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Weekly Theme – Danielle Steel (From 27th March 2023)
Danielle Steel is an American novelist and one of the best selling fiction authors of all time. She is known for her prolific career as a writer of romance and drama novels.
She was born Danielle Fernandes Dominique Schuelein-Steel on the 14th August 1947 in New York City, and began writing at a young age. Having spent much of her childhood in France, she managed to observe the habits and lives of the rich and famous whilst at dinner parties thrown by her parents. Her parents divorced when she was eight years old and she was raised by her father, rarely seeing her mother.
She attended Parsons School of Design in New York and later studied literature at New York University, completing her first manuscript at the young age of 19.
Steel’s writing career began in the 1970s, when she published her first novel, “Going Home,” in 1973. The novel contained many of the themes that her writing would become well known for, including a focus on family issues and human relationships. Since then, she has written over 180 books (including 140 novels), many of which have been bestsellers. Her novels typically centre around themes of love, family, and relationships, and often feature strong female protagonists.
Some of Steel’s most popular novels include “The Promise,” “The Gift,” “Message from Nam,” “Jewels,” “The Wedding,” “Safe Harbour,” “Johnny Angel,” “Family Ties,” “Rogue,” and “The Cottage.” Her books have been translated into 43 languages and have sold over 800 million copies worldwide. 22 of her books have been adapted for television, including two that received Golden Globe nominations.
Steel has also been recognised for her philanthropy and advocacy work. She has been a supporter of various causes, including the homeless, education, and mental health. In 2002, she founded the Nick Traina Foundation, named after her late son, which provides funding for organisations that support mental illness research and treatment. In 2002 she also founded the Yo Angel Foundation to assist the homeless.
Despite criticism for her writing style, Steel remains a beloved and widely read author, with a dedicated fanbase around the world. Her influence in the romance genre has been significant, and she continues to produce new works at a remarkable pace.
You can find out more about Danielle Steel by visiting her website at www.daniellesteel.com.
This weeks theme picks…
Hotel Vendôme
“Hotel Vendome” is a novel that tells the story of Hugues Martin, a successful and respected hotelier who owns the Hotel Vendome in New York City. After his wife leaves him, Hugues struggles to balance his personal life with his professional responsibilities, and the hotel begins to suffer. As he navigates the challenges of running a hotel and dealing with personal heartbreak, Hugues finds solace in unexpected places.
Many readers have praised “Hotel Vendome” for its engaging characters, well-crafted plot, and vivid descriptions of New York City. Danielle Steel is known for her ability to craft relatable and emotional stories, and “Hotel Vendome” is no exception. It is a poignant and heartfelt novel that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption.
However, some readers have criticised the book for being too predictable and formulaic. They argue that the characters and plot are somewhat cliché and lack originality. Additionally, some reviewers have found the pacing of the book to be slow, which can make it difficult to stay engaged throughout the entire story.
Overall, “Hotel Vendome” is a well-written novel that is sure to appeal to fans of Danielle Steel and readers who enjoy emotional and character-driven stories. While it may not be the most groundbreaking or original book, it is still an enjoyable and moving read that is worth checking out.
Hotel Vendôme
The Wedding
“The Wedding” tells the story of a woman named Olympia Crawford Rubinstein, a Manhattan lawyer who has spent her life dedicated to her career. But when her twin daughters get engaged, Olympia is forced to confront her own past and reevaluate her life choices. As the wedding planning begins, Olympia discovers secrets from her past that threaten to unravel the family she has worked so hard to build.
One of the strengths of “The Wedding” is the way that Steel weaves together the personal struggles of Olympia and her family with larger themes of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, and the plot is engaging and emotionally resonant.
However, some readers have criticised the book for being too predictable and formulaic. The pacing can be slow at times, and some of the plot twists feel contrived. Additionally, some reviewers have found the writing to be overly sentimental and melodramatic.
Overall, “The Wedding” is a solid novel that will appeal to fans of Danielle Steel’s work and readers who enjoy emotional family dramas. While it may not be the most original or groundbreaking book, it is a well-crafted and engaging story that is worth checking out.
The Wedding
Five Days in Paris
“Five Days in Paris” is a romance novel that tells the story of Peter Haskell, a successful American businessman who meets and falls in love with a French woman named Olivia Thatcher during a business trip to Paris. The two spend five magical days exploring the city and falling deeply in love, but when they return to their respective lives, they must navigate the challenges of distance, culture, and the expectations of others.
One of the strengths of “Five Days in Paris” is its vivid and romantic portrayal of the city of Paris. Steel’s descriptions of the city are enchanting and immersive, and readers will feel transported to the streets and cafes of the city of love. The characters are also well-drawn and engaging, and the chemistry between Peter and Olivia is palpable.
However, some readers have criticised the book for being overly simplistic and predictable. The plot is fairly straightforward, and there are few surprises or twists along the way. Additionally, some reviewers have found the writing to be formulaic and lacking in depth.
Overall, “Five Days in Paris” is a light and romantic read that will appeal to fans of Danielle Steel and readers who enjoy simple love stories set against the backdrop of a beautiful city. While it may not be the most complex or challenging novel, it is still an enjoyable and heartwarming story.
Five Days in Paris
Beauchamp Hall
“Beauchamp Hall” is a heartwarming novel that tells the story of Winnie Farmington, a woman who has spent her life feeling stuck in a small town and dreaming of something more. When she discovers a British television show called “Beauchamp Hall” that transports her to a glamorous world of aristocracy and intrigue, she is inspired to make a bold move and chase her own dreams.
One of the strengths of “Beauchamp Hall” is its relatable and engaging protagonist. Winnie is a likeable and sympathetic character, and readers will root for her as she pursues her passion for screenwriting and navigates the challenges of leaving behind her old life. The novel also offers an interesting commentary on the power of storytelling and the role of media in shaping our perceptions of the world.
However, some readers have criticised the book for being overly predictable and formulaic. The plot follows a fairly standard structure for a feel-good story, and there are few surprises or unexpected turns. Additionally, some reviewers have found the writing to be simplistic and lacking in depth.
Overall, “Beauchamp Hall” is a charming and uplifting novel that will appeal to fans of Danielle Steel’s work and readers who enjoy stories about following your dreams and finding your place in the world. While it may not be the most complex or groundbreaking book, it is a well-crafted and enjoyable story.
Beauchamp Hall
Fairytale
“Fairytale” is a modern-day fairytale that tells the story of Camille Lammenais, a young woman who inherits a stunning French chateau from her estranged father. As she sets out to restore the estate and discover her family’s secrets, she meets and falls in love with a handsome prince, Julian, who is struggling with his own demons and responsibilities.
One of the strengths of “Fairytale” is its beautifully rendered setting. Steel’s descriptions of the chateau and the surrounding countryside are vivid and evocative, transporting readers to a world of beauty and enchantment. The characters are also well-drawn and engaging, and the chemistry between Camille and Julian is palpable.
However, some readers have criticised the book for being overly formulaic and predictable. The plot follows a fairly standard structure for a fairytale romance, and there are few surprises or unexpected turns. Additionally, some reviewers have found the writing to be somewhat shallow and lacking in depth.
Overall, “Fairytale” is a charming and romantic novel that will appeal to fans of Danielle Steel’s work and readers who enjoy stories of love and enchantment. While it may not be the most complex or innovative book, it is a well-crafted and enjoyable fairytale for modern times.
