Doris Mortman

"First Born" is a family saga centered around four women, all named Frances Rebecca, after their grandmother who passed away in 1939. The original Frances Rebecca had five children: Molly, Jacob, Tessa, Benjamin, and Lillie. From these siblings, four daughters were born to carry on their grandmother's legacy, and luckily, they all had nicknames. Tessa's daughter is Cissie, Benjamin has two daughters named Becca and Jinx, while Lillie's daughter is Frankie.

The story is filled with drama show more reminiscent of 1980s soap operas, similar to the works of Barbara Taylor Bradford, Jackie Collins, and Danielle Steel. The characters are strikingly beautiful, fabulously wealthy, and often burdened by despicable personality traits. The plot is intricate and well thought out, weaving the characters together in ways only a classic soap opera could achieve.

Though the themes of broken relationships, the backstabbing fueled by ambition, and the soul-sucking jealousy are somewhat intriguing, I found the motivations behind many of the characters' actions trivial and implausible. I suppose that's part of the entertainment. Ultimately, I wish I had saved myself the time spent reading 728 pages. show less

Too many subplots to keep up with; that's what over 600 pages can allow an author to lose sight of when to stop writing. Of course, it ends as expected around page 400.

However, it was a good beach read.

As usual, Doris Mortman delivers a wonderful tale. I'm so glad I found this author. Her books would make for great mini-series. I really had a hard time putting the book down because the story shifts from one character to another. I couldn't wait to see what would happen from chapter to chapter. All the characters were very well written. Loads of emotion! You cheer for the over-comers and grin when the wrong-doers get their due. This is not a short book (around 700 pages), but it flies by. show more Such a talented author!!! show less

LOVE, LOVE this author!!!!! Every book that I've read of hers puts me in some sort of trance......I can't put the book down, and if I do, I keep thinking about it. Her characters are so engaging and just connect you to their world immediately. Who can say what kind of magic that an author has that simply causes you to fall in love with their style and the tale that they share? Is it in how they form sentences, the characters themselves, the background theme or maybe the author's personality show more in word? The combination that Mortman uses certainly seems to be exactly what this brain finds fascinating. Thank you, Doris Mortman, for sharing your talent with us!!! show less