plantation where Emily, Grandmother Cutler's sister, makes her life hell. The events in this book unfold very smoothly and the new characters are interesting and full of personality. I think one of the reasons this book worked so well was that the two most annoying characters, Philip and Clara Sue, were absent for 90% of it. This book was good enough for me to want to continue the series.
September 30, 2011
THIS BOOK WAS SO MUCH MORE STEAMIER. I LOVED HOW DAWN FINALLY HAD DEVELOPED A STRONG FRIENDSHIP WITH A GIRL NAMED TRISHA. LIKED HOW TRISHA DID NOT LOOK DOWN ON HER WHEN SHE LEARNED ALL OF DAWNS SECRETS. I THOUGHT (AT THE TIME, MIND YOU I WAS IN HIGHSCHOOL WHEN THIS CAME OUT) THE ROMANCE BETWEEN DAWN AND MICHAEL WAS SO ROMANTICALLY HOT. I HATED HOW HE DESERTED HER WHEN SHE NEEDED HIM MOST. SHE WAS SO NIAVE, ALL OF THE SIGNS OF HIM BEING UNFAITHFULL WHERE THERE. THEN WHEN SHE GOT PREGNANT AND HE LEFT, SHE WAS SENT TO THAT HORRID PLACE, CALLED "THE MEDOWS." MY FAVORITE LINE FROM THAT BOOK IS WHEN AFTER JIMMY GOES THERE TO RESCUE DAWN, JUST BEFORE THEY LEAVE, DAWN HAS A CONFRONTAION W/MS.EMILY, AND SHE SAYS "HAVING TO LIVE WITH YOU, HAS MADE ME FEEL SORRY FOR SATAN, FOR SURELY HE DOES NOT DESERVE ANTHING AS HORRID AS YOU."
October 13, 2012
This book is part of the Cutler series. Dawn Cutler is sent to school in New York and the question is will Dawn find happiness there. Being a V.C. Andrews book, you know the answer is no. If you have read V.C. Andrews before, you know where the plot is heading in this book. It was a decent read with plenty of melodrama. I cared about what was going on in the main character's life and at times I wanted to scream not to be so naive. I would have rated this higher but I thought the ending was a little too convenient and it came out of nowhere. I will continue to read the series and looking forward to how Dawn handles her new life.
February 12, 2014
Some of the things that happen to Dawn in this book are just astonishing, and should remind us all not to take what we have in life for granted, because we could just as easily have a life like hers any day. The relationship between her and Jimmy is absolutely beautiful as well. Andrews is a great author, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
I did happen to rate this one four stars because it began to get extremely boring towards the end of the book. It was smooth sailing up until about page 300, and slowed down for almost the rest of the book, but definitely recommended otherwise.
I did happen to rate this one four stars because it began to get extremely boring towards the end of the book. It was smooth sailing up until about page 300, and slowed down for almost the rest of the book, but definitely recommended otherwise.
May 9, 2022
This is far better than the first book for the Cutler Series and I am not rating it a five because of the main character but because of the plot itself and the twist and turns in this story. The last pages revealing the truth were the ones I had enjoyed the most and as much as Dawn becoming more of a character I disliked each time, I turned the page, I like how she wasn't a perfect character and she succeeded as a character because I got annoyed a lot more reading this second book because of her. Of course, Jimmy is still the best character. All in all, second book is better than first book in my opinion.
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