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A Good Woman

by Danielle Steel

3.75 · rating details · 1,318 ratings · 237 reviews

From the glittering ballrooms of Manhattan to the fires of World War I, Danielle Steel takes us on an unforgettable journey in her new novel—a spellbinding tale of war, loss, history, and one woman’s unbreakable spirit....

Nineteen-year-old Annabelle Worthington was born into a life of privilege, raised amid the glamour of New York society, with glorious homes on Fifth Aven...moreFrom the glittering ballrooms of Manhattan to the fires of World War I, Danielle Steel takes us on an unforgettable journey in her new novel—a spellbinding tale of war, loss, history, and one woman’s unbreakable spirit....

Nineteen-year-old Annabelle Worthington was born into a life of privilege, raised amid the glamour of New York society, with glorious homes on Fifth Avenue and in Newport, Rhode Island. But everything changed on a cold April day in 1912, when the sinking of the Titanic shattered her family and her privileged world forever. Finding strength within her grief, Annabelle pours herself into volunteer work, nursing the poor, igniting a passion for medicine that would shape the course of her life.

But for Annabelle, first love, and a seemingly idyllic marriage, will soon bring more grief—this time caused by the secrets of the human heart. Betrayed, and pursued by a scandal she does not deserve, Annabelle flees New York for war-ravaged France, hoping to lose herself in a life of service. There, in the heart of the First World War, in a groundbreaking field hospital run by women, Annabelle finds her true calling, working as an ambulance medic on the front lines, studying medicine, saving lives. And when the war ends, Annabelle begins a new life in Paris—now a doctor, a mother, her past almost forgotten…until a fateful meeting opens her heart to the world she had left behind. Finding strength in the most unlikely of friendships, pulling together the broken fragments of her life, Annabelle will return to New York one more time—this time as a changed woman, a woman of substance, infused with life’s experience, building a future filled with hope…out of the rich soil of the past.

Filled with breathtaking images and historical detail, Danielle Steel’s new novel introduces one of her most unique and fascinating characters: Annabelle Worthington, a remarkable woman, a good woman, a true survivor who triumphs against overwhelming odds. For Annabelle’s story is more than compelling fiction, it is a powerful celebration of life, dignity, and courage—and a testament to the human will to survive.(less)

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published October 28th 2008 by Delacorte Press (first published January 1st 2007)

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Lists with This Book

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Community Reviews

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Oct 10, 2009

Vannessagrace Vannessagrace rated it

I can always depend on Danielle Steel to tell a good believable story. While reading A Good Woman I had to always remind myself of the period that the story took place to keep from condemning the characters of their antiquated opinions.

Annabelle was a good child and an even better woman overcoming each atrocity thrown her way with dignity and grace: the death of her brother and dad on the sinking of the Titanic and her mother from heartache. She falls in love with a man old enough t...moreI can always depend on Danielle Steel to tell a good believable story. While reading A Good Woman I had to always remind myself of the period that the story took place to keep from condemning the characters of their antiquated opinions.

Annabelle was a good child and an even better woman overcoming each atrocity thrown her way with dignity and grace: the death of her brother and dad on the sinking of the Titanic and her mother from heartache. She falls in love with a man old enough to be her father who pursues her with vigor then divorcing her for adultery to live his life with his male lover in the open. To escape the trauma Annabelle flies to France and becomes a doctor.

One night while walking to the ambulance she drives she’s accosted and brutally raped by a British Soldier. She keeps the child and loves her daughter with all her heart. Her daughter, around the age of five asked why she didn’t have grandparents like the other children gave Anabelle cause to act. Anabelle wrote the man who raped her mother and asked if she would like to meet her granddaughter. Instead of responding with a letter the Grandmother pays a personal visit. The Grandmother asked the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and Annabelle told her how her daughter was conceived. The Grandmother told Annabelle she wasn't surprised because her son was not a good person and had raped before. The grandmother invited Annabelle and her granddaughter into her life and legally added her last name to the child’s.

Annabelle meets a doctor who sweeps her off her feet and after he proposes she tells him of her life. He tells her he wants no part of her or her bastard child. Annabelle, crushed decides never to trust again. In a conversation with her child’s grandmother she confides in her and the grandmother tells her she should hold her head up because those who condemn her aren’t worth a grain of salt.

Annabelle returns to American to face her demons and tormentors bringing her daughter with her. She returns to France unburden. Aboard ship she meets a journalist and learns of his life and tells him of her’s and when he doesn’t think any less of her she knew she’d possibly met her life’s companion. A Good Woman is definitely a page-turner.

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Jan 10, 2012

Michelle L rated it

Shelves: mp2

“A Good Woman” by Danielle Steel is the story of Annabelle Worthington. At first, Annabelle’s life was full of simplicity. She was young at nineteen years old and grew into a wealthy household. One day, her family decides to travel to Europe leaving Annabelle behind. Annabelle soon finds out that the ship that her family took was the Titanic and the Titanic sinks. This tragedy kills her father and brother while her mother stays alive. When Annabelle is ready to move on, she meets Josiah, an...more “A Good Woman” by Danielle Steel is the story of Annabelle Worthington. At first, Annabelle’s life was full of simplicity. She was young at nineteen years old and grew into a wealthy household. One day, her family decides to travel to Europe leaving Annabelle behind. Annabelle soon finds out that the ship that her family took was the Titanic and the Titanic sinks. This tragedy kills her father and brother while her mother stays alive. When Annabelle is ready to move on, she meets Josiah, and they eventually get married. After life seemed to be back to normal, Annabelle’s mother unexpectedly dies. While Annabelle tries to find comfort from Josiah, he admits that he has a life-threatening disease, so her divorces Annabelle. Shortly after, she loses her best friend. With nothing in New York, she decides to move to France to become a medical assistant during the war. She soon gets introduced to a career that she is interested in having. In the midst of this, she had to help heal the men from the war. Tragedy strikes again one night leaving Annabelle with her first daughter. Annabelle eventually moves on with her life of tragedy and continues her life with her daughter as a good woman.

“A Good Woman” by Danielle Steel was a great read. The author’s use of imagery gave me vivid ideas as to what the setting was and as to what happened during the book. The characters are relatable, especially Annabelle, because her whole life has been tragic and she finds a way to make it through. I enjoyed the setting of the book in general. The author gave me a good idea as to what conditions Annabelle and the other characters of the book lived in. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the sinking of the Titanic. I would also recommend this book to older readers. It is not suitable to children in elementary school and/or middle school. Some parts of the book would be uncomfortable to younger readers. Overall, the author used imagery very well and made the characters and setting believable and relatable. The plot was different to other books that I have read. I could not put down this book!

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Jan 09, 2012

Christina D. rated it

Shelves: mp2

In the book, "A Good Woman" by Danielle Steel, nineteen year old Annabelle Worthington has everything. She has a loving and wealthy family, large houses, and a social life until tragedy strikes. Annabelle's brother, father, and mother are on a trip to Europe while Annabelle is sick at home. She later finds out how her family was aboard the Titanic when it sank, and soon enough, she learns of her father and brother's deaths. Even though her mother survives, Annabelle faces a horrible...more In the book, "A Good Woman" by Danielle Steel, nineteen year old Annabelle Worthington has everything. She has a loving and wealthy family, large houses, and a social life until tragedy strikes. Annabelle's brother, father, and mother are on a trip to Europe while Annabelle is sick at home. She later finds out how her family was aboard the Titanic when it sank, and soon enough, she learns of her father and brother's deaths. Even though her mother survives, Annabelle faces a horrible tragedy that leaves her heartbroken over her losses. She must go in mourning for a year in respect of her deceased male relatives. However, mourning brings Annabelle an opportunity. Josiah Millbank, an older family friend, becomes Annabelle's dear friend in her time of mourning. She soon becomes married to him. After two years of marriage, Josiah must tell Annabelle a horrible secret he had been keeping from her their whole marriage, leading to their divorce. After being abandoned by Josiah, and the death of her mother, Annabelle has nothing left in New York. Everyone she had ever known now ignores her, even her best friend. Annabelle decides to move to France, where she can follow her passion in medicine, and help the war effort at hospitals. After a few years of hospital service, Annabelle has her dream opportunity in reach,and she can become a doctor. Annabelle soon is accepted into medical school, where ahe studies for a year. Her studies are interrupted when another battle leaves hosptials flooded with wounded soliders, and she returns to work in hospitals. As Annabelle continues her life, she is struck with more overwhelming tragedies, like her daughter, and soon to be new husband. But as Annabelle has been for all her life, she is strong and willing, and soon finds ways to miraculously overcome the problems that she is currently facing. Through all her life's struggles, Annabelle is able to get over the heartbreaking hardships she had faced in the past, and is able to continue her life as a woman, and a good woman at that.
This book was a book I truly enjoyed. Danielle Steele writes with passion and description that makes the book such a great story. All of the characters are relatable at one point, and the whole idea seems realistic. Even though the book takes place in the early twentienth century, the plot is also relatable in our current time period. There may be instances that may seem a little overwhelming, but soon starts to make sense and calms down. Steele writes with so much description, I could picture all the events taking place. When I was into the plot and main point in the story, I could not put the book down. It was so good that I spent all day reading about Annabelle's life and her hardships. Also, the book was special because it was relatable and had a plot that was unique and original. The characters were so well developed that you truly felt for them, and it was almost as if you were good friends with them. For these reasons, I truly enjoyed the book, "A Good Woman" by Danielle Steele. (less)

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Jan 08, 2012

Alanna M. added it

Shelves: mp2

In "A Good Woman" by Danielle Steel, life for nineteen-year-old, Annabelle Worthington was always simple and easy. Growing up she had everything handed to her and life was great, that is until tragedy strikes and her brother and father died. Since Annabelle has always been a strong and fearless woman so after a year of mourning she was able to return to regular life, or almost regular. While mourning Annabelle met an older man named Josiah and he had come to love her. They soon marrie...more

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Sep 23, 2011

bluishlights rated it

Horrible. Peppered with luxurious hotels and restaurants, it makes me cringe how superficial and waste of time this book is. I paid like $2 for this in a thrift store, but now I understand why the previous owner abandoned it. I love books, and this had such a pretty cover that I thought it was a rare find. Oh how wrong I was! What a waste of a rainy day on this one. So unbelievable the plot! This is the first Danielle Steel novel I had ever laid hands on, and now I dont know if I should give her...more

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Feb 17, 2011

Sara Baba rated it

After 2 days of nonstop reading, it seemed that another book had left its bookmark on me. A Good Woman was such a sad story after all. Although it was one who had its ups and downs, Annabelle, the protagonist of the novel had faced such hard obstacles in her lifetime starting at such a young age. First it was her fathers and brothers death in the Titanic on April the 14th 1912. Then her mother’s death a few years later from pneumonia. After that, her “happy” marriage with Josiah ended because of...moreAfter 2 days of nonstop reading, it seemed that another book had left its bookmark on me. A Good Woman was such a sad story after all. Although it was one who had its ups and downs, Annabelle, the protagonist of the novel had faced such hard obstacles in her lifetime starting at such a young age. First it was her fathers and brothers death in the Titanic on April the 14th 1912. Then her mother’s death a few years later from pneumonia. After that, her “happy” marriage with Josiah ended because of the affair he had with his best friend Harry. Josiah filed for divorce and made it seem that it was her fault for everything. The only thing that seemed right for her to do now was leave and so she went to France, where World War 1 had already started in Europe and since she secretly wanted to become a doctor. She worked hard 24/7 but it was good enough for her since she wanted to accomplish her dreams and get her mind off her past miseries. On a night walking back to the hospital since she enjoyed walking daily, Annabelle was raped by a man and it seemed that her pride which she was saving for all the years and even when she was married and was in love with Josiah was taken away in a second by a man who didn’t even care about her. Annabelle got pregnant and tried hiding it for 6 months when she was working in the hospital in France. When the Doctor found out he sent her away for a break and that’s when everything changed, after her daughter’s death – Consuelo who she had named after her mother. Everything seemed to be going perfect for her. She got a degree, raised her daughter and when her daughter was seven, Annabelle met a man who seemed to love everything about her. They had so many things in common and he was a doctor as well. Annabelle had always been an honest girl, but she never told anyone the story of how she had been divorced and instantly became an outcast in New York where she had grown up, or how she had conceived her daughter. The story she always told was that she was married and then widowed when her husband died at war shortly after their marriage. When the man she met and felt completely in love with proposed to her, Annabelle felt that she owed him the truth. And as soon as she told him, it felt like her world came tumbling down. Antoine got so angry and called her a lying whore with a bastard. Annabelle felt she could never forgive him again. A few months later, when her daughter asked where her grandparents from her father’s side where, Annabelle couldn’t lie to her anymore, she knew someday her daughter would find out the truth and she didn’t want her to hate her. So she wrote a letter to Lady Winshire, Henry’s mother (The man who had raped hers mother.) and another in 3 months time, a woman was waiting for her in Annabelle’s office, at first she had believed Annabelle had sent her a mail because she wanted to blackmail her or something but as soon as she realized what Annabelle was all about, Lady Winshire was glad that she had something of her son no matter how bad of a memory he had left for Annabelle. Life seemed to be going great again and she felt that Lady Winshire was a new friend and at last she had someone that was somehow related to her. Lady Winshire invited both Annabelle and Consuelo to England so that her granddaughter understands the difference of the very two different places she comes from. After 10 years of not visiting her home back in the states, Annabelle was somehow homesick and decided she’d follow Lady Winshire’s advice and go back home, move on, and forget about what others had to say. Things weren’t as bad as she thought they’d be when she landed in New York, she actually had missed it, and her daughter loved it even more than she did. Things weren’t as bad for Annabelle and so decided to visit every summer from now on. Things then get to a twist in the end when she finds a journalist on the boat and he seems like a pretty decent man. She feels different about them and they’re not Josiah, neither Antoine. He’s just different.
Now this book is somehow feminist in my point of view, or at least it felt that way when I read it. It made me realize that those you trust the most end up hurting you the most. Whether they intend to or not. And, that friends don’t ALWAYS have your back. Danielle Steel portrays men in a very hypocritical sense. She shows that they are back stabbing and not men enough to stick to their words. This might be a result of a past experience she had had before with a man sometime throughout her life but it has more to that in the novel. She shows different types of men that all happen to Annabelle. The type of guy that’s all nice and friendly that you come to believe is your best friend and your true soul mate but ends up being gay. And then the type of man who appears to be a rapist and only seems to care about sex and treats women as if they’re nothing but pieces of meat. We also see the kind of man that sees nothing but the best in you but when he gets to know the real you and your backs off and calls you a whore because he cannot handle what made you become the woman you are. Another type of man we see is the type of man who we meet and the few seconds we feel that he is the right one for us, but then again, nothing and no one is perfect. The only other two men we hear about but know nothing about are her father and her brother, Robert. I’m pretty sure that if those two men were involved farther in the story, something wrong would have appeared in their characters simply because they’re men.
Another major theme we is that good things fall apart so that better things can fall back together. Or “The glass half full or half empty.” Annabelle has no idea what’s in storage for her the moment she hears of the Titanic. And after her mother’s death and the incident with Josiah, Annabelle moves to France and becomes a terrific doctor. Something she could only dream of years ago when her parents were alive and she was married to Josiah. So it seems like somehow things have happened this way only so that things in her life could get better. Another example is when Harry rapes her and she ends up with Consuelo. Who knew that 9 months after she’d fall in love with this baby no matter how harsh the act her father had enforced on her.
Others would say that this book is about how bad war is, because it mentions a lot of it. Another theme could be the dangers of war and how women were sexually abused and raped. Or how men had to leave their homes to defend their countries not even wanting to. You get many feelings after reading this book, so whenever you do so tell me what you think! Enjoy!!
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Feb 18, 2010

Mary Honeycutt rated it

Shelves: 2010, audio-read, to-buy

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Jan 13, 2009

Amy (amyb2332) rated it

Shelves: romance, audiobook, 2009-audiobooks

I don't normally read a lot of Danielle Steel as her books tend to be pretty predictable, repetitive, and in general just not very good. I picked this one up because the description sounded different and I figured it would be a light enough book to listen to at work. Also, since it was on the NY Times Bestseller list it fits into the Winter Book Challenge on TheNest category by the same name.

Anyway, I am pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this book. It was interesting, I thin...more

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Jul 02, 2010

Paula rated it

I actually listened to this book on CD while I was cleaning my kitchen (a three-day job). I absolutely became swept up in the story of this extraordinary woman who endured and persevered through more adversity than any one person/woman should have to endure. She was DEFINITELY my kind of woman! Toward the end of the book, the protagonist, Annabelle Worthingtonh, travels from Calais to Dover on a ferry that I have actually been on; it took me back to that day and how "The White Cliffs of ...more

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Jan 15, 2009

Melissa rated it

I stopped reading every single Danielle Steel novel about a decade ago, save for a couple in recent years. I just got tired of the same old formulaic writing that enables her to crank out multiple novels every single year. For the most part, a reader can guess before even cracking open the binding for the first time how the plot is going to play out.

However, this particular Steel novel was much better due to its historical aspect. I enjoyed how she weaved history into this tale, a...more

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Dec 02, 2011

Tuulia rated it

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Sep 04, 2010

Joan rated it

· review of another edition

This is the first Danielle Steele book I have read in at least 20 years -- the second ever. I finished the book only because I found it so interesting from an editorial standpoint. There was enough storyline to carry a year-long series, but the book was written like a summary or a book report. As a teacher of writing, I kept thinking "This author has lived a millionaire's life as a result of this writing. HOW? The only answer I could come up with is that she does have interesting, inte...more

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Nov 16, 2009

Christine Rebbert rated it

The Eiffel Tower was on the cover; I had to read it...

Danielle Steel can come up with a good story, but she is a TERRIBLE writer. I really don't understand how she's gotten away with it all these years. It can be so frustrating; I want to get out the blue pencil and correct the sloppy grammar, the redundancies, the overwrought passion, and add a little LIFE to these people -- they really don't seem real, more like cardboard cut-outs being moved around on a stage.

This sto...more

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Jan 22, 2012

Afnan El-mouzan rated it

· review of another edition

أفضل ما قرأت لدانييل حتى الآن ..
النهاية متوازنة وليس فيها "شطحه" مثل رواية النذل
و بدايتها غير مملة كرواية صاحبة السمو الملكي

أحداث الرواية وقعت في بداية القرن 19 ..
حيث العادات والافكار التي لا وجود لها الآن في أمريكا وفرنسا
والحرب والعالميه الأولى
و غرق التايتانك

كل هذاأضاف لي اشياء جميلة
..

الشيئ الذي لم أفهمه بعد في رواياتها "" ليه كل الأبطال أغنياء ؟!"

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Jul 29, 2011

Lisa added it

Danielle Steel at her best, havne't read one for ages, forgot how good they are, I was gripped from the first page and finished within a couple of days, a story of a young lady that battles on through war, loss, history and has an unbreakable spirit to keep her going, after losing everyone in her life that she loves and cares about, but still makes herself a life on her own and becomes what she thought she would never be, a doctor, has a lovely young daughter not in the nicest of circumstances, ...more

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Jul 06, 2011

Jennifer rated it

Shelves: borrowed

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Feb 24, 2010

Cara rated it

This is hands down one of the worst novels I have ever had the misfortune of stumbling upon. The plot was ridiculous, the lead character was entirely two-dimensional, and the prose itself was cringe-worthy. Steel uses the novel to platform extremely conservative, homophobic viewpoints that are completely incompatible with a modern audience. It was like Lemony Snicket all over again, except without the witty narration or clever, empathetic characters to drive the story. How this has such a hi...more

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Nov 07, 2008

Tara rated it

Shelves: favorites

I have never been quite the Danielle Steel fan but her books as of late have been phenominal!!!! This one was no exception, it was amazing....Highly recommend

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Apr 09, 2009

Marguerite rated it

I was kind of excited that a lot of Danielle Steele's books are now available on Kindle, and I downloaded this one quickly. I thought it was a good premise, but after awhile I started rolling my eyes at this poor woman, because everything that could go wrong for her did. I think I would have liked it better if more emphasis was placed on the good parts of her life, rather than the unfortunate parts. I think it was done this way because Danielle Steele was trying to emphasize just how unfair l...more

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Feb 08, 2009

RNOCEAN rated it

From the glittering ballrooms of Manhattan to the fires of World War I, Danielle Steel takes us on an unforgettable journey in her new novel—a spellbinding tale of war, loss, history, and one woman’s unbreakable spirit....Nineteen-year-old Annabelle Worthington was born into a life of privilege, raised amid the glamour of New York society, with glorious homes on Fifth Avenue and in Newport, Rhode Island. But everything changed on a cold April day in 1912, when the sinking of the Titanic shattere...moreFrom the glittering ballrooms of Manhattan to the fires of World War I, Danielle Steel takes us on an unforgettable journey in her new novel—a spellbinding tale of war, loss, history, and one woman’s unbreakable spirit....Nineteen-year-old Annabelle Worthington was born into a life of privilege, raised amid the glamour of New York society, with glorious homes on Fifth Avenue and in Newport, Rhode Island. But everything changed on a cold April day in 1912, when the sinking of the Titanic shattered her family and her privileged world forever. Finding strength within her grief, Annabelle pours herself into volunteer work, nursing the poor, igniting a passion for medicine that would shape the course of her life. But for Annabelle, first love, and a seemingly idyllic marriage, will soon bring more grief—this time caused by the secrets of the human heart. Betrayed, and pursued by a scandal she does not deserve, Annabelle flees New York for war-ravaged France, hoping to lose herself in a life of service. There, in the heart of the First World War, in a groundbreaking field hospital run by women, Annabelle finds her true calling, working as an ambulance medic on the front lines, studying medicine, saving lives. And when the war ends, Annabelle begins a new life in Paris—now a doctor, a mother, her past almost forgotten…until a fateful meeting opens her heart to the world she had left behind. Finding strength in the most unlikely of friendships, pulling together the broken fragments of her life, Annabelle will return to New York one more time—this time as a changed woman, a woman of substance, infused with life’sexperience, building a future filled with hope…out of the rich soil of the past. Filled with breathtaking images and historical detail, Danielle Steel’s new novel introduces one of her most unique and fascinating characters: Annabelle Worthington, a remarkable woman, a good woman, a true survivor who triumphs against overwhelming odds. For Annabelle’s story is more than compelling fiction, it is a powerful celebration of life, dignity, and courage—and a testament to the human will to survive.
***A 4/5 Not usually being a fan of Danielle Steel novels, I ordered this book bccause it involved medicine and a woman becoming a medical doctor. I wound up thoroughly enjoying it, though! Now I guess I will have to read a few more of her novels!
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Feb 05, 2012

Virginia rated it

· review of another edition

FINALLY... A Danielle Steel that I truly enjoyed. Sometimes her books are soooo wordy. I usually get bored half way through. Not so with this one. Really enjoyed it. Danielle Steel also loves to write about wealthy people. No exception here. This is the story of Annabelle, at age 19 she lost her father and brother on the Titanic. Her mother survived this sinking. Annabelle married at age 19 to a man who was twice her age. The marriage lasted two years and was never consumated. Her spo...more

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Jan 04, 2011

Andrea rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: audio-books, 2011

Great, great, great!!!! I loved listening to this and didn't want it to end!

I've been reading Danielle Steel since I was in high school and she has some amazing books and then some that are just silly and stupid. This one was AWESOME! The story was so detailed and the main character deeply developed to the point of feeling her pain and disappointment in life. I also loved some of the other characters and the personalities that DS was able to create on paper. I can't leave out the tra...more

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Nov 22, 2011

Leeann rated it

This was my first Danielle Steel read. I liked the concept of the story but am not a fan of her style of writing. I felt like she was constantly repeating everything that the characters were "thinking". It was like the book was on a loop....There wasn't enough depth or emotion compared to what I am used to getting in the other authors I have been reading. I probably won't jump at the chance to read another Danielle Steel book. I know a lot of people that seem to like her books, but I a...more

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Oct 22, 2010

Angelina rated it

Shelves: adult-fiction

I remembered while listening to this why I stopped reading Danielle Steel. Most of her books are the same just with some different scenarios.
I hope no one in the history/future of mankind could ever have as many bad things happen to them as the main character of this book had happen to her. It was one thing after another and it was not very realistic after the first couple of life shattering events.
The only reason I was giving Mrs. Steel another go was I had listened to her newes...more

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Apr 03, 2009

Marcia rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, audio-cd

Another Danielle Steel story. This one follows Annabel, a strong, determined, good woman. Many bad things have happened to Annabel and she feels it is in the best interest of the people who have hurt her to keep their secret--thus she alone bears the burden of hurt and disgrace. Leaving New York, Annabel escapes to France and the war. She becomes a medic at the front and eventually goes on to become a doctor. Follow Annabel's live through all her ups and downs. The ending seemed abrupt--has Anna...more

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Aug 12, 2011

Tracey rated it

I know someone who'd love to read this book because it's a period piece. Book starts off days before the sinking of the Titanic and it's the journey of a young woman who just had just made her debut into society and before she can find a husband she is thrust into a year of mourning. Once she recovers from the loss of her family, she deals with more loss, betrayal, and labels placed on her because of mistakes others made. Her life truly takes turns she never dreamed it'd take but it also brou...more

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Dec 14, 2008

Nicole rated it

When I started reading this book I had myself prepared for a typical Danielle Steele novel where as I would loose my self in the reading for a few days and be done. I was pleassntly surprised, this is one of her better books. She touches upon numerous subjects that befall her heroine from death, to marrying a gay man, to working in a war zone, to going to med school, being raped and coming full circle to true love. But, she does so in such a manner that you are rooting for the herione until t...more

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Dec 07, 2011

Anna Phoenix rated it

Shelves: fiction, drama, bl, 2011, 2011-02, pregnancy, reviewed

I'd never read a Danielle Steel book until now. I'm not a big fan or popular romance, but I figured, "Hey, everybody reads Danielle Steel! It even says so on the back of every one of her books! There must be some merit to her." So I grabbed this one since it made reference to a woman helping out in the wake of the Titanic disaster, which is of interest to me, and got started.

Is it possible to give a book negative stars? If it was I'd give it minus five. The only reaso...moreI'd never read a Danielle Steel book until now. I'm not a big fan or popular romance, but I figured, "Hey, everybody reads Danielle Steel! It even says so on the back of every one of her books! There must be some merit to her." So I grabbed this one since it made reference to a woman helping out in the wake of the Titanic disaster, which is of interest to me, and got started.

Is it possible to give a book negative stars? If it was I'd give it minus five. The only reason I gave it one star here was so I'd remember I'd rated it at all.

There was promise in the plot and storyline, but that's all it is - a plot and storyline. Her characters are not developed at all; there's a lot of explanation of what's going on and referring to what had come before - and her use of the word "had", as in "so-and-so had once blah blah blah" was infuriating, as it never seemed to resolve into anything in the present. This sort of exposition makes sense at the beginning of a novel, and I expected that it would fade once she really got into the story - but then when I was halfway through I gave up hope. She makes some efforts at descriptive prose but they fall flat. Really it feels like an overextended story outline that's been slapped together and published without having been edited into an actual cohesive narrative.

At first I thought maybe I'd just grabbed a dud, but then I picked up another few of her books and flipped through; they were virtually identical and equally disappointing.

So why does "everyone" read Danielle Steel? Because it's easy. It doesn't require thought or intelligence, and the lack of description allows the reader to insert herself into the characters and situations. It's escape in its most elemental form. This has also allowed the author to churn out more than a book a year for god knows how many decades, and to keep selling them because the readers know exactly what to expect; only the names and places change.

The most infuriating thing about this actual, physical book was that, after reading - and hating - it, I had to buy it. I had borrowed it but on the morning I was going to bring it back I spilled leftover coffee on it and had to buy a replacement. Worst five bucks I ever spent - but a reminder to myself that even the worst writer can make money!(less)

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Nov 19, 2009

Meg rated it

Shelves: romance, waste-of-time

I felt like it took a while to get into the meat of this story. I think that this book could easily be abridged and nothing would be missing. I read the first three chapters through and got an idea of what was going to happen so I scanned the the rest of the book until she went to France; then I read the rest of it. This book was very predictable but what I disliked most was how perfect the main character was, it was kind of boring. I would have liked her to have a flaw or two. I am glad th...more

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Feb 12, 2009

Loretta rated it

Shelves: feb-2009

Annabelle's father and brother die when the Titanic sank. Before that, her life had been one of luxury and filled with love. then a series of mishapss befall her, none of them her fault. She goes to France to work as a medic to help the war effort. I liked the story, just not the way it was told. Not much conversatiion between the characters and the heroine was way to rich and way to noble for my taste. Guess I am just tired of Steel's pat formula for writing books.......

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About Danielle Steel

Since 1981, Ms. Steel has been a permanent fixture on the New York Times hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. In 1989, she was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for having at least one of her books on the Times bestseller list for 381 consecutive weeks. But Guinness was premature. The fact is that one or more of Ms. Steel's novels have been on the New York Times bestseller list for...moreSince 1981, Ms. Steel has been a permanent fixture on the New York Times hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. In 1989, she was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for having at least one of her books on the Times bestseller list for 381 consecutive weeks. But Guinness was premature. The fact is that one or more of Ms. Steel's novels have been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 390 consecutive weeks.

Twenty-one of Ms. Steel's novels have been adapted for television, each earning high ratings and critical acclaim, including two Golden Globe nominations for JEWELS, a four-hour mini-series that starred Anthony Andrews.

In addition, Ms. Steel is the author of the "Max and Martha" series of books for young readers. They are ten illustrated storybooks written to comfort the young as they face problems, such as a new stepfather, new baby, new school, loss of a grandparent, and other crucial dilemmas in a child's life. She has also written the "Freddie" books, four of them, about real-life situations in children's lives, like a visit to the doctor and the first night away from home. Ms. Steel has also written nonfiction, HIS BRIGHT LIGHT, about the life and death of her son Nicholas Traina, released by Delacorte Press in September 1998 and immediately jumped to the New York Times Non-Fiction bestseller list and "Having a Baby." She has also written a book of poetry entitled LOVE: POEMS BY DANIELLE STEEL.

In 2002, Ms. Steel was decorated by the French government as an "Officier" of the distinguished Order of Arts and Letters, for her lifetime contribution to world culture. She was awarded the second highest rank of the Order.

Ms. Steel also has a passionate interest in emerging contemporary artists. She has had an art gallery for several years, and and continues to sponsor and organize free lance art shows and events to show the work of emerging and mid-career artists. She has a degree in design herself. In addition to her writing, Ms. Steel has varied philanthropic interests. She founded and runs two foundations, one named in honor of her late son, The Nick Traina Foundation, which funds organizations involved in mental illness and child abuse. The second was established to assist the homeless. She has won numerous awards for her personal work with mentally ill adolescents and children. Ms. Steel maintains a passionate interest in the welfare and well-being of children, particularly those in jeopardy. She has raised nine children of her own. And they continue to keep her busy, as she juggles writing and family. Her family is her first priority, despite her many interests.

From an education in New York and Europe to a professional background in public relations and advertising, and teaching, Ms. Steel moved on quickly to her literary career and has been hard at work writing ever since. She wrote her first book at nineteen. Often, she works on five books at a time — researching one storyline, writing another, and editing the third. Still, she often spends two to three years researching and developing a single project. In the heat of a first draft, it is not uncommon for her to spend eighteen to twenty hours a day glued to her 1946 Olympia manual typewriter.

Family, children, and young people are the central focus of her life, and her passion, which frequently shows in her writing. She deals with the themes that touch on the most pressing issues of real life, which makes her books universal, and touch so many people. She is fascinated by the pressing life situations that affect us all, how people handle them and are often transformed as a result. And her novels have explored subjects such as kidnapping, incest, mental illness, suicide, death, divorce, adoption, marriage, loss, cancer, war, among others. She also frequently writes about historical themes, shedding new light on familiar historical events with meticulously accurate research.

Despite her varied interests and activities, (less)

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