No one explores the rich tapestry of the human heart as Belva Plain does. Her more than twenty New York Times bestsellers have captivated readers and garnered legions of devoted fans. Now Plain dazzles us once again with a new novel of rare eloquence and raw emotion…a powerful tale about the consequences of greed—and the acts of love and forgiveness that can heal the heart. Cassie Wright never saw it coming. As owner of Wright Glassworks, the foremost company in a thriving New England town, Cassie’s life was quiet, focused on her work and home…until a tragic accident turns her carefully ordered world upside down. For there is a surviving child to think about—and Cassie must take in one-year-old Gwen, who has no one else to care for her. As the years pass, Cassie will raise Gwen as her own, and a little girl who lost everything will flourish in a world of privilege and opportunity. Enter Jewel Fairbanks. Beautiful and conniving, Jewel will touch the lives of both Cassie and Gwen in powerful ways. From the moment they meet, Jewel envies Gwen, who seems to have everything Jewel wants. The two couldn’t be more different, but their lives will soon become inextricably intertwined. Both will marry—but to profoundly different men. For Gwen, it is honest, hardworking Stan who steals her heart; Jewel will set her sights on Jeff, a shrewd businessman who owns the company where Stan works. But when Stan makes a shocking discovery on the job, relationships begin to shift and change...and soon a tangled drama of greed, jealousy, and betrayal will encircle both couples, as a chain reaction of unexpected events changes four lives forever—in ways they never could have foreseen….
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"This novel provided a glimpse into the contrast of marriages that are wealthy or struggling, they all are fragile and need to be carefully taken care of regardless of your circumstances. I like Belva Plain's work."
— Pam (5 out of 5 stars)
" Some of my materialistic acquaintances should read this to help them understand money and big fancy things shouldn't define you. Yes, I know this book is fiction, but there is still a lesson to be learned. This was a quick read so I liked it. I don't think I'll read any other books by Belva, but who knows. "
— Erica, 2/17/2014" Typical Belva Plain-nice littl story about a poor, liitle rich girl where she lives happily ever after which can be read in 1 sitting. "
— Pmcdnld2, 2/13/2014" This was an interesting story. Not my favorite of the books I've read by this author. I will continue to read books by this author. "
— Lora, 1/29/2014" Agree with those who called it plain and predictable. Belva Plain is capable of so much better. "
— Liesl, 1/20/2014" A story of greed and envy that leads to tragic results. The story goes fast and results in a happy ending for the characters that exhibit loyalty and goodness. "
— Lschneier, 1/16/2014" Read the first 90 pages, then the last two pages and I knew everything I needed to know about the story. Yuk! "
— Harriet, 1/15/2014" 3 and a half stars again. I really enjoyed it. "
— Aubrey, 1/11/2014" I've never read a Belva Plain book, so I thought I would try one. This story was a sad commentary on human nature. She paints a vivid picture of the nature and consequences of jealousy, greed, and pride. "
— Jennifer, 1/6/2014" Predictable, you know what will happen in the end. Not too exciting "
— Jane, 1/1/2014" very good read....not overly inciteful or intellectual, but a good story "
— Ellen, 12/14/2013" This book explores the high cost of jealousy. "
— Alena, 11/4/2013" This book was okay. It was interesting but didn't have too much of a plot "
— Cheryl, 10/14/2013" Very solid sweet story so far :) "
— Debbie, 10/13/2013" I just started this. I'm pretty sure I've read every book she's written. "
— DeAnne, 9/21/2013" A story of jealousy and wealth and poverty and what that does to people. "
— Diane, 7/31/2013" Slow reading, old fashioned book. Really didn't enjoy it too much. Have never been much of a Belva Plain fan, but thought I would give this one a try. "
— Wanda, 4/24/2013" Two girls, one rich, one blue collar. Jealousey is basic theme. "
— Mary, 3/30/2013" It took me longer than I thought it would. I haven't read her in years. "
— Amy, 1/19/2013" Nice gentle story "
— Karen, 7/27/2012" Very wholesome characters. I read the Reader's Digest abridged version. "
— SueAnn, 6/11/2012" A story of jealousy and greed, this is a page turner. "
— Nancy, 5/30/2012" Story of 2 young women, beautiful and cunning Jewel and quiet and reserved Gwen, and how their lives intertwine. This satisfactory women's story deals with wealth, adoption, bankruptcy, fidelity, women in business, and writing. "
— Carol, 5/24/2012" Easy reading, but not great. It lacks depth and character development. Overall entertaining enough to read in between 'proper' books, but nothing more. "
— Rudi, 12/7/2011" So-so story. "
— Edb, 6/3/2011" I enjoy Belva Plain books. They are comfortable reading but not page turners. This was not one of her best, but I liked it okay. It was a Reader's Digest Condensed Book version. "
— Dorine, 2/21/2011" A very clean, very fast read. "
— Alisonb, 5/2/2010" My first Belva Plain book. Family saga, this one about Faustian bargains and jealousy. "
— Blaine, 4/18/2010" Belva Plain as usual delves into the minds of her characters and creates a tale of real life drama. "
— Loraine, 6/21/2009Belva Plain (1915–2010) was the author of more than a dozen bestselling novels with both period and contemporary settings and themes.
Ann Marie Lee is a seven-time winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award for narration. She is a Los Angeles–based actress with television credits that include ER, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Nip/Tuck. Her stage performances for Broadway National Tours and regional theater include Peter Pan, As You Like It, Heartbreak House, and The Cherry Orchard.