31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Sorry I read this title!, 27 Jun 2000
By Nancy R. Katz "NancyK18" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: After the Fire (Hardcover)
Belva Plain is one of those authors who I still insist upon reading. But now, after finishing After the Fire, I may very well pass on reading her books in the future. Known for her blockbuster hit, Evergreen and the continuation of this family saga, some years ago Plain ventured into more contemporary subjects. I for one sure whish she hadn't especially after reading this book and others like Homecoming and Fortune's Hand among other titles. Concentrating on issues like spousal abuse, blackmail, family issues, adultery and child abuse, I still long to read a book like Evergreen or even one like her more recent Legacy of Secrets which was her last good book.
The theme of After the Fire is once again rich girl marries poor doctor man and whle their lives shoulde picture perfect, they're not. And in one moment the husband is in a postion not only to divorce his wife but also to sue for custody of their children. The remaninder of the book is predictable but all the while I wondered why the woman didn't pursue his allegations and clear her name.
I'm sorry I can't wholeheartedly recommend this book even as a beach read and am still longing for another great read from Belva.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Plain and Predicatable, but still worth reading, 30 May 2000
By Laura B. Norvel - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: After the Fire (Hardcover)
If I hadn't read other books by Belva Plain, I would give this book 5 stars. It was a good book, but she has done so much better in books like Evergreen and Legacy of Silence. This was a fast read (I did it in 3 days, along with working 8 hours each day and studying) and I was wrapt until the middle of the book, when I realized exactly what was going to happen. I finished the book, with hopes that I was incorrect. I was disappointed with the transparent climax, but overall this is worthwhile, especially if you haven't read any of Plain's greater works or can forget that you have.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mother Knows Best, 8 May 2000
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: After the Fire (Hardcover)
When Hyacinth meets her future husband (soon to be a successful doctor) Gerald, her mother doesn't trust him. As time goes by he charms everyone. A fire leads to blackmail, divorce, and the issue of custody. Arnie, the partner to Gerald in their medical practice tries to make everyone happy. But does he have a motive for this. This was an excellent book I could not put down. I loved it.