Into The Woods by V.C. Andrews is the fourth book in the De Beers Family Series. Well known for her sagas that span several novels, V.C. Andrews again finds her stride in this novel, which could easily be read on its own as a stand alone novel, or as part of the series in sequence.

The Houston family is a typical naval family unit. Roland Houston is a dedicated career man who is on the path to becoming an admiral one day. In the eyes of his wife, Jackie Lee and only child, daughter Grace, he is already there. The family is a close one, partly by necessity since the constant moves prohibit forming lasting friendships of any kind. Shortly following a move to Norfolk, supposed to be the most stable of all moves to date, Roland is killed in a helicopter accident, and the Houston family comes apart. Jackie Lee puts on a brave face, and retreats to Florida where a friend from her school days now runs a restaurant, and offers her employment. Dallas quickly advises Jackie Lee that her smartest course of action now would be to find a wealthy widower to ensure the rest of her life is lived in comfort and security. Encouraged, and directed to recognize those who are most eligible, Jackie Lee soon finds her way into the heart of Winston Montgomery, and begins her climb to social status. Their marriage is the Palm Beach event of the year, and for a time, life is exactly as Jackie Lee wants it to be. She is wealthy, healthy, and able to do as she pleases, able to buy her way into the A-list of society. This is short lived however, as those with 'old money' soon tire of her marriage to money and she is no longer invited or included in their world. When Winston dies suddenly, this only becomes more evident. Jackie Lee's new wealth does nothing for her status. Bored and lonely, she soon finds herself in the company of a career gigolo, Kirby Scott, who will take them from riches to ruin in more ways than one.

Kirby Scott loses interest in Jackie Lee who is only concerned with improving her social standing, and instead begins to exhibit an unhealthy interest in Grace. He starts by convincing her that his interest is only in her happiness, bringing tears to her eyes when his conversation hits a little close to home, but his paternal interest is soon replaced by the intimate and lingering kiss he bestows on her as he is leaving. Grace is so stunned, she doesn't even have time to object before he is gone, but the damage is done. Guilt worms its way into her heart, and when he comes to her the next time in the middle of the night, she is so trapped in a fog of sleeping pills that she isn't even aware of who he is until he has taken her for the first time. She struggles, but without conviction, and he is sure that she is as thrilled with the experience as he is. By morning, he has taken her again, and left, leaving her to question the events, and her sanity. The resulting pregnancy will turn their lives upside down again as Jackie Lee tries to salvage what she sees as their reputations. Her not entirely noble efforts will have Grace talking to her father, attempting suicide, and finally sent to a clinic for treatment.