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Sutherland #1
Losing Spring
This atmospheric and moving novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Flowers in the Attic and Landry series—now popular Lifetime movies—combines a forbidden romance with a family fortune and a young girl in peril.
Caroline Brady is the daughter of a very conservative TSA agent and former military brat, Morgan Brady. Her mother, Linsey Brady, is a descendent of the Sutherland real estate family. Their organized, suburban life in Colonie, New York is rigorously regulated and leaves little room for deviation from the norm.
When Linsey, Morgan, and Caroline attend the wake of their neighbor Mr. Gleeson, they meet his charming daughter Natalie “Nattie” Gleeson, who works for the American ambassador to France. Linsey and Nattie strike up a fast friendship as women of a similar age in very different places in their lives—Linsey a devoted mother and housewife, and Nattie an international diplomat living an independent and freewheeling life. Their friendship soon evolves into a romance, leading to the collapse of Linsey’s marriage and her disinheritance from the Sutherland family fortune. In true V.C. Andrews fashion, a whirlwind of unexpected death, family estrangement, and a forbidden inheritance become Caroline’s new reality as she struggles to navigate the loss of her mother, the mind-boggling wealth of the Sutherland family (who quickly lock her away from the world), and the loss of contact with her father following the divorce.
Caroline Brady is the daughter of a very conservative TSA agent and former military brat, Morgan Brady. Her mother, Linsey Brady, is a descendent of the Sutherland real estate family. Their organized, suburban life in Colonie, New York is rigorously regulated and leaves little room for deviation from the norm.
When Linsey, Morgan, and Caroline attend the wake of their neighbor Mr. Gleeson, they meet his charming daughter Natalie “Nattie” Gleeson, who works for the American ambassador to France. Linsey and Nattie strike up a fast friendship as women of a similar age in very different places in their lives—Linsey a devoted mother and housewife, and Nattie an international diplomat living an independent and freewheeling life. Their friendship soon evolves into a romance, leading to the collapse of Linsey’s marriage and her disinheritance from the Sutherland family fortune. In true V.C. Andrews fashion, a whirlwind of unexpected death, family estrangement, and a forbidden inheritance become Caroline’s new reality as she struggles to navigate the loss of her mother, the mind-boggling wealth of the Sutherland family (who quickly lock her away from the world), and the loss of contact with her father following the divorce.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2023
105 people are currently reading
4364 people want to read
About the author
V.C. Andrews
369 books9,011 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 90 reviews
July 9, 2025
I didn't have high hopes for a book ghostwritten for an author that wrote literal incest, but this wasn't that bad as I thought it would be.
Caroline grows up in a picture perfect family. Her mother, Linsey (I hate the various spellings for this very 80s baby name), is a Sutherland, a big name in the area. Her father, Morgan, is a very conservative man that works at the airport.
There is upheaval in their lives when Nattie moves back to the neighborhood, after having worked for the American ambassador in France. Nattie and Linsey's very close friendship eventually turns to romance, and tragedy occurs.
Up until this point, I actually enjoyed the story, but here is where everything changes. When brought into her estranged grandparents' care, Caroline is confined to her bedroom, where she sees a "therapist" once a day. Aversion therapy is performed on her, to make sure she doesn't "turn out like her mother."
Anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric aside, I was horrified at her grandfather's controlling behavior, and that of the female head of his staff. I am loathe to use the word female, but that woman is that. I am reminded of Mrs. Danvers.
The book ends on an abrupt note, but this appears to be a series. Looks like I have a copy, so stay tuned.
📖 Thank you to Goodreads and Gallery Books
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books
Caroline grows up in a picture perfect family. Her mother, Linsey (I hate the various spellings for this very 80s baby name), is a Sutherland, a big name in the area. Her father, Morgan, is a very conservative man that works at the airport.
There is upheaval in their lives when Nattie moves back to the neighborhood, after having worked for the American ambassador in France. Nattie and Linsey's very close friendship eventually turns to romance, and tragedy occurs.
Up until this point, I actually enjoyed the story, but here is where everything changes. When brought into her estranged grandparents' care, Caroline is confined to her bedroom, where she sees a "therapist" once a day. Aversion therapy is performed on her, to make sure she doesn't "turn out like her mother."
Anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric aside, I was horrified at her grandfather's controlling behavior, and that of the female head of his staff. I am loathe to use the word female, but that woman is that. I am reminded of Mrs. Danvers.
The book ends on an abrupt note, but this appears to be a series. Looks like I have a copy, so stay tuned.
📖 Thank you to Goodreads and Gallery Books
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books
October 24, 2023
This story is somewhat of a comng of age tale told from the point of view of Caroline, a 14-year-old child. Caroline was portrayed as being very naive, which surprised me as she was shown to also be highly intelligent. A little confusing to picture in my mind. It was an interesting book, but not what I expected.
Description:
Caroline Brady is the daughter of a very conservative TSA agent and former military brat, Morgan Brady. Her mother, Linsey Brady, is a descendent of the Sutherland real estate family. Their organized, suburban life in Colonie, New York is rigorously regulated and leaves little room for deviation from the norm.
When Linsey, Morgan, and Caroline attend the wake of their neighbor Mr. Gleeson, they meet his charming daughter Natalie “Nattie” Gleeson, who works for the American ambassador to France. Linsey and Nattie strike up a fast friendship as women of a similar age in very different places in their lives—Linsey a devoted mother and housewife, and Nattie an international diplomat living an independent and freewheeling life. Their friendship soon evolves into a romance, leading to the collapse of Linsey’s marriage and her disinheritance from the Sutherland family fortune. In true V.C. Andrews fashion, a whirlwind of unexpected death, family estrangement, and a forbidden inheritance become Caroline’s new reality as she struggles to navigate the loss of her mother, the mind-boggling wealth of the Sutherland family (who quickly lock her away from the world), and the loss of contact with her father following the divorce.
My Thoughts:
This book filled me mostly with sadness and anger. Sadness for Caroline's having to watch her family fall apart, the distance created between her and her mother during the new relationship, and then the loss of her mother. Anger at her father for his abandonment, and at her grandfather for isolating Caroline and for the aversion therapy he put her through. The book unravelled slowly and is an in-depth study of Caroline and all the difficulties she was subjected to in her childhood. This is not my favorite type of book, but I'm sure some people will enjoy it.
Thanks to Gallery Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Caroline Brady is the daughter of a very conservative TSA agent and former military brat, Morgan Brady. Her mother, Linsey Brady, is a descendent of the Sutherland real estate family. Their organized, suburban life in Colonie, New York is rigorously regulated and leaves little room for deviation from the norm.
When Linsey, Morgan, and Caroline attend the wake of their neighbor Mr. Gleeson, they meet his charming daughter Natalie “Nattie” Gleeson, who works for the American ambassador to France. Linsey and Nattie strike up a fast friendship as women of a similar age in very different places in their lives—Linsey a devoted mother and housewife, and Nattie an international diplomat living an independent and freewheeling life. Their friendship soon evolves into a romance, leading to the collapse of Linsey’s marriage and her disinheritance from the Sutherland family fortune. In true V.C. Andrews fashion, a whirlwind of unexpected death, family estrangement, and a forbidden inheritance become Caroline’s new reality as she struggles to navigate the loss of her mother, the mind-boggling wealth of the Sutherland family (who quickly lock her away from the world), and the loss of contact with her father following the divorce.
My Thoughts:
This book filled me mostly with sadness and anger. Sadness for Caroline's having to watch her family fall apart, the distance created between her and her mother during the new relationship, and then the loss of her mother. Anger at her father for his abandonment, and at her grandfather for isolating Caroline and for the aversion therapy he put her through. The book unravelled slowly and is an in-depth study of Caroline and all the difficulties she was subjected to in her childhood. This is not my favorite type of book, but I'm sure some people will enjoy it.
Thanks to Gallery Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
May 31, 2023
First, thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to preview this title before general publication. I received this title for free with the understanding that I will give an honest opinion.
This was one of the worst books I have read in awhile. Absolutely terrible. I would have DNF'd it, but since it was an ARC, I felt obligated to finish it, with the hopes that it improved as the story progressed. It did not.
The story takes place sometime between 2016-present time. The main character is not special needs, in fact is praised for her intelligence, however she is unrealistically naive and slow-witted. At 14, she is unaware of her parents impending divorce even though they fight constantly and it is plain that both are unhappy. Even after her mother is caught, naked and in bed, with another woman, she is still unclear that her mother is a lesbian (or at least bisexual). At 14, when she gets her first period, she screams in terror. I felt like I was reading about an 8 yr old in the 1940s and had to keep reminding myself that it was present time. They have a landline phone and her father reads the paper (that is weird, but not unheard of), but her father actually asks her mother if she "took her mobile phone." What? Who calls it that anymore?
This story could have probably been a short story, but even that would have been too long. The dialog was completely unbelievable, flowery, and over-the-top. There wasn't really anything interesting until 65% in and then the other 45% was "typical" of a VC Andrews book (unwilling sexual activity with a near incest relative). The book just ended with no real point.
While I can certainly say that this type of book simply "isn't my cup of tea." I say with even more certainty that this book was absolutely terrible.
This was one of the worst books I have read in awhile. Absolutely terrible. I would have DNF'd it, but since it was an ARC, I felt obligated to finish it, with the hopes that it improved as the story progressed. It did not.
The story takes place sometime between 2016-present time. The main character is not special needs, in fact is praised for her intelligence, however she is unrealistically naive and slow-witted. At 14, she is unaware of her parents impending divorce even though they fight constantly and it is plain that both are unhappy. Even after her mother is caught, naked and in bed, with another woman, she is still unclear that her mother is a lesbian (or at least bisexual). At 14, when she gets her first period, she screams in terror. I felt like I was reading about an 8 yr old in the 1940s and had to keep reminding myself that it was present time. They have a landline phone and her father reads the paper (that is weird, but not unheard of), but her father actually asks her mother if she "took her mobile phone." What? Who calls it that anymore?
This story could have probably been a short story, but even that would have been too long. The dialog was completely unbelievable, flowery, and over-the-top. There wasn't really anything interesting until 65% in and then the other 45% was "typical" of a VC Andrews book (unwilling sexual activity with a near incest relative). The book just ended with no real point.
While I can certainly say that this type of book simply "isn't my cup of tea." I say with even more certainty that this book was absolutely terrible.
December 24, 2023
What even was the purpose of this book? 60% (!!) was build up and it was basically just the MC observing. She had absolutely nothing to say or do.
And then her moving to Sutherland and the random ass conversion therapy? And we can’t forget Simon, who is literally like Phillip in Dawn. THE EXACT SAME. Even the way he approached Caroline.
I hate what the ghostwriter has done to the recent books. It makes no sense, recycles everything. Someone stop me from reading the next book, he doesn’t deserve my money
And then her moving to Sutherland and the random ass conversion therapy? And we can’t forget Simon, who is literally like Phillip in Dawn. THE EXACT SAME. Even the way he approached Caroline.
I hate what the ghostwriter has done to the recent books. It makes no sense, recycles everything. Someone stop me from reading the next book, he doesn’t deserve my money
February 16, 2024
Thank you @netgalley and @gallerybooks for the digital and physical copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
As an all time forever fan of VC Andrew’s, I’ve read every single one of her books published prior to 2012 and LOVED them all!
The Sutherland Family series is a classic VC Andrew’s !! It did not disappoint and left me wanting to read all of the authors series that I haven’t read!
You can tell Losing Spring is a series opener. It has the same classic theme of a young girl on the precipice of womanhood, when tragedy strikes and changes her life completely. You’ve got the attentive parents and vile, controlling grandparents straight out of Flowers in the Attic; a creepy and deviant male cousin, demented aversion therapy and OMG we finally have a queer relationship!! Yay for progressiveness!!!
I really ENJOYED this book and am starting its sequel next! Look for its review coming soon!
As an all time forever fan of VC Andrew’s, I’ve read every single one of her books published prior to 2012 and LOVED them all!
The Sutherland Family series is a classic VC Andrew’s !! It did not disappoint and left me wanting to read all of the authors series that I haven’t read!
You can tell Losing Spring is a series opener. It has the same classic theme of a young girl on the precipice of womanhood, when tragedy strikes and changes her life completely. You’ve got the attentive parents and vile, controlling grandparents straight out of Flowers in the Attic; a creepy and deviant male cousin, demented aversion therapy and OMG we finally have a queer relationship!! Yay for progressiveness!!!
I really ENJOYED this book and am starting its sequel next! Look for its review coming soon!
June 23, 2023
First, thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to preview this title before general publication. I received this title for free with the understanding that I will give an honest opinion.
This was one of the worst books I have read in awhile. Absolutely terrible. I would have DNF'd it, but since it was an ARC, I felt obligated to finish it, with the hopes that it improved as the story progressed. It did not.
The story takes place sometime between 2016-present time. The main character is not special needs, in fact is praised for her intelligence, however she is unrealistically naive and slow-witted. At 14, she is unaware of her parents impending divorce even though they fight constantly and it is plain that both are unhappy. Even after her mother is caught, naked and in bed, with another woman, she is still unclear that her mother is a lesbian (or at least bisexual). At 14, when she gets her first period, she screams in terror. I felt like I was reading about an 8 yr old in the 1940s and had to keep reminding myself that it was present time. They have a landline phone and her father reads the paper (that is weird, but not unheard of), but her father actually asks her mother if she "took her mobile phone." What? Who calls it that anymore?
This story could have probably been a short story, but even that would have been too long. The dialog was completely unbelievable, flowery, and over-the-top. There wasn't really anything interesting until 65% in and then the other 45% was "typical" of a VC Andrews book (unwilling sexual activity with a near incest relative). The book just ended with no real point.
While I can certainly say that this type of book simply "isn't my cup of tea." I say with even more certainty that this book was absolutely terrible.
This was one of the worst books I have read in awhile. Absolutely terrible. I would have DNF'd it, but since it was an ARC, I felt obligated to finish it, with the hopes that it improved as the story progressed. It did not.
The story takes place sometime between 2016-present time. The main character is not special needs, in fact is praised for her intelligence, however she is unrealistically naive and slow-witted. At 14, she is unaware of her parents impending divorce even though they fight constantly and it is plain that both are unhappy. Even after her mother is caught, naked and in bed, with another woman, she is still unclear that her mother is a lesbian (or at least bisexual). At 14, when she gets her first period, she screams in terror. I felt like I was reading about an 8 yr old in the 1940s and had to keep reminding myself that it was present time. They have a landline phone and her father reads the paper (that is weird, but not unheard of), but her father actually asks her mother if she "took her mobile phone." What? Who calls it that anymore?
This story could have probably been a short story, but even that would have been too long. The dialog was completely unbelievable, flowery, and over-the-top. There wasn't really anything interesting until 65% in and then the other 45% was "typical" of a VC Andrews book (unwilling sexual activity with a near incest relative). The book just ended with no real point.
While I can certainly say that this type of book simply "isn't my cup of tea." I say with even more certainty that this book was absolutely terrible.
March 18, 2024
This is trash. VC Andrews is long dead, and this ghostwriter wrote like ChatGPT. Main character may be the most dimwitted teenager I have ever read.
October 31, 2023
When I saw that there a new book by VC Andrews, I felt torn about whether I was excited or wary. I was excited because I remember reading all of her books in The Flowers In the Attic series years ago, and I thought it would be interesting to see what a current book would be like. I was wary because I remembered that they were a bit on the risqué side (for me at least, especially back then), and I wasn’t sure if I was in the right frame of mind to read that right now. I then made the mistake of reading a review, and wish I didn’t. It reminded me that VC Andrews passed away, and she is not the true author of the book. I clearly moved past that and decided to read it anyway.
The opening and ending was what I will call “true” VC Andrews style, but not as “bad” as I thought it would be. I was intrigued throughout the entire book and truly wanted to see what was going to happen next. I absolutely hated the very ending, and the only reason why I am not as upset as I normally would be is because I already have my hands on the next book, so I do not have long to wait to see what is next. Thank goodness!
Also typical of the VC Andrews’ style is the range of emotions that I felt while reading about the lives of so many characters, especially Caroline. I realize the book is fiction but when you are so vested in a character that you forget that it is fiction, it is easy to get swept up and wonder how people can be so evil and horrific. To me, that demonstrates a lot of talent by the author.
This series contains all of the hallmarks of classic V.C. Andrews: A family fortune, a forbidden romance, a daughter in peril, and sinister family secrets. Despite the abrupt unfinished ending, I did enjoy reading this, though it is unsettling and has triggers. I’m anxious to start the next one.
The opening and ending was what I will call “true” VC Andrews style, but not as “bad” as I thought it would be. I was intrigued throughout the entire book and truly wanted to see what was going to happen next. I absolutely hated the very ending, and the only reason why I am not as upset as I normally would be is because I already have my hands on the next book, so I do not have long to wait to see what is next. Thank goodness!
Also typical of the VC Andrews’ style is the range of emotions that I felt while reading about the lives of so many characters, especially Caroline. I realize the book is fiction but when you are so vested in a character that you forget that it is fiction, it is easy to get swept up and wonder how people can be so evil and horrific. To me, that demonstrates a lot of talent by the author.
This series contains all of the hallmarks of classic V.C. Andrews: A family fortune, a forbidden romance, a daughter in peril, and sinister family secrets. Despite the abrupt unfinished ending, I did enjoy reading this, though it is unsettling and has triggers. I’m anxious to start the next one.
November 8, 2024
I had read and enjoyed a series of books by VC Andrews when I was in college so I thought I would give them another try when I saw one was available on NetGalley. That one turned out to be number 3 in a series and is not a standalone so I had to start at the beginning. I am not sure if the writing style has changed so much since they are ghostwritten now but I am not a fan of the choppy style. Additionally, I can’t tell what time period this is supposed to. There seem to be modern conveniences but then Caroline comes off as a sheltered, overly naïve child reminiscent of earlier times. I will soldier through but I am dreading getting through the next two.
March 18, 2024
I read book 1 out of order and I came back to read book 1 after reading book 2.
This one gave me the back history that I was curious about in the second installment and seeing how Caroline handled everything with her parents.
This one gave me the back history that I was curious about in the second installment and seeing how Caroline handled everything with her parents.
October 23, 2023
The plot is just so...it doesn't make me like the characters
February 23, 2024
This book sucked. Worst I’ve ever read
July 26, 2025
Dnf'd this one at 64%.....it was THAT bad.
October 27, 2023
Losing Spring is definitely written in a V.C Andrews style and this book was not one I enjoyed reading. This seemed like a forced Flowers in the Attic read but not a good one. The book was supposed to be a somewhat coming of age tale told from Caroline who is a 14 year old child but this book just filled me with sadness. This whole book unraveled slowly and was depressing overall. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this ARC read in exchange of my honest review.
February 13, 2024
Who is the intended audience for this book? The story features adult topics with a child as the primary character recounted in the first person, yet the narrative feels written in a middle-grade manner. Adults make up the majority of readers who still care about V.C. Andrews' ghostwritten works. Again, who is the target readership?
Losing Spring is a disorganized, badly written-novel with many concepts that don't work well together. Once again, Andrew Neiderman completely misses the Gothic atmosphere. It is impossible to distinguish who speaks in conversations because all characters are one-dimensional and have identical speech. There was an intriguing premise involving Caroline's mother having a lesbian romance with their neighbor, but the tale went nowhere. Subsequently, the unexpected death plot twist could have been a cliffhanger ending, forcing young Caroline to live with wealthy and dysfunctional relatives in the sequel. However, this subplot is the novel's hurriedly written last act, which will be continued in Chasing Endless Summer.
Even the most ardent supporters of Andrew Neiderman cannot suggest Losing Spring to others. It's written so poorly that it took me forever to get past the first chapter. My interest in the tale and characters is nonexistent; the book is a clone of previous ghostwritten V.C. Andrews novels with no distinctive qualities. ╌★✰✰✰✰
Losing Spring is a disorganized, badly written-novel with many concepts that don't work well together. Once again, Andrew Neiderman completely misses the Gothic atmosphere. It is impossible to distinguish who speaks in conversations because all characters are one-dimensional and have identical speech. There was an intriguing premise involving Caroline's mother having a lesbian romance with their neighbor, but the tale went nowhere. Subsequently, the unexpected death plot twist could have been a cliffhanger ending, forcing young Caroline to live with wealthy and dysfunctional relatives in the sequel. However, this subplot is the novel's hurriedly written last act, which will be continued in Chasing Endless Summer.
Even the most ardent supporters of Andrew Neiderman cannot suggest Losing Spring to others. It's written so poorly that it took me forever to get past the first chapter. My interest in the tale and characters is nonexistent; the book is a clone of previous ghostwritten V.C. Andrews novels with no distinctive qualities. ╌★✰✰✰✰
April 22, 2023
#Netgalleyarc I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself but I do. These books written in the style of V.C. Andrews just don’t cut it. This one felt like a forced Flowers In The Attic but not a good read at all. Bleh, just bleh.
January 8, 2024
Losing Spring was a well written novel. There were times I found myself extremely invested in the story and other times where I felt like things were dragging on a bit. Over all, I enjoyed it and plan to read the next book in this series--Chasing Endless Summer! I am interested to see what happens in Caroline's life next!
August 30, 2024
Caroline was made overly naive for my taste and it was way too easy to guess that her mother was going to end up in a relationship with Natalie and that her father would catch them and use that as an excuse for divorce. Though he isn't innocent either, cheating with a TSA agent.
I found the grandfather's legal tactics after Caroline's mother died to be a bit more than unbelievable especially since her father is still alive. If the ghostwriter is going to continue this series in the present day, he should research beforehand about family law and chains of custody. This plot idea is a known VCA plotline and works when used well (Tony Tatterton, anyone?) but it only makes sense to be used in books set before 1970 or so. Grandparent rights are a myth and this is 2024. The filthy rich like Grandpa still have tons of power, true, but he can't just have his grandkid yanked out of school by the hired help ten minutes after one parent's death and the other parent not even have a say (Caroline being told her father didn't want her is the most transparent lie and easy to pull on a traumatized teen.) Nor can he and his bank steal an unrelated individual's house and assets while they are still alive solely because they are hospitalized. Yea no, bullshit. I hope to see Natalie drag the old asshole into court for that one.
This is a slightly better read than the last two ghostwritten VCAs though so that's something. I'll continue the series to see what happens next.
I found the grandfather's legal tactics after Caroline's mother died to be a bit more than unbelievable especially since her father is still alive. If the ghostwriter is going to continue this series in the present day, he should research beforehand about family law and chains of custody. This plot idea is a known VCA plotline and works when used well (Tony Tatterton, anyone?) but it only makes sense to be used in books set before 1970 or so. Grandparent rights are a myth and this is 2024. The filthy rich like Grandpa still have tons of power, true, but he can't just have his grandkid yanked out of school by the hired help ten minutes after one parent's death and the other parent not even have a say (Caroline being told her father didn't want her is the most transparent lie and easy to pull on a traumatized teen.) Nor can he and his bank steal an unrelated individual's house and assets while they are still alive solely because they are hospitalized. Yea no, bullshit. I hope to see Natalie drag the old asshole into court for that one.
This is a slightly better read than the last two ghostwritten VCAs though so that's something. I'll continue the series to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2023
I have just finished reading Losing Spring by V.C. Andrews. I received an arc which I had requested on NetGalley and was granted by Gallery Books. I have to say I am really surprised to see all the low star ratings given by other readers. I have always been a fan of reading V.C. Andrews books and I thought this particular book which we all know is written by Andrew Neiderman is very close in comparison to the writing style of the deceased Virginia Andrews. I’ve read most of his recent books and this one I felt was so much better than the last few. I really enjoyed it. It centers around the life of a child whose parents divorce once it comes out that the mother is in a lesbian relationship with another woman. In true V.C. Andrews style, there’s a rich family who lives in a mansion and a controlling grandparent who locks the grandchild away supposedly for their own good. I found this story fascinating and I’m excited to read more. I loved the ending and look forward to see how Caroline outsmarts the family. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc and Gallery Books for accepting my request. I will be buying a physical copy on release day to add to my home collection. I’m giving this book a 5 star rating and look forward to and will continue to read all books published under the V.C. Andrews name!
December 27, 2023
I received this book as part of a giveaway. I was really excited as I’m a long time fan of VC Andrews. However, I really didn’t enjoy this book. So poorly written and hard to get through. I fell asleep many times reading it. I would stick with the classics if you’re going to reach for an Andrews book!
March 27, 2024
The Divorce
Caroline thought her life was good as a child, that is before her parents stopped speaking and her mom's friend Natalie moved back to town. Now her mother's friend is always at her home and her father is never home. When the divorce finally happens Caroline is confused, angry and doesn't know how to handle the situation. Her father never calls her, her mother's friend moves into their home and her mother tells her they are a couple like she was with her father. This is very strange to Caroline and hard for her to understand. The word "Gay" starts circulating at school and all of a sudden her friends don't talk to her and she is alone. She loves her mother and her father and she likes her mother's friend but things are all mixed up all of a sudden.
Than the accident happens and Caroline's life changes and will never be the same again. As she finds herself in her Grandfather's care confined to her room she wonders what happened and how did she get in this situation.
The story of a young girl stuck in the middle of adult problems and situations she cannot even begin to understand. Her only friend is a cousin named Simon which has problems of his own.
It is a story of the sadness of life and how society reacts to what is considered different and not the normal and a child stuck in the middle.
I sympathized with Caroline and felt her sadness. She paid the ultimate price for her parents actions and was innocent in it all.
It was a good story.
Thanks to the author V.C. Andrews, the publisher Gallery Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review a complimentary copy of the book.
Caroline thought her life was good as a child, that is before her parents stopped speaking and her mom's friend Natalie moved back to town. Now her mother's friend is always at her home and her father is never home. When the divorce finally happens Caroline is confused, angry and doesn't know how to handle the situation. Her father never calls her, her mother's friend moves into their home and her mother tells her they are a couple like she was with her father. This is very strange to Caroline and hard for her to understand. The word "Gay" starts circulating at school and all of a sudden her friends don't talk to her and she is alone. She loves her mother and her father and she likes her mother's friend but things are all mixed up all of a sudden.
Than the accident happens and Caroline's life changes and will never be the same again. As she finds herself in her Grandfather's care confined to her room she wonders what happened and how did she get in this situation.
The story of a young girl stuck in the middle of adult problems and situations she cannot even begin to understand. Her only friend is a cousin named Simon which has problems of his own.
It is a story of the sadness of life and how society reacts to what is considered different and not the normal and a child stuck in the middle.
I sympathized with Caroline and felt her sadness. She paid the ultimate price for her parents actions and was innocent in it all.
It was a good story.
Thanks to the author V.C. Andrews, the publisher Gallery Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review a complimentary copy of the book.
August 31, 2023
Thank you to Elderweiss for this book.
In this book we follow Caroline. Caroline is around 14 years old when she is sent to her grandparents the Sutherlands at Sutherland, their home. Caroline ends up living with her grandparents after her mom dies in a car accident when another vehicle slams into her and dies immediately from the impact while her lover is paralyzed. Caroline's mother developed a special friendship with another women and reveals that she's gay and that Caroline's mother, Lindsey, saw her father, Morgan, as another father because of how much Morgan looked up to Mr. Sutherland. Caroline is immediately taken out of school to Sutherland house and is given a tutor/therapist who specializes in aversion therapy to ensure that Caroline doesn't become her mother. Her cousin Simon visits her one night in bed and kisses her and asks her to take off her nightgown. Luckily nothing else happens and Simon reveals that her mothers ashes are hidden in a secret room in their grandfathers study and after proving herself by repeating things she knows they want to hear she is allowed out of her room and allowed to use her grandfather's private study for a classroom to finish out the school year.
In this book we follow Caroline. Caroline is around 14 years old when she is sent to her grandparents the Sutherlands at Sutherland, their home. Caroline ends up living with her grandparents after her mom dies in a car accident when another vehicle slams into her and dies immediately from the impact while her lover is paralyzed. Caroline's mother developed a special friendship with another women and reveals that she's gay and that Caroline's mother, Lindsey, saw her father, Morgan, as another father because of how much Morgan looked up to Mr. Sutherland. Caroline is immediately taken out of school to Sutherland house and is given a tutor/therapist who specializes in aversion therapy to ensure that Caroline doesn't become her mother. Her cousin Simon visits her one night in bed and kisses her and asks her to take off her nightgown. Luckily nothing else happens and Simon reveals that her mothers ashes are hidden in a secret room in their grandfathers study and after proving herself by repeating things she knows they want to hear she is allowed out of her room and allowed to use her grandfather's private study for a classroom to finish out the school year.
March 14, 2025
****SPORIERS****
How do I express my disappointment in the Ghost Writer this time. I know we have taken leagues backwards as a society, but I still can't believe he expects us to believe that this story takes place in the 21st century. Or maybe I just have to much faith in humanity.
That her mother unhappy in her marriage imploded her life for a woman she only known for three weeks is maybe the most believable thing about this story. Even that she was so up her own ass that she didn't even consider the fall out her 14 year old daughter would have her suffer. I have seen that kind of think happen in real life a plenty. Even her father fucking off with his mistress and starting a new life.
It's everything that happens after the mother's death that makes me scream "What far right BULLSHIT is this. What year is this taking place in again.??" To treat a child in this was off the bat to lock her up and put her throw gay conversion therapy. Just assuming that she will be gay just because her mother was. I just can't!! And you just know that when it comes to like that the cousin's molesting her all blame will be laid at her feet.
Instead of calling it the Sutherland series it you be call RAGE BATE the novel.
How do I express my disappointment in the Ghost Writer this time. I know we have taken leagues backwards as a society, but I still can't believe he expects us to believe that this story takes place in the 21st century. Or maybe I just have to much faith in humanity.
That her mother unhappy in her marriage imploded her life for a woman she only known for three weeks is maybe the most believable thing about this story. Even that she was so up her own ass that she didn't even consider the fall out her 14 year old daughter would have her suffer. I have seen that kind of think happen in real life a plenty. Even her father fucking off with his mistress and starting a new life.
It's everything that happens after the mother's death that makes me scream "What far right BULLSHIT is this. What year is this taking place in again.??" To treat a child in this was off the bat to lock her up and put her throw gay conversion therapy. Just assuming that she will be gay just because her mother was. I just can't!! And you just know that when it comes to like that the cousin's molesting her all blame will be laid at her feet.
Instead of calling it the Sutherland series it you be call RAGE BATE the novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2023
After reading The Eden series, I was excited to have the opportunity to dive into “Losing Spring” and the Sutherland Family. The first half of the book was slower than some of the others I have read, however, quickly picked up the second half of the book and took off at a rapid speed from there.
The complexities of growing up, going through puberty, emotions, and finding one’s way in the world is an emotional roller coaster standing alone. Throw in a dysfunctional family, death, and one’s life being flipped upside down and you are drawn into the Sutherland Family. I was disappointed when it ended as I wanted to know what happened next, so I was ecstatic when I saw there is a book #2 coming out in early 2024!
Thank you to both NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me the opportunity to review "Losing Spring” prior to publication. I am appreciative and leave my review voluntarily.
The complexities of growing up, going through puberty, emotions, and finding one’s way in the world is an emotional roller coaster standing alone. Throw in a dysfunctional family, death, and one’s life being flipped upside down and you are drawn into the Sutherland Family. I was disappointed when it ended as I wanted to know what happened next, so I was ecstatic when I saw there is a book #2 coming out in early 2024!
Thank you to both NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me the opportunity to review "Losing Spring” prior to publication. I am appreciative and leave my review voluntarily.
October 28, 2023
I received this eARC from NetGalley and Galley books thank you this is my honest opinion. I struggled reading this book, Losing Spring. I felt Caroline was portrayed as naive and more like she was ten not a recent teen. Sheltered as she grew up in what was thought by neighbors as “the robot family”, Caroline was very close and devoted to her mom and loved her dad. The book era seems very 50’s mentality. The book moved slowly and was painfully depressing. Caroline although very intelligent, was emotionally very young and she had to deal with a lot of emotional upheaval throughout the story. I wanted to read the next book and they were kind enough to grant me this one first and after reading the reviews for the next one I'm anxious to start. This was the prequel but it could have been a lot shorter in my opinion, but you will be glad you have the foundation of Caroline's life before the next book.
October 21, 2023
I grew up reading the VC Andrews series and loved them. I haven’t read any of them in a long time. I was excited to read book 2 in this series when the publisher reached out and offered an ARC copy of this book 1: Losing Spring. I was thoroughly enjoying the book until the mother was killed and Caroline was whisked away to her powerful grandfather’s house. The Grandfather brings in a specialist to deprogram her because he believes they way she was raised and seeing her mother come out as a lesbian ruined her. As the “training” begins this poor girl is subjected to so many twisted things. Then her slimy cousin sneaks in and causes even more torture for this girl and the book ends.. I hate it when a book just ends because there’s a sequel. So that is why I dropped the rating from 4 to 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2024
I really enjoy this author, she has a mix of modern meets old world style in my opinion.
Caroline the main character has a loving family that breaks for her mom freedom at her chance at real love. The grandparents don’t agree with their daughter’s choice in real love and understanding.
Caroline father leaves without any word to her just abandoning his fatherly duties. Caroline mother passes and her mother’s lover very much so hanging to life after a tragic accident.
Caroline is moved to her rich grandparents home to undergo rehabilitation into a world of none love and understanding to get her mother’s evil ways out of her. Her cousin is sick in the head and wants and uses Caroline’s venerable state to assault her.
I really liked it. Book two was amazing I can’t wait to get my hands on book three.
Caroline the main character has a loving family that breaks for her mom freedom at her chance at real love. The grandparents don’t agree with their daughter’s choice in real love and understanding.
Caroline father leaves without any word to her just abandoning his fatherly duties. Caroline mother passes and her mother’s lover very much so hanging to life after a tragic accident.
Caroline is moved to her rich grandparents home to undergo rehabilitation into a world of none love and understanding to get her mother’s evil ways out of her. Her cousin is sick in the head and wants and uses Caroline’s venerable state to assault her.
I really liked it. Book two was amazing I can’t wait to get my hands on book three.
October 19, 2023
Good. The book was good. Not great, not bad, not anything to write home about.
I liked the idea of the story line, but struggled really hard to get into it. Maybe it was just that I had too much going on, maybe it was just that the book didnt interest me enough to make me want to read it from the first chapter.
I had mixed reviews going into this because I love the VC Andrews books that I've read in the past. I made the mistake of reading the reviews after the first chapter when it didnt really hold my focus and I was really disappointed that most reviewers were thinking along the same lines as myself. Some were even more negative.
I cant say anything bad about the book. I cant say anything great either. It was just okay.
I liked the idea of the story line, but struggled really hard to get into it. Maybe it was just that I had too much going on, maybe it was just that the book didnt interest me enough to make me want to read it from the first chapter.
I had mixed reviews going into this because I love the VC Andrews books that I've read in the past. I made the mistake of reading the reviews after the first chapter when it didnt really hold my focus and I was really disappointed that most reviewers were thinking along the same lines as myself. Some were even more negative.
I cant say anything bad about the book. I cant say anything great either. It was just okay.
October 20, 2023
I received an arc which I had requested on NetGalley and was granted by Gallery Books. I was slightly disappointed in this book. I usually greatly enjoy V.C. Andrews books but this one fell short for me. I felt the main character was very emotionally immature to not see what was happening in her household around her. This book felt like it was set somewhere between the 1950's to 1960's by the attitude of the male characters in this book not a book set in current times. This story was a very slow read, some of the sections felt very unnecessary. The last two chapters of the book the story picked up and peaked my interest for book two in this series. I am hopeful this series will improve as it goes on.
October 25, 2023
I accidentally read the 2nd book in this series first, not realizing it was a series. I am so glad I read it in the incorrect order because I don’t think I would have continued reading the series had I read this one first. I really enjoyed the 2nd one! And I’m looking forward to a 3rd installment.
This one was a very slooow burn. I’m not even sure it was necessary to the overall story or character development. It feels like it was written as an afterthought, not the launching off point. It was readable, but not overly engaging. I’d recommend saving time by skipping over it and starting with Chasing Endless Summer.
Thank you NetGalley & Gallery Books for sending this book for review consideration.
This one was a very slooow burn. I’m not even sure it was necessary to the overall story or character development. It feels like it was written as an afterthought, not the launching off point. It was readable, but not overly engaging. I’d recommend saving time by skipping over it and starting with Chasing Endless Summer.
Thank you NetGalley & Gallery Books for sending this book for review consideration.
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