Scan barcode
kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
A romance of riches to rags and back again.
My Take
I almost want to call it an epic romance there are so many twists and turns over a period of years! Phillips sets us up with a long explanation of how and why Francesca turns out as she does. In some ways, it's embarrassing to observe her behavior with people. It's certainly a good morality tale for treating people with consideration. It's also classic in how nurture affects one's outlooks and ambitions.
I also couldn't help but enjoy and commiserate with Francesca's predicament. She's such a nasty person that I thought she deserved it and yet the insecurities which Phillips revealed just made you want to cry for her. And then she began her slow crawl back up. With lessons learned.
This actually is a compelling read. I never did quite grasp what the attraction was between them, but couldn't put it down as I was too intrigued to find out where Phillips was going with this story. If Francesca would be reprieved. How Dallas fit into it all.
I don't agree with Francesca's decision to cut Dallas off from his child; I understand why she didn't tell him, but she was wrong. I also wish that Phillips had given us some kind of notice besides a new chapter that we had leapt years of Francesca's life...
You know, they say that money doesn't buy happiness. And they're right. But, I'd rather be rich and miserable than poor and miserable.
Oh, it's just too funny at the end...and, no, I ain't gonna tell ya. It's much too sweet to arrive on that last page after reading all the background that just makes it that funny.
The Story
Poor Francesca. Accustomed to an unending flow of funds and the admiration of the men around her. Using and abusing. Thinking only of herself. So it comes as quite a shock when the money suddenly runs dry and the reality of her behavior sinks in.
The negative adventures she endures until it finally sinks in to Little Miss Imperious Fluffbucket that she hasn't any friends. Nor does she have any money. And it takes a wee bit of forever for her lack of social skills to sink in enough to make a difference. Still, Francesca has a strong character and she does pull herself up in a most unexpected way. Finally finding herself.
Dallie, now Dallie survived running away from home by insulting golfers into playing against him for money and eventually playing into the pro tours. He had Miss Sybil at home pushing him into completing his education. And he's a pretty good, all-round boy. If you ignore his way with the ladies. And how he chokes in critical golf games.
It's Francesca's two pivotal encounters that affect the rest of her life: with Dallas when she's running away from the B-movie vampire set and her desperate efforts with her first radio show.
Having a baby is definitely easier.
The Characters
Francesca Serritella Day is heiress to a party girl mama who inherited her money from her fashion designer mother. Francesca was brought up not to consider money and that men were there to be used. Teddy is Francesca's brilliant son.
Prince Stefan Marko Brancuzi, the sole heir to a Balkan principality, is just the latest in a line of royalty seeking her favor. The very wealthy Nick Gwynwyck's troublesome infatuation with Francesca inspired his sister Miranda's nasty little plot.
Dallas "Dallie" Beaudine actually had a similar childhood to Francesca's. True, it was on the poor end of the scale, but his father was as neglectful as her mother. It's just that Dallie saw it for what it was and lit out. Skeet Cooper was a drunk on parole when he met Dallie. And was rescued by the fifteen-year-old. They've been together the ten years ever since. Holly Grace is Dallie's wife. The one he hasn't lived or had sex with in years. Not since their tragic loss. Miss Sibyl was his English teacher in high school, one who recognized Dallas' potential and mentored him right through college. Now Dallas is returning the favor.
Naomi Jaffe Tanaka Perlman is almost a vice-president of advertising at her firm...if she can just find the right Sassy Girl. Her brother Gerry Jaffe is on the run, again, for some illegal sit-in, bombing, or...who knows. And Naomi is getting tired of it. Clare Padgett is the radio station manager with a down on any woman wanting to make it on the air.
The Cover
It's a simple cover with its white wall and maple hardwood floor. With Francesca's black-clad legs dangling over the end of the deep pink sofa, her feet in their slip-on matching heels crossed at the ankles.
The title is the nickname Dallas has bestowed on Francesca, Fancy Pants.
My Take
I almost want to call it an epic romance there are so many twists and turns over a period of years! Phillips sets us up with a long explanation of how and why Francesca turns out as she does. In some ways, it's embarrassing to observe her behavior with people. It's certainly a good morality tale for treating people with consideration. It's also classic in how nurture affects one's outlooks and ambitions.
I also couldn't help but enjoy and commiserate with Francesca's predicament. She's such a nasty person that I thought she deserved it and yet the insecurities which Phillips revealed just made you want to cry for her. And then she began her slow crawl back up. With lessons learned.
This actually is a compelling read. I never did quite grasp what the attraction was between them, but couldn't put it down as I was too intrigued to find out where Phillips was going with this story. If Francesca would be reprieved. How Dallas fit into it all.
I don't agree with Francesca's decision to cut Dallas off from his child; I understand why she didn't tell him, but she was wrong. I also wish that Phillips had given us some kind of notice besides a new chapter that we had leapt years of Francesca's life...
You know, they say that money doesn't buy happiness. And they're right. But, I'd rather be rich and miserable than poor and miserable.
Oh, it's just too funny at the end...and, no, I ain't gonna tell ya. It's much too sweet to arrive on that last page after reading all the background that just makes it that funny.
The Story
Poor Francesca. Accustomed to an unending flow of funds and the admiration of the men around her. Using and abusing. Thinking only of herself. So it comes as quite a shock when the money suddenly runs dry and the reality of her behavior sinks in.
The negative adventures she endures until it finally sinks in to Little Miss Imperious Fluffbucket that she hasn't any friends. Nor does she have any money. And it takes a wee bit of forever for her lack of social skills to sink in enough to make a difference. Still, Francesca has a strong character and she does pull herself up in a most unexpected way. Finally finding herself.
Dallie, now Dallie survived running away from home by insulting golfers into playing against him for money and eventually playing into the pro tours. He had Miss Sybil at home pushing him into completing his education. And he's a pretty good, all-round boy. If you ignore his way with the ladies. And how he chokes in critical golf games.
It's Francesca's two pivotal encounters that affect the rest of her life: with Dallas when she's running away from the B-movie vampire set and her desperate efforts with her first radio show.
Having a baby is definitely easier.
The Characters
Francesca Serritella Day is heiress to a party girl mama who inherited her money from her fashion designer mother. Francesca was brought up not to consider money and that men were there to be used. Teddy is Francesca's brilliant son.
Prince Stefan Marko Brancuzi, the sole heir to a Balkan principality, is just the latest in a line of royalty seeking her favor. The very wealthy Nick Gwynwyck's troublesome infatuation with Francesca inspired his sister Miranda's nasty little plot.
Dallas "Dallie" Beaudine actually had a similar childhood to Francesca's. True, it was on the poor end of the scale, but his father was as neglectful as her mother. It's just that Dallie saw it for what it was and lit out. Skeet Cooper was a drunk on parole when he met Dallie. And was rescued by the fifteen-year-old. They've been together the ten years ever since. Holly Grace is Dallie's wife. The one he hasn't lived or had sex with in years. Not since their tragic loss. Miss Sibyl was his English teacher in high school, one who recognized Dallas' potential and mentored him right through college. Now Dallas is returning the favor.
Naomi Jaffe Tanaka Perlman is almost a vice-president of advertising at her firm...if she can just find the right Sassy Girl. Her brother Gerry Jaffe is on the run, again, for some illegal sit-in, bombing, or...who knows. And Naomi is getting tired of it. Clare Padgett is the radio station manager with a down on any woman wanting to make it on the air.
The Cover
It's a simple cover with its white wall and maple hardwood floor. With Francesca's black-clad legs dangling over the end of the deep pink sofa, her feet in their slip-on matching heels crossed at the ankles.
The title is the nickname Dallas has bestowed on Francesca, Fancy Pants.
yodamom's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the old family sagas on TV, like Dallas. Generations of family and all their blissful daily problems and joys. It you liked those long winded, heartbreaking, romantic, dramas this is the book for you. This family had generations of ups, soaring to the highest peaks and bone crushing defeats and plenty of the in-between moments.
The main part of the story focuses on Francisca and Dallie, two complete opposites thrown together by desperation one night. She is a pampered social light from the UK he is an American hunk of a man, a never winning golfer. They are the oil and water, but oil and water can mix if you shake it hard enough. The shake and then she goes one way he goes another. There is a little token from their night and it will change everything.
I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narration was wonderfully done. The trip back to the 80's was fun and it never felt old. I liked all the characters, they were developed well and I grew attached to each of them. I disagreed with Francy for what I thought was a horrible choice, but I understood her reasoning. She is the ultimate girl who pulled on her big girl panties and wore them well. Dallie, messed up with some serious back ground problems was a true man when it counted. I did scream at them several times in my head that they were making mistakes. These characters were so richly written I felt like I'd known them for years.
I want more from this world.
The main part of the story focuses on Francisca and Dallie, two complete opposites thrown together by desperation one night. She is a pampered social light from the UK he is an American hunk of a man, a never winning golfer. They are the oil and water, but oil and water can mix if you shake it hard enough. The shake and then she goes one way he goes another. There is a little token from their night and it will change everything.
I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narration was wonderfully done. The trip back to the 80's was fun and it never felt old. I liked all the characters, they were developed well and I grew attached to each of them. I disagreed with Francy for what I thought was a horrible choice, but I understood her reasoning. She is the ultimate girl who pulled on her big girl panties and wore them well. Dallie, messed up with some serious back ground problems was a true man when it counted. I did scream at them several times in my head that they were making mistakes. These characters were so richly written I felt like I'd known them for years.
I want more from this world.
misspippireads's review against another edition
2.0
Lots of background in this story to get to the main story.
Time Period: Modern yet dated (main time period: 1980's)
Time Period: Modern yet dated (main time period: 1980's)
librarianlinds's review against another edition
1.0
I want to preface this review with heartfelt condolences to the women of 1989. If this is a typical example of what was considered romance back then I am so sorry for you. If you need help finding current romances to overcome the self-esteem trauma that this book undoubtedly caused, please go to your local bookstore or library and pick ANY romance published in the last 5 years.
Now, on to the review. If you can get beyond the sexism, misogyny, fat shaming, an unhealthy emphasis on physical beauty, an extended prolog of neglectful parents and a sexual assault (although it was never acknowledged as such) and unnecessary random character tangents then the remaining 200 or so pages (of 500!) aren't completely terrible. However, this is a relic of a bygone era (thank God!) and should only serve as a historical popular fiction example for women's studies majors. And if that's not enough to convince you not to read this book, I'll leave you with this most offensive gem of a quote:
"What'll it be?" asked the waitress who came up next to his table, an orange and blue hankie tucked in her pocket. She was one of those squeaky-clean fat women with sprayed hair and good makeup, the kind who took care of herself and made you say that she had a nice face underneath all that fat."
You're welcome for reading this so you don't have to.
Now, on to the review. If you can get beyond the sexism, misogyny, fat shaming, an unhealthy emphasis on physical beauty, an extended prolog of neglectful parents and a sexual assault (although it was never acknowledged as such) and unnecessary random character tangents then the remaining 200 or so pages (of 500!) aren't completely terrible. However, this is a relic of a bygone era (thank God!) and should only serve as a historical popular fiction example for women's studies majors. And if that's not enough to convince you not to read this book, I'll leave you with this most offensive gem of a quote:
"What'll it be?" asked the waitress who came up next to his table, an orange and blue hankie tucked in her pocket. She was one of those squeaky-clean fat women with sprayed hair and good makeup, the kind who took care of herself and made you say that she had a nice face underneath all that fat."
You're welcome for reading this so you don't have to.
aurnee's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This was not one of SEP's best work. But enjoyable nonetheless.
I gave didn't give it 4 stars because of the 1st part of the book. I was getting so frustrated by Francessca. But she also became my favourite character in this book. When I 1st read her character, I knew in my heart all along that she will get a tremendous character development which she did. It was lovely. Dallie was a very complex character. So I liked his complexity very much. But otherwise....mixed feelings. I absolutely loved Holly Grace! She was such a great character! A badass! Such a good friend to everybody. And I adored Teddy. A cinnamon roll!
All in all, it was a good read. It was entertaining. You just have to endure the first part then I promise you will get your deserved reward in the 2nd part.
This was not one of SEP's best work. But enjoyable nonetheless.
I gave didn't give it 4 stars because of the 1st part of the book. I was getting so frustrated by Francessca. But she also became my favourite character in this book. When I 1st read her character, I knew in my heart all along that she will get a tremendous character development which she did. It was lovely. Dallie was a very complex character. So I liked his complexity very much. But otherwise....mixed feelings. I absolutely loved Holly Grace! She was such a great character! A badass! Such a good friend to everybody. And I adored Teddy. A cinnamon roll!
All in all, it was a good read. It was entertaining. You just have to endure the first part then I promise you will get your deserved reward in the 2nd part.
jendoyleink's review against another edition
3.0
I love Susan Elizabeth Phillips, but this was not my favorite. I realize that part of the point is Francesca's transition from, well, who she was at the beginning to who she is at the end, but, honestly, there was so much in between stuff that I didn't really like that it was hard to keep reading. Part of it was just some things that were dated, which, I realize, there's really nothing that can be done about that. But there were some attitudes that made me think -- 'wow, we've come a long way,' and, 'thank goodness we've come a long way,' and then, 'we've come such a long way that I really don't enjoy reading about this so I'm not going to.'
As I've stated before, part of my rating system is how much I enjoyed reading a book. The un-put-down-able factor, so to speak. And this probably would have ranked a little higher since, despite what I said above, I actually did start to get into it. But then I hit chapter 12 and I started to look ahead to see what was coming up. (I have a thing about not stopping right before or after chapter 13 [don't ask] and needed to see if it was worth staying up another hour to get through chapters 12, 13, and 14, and it was then that I stumbled upon
So I lightly skimmed the rest and I'll look forward to seeing them in the later books of the series, but I probably won't come back to it to read it in detail.
With that said, I have to comment that I really enjoyed the Dallie/Skeet scenes. That almost made me keep going just by itself.
As I've stated before, part of my rating system is how much I enjoyed reading a book. The un-put-down-able factor, so to speak. And this probably would have ranked a little higher since, despite what I said above, I actually did start to get into it. But then I hit chapter 12 and I started to look ahead to see what was coming up. (I have a thing about not stopping right before or after chapter 13 [don't ask] and needed to see if it was worth staying up another hour to get through chapters 12, 13, and 14, and it was then that I stumbled upon
Spoiler
the nature of the relationship between Dallie and Holly Grace. And although it actually made my heart warm for Dallie in a way it hadn't up until that point, it was something that I just can't deal with in my HEAs. And then I looked a little further and saw how the relationship progresses between Dallie and Francesca, and although the end was what I wanted, it sure took a long and painful time to get there. Too long and painful for me to want to keep going what with everything in between.So I lightly skimmed the rest and I'll look forward to seeing them in the later books of the series, but I probably won't come back to it to read it in detail.
With that said, I have to comment that I really enjoyed the Dallie/Skeet scenes. That almost made me keep going just by itself.
pattydsf's review against another edition
3.0
Heaven knows when I first read this romance, but it has been decades. I re-read it because Phillips' novels have always been a comfort read for me and I needed comfort. However, her books are starting to make me uncomfortable because the worlds she creates are not the world I live in. I believe in fantasy and fairy tales, but racial slurs do not belong in this world. I am sad.