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Werner Family Saga #5
Heartwood
Few authors have understood the tender intricacies of relationships better than the incomparable Belva Plain. For three decades her deeply moving epics have captivated the hearts and imaginations of readers everywhere. Now, in her final novel, she comes full circle with the themes she took up in her very first work, Evergreen , bringing us this unforgettable story of family and friendship, love and marriage, the challenges of life and the true secret of happiness.
Though Iris Stern considers herself a modern woman, with a successful academic career and a happy marriage, she still holds steadfast to her old-fashioned sensibilities. But as the mother of three adult children, each with their own lives and burdens to bear, she often finds those sensibilities called into question when confronted with the choices her children have made.
For one of Iris’s daughters, it’s the choice of a fresh start in New York City—and a last chance to save her troubled marriage. While Laura and Robbie cope with an impending separation and its effect on Iris’s young granddaughter, Iris herself must come to grips with the discovery of a long-held family secret. But it’s an emotional parting of another kind that looms most prominently on Iris’s horizon—as neither her beloved husband, nor the solidity of her own marriage, is immune to the ravages of time.
Through separations and reunions, the changes we cannot avoid and the love that sustains, Iris will weather whatever lies ahead with a faith that cannot be shaken. Like the inmost rings of a tree that abide through the generations, she will be as strong as heartwood.
From the Hardcover edition.
Though Iris Stern considers herself a modern woman, with a successful academic career and a happy marriage, she still holds steadfast to her old-fashioned sensibilities. But as the mother of three adult children, each with their own lives and burdens to bear, she often finds those sensibilities called into question when confronted with the choices her children have made.
For one of Iris’s daughters, it’s the choice of a fresh start in New York City—and a last chance to save her troubled marriage. While Laura and Robbie cope with an impending separation and its effect on Iris’s young granddaughter, Iris herself must come to grips with the discovery of a long-held family secret. But it’s an emotional parting of another kind that looms most prominently on Iris’s horizon—as neither her beloved husband, nor the solidity of her own marriage, is immune to the ravages of time.
Through separations and reunions, the changes we cannot avoid and the love that sustains, Iris will weather whatever lies ahead with a faith that cannot be shaken. Like the inmost rings of a tree that abide through the generations, she will be as strong as heartwood.
From the Hardcover edition.
402 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
287 people are currently reading
780 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 240 reviews
March 20, 2014
Three and a half stars. It is years since I have read a Belva Plain book but this was probably just what I needed after the last book, Through the Cracks, which was oddly compelling but hard to read. This book is the opposite. It is like snuggling into a warm bed on a cold night. It just sort of wraps around you. The people and the themes are familiar. That’s not to say that I didn’t get angry with the way Iris, and Laura at times dealt with the issues that arose, but this was an average sort of family dealing with everyday issues and sometimes all I want to read is something comfortable.
It’s the story of Iris and Theo, their sons and daughter, Laura. Laura is the one they feel they never have to worry about because she does everything well. However the way she and Robbie decided to handle the Vietnam Draft is immature and stupid beyond belief. Yet for those who remember those days of conscription and the Vietnam War their decision is perhaps understandable in a misguided way. Therein is the catalyst which is at the heart of all Laura and Robbie’s problems, along with Laura’s inability to always wanted to please everyone and not rock the boat.
Robbie is a weak character who cannot cope without someone propping him up and building his ego. But Laura and Robbie cannot talk about issues and resolve them. Just so Iris and Theo have issues in their past that have not been satisfactorily dealt with. And then there is a secret. But it doesn’t come out until a long way into the book.
While I enjoyed this novel, despite not agreeing with some of the decisions made or the way they were handled, I also thought the ending with Robbie was just too convenient and predictable.
It’s the story of Iris and Theo, their sons and daughter, Laura. Laura is the one they feel they never have to worry about because she does everything well. However the way she and Robbie decided to handle the Vietnam Draft is immature and stupid beyond belief. Yet for those who remember those days of conscription and the Vietnam War their decision is perhaps understandable in a misguided way. Therein is the catalyst which is at the heart of all Laura and Robbie’s problems, along with Laura’s inability to always wanted to please everyone and not rock the boat.
Robbie is a weak character who cannot cope without someone propping him up and building his ego. But Laura and Robbie cannot talk about issues and resolve them. Just so Iris and Theo have issues in their past that have not been satisfactorily dealt with. And then there is a secret. But it doesn’t come out until a long way into the book.
While I enjoyed this novel, despite not agreeing with some of the decisions made or the way they were handled, I also thought the ending with Robbie was just too convenient and predictable.
September 18, 2011
Heartwood: The older harder nonliving central wood of trees that is usually darker, denser, less permeable, and more durable than the surrounding sapwood.
-Merriam Webster Dictionary
Upon closing the novel, swells of warmth and melancholia flooded my heart. I smiled and thought, “What a wonderful way to end the story, she started in the 1978 paperback edition of EVERGREEN.” But the tear tracking down my right cheek mourned the fact that I’ll never know the story of Anna Friedman’s great grand-daughter, Katie. Belva Plain died in October, 2010.
Ironically, HEARTWOOD begins in 1979. Anna and Joseph Friedman are gone, so is Paul Warner. But the long held family secret is still alive, and Theo Stern will protect Iris Friedman Stern from learning it until the day he dies. He made that promise long ago. He knows that his lovely wife is too fragile, and then there is her great neediness; Neediness of him, neediness that her children be happy and lead a successful life, neediness to understand her late mother. Perhaps if the 58 year-old Iris knew the secret, many of the heartaches and conflicts she will soon endure could be avoided, but that is NOT Iris Friedman Stern.
On a lovely November day, she is happy. All of the Sterns will be under the same roof celebrating her favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. It has been years since they have been together: all four adult children, her grandchildren, and Theo. Just as it is supposed to be, she reminisces while finding a parking space in the grocery lot. Her three sons had given her many sleepless nights but never her Laura. Laura is the stable child, the “rock” of the family that Iris and her brothers to in times of crisis. Besides her daughter is happy and has a wonderful marriage. But Laura, also reminiscing, isn’t so sure. While her mother is giving herself a mental pat on back, congratulating herself that she is a beloved college professor and has long moved past Theo’s philandering, Laura is seeing the cracks within her life, dreams, and marriage to Robby McAllister. But when Theo is struck down by a near fatal heart attack, Laura seizes the opportunity to move her family from California back to New York and starts to live HER life, not the one she desperately lived as she thought her Grandma Friedman would want her to live.
HEARTWOOD is extremely well written and the characters are real with multi-layers to them. While capturing the turbulent 60s and the early 80’s- when women started to have both a successful career and a family- Belva Plain concentrates on relationships between wives and husbands and between a mother and daughter. These relationships are the heartwood of a happy and successful life. Just ask Iris Stern.
July 13, 2011
Although I am not quite done with this book, I am enjoying it much more than I thought I would. I have been a fan of Belva Plain for over 30 years, starting with her first book Evergreen; there are not too many Jewish family sagas written these days, unlike years ago when She along with Gloria Goldreich and Maisie Mosco wrote several novels in this genre. Although not all of Belva's books were family sagas, I enjoyed these the most. Knowing that Belva Plain was quite elderly, and after hearing that she had died last year, I did not expect another novel to be released. Not only does Heartwood remind us of her old style of demonstrating passion, family loyalty and conflict, and undying love and devotion, it concludes the story of the descendants of the characters in Evergreen, a fact that I wasn't aware of until I started the book. Although it is much shorter in scope and sequence, it is still engrossing and emotionally charged, and it hooked me in right from the beginning, and made me realize how much I miss reading the family sagas of which I couldn't get enough in the 1970s and 1980s. I am not sure whether Belva Plain wrote the entire book by herself or if she had help, but it is only fitting that her final work brings to a conclusion the story of the beloved family from Evergreen. It is not as good and as riveting as Evergreen, but it is still a decent and interesting book.
Well, I finished the book in only a few days, but I am not quite sure why the review never appeared on my profile or my facebook page. It was an excellent quick read which did not disappoint, expecially since Belva Plain had to have been in her 90s when she wrote it. I miss the family sagas of years ago, so this book left me nostalgic and wanting more of this genre. I definitely would pass this book on to my friends.
Well, I finished the book in only a few days, but I am not quite sure why the review never appeared on my profile or my facebook page. It was an excellent quick read which did not disappoint, expecially since Belva Plain had to have been in her 90s when she wrote it. I miss the family sagas of years ago, so this book left me nostalgic and wanting more of this genre. I definitely would pass this book on to my friends.
February 8, 2017
Iris Stern considers herself to be a thoroughly modern woman, although she still holds steadfast to her old-fashioned sensibilities. She has a successful career in academia and a happy marriage. But as the mother of four adult children, each with their own lives to live and burdens to bear, Iris often finds her sensibilities called into question when confronted with the choices her children have made.
For Iris' daughter, Laura, the choice is a fresh start in New York City - and a last chance to save her troubled marriage. While Laura and Robbie cope with their impending separation and its effect on Iris' young granddaughter, Iris herself must come to terms with the discovery of a long-held family secret. However, it's an emotional parting of another kind that looms most prominently on Iris' horizon - as neither her beloved husband, nor the solidity of her own marriage, is immune to the ravages of time.
Through the inevitable separations and reunions, the changes one cannot avoid and the love that sustains, Iris will weather whatever lies ahead with a faith that cannot be shaken. With an inner strength like that of a tree that abides through the generations, she will be as strong as heartwood.
I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was completely drawn into the story and engrossed in it until the very end. I had also read Harvest - the fourth book in the Werner Family Saga - back in July of 2011. I've probably said this before, but in my opinion Belva Plain is a truly gifted storyteller. Heartwood: A Novel was her last published novel and I give it an A!
For Iris' daughter, Laura, the choice is a fresh start in New York City - and a last chance to save her troubled marriage. While Laura and Robbie cope with their impending separation and its effect on Iris' young granddaughter, Iris herself must come to terms with the discovery of a long-held family secret. However, it's an emotional parting of another kind that looms most prominently on Iris' horizon - as neither her beloved husband, nor the solidity of her own marriage, is immune to the ravages of time.
Through the inevitable separations and reunions, the changes one cannot avoid and the love that sustains, Iris will weather whatever lies ahead with a faith that cannot be shaken. With an inner strength like that of a tree that abides through the generations, she will be as strong as heartwood.
I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was completely drawn into the story and engrossed in it until the very end. I had also read Harvest - the fourth book in the Werner Family Saga - back in July of 2011. I've probably said this before, but in my opinion Belva Plain is a truly gifted storyteller. Heartwood: A Novel was her last published novel and I give it an A!
July 15, 2012
Robbie sure got the short end of the stick. The author took the easy way out with the solution to Laura's problem. It would have been much better to make Laura deal with the issue directly so that she would mature in the process. I'd have rather seen a divorce between the two and a hea for Robbie. He wasn't any worse the Laura. Laura was immature as well. She really should have acted like a grown up wife and talked to him about her needs and made the marriage better. Instead she decides the grass is greener elsewhere, but she hasn't changed. she has just found someone more willing to cater to her and read her mind about what she needs. We haven't seen that her communications skills have gotten any better. Without that she may be finding more green grass with someone else.
Time must have been short with this book. It seemed barely filled out, more like an outline. I realize this took place 30 years ago, but the issues seemed so out of date. It was hard to see what the big deal was.
Time must have been short with this book. It seemed barely filled out, more like an outline. I realize this took place 30 years ago, but the issues seemed so out of date. It was hard to see what the big deal was.
December 6, 2019
I am a big fan of Belva Plain. This is the fifth and last book of the Werner Family saga. The story centers on Laura who is the granddaughter of Anna, a central figure throughout, even after her death. With her red hair and beauty, Laura resembles Anna in more ways than one, which we come to understand by the story's end. I thought the series would have been better ended at Book Four. This fifth book was not up to the caliber of the rest and especially disappointing after Book Four, which had so many historical details woven throughout. Compared to it, this book seemed rather trivial for the most part. However, the story does pick up near the end and is more worthy of Belva Plain's style as she dives deep into the themes of love, loss, and forgiveness.
September 8, 2022
Easy, quick read. Nothing challenging but was still somehow relaxing.
June 20, 2025
3.5- quick read. Frustrating characters - hate when authors make their characters deliberately stupid. Maybe it’s just my mood!
January 12, 2021
Completed the “Evergreen” saga by Belva Plain. So enjoyed each and every book and I’m sorry that my adventures following the Werner Family are over.
October 22, 2021
Completed the family saga begun in Evergreen. I loved Evergreen much more.
November 13, 2021
Good book! I read an earlier book in the series many years ago.
February 20, 2025
Unforgettable but a perfect palate cleanser. Like a Hallmark movie.
January 29, 2022
Pretty typical multi relationship saga of families along with some romance and a family mystery. A little twist at the end I didn’t expect. Overall a book to read when one doesn’t need extra challenges in life.
March 5, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this final and posthumous novel written by my beloved Belva Plain. I read "Evergreen" as a young woman, commuting to work in a busy city. Those hours on buses in Atlanta were my favorite time to read and relax. Evergreen was a book that stayed in my memory for more than 30 years. And now, as a last gift, Ms. Plain (who died recently at age 90) has finished the story of ANNA's children and grandchildren in this lovely, heartbreaking tale of Iris Stern (Anna's daughter), Theo, her once philandering husband, and THEIR children, especially their daughter Laura. Laura married the wrong boy when she was 19. They were f/totally different worlds. She was the child of wealthy Jewish east coast parents who grew up encouraged to be whatever and to get a good education. She gave that up when she married Robby, a small town Ohio boy with narrow minded parents, and who was raised to go to church. THey married, had a baby (so that robby, who was extremely selfish, could avoid the Viet Nam draft. In the days in which this story begins, having a baby was a valid reason for a deferment.) Laura gave up school, lived in a horrible, noisy little apartment in Ca. and followed Robby wherever he went for school or work, both of which he seemed to fail at miserably, always with a lame excuse. He was denied his PHD and, with baby in hand, Laura and Robby went back to the East Coast, where Laura, always creative with cooking and decorating, started her own catering business and built an empire, much like that of a modern day Martha Stewart. She provided well for Robby and their baby Katie, bought a magnificent home and held weddings and other events in the ballroom of that home. At one event, a dashing photographer is hired and there is instant magic when Laura and he, Nick, meet for the first time. The story takes on an aching tone from that point on. There are turns, secrets, deaths, affairs, family splits and reconciliations, and finally, for me, a bittersweet ending. Anyone who loved Belva Plain's early works, will want to read this one. The last page was predictable, and this is not the best AMerican novel ever written, thus I gave it 4 stars, not 5, but I still totally enjoyed it and did not want it to end.
July 10, 2011
Heartwood is the conclusion of the Evergreen series. Joseph and Anna Friedman and Paul Werner have all died. Now, Iris, the Friedman's daughter, is seeing herself as a modern woman. She has a successful academic career and a happy marriage to Theo Stern, an oncologist. Unbeknownst to Iris, she is the daughter of Anna Friedman and Paul Werner after an afternoon of lovemaking. Neither of them have ever told Iris or the family of this. Joseph raised Iris as his own loving child. Theo is struck down after a serious heart attack and can no longer work. His death was a tragedy to the whole family.
Now Laura has a chance at a fresh start in New York City and maybe a last chance to try to save her marriage to Robbie McAllister. Robbie always had his heart on becoming an archeologist, but just never made the grade. They are blessed with a child, Katie; who is so smart for her age and can figure out what is going on. Laura, however, became successful with her catering company and household tips to share in books and on tv. Robbie felt he could never compete with her and she was being the higher paid of the two of them. He could stand that.
Laura meets Nick, the photographer for her catering and household hints segments, and falls for him. Foolishly they meet and become lovers as well as friends.
Laura is going to tell Robbie she wants a divorce (never a divorce in either side of the families) and start anew. The most awful tragedy occurs; Robbie dies in a plane crash on his way home to talk with Laura about their future. Laura is so upset by this that she calls it off with Nick.
Now that I have brought you up to steam, you will have to read for yourself the outcome.
As an aside, it is sad that Belva Plain is no longer with us as she was a very great storyteller. She was in a class by herself. Thank you Belva.
Her mother, Iris, talks to Nick and tells him that she does love him and not to give up.
Now Laura has a chance at a fresh start in New York City and maybe a last chance to try to save her marriage to Robbie McAllister. Robbie always had his heart on becoming an archeologist, but just never made the grade. They are blessed with a child, Katie; who is so smart for her age and can figure out what is going on. Laura, however, became successful with her catering company and household tips to share in books and on tv. Robbie felt he could never compete with her and she was being the higher paid of the two of them. He could stand that.
Laura meets Nick, the photographer for her catering and household hints segments, and falls for him. Foolishly they meet and become lovers as well as friends.
Laura is going to tell Robbie she wants a divorce (never a divorce in either side of the families) and start anew. The most awful tragedy occurs; Robbie dies in a plane crash on his way home to talk with Laura about their future. Laura is so upset by this that she calls it off with Nick.
Now that I have brought you up to steam, you will have to read for yourself the outcome.
As an aside, it is sad that Belva Plain is no longer with us as she was a very great storyteller. She was in a class by herself. Thank you Belva.
Her mother, Iris, talks to Nick and tells him that she does love him and not to give up.
June 18, 2011
This book captivated me from the first page. In its telling, the story unfolds beautifully, piece by small piece, section by section. The flow and the sentences are structured with such precision it is truly a delight to turn to each new page. The author’s astute understanding of human relationships and of the bonds between family members radiates throughout. Caught up in the lives of characters I cared for, I had little thought for the passage of time and read late, late into the night. There is no preachiness in the tone, just a deep, discerning, clear delivery that shines with uncanny perceptiveness. What a terrible loss that this author is no longer among us. Like the title of this book, Ms. Plain’s stories are like heartwood – strong and enduring – and will, no doubt, be treasured through many future generations.
Laurie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
Laurie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
March 12, 2011
"Heartwood" is Belva Plain’s last novel, a sequel to Harvest actually. Belva Plain is one of my favorite authors and did not disappoint me with this contemporary fiction novel about love, marriage, life’s challenges, family relationships, forgiveness, infidelity and secrets. I enjoyed reading this book very much because it delves into the inner workings of marriage and family. It continues the saga of a Jewish family that Belva Plain first writes about in Evergreen. This is about Laura, who tries to be a good wife out of duty but becomes more interested in her catering business than her husband who feels like a failure for being unable to achieve his dream. I highly recommend Heartwood to women.
September 4, 2011
I have read just about all of Belva Plain's books and this was very good. It is just sad that this author has passed away, as she is a wonderful story teller.
Though Iris Stern considers herself a modern woman, with a successful academic career and a happy marriage, she still holds steadfast to her old-fashioned sensibilities. But as the mother of three adult children, each with their own lives and burdens to bear, she often finds those sensibilities called into question when confronted with the choices her children have made.
The interactions of the family both together and individually are interwoven throughout the story. I would recommend this book to those who want a good read.
Though Iris Stern considers herself a modern woman, with a successful academic career and a happy marriage, she still holds steadfast to her old-fashioned sensibilities. But as the mother of three adult children, each with their own lives and burdens to bear, she often finds those sensibilities called into question when confronted with the choices her children have made.
The interactions of the family both together and individually are interwoven throughout the story. I would recommend this book to those who want a good read.
October 19, 2019
This series was exceptionally beautiful. I couldn’t put any of them down. The way she ended this book and the whole series was perfect. Life is hard, it sucks a lot of the time, and people make mistakes. But it’s the people you love and your family that help you through it all.
“Loving is all there is, when you look back and count up. Treasure it, for God’s sake, because it’s all there is. Everyone isn’t lucky enough to take it when it’s offered or to hold on to it when one has it. Things get in the way, circumstances that can’t be helped, or sometimes our pride and resentments, our absorption in self or a mistaken sense of duty. Dear Iris, don’t let that happen.” (370)
“Loving is all there is, when you look back and count up. Treasure it, for God’s sake, because it’s all there is. Everyone isn’t lucky enough to take it when it’s offered or to hold on to it when one has it. Things get in the way, circumstances that can’t be helped, or sometimes our pride and resentments, our absorption in self or a mistaken sense of duty. Dear Iris, don’t let that happen.” (370)
March 1, 2019
Not her best novel but an easy read
This is her last novel published after she passed away and it wasn't as good as her earlier novels. But it was a nice way to wrap up her series on this family. Belva Plain was a great author and I have enjoyed every novel I've read by her.
This is her last novel published after she passed away and it wasn't as good as her earlier novels. But it was a nice way to wrap up her series on this family. Belva Plain was a great author and I have enjoyed every novel I've read by her.
May 2, 2011
Boring ........... not horrible but boring ......
June 17, 2011
This was my soap opera/beach book for the summer. It kept me entertained while I sewed and washed windows but was pretty shallow.
September 16, 2025
(3.5 rounded to 4.0)
This is the first book by Belva Plain that I have read. When I begin reading a new author, I try to get to know about them before I begin their books. Belva Plain (1915 to 2010) was a third generation American Jew, educated at Barnard in History, mother of three who supplemented the family income by writing short stories, novellas, and novels. Her career as a novelist began in 1978 with the publication of Evergreen, the first in the Werner Family Series and completed the series in 2011 with the publication of Heartwood. This family saga was told through five novels spanning a highly successful career with 20+ titles, in 22 languages with over 30 million copies sold when she died in 2010.
The series tells the story of the Werner family, and friends, over a century with all of the ups and downs of a family of strong men and women. There is content related to love, friendship, parenthood, economic hardships and poverty, marriage, divorce, death. The series is a slice of life saga. The story is told in multiple POVs primarily Iris, an unconventional matriarch. Anna and Joseph Friedman, her parents, are long gone as is her first love, Paul Warner, but a secret begun with them still lives and the fissures created by it have spread to Iris, her children and a granddaughter. The characters are well written even if they are flawed individuals. The small towns provide a backdrop that provides a home base for these stories. The “plot” is a succession of short scenarios linked by the character, the community, and the world-at-large history.
Recommend to readers of entries in romance, historical fiction, adult fiction, U.S. novels, and contemporary women’s fiction. The following quote is a summary of the series:
“Through separations and reunions, the changes we cannot avoid and the love that sustains, Iris will weather whatever lies ahead with a faith that cannot be shaken. Like the inmost rings of a tree that abide through the generations, she will be as strong as heartwood.”
This is the first book by Belva Plain that I have read. When I begin reading a new author, I try to get to know about them before I begin their books. Belva Plain (1915 to 2010) was a third generation American Jew, educated at Barnard in History, mother of three who supplemented the family income by writing short stories, novellas, and novels. Her career as a novelist began in 1978 with the publication of Evergreen, the first in the Werner Family Series and completed the series in 2011 with the publication of Heartwood. This family saga was told through five novels spanning a highly successful career with 20+ titles, in 22 languages with over 30 million copies sold when she died in 2010.
The series tells the story of the Werner family, and friends, over a century with all of the ups and downs of a family of strong men and women. There is content related to love, friendship, parenthood, economic hardships and poverty, marriage, divorce, death. The series is a slice of life saga. The story is told in multiple POVs primarily Iris, an unconventional matriarch. Anna and Joseph Friedman, her parents, are long gone as is her first love, Paul Warner, but a secret begun with them still lives and the fissures created by it have spread to Iris, her children and a granddaughter. The characters are well written even if they are flawed individuals. The small towns provide a backdrop that provides a home base for these stories. The “plot” is a succession of short scenarios linked by the character, the community, and the world-at-large history.
Recommend to readers of entries in romance, historical fiction, adult fiction, U.S. novels, and contemporary women’s fiction. The following quote is a summary of the series:
“Through separations and reunions, the changes we cannot avoid and the love that sustains, Iris will weather whatever lies ahead with a faith that cannot be shaken. Like the inmost rings of a tree that abide through the generations, she will be as strong as heartwood.”
September 20, 2025
Wow. I’ve always LOVED to read. When I was little, before I could read, I loved being read to. Reading and books are two things that have my whole heart. I say this because this because made me feel something that no book ever has: that this book and the Werner Family Saga was a waste of time.
So, in the first book, Anna and Paul fall in love. Anna ends up becoming pregnant with Paul’s baby, Iris. Iris thinks her father is Joseph, but Paul finds out that Iris is his daughter. He never gets to have a relationship with her while he is alive, and instead, gets information about her from his cousin Leah, and later, Iris’s husband Theo.
In the last book I was thinking that Iris would find out, then she didn’t, and then Paul died. Then I saw that in the blurb for this book it says “…but as Laura copes with an impending separation and its effect on Iris’s young granddaughter, Iris herself must come to grips with a long-held family secret.” So I thought, great, Iris will find out early, or maybe relatively early on in the book and then “come to grips” with it.
Nope. She finds out less than twenty pages towards the end and barely has a reaction. Then, she doesn’t tell anyone either.
The series could have been A LOT less than five books. I don’t just say that because of the whole Anna/Paul/Iris thing, but some of the side plots in other books just kind of dragged on. Also, I really couldn’t connect with any of the characters. The only ones that I feel like I really “got to know” were Paul and a bit of Anna. Paul was my favorite!
So, in the first book, Anna and Paul fall in love. Anna ends up becoming pregnant with Paul’s baby, Iris. Iris thinks her father is Joseph, but Paul finds out that Iris is his daughter. He never gets to have a relationship with her while he is alive, and instead, gets information about her from his cousin Leah, and later, Iris’s husband Theo.
In the last book I was thinking that Iris would find out, then she didn’t, and then Paul died. Then I saw that in the blurb for this book it says “…but as Laura copes with an impending separation and its effect on Iris’s young granddaughter, Iris herself must come to grips with a long-held family secret.” So I thought, great, Iris will find out early, or maybe relatively early on in the book and then “come to grips” with it.
Nope. She finds out less than twenty pages towards the end and barely has a reaction. Then, she doesn’t tell anyone either.
The series could have been A LOT less than five books. I don’t just say that because of the whole Anna/Paul/Iris thing, but some of the side plots in other books just kind of dragged on. Also, I really couldn’t connect with any of the characters. The only ones that I feel like I really “got to know” were Paul and a bit of Anna. Paul was my favorite!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2017
This is Belva Plain's last book and the first I've read. I will read others, I'm sure. Plain's first chapter has Iris Stern looking for a parking spot at a grocery store a few days before Thanksgiving. All the while, Iris is thinking about her family. A unique way to introduce the characters - and well done.
As Iris Stern's daughter, Laura, goes through her daily life, she realizes her marriage is failing. She has supported her husband's dreams and put off her education to do so. Now with a daughter and a father facing heart disease, she goes home to New York from the West Coast. While there, her husband loses another job and they plan to move to the East Coast. Iris's brother finds a job for her husband, who is an archeologist, and he works at it, but not hard enough.
As Laura's business as an event planner personified takes off, her husband feels more and more ineffective and does not show his support. Meanwhile, family secrets start to be revealed and the story reveals bits at a time that keep us reading.
When Laura is about to let her husband know she wants a divorce, something horrible happens and she lives with guilt. She has had an affair and calls it off. When her mother learns an old secret, she is the one who does a 365 degree turn around to ensure Laura has a full life.
Even with the infidelity issues in this book, and I know it happens, I thought her writing honest and interesting.
As Iris Stern's daughter, Laura, goes through her daily life, she realizes her marriage is failing. She has supported her husband's dreams and put off her education to do so. Now with a daughter and a father facing heart disease, she goes home to New York from the West Coast. While there, her husband loses another job and they plan to move to the East Coast. Iris's brother finds a job for her husband, who is an archeologist, and he works at it, but not hard enough.
As Laura's business as an event planner personified takes off, her husband feels more and more ineffective and does not show his support. Meanwhile, family secrets start to be revealed and the story reveals bits at a time that keep us reading.
When Laura is about to let her husband know she wants a divorce, something horrible happens and she lives with guilt. She has had an affair and calls it off. When her mother learns an old secret, she is the one who does a 365 degree turn around to ensure Laura has a full life.
Even with the infidelity issues in this book, and I know it happens, I thought her writing honest and interesting.
October 16, 2018
I had read a couple of this author’s books in my twenties/thirties, ie my distant past, and remembered them with a vague fondness, but had no recall of what they were about. When I came upon this book in my library I thought I’d give it a go as the first paragraph appeared to be written from the POV of a woman with grown children, such as myself. However that changed quickly, and the novel was more about the only perfect daughter and her life than about the mom, Iris. I didn’t love this book even a little bit. Not one of the characters gave me a sense of wanting to know them in real life; even Laura, the main character, was annoying, placid, and unable to make decisions about her fractured relationships. The ending was predictable and eye rollingly convenient. I’d not have missed anything had I not read this book. It made me realize how much my reading tastes have changed over the years, and that I much prefer a novel, which, while entertaining me, allows me to learn something. This one, although it entertained me mildly( I finished it after all) did no teach me a thing, except not to bother with anymore books by this author.
July 13, 2025
Iris Stern considers herself a modern woman, with a successful academic career and a happy marriage, she still holds steadfast to her old-fashioned sensibilities. But as the mother of three adult children, each with their own lives and burdens to bear, she often finds those sensibilities called into question when confronted with the choices her children have made.
For one of Iris’s daughters, it’s the choice of a fresh start in New York City—and a last chance to save her troubled marriage. While Laura and Robbie cope with an impending separation and its effect on Iris’s young granddaughter, Iris herself must come to grips with the discovery of a long-held family secret. But it’s an emotional parting of another kind that looms most prominently on Iris’s horizon—as neither her beloved husband, nor the solidity of her own marriage, is immune to the ravages of time.
Through separations and reunions, the changes we cannot avoid and the love that sustains, Iris will weather whatever lies ahead with a faith that cannot be shaken. Like the inmost rings of a tree that abide through the generations, she will be as strong as heartwood. Amazon)
A very good read. I couldn't stop reading!
For one of Iris’s daughters, it’s the choice of a fresh start in New York City—and a last chance to save her troubled marriage. While Laura and Robbie cope with an impending separation and its effect on Iris’s young granddaughter, Iris herself must come to grips with the discovery of a long-held family secret. But it’s an emotional parting of another kind that looms most prominently on Iris’s horizon—as neither her beloved husband, nor the solidity of her own marriage, is immune to the ravages of time.
Through separations and reunions, the changes we cannot avoid and the love that sustains, Iris will weather whatever lies ahead with a faith that cannot be shaken. Like the inmost rings of a tree that abide through the generations, she will be as strong as heartwood. Amazon)
A very good read. I couldn't stop reading!
June 18, 2023
Read June 2023- these are my notes regarding book. This was author 's last book before her death. Family story of Theo & Iris Stern and their 3 sons and daughter. Story is mostly about Iris,her mother Anna, Laura the daughter of Iris and the people around them. As Laura's college boyfriend Robby was going to be called up to enter the Vietnam war, she got pg with Katie. Robby never lived up to his potential so Laura started a catering business from her home, writing books about her remodeling, cooking, decorating when the photographer Nick came to take pictures, they fell in love but Laura was torn about Robby who had moved back to his family town in Ohio to run the family department store- Laura and Katie didn't want to leave NY but as they were deciding to do it, Robby died in a plane accident. Iris found out after her husband Theo died who her real mother was. Laura and Nick got together in the end. Average book and story, relaxing to read.
October 11, 2020
Hartwood is the 5th and last book in the Werner family saga. This last book focuses on Iris' family (the daughter of Paul and Anna) and, in a sense, the love story has come full circle. Paul and Anna had a love that, because of the times and their circumstances, could not be pursued. Here we see Laura, Anna's granddaughter, torn between the promises she made as a young bride to her husband and the man that encourages her in all her endeavors. Laura is a woman of modern times, looking for self fulfillment while, at the same time, caring for her husband and child. Laura wants acceptance from the man in her life even if that means she might be the main breadwinner because of her successful career. In Anna's generation a woman's goal was to marry and focus her efforts on making her husband happy and caring for her children. There was never a thought of pursuing her own career. So when Anna and Laura find true love outside of the marriage bed their times and situations lead them to make choices that suit them.
Besides Evergreen (Book 1) I found this to be a compelling read. I like how the author focused on love as the one true constant in all the books. Love, not only in individual relationships but love in family also. This last book focused on the changes through the ages and how throughout the generations love remains the same, it is just our reaction to it that changes.
Besides Evergreen (Book 1) I found this to be a compelling read. I like how the author focused on love as the one true constant in all the books. Love, not only in individual relationships but love in family also. This last book focused on the changes through the ages and how throughout the generations love remains the same, it is just our reaction to it that changes.
February 2, 2025
The fifth and final book in the Werner Family Saga. This was a beautiful story, full of incredible characters. I need to go and look up more books by Belva Plain. So far, her books have been page-turners, the sort that have me thinking about them throughout my day.
Here are some of my favorite quotes.
Empathy
“Empathy is the secret of survival. Because life is not fair and love is almost impossible unless you can put yourself in another’s shoes.”
Loss
“There is a saying that time heals everything. It doesn’t. After a loss, the passing of time allows you to absorb the pain, and make it a part of yourself. But after that, you can never expect to go back to being what you were before. You’ll find new ways to laugh, and even to enjoy life, but you’ll never do it the same way you did when you were a wife, and not a widow. As a widow you are a new person.”
Here are some of my favorite quotes.
Empathy
“Empathy is the secret of survival. Because life is not fair and love is almost impossible unless you can put yourself in another’s shoes.”
Loss
“There is a saying that time heals everything. It doesn’t. After a loss, the passing of time allows you to absorb the pain, and make it a part of yourself. But after that, you can never expect to go back to being what you were before. You’ll find new ways to laugh, and even to enjoy life, but you’ll never do it the same way you did when you were a wife, and not a widow. As a widow you are a new person.”
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