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Heavenstone #1
The Heavenstone Secrets
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 to do, what to wear, and how to behave around those wicked boys at school. Semantha has her eye on one special guy—but Cassie has other plans for her. In the Heavenstone house, big sister knows best.
. . . AND THERE’S NO ESCAPE.
When tragedy strikes like a lightning bolt from heaven, Semantha’s life becomes a living hell. Under Cassie’s constant, watchful eye, she feels like a prisoner—a helpless pawn in her sister’s cruel game. When Cassie begins wearing their mother’s clothes and vying for their father’s affections, Semantha realizes she must bring their twisted sibling rivalry to an end . . . before a new generation is born.
556 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
94 people are currently reading
2646 people want to read
About the author
V.C. Andrews
370 books9,205 followersBooks published under the following names - Virginia Andrews, V. Andrews, Virginia C. Andrews & V.C. Endrius. Books since her death ghost written by Andrew Neiderman, but still attributed to the V.C. Andrews name
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 Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
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 Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
July 24, 2011
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 this entire book. It came to a point when I wished I could slap some sense the protagonist and slap some sanity into her sister.
The entire family in this book was, annoyingly, so oblivious. I honestly thought that they deserved all the crap they went through. If they are dumb enough to buy all that bull, they deserved to live with the consequences of their actions.
I could go on ranting about this book and how much I was disappointed, but I'll stop here. I won't stop being a V.C. Andrews fan, but I hope that I won't have to deal such disappointment again.
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 this entire book. It came to a point when I wished I could slap some sense the protagonist and slap some sanity into her sister.
The entire family in this book was, annoyingly, so oblivious. I honestly thought that they deserved all the crap they went through. If they are dumb enough to buy all that bull, they deserved to live with the consequences of their actions.
I could go on ranting about this book and how much I was disappointed, but I'll stop here. I won't stop being a V.C. Andrews fan, but I hope that I won't have to deal such disappointment again.
February 16, 2010
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. Andrews actually died in 1986! So as long as I've been reading her Flowers in the Attic books, she's been dead....I don't understand how ghostwriting works, but it seems as if her family are greedy for letting someone write crappy books under her name.... Not worth reading. Almost didn't even finish it, but did because I hate not finishing a book!
February 5, 2010
I do not recommend this at all. I like the character Semantha, but her older sister, Cassie, was a piece of work. I almost gave up on this novel a couple times because I couldn't take hearing "we're the Heavenstone sisters" or "Christmas Trees Semantha" one more time.
September 16, 2019
i really enjoyed this i can't wait to see what happens next in book 2 the only thing i don't like is how the older sister treats her younger sister
February 28, 2010
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.
Cassie rules the Heavenstone home. Pulling the strings like a puppeteer. The parents are cast as very aloof.
***Spoiler: When Mother dies you don't care. You expect some tragedy, but there is no emotional tie to the character. I think it would have been better to make the Mother looney [from having a miscarriage and going to a depression:] and perhaps "let something happen" to the father.***end spoiler
The father runs the family business and has to deal with issues at home, that I lend some credit to his careless parenting. I give every Andrews family a bit of leeway. They have their skeletons, sure.
The Heavenstones tried a bit too hard to be demented. The older sister
was a tyrant and the little sister was too childish. The extremes weren't really defined. Like if it was said why Cassie was domineering instead of it just being a personality trait I think I could have enjoyed the story more. The characters just seemed to be taken from previous books and updated to fit modern times.
Overall for being a young adult novel it was OK. I will read the next book: Secret Whispers
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.
Cassie rules the Heavenstone home. Pulling the strings like a puppeteer. The parents are cast as very aloof.
***Spoiler: When Mother dies you don't care. You expect some tragedy, but there is no emotional tie to the character. I think it would have been better to make the Mother looney [from having a miscarriage and going to a depression:] and perhaps "let something happen" to the father.***end spoiler
The father runs the family business and has to deal with issues at home, that I lend some credit to his careless parenting. I give every Andrews family a bit of leeway. They have their skeletons, sure.
The Heavenstones tried a bit too hard to be demented. The older sister
was a tyrant and the little sister was too childish. The extremes weren't really defined. Like if it was said why Cassie was domineering instead of it just being a personality trait I think I could have enjoyed the story more. The characters just seemed to be taken from previous books and updated to fit modern times.
Overall for being a young adult novel it was OK. I will read the next book: Secret Whispers
February 9, 2010
I devoured V.C. Andrews books growing up, but that was not the case with this one. The plotline was thready and I had already figured out the ending about halfway through the book. And I hated Cassie. Such a demented person. I don't see how anyone couldn't have figured out that she was behind alot of the anguish that her family was going through. And trying to live vicariously through her late mother by donning her clothes and wearing her makeup. Beyond twisted!!! I liked the main character in the book about as much as I liked Cassie. Semantha was gutless and spineless and agreed with everything her older sister said. Like I said, I enjoyed these books when I was younger, and usually they are depressing books. But the main characters usually play more of a role in the story. That being said, I don't think I'll be reading anymore books by V.C. Andrews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2011
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 take me long to eat my words. I do not remember the books being so horribly predictable before. And the lies Cassie is able to tell with no one figuring it out is astounding.
I wish V. C. Andrews would go back to the days of Flowers in the Attic, Dawn, or Ruby, or even Heaven. Not this drivel.
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 take me long to eat my words. I do not remember the books being so horribly predictable before. And the lies Cassie is able to tell with no one figuring it out is astounding.
I wish V. C. Andrews would go back to the days of Flowers in the Attic, Dawn, or Ruby, or even Heaven. Not this drivel.
January 20, 2010
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.
December 15, 2011
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..
October 15, 2012
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 kind of see Cassie the way Semantha did. I don't think Semantha was afraid of Cassie I think she was afraid of Cassie's disappointment nobody. The disappointment of a role model can hurt ten times more than any physical pain. Besides Cassie had the power to if needed ruin someone's life.
As readers we seem to get this omniscient sense about a character and I think that's what we all do to Cassie. Almost like we expected her to be pure evil. There is no just plain good nor is there just plain evil. I don't think she was insane the whole book something most likely pushed her over the edge. I'm not saying Cassie wasn't a horrible character. She was on many levels. I just think people need to give more thought on Cassie's character development. In the end she did what she thought was right.
Think Cassie had a very twisted view of her father. Almost like a young girl having a crush on the cute math teacher at school. I think there are two major differences though 1.)IT'S HER FATHER 2.) CASSIE HAS AN OBSESSION 3.) CASSIE ATTEMPTS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT (oops that was three major things)
All things considered V. C. Andrews did a wonderful job making the characters real. I mean I doubt any of us have sisters as crazy as Cassie but when you put the characters in their situation I'd be surprised if they acted any different.
As readers we seem to get this omniscient sense about a character and I think that's what we all do to Cassie. Almost like we expected her to be pure evil. There is no just plain good nor is there just plain evil. I don't think she was insane the whole book something most likely pushed her over the edge. I'm not saying Cassie wasn't a horrible character. She was on many levels. I just think people need to give more thought on Cassie's character development. In the end she did what she thought was right.
Think Cassie had a very twisted view of her father. Almost like a young girl having a crush on the cute math teacher at school. I think there are two major differences though 1.)IT'S HER FATHER 2.) CASSIE HAS AN OBSESSION 3.) CASSIE ATTEMPTS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT (oops that was three major things)
All things considered V. C. Andrews did a wonderful job making the characters real. I mean I doubt any of us have sisters as crazy as Cassie but when you put the characters in their situation I'd be surprised if they acted any different.
January 29, 2014
Usually with VCA villains, we learn what triggers their tyranny and understand why they become...well, who/what they become.
Cassie Heavenstone is a different kettle of fish. We learn her trigger (her mother, Arianna's, pregnancy), but we don't understand her motives. What makes her put her father, Teddy, above everyone else - psychotically so?
Cassie's crimes (SPOILERS APLENTY):
-Gay-shaming
-Shaming of women who get pregnant aged 40+ (including Arianna)
-Unconfirmed, but she may have had a hand in causing the miscarriage
-Grief-shaming
-Blames Arianna for selfishly getting pregnant, and her age endangering the foetus
-Murders Arianna; disguises it as suicide
-Wants Teddy to be drunk every night
-Uses her sister, Semantha's, menstrual cycle to her own advantage
-Gets Semantha terribly drunk
-Sanctions/encourages a carefully chosen individual to rape unconscious-by-booze Semantha
-Pays a doctor (fake doctor?) to convince Semantha she has pseudocyesis
-Confirms the pregnancy when it's too late to abort
Imagine how worse Cassie would've been if she'd discovered Semantha carried a baby girl, instead of a heralded boy...
Apparently this book has a sequel, but it works fine as a standalone. I doubt we'll learn anything new in Secret Whispers, but I'd be happy to be surprised.
Cassie Heavenstone is a different kettle of fish. We learn her trigger (her mother, Arianna's, pregnancy), but we don't understand her motives. What makes her put her father, Teddy, above everyone else - psychotically so?
Cassie's crimes (SPOILERS APLENTY):
-Gay-shaming
-Shaming of women who get pregnant aged 40+ (including Arianna)
-Unconfirmed, but she may have had a hand in causing the miscarriage
-Grief-shaming
-Blames Arianna for selfishly getting pregnant, and her age endangering the foetus
-Murders Arianna; disguises it as suicide
-Wants Teddy to be drunk every night
-Uses her sister, Semantha's, menstrual cycle to her own advantage
-Gets Semantha terribly drunk
-Sanctions/encourages a carefully chosen individual to rape unconscious-by-booze Semantha
-Pays a doctor (fake doctor?) to convince Semantha she has pseudocyesis
-Confirms the pregnancy when it's too late to abort
Imagine how worse Cassie would've been if she'd discovered Semantha carried a baby girl, instead of a heralded boy...
Apparently this book has a sequel, but it works fine as a standalone. I doubt we'll learn anything new in Secret Whispers, but I'd be happy to be surprised.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2010
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 of twists and turns and while some of the book is predictable, it's fun to see the Semantha figure things out along the way. Her sister infuriated me at times, but it made me want to read it even more just to find out if she got hers in the end. I won't ruin it for anyone, but I read this book in record time. I'm already 150 pages into the sequel, I hope it's just as good!
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 of twists and turns and while some of the book is predictable, it's fun to see the Semantha figure things out along the way. Her sister infuriated me at times, but it made me want to read it even more just to find out if she got hers in the end. I won't ruin it for anyone, but I read this book in record time. I'm already 150 pages into the sequel, I hope it's just as good!
January 23, 2013
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 Cassie walk all over her except near the end, but I really didn't mind that too much. I can see how it would annoy others though. Psycho Cassie ends up doing some pretty shocking things that make this book a nice read. But it's still lacking like I said and could have been better.
November 27, 2012
I haven't been in love with a VC Andrews book since the DeBeers Series ended, and have been half hearted in reading them. This book, though I didn't love it as much as the earlier books, reminded me why I loved reading VC Andrews books to begin with. It was creepy and disturbing- it made me feel the same as when I read Flowers in the Attic. It was nice to get back to that feeling.
I've read all the previous books and have been reading them since I was 13- by this point literary incest doesn't phase me at all. The incest feels in this, however, creeped me out beyond all reason. I was uncomfortable reading 95% of this book, and was impressed that they managed to make me feel that way.
I've read all the previous books and have been reading them since I was 13- by this point literary incest doesn't phase me at all. The incest feels in this, however, creeped me out beyond all reason. I was uncomfortable reading 95% of this book, and was impressed that they managed to make me feel that way.
June 22, 2017
3.5 gripping story but an event really angered me
March 4, 2015
*This review may contain spoilers*
What's it about?
"The Heavenstone Secrets" is the first book in the Heavenstone series. 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 to do, what to wear, and how to behave around those wicked boys at school. Semantha has her eye on one special guy - but Cassie has other plans for her. In the Heavenstone house, big sister knows best. Then tragedy strikes, and Semantha's life becomes a living hell. Under Cassie's constant, watchful eye, she feels like a prisoner - a helpless pawn in her sister's cruel game. When Cassies beings wearing their mother's clothes and vying for their dad's affection, Semantha realizes she must bring their twisted sibling rivalry to an end...before a new generation is born.
Who's the author?
Virginia Andrews completed her first novel in 1972, but it was never published. More novels and short stories were completed but never published before she submitted a 290,000-word novel, "The Obsessed." She was told the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight page revision was re-titled "Flowers In The Attic." Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the best-seller lists a mere two weeks after publication. The Dollanganger series was just one of the many series Andrews published. The Heavenstone series, consisting of "The Heavenstone Secrets" and "Secret Whispers," is another.
Was it any good?
I didn't like it. Definitely not as much as I liked "Flowers In The Attic." Similarly, "The Heavestone Secrets" is a very dark, disturbing novel that, also, explores taboo subjects like incest, rape and murder, making this a very chilling read. Just like "Flowers In The Attic," too, this is a book that is compelling to read, and so, hard to put down. This comes from the slow build-up of events, so that readers keep going with the promise of more to come. Sadly, though, where there should have been a hugely shocking, climactic ending from all the build-up and tension, there was only a weak, predictable, anti-climactic ending instead. The ending of "The Heavenstone Secrets" doesn't seem to leave anything open for a second novel, either, so I'm curios to see what "Secret Whispers" is about. Although I didn't hate this novel, I didn't like it either. It was a weak offering that doesn't really grab readers, even existing fans of V.C. Andrews.
Would I recommend it?
If you're a huge fan of Virginia Andrews' macabre storytelling, you might enjoy this offering, as long as you don't go into it expecting anything as good as "Flowers In The Attic."
What's it about?
"The Heavenstone Secrets" is the first book in the Heavenstone series. 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 to do, what to wear, and how to behave around those wicked boys at school. Semantha has her eye on one special guy - but Cassie has other plans for her. In the Heavenstone house, big sister knows best. Then tragedy strikes, and Semantha's life becomes a living hell. Under Cassie's constant, watchful eye, she feels like a prisoner - a helpless pawn in her sister's cruel game. When Cassies beings wearing their mother's clothes and vying for their dad's affection, Semantha realizes she must bring their twisted sibling rivalry to an end...before a new generation is born.
Who's the author?
Virginia Andrews completed her first novel in 1972, but it was never published. More novels and short stories were completed but never published before she submitted a 290,000-word novel, "The Obsessed." She was told the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight page revision was re-titled "Flowers In The Attic." Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the best-seller lists a mere two weeks after publication. The Dollanganger series was just one of the many series Andrews published. The Heavenstone series, consisting of "The Heavenstone Secrets" and "Secret Whispers," is another.
Was it any good?
I didn't like it. Definitely not as much as I liked "Flowers In The Attic." Similarly, "The Heavestone Secrets" is a very dark, disturbing novel that, also, explores taboo subjects like incest, rape and murder, making this a very chilling read. Just like "Flowers In The Attic," too, this is a book that is compelling to read, and so, hard to put down. This comes from the slow build-up of events, so that readers keep going with the promise of more to come. Sadly, though, where there should have been a hugely shocking, climactic ending from all the build-up and tension, there was only a weak, predictable, anti-climactic ending instead. The ending of "The Heavenstone Secrets" doesn't seem to leave anything open for a second novel, either, so I'm curios to see what "Secret Whispers" is about. Although I didn't hate this novel, I didn't like it either. It was a weak offering that doesn't really grab readers, even existing fans of V.C. Andrews.
Would I recommend it?
If you're a huge fan of Virginia Andrews' macabre storytelling, you might enjoy this offering, as long as you don't go into it expecting anything as good as "Flowers In The Attic."
July 11, 2014
Christmas Trees, Semantha
Older sister Cassie was fond of saying, "Christmas trees, Semantha," which made no sense and was irritating to me. While I am a fan of V.C. Andrews and the ghostwriter titles, this has been my least favorite of 25-30 that I have read so far. It was the most predictable, and also had the least developed and sympathetic characters. I usually like the lead character while finding her a bit naive. Semantha is very weak and somewhat stupid; not necessarily unable to process information, but without any reasonable ability to stand up for herself. She is very gullible.
These books are often criticised for being formulaic, but usually what one predicts is twists, turns, and tragedies while not figuring out exactly what they will be. In this one, I knew what would happen all the way through, and even how it would transpire. Only one twist toward the end surprised me at all. There are also more typos than usual.
Basically it is a mediocre read and probably one of the last V.C. Andrews titles to choose.
Merged review:
Christmas Trees, Semantha
Older sister Cassie was fond of saying, "Christmas trees, Semantha," which made no sense and was irritating to me. While I am a fan of V.C. Andrews and the ghostwriter titles, this has been my least favorite of 25-30 that I have read so far. It was the most predictable, and also had the least developed and sympathetic characters. I usually like the lead character while finding her a bit naive. Semantha is very weak and somewhat stupid; not necessarily unable to process information, but without any reasonable ability to stand up for herself. She is very gullible.
These books are often criticised for being formulaic, but usually what one predicts is twists, turns, and tragedies while not figuring out exactly what they will be. In this one, I knew what would happen all the way through, and even how it would transpire. Only one twist toward the end surprised me at all. There are also more typos than usual.
Basically it is a mediocre read and probably one of the last V.C. Andrews titles to choose.
Older sister Cassie was fond of saying, "Christmas trees, Semantha," which made no sense and was irritating to me. While I am a fan of V.C. Andrews and the ghostwriter titles, this has been my least favorite of 25-30 that I have read so far. It was the most predictable, and also had the least developed and sympathetic characters. I usually like the lead character while finding her a bit naive. Semantha is very weak and somewhat stupid; not necessarily unable to process information, but without any reasonable ability to stand up for herself. She is very gullible.
These books are often criticised for being formulaic, but usually what one predicts is twists, turns, and tragedies while not figuring out exactly what they will be. In this one, I knew what would happen all the way through, and even how it would transpire. Only one twist toward the end surprised me at all. There are also more typos than usual.
Basically it is a mediocre read and probably one of the last V.C. Andrews titles to choose.
Merged review:
Christmas Trees, Semantha
Older sister Cassie was fond of saying, "Christmas trees, Semantha," which made no sense and was irritating to me. While I am a fan of V.C. Andrews and the ghostwriter titles, this has been my least favorite of 25-30 that I have read so far. It was the most predictable, and also had the least developed and sympathetic characters. I usually like the lead character while finding her a bit naive. Semantha is very weak and somewhat stupid; not necessarily unable to process information, but without any reasonable ability to stand up for herself. She is very gullible.
These books are often criticised for being formulaic, but usually what one predicts is twists, turns, and tragedies while not figuring out exactly what they will be. In this one, I knew what would happen all the way through, and even how it would transpire. Only one twist toward the end surprised me at all. There are also more typos than usual.
Basically it is a mediocre read and probably one of the last V.C. Andrews titles to choose.
November 16, 2011
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 “bad” thing. One, I figured out how the story was going to end in the first couple chapters. Two, the entire book was riddled with repetition. And three, it seemed a little forced. On the other hand though, it was written in a way that instilled in me a fierce hatred of the “antagonist” sister Cassie early on, and everything after that fueled the flames. But on another hand (yes, I have more than two hands), it was hard to just feel sympathetic with the “protagonist” sister Semantha, because she was so very submissive. I found myself thinking many times, “stand up for yourself! A normal person wouldn’t back down! Come on!” On more than one occasion I truly believed that the only reason Semantha let Cassie walk all over her was because that was how it had to happen for the story to get to where it got to, and it took me out of the story a bit because it lost the sense of “this could really happen in the context of this book” (and that’s what I meant by it was a little forced to fit the formula).
But V.C. Andrews books are kind of a guilty pleasure of mine, even though they have come to be predictable (I think it might be time for a more competent ghostwriter, lol), I still like to read them. I’m bound to buy the second book in the series despite my indifference to this one.
On a funny note, I did pick up a great new curse that can be used when it’s inappropriate to use one of the seven words you can’t say on TV. And that is “Christmas Trees.” I would venture to say that Cassie uses that exclamation at least a dozen times throughout the book
But V.C. Andrews books are kind of a guilty pleasure of mine, even though they have come to be predictable (I think it might be time for a more competent ghostwriter, lol), I still like to read them. I’m bound to buy the second book in the series despite my indifference to this one.
On a funny note, I did pick up a great new curse that can be used when it’s inappropriate to use one of the seven words you can’t say on TV. And that is “Christmas Trees.” I would venture to say that Cassie uses that exclamation at least a dozen times throughout the book
August 24, 2016
So.... I have a TON of issues with this book.
1. The characters were caricatures of themselves. The Dad was painfully oblivious, Cassie was a demented monster, Semantha was beyond naive, and I have no opinion of the mother. She was so flat, I literally can't remember my thoughts on her character.
2. The book was so predictable, I knew what was going to happen right after the first chapter.
3. The book touches on gaslighting and rape so incredibly flippantly, I was blown away. From a personal perspective, as a survivor of rape, it was incredibly hard to read. Also, Semantha's reaction to it seemed very strange and dismissive. I suppose she could have been in denial, but when Cassie confirms that she was actually raped, she seems to be like, "oh, ok... that sucks". From a literary perspective the whole gaslighting/rape scenario was so down played, there was a TON of missed opportunities for story telling, character building, story build up... etc.
4. The Dad went from idolizing Cassie and Demonizing Semantha... to suddenly believing everything Semantha said after Cassie suspiciously fell down the stairs?! That seems strange to me. He practically ignored Semantha the entire book, couldn't even look at her when he thought she was promiscuous.... totally ignorant of the creepy way Cassie idolized him, but took Semantha immedately at her word upon Cassie's death??? Unlikely.
5. Also, how the Hell does a Dad not recognize the creepy way his oldest daughter is fawning over him. It was weird and obvious and he seemed totally ignorant of it. Either he was into it (another missed literary opportunity), or he was just completely ignorant of human behaviour. Being a successful business owner, I seriously doubt he was that ignorant.
I felt like the book spent WAY too much time on the unimportant conversations, missed huge literary opportunities, had little to no character development, and a story with too many holes to be believable. I will definitely not be reading the sequel.
1. The characters were caricatures of themselves. The Dad was painfully oblivious, Cassie was a demented monster, Semantha was beyond naive, and I have no opinion of the mother. She was so flat, I literally can't remember my thoughts on her character.
2. The book was so predictable, I knew what was going to happen right after the first chapter.
3. The book touches on gaslighting and rape so incredibly flippantly, I was blown away. From a personal perspective, as a survivor of rape, it was incredibly hard to read. Also, Semantha's reaction to it seemed very strange and dismissive. I suppose she could have been in denial, but when Cassie confirms that she was actually raped, she seems to be like, "oh, ok... that sucks". From a literary perspective the whole gaslighting/rape scenario was so down played, there was a TON of missed opportunities for story telling, character building, story build up... etc.
4. The Dad went from idolizing Cassie and Demonizing Semantha... to suddenly believing everything Semantha said after Cassie suspiciously fell down the stairs?! That seems strange to me. He practically ignored Semantha the entire book, couldn't even look at her when he thought she was promiscuous.... totally ignorant of the creepy way Cassie idolized him, but took Semantha immedately at her word upon Cassie's death??? Unlikely.
5. Also, how the Hell does a Dad not recognize the creepy way his oldest daughter is fawning over him. It was weird and obvious and he seemed totally ignorant of it. Either he was into it (another missed literary opportunity), or he was just completely ignorant of human behaviour. Being a successful business owner, I seriously doubt he was that ignorant.
I felt like the book spent WAY too much time on the unimportant conversations, missed huge literary opportunities, had little to no character development, and a story with too many holes to be believable. I will definitely not be reading the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2013
The common saying, “All that glitters isn’t gold,” is verified in this recent V.C. Andrews’ book. Semantha Heavenstone struggles with her manipulative older sister, Cassie, who insists on constantly upholding their elite “Heavenstone position” in society. Cassie swears that their Heavenstone bond grants them a closer relationship; however when tragedy strikes on the family, Semantha learns the secrets and bounds of the Heavenstone name.
I could not stop reading this book and regretted every moment I had to take a break while reading. Cassie is the most controlling character I have ever read; I loathe her and empathize for Semantha. Throughout the novel, Semantha frequently succumbs to Cassie’s directions, and I grew increasingly frustrated with Semantha’s inability to disregard her sister. After much thought I realize that the combination of Semantha’s fragility and Cassie’s power, makes Semantha unable to see any faults in her sister. Therefore, I could not help but to feel awful for Semantha.
This novel is twisted and contains many secrets. As an outsider, some of Cassie’s behavior is predictable but it nonetheless is shocking to read. She is truly a mystery wrapped in her own manipulations. Moreover, Cassie is unbearable to read, but Semantha’s development enables her to put an end to Cassie’s games.
Overall, I’d give The Heavenstone Secrets 5/5 stars!
“‘You’ve had a terrible, terrible day. Just remember, you’re always safe here and always loved here and always part of this great family. We might not approve of everything each of us does, but we’ll never betray or desert each other, ever.’ She leaned down and kissed me on the cheek. Then she brought her lips to my ear and whispered, ‘We’re the Heavenstones.’”
I could not stop reading this book and regretted every moment I had to take a break while reading. Cassie is the most controlling character I have ever read; I loathe her and empathize for Semantha. Throughout the novel, Semantha frequently succumbs to Cassie’s directions, and I grew increasingly frustrated with Semantha’s inability to disregard her sister. After much thought I realize that the combination of Semantha’s fragility and Cassie’s power, makes Semantha unable to see any faults in her sister. Therefore, I could not help but to feel awful for Semantha.
This novel is twisted and contains many secrets. As an outsider, some of Cassie’s behavior is predictable but it nonetheless is shocking to read. She is truly a mystery wrapped in her own manipulations. Moreover, Cassie is unbearable to read, but Semantha’s development enables her to put an end to Cassie’s games.
Overall, I’d give The Heavenstone Secrets 5/5 stars!
September 11, 2011
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 of a broken record by the end of the book. An evil, deceitful, conniving, broken record.
Then there was the character of Semantha who was in every way the opposite of Cassie: quiet, reserved, and unsure of herself. On the one hand, I feel terribly sorry for Semantha and all she had to put up with with her sister. She was never allowed to be herself. But on the other hand, Semantha is the naivest fourteen-year-old I've ever read about. While there were times I wanted to give her a hug, more often there were times I wanted to scream at her and tell her to stand up to her sister and tell her father the truth.
Overall the book gets three stars from me, because I liked the plot and how the book wrapped up, but it lost stars for its predictability and repetitiveness.
More on pandareads.com
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 of a broken record by the end of the book. An evil, deceitful, conniving, broken record.
Then there was the character of Semantha who was in every way the opposite of Cassie: quiet, reserved, and unsure of herself. On the one hand, I feel terribly sorry for Semantha and all she had to put up with with her sister. She was never allowed to be herself. But on the other hand, Semantha is the naivest fourteen-year-old I've ever read about. While there were times I wanted to give her a hug, more often there were times I wanted to scream at her and tell her to stand up to her sister and tell her father the truth.
Overall the book gets three stars from me, because I liked the plot and how the book wrapped up, but it lost stars for its predictability and repetitiveness.
More on pandareads.com
September 9, 2011
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 uses the expression "Christmas Trees? That was funny. As for Semantha the girl was so scared of her sister, but why it's hard to say. And why does Neiderman present these potential boyfriends like a bunch of perverts? I mean I can't root for a guy and the protagonist to stay together when the boyfriend wants sex the moment they're alone. I mean come on. On top of that when they say no then they're accused of being snobs. V.C Andrews created better suitors in the early books or at least suitors willing to do some courting. In this case I winded up agreeing with Cassie and that's bad. A special boy is not one who wants to rush sex on a young girl. At least he shouldn't be such a jerk when the girl is not ready. Not the greatest book here but okay I guess.
July 29, 2015
While the books now will never beat the original VC Andrews writing, this one is still fantastic, nevertheless. It is a chillingly beautiful story, woven through with tragedy, mystery, and secrets whispered within the haunting silence.
The Heavenstones, besides being filthy rich, seem rather normal, and the oldest Cassie seems to be the dream child. She's well-behaved, hard-working, and intelligent. Cassie spends all her time cooking and cleaning and scarcely complains.
Only younger sister Semantha knows the true Cassie Heavenstone. Ever since she can remember, Cassie has ruled over her. She bullies her into doing whatever she pleases, and whenever Semantha has the courage to speak up she
is instantly shot down, told she is an ungrateful child and once again silenced. Nothing she does is ever good enough for Cassie. Her good grades are "average," her cooking, cleaning, anything she tries never meets Cassie's standards and Semantha is pushed aside, told she is incompetent, worthless, a mere child. And rarely does she object, because from a young age she has been taught Cassie knows best.
Yet when tragedy after tragedy strikes Cassie quickly takes over and the Heavenstones are powerless in there grief to stop her until it is too late
The Heavenstones, besides being filthy rich, seem rather normal, and the oldest Cassie seems to be the dream child. She's well-behaved, hard-working, and intelligent. Cassie spends all her time cooking and cleaning and scarcely complains.
Only younger sister Semantha knows the true Cassie Heavenstone. Ever since she can remember, Cassie has ruled over her. She bullies her into doing whatever she pleases, and whenever Semantha has the courage to speak up she
is instantly shot down, told she is an ungrateful child and once again silenced. Nothing she does is ever good enough for Cassie. Her good grades are "average," her cooking, cleaning, anything she tries never meets Cassie's standards and Semantha is pushed aside, told she is incompetent, worthless, a mere child. And rarely does she object, because from a young age she has been taught Cassie knows best.
Yet when tragedy after tragedy strikes Cassie quickly takes over and the Heavenstones are powerless in there grief to stop her until it is too late
April 5, 2011
. 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 more – after all, they are the Heaevnstone's… Then their mother becomes pregnant and things seem to seem to be even more exciting as the happy family awaits the new addition to their family, until of course tragedy hits like lightning from a violent Summer storm. Although fictionalized, you won’t believe some of the twists in this book. If you enjoy twists and shocks, this is the one to read. Read it if you dare.
January 1, 2013
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 older than she was. I can't see any girl that was in her teens taking the orders Cassie was giving without a rip roaring fight, respectable family or not. I should know I have a daughter the same age..lol. The other thing that bugged me were the parents. They even let Cassie boss them around. Hell, the dad's followed his daughter so blindly that his wife ended up DEAD! (Not saying how...you just have to read the book) it wasn't completely horrible.
January 16, 2010
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 Heavenstone sisters' characters. In fact, I couldn't put it down. I think what suprised me the most was the extent Cassie's character went to to get what she wanted. I would definately recommend this book to teens and adults, and can't wait to see what's in store for Semantha in the second book, Secret Whispers.
Although I did not give it five stars, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the Heavenstone sisters' characters. In fact, I couldn't put it down. I think what suprised me the most was the extent Cassie's character went to to get what she wanted. I would definately recommend this book to teens and adults, and can't wait to see what's in store for Semantha in the second book, Secret Whispers.
January 11, 2016
The Heavenstone Secrets was truly a book that gave me the chills. I have always been a fan of V.C. Andrews, but had my doubts about this book when I first started it. The first quarter of this book was a slow read for me, I really had to push myself to not give up. However, once I got through the first quarter it all picked up. Cassie and Semantha have a relationship unusual to any typical sisters. Cassie is so caught up in having to have the perfect life, to show just how perfect the Heavenstones are, yet the way she goes about doing it is completely, utterly, morally wrong all the way around. I'm sorry if you find this to be vague, but I don't want to give anything away because I want you as a reader to dive in and enjoy it yourself. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good read.
January 14, 2010
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 given this book very good reviews, but I found that I really enjoyed it and I think I am going to go back and read some other series that I have missed. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 9, 2017
As a child, I loved Virginia Andrews' books, especially about young girls and their conflict to find themselves. Though it has been quite some time since I last read something by this author, the description immediately attracted me. It's a very intriguing story about the not so very ordinary bond between two sisters and their family legacy. Very realistic characters and a thrilling plot with the drama that is known of VA. Less shocking, though: some things were even predictable and not very emotionally written, as I remember from other books I read as a young girl. Still a very interesting read, with a lot of depth and interesting twists. Looking forward to reading the sequels.
March 3, 2010
V.C. Andrews has always been a guilty pleasure of mine - I began reading them in high school and still do even though it is a ghost writer but for the most part the same formula is there to the books. Sweet innocent girl goes through a tragedy and then is hurt by someone she trusts; usually she ends up alone and pregnant but somehow manages to overcome it all to rise again to face the sunshine. This book definitely followed that formula with Semantha losing her mother and her sister Cassie taking horrible advantage of her.
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