Blessing in Disguise

by Danielle Steel, John Dan Miller (Narrator)

In Danielle Steel's remarkable new novel, one of her most memorable characters comes to terms with unfinished business and long-buried truths as the mother of three very different daughters with three singular fathers. As a young intern at an art gallery in Paris, Isabelle McAvoy meets Putnam Armstrong, wealthy, gentle, older, and secluded from the world. Isabelle's relationship with Putnam, and her time at his chAteau on the Normandy coast, are the stuff of dreams. But it turns real when she becomes pregnant, for she knows that marriage is out of the question. When Isabelle returns to New York, she enters a new relationship that she hopes will be more stable and traditional. But she soon realizes she has made a terrible mistake and again finds herself a single mother. With two young daughters and no husband, Isabelle finally and unexpectedly finds happiness and a love that gives her a third child, a baby as happy as her beloved father. And yet, once again, life brings dramatic changes. The three girls grow up to be very different women, and Isabelle's relationship with each of them is unique. While raising her girls alone, Isabelle also begins building a career as a successful art consultant. Then one final turn of fate brings a past secret to light, bonds mother and daughters closer, and turns a challenge into a blessing.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction

Audio CD

First published May 7, 2019

About the author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5★

Isabelle McIvoy is a young intern at an art gallery in Paris. It is here where she meets Putnam Armstrong. Putnam is a wealthy gentleman who is a gentle and kind individual and it’s not long before the pair begins to have strong feelings for one another.

When Isabelle discovers she is pregnant, she knows she must return to New York since she cannot marry Putnam. Once Isabelle is back in New York her life doesn’t get any easier, but can she turn it around to have the life she once dreamed of.

Danielle Steel is a popular writer and well known for writing great romance novels, which have been enjoyed by many readers including me. She use to be one of my favorite authors years ago, but not so much now and I’m not quite certain why. Maybe my reading tastes have altered a little over time. In saying that this book is nevertheless well worth reading. Recommended.

[Suz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always gravitate to DS when I need a light read, always on audio. This was another fanciful unrealistic story of a young girl, seemingly unable to make wise decisions time and time again. One of the strange situations was falling for one particular man who was unable to commit, a kind of recluse who from the outset advised that while loving her so much, he would never be the lasting kind. She would retreat to his mansion in France, every year with their daughter even during her next marriage, with their daughter. This new husband didn't mind her yearly sojourn.

Isabelle would continue her life, becoming a mother to daughters and encountering more bad luck with each relationship. The story highlights the bonds between mothers and daughters.

Danielle Steel will always craft stories that are easy to follow which lack substance, I always gravitate to them to have something to listen to when my concentration wains.

I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

Some wine and this book was a great way to spend a Saturday night. This was a good, quick read on the dynamics that surround the relationships of mother, daughters, and sisters. I wish that Xela and Theo’s India meeting had not been so rushed because I feel like Xela and Theo were more at odds than Oona and Xela. Overall though it was a great read that I enjoyed!

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Blessing in disguise: an apparent misfortune that eventually has good results.

When we reflect back on our own lives, our trials and tribulations, I am sure there are many moments that we can mark as “blessings in disguise”. Often these obstacles present us with complex problems to solve or overcome, but they ultimately make us stronger. Blessing in Disguise, the aptly titled new novel from worldwide bestselling author Danielle Steel, is about one woman’s journey through life. We meet the book’s lead, Isabelle McAvoy, in her early twenties and we follow her through to retirement as she deals with love, life, motherhood, relationships, health issues and career highs/lows. It is a full life, defined by plenty of high drama and feeling, from the queen of women’s fiction.

Blessing in Disguise is another tender hearted page turner, that focuses on the life of independent protagonist Isabelle McAvoy. As a young girl, Isabelle has known heartbreak, she lost her mother when she was just a child. Now it is time for Isabelle to spread her wings and when we first meet her, she is just starting out in a career she has longed for – working as an intern for an art gallery. This lucrative entry level position is located in Paris and it brings an influential character into Isabelle’s life, a wealthy but recluse owner of a chateau in Normandy. A whirlwind affair ensues, with long lasting implications, but Isabelle was never destined to settle down with this man. Isabelle returns to New York after her French sojourn and after the dust has settled on her past relationship, she enters a new romance with a man who says all the right things. However, things coming crashing down, leaving Isabelle with yet another broken relationship. Finally, hoping she will be third time lucky, Isabelle falls head over heels for a dependable man, things are steady and happy, but tragedy comes knocking yet again for Isabelle. Blessing in Disguise is about chances, fate, decisions, secrets and family bonds.

Danielle Steel has a tried and tested formula that clearly works. She has fans all over the globe, eagerly waiting her next book. If you are a diehard fan of Steel’s work the wait for the next book is never long. Steel knows how to both entertain her fans and keep her audience happy. Blessing in Disguise is another solid woman’s fiction title, filled with moments of romance, family reflection, long standing secrets and of course, that lovely happy ending!

Steel’s main protagonist this time around is Isabelle McAvoy. I felt quite sorry for Isabelle from the onset of this book’s journey. She was brought up by her father after the loss of her mother to cancer. This is a life defining event that will haunt both Isabelle and her offspring. I admired Isabelle’s sense of resolve, she was determined to succeed in her destined career, despite some pretty major setbacks. However, the knocks this poor woman received again and again – it did make me wonder how much more can a person take! It was almost unbelievable! Steel did seem to want to emphasise the whole ‘blessing in disguise’ fact, the message of this book, but the amount of suffering Steel issues her main character with seemed almost unfair.

The bulk of the plot of Blessing in Disguise is based on the big secret Isabelle withholds from her family and the impact of this decision in the long term. The secret is tragic, but not uncommon, so I am sure there are many readers out there who will be able to relate. Steel offsets this major plot thread with a focus on family. There is a strong focus in this book on the changing nature of mother and daughter relationships. Isabelle has three daughters and each daughter is completely contrasted to the other. We follow Isabelle’s early days as a new mother, coping on her own at many points with the challenges of parenthood. Steel looks at the progression and evolution of parental relationships. We also see how each of Isabelle’s offspring relate to her later in life. There were moments of realism in these sequences. Steel also balances out the joy of life with the low moments that we must face at various points. In the end, despite the setbacks, which work to strengthen both Isabelle and each daughter’s sense of agency, they rise above it all.

My final word on this book is to mention the setting. Steel is definitely the master of well travelled settings, there is always a global feel to her location bases. In Blessing in Disguise Steel whisks her reader from the US to France, to Italy and beyond. I enjoyed these setting interchanges, it was the perfect way to escape the winter blues!

Blessing in Disguise is a book about relationships, choices, trust, faith, sacrifices, hindsight and life’s obstacles. Turn to this latest offering from Danielle Steel if you are after a mellow read.

*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessing in Disguise is a wonderful work of women’s fiction by acclaimed author Danielle Steel. Ms. Steel is one of my favorite authors and I had expectations that I would enjoy this novel, and I did.

Isabelle McAvoy is the mother of three adult daughters, each with a different father. The three relationships she’s had each ended with her alone and pregnant. She raises her daughters but finds herself alone and lonely after they leave home and begin their own lives. Isabelle and her daughters face life head-on and deal with triumphs and tragedies. Ultimately they each learn that they can persevere despite secrets and setbacks. Choices have consequences, but sometimes obstacles are a blessing in disguise.

Blessing in Disguise is a heartwarming success. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone looking to cry tears of sadness and joy within the space of moments.

My thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[kimreadsandreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the past I read everything Danielle Steele wrote as soon as I could, but for some reason I stopped and had not read much in many years until I received this ARC from Netgalley and Delcirte Press in exchange for an honest review. I felt like this book was so matter-of-fact. Conversations, incidents, everything was just so dry without any emotion or life to them. There were great characters, or they could have been if they had any warmth or feeling to the way I read them. I remembered more and expected more to be honest. The premise was good, the story could have been beautiful, but it just fell. very flat to me.

[Lori Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars for this family drama/romance. I haven’t read a DS novel for quite some time, so this was a nice reprieve from historical fiction or heavier drama I usually enjoy. Great read for beach or a lounging weekend.

The story follows Isabelle from her early 20s to her 60s. Her life, loves, and children. In true DS fashion, a lot of turmoil but always a satisfactory ending.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is my own.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was Danielle Steel who I first started reading back in the 1970’s and I have loved all of her books ever since. This is her latest book out and I was excited to get approved from NetGalley and the publisher for this early release. Another great book that kept me reading until the wee hours of the night! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early release of this book. Due out May 7th.

[Cassie Mann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really expecting to come on Good Reads and see plenty of 2-3 star reviews for this book. When I was reading it I literally thought to myself, “There’s no way people like this book. It’s so drab and dry, I’m sure everyone feels the same way about it as me.” I usually don’t have thoughts like that because I realize that not everyone has the same taste in books, but this one was that bad.

So let me tell you, I was SHOCKED to see how many people raved about Blessing in Disguise. I’m scrolling through all these 4-5 star reviews and have yet to see someone who felt the same way as me, which has me thinking, did I even read the same book as y’all?

I honestly didn’t like anything about this book. First of all, it’s cramming 40 (maybe even more years) into less than 300 pages, so basically every element of the plot is skimmed over to make things fit. It really only gives surface level details of what’s happening which makes the language very matter-of-fact, leading to a dry book.

There isn’t much dialogue; it’s mostly just a retelling of the events that happen and that’s that. Because of this I felt like there was very little emotional integrity to what I was reading. I didn’t feel anything. There was no connection to the plot or the characters. I might as well have been reading a textbook! I read to be taken on an adventure but I felt like I was reading an email from my grandma about what she had been up to recently (and that would be an insult to my grandmas emails). I need detailed plots to love a book, so something that just scratches the surface of the action always falls flat for me.

In addition to the ho-hum, unsatisfying amount of details, I *hated* these characters, especially the protagonist. Isabelle is stupid. I’m sorry. She’s dumb. If I were an intern and a creepy old man started hitting on me and asked me to extend my France trip to stay with him, I would have SPRINTED back to the US. Maybe it’s just because I’m not looking for a sugar daddy, but anything about interacting with a reclusive old man gives me the shivers. He even told her he didn’t want anything more than a fling with her, so when she got pregnant with his kid and he was like “nah, not being a father to her,” I didn’t feel bad.


Then she goes and marries someone she BARELY knows, gets pregnant with him, and he ends up being a criminal. This is why you don’t just blindly accept a proposal. I mean COME ON. Everyone has baggage; you need to make sure you really know someone before you marry them. That’s just common sense. And then as if she hasn’t learned a lessons after having two fatherless kids, she gets involved with ANOTHER man. I think after two I would’ve just accepted the single life, but no, she goes and gets pregnant again. And sure, she can’t control his passing, but I really think she was dumb for getting involved once again.


I also thought Putnam was unbearable. What kind of father only wants to see their child once a year, and basically not be involved in her life other than that? Just because you can set up a trust fund for your child doesn’t mean you get to be absent from their life, even if you wanted to be alone forever. Isabelle’s kids were all annoying too and caused so much unnecessary drama. Basically, there wasn’t a single person that I liked.

I was so done with the story and checked out of the plot that I ended up skimming the last 100ish pages. I didn’t want to make this a DNF, but it was just awful. I didn’t find this poignant, touching, or beautiful like most of these reviewers. I found it dry, bland, boring, and I couldn’t wait to finish it so I could move onto something with a little more substance. This is literally one of the longest reviews I’ve written because I feel so strongly about my dislike for this book.

I’m sorry if this review doesn’t sit well with you, but I just can’t believe that other people liked this book as much as they did. If you’re a fan of books with an actual plot and likeable characters that actually have some semblance of common sense, skip this. You’ll thank me.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty much typical Danielle Steel, mainly due to the predictability of the story progression. There was one thing that did surprise me and it had a warm fuzzy ending. 7 out of 10.

[Nick Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the fall of 2019, Danielle Steel gave a buzzy (and unintentionally hilarious) interview to promote the release of 'Blessing In Disguise,' her 900th (or so) novel. In the interview, Ms. Steel decried the new-fangled ideas adopted by less successful people, such as work/life balance, taking vacations or bringing your dog to work. Of course, I thought, if I spent my life dreaming up soapy, romantic plots and creating characters who suffer ludicrously before Finding The Courage To Love Again™, then I probably I wouldn't need (or want) to take a vacation either.
I make fun of Danielle Steel, but I've also read several of her books and have enjoyed them. Even if the cardboard characters who populate her novels seem to be hurried along by the plot and never seem to do anything by halves - the good people are unfailingly decent, the bad ones completely irredeemable and those who realize their mistakes do so miraculously. Like any good serial, though, Steel keeps the story moving forward and uses her glossy novels to highlight all manner of social, personal and familial issues.
'Blessing In Disguise' certainly crams all the tropes I've come to love (and laugh at) in Danielle Steel novels. Amidst an elegant, privileged backdrop a beautiful (and, this time, really fertile) woman makes some foolish decisions in the romance department, faces tragedy, finds the courage to love again and achieves a fairytale happy ending. And, it's all done so efficiently!
As the pages flew by, though, I found myself caught up in the story - in spite of the occasional eye roll and the smirk which sometimes found its way onto my face.

[Mary-reeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danielle Steel is one of my favorite authors so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed and was not. Blessing in Disguise is written in Danielle Steel style about family with ups and downs,travels and secrets. This book had me reading all night to find out what was coming next. A must read.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Steel, you never fail, not even in all the books I have read, to make me laugh, cry, scream, and feel all the other emotions that come eith reading your books. So amazing!

You book has amazing writing style, easy to read and understand. I throughly enjoy the plot, beginning, middle and end. All of it. Just like with all your books ( well the ones I have read, anyway)

I am always so excited when you publish new books because I know for a fact they will be just as breath taking.

In one way or another, throughout this book, I really connected with the characters and what they were experiencing and going through and all the pain and heartbreak. I can almost relate in some aspects of it. I have experience what they went through. I know how is feels.

Thank you, Danielle Steel for all your books. They bring great comfort and love. You are my favourite author. Please never stop writing books. They are my one great hope.

[Vicky Sp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione sulla mia pagina Bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj0NVhLIp...

⭐⭐⭐⭐, 5
Un romanzo sorprendente che mi è piaciuto molto, con colpi di scena ben assestati arrivati proprio nel momento in cui credevo di aver capito come sarebbe andata a finire la storia. E invece mi sbagliavo.

Un romanzo soprattutto emotivo, che parla di famiglia e di figli.

Ma anche di seconde occasioni.
Infatti nonostante le vicende tristi che l’hanno profondamente delusa e fatta soffrire, la protagonista Isabelle ce la metterà tutta per non cedere alla sfiducia negli uomini e a ricercare la propria felicità, determinata come non mai ad avere una vita appagante, anche sul piano sentimentale.
Consigliato

*Ringrazio la CE per la collaborazione e la copia cartacea

[Deacon Tom F. (Recovering from a big heart attack) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly lovely book. Another Danielle Steel winner.

What was particularly impressive about this story was the tenderness with which the many emotions were handled. Over and over, tragedy struck. Yet, the author juggled the emotions with care.

I highly recommend.

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Tragedy after tragedy unfolds but this strong mother prevails to find some of the tragedies are blessings in disguise. I always wonder how authors decide on a title for their work and this one was so apt. As always, DS books are like comfort food for my soul.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not at all what I expected. It was very good.

[Jypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blessing in Disguise is another moving story by Danielle Steel. Full of intrigue, drama and complexity, this is a story of love and loss, relationships and life. It's touching and thought provoking. Readers will not be disappointed! Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I became immersed in the Isabelle McAvoy  from the first chapter of this book. Isabelle , at a young age goes to a Paris gallery as an intern, catches the eye of semi-recluse/millionaire  Putnam Armstrong and falls in love. That is where Isabelle's fate is sealed, Putnam unable to deal with people for more than a month at a time refuses to become a full time father when Isabelle becomes pregnant. Now here is where I might say ughhh what a jerk! No Putnam is a gentle loving soul and quickly became my favorite character. Life goes on and Isabelle and Theo ( the daughter of Putnam) visit once a year for a month because Putnam cannot deal with the outside world or people for more than a month!

Beautiful Isabelle meets a jerk/con artist and has another baby but quickly banishes him from their lives. Isabelle becomes independent and successful in her own right and I loved that she does not need a man in her life to manage her daughters a business and every day life.

When Isabelle meets the love of her life Declan and has another baby, Oona, I breathe a sigh of relief for her but once again life happens and Isabelle is alone again. There are a few more developments in Isabelle's life and a shocking secret that she has hidden form her daughters.

This book was a nice escape for me and I did enjoy the sweeping saga of Isabelle, her romantic life and her daughters. Was it 100% realistic, no but it was a very enjoyable book to read.

.This review was originally posted on Fictional Reviewer

[Read Rest Recharge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you have a sweater in the back of your closet that you've had for a very long time? And when you put it on is just wraps you up in a warm, comfortable, hug? That's how I felt about reading this book!
I've read all of Danielle Steel's books and this one feels like some of her older titles in that the story has some depth and the characters are well developed. Even the protagonist felt familiar, without being a copy of some of her previous ones.
We follow Isabelle throughout her life, growing up motherless and then a mother of three herself. She's had her share of misfortune, but how has that changed her outlook on life?
I've had a few very stressful weeks and this book was a soothing balm to my soul. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering this author, I recommend this book!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danielle Steel’s family/romance novel is an entertaining, summer read. There are numerous issues that are engaging. The characters were vulnerable, realistic and endearing.

“It’s what the French call un mal pour un bien. “A bad thing happens which leads to a good thing. But the good thing would never have happened without the bad thing first.”

[Viktoria Ovedia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Positivt overrasket over denne😊 føles litt unaturlig til tider, med at så mye forskjellig kan skje på så kort tid for en person, men til syvende og sist en ganske god bok bok, fin historie og fint budskap🫶🏻

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I read a Danielle Steel book, but when I do, I know I am in for an enjoyable read. She gives us stories with deep connections and background and Blessing in Disguise is no different.

We meet Isabelle and her three adult daughters by different fathers. She loves them, but begins questioning her choices. As we learn her story, we learn of her past, present and future. There is love, loss and secrets. The journey was touching and emotional and had some amazing characters.

Happy reading.

[January Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The typical Danielle Steel novel. I have loved almost all of her books, and I loved this one! I love how she draws you into the story. I am not disappointed in this book at all!

[Tea Jovanović · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uskoro u prodaji srpsko izdanje ove knjige pod naslovom "Sreća u nesreći" kod novog izdavača 🙂

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely. I really liked Isabelle and found her story to be enchanting, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. Danielle Steel is such an amazing storyteller and I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[HALIMA Elyoussoufi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une lecture légère plaisante et fluide. On s'attache vite à Isabelle et on compatit à ses malheurs tout en admirant son courage. J'ai apprécié.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to see Danielle Steel write this family saga without any psychological criminals and intrigue. This was vintage Danielle with a single mother raising her three daughters. The back story was well presented with just enough jealousy and sibling rivalry to be very real. I loved that the story centered on mother Isabelle and the 3 girls were included but a side story. The three men in Isabelle's life were very believable and real. The story held me glued to the pages and I'd recommend you start reading when you're not going to be interrupted. Live the ups and downs of the art world, family life and love. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Ashton Noel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't impressed by this book but I didn't hate it either. Its not something particularly memorable. It follows Isabelle as she births and raises her 3 daughters all by different fathers and then later the tale of the daughters grown up and Isabelle with an empty nest. Of course we deal with the usual Danielle Steel tragedy here and there although this wasn't as tragic as some I have read and several times throughout the books we are told when things are "a blessing in disguise." Overall just an OK read.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

If this had book had been written by any other author, this would maybe have been a 4 star book for me. I've come to exect so much from Danielle Steel that this one didn't quite make it as a 4 star level book for me. I did enjoy it, it was a good "story" but it lacked any real depth for me. It read a bit like a fairy tale with its extreme tragedies along the way to ending with everyone happy and the main character "gets a man". Good but, not my favorite DS.