Tag Archives: Danielle Steel

Only the Brave by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Only the Brave by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Sophia Alexander, the beautiful daughter of a famous surgeon in Berlin, has had to grow up faster than most young women. When her mother falls ill, Sophia must take charge of her younger sister, Theresa, and look after her father and the household, while also volunteering at his hospital after school. Meanwhile, Hitler’s rise to power and the violence in her very own town have Sophia concerned, but only her mother is willing to share her fears openly.

After tragedy strikes and her mother dies, Sophia becomes increasingly involved in the resistance, attending meetings of dissidents and helping however she can. Circumstances become increasingly dangerous and personal when Sophia assists her sister’s daring escape from Germany, fleeing Germany with her young husband and his family. Her father also begins to resist the regime, secretly healing those hiding from persecution, only to have his hospital burned to the ground. When he is arrested and sent to a concentration camp, Sophia is truly on her own, but more determined than ever to help.

While working as a nurse with the convent nuns, the Sisters of Mercy, Sophia continues her harrowing efforts to transport Jewish children to safety and finds herself under surveillance. As the political tensions rise and the brutal oppression continues, Sophia is undeterred, risking it all, even her own freedom, as she rises to the challenge of helping those in need—no matter the cost.

In Only the Brave, Danielle Steel vividly captures the devastating effects of war alongside beautiful moments of compassion and courage.

 

 

Review:

Only the Brave by Danielle Steel is a powerful, historical novel about a courageous woman in World War II Germany. The story follows, Sophia Alexander, our heroine and eldest daughter, who at a young age, was faced with her mother’s illness, watching over her younger sister, and a war looming. Sophia learns to become a surgical nurse, helping her father, who runs a hospital, where he is the lead surgeon. Though they are not Jewish, both of them secretly try to help runaways. When her mother dies, Sophia steps in and helps her pregnant sister, Theresa and her husband escape to Switzerland.

Sophia works as a nurse with the convent nuns, the Sisters of Mercy, and becomes increasingly involved in the resistance, attending meetings of dissidents and finding ways to help others escape. Her father was asked twice by Hitler’s people to euthanize Jews in camps, and after his last denial, they arrested him and was taken to Dachau, a concentration camp for criminals.  At the convent, Sophia finds an American officer disabled, and treats him back to health; with both of them beginning to have feelings for each other.  She is still determined to do her final vows and remain a nun; the officer leaves after he is recovered.  Sophia will receive a contact from him, notifying her that her father died.

Due to her family’s guilty association with the father and her missing sister, the Nazi’s arrest her, and she is taken to Ravensbrück. While in the concentration camp, she helps perform surgical procedures, and befriends a Nazi officer, who shares food with her, as well as the camp friends. Sophia, and her 4 friends, plan a successful escape from the concentration camp, fleeing to a convent.

Only the Brave is an emotional story filled with heartache, courage, bravery, hope and tragedy. I also really like some of the secondary supporting characters.  As the war comes close to an end, Sophia will have to choose to be a nun or choose love. The story captures the devastating effect of war, and Sophia rising to the challenge of risking everything, to save others. Once again, Only the Brave is very well written by Danielle Steel; in a fantastic historical novel.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Never Too Late by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Never Too Late by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Kezia Cooper Hobson, recently widowed, arrives in New York from San Francisco.  Determined to make a fresh start, she has just completed the sale of her Pacific Heights home, not to mention her husband’s venture capital firm, and in doing so, is also freed from her responsibility as a board member of the company. Bringing with her only a few personal treasures, she is excited to move into the blank slate of a beautiful midtown penthouse, in the city that she has always loved. It is also where her two adult daughters now live.

As Kezia settles into her new apartment, she meets her movie-star next-door neighbor, Sam Stewart, whose terrace borders hers. Just a couple of weeks after she arrives, however, a devastating crisis strikes New York City. Kezia and Sam find themselves connecting over their strong impulse to help those in need. As they share a life-changing experience of volunteering, a bond is sparked and a friendship is formed.

Kezia’s daughters, Kate and Felicity, are taken aback by their mother’s new friendship, both more focused on their own love lives than hers. But Kezia is learning that the changes she’s making are just what she needs to open new horizons.

In this powerful and moving new novel, Danielle Steel illuminates the importance of human connection and embracing brave change, proving it’s never too late for a brand-new start.

 

 

Review:

Never too Late by Danielle Steel is another one of her wonderful novels. We meet Kezia Cooper, who has lived in San Francisco, California for a long time, but after her husband died, she spent 5 years on his board and now decides to sell her place and the business and move to NYC. Kezia’s grown daughters both live in NYC, and with her 60th birthday upcoming, she wanted to try something new, and enjoy life in New York City, as well as be able to see her daughters. Kezia’s two daughters were very different, especially with Kate being 14 years older.

Kezia arrived in NYC in June, settling into her new midtown penthouse, awaiting more of her furniture, but she is happy to start out fresh, living on the 60th floor; and enjoy everything in the city. Her youngest daughter Felicity, is 23 years old, and a very successful model; currently in Paris for Fashion Week. Kezia has a warm close relationship with Felicity, who never let her success go to her head and was very well grounded.   

Kate has always been more complicated to deal with. She wants to write a novel, and felt she needed to learn more about her biological father, and why he wanted nothing to do with Kezia and her pregnancy.   Kezia married Andrew when Kate was very young, and he treated her like his own daughter, and he adopted her.  When Andrew died (5 years ago) he split the inheritance between Kezia, Kate and Felicity.  Though she was close to her adopted father, Kate needed to learn more about her biological father. She decided to go with her boyfriend to Africa and meet him. 

With both daughters away, Kezia sits on her Terrance watching the July 4th fireworks, and she meets Sam Stewart, a movie star; he lives on the terrace next to her, which has a hedge plant dividing them.  Sam lost his wife two years ago.  He manages to get into the hedge to talk to Kezia, as they watch a horrific attack in New York City, with bombs exploding at the Empire State Building and Hudson Yard. Both Kezia and Sam volunteer to help hospitals, police, who are understaffed.

In a short time, the friendship between Sam and Kezia slowly turns into love and happiness.  Felicity is happily in love with her boyfriend, and she accepts his proposal of marriage, making Kezia very happy, as plans begin for a wedding.  Kate after her return from Africa, recognized that her biological father, was nice but she knew he was never there for her, and her adopted father was always the one who loved her.   Kate will also break up with her boyfriend, and find love with Sam’s son.

Never Too Late was a compelling, inspiring, captivating and engaging story that kept our attention from start to finish.  The story follows the main characters as they find love, second chances and discover that it is never too late to pursue happiness.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Upside Down by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Upside Down by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Oscar-winning actress Ardith Law is a Hollywood icon. Radiant at sixty-two, she is the epitome of glamour and a highly respected artist. But her success has come at a she has a strained relationship with her daughter, Morgan, who at thirty-eight still blames Ardith for putting her career before being a mother. Morgan is a successful plastic surgeon in New York City—and the distance from Ardith’s Bel Air mansion is not lost on either of them.

Ardith became a single mother when Morgan was seven, after her unfaithful husband died in a helicopter accident. In recent years, she has found amiable companionship with fellow actor Bill West. But Ardith’s comfortable world is turned upside down when she hires a temporary personal assistant, Josh Gray, while Bill is away filming in London. Josh’s rough-around-the-edges persona is the opposite of what Ardith is used to, but an unexpected tragedy brings them closer, stirring up conflicting feelings in her for this younger man.

In New York, Morgan is swept off her feet by world-renowned TV anchorman Ben Ryan. Though more than two decades her senior, Ben is handsome, charismatic, and just as smitten as Morgan. But when a blackmail scheme puts his career—and their relationship—on the line, Morgan doesn’t know where to turn. Perhaps . . . to her mother? As each woman navigates an unconventional romance, they cautiously approach each other on new terms and attempt to put aside their past for a new future.

In Upside Down, Danielle Steel tells an unforgettable story of bold choices, second chances, and the hope of reconciliation.

 

 

 

Review:

Upside Down by Danielle Steel is another one her excellent standalone novels.  We meet Ardith Law, an Oscar winning actress and Hollywood icon; who at 62, is still highly respected and very successful. Ardith was married to a famous movie star, and had child, Morgan; who at the age of 7, lost her father in an accident, and rarely saw mother.  The relationship between mother and daughter was strained, and now years later, both rarely talked to each other; with Morgan living in New York, and Ardith in California. 

Morgan, now 38, is a successful plastic surgeon, and a workaholic. On the occasion she talks to her mother, Morgan is usually distant, as she blames her mother for putting her career first, and not having much contact during all those years.

Ardith has been in a long-term relationship with actor Bill West, another Hollywood legend. Bill was leaving for a couple of months to London, where he will act in a movie. He arranged with his studio to have an assistant help Ardith while he is away.    Much to her surprise, the assistant who shows up, is not a woman, but instead a man.

Enter Josh Gray, a struggling 40-year-old actor, who takes the assistant job to make some money. Josh, despite the 20-year age difference, is very respectful of Ardith, and in a short time, they both find a deep wonderful connection for each other; especially after Bill tragically dies.  When Morgan flies to California for the funeral, she acts angry and cold, and questions why Josh is there as her assistant; once the services are over, she returns back to New York. 

Morgan, who rarely dates, as she is so deep in her job, but she meets a famous TV anchorman, Ben Ryan, who is determined to win her over.  Ben is not only handsome, but very charismatic and very well known, and is 20 years her senior.  Morgan finds herself smitten by Ben and in a short time, the both have strong feelings for each other. When Ben is involved in a fake smear campaign, Morgan needs to learn more about the truths.  She does turn to her mother for advice.

Ardith and Josh have opened their relationship to the public, with both not caring what people thought.  Josh may be 20 years younger, but he treated her like a queen, and she helped him look for a good manuscript to help him start his career.  They were so great together. 

Upside Down was different kind of unconventional romance storyline, with mother and daughter having love interests opposite love interests. Ardith will go out of her way to show Morgan to go with her feelings, and live for the future; which will bring mother and daughter putting aside differences in the past, moving forward.  Upside Down was very well written by Daniele Steel, and it was a fun enjoyable read, especially with each finding love in different directions. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel – a Review

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The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Description:
It’s the summer of 1959 and the Palace of Versailles is hosting an event that will make history. It is an exclusive dusk-to-dawn ball in which a select group of American and French debutantes will be presented to international society and royalty. Four young women, all with something to prove, receive what some see as the invitation of a lifetime.

Amelia Alexander, who hopes to eventually attend law school, hesitates to participate in what she sees as an archaic and privileged tradition. But her indomitable widowed mother, Jane, who’s struggled financially and sacrificed for a career, encourages her to attend. Jane would do anything for Amelia to have the chance at a happily ever after.

Felicity Smith is equally uncertain about the ball. Although her family is prominent in the Dallas social scene, Felicity prefers to keep to herself, avoiding the older sister who torments her. But to get out of her sister’s shadow, Felicity decides to accept. If it’s a success, the tables will have turned at last.

For Caroline Taylor, the beautiful ingénue and daughter of Hollywood legends, the ball is an irresistible opportunity. But an unexpected heartbreak just before she leaves for France gets things off to a bad start.

Then there’s Samantha Walker, an art history major with an overprotective father. Her excitement about the invitation is overshadowed by the emotional and physical effects of a past tragedy that still haunts her. 

 

 

Review:

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel is another one of her captivating and enchanting stand-alone novel. The story begins in the summer of 1959, where the Palace of Versailles will host a historic first dusk-to-dawn debutante ball, for international and royalty.  Invitations were sent to a select group of French and American debutantes to attend the ball. The story revolves around four young American women, who are offered a lifetime opportunity, with some anxious to attend, and some being pushed by family; but the trip will open the door that will change their lives forever, as well as a wonderful friendship.  We will meet Amelia, Felicity, Caroline and Samantha, as well as their family.

Amelia Alexander is planning on going to law school, and sees this invitation as something she feels is not her style.  But Amelia is very close to her mother, Jane, who is widowed, recently lost her job as an executive publisher; but Jane is determined for Amelia to have a chance to go to Paris and attend the Ball.  Amelia at first hesitates, but decides to accept the invitation to the Ball a Versailles.

Felicity Smith, who comes from a wealthy Dallas family, is uncertain about attending the ball.  Her older sister constantly torments her, especially since she is a bit overweight.  Her mother and father are thrilled about the invitation, and Felicity decides to accept, in order to get out of her sister’s shadow.  She is also hoping to find someone, who will like her as she is.

Caroline Taylor is the daughter of two Hollywood legends, and immediately accepts the opportunity to attend the Ball. A short time before she needs to leave, her boyfriend (an actor) dumps her for a younger girl, breaking her heart and putting a cloud on the event.  She keeps this a secret from her parents, and together they attend the Ball.  Unfortunately, Caroline gets sick, and has a hard time preparing for the ball, which turns out she may be pregnant.

Samantha Walker, lives with her overprotective father, having lost her mother and young brother years ago.  She convinces her father that they should go to Paris, a chance to visit Europe, and enjoy the Ball. Sam wants to make her father proud of her; and together they look forward to the trip.

What follows is the 4 girls will meet each other and over time become friends.  Three of the ladies will find someone meant to be for each, having met them as escorts at the ball. I really like the girls, who’s life will change, mostly for the better.  I also enjoyed Jane (Amelia’s mother) and Robert (Sam’s father), who found love along the way.  The boys who entered the lives of three ladies, Quentin, Willie, Rapheal were also very likeable to their designated women.  Caroline, who suffered a bit at the ball, became close friends with the others, and eventually will find the love she deserved.

The Ball at Versailles was a captivating, engaging historical romance story line, with each girl finding love after it was over.  I did like how Steel gives us wonderful descriptions, fantastic gowns and decorations.  The Ball at Versailles once again is written so very well by Danielle Steel. This was an enjoyable and fun read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Second Act by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Second Act by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
As the head of a prestigious movie studio for nearly two decades, Andy Westfield has had every conceivable professional a stunning office on the forty-fourth floor, a loyal assistant who can all but read his mind, access to a private jet and company cars. The son of Hollywood royalty, Andy always put his career before his marriage, and now, besides his daughter and young grandchildren, it’s the only thing he truly loves.

But then Andy’s world is upended. The studio is sold, and the buyer’s son demands the top seat. Out of a job and humiliated, Andy spirals. When his head clears, he decides to get as far away from Los Angeles as possible until the dust settles and he can find a new way forward.

Andy signs a six-month rental agreement for a luxurious home in a tiny, forgotten coastal town two hours from London. When he arrives, he hires a local woman to help get his affairs in order. A former journalist, Violet Smith is at a crossroads as well, and this temporary job is exactly what she needs to tide her over. But when Violet leaves the manuscript of her unfinished novel behind after work one day, Andy lets his curiosity get the best of him and is captivated by a story that begs to be adapted for the big screen. Could this be the miracle they’ve both been looking for? 

In Second Act, Danielle Steel presents a heartening tale of how challenging times give way to opportunities and an original outline does not always contain the perfect ending.

 

Review:

Second Act by Danielle Steel is another one of her wonderful romantic novels. We meet Andy Westfield, our hero, from the start, as he is a very successful CEO of a prestigious movie studio, Global. He is the son of Hollywood royalty, always putting his career first, with a divorce years ago; but he is close to his ex and daughter. Andy loves his job, having been the head of the studio for almost 20 years; he also has no problem having women fall all over him, especially during events.

Andy is shocked to find out that the studio is being sold, and the new owners want their son to take the head honcho role; with Andy now fired, which did come with a huge severance package.  Unable to handle this shock, he began drinking, until his assistant convinces him to go abroad, he leases for 6 month a quaint home in a small coastal town near London. Andy hires a former journalist to help him organize his affairs during his stay.

Violet Smith, our heroine, is at a difficult time in her life, and is happy to accept the job as an assistant.  One day, after Violet left for the day, Andy notices a folder, which looked like a manuscript she was writing, and he became intrigued.  The next morning, he mentioned it to Violet that he thought it was an enthralling story and had so much potential to be adapted for the movies. Violet has put her heart and soul into the story, and she agrees to work with Andy on this journey to create a masterpiece.  Andy contacts his friend, Dash, who does indie movies and when he reads the story, he wants in; and together with Dash planning to set up the movie and cast; Violet fixes and completes the book, and Andy decides to be the screenwriter turning the book into a movie format. Andy was a screenwriter many years ago, before he became a CEO, and he also teaches Violet the makings of doing a screenplay.  In a short time, the relationship between Violet and Andy escalates, as they both being to fall in love with each other, as they also made a great team.

Andy, Dash and Violet put together a magnificent movie that becomes very successful, and nominated for a Golden Globe award.  At first Andy refuses to go back to the states for the awards, but Dash and Violet convince him to go, as they and some of the cast will stay at his luxury home while there.  When the movie wins best picture, Andy realizes that he has a second chance in doing what he always loved. Violet was already completing another story, and Andy would do the screenplay, with Dash doing the movie.

What follows is a heartwarming, emotional and uplifting story of hope and second chances.  I loved all the characters, as Andy and Violet were wonderful together, Dash was very good, and Andy’s daughter was very welcoming with Violet.  Andy started to receive offers, but he knew he was enjoying his current life, and he needed to decide to accept an offer or continue with his happy current life. Second Act was so very well written by Danielle Steel.  This was an enjoyable read, and I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Palazzo by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Palazzo by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
After her parents perish in a tragic accident, Cosima Saverio assumes leadership of her family’s haute couture Italian leather brand. While navigating the challenges of running a company at twenty-three, Cosima must also maintain the four-hundred-year-old family palazzo in Venice and care for her younger siblings: Allegra, who survived the tragedy that killed their parents with scars and a spinal injury, and Luca, who has a penchant for wild parties, pretty women, and poker tables.

Cosima navigates her personal and professional challenges with a wisdom beyond her years, but her success has come at a cost: Her needs are always secondary. She’s married to the business, and her free time is given to those who rely on her . . . until she meets Olivier Bayard, the founder of France’s most successful ready-to-wear handbag company. A brief conversation on her palazzo’s terrace turns into a tour of the Saverio workshop, and, fifteen years after her parents’ deaths, Cosima has found a confidant.

Now the business is financially stable and generating enough income for the Saverios to live comfortably. Then Luca loses a hefty sum at the casino, and his debt must be repaid with money or his life. Cosima, forced to bail him out, is given an impossible choice: List the palazzo, sell a third of the family business, or let Luca fend for himself. But is there another way to save everything she has fought for before it goes up in flames?

 

 

 

Review:

Palazzo by Danielle Steel is another one of her wonderful family-oriented novels.  This is the story of the Saverio family, who are considered one of the top two haute couture elite Italian leather brand in Europe; owning two very successful stores in Venice and Rome. We meet Cosima Saverio, who after the tragic death of her parents, becomes the head of the business at the age of 23; with her taking care of her 14-year-old sister, Allegra, who was severely injured in that accident, must use a wheelchair to get around; her brother, Luca who was 18, has no interest in the business. Though Cosima runs the business, all three have their own share financially. 

Now 15 years later, Cosima the business continue to thrive, especially due to her devotion and business savvy. Allegra, learns to manage her disability and using a computer to become a fabulous purse designer. She is close to Cosima, and faces all challenges, not letting her disability stop her; enjoying her life.

Luca, who has never worked, only cares about gambling, enjoying woman, being a playboy and enjoying his lavish life, spending his share of the money. When Luca incurs a very high gambling debt, he expects Cosima to bail him out.  Cosmia does not have the funds available, and decides to sell their Palazzo Saverio estate in Venice to pay off Luca’s debt; the estate is not being used, as the family works from Rome. She warns Luca that she will no longer support his terrible expenses, beyond his normal allowance.

Olivier Bayard, our hero, owns his own successful business, as France’s most successful ready-to-wear handbag company.  When Olivier attends an elite party run by an American couple, who are arranging to buy the Palazzo, he meets Cosima, and they become friends. He also faces issues with his grownup boys, one similar to Luc (Max), and the other is a good son (Basile), who will eventually fall in love with Allegra. Olivier begins to have feelings for Cosmia, but she is so buried in her business, and prefers to remain as friends. Though in time, Cosima enjoys his company, and his always supporting her, with suggestions. They made such a great couple.

Olivier expresses to Cosima that he loves the Saverio leather, and in a short time, he recognizes that Allegra’s bag designs are fabulous, and Allegra begins to design a new line in her name, for the Bayer bags. Luc and Max become dangerous friends, both filled with greed and gambling; leading to possible disaster along the way.

Palazzo is a terrific story of a family, with Cosima facing her loyalties and making hard choices; to keep the business safe; as well as recognizing her feelings for Olivier. Palazzo was a wonderful story of family, love, family issues, tragedy and success.  Danielle Steel once again gives us another fantastic read.  I also loved the wonderful background of seeing Venice, Rome and Paris.  Very enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Worthy Opponents by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Worthy Opponents by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Spencer Brooke always knew she was destined to be CEO of her grandfather’s business—the most respected and luxurious department store in New York City. Brooke’s has been at the center of every happy memory she has, but it hasn’t been an easy journey. Seven years after her father’s death, her life is very different from the days when she walked through the store with her grandfather as a young girl. She may be the owner of Brooke’s, but she’s also now a divorced single mother of twin boys. And with the ever-evolving landscape of the fashion industry comes new challenges for Spencer and the legacy she’s inherited.

Mike Weston is known for making enormous profits by transforming small businesses into bigger, more successful ones. With his marriage at a breaking point and his children grown up, investing is where he thrives—where he can build something greater. And Brooke’s feels like the perfect opportunity. Yet the firm’s beautiful and savvy CEO turns down the offer before they even meet.

Spencer has no interest in outside investors meddling in her family business; her grandfather never saw the need for them, and neither does she. She refuses to be tempted by Mike’s offer, despite her big dreams of expanding the store. But when bad luck strikes, suddenly she is backed into a corner.

 

 

Review:

Worthy Opponents by Danielle Steel is another one of her wonderful novels.  Spencer Brooke, our heroine, as a child, she was always enamored with her grandfather’s business, Brooke and Son; a popular respected and well known department story in New York City.  Growing up, Spencer loved fashion design, majoring in fashion administration; especially as she knew she was destined to become the CEO of Brooke’s. After her father’s death, she inherited the business in her thirties; and was determined to salvage the damage done by her father’s poor management skills, preserving her grandfather’s legacy.

A short time after Spencer inherited the store, she got married, and had twin boys.  Her husband wanted her to give up the store, and stay home with the boys; she did not agree, determined to prove that she could manage her career that she loved, as well be there for her children. After a number of years, she gets divorced, with the husband not really caring for the children. Spencer has a few wonderful loyal management staff, and realizes that things have gotten harder financially, as she may need an investor to help, as well as possibly expand.   Spencer is stubborn, and doesn’t want investors to take the majority of her business.

We meet Mike Weston, one of the most successful investors, who is contacted by Brooke’s CFO, requesting to meet.  Mike finds his marriage slowly falling apart, as they rarely talk anymore, and with his two grown up children away, things are extremely at the breaking point. When the owner of Brooke’s refuses to meet with him to discuss possibilities, he anonymously sends her an invitation to a gala, so that he can learn more about her.  After meeting her at the dinner, they find themselves liking each other, and a friendship evolves, even though Spencer is not interested in his investment proposals.  Brooke’s ends up with a few setbacks, a flood, and later a dangerous disaster close to the store. 

Spencer knows she will have to give up a majority of her company, as the damage was costly; despite her despair, she will make a deal with Mike.  Will there be another way for Brooke’s to survive, without Spencer losing everything? 

What follows is a wonderful story that is emotional and heartwarming, with a wonderful heroine, and fantastic characters. Slowly Spencer and Mike begin to have feelings for each other, and develop a personal relationship. I loved them together; they made such a great couple.  I enjoyed watching Spencer’s twins and Mike grown up children become close.  I loved Worthy Opponents, which was so very well written by Danielle Steel.  I wholly suggest you read this wonderful story.

Reviewed by Barb

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Without a Trace by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Without a Trace by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Charles Vincent seems to have it all—a beautiful wife, two successful children, and a well-paying career. Yet happiness remains out of reach. He is trapped in a loveless marriage and his job is simply a paycheck. But his life changes forever as he drives along the Normandy coast, heading to their lavish château for the weekend. In one terrifying moment, Charles falls asleep at the wheel and veers off the road, plunging thirty feet down the face of a rocky cliff.

Miraculously, Charles survives. After gathering the courage to climb to safety, he starts to walk—bruised, bloody, and desperate for help. In the dark of night, he happens upon a cabin where he meets the kind and beautiful Aude Saint-Martin. Their connection is instant, and as she nurses him back to health, Charles begins to discover the passion he’s been missing for so many years.

In the aftermath of the crash, Charles has a startling realization—he doesn’t have to go back. He could simply choose to disappear, to walk away from his old life. When his car is discovered, he’ll be presumed dead, washed away at sea. If he stays with Aude, he has a chance at a fuller, happier life he didn’t know was possible. It all seems too good to resist. But Aude has secrets of her own and before long their pasts catch up to them, threatening everything they have fought to build.

What would happen if you were given a chance to walk away from everything in your life and start over with a blank slate, and you had a split second to decide? In Without a Trace, Danielle Steel tells an irresistible story of the risks two people are willing to take in exchange for a second chance at the life they’ve always wanted.

 

 

Review:

Without a Trace by Danielle Steel is a standalone novel.  The story revolves around Charles Vincent, who is married, has two grown up successful children, and a high paying job; but he is currently trapped into an unhappy marriage.  His wife (Isabelle) never works, spends money, enjoys being considered wealthy and lives a glamorous life. Charles had been in the publishing field, making very good money, until he quits his job, and money becomes an issue for two years, with Charles borrowing money from his wife’s father; his wife constantly threatening a divorce.  Charles finally gets another job, making even more money, but he does not like the work and his boss. 

One night, Charles’s boss keeps him late, and when he drives along the coast to their lavish chateau for the weekend, he falls asleep at the wheel and goes over a cliff into the Ocean. Expecting his death during the fall, Charles manages to survive, and he is badly bruised as he desperately walks in the dark to find help.  He comes across a cabin, where he meets a kind woman, Aude, who nurses his wounds, and allows him to rest and sleep in her cabin.  In a very short period, Charles begins to discover the passions he never had, and both Aude and Charles fall in love.  Being presumed dead, Charles realizes that he can choose to disappear and have a happy life with Aude.  Everyone thinks he has died, with funeral services done, and lawyers working on his will.  Charles will learn that Aude has some secrets of her past, that will threaten their lives.

With many months having past, together Charles and Aude must decide which was the best way to go for their lives together. Do they disappear forever, or have Charles make amends to face his family?

Without a Trace was an interesting and different kind of story, with the entire focus on Charles’s unhappy life, at least until he meets the woman who will change his life forever.  What follows is an exciting and tense last third of the book, with Aude’s past coming back to haunt her; as well as everyone learning the truth about Charles’s disappearance.  Without a Trace was well written by Danielle Steel.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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