Fortune's Hand: A Novel

Belva Plain has made another story worthy of being made into a mini series. I can only hope it happens someday! In this one, Robb MacDaniel's life changes when he goes to law school. He leaves behind his home town, as well as, "the girl next door". He marries another generous woman named Ellie. As time goes by, Robb's career bring enormous successes and money is no longer a concern. However, soon money is all that matters. Robb never understands that cash in the bank is not the same as owning as much as possible.Belva Plain also shows the effects all this has on Ellie, his two children, as well as the the girl he left behind all those years ago. Surprise ending! The thing I love best about Belva Plain's writing is that she can create a wonderful and realistic story, without using all the harsh language so many other authors use. Highly recommended reading!

Robb McDaniel has his life all planned out. He will marry his high school sweetheart, Lily, teach at the high school and maybe eventually become the school principal. But suddenly, after a tragic car accident in which his parents are killed, he is able to have enough money to go to law school. And that's when everything changes for them.While Robb goes to law school, Lily stays in their hometown, works at the library and waits for him to graduate so they can be married. But Robb meets Ellen Grant, falls in love with her, marries her and becomes a partner in her father's law firm.They have 2 children, a daughter and then a much longed for son. But as time goes on, Robb becomes more and more involved in his work and getting ahead and Ellen is left to face some unique problems alone.FORTUNE'S HAND is fascinating in that it shows how a person can completely be taken over by ambition and greed and what happens to the family left behind.

Belva Plain has made another story worthy of being made into a mini series. I can only hope it happens someday! In this one, Robb MacDaniel's life changes when he goes to law school. He leaves behind his home town, as well as, "the girl next door". He marries another generous woman named Ellie. As time goes by, Robb's career bring enormous successes and money is no longer a concern. However, soon money is all that matters. Robb never understands that cash in the bank is not the same as owning as much as possible. Belva Plain also shows the effects all this has on Ellie, his two children, as well as the the girl he left behind all those years ago. Surprise ending! The thing I love best about Belva Plain's writing is that she can create a wonderful and realistic story, without using all the harsh language so many other authors use. Highly recommended reading!

Once again Belva Plain has given us a fine novel about everyday life. I was a little disappointed in the turn that Robb's life took in that he never did contact Lily again to at least see how she was making out. Everything came together nicely at the end.

In 1970, Louisiana high school teacher Robb McDaniel was driving his parents home when a truck rear ended his vehicle, leaving Robb hospitalized and his parents dead. Frank Brackett from the insurance company renders a deal to pay for Robb to attend law school if the complainant drops his suit. Always dreaming of becoming an attorney, but not having the money, Robb quickly accepts the offer. Robb sells the family farm, obtaining very little since the mortgage remained high. He says good-bye to his high school sweetheart Lily Webster and leaves for school. In his final year, Robb meets and falls in love with Ellen Grant. After ending his relationship with Lily, Robb marries Ellen and joins her father's prestigious law firm. Almost a year later, their first child, Julie is born. Over the next two decades, Robb's personal and professional life begins to fall apart. He starts to see other women and becomes involved in a bank scam. Only Julie seems to want to save Robb from further self destruction and the probability is she will not succeed. Belva Plain is known for her straight forward personal dramas that cut right to the essence of her characters. Her latest novel, FORTUNE'S HAND, strengthens her standing among contemporary readers by exposing the inner souls of Robb and several of the support cast that touch his sphere. Ms. Plain augments the story line with a strong belief that the workings of fate force individuals to change the linear paths they travel. Though plain reading, sub-genre fans fortunately perusing this book will take immense pleasure from the intriguing plot.Harriet Klausner