Book Review: The House

 

Author: Danielle Steel

Title: The House

Publisher:  Dell

Publish Date: January 30. 2007

Buy: Amazon

Book Blurb: 

The restoration of a majestic old home provides the exhilarating backdrop for Danielle Steel’s 66th bestselling novel, the story of a young woman’s dream, an old man’s gift, and the surprises that await us behind every closed door...

Perched on a hill overlooking San Francisco, the house was magnificent, built in 1923 by a wealthy man for the woman he adored. For her and for this house, he would spare no expense and overlook no detail, from the endless marble floors to the glittering chandeliers. Almost a century later, with the once-grand house now in disrepair, a young woman walks through its empty rooms. Sarah Anderson, a perfectly sensible estate lawyer, is about to do something utterly out of character. An elderly client has died and left her two gifts. One is a generous inheritance. The other, a priceless message: to use his money for something wonderful, something daring. And in this old house, surrounded by crumbling grandeur, Sarah knows just what it is.

A respected attorney and self-described workaholic, Sarah had always lived life by the book. With a steady, if sputtering, relationship and a tiny apartment that has suited her just fine, Sarah cannot explain the force that draws her to the mansion and its history–to the story of a woman who once lived in the house, then mysteriously left it, to a child who grew up there, and a drama that unfolded in war-torn France...and to a history she never knew she had.

Taking the biggest risk of her life, Sarah enlists the help of architect Jeff Parker, who shares Sarah’s passion for bringing the exquisite old house back to life. As she and Jeff work to restore the home’s every detail, as one relationship shatters and another begins, Sarah makes a series of powerful discoveries: about the true meaning of a dying man’s last gift...about the extraordinary legacies that are passed from generation to generation...and about a future she’s only just beginning to imagine.

In a novel of daring and hope, of embracing life and taking chances, Danielle Steel brilliantly captures one woman’s courageous choice to pour herself into a dream–and receive its gifts in return.

Review: Danielle Steel has never been a favorite author, but every so often I get sucked in by one of the blurbs and I'm drawn in to the bad writing and thin plots.

I have to admit though, that though the writing could be a lot better, The House was definitely one of her more palatable novels.

Sarah was definitely a sweet likable character, though like all novels by Steel, she is very flat. I would have loved some more depth to her, to know what really made her tick and why she really stayed with a jerk like Phil so long.

Her family, particularly her grandmother, Mimi were great side characters that helped carry the story.

OH and lets not forget the love interest, Jeff. 

Sigh.

I seldom crush on any romance hero, but Jeff was the epitome of sweetness. I wanted to shake her at times near the end for being stubborn in what she wanted.

The House itself and its owner play a huge part in the story, and I really wished this book were longer and focused on Lili and why she left and more about the house and family that she left.

There were a lot of loose ends and things that I wanted answers for, but didn't get, but the story did flow beautifully.

If you are going to read any of Steel's books, this one is definitely a nice light one to lose yourself in for a few hours.

Rating: 4 flowers

Book Review: First Comes Marriage

Author: Mary Balogh
Title: First Comes Marriage
Publisher: Dell
Publish Date: Feb 24, 2009
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Against the scandal and seduction of Regency England, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh introduces an extraordinary family—the fiery, sensual Huxtables. Vanessa is the second daughter, proud and daring, a young widow who has her own reason for pursuing the most eligible bachelor in London. One that has nothing to do with love. Or does it?

The arrival of Elliott Wallace, the irresistibly eligible Viscount Lyngate, has thrown the country village of Throckbridge into a tizzy. Desperate to rescue her eldest sister from a loveless union, Vanessa Huxtable Dew offers herself instead. In need of a wife, Elliott takes the audacious widow up on her unconventional proposal while he pursues an urgent mission of his own. But a strange thing happens on the way to the wedding night. Two strangers with absolutely nothing in common can’t keep their hands off each other. Now, as intrigue swirls around a past secret—one with a stunning connection to the Huxtables—Elliott and Vanessa are uncovering the glorious pleasures of the marriage bed…and discovering that when it comes to wedded bliss, love can’t be far behind.

Review: I have a love/hate thing going on with this book.  I enjoyed the book, but I hate myself for enjoying it.

Why?

Vanessa is not pretty.

That should not be a big thing.

However from page one or darn near close to it, we are told how unattractive, or plain she is. And it never stopped. All through 388 pages of this otherwise entertaining book, we are reminded that Vanessa is not a raving beauty.

OMG a member of the ton that isn't strikingly beautiful? Whose beauty comes from withing?

Who would have thought of it.

OH and for the most part, Elliot is a jerk

Now who is Elliot you might ask? The Viscount that has the task of telling Vannessa's brother, Stephen he is now the Earl of Merton. The countrified family is going to London, almost like the Beverly Hillbillies struck oil.

At least the Huxtable (No not those Huxtables) clan are smarter than you'd think. Naive yes, stupid no. 

What was good about the story was the family's innocence and how loyal they were to one another. These were siblings that stuck together and cared for one another. There were no crazy rivalries.

Even though the whole "not pretty" think hung over Vanessa the whole book, she was really a lovable character. I did enjoy how her relationship with Elliot grew, even after some pretty stupid misteps.

What I didn't understand was the whole Constantine angel. He wasn't a 100% villain but he wasn't a good guy either. I have to say, I'm curious as to whether he plays a part in the rest of this series. I was so confused by his character, because he was definitely more than he seemed.

All in all it was a pleasant read and I look forward to continuing the series.

Rating: 3 flowers

TLC Book Tours Book Review: The Arrangement

Author:  Mary Balogh

About The Arrangement
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Dell (August 27, 2013)
Buy: Amazon
Blurb: A mesmerizing story of passionate awakening and redemption, Mary Balogh’s new novel unites a war hero consigned to darkness with a remarkable woman who finds her own salvation by showing him the light of love.

Desperate to escape his mother’s matchmaking, Vincent Hunt, Viscount Darleigh, flees to a remote country village. But even there, another marital trap is sprung. So when Miss Sophia Fry’s intervention on his behalf finds her unceremoniously booted from her guardian’s home, Vincent is compelled to act. He may have been blinded in battle, but he can see a solution to both their problems: marriage.

At first, quiet, unassuming Sophia rejects Vincent’s proposal. But when such a gloriously handsome man persuades her that he needs a wife of his own choosing as much as she needs protection from destitution, she agrees. Her alternative is too dreadful to contemplate. But how can an all-consuming fire burn from such a cold arrangement? As friendship and camaraderie lead to sweet seduction and erotic pleasure, dare they believe a bargain born of desperation might lead them both to a love destined to be?

Review: The Arrangement is Book 2 in the Survivor's series, but not to worry, like most historical romance series, this book is a stand alone novel, with tie in characters.

From the very start of the novel you find yourself loving Vincent. He is quite simply "so darn sweet." So is Sophia, though as you learn about her drawings, there is a bit of impishness to her personality.

I was surprised at the lack of conflict between these two characters that are thrown together because of an incident that would have resulted in Vincent being forced to wed Sophia's cousin Henrietta.

Sophia gets along well with Vincent and his friends and family and they embrace her as one of their own, even though they thought she might be after his fortune.

These two are definitely meant to be together.

The only thing I had trouble dealing with were Sophia's relations, The Marches and her uncle's stepson, Sebastian Maycock. I don't think I've ever encountered such nasty, unpleasant characters. It was actually nice that the disappeared from the story for quiet awhile, only to return in the last 50 pages. They create the only conflict of the book, in making Sophia feel bad about herself.

Mary Balogh is a master of regency romance. The Arrangement is an enjoyable read, though a bit considering the plot. At times the novel seemed to drag, with mundane things about Sophia and Vincent.

I loved that Mary has created a series around flawed characters...Vincent is blind and though she drives that point home a lot, it is nice to see a hero that isn't 100% perfect.

I also loved how their relationship grew, I especially loved how Vincent gave Sebastian a little what for, for his lousy treatment of Sophia. I also was pleased that her uncle became part of the family.

The book was a little long, considering their wasn't any real conflict between Sophia and Vincent, but it was a beautiful romance that just about anyone could enjoy.

Rating: 5 flowers

Read my Q & A with Mary here

Book Review: Sunset In St. Tropez

Author: Danielle Steel
Title: Sunset In St Tropez
Publisher: Dell
Publish Date: June 3, 2003
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb:  In her 55th bestselling novel, Danielle Steel explores the seasons of an extraordinary friendship, weaving the story of three couples, lifelong friends, for whom a month’s holiday in St. Tropez becomes a summer of change, revelation, secrets, surprises, and new beginnings . . .
As Diana Morrison laid the table for six at her elegant Central Park apartment, there was no warning of what was to come. Spending New Year’s Eve together was a sacred tradition for Diana, her husband of thirty-two years, Eric, and their best friends, Pascale and John Donnally and Anne and Robert Smith. The future looked rosy as the long-time friends sipped champagne and talked of renting a villa together in the South of France the following summer. But life had other plans . . .

Just two weeks after New Year’s, tragedy strikes the heart of their close circle, as Robert Smith suffers a sudden, unexpected loss. Without hesitation, Diana and Eric, Pascale and John rally to his side, united in their support, love, and shared grief. Convinced that a change of scenery is just what Robert needs, they urge him to join them on the Riviera in August. But as they soon discover, the ramshackle old mansion they rented in St. Tropez--sight unseen--is far different from the exquisite villa and sun-drenched gardens touted in the brochure. Cobwebs hang from the ceiling. Beds collapse beneath them. All while a would-be housekeeper in a leopard-skin bikini and six-inch heels sashays through the house with a trio of yapping poodles at her heels. But the biggest surprise of all is the woman Robert invites to the villa as his guest--a lovely, much-younger film actress with mile-long legs and a million-dollar smile. Diana and Pascale hate her on sight. But the men are dazzled. And amid the crumbling furniture and the glorious sunsets, the strained relationships and the acts of forgiveness, more surprises are in store for the villa’s occupants. With the last days of summer fast approaching, each couple finds themselves changing in unexpected ways, as old wounds are healed, new love discovered, and miracles unfold...all beneath the dazzling sun of St. Tropez.

By turns wise and moving, heartbreaking and wickedly funny, Danielle Steel’s new novel is about forgiving without forgetting, about the sorrow that shadows our lives and the hope that saves us. And it is about once-in-a-lifetime friendships . . .the kind that heal, sustain, and change us forever.

Review: Every now and then I decide to read a Danielle Steel novel. There was a time when I really enjoyed her books, but I think the last one that really appealed to me was Zoya. There have been some good ones though..but there have been some awful ones too. Sunset In St. Tropez is somewhere between the bottom and the middle.

Steel spends way to much time repeating herself, as if she wants to drum the facts into the readers heads.  She does this rather than developing the characters and when there are 3 sets of main characters, this really takes away from the book.

Another problem is the length. Sunset in St Tropez is about the length of a Harlequin Romance, only poorly written and developed. At one point she skips ahead of things, and the reader is left clueless as to how a situation in the story occurred.

Then there's Robert, whose wife is the token character that must die. (There is always one dead person in a Danielle Steel novel, I swear!!) Three months later and he's falling for the actress Gwen! If I were Anne I would be haunting his sorry butt!

I shook my head many times throughout the book. I found I couldn't like any of characters. They were too wealthy and bitchy about Gwen. Gwen was too much of a goody-goody, to be believable.  The men weren't memorable either.

The ending has everything tied up nice and tightly with a surprise finish for Pascale and John...which made me groan.

I'm glad this was a library book, because I would have kicked myself for wasting money on it. Thankfully it was a quick read, so I didn't lose too much time on it.

Rating: 2 flowers

Book Review: Rogue

Author:Danielle Steel
Title: Rogue
Publisher: Dell
Publish Date: May 1988
Rating: 1 Stars
Book Blurb: Romance titan Steel doctors up a familiar formula with fresh results. Having had just about enough of the gadabout ways of dot-com millionaire and perpetual Peter Pan, Blake Williams, Maxine, 42, divorced him five years ago and is raising their three children (ages 13, 12 and six) while running a thriving psychiatric practice specializing in childhood trauma and adolescent suicide. Blake, meanwhile, is continent-hopping among houses in London, Morocco and New York, bedding nubile young things. Maxine and Blake have remained friends, but when a horrific teen suicide case leads Maxine to meet doctor and childless divorcé Charles West, she finally falls for the type of man she thinks she's always wanted: serious, responsible and a bit stuffy. A disaster makes Blake rethink his lifestyle, however, and Maxine suddenly has a choice to make. While Steel never locks in on her characters' emotions, she keeps the pages turning and offers a satisfying twist at book's end that most readers won't see coming.

Review: I finished this book and I deserve a cookie for doing so. The plot was cute, but the writing, OMG, how has Danielle Steel managed to keep her readers? In my creative writing class in high school, I was taught that characters were supposed to show you what was going on. The writer wasn't supposed to tell you, and that is what Steel does.

I actually thought maybe it was me and I did something I usually don't do when it comes to books, I went and read some reviews to see what other people though and guess what? I wasn't the only one.

The worst part about all this is that the book is titled Rogue, meaning you'd expect it to really be more about Blake, but it isn't. It is all about Maxine and her life after their divorce, which is really unbelievable.

How many women who divorce multi-millionaires only ask for child support? How many of these same women would be fine with their ex taking their children out with their new girlfriends that are half the age of the parent?

Then there was the new man in her life, Charles West. The guy was an ass (only word that fits him) from the minute he appeared in the story and he never got better. I can't figure out why Maxine wanted to marry him in the first place. He didn't like her kids or her life style.

Most of the time I wondered if she was telling herself she loved Charles to convince herself.

All of the characters were pretty two dimensional. You never really felt like you got to know any of of them, which doesn't make for a good book.

The blurb says the ending has a surprise twist, but it really isn't. Anyone with two brain cells could figure out the ending.

I gave this a one star, simply because I finished it and it would be hard to explain a 0 star review.

Book Review: Johnny Angel

Danielle Steel's Johnny Angel is a winner. This book should come with a box of tissues though, because to quote an old Bachrach and David song, "Anyone who had a heart" would not get through this book without shedding some tears. OK, without shedding a lot of tears.

This is the story of a teenager (Johnny) who's life is cut too short and how he comes back to help put his family and his girlfriend's family back together again, though only two people can see him, his mother and his younger brother.

There are a lot of fiction about the afterlife. I've read several and this one is beautifully written. It gives you hope, especially when things are going terribly wrong, and they do go wrong for Johnny's family, even beyond his death. Johnny's return is to help put things to rights, perhaps things he couldn't do when he was alive.

In 210 pages, Danielle Steel gives us a story that is totally unforgettable and totally heartbreaking and yet happy. The last pages are definitely worth reading the book for.