Harvest: A Novel (Werner Family Saga Book 4)

I have been an Amazon customer for years. I LOVE THE REVIEWS from ordinary people. I used to read the 5-stars most. NOW, I look to the lesser star reviews. Why ? Because so many times I would read a thumbs down review, and think: " Surely it can't be that bad, I KNOW this author's work ".I would then purchase it, (more times than not), and would totally or partially agree with them. So I said that to preface my critique of the beloved Belva Plain's last novel HARVEST.Belva is one of my favorite authors, and in ways, I believe that good authors were prevalent more in Belva's time writing, than in this time (2012) . I do think though, that she, because of her age and illness, had a ghost writer, or publicist/friend who aided her in this last little novel.I began with Evergreen ( my all time favorite novel ...ever ), and was delighted to have her bring loose ends together with remaining family members of the original story. I thought the book was, to be kind, hurried. But then I am used to Belva novels, that were GIANT SAGA'S that you jumped in to, covered up with an afghan, sipped your coffee (with cream), while your dog rested his head on your legs..and lived inside the book with Belva's characters. Oh the fun ! With every book, you could not wait for the next in line !! And HARVEST was a surprise and a welcome one. For THAT reason, I am so glad I have it in my library. I thought the last part was classic Belva, and I read it several times at the end. BUT.................Oh how I wish from the ending...she would have continued on, because she could have.Don't hesitate to order this book !!! It is a lovely story even if you aren't familiar with the beginning of the saga. If you have read them, you will enjoy the completion like I did, and be grateful for author's like Belva Plain.GO TO THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN AND ORDER FROM THE USED BOOK STORES, EVERGREEN, AND THE FOLLOWING BOOKS OF THE SAGA. Those book stores have books in beautiful shape, for pennies/shipping ! I am ordering EVERGREEN from one of them just to have it in my library and I will force my granddaughter's to read it and give me a book report !!! LOL !MY 3 stars are only because I judged it against the early books of Belva's in this family saga.

This family saga warmed my heart. The author's words flow like a beautiful river. I will miss dear Paul and beautiful loving Anna. Now the families move one with the knowledge and wisdom given to them by Paul and Anna. How I wished they could be in the final saga book 5. Who knows what's to come. I will begin number 5 tonight.

Read this series by Belva Plain many years ago. I always loved reading “family generation” books.Decided to read the entire series again.Loved it then. Loved it now.

This book tied up all the loose ends of the series. Funny, sad.happy it’s all there. Our of the best family sagas I’ve ever read.

I cannot provide a review of this book because it was purchased for a relative.

This is the last novel in a series of 5 about the Werner family. I hated to see it end. Belva Plain has now passed, but I will read more of her novels. I only discovered her writing recently and truly enjoy it.

Starting with Evergreen - I read all 5 books. Let me say, they are ALL worth reading. Every one is Belva Plain worthiness! She was such agreat writer of books ... I so miss something new coming out from her. I think I have read all of her books. Blessings to you Belva Plainfor spending many happy hours with me!

She is one of my favorite authors. This book was in the "Evergreen" series, and I couldn't wait to get it in the mail to read it. I love family saga type stories, and Belva Plain is a master at that type of books. I have read many of her books, loved them all.

excellent. continued the fascinating saga of the Werner family. have read all the books. sorry they came to an end.

Very good, it kept me hooked. Looking forward to book 5.

Very good book and story lines and characters, enjoyable reading.

Excellent series. I.m looking forward to reading more of Belva Plain's books

My wife loved it.