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225th out of 406 books
—
1,115 voters
The Heavenstone Secrets (Heavenstone #1)
by
V.C. Andrews
Secrets are at home here...
The Heavenstone sisters live with their mother and father in a grand old mansion in bluegrass Kentucky. Semantha, the younger and prettier one, is afraid of so many things -- darkness, strange noises, mysterious whispers in the night. But nothing frightens her more than her sister, Cassie. She is older and wiser, and always telling Semantha what...more
The Heavenstone sisters live with their mother and father in a grand old mansion in bluegrass Kentucky. Semantha, the younger and prettier one, is afraid of so many things -- darkness, strange noises, mysterious whispers in the night. But nothing frightens her more than her sister, Cassie. She is older and wiser, and always telling Semantha what...more
Paperback, 464 pages
Published
December 29th 2009
by Pocket Books
(first published 2008)
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Alright book but the older V.C. Andrews books are much better. I think this one was just too obvisous about what was going to happen and who did what.
view all 4 comments
Sigh. Where do I start? The cardboard characters? The simplistic yet contrived family secrets and insanity, the predictable sibling rivalry, or the yawn-inspiring revelations? Let's not forget the recycled TITLES (April Shadows/Girl in the Shadows ---> Secrets in the Attic/Secrets in the Shadows ---> Heavenstone Secrets/Secret Whispers) This particular book is even more disappointing after you read the synopsis for its sequel (which can be accessed at the 'Complete VCA' site - a truly fine...more
I believe under the circumstances Semantha was a very brave character the part that most people seem to forget is that Semantha was only 14-15 when this happened to her; most of us would bend over when stress put on Semantha. I think most authors try to make there characters seem more supernatural by making them almost untouchable by the stressful situation by the situation they're in . Cassie was a very influential person in Semantha's life. Cassie was a role model to her and at first you can k...more
The Heavenstone Secrets features the most naïve, easily controlled, not too bright protagonist and it took mental muscles just to move through the pages without too much grimace.
Semantha Heavenstone, 14 is trapped under her controlling sister’s watchful gaze and the whispers she hears through the dark mansion inherited from her grandfather holds more darkness and more mystery than what anyone could fathom.
Semantha’s sister Cassie Heavenstone is very critical of everyone has a reply for everytime...more
Semantha Heavenstone, 14 is trapped under her controlling sister’s watchful gaze and the whispers she hears through the dark mansion inherited from her grandfather holds more darkness and more mystery than what anyone could fathom.
Semantha’s sister Cassie Heavenstone is very critical of everyone has a reply for everytime...more
So, The Heavenstone Secrets is the first in I think just a two part series by V.C. Andrews (a.k.a. “a carefully selected writer” who worked with the Andrews family “to organize and complete Virginia Andrews’ stories and to create additional novels, of which this is one, inspired by her storytelling genius” “following the death of Virginia Andres”). Here’s the reason I have mixed feelings about it. While yes, it follows the basic formula for a V.C. Andrews novel, that actually might have been a “...more
I am a huge fan of V.C. Andrews books, and I've always had high expectations of them. But, I regret to say, that this book was just a disappointment. Whoever the ghost writer is, I think they could have done a better job.
There's a common saying among us young people about girls in clichéd scary movies whom, when they sense a potential murderer in the house, go to investigate it: "Run you stupid f***ing b**ch, run!". Pardon my language, but it proves a point. That has been my feeling throughout...more
There's a common saying among us young people about girls in clichéd scary movies whom, when they sense a potential murderer in the house, go to investigate it: "Run you stupid f***ing b**ch, run!". Pardon my language, but it proves a point. That has been my feeling throughout...more
This was a weird book. I could never understand Cassie's behavior. Why was she so obsessed with her father. Did she want him in her own way? She wore her mother's clothes and wanted her sister to carry a baby she wanted to take over so she could name it Asa like the baby her father wanted. Like I said very weird. I mean no motives are given for Cassie's weird behavior so I have to conclude she was insane. To do evil things for no reason would usually make you insane I think. And who the heck use...more
This book sucked me in right away with its pure evil...
Even though I knew just about everything that was going to happen before it happened, I was still drawn in by the intensity of the plot and the character of Cassie. I knew whatever Cassie was going to say next was going to be deceitful but I still hung onto every word she said. The only problem with Cassie was how redundant she was: everything she said to Semantha was ended with the phrase, "We are Heavenstones, after all." Cassie was a bit...more
Even though I knew just about everything that was going to happen before it happened, I was still drawn in by the intensity of the plot and the character of Cassie. I knew whatever Cassie was going to say next was going to be deceitful but I still hung onto every word she said. The only problem with Cassie was how redundant she was: everything she said to Semantha was ended with the phrase, "We are Heavenstones, after all." Cassie was a bit...more
It has been a while since I have read a V.C Andrews book. I am a fan of the original writer not so much the ghost writer they have now. Beware spoilers, first of all it was predictable Cassie so desperately wants to be here mother & takes control of her sister Semantha's life and makes it miserable. But nowhere in the story does the writer explain why she wants to be Mama Heavenstone. Then there is Semantha. the character was so wimpy, she made me want to scream. Cassie was only 2 years olde...more
I figured this book out after the first couple of chapters. There is a sequel to the book, but I don't think I'll be reading this series. I went through and read the copyright page (isn't that what it's called?). The page says that "Following the death of Virginia Andrews, the Andrews family worked with a carefully selected writer to organize and complete Virginia Andrews' stories and to create additional novels, of which this is one, inspired by her storytelling genius". I didn't realize V.C. A...more
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This novel only works because the main character, despite being a fourteen-year-old girl in a public school in modern times, is the most naive fourteen-year-old ever. And unfortunately that also makes the book nearly unbearable.
Semantha (yes, spelled that way) is so oblivious to very obvious things that I found myself putting the book down for days without wanting to read it. What's sad is at the beginning of the novel I thought, "This is the V. C. Andrews story-telling I remember." It did not t...more
Semantha (yes, spelled that way) is so oblivious to very obvious things that I found myself putting the book down for days without wanting to read it. What's sad is at the beginning of the novel I thought, "This is the V. C. Andrews story-telling I remember." It did not t...more
Feb 27, 2010
MK (Consultant, Corporal Therapist)
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
hardcore V C Andrews fans
Cassie Heavenstone is the older sister of Semantha Heavenstone, The story is told from the POV of Semantha. A typical V C Andrews novel with
a rich family and secrets.
Semantha is 14 but seems so sheltered that she is afraid to stand up for
herself. She sees Cassie's wrong doing but does nothing to stop it. Some of what happens to her from Casssie is obvious before she makes a statement about it in the book, but it was interesting to see how Semantha and Cassie, or anyone else, would deal with it....more
a rich family and secrets.
Semantha is 14 but seems so sheltered that she is afraid to stand up for
herself. She sees Cassie's wrong doing but does nothing to stop it. Some of what happens to her from Casssie is obvious before she makes a statement about it in the book, but it was interesting to see how Semantha and Cassie, or anyone else, would deal with it....more
Really liked this book after reading a couple of series from Andrews that I didn't care for. In this two book series, Semantha Heavenstone is a 15 yr. old girl who feels scared of her sister Cassie, who is only 2 yrs. older than she is. And she has good reason to be scared, we all should be!
Cassie feels as though no one is good enough for her father, and she does everything in her power to please him. This girl is the most evil character V.C. Andrews has come up with in some time. THere's a lot...more
Cassie feels as though no one is good enough for her father, and she does everything in her power to please him. This girl is the most evil character V.C. Andrews has come up with in some time. THere's a lot...more
I have to be honest, I quit reading V.C. Andrews after the Cutler series. I was just losing intrerest. I am not even sure if I got all the way through the Cutler series. However, seeing this book come into the library, and seeing it was the first in a new series, I thought I would give it a try. I really enjoyed the book. I could see alot of similarities from the early books but there was a small twist at the end for me, that made me say hmmm, I didn't see that coming. Amazon reviewers have not...more
. This is the story of two rich, pampered sisters living in grand mansion in Northern Kentucky. Semantha, the youngest and prettiest, is shy and a little insecure. She is afraid on many things, but nothing frightens her more than older sister Cassie, who is always telling her what to do, how to behave… that sort of thing. Big sister knows best… or so it seems. The girls’ father runs successful businesses in Lexington. The girls and their mother have the nicest of things and could not ask for mor...more
A good read but lacking. A crazy sibling is always an interesting concept and Cassie's character was developed enough but other characters, like the father on the other hand were not. He was very dull to me, I mean if she's going to be obsessed, at least make the object of her obsession more interesting. As for the main character and narrator, Semantha. I thought it was pretty dumb to call her Semantha instead of Samantha but I got used to it. She's also a weak, naïve character who often lets Ca...more
Mar 12, 2013
Kim N - Lost-In-A-Book
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2013-reads
The ending of this book made me like it much more than I expected to. While reading I just couldn't believe how oblivious the family was to Cassie's twisted behaviors. That Semantha wouldn't speak up to her or her parents was baffling. Then, when Semantha finally did get her courage I was so happy. The ending was a shocker for me, I definitely wasn't expecting the events that happened to happen. But I was so happy that they did.
I liked this book, but I didn't like it enough to give it 5 stars, or 4 for that matter. This book was sort of repetitive and you could pretty much guess what would happen next. I like the whole plot of the story, but I felt like it was kind of unrealistic at times. I can't imagine an older sibling being as mean/stuck-up as Semantha's.
One thing I absolutely didn't like about the book was how they always said "We're Heavenstones!" like... yeah... I know. All in all, this book was ok, not every V...more
One thing I absolutely didn't like about the book was how they always said "We're Heavenstones!" like... yeah... I know. All in all, this book was ok, not every V...more
I read it rather quickly, but parts of it dragged. I was suprised by what happened to Cassie at the end, but I really thought Cassie was going to start a relationship with her father since she really seemed to be trying to take her mother's place. This is one of the modern V.C. Andrews books and actually mentions some newer technology. Not bad, but not my favorite. Check it out from the library first/
Groan! This was the worst V.C. Andrews book I've ever read. I know she's been dead for years but the ghost writer(s) need some new material...that doesn't stink on ice and doesn't tarnish V.C. Andrews' good name. I was hoping the sequel, Secret Whispers, would be better - but no. It was even worse! I miss the old days of her series such as Heaven, Dawn and Ruby. I do not recommend this book to anyone.
This book seriously left me with my jaw open towards the end. I am horrible at predicting certain outcomes so even though this was a simple story, to me it was something more. It also delved into the mental health that can be associated with some teens in accordance to their parents. I feel that this book hit on a lot. It is not a five star book, but I give it four stars for the mere fact that it had me entertained from the beginning.
I used to really love VC Andrews books, But over the years have grown bored with them. They always follow the same formula, and while I get that is likely because of the writer sticking with the formula Andrews herself used while alive and writing, it makes for a predictable and boring book.
I read this cover to cover but just couldn't get into it.
I read this cover to cover but just couldn't get into it.
I loved this book! I could not put it down, from sematha's evil but petendable sister to the drama of semanthas hell like life..... i even cried in some parts.....the book sucked me in but it wouldnt spit me out untill i finished it. :) i totally recomend it! it feels so good to get back to reading again! i forgot how enjoyable it was....
I've alwayys been a fan of Andrews' stories, especially her early books, but have found myself disspointed in her more recent stories. The Heavenstone Secrets, though, has rewarded my dedication and patience w/ a story about a family that could match the Dollangangers. The story focuses on Semantha and her sister, Cassie, who will stop at nothing to be the only one to receive her father's love and attention.
Although I did not give it five stars, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the Heavenston...more
Although I did not give it five stars, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the Heavenston...more
BORING! I probably wouldn't have bothered finishing this one, but I was stuck at work with nothing to do, and only this book with me. It was super predictable, and it was hard to like any of the characters. Samantha seems to be too clueless to be believable, and I have a hard time picturing anyone speaking the way Cassie does. Yuck.
This book was terrible. Yet it was terribly good!
But frustrating as..
I never wanted to hurt a character so badly before. Not Cassie, but her sister Semantha.. I wished she just argued once in a while..
This book was a little disturbing, and i don't plan to read the next one actually..
But frustrating as..
I never wanted to hurt a character so badly before. Not Cassie, but her sister Semantha.. I wished she just argued once in a while..
This book was a little disturbing, and i don't plan to read the next one actually..
Has been many years since I read a V. C. Andrews book....story of a family that has a older evil sister and a younger insecure sibling. Tragedy strikes the family...SURPRISE!!! I will finish the series but not a book I will pick up again. I am reading the second in the series at this time, Secret Whispers....
I have a hard time believing someone could be so evil and no one figure it out. I really got annoyed half-way through the book, but wanted to continue just to see if anyone ever pulled head out of the sand and figured out what was going on. The ending left it open to next in series, however I think I will pass.
This book is creepy but good and sad. Very very sad. There wasn't a moment where I didn't want to scream or cry. However I encourage others to read it because it shows what can truly happen in life even if it is crazy and unexpected.
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Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The An...more
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