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Happy Birthday

3.63 of 5 stars 3.63 · rating details · 2,170 ratings · 321 reviews

In this beguiling new novel, Danielle Steel tells the story of three very different people, each of whom, on the same day, reaches a crucial turning point in life—a rite both bittersweet and full of hope, a time to blow out the candles, say goodbye to the past, and make a wish for the future.

Valerie Wyatt is the queen of gracious living and the arbiter of taste. Since her...more

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published July 19th 2011 by Delacorte Press (first published July 12th 2010)

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Dec 14, 2011 Meg ♥ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, z-2011-reads

This was the first book I have ever read from Danielle Steel, and I picked it up simply because it had cake on the cover! Just kidding. :)

But yeah obviously she's pretty well known and I wanted to read something of hers. I didn't really know what to expect (maybe romance?), but I did enjoy this book. It's about 3 people who have birthdays coming up ,and how they deal with or feel about turning a certain age. An issue that has been done to death on TV shows (especially turning 30).

I don't even fu...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Samantha Robey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Happy Birthday was the first book I’ve ever read by Danielle Steel. I know, right? Weird. As much as I’ve always heard her name and seen one of her zillion books on the shelves, her latest is my first. I think I had some pretty high expectations going into the novel, and they weren’t quite met. I enjoyed the book, but I wasn’t particularly wowed by the story or characters.

Readers follow three characters: Valerie Wyatt, who reminded me of a sort of Martha Stewart type. She has a successful TV sh...more

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Aug 04, 2012 Mitch rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ok, so let me start off by saying I was so embarassed to admit to people I was reading a Danielle Steel book. Being a male, and having eyes on me as I read it in public made me embarassed. I had heard all her books are just sappy girly romances. But now, I am proud to say I am a fan so far! This is the first book of Steel's that I've read, and I love how "feel good" is was!!!! Because as of late I've been reading a lot of grisly thrillers and mysteries, it was fun to switch it up with this smile...more Ok, so let me start off by saying I was so embarassed to admit to people I was reading a Danielle Steel book. Being a male, and having eyes on me as I read it in public made me embarassed. I had heard all her books are just sappy girly romances. But now, I am proud to say I am a fan so far! This is the first book of Steel's that I've read, and I love how "feel good" is was!!!! Because as of late I've been reading a lot of grisly thrillers and mysteries, it was fun to switch it up with this smile-filled read.

The following may or may not contain spoilers.

The book begins with 3 people who are sharing milestone birthdays. "Martha Stewart" type celebrity Valerie Wyatt has a youthful look and a successful career on television and is devestated to turn 60. Jack Adams is an ex football star and hall-of famer and famous sportscaster who is sad to be turning 50. Valerie's daughter April Wyatt shares her mothers birthday and owns an up-and-comming New York City resteraunt and is a hard worker who is turning 30. Jack is addicting to sexual encounters with MUCH younger women and suffers an injury because of it the night before his birthday. But soon he meets Valerie and after a terrifying experience they have together they bond and begin to fall in love. Meanwhile April is horrified when she discovers that after a one-night stand with a food critic (who gave her a bad review), shes pregnant. She doesn't expect the father to be in the picture, but tells him none-the-less.

Many ups and downs occur in the lives of these characters, but in the end it leaves the reader with a big smile. Danielle Steel throws a lot of interesting obstacles in the paths of the characters, which I enjoyed to see how they would overcome them (even though I had no doubt they would!). My ONLY negative comment would be I noticed Steel can be VERRRRYY repetitive when mentioning certain details OVER AND OVER AND OVER again. It was starting to annoy me, but not enough to knock a star of my 5 star rating. I will have to check out more from her in the future!!!!(less)

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Feb 02, 2012 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, romance

Reviewed By~April
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher

I have read several works by Danielle Steel over the years. For the most part, I can't really think of one that I truly disliked. I know that many people feel that much of Ms. Steel's work follows the same formula and are more or less similar stories with different names and locations, etc. Personally, however, I find myself enjoying the stories of real life types of people working through real life issues and the complexities of family dynamics...more Reviewed By~April
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher

I have read several works by Danielle Steel over the years. For the most part, I can't really think of one that I truly disliked. I know that many people feel that much of Ms. Steel's work follows the same formula and are more or less similar stories with different names and locations, etc. Personally, however, I find myself enjoying the stories of real life types of people working through real life issues and the complexities of family dynamics that are addressed within many of Danielle Steel's books. Happy Birthday was no exception. Once I read the synopsis of the story, I was incredibly intrigued and wanted to delve right into the story.

Happy Birthday focuses on a mother and daughter - April, the daughter, who is incredibly work oriented and considers her beloved restaurant her entire life, she is celebrating her 30th birthday this year. Valerie, April's mother, is a world known and loved television personality that easily gives Martha Stewart a run for her money. This year, Valerie is celebrating her 60th birthday. Enter Jack Adams, a football hero who has lived the lush and spoiled life of woman and partying. This year, Jack is celebrating his 50th birthday. All three of these people celebrate their birthdays on the same day and all three people will have a very different year than they could ever imagine.

As far as characters go, I really enjoyed April, Valerie and Jack. I do have to admit that Valerie's over-the-top obsession about her age annoyed me a bit. Granted, growing older is difficult, especially the older one gets; however, her rantings about it were a bit much for me. I think my favorite character was April simply because she was such a strong and ambitious woman. I also loved how her character progresses throughout the story. I don't want to give too much away, but the trials and tribulations that she finds herself face to face with in her 30th year are all too common in today's society and the way that she deals with those things and herself lend a greatness to the overall story. As far as the jock, Jack, I also enjoyed his progression throughout the story. He matures in a way that is admirable and endured himself to me.

The story itself was enjoyable and flowed well. I do have to mention that I was a bit let down with the "terrifying act of violence". Though this sets a life changing flow into action for everyone, I thought that perhaps it could have been written a bit more in-depth. Again, I don't want to give too much away, but what I thought would be a bigger part of the story was basically a blimp on the overall map of the story.

Danielle Steel has such an incredible and enormous talent for story telling and drawing the reader into the worlds that she creates. For me, Happy Birthday was a very satisfying, engrossing and enjoyable read. This is a story of life, of facing your demons, dealing with the unexpected and coming out on top. The love stories within Happy Birthday were enduring and sweet, the life stories heartwarming. I greatly enjoyed Happy Birthday and look forward to diving into some of Danielle Steel's backlist books as well as her future works.
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Dec 25, 2011 Loryn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, adult-fiction, american, awesome, chick-lit, contemporary, couple-to-root-for, family, fiction, womens-fiction, audio-book

I listened to this on my way to NYC last week, and finished it Thursday. It was pretty good! I've never read any Danielle Steel, but it's your basic fun, simple story line. I really liked the story, especially how it was set in NYC which was a total coincidence! I felt myself rooting for April the whole time, as well as Jack and Valerie. The ending was so happy and I'm glad I finished it after I came back from NY. The very only thing that kept it from 5 stars was the physical writing style. The...more

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Nov 15, 2012 Paul Lee rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

i was eager to read another danielle steel novels after finishing friends forever.

This book is about 3 people's birthdays - Valerie, her daughter April, and sportscaster Jeff. Valerie is turning 60 and she is a famous home decor and wedding speaker. April is turning 30 and is owner of April restaurant. Jeff is turning 50 and is into young ladies and having one night stands.

April on a labor day weekends drinks and have a one night stand with this guy she hardly knows. She ends up being pregnant...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Joana rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: emprestado

Penso que nunca tinha lido nada de Danielle Steel. Já tinha ouvido falar da autora, mas nunca tinha calhado ler algo dela.

Esta é a história de três pessoas, mãe (Valerie) e filha (Apryl) e Jack. Valeria é uma importante estrela de televisão, mas faz 60 anos e isso fá-la passar o dia completamente deprimida. Apryl é dona de um restaurante que adora, mas ao fazer 30 anos apercebe-se que tudo aquilo que sonhava ter com esta idade não está nem perto de acontecer. E Jack, também uma celebridade, está...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Indiabookstore rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The last three books I have been reading were all Danielle Steel’s and I have thoroughly enjoyed every single of them ! Some people would not weigh a Steel novel in the same scale as that of Dan Brown or John Grisham. For instance, when my cousin got married, her husband asked me who my favorite author was, and pat came my reply– Danielle Steel. And, he went “Oh God, you aren’t one of those sappy, mushy types !”

Hell, NO !

A Steel novel maybe stereotyped with middle aged protagonists and underlyin...more

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Sep 26, 2012 Anne-marie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: love-stories

A story of 2 women coming to terms with their birthdays: a mother for her birthday and the secret of the age associated with it and her anger when a man in her office building knows it and recognizes her after a acupuncture session when she clearly did not look her best, and a daughter coming to terms with her number that will cause her entry into another decade then finding that she is pregnant and without a steady man, it was from a one night stand with a restaurant critic who gave her restaur...more

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Feb 01, 2012 Julie Barrett rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Happy Birthday by Danielle Steel
Valerie is now 60 and the radio announcer has told the whole world of this. She does
look 40 though with all the botox she's had done. She has her own TV talk show.
Her daughter, April has her own restaurant and hopes to open another one in the near
future, also in NY. She's just found out on her birthday, that she shares with
her mom that she is expecting and she has no boyfriend. It was just a one night stand.
Jack is an ex football star/sports announcer and his bac...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Lynn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Danielle Steel's books are always light and entertaining reading, and I've read every one of them. This book centers around three people who share a birthday; a mother and daughter, and a sportscaster, and the angst that each of them feels about hitting a milestone. The mother is turning 60, the daughter 30, and the sportscaster 50. Events take place that forever cement the three of them, and make them realize that life shouldn't be lived in accordance with a pre-determined clock.

While Danielle...more

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Feb 01, 2012 Sue rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 101booksin1001dayschallenge, atozchallenge, audio, librarybook, pages-read-challenge, read-in-2011

What a timely book I started reading on my birthday earlier in the month.

Amazing how we all seem to take stock on our birthdays every year to see where we’ve been and where we would like to go. Valerie Wyatt at age 60 (horrified that it got out) is a successful Entertainment guru. She goes for her birthday card reading and is told: there will be a man and a child. She doesn’t believe either one.

April on the other hand is turning 30 with a successful restaurant. As she goes to her massage therapi...more

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Oct 15, 2011 Lynda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another quick typical read from Danielle Steel but with a sweeter focus than usual. Three characters share the same unhappy birthday. A series of unforeseen events leads to changes for all of them in the ensuing year. Valerie Wyatt is a Martha Stewart type character who is successful but lonely. Her daughter April has a thriving restaurant, April in New York, but no personal life. Jack Adams is an aging football player with a broadcasting career living the high life but is of course unhappy. The...more

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Apr 16, 2013 Ceelee Sunshine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not a Danielle Steel fan. She hss good story ideas but her writing is not that great. she has to be the queen of the dangling participle! I don't know why her editors don't catch them. They stand out like a sore thumb! She tends to repeat herself too which I think is being done to pad the book. That being said I have to admit Happy Birthday was pretty good. Shocker! I didn't buy the 50 year old sportscaster falling for the 60 year old lifestyle guru. Talk about your fantasy romance! LOL! Not in...more

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Feb 13, 2013 Christine Grant rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have come to terms with the fact that Danielle Steel writes like a soap opera. I'm not talking about sexy plots. I'm talking about the way that she reminds you over and over and over again what is happening. Soap operas want viewers to know who everyone is and everything about the drama unfolding before them even if they have never seen the show before--you'll notice that the characters will describe what has happened in scene after scene and will use each others names repeatedly. That is exac...more

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Feb 05, 2012 Kristy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Danielle Steel is the classic American literature writer. While she isn't necessarily my favorite she continues to surprise me with the stories she creates. I learned that everything happens for a reason even when we least expect it. Things don't always go according to plan, because that would just make life boring.

Favorite Quotes:

"I'm on your side," Jim said quietly. "Maybe this happenned for a reason, he said cryptically. God moves in mysterious ways".

"In the end I think we both know that ha...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Narcisse rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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Apr 25, 2013 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-book

I could really relate to the one character.
Too busy with her own life to think about dating, NY restaurant owner, April ends up pregnant from a one night stand. Meanwhile, her mother, a prominent tv show host compared to Martha Stewart, is internally battling her age. While unhappy to hear she is about to be a grandmother, she supports her daughter. The book tells the story of three people with the same birthday celebrating huge milestones and where their life leads.

Overall, I liked the story....more

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Oct 11, 2011 Rebecca rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As always, Danielle Steel delivers a well written novel that is easily absorbed and entertains through to the end of the novel. Happy Birthday is a novel that revolves around a few characters who share the same birthday, and how quickly their lives intertwine and change in the course of one year. Steel is a master at writing about the feminine desires and hearts of most women, and this book is no exception. I only gave it 3 stars because it isn't a deep or life changing novel. It's perfect for s...more

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Sep 24, 2011 Dianna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I truly enjoyed this book. It brought 4 people together and changed their destinies.

November 1st was Valerie Wyatts 60th birthday. Her daughter April Wyatt's having her 30th birthday. A retired NFL player, Jack Adams is also turning 50.

When Valerie and Jack meet in an elevator they could not possibly know what hand they had been dealt.

When Apirl goes to her accupunctris for a regular treatment she finds out she is in for more then she ever thought possible. April's story involves meeting Mich...more

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May 20, 2012 Debbie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I generally like Danielle Steel's books, but some fall flat for me, so I'm always a little unsure when I pick one up. This book was enjoyable. I thought the story struck a nice balance between happiness and sadness, and the characters were well-drawn. I found the main character to be a bit unbelievable in several ways, and I had some trouble relating to her, but that was just a small quibble. A certain amount of suspension of disbelief is required for many of Ms. Steel's books and if you're will...more

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Feb 03, 2012 Lvolk rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love a happy ending, but this one was too sugary-sweet and over-the-top. I'm not a big fan of Danielle Steel, but the cover of this book drew me in. I thought her books were always tragic in some way! But this one........this one followed some sort of soap opera patterned plot where everybody is sad at their lot in life (although each one of the characters is doing very well at whatever it is they do), and they hook up with each other by chance encounters - predictable. Then after some soul-se...more

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Oct 21, 2011 Share rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Absolutely boring! I've been reading Danielle Steel since I was a little girl and I'm still trying to figure out why I'm still reading her books. She comes out with a good book every once in a while (once every 10 years) but lately her books have been bland and beyond dull. Happy Birthday is one of the dull ones. I didn't even finish reading it. It got so bad I just starting skipping pages and reading a sentence here and there. Danielle Steel is like an old lover that you can't seem to let go of...more

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Aug 07, 2011 Dixie rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011

Valerie is a Martha Stewart type character, turning 60, who thinks she needs to act & look like she's decades younger. Jack is a sportscaster who is turning 50 & has the same problem with the milestone birthday. Throw in Valerie's daughter, April, who turned 30 on the same day as the other two. Of course Valerie & Jack end up together, along with April and the guy (Mike) she had a one night stand with. I thought Ms. Steel placed way too much "fault" on April being pregnant, when Mike...more

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Mar 22, 2013 Eddy Allen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-and-poetry

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Feb 05, 2013 Carol MacInnis rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Valerie Wyatt woke up November 1st to the realization it was her 60th birthday. Valerie started out writing for a decorating magazine and her career escalated to where her name was synonymous with Martha Stewart. Valerie was once married but in actuality she was more interested in her up and coming career than she was in her marriage. She has been divorced for years and her last relationship with a man was over 3 years ago. Her daughter, April, also shares her birth date and she will be 30 on th...more

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Jun 30, 2012 Regina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, danielle-steel

I'm always delighted to read books by Danielle Steel not only because she is my favourite author but also because her books always touch me in one way or the other!

Happy Birthday tells the story of 3 people who celebrate their birthday on the same day.
Valerie Wyatt is a very well known TV personality who has put every ounce of her energy in building a lasting and successful career. But now at 60, she realises that even with the best personal trainer, hairdresser and stylist, she will never fee...more

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Sep 12, 2011 Christina added it · review of another edition

Valerie and her daughter April share a birthday. Valerie is a successful decorating guru, who has her own TV show. April owns a successful restaurant. Valerie see a physic every year on her birthday, this year she does not believe what he had to tell her. She would find love, her daughter would have a baby. April goes to her acupunturist and the acupunturist gets vibes that something is off. She tell April maybe she should have a Pregnancy test. Then the book takes off from there. A great Daniel...more

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Sep 08, 2011 LAURA KAY A Novel Review rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Danielle Steel’s newest novel, Happy Birthday, follows three individuals marking milestone birthdays. Valerie Wyatt is top notch in the business of home décor and weddings. She has written numerous books and hosts her own television show and this year she is turning sixty. Jack Adams is a former NFL superstar and now anchors a sports show at the same network as Valerie. He is turning 50 this year and realizing his fast lane lifestyle is no longer working for him. Last, April Wyatt who owns and o...more Danielle Steel’s newest novel, Happy Birthday, follows three individuals marking milestone birthdays. Valerie Wyatt is top notch in the business of home décor and weddings. She has written numerous books and hosts her own television show and this year she is turning sixty. Jack Adams is a former NFL superstar and now anchors a sports show at the same network as Valerie. He is turning 50 this year and realizing his fast lane lifestyle is no longer working for him. Last, April Wyatt who owns and operates a successful restaurant in New York. She is turning the big 3-0 and is taking stock of her life.
Over the course of 6 months, the three characters face a number of life changing events. Valerie is held hostage by terrorists who take over her network and realizes life is about living on purpose. Jack realizes it’s time to slow things down and find a meaningful relationship. April finds she is pregnant after a one night stand and has to decide how to proceed. For all three characters they start their milestone birthdays leading them down a new path in life and finding age is just a number.
I love a story where the characters embrace life and learn to walk through doors, which offer them new opportunities. And Happy Birthday was all about that. There were a number of twists and turns for the characters and even though things with Valerie and Jack come across as a little obvious I still really enjoyed reading about it. I was definitely more interested in April’s story and how it would end. One thing I have found from reading Steel is the happily ever after her characters end with has more to do with the development of the characters. I guess what I mean by that is they learn to find happiness.
This was the first Danielle Steel book I’ve read in over a decade. My mom and I were avid Steel readers and would take turns buying her newest books. Ten years ago my mom lost her battle to breast cancer. Over the years I’ve seen a number of Steel’s books come out and stop and think how I believe my mom would have really liked this one or that one. My mom and I both loved to read and Danielle Steel was her favorite author. Happy Birthday is now one of my favorite books by Ms. Steel. I’m really glad I decided to read Happy Birthday. My two favorites by Danielle Steel are Mixed Blessings and Heartbeat (and loved the movies too).
I would recommend this book!
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Apr 21, 2012 Nsbooklady rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have read one other Danielle Steele book a very long time ago and enjoyed it. This one looked appealing when I read the plot line so I decided to give it a try. I really did enjoy the characters - April Wyatt, her mother Valerie Wyatt and Jack Adams. The book begins on the birthday that all 3 share. April is working VERY hard at making her restaurant, April in New York, a great success. Her customers love it so she tries not to take too much offense when a reviewer, Mike Steinman, gives it a b...more

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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...more 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 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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“Life, a good life, a great life is about "Why not?" May we never forget it.” — 25 people liked it

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