by
3.57 of 5 stars
A FASHION DYNASTY AT WAR William Melville's daughters are heiresses to the world's most exclusive fashion dynasty. Beautiful and rich, they... read full description

reviews

Sep 28, 2011
Sian rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I could not put this one down.

I loved the characters of all sisters. I couldnt tell you which one was my favourite out of Caitlin and Elizabeth, both were completely different characters but very likeable and you wanted them both to work things out and be happy. What I liked about this was how human the characters felt not just the sisters, but the other family members, the husbands etc. They all made mistakes, whether it was trusting the wrong person, or having an affair but it also More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Jul 14, 2010
Amanda rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Daughters of Fortune is a sprawling saga about the two Melville sisters, Elizabeth and Amber, and their half-sister Caitlyn, born as a result of their father's infidelity. The novel covers decades of their lives, from childhood through to becoming strong, successful women.

This is going to be a gushing review. Sure, the book will never win the Pulitzer prize. It will never be held up as a literary classic. But, as an example of the bonkbuster/family saga genre, it is vastly superior to More...
1 comment like (2 people liked it)
Jul 09, 2011
Kimmy rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Originally, I picked this book up for a bit of light summer reading. However, parts of this book did not make me feel light and happy (what summer reading should do). Here's what you need to know:

1. Despite the cover this is not a "Gossip Girl" type book.
2. Somewhat surprising and interesting plot but if you think about it, you could probably guess it.
3. There are a ton of characters.
4. The characters are all interesting and unique.
5. There are some More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Nov 01, 2011
Ana Luisa rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Numa única palavra: apaixonante!
Quando li a sinopse deste livro pela primeira vez adorei e fiquei ansiosa por lê-lo. Claro que nem sempre podemos fazer logo o que queremos e finalmente agora tive hipótese de o fazer. A primeira ideia que me passou pela cabeça seria um romance cheio de intrigas, ciúmes e lutas entre as três irmãs para obter o controlo da empresa, mas afinal o que encontrei foi exactamente o contrário. Claro que temos um pouco disso tudo, mas primeiramente a história foca-se More...
Jun 03, 2011
Aliza rated it: 1 of 5 stars
It's funny. This book has two seperate listings in Goodreads. Most of the time when it's a different cover they still list them together. The funny part is that this listing people mostly rate it a 2-3 star and the other listing people have rated it a 4-5 star.
I have to be honest about when I read this book. I skipped some parts that were not interesting to me or I found too graphic (poor Amber who doesn't have much to do with the plot, but when she is included it's just horrible). More...
Mar 14, 2010
Chloe rated it: 4 of 5 stars
The Melville sisters might have money but does it always lead to happiness? Eldest daughter Elizabeth is determined to succeed in her family’s business, despite the fact her father and owner William Melville doesn’t seem to be very supportive of her plans. Elizabeth isn’t about to back down but is she one to work behind the scenes without the glory?

Amber isn’t blessed with the business brains of her sister, but has the looks to carry her through. Amber doesn’t have any plans to work More...
Jan 10, 2011
Kate rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Not great literature, but this was a nice little fairytale, good for beach reading or on the plane. Hyland's main strength is dialogue, otherwise the book is a straight narrative, a little predictable, although she has a nice eye for details. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Hyland works either designing department store window displays or for a fashion magazine. She has a nice appreciation for her subject, and while I've labeled this book as fluff, it's a nice bit of fluff.
Jun 07, 2011
Mgh rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I am currently reading this book and I just can't put it down. There are many subjects covered in this book so far. It deals with family issues like divorce of parents, new step sisters. Also, loss of someone you truly love and care about like your mother. The struggle to abandon the previous life style to enter in a new, progressive, and truly different society. It is interesting to me so far to understand why and how people commit mistakes. The reason or the force that drives them toward these More...
Aug 02, 2011
Elizabeth added it
Once I got into this book, I really enjoyed it. Granted, some of the plot points are very soap-opera-ish, but engrossing for the same reasons anyways. My main complaint was the overbearing brow beating the writer gave for drugs, sex and alcohol. None of these people are recreational hedonists, because in this novel, you either go hardcore, or go home (and lord your moral superiority over everyone else).
Aug 05, 2011
Julie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
It has been a long time since I have read such a great book about a prominent dynasty and their feuds.

Whilst based mainly around the three daughters of William Melville, head of the Melville exclusive fashion label, each sister adds another character or two to the story.

Sex, Drugs and Money combine to make a good 'Bonkbuster'.

All for a debut novel - can't wait to read more!
Apr 29, 2011
Bridget rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book was really interesting. It had a multi-layered plot with lots of characters that are loved and hated at different times. Its a complex three generational family saga based around ownership of an English luxury apparel store with some politics, drugs and infidelity thrown in to keep things interesting. And it was enormously enjoyable.
Aug 29, 2010
Nicole rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I maybe would've gone with 5 stars if it weren't for the fact that the wife/mother just kind of disappears. There were a couple situations with her two daughters where I actually stopped and wondered, "Where'd mom go?" Toward the end there's some throwaway line mentioning her, but no explanation as to where she'd been the whole time.
Nov 07, 2011
Gem rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Read pre-publication

My Thoughts: Now, as a bookseller, I occasionally like to step outside of my comfort zone when it comes to reading. Mainly so that I can make knowledgable recommendations to customers that don't share the same reading tastes as myself.

This definitely is a book that is not my style.

It was an enjoyable read - did remind me a little of a Soap Opera and would be perfect for lounging about on holiday with. It touched on a few disturbing issues More...
Jun 20, 2011
Ashleigh rated it: 5 of 5 stars
LOVED it!! You get to live the lives of sisters who have nothing in common and then the author expertly intertwines their stories so you see what happens to them over the course of many years. I know it was good because I was devastated when it ended and still look up the author's name to see if a sequel will come out.
Jul 23, 2011
Kiran rated it: 2 of 5 stars
This wasn't what I was expecting at all - I wanted something more sophisticated but by the time I was 3/4 through I realised it had the real feeling of a modern day Danielle Steele family saga. I can see the 'made for TV' adaptation already. It was superficial - all about the sex. But entertaining.
Mar 30, 2011
Leslie rated it: 3 of 5 stars
picked up this book by accident... was looking for a daughter of fortune by allende.
though it looks like a trashy romance novel, it is not.
pick this book up when you are heading to the beach and have a couple of days. it's a fast read and the characters are dynamic.
Jul 11, 2011
Emma rated it: 3 of 5 stars
A family saga that follows the story of three sisters involved in the family business that is a luxury store. 400 pages, yet it didn't feel like it and I got through it with speed as I was drawn in. Easy to read and definitely a good summer read without too much work.
Apr 06, 2011
Erin rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book was great, although tragic. I didn't know if I'd like it much because of the incredibly depressing start, but it turned out fine in the end and was a delight to read. The writing style for the author's first book was talented, things were always happening, and it was focused on character development (all done well.) The ending was great but it still was, of course, a bittersweet type thing.
Dec 09, 2010
Vanessa rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Just a basic beach read with not much plot or any substance. Very predictable. Able to finish in a few hours. Nothing memorable. But if you want something quick in the "light" fashion world genre, dealing with old money in trouble, this is worthe a glance.
Aug 14, 2010
Bridget rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Smart, witty and full of feeling. Daughters of Fortune is the perfect book for sisters. I was reminded of my childhood and my own sister has affected my life. I think young adults and adults will appreciate the tone of this book.
Jul 02, 2011
Taytay rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book was AMAZING!! I could not put this book down. I generally don't like books from so many characters points of view, but I think that doing this in this book was what made me HOOKED. Defenitly a great read :)
Aug 08, 2011
Killedbydrapery added it
Fun read. It was a bit long with all of the business-bits, but each of the girls had very individual personalities which kept me on my toes.
Jun 12, 2011
Natasha rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I devoured this book - it's a very well thought out, in depth saga of a wealthy family in the fashion world. Not the type of book I would normally gravitate to, but I seriously could not put it down. Can't wait to see what Tara Hyland comes up with next!
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Jun 03, 2011
Ashley rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This is one heck of a debut novel! This is like one of the Sweet Valley High family sagas for adults. I love how many characters were involved, but how intricately the stories were intertwined. Highly recommended!
Jan 20, 2012
Arah rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Ao ler o título do livro, presumi tratar- se d um livro fútil, mas fiquei agradavelmente surpreendida e não pude parar d lê-lo
Jan 01, 2012
Jessica rated it: 3 of 5 stars
It goes from the perspective of too many people, but it is a really good read.
Aug 11, 2011
Gillian rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Felt that certain parts were too rushed, especially at the back. It felt as though the author was trying to finish the book as soon as possible.
Aug 17, 2010
Kathy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Great summer read - somewhat "fluffy" but I love fluff!
Sep 03, 2011
Caitlyn rated it: 4 of 5 stars
slow beginning but very good book
Jan 29, 2011
Lara rated it: 1 of 5 stars
Read like a Jackie Collins novel