Fortune's Hand

Rating:
Summary: FORTUNE'S HAND KNOCKED TOO MANY TIMES ON THIS DOOR
Review: At one time, Belva Plain was one of my favorite authors and I'd read each book she wrote on the day it hit the stores. Now I'm finding myself in no rush to do so and while she still writes a good book, they don't seem to be "great" any longer.

This is the story of how Robb McDaniel allowed "fortune" to ruin his life. When his parents are killed in an accident, he inherits enough money to go to law school and leaves his high-school sweetheart behind with promises to return and marry her -- mistake #1. While at law school, he meets Ellen whose father is the senior partner in a big-time law firm -- mistake #2. The ensuing story tells how Robb's fortune allows him to make mistake #3, #4, #5, etc.

At the beginning of this story, you have great hope for Robb. Lady Luck has shined down on this hometown boy enabling him to make something out of his life. Unfortunately, Lady Luck didn't stay around long enough. You'll have to read this book to find out about the rest of Robb's life and the very dramatic, always Belva Plain-like dramatic ending of this book.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyed.
Review: Belva Plain has made another story worthy of being made into a mini series. I can only hope it happens someday! In this one, Robb MacDaniel's life changes when he goes to law school. He leaves behind his home town, as well as, "the girl next door". He marries another generous woman named Ellie. As time goes by, Robb's career bring enormous successes and money is no longer a concern. However, soon money is all that matters. Robb never understands that cash in the bank is not the same as owning as much as possible.

Belva Plain also shows the effects all this has on Ellie, his two children, as well as the the girl he left behind all those years ago. Surprise ending! The thing I love best about Belva Plain's writing is that she can create a wonderful and realistic story, without using all the harsh language so many other authors use. Highly recommended reading!

Rating:
Summary: Awful
Review: I read Evergreen many years ago (and thoroughly enjoyed it), this was the first Belva Plain book I had picked up since - what a mistake! It was the worst book I have read in a long time. The characters were unlikeable, no worthy traits whatsoever and the character development was very poor. The timeline of the story didn't hold any meaning either - it was set in the 1970's to late 1990's, there was no evidence of this at all, it could have been 1870's with the way Robb expressed himself. Old fashioned, questionable sentiments and POOR story! Don't bother picking this one up!

Rating:
Summary: A ifferent stylel but still a great read
Review: In 1970, Louisiana high school teacher Robb McDaniel was driving his parents home when a truck rear ended his vehicle, leaving Robb hospitalized and his parents dead. Frank Brackett from the insurance company renders a deal to pay for Robb to attend law school if the complainant drops his suit. Always dreaming of becoming an attorney, but not having the money, Robb quickly accepts the offer. Robb sells the family farm, obtaining very little since the mortgage remained high. He says good-bye to his high school sweetheart Lily Webster and leaves for school. In his final year, Robb meets and falls in love with Ellen Grant.

After ending his relationship with Lily, Robb marries Ellen and joins her father's prestigious law firm. Almost a year later, their first child, Julie is born. Over the next two decades, Robb's personal and professional life begins to fall apart. He starts to see other women and becomes involved in a bank scam. Only Julie seems to want to save Robb from further self destruction and the probability is she will not succeed.

Belva Plain is known for her straight forward personal dramas that cut right to the essence of her characters. Her latest novel, FORTUNE'S HAND, strengthens her standing among contemporary readers by exposing the inner souls of Robb and several of the support cast that touch his sphere. Ms. Plain augments the story line with a strong belief that the workings of fate force individuals to change the linear paths they travel. Though plain reading, sub-genre fans fortunately perusing this book will take immense pleasure from the intriguing plot.

Harriet Klausner