At the top of the stairs there are four secrets hidden. Blond, beautiful, innocent, and struggling to stay alive… They were a perfect family, golden and carefree—until a heartbreaking tragedy shattered their happiness. Now, for the sake of an inheritance that will ensure their future, the children must be hidden away out of sight, as if they never existed. Kept on the top floor of their grandmother’s vast mansion, their loving mother assures them it will be just for a little while. But as brutal days swell into agonizing months and years, Cathy, Chris, and twins Cory and Carrie realize their survival is at the mercy of their cruel and superstitious grandmother…and this cramped and helpless world may be the only one they ever know. Flowers in the Attic is V.C. Andrews's first and most famous novel. It became a runaway bestseller upon its publication in 1979 and was the first book in the Dollanganger Family series, followed by Petals on the Wind, If There Be Thorns, Seeds of Yesterday, and Garden of Shadows. Nearly 35 years after publication, Lifetime TV aired a movie version of it in January 2014, which became one of the station's highest-rate programs, boasting more than 6 million viewers. Petals on the Wind, based on the book of the same name, will air on Lifetime TV on May 26, 2014. This excerpt of the opening chapters of the book will show you what millions of readers have already discovered--that the world of V.C. Andrews is an entrancing, fascinating place. Enjoy!

"You want me to lead?" My heart is pumping out of my chest. I feel the eyes of my former peers staring right at me, this is crazy. How can I lead a bunch of teenagers through the apocalypse? ___________________________________________ Join Rosalie and her group of friends in the middle of an infectious apocalypse. The Heartbreak, The Drama, The Romance and The Mystery still continues even when fighting for survival. ___________________________________________ Everything seemed like it was going well at Crystal Rivers Private School until an infectious virus breaks out near campus. After a few days of being locked in their dorms, Rosalie and her friends decide it's time to see what's going on. What turned out to be simply the Flu became a flesh eating disease.

The Sea has a way of holding on to every memory the tide carries away- including lost hearts. Violet Marine never believed in the legends of the once lost love that washed away many years ago. But when a charming thief arrives with secrets, part of a stolen map, and a treasure tied to the past, Violet's heart is pulled into a dangerous new direction. Torn between the love she's always known, and the one she never expected, Violet must decide whether fate is something to fear... or something to chase. The sea is rising, history is resurfacing- and Violet may not have much time before she's swept away from her ship and into the grasp of those who seek the treasure. -Most Impressive Rankings- #20 in Haunting

"What's wrong?" He asked softly, grabbing Kai's arm and preventing him from running away again. "N-nothing." Kai whispered looking down at his shoes. Nicolas lifted Kai's chin and looked into his black eyes with a soft look. "I know something is wrong. Tell me." He coaxed moving his hand from Kai's chin to cup his cheek instead. "I don't like it when you laugh and smile with Rex" Kai mumbled. "I want you to only smile at me." _____________________________________________ Kai and Nicolas were best friends. They've always been best friends. Everyone around them craved to have a friendship as beautiful as theirs. Nothing could change it. Until something could. Something as simple as feelings.