After the Fire

Rating:
Summary: Sorry I read this title!
Review: Belva Plain is one of those authors who I still insist upon reading. But now, after finishing After the Fire, I may very well pass on reading her books in the future. Known for her blockbuster hit, Evergreen and the continuation of this family saga, some years ago Plain ventured into more contemporary subjects. I for one sure whish she hadn't especially after reading this book and others like Homecoming and Fortune's Hand among other titles. Concentrating on issues like spousal abuse, blackmail, family issues, adultery and child abuse, I still long to read a book like Evergreen or even one like her more recent Legacy of Secrets which was her last good book.

The theme of After the Fire is once again rich girl marries poor doctor man and whle their lives shoulde picture perfect, they're not. And in one moment the husband is in a postion not only to divorce his wife but also to sue for custody of their children. The remaninder of the book is predictable but all the while I wondered why the woman didn't pursue his allegations and clear her name.

I'm sorry I can't wholeheartedly recommend this book even as a beach read and am still longing for another great read from Belva.

Rating:
Summary: Another entertainer from Belva Plain
Review: I think my first Belva Plain was Evergreen, and I have to admit I haven't found another book as wonderful as that one. But I have enjoyed Plain's novels over the years just the same. I usually suggest Ms. Plain to fans of Maeve Binchy because they are both such wonderful storytellers. After the Fire was no disappointment. Hyacinth, a naive artist, falls in love with Gerald, a seemingly responsible, loving husband. After the birth of their two children, Gerald strays from the marriage and his family. They divorce and the rest of the novel depicts Hyacinth's ability to pick herself up and move on. There are a lot of surprises in the novel, and I think you will enjoy taking time to read After the Fire.

Rating:
Summary: A Well-Written Book-All About Truthfulness in Relationships
Review: In this story, the picture-perfect marriage dissolves when Hyacinth's physician-husband, is found to be having an affair. One terrible night she commits an act that she will regret for the rest of her life. An act that gives her husband the ultimate weapon; blackmail. The price of his silence is uncontested custody of their two children.

When her own beautiful, angry mother wants to know why Hyacinth won't fight for custody, she can give no anwers. For she alone knows, or believe she knows, what really happened on that fateful night.

Rating:
Summary: Is Belva Plain kidding?
Review: This book isn`t worth the paper it is written on!!It contained nothing of substance.Where did this couple live?What were their last names?What was a day like at home for the mother(Hyacynth)?What were her children like?What was important to her?These are just a few of the subjects not even touched upon by the author.I couldn`t get past the first 100 pages.I hav not read any of this authors other books since Evergreen,which I loved.This book was a waste of my time and money.I will not ever waste anymore money on this authors books.

Rating:
Summary: Belva Plain always pleases!
Review: This is the story of the marriage of Hyacinth and Gerald. Hyacinth is a romantic, naïve, young artist who believes in true love and in the integrity of Gerald; her new husband fresh out of medical school. Gerald has big plans for the future and a need for the society that Hyacinth's family can provide. Hyacinth's needs are those of any wide-eyed young girl who has lived in the shadow of a beautiful mother. She needs only the true love that she doesn't believe she truly deserves.

The reader enters Hyacinth's world, feels her trust in the man she loves, and lives her heartbreak as the marriage slowly dissolves, taking her children with it in an ugly divorce based on blackmail. We follow Hyacinth as she finds the courage to make her way alone, while grieving for her children and for the comfort and warmth of the home she had made with them. Her intense love for Gerald turns to hate and to a fierce determination to get her children back. In After the Fire, Belva Plain skillfully weaves the tendrils of suspense in a story filled with joy, betrayal, sadness, and ultimate victory!