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Treasures
A story of family... the Osbornes -- two sisters and a brother -- united by family ties but split apart by different dreams. Lara, the happy young wife, longs for the family that will make her life whole. Connie, wild and lovely, is more like her brother Eddy -- bright, ambitious, and ready to seize all that life has to offer. A story of choices... Connie is looking for wealth -- to make or to marry. Lara, staying behind in a small Ohio town, finds everything she cherishes threatened by fate and by her own blind commitment. And Eddy, as Wall Street's "wonder boy," can make millions... if he ruthlessly uses his family and friends. A story of marriages... Lara's held together by devotion, Connie's shattered by infidelity and betrayal, and Eddy's rocked by shame and prison. Torn by conflicting loyalties, they are a family caught in the tides of scandal... and swept toward a fate where dreams may end or be born again...
528 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published March 1, 1993
132 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Belva Plain
147 books321 followersBelva Plain was a best-selling American author of mainstream women's fiction. Her first novel, Evergreen (1978) topped the New York Times bestseller list for 41 weeks and was made into a TV miniseries. At her death, there were over 30 million copies of her twenty-plus novels in print in 22 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 6, 2021
What a treat it was to start off the year with a book by one of my favorite authors, Belva Plain. I read many of her books when I was younger but there are quite a few that I have missed including this one. Treasures is about family and wealth and what’s important in life. I truly love Belva Plain's writing; it has an elegance to it that reminds me of films from the 1940s.
February 17, 2017
Sweeping from a small midwestern town in Ohio to Manhattan's Wall Street; all the way from elegant Fifth Avenue to a starkly cramped prison cell...Treasures is the story of a simple family - united by blood but torn apart by vastly different dreams. The Osborne family had always been incredibly close, yet with the deaths of Vernon and Peg Osborne; their grief-stricken children - Lara, Connie and Eddy - soon decide to go their separate ways. However, while their dreams of success, and the separation of time and distance may very well take its toll - will the strength of their family bonds ultimately keep the Osborne siblings together?
The eldest child is twenty-eight-year-old Lara, the self-styled 'mother hen' of her family. Having cared for her siblings from a relatively young age, Lara has become something of a homebody - happily married and still living in her childhood hometown. Although Lara is ostensibly a contented young wife, married to a loving and successful husband, she still holds a secret longing deep within her heart: she dreams of having a family of her own one day; a child to ultimately make her feel complete - a child that will make herself and her husband's life together wholly worthwhile.
Vernon Edward Osborne, Jr. is the financial wizard of the family. While the twenty-five-year-old middle child of the family may prefer to be called Eddy by his friends and family - he soon begins to realize that when it comes to the business of making money, personal preferences matter very little. Eddy is bright and ambitious, and is dedicated to making a name for himself as the rising star of Wall Street. Yet even though Eddy is ready to seize all that life has to offer, does Wall Street's own 'wonder boy' ultimately have the qualities that he needs in order to make millions - or the ruthlessness to use his family and friends to become successful in life.
The youngest child is twenty-year-old Connie, a wild and lovely young woman whose vibrant personality is much closer in temperament to her brother Eddy, rather than her sister Lara. Connie's dreams may be similar to those of her sister, yet she doesn't feel that she can be as patient as Lara when it comes to achieving those dreams: she is ultimately looking for wealth - either to make it for herself or to marry into it. However, will Connie's choices in love and life make her truly happy?
Theirs is a family ultimately caught up in the tides of scandal; alternately rocked by waves of infedelity, betrayal, shame and prison. Although they are torn between conflicting loyalties and devotion to their loved ones - the Osbornes will finally discover what is truly important to themselves and those they love most, as they are all swept toward a fate where dreams must inevitably end or be reborn anew.
Despite already having a copy of this book somewhere on my bookshelf, I seem to have lost track of it, so Mareena recently requested a second copy for me to read. I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, Belva Plain is such a fabulous author; she is so creative and capable of developing such believable characters, as well as remarkably thoughtful and poignant stories. I would give this book a definite A+!
The eldest child is twenty-eight-year-old Lara, the self-styled 'mother hen' of her family. Having cared for her siblings from a relatively young age, Lara has become something of a homebody - happily married and still living in her childhood hometown. Although Lara is ostensibly a contented young wife, married to a loving and successful husband, she still holds a secret longing deep within her heart: she dreams of having a family of her own one day; a child to ultimately make her feel complete - a child that will make herself and her husband's life together wholly worthwhile.
Vernon Edward Osborne, Jr. is the financial wizard of the family. While the twenty-five-year-old middle child of the family may prefer to be called Eddy by his friends and family - he soon begins to realize that when it comes to the business of making money, personal preferences matter very little. Eddy is bright and ambitious, and is dedicated to making a name for himself as the rising star of Wall Street. Yet even though Eddy is ready to seize all that life has to offer, does Wall Street's own 'wonder boy' ultimately have the qualities that he needs in order to make millions - or the ruthlessness to use his family and friends to become successful in life.
The youngest child is twenty-year-old Connie, a wild and lovely young woman whose vibrant personality is much closer in temperament to her brother Eddy, rather than her sister Lara. Connie's dreams may be similar to those of her sister, yet she doesn't feel that she can be as patient as Lara when it comes to achieving those dreams: she is ultimately looking for wealth - either to make it for herself or to marry into it. However, will Connie's choices in love and life make her truly happy?
Theirs is a family ultimately caught up in the tides of scandal; alternately rocked by waves of infedelity, betrayal, shame and prison. Although they are torn between conflicting loyalties and devotion to their loved ones - the Osbornes will finally discover what is truly important to themselves and those they love most, as they are all swept toward a fate where dreams must inevitably end or be reborn anew.
Despite already having a copy of this book somewhere on my bookshelf, I seem to have lost track of it, so Mareena recently requested a second copy for me to read. I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, Belva Plain is such a fabulous author; she is so creative and capable of developing such believable characters, as well as remarkably thoughtful and poignant stories. I would give this book a definite A+!
August 6, 2016
Treasures is a story of 3 siblings who grew up having a hard life and the rise and fall in their financial and personal lifes . Its the story of their learning to be content , understanding and accepting of each other and others, trust in finding love without selling yourself short and not thinking that possessions meant happiness. It takes twist and turns that are somewhat unpredicted..
September 19, 2015
This book read more like a Danielle Steel book than a Belva Plain. It really lacked the usual meat that Plain books usually hold. Spoiled rich people. Not really my cup of tea.
January 12, 2016
A pretty good book. The details on what the Eddie character did that was illegal were kept pretty vague. Too many details, and it would have dragged down the plot, but a few more details would have been better. It felt like it was "dumbed down" too much. The ending was a bit vague as well, as the story skipped ahead a number of months....8, I think. Eddie's wife is pregnant when the months are skipped, but before that she had cheated on him and they stayed married, but had separate rooms. Connie ended up with a doctor, but their courtship was largely passed over in the time gap. Even vague details would have been good, it made the ending too abrupt. I found Lara's part in the story a bit nebulous. She was featured, but I just could not get a grip on her character. There was too much emphasis on Connie and Eddie.
Still a very good read, but it felt almost like it had been poorly edited. It just felt like it wanted to be a 5 star book, and just could not get there.
Still a very good read, but it felt almost like it had been poorly edited. It just felt like it wanted to be a 5 star book, and just could not get there.
November 9, 2023
This is a very good family saga about 3 siblings, two sisters and a brother, and what happens to them as they enter adulthood and have very different lives. One of the sisters has two interesting marriages, one has a very happy but humble marriage and family, and the brother has a meteoric career that eventually changes course for the worse, but all of them have tragedies that change their lives.
July 20, 2023
Bardzo ciekawie było oglądać przemianę bohaterów. Jednak książka miejscami była nierówna i tempo w niektórych miejscach mi przeszkadzało. Wolałabym żeby więcej czasu było poświęcone Larze, która zdecydowanie była moją ulubioną postacią.
6,5/0
6,5/0
October 21, 2024
Eh…was ok, definitely not a page turner but I did want to find out what happened.
February 12, 2018
I'm concerned about myself! I should have hated this book. I DID hate almost all of the characters. And still, I couldn't put the book down! Hats off to Belva Plain, once again, for making me despise her well developed characters, and even hate the plot, but especially hate the snobbish, pompous dialogue between these snobbish, pompous people! This is a story about American Greed and about how America was almost destroyed because of the immense greed of a few (circa 1980's and 1990's Wall Street). This actually could be a true story about how greed can destroy families and how the insanely rich couldn't have cared much less. It happens. Apparently the story holds my interest! I'd recommend this book for anyone who doesn't mind a little bit of fluff and wants a really quick read. I was hooked from the first page. It WAS predictable! And still, it was interesting.
September 18, 2018
Got this at a tiny bookstore in a cute little tourist town near where I live, and the only reason I picked it up is because I had no idea what I was getting. This store has a unique display aptly titled “Never judge a book by its cover”, where all the books in the shelves under it were wrapped in brown package paper so no one could see what was inside. I’m so glad I was given this book to read, because I never would have read it otherwise. The plot is so unique and charming and definitely tells the story very realistically while still retaining elements of its fiction genre. I truly believe everyone should give this book a try, because it might just change your views on some things you never even thought to think about before.
April 30, 2020
A good gentle read on a rainy Spring day.
Connie, Eddie and Lara lost their parents when they were young adults. They went their separate ways.
Lara and her husband Davey lived simple lives in Ohio. Eddie went to New York City and entered the world of high finance. Connie married into wealth and high society.
As each sibling followed their own life paths, love, loss, tragedy and heartbreak followed. Only time would heal their wounds and bind this family together again.
A good story and well written as only Bekva Plain can do!
Connie, Eddie and Lara lost their parents when they were young adults. They went their separate ways.
Lara and her husband Davey lived simple lives in Ohio. Eddie went to New York City and entered the world of high finance. Connie married into wealth and high society.
As each sibling followed their own life paths, love, loss, tragedy and heartbreak followed. Only time would heal their wounds and bind this family together again.
A good story and well written as only Bekva Plain can do!
November 21, 2016
Siblings Eddy, Lara, and Caroline approach the accumulation of goods in different ways: Eddy, by wheeling and dealing; Lara and her husband Davey, by working hard to produce; Caroline, by marrying wealth. I did not enjoy reading about all the greed and shallowness -- knowing where it would lead. The end was predictable and even unrealistic, but satisfying. It turned out to be the parable of "real treasure" I thought it might be.
March 10, 2013
Absolute drivel novel about Wall St. corruption.
March 1, 2016
RDC-M V 5, 1992, 1/93. A novel about two sisters and a brother who look for riches and success in the wrong places. Rather dull.
August 28, 2018
Really couldn’t relate to the characters in this book. I was tempted to stop reading it several times for that reason. In the end, I decided it was just “ok”.
March 15, 2020
Flat characters, tiresome descriptions of the lives and possessions of ultra-wealthy people, and implausible dialogue. I read Blessings years ago and enjoyed it, but this one disappointed.
July 17, 2023
Greed, greed, greed and how it ruins lives, relationships and love. I could not relate to Connie or Eddy as all they did was make more money and buy ridiculously priced items. They would casually mention the painting they bought for (I would think thousands of dollars) "hundreds of thousands of dollars." What? They had so much money that it seemed unrealistic esp. for being in their early 30's.
I liked the twists to the story as I did not expect one or two of them. However, the ending was predictable and the final love story a bit rushed. Easy reading, smooth story line, but just an OK book.
I liked the twists to the story as I did not expect one or two of them. However, the ending was predictable and the final love story a bit rushed. Easy reading, smooth story line, but just an OK book.
August 28, 2025
I would give this a 3.5. I used to read a lot of Belva Plains
Family sagas. And this book was a comfortable reminder of why. Her stories are solid, and steady, and they weave the lives of family members seamlessly and entertainingly. The Osborn family story was an enjoyable read. There are no Wow moments, or big twists, but somehow you become involved and the pages keep turning. I would not say this is a “must read”, but I enjoyed it.
Family sagas. And this book was a comfortable reminder of why. Her stories are solid, and steady, and they weave the lives of family members seamlessly and entertainingly. The Osborn family story was an enjoyable read. There are no Wow moments, or big twists, but somehow you become involved and the pages keep turning. I would not say this is a “must read”, but I enjoyed it.
January 4, 2018
I really like this author. This was a story about greed and misguided ideas of treasure. The characters are believable but not necessarily likable. It demonstrates some of the tough lessons learned by some who got caught up in their ambition for money and prestige. Reminds me in particular of the 80's but there are people like this in all decades.
January 5, 2020
Just three stars
I liked the storyline and thought the characters were well developed, but I didn’t like the format. I prefer a new outlined paragraph when locales or instances occur. Belva Plain has an annoying practice of simply going forward without delineating or separating chapters.
I liked the storyline and thought the characters were well developed, but I didn’t like the format. I prefer a new outlined paragraph when locales or instances occur. Belva Plain has an annoying practice of simply going forward without delineating or separating chapters.
June 6, 2020
Don’t bother. Predictable—even though it practically employed deus ex machina gymnastics to achieve its predictability. One paragraph is about one character in City A and the next paragraph you have to try to figure out how you’re meant to instinctively know you’re now in City B with someone else. Disjointed, choppy ... a complete waste of time.
June 3, 2019
Money
They say that money is the root of all evil. In this story, the characters find out the truth of this statement. After their mother's death, Eddy, Connie and Lara go off in different directions. Following each of them and how they wind up make for good reading.
They say that money is the root of all evil. In this story, the characters find out the truth of this statement. After their mother's death, Eddy, Connie and Lara go off in different directions. Following each of them and how they wind up make for good reading.
February 1, 2020
Predictable.
I had trouble following the jolting changes in both time and place. Pronoun reference problems abounded, and at times, the language was pedantic given the overall tenor of the story.
I had trouble following the jolting changes in both time and place. Pronoun reference problems abounded, and at times, the language was pedantic given the overall tenor of the story.
September 5, 2025
Slow at first but better toward the end. Story of wealthy family who learn thru mush suffering and hurt that wealth doesn't equal happiness. The real treasures in life are the people who love you and whom you love. LOVE is the TREASURE.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2017
Good "trashy" summer vacation read about the greed and financial ups and downs of the 80's and 90's. 😎
May 21, 2019
Good book.
July 5, 2019
pretty good novel and lesson about attaining wealth and the superficial pleasures it brings
Read
July 5, 2019quick read
October 17, 2019
Très léger et calme comme roman, mais terriblement agréable à lire. Parfait pour faire une pause entres des livres plus intenses.
December 3, 2019
Great read
I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the rags to riches story of this family that never forgot their roots, heritage and commitment to one another.
I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the rags to riches story of this family that never forgot their roots, heritage and commitment to one another.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews