Rating: 
Summary: Missing Something ....
Review: A bit wooden and moralistic, a man with a lot of heart makes some difficult decisions -- most of them wrong. The ladies of his life are much more "in touch" and muddle through toward different forms of happiness. Somehow you don't "live" with these characters, rather just watch from afar. Not very sympathetic for any of them ...
Rating: 
Summary: A Laborious Read
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: 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: Another Belva Plain winner!
Review: Even though the "outcome" for Robb was somewhat predictible, I really enjoyed the smooth flow of this book. I did, however, wish that more of Lily's life would have been included and followed throughout the story. For awhile I was afraid that she wasn't going to be mentioned until the very end. My thanks to Belva Plain for continuing to write such successful and enjoyable material!
Rating:
Summary: Through struggles- we grow.
Review: Fortune's Hand's, the title speaks for itself, is about the choices you make in life for good or bad and where it takes you. The characters are struggling and dealing with what life has given them through the choices they have made. There are plenty of surprises along the way with one at the end, if known, could have changed Ellen and Robb's relationship for the better. Through their secrets and struggles they grew apart because of the drastic steps they took along the way. In the end Ellen said, "after the mistakes, the turmoil, the triumphs, and the joys, if you are left with love, you are left with everything", says it all. It is a good read and I enjoyed the entire story. Thank you Belva Plain.
Rating:
Summary: not worth the book price
Review: I got Fortune's Hand from the library on a whim. I have never read Belva Plain. This book had no action or excitement for me. I did, however, finish it. I am happy that Ellen found her true love in the end. Plain's old titles don't look interesting either.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Belva Plains typical wonderful work!
Review: I had to force myself to finish this book, and even then it was an halfhearted attempt.
Rating:
Summary: Not one of her best
Review: I have always been a Belva Plain fan. I couldn't wait for her books to be published! After having read her latest two: "Fortune's Hand" and "After the Fire", I'm disappointed! Both of these books are just not up to her earlier works. I can't put my finger on it: is it the characters, the plots, the writing? They just left me with a blah feeling.
Rating:
Summary: A Laborious Read
Review: I have always enjoyed Belva Plain's books, so "Fortune's Hand" was a big disappointment. I labored through this book, hoping it would get better, but believe me, it doesn't. The setting felt artificial. I never grew to like ANY of the characters. The dialogue was stilted (No one has talked like this in at least 50 years!) and why are so many "words" and "phrases" placed in "quotation marks"? The sub-plot about the shame of having a retarded son was offensive and very dated. This book is supposed to take place in the 1970s-1990s, but the plot and the characters never felt true to the times. I'm sorry I wasted my time with this forgettable book.
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