Welcome to our list of the best Danielle Steel books. Danielle Steel is a bestselling author known for her captivating romance and drama novels.
In this list, we have compiled 22 of the best Danielle Steel books of all time. These include classic novels like Summer's End, Kaleidoscope, Zoya, Jewels, The Gift, The Promise, and The House on Hope Street, as well as more recent works like A Perfect Life and The Echo of Heaven.
Each of these Danielle Steel books showcases Steel's exceptional writing skills and her ability to craft compelling and heartwarming stories that speak to the human experience.
Whether you're a long-time fan of Steel's work or new to her writing, Steel's best books list has something for everyone.
So without further ado, let's dive in and explore the Best Danielle Steel books that you won't want to miss.
However, I can provide brief summaries of the books you listed by Danielle Steel if that would be helpful.
 |
| Danielle Steel |
1. Summer's End
Summer's End: The book in question, Summer's End by Danielle Steel, published in 1979, follows the story of the Winslow family who is grappling with the demise of their patriarch, Roger Winslow.
The family comprises Roger's spouse, Elizabeth, and their four offspring: Caroline, who is in her early twenties and working as a fashion model; Jamie, a high school senior with aspirations of becoming a doctor; Brett, a college student, and Little Roger, a teenage delinquent.
The family must navigate their anguish and the complexities of moving forward without Roger, while also tackling their individual struggles.
Caroline is struggling with her career in modeling and an unstable relationship with her boyfriend, Jamie is experiencing the pressure to achieve academic success and establish his name, Brett is grappling with addiction, and Little Roger is getting into trouble at school.
Summer's End is regarded as one of Steel's finest books for various reasons.
One such reason is its emotional profundity and authentic representation of grief and the hurdles of moving on following the passing of a loved one.
While some reviewers have criticized Summer's End for being predictable and formulaic at times, Steel has rebutted these criticisms by highlighting that her books are intended to be uplifting and provide readers with a sense of hope and closure, as she writes to provide comfort and escapism to her audience.
Regrettably, the story has some similarities to another book by Steel, Answered Prayers, where women tolerate and endure disrespectful treatment from their husbands.
This theme can become tedious after a while when reading a book.
In Summer's End, the character of Deanna is unremarkable and feeble, allowing her husband to dictate how she ought to live her life and what she can or cannot do, merely because he is older.
She is even told that she cannot paint, and yet she accepts it all.
At least she is allowed to have room to paint.
As for her daughter Pilar, what a discourteous, unpleasant child she is.
One would have sent her to France for good.
Deanna endures Pilar's rude behavior toward her without any consequences.
It is regrettable that Pilar finally needs her mother toward the end of her life, which is tragic.
Although I like Danielle Steel, I do not enjoy reading about weak women.
Nonetheless, I am happy that Deanna finds happiness in the end with Brad, but their relationship is plagued by excessive endearments to one another that are repeated incessantly throughout the book, which becomes tedious.
2. Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope: In "Kaleidoscope," three sisters are separated after the tragic end of their parents' fairytale love story. They grow up in different worlds but are reunited years later by a remorseful family friend and investigator.
The novel spans from chic Paris to rural Appalachia, following the sisters' journey toward facing their turbulent past and moving forward.
Megan becomes a doctor in Appalachia, Alexandra marries a wealthy man in New York, and Hilary builds an extraordinary career while feeling the loss of her sisters throughout her life.
A lawyer and private investigator named John Chapman is hired to find the sisters, leading him on a journey from New York to Paris and Appalachia.
The novel is praised for its strong character development and minimal repetition compared to other books by Danielle Steele.
Readers describe the story as both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and some find it hard to put down.
3. Zoya
Zoya: Zoya, a young cousin to the Tsar, flees St. Petersburg to Paris for safety during the Russian Revolution and World War I in Europe.
Her life drastically changes, facing hardship and joining the Ballet Russe in Paris. Eventually, she moves to New York and enjoys a glittering life before losing everything in the Depression.
Her career and a man she meets save her, allowing her to rebuild her life through the war years and beyond, with family becoming everything to her. Zoya remains a rare and spirited woman, with a legacy that will live on.
This Danielle Steele book is considered the best, with a complex plot and much more depth than her other works.
The rollercoaster of emotions and constant setbacks make it perplexing, yet impossible to put down.
The book is filled with heartbreak, loss, disappointment, and trials, but also triumph, love, ambition, and joy.
Despite initial uncertainty, the book leaves a lasting impression and provides inspiration to persevere through difficult situations.
4. Message from Nam
Message from Nam Paxton Andrews, a journalist, experiences Vietnam firsthand, from high school in Savannah to college in Berkeley and work in Saigon.
For the soldiers and men she knew, Vietnam changed their lives in ways they couldn't escape. Peter Wilson, a new recruit, confirmed his fate in Da Nang, while Bill Quinn, a captain, seemed untouchable despite his fourth tour of duty.
Sergeant Tony Campobello, from the streets of New York, came to vent his rage. For seven years, Paxton wrote an acclaimed newspaper column from the front before returning to the States and attending the Paris peace talks.
This book is incredible! Danielle Steel drew me into the story and I couldn't put it down.
The ending left me wanting more, though. I would have loved to know how Tony recovered from his ordeal and how he adjusted to life outside of Vietnam.
Overall, Message from Nam is one of her best novels. It's a masterpiece of historical fiction that captures the reader in the personal story of a young correspondent.
The climax is a tear-jerker, and you won't regret reading it. Kudos to Danielle Steel, author extraordinaire!
5. Jewels
Jewels: Sarah Whitfield is taken back to New York in the 1930s on her seventy-fifth birthday, recalling the shattered marriage that ends after a year.
Her trip to Europe with her parents did little to raise her spirits until she meets William, Duke of Whitfield, and despite her qualms, he insists on giving up his distant right to the British throne to make Sarah his wife.
On their honeymoon, the newlyweds buy an old French chateau, but soon the war begins, and William joins the allied forces, leaving Sarah with their infant child and their second child on the way in France.
After the Nazi forces take over the chateau, Sarah continues to survive the Occupation, unwavering in her belief that her missing-in-action husband is still alive.
The Whitfields start buying jewels from impoverished war survivors, and with Sarah's style and keen eye, the collection becomes the prestigious Whitfield jewelry store in Paris, expanding to London and Rome as their family grows.
Their five children each find their own way but are drawn to the great house of gems their parents built.
Danielle Steel authored this historical romance novel that takes the reader through five eventful decades of war, passion, international intrigue, and the strength of family through it all.
The book is a roller coaster of emotions, with characters that evoke feelings of hate and love, leaving readers wanting more.
While the book has some compelling episodes, it sometimes feels like a typical romance novel, and some parts seem tawdry. The novel could have been shorter by about 50 to 100 pages, and the audiobook abridged version eliminates some interesting text and poignant episodes.
Overall, the book has a mix of historical fiction and romance, and the poignant moments are painful yet powerful.
6. The Gift
The Gift: Amidst the simplicity of the 1950s, when life was perceived as blissful and dreams were within reach, a small town in the Midwest with a downtown, high school, skating pond, and movie house serve as the backdrop for a series of extraordinary events.
Initially appearing fortuitous, these events gradually take on a sense of purpose. A child's death senselessly shatters a happy home, leading to the unraveling of a once-loving marriage.
Their innocent love offers hope and helps to restore a family's dreams. The profound gift she leaves behind changes everyone's lives forever.
Danielle Steel's The Gift, her thirty-third best-selling novel, offers a magical and powerful tale that will take your breath away, revealing a deeply moving relationship. This haunting and beautiful story illuminates the unpredictable and wondrous nature of life.
My adoration for Danielle Steel's books began with Palomino many years ago, but The Gift holds a special place in my heart. As an adopted child in the 1950s, the book's resonance was striking.
While my circumstances differed from those in the story, God watched over me, and at six weeks old, I was adopted by the most wonderful parents who were filled with love. Despite our lack of material wealth, we had more love than many.
I still haven't searched for them, except to gain insight into my medical history through "23 AND ME" and "ANCESTRY.COM."
The Gift was truly a gift to me, and, remarkably, it took me 24 years to read it. Thank you, Danielle Steel!.
7. Silent Honor
Silent Honor: Japanese college professor Masao Takashimaya of Kyoto had a passion for modern ideas that surpassed his wife's belief in ancient traditions.
His daughter, Hiroko, torn between her mother's traditions and her father's wishes, boarded the SS Nagoya Maru to come to California for an education and to make her father proud. It was August 1941.
Arriving at the Palo Alto home of her uncle, Takeo, and his family, Hiroko found California to be a world apart. Her cousins had embraced American culture, diverging from their Japanese roots.
To Hiroko's surprise, Peter Jenkins, her uncle's assistant at Stanford, became an unlikely link between her two worlds.
However, on December 7, Hiroko's world was turned upside down as Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese. Suddenly, she found herself an enemy in a foreign land.
President Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066, signed on February 19, gave the military the authority to remove Japanese from their communities at will. Takeo and his family were given only ten days to sell their home, relinquish their jobs, and report to a relocation center, along with thousands of other Japanese and Japanese Americans. They were forced to leave behind their homes, businesses, freedom, and lives.
In "Silent Honor," Danielle Steel portrays the harrowing human cost of this turbulent period in history. She also reveals the extraordinary courage of a people who maintained their honor and dignity despite the surrounding chaos.
This is a story of betrayal by the American government and the triumph of a woman caught between cultures who was determined to survive.
The title of this book, "Silent Honor," accurately reflects how honor transcended the sentiment of the times during World War II.
I was unable to put this book down as it propelled toward its conclusion. The novel is a masterpiece, uniquely capturing the sentiments and prejudices of World War II.
It is a tale of love, hate, defiance, and unwavering love in the face of great obstacles. The family bonds are tested and ultimately strengthened as young love triumphs over the devastating consequences of war.
This story of resilience and inner strength is an inspiring tale set in the most challenging of circumstances. It is a thoroughly researched story that portrays the far-reaching consequences of war, and why people on both sides react in the way they do, regardless of the horrific effects and repercussions.
This book compelled me to reflect on my own position as a foreigner living in a different country, imagining myself in a similar "war" situation. I am grateful to Danielle Steel for this remarkable work of literature.
8. His Bright Light
His Bright Light: The narrative encapsulated within Danielle Steel's memoir is nothing short of an emotional whirlwind of sorrow, bravery, love, and edification that comes from the experience of living through it.
Steel desires not only to keep Nick's memory alive but also to impart the insights and lessons she learned from his life to others.
Her hope is that someone will be able to apply this knowledge to help others facing similar struggles and perhaps even prevent another life from being taken by the same ruthless monster that stole her son's.
Steel's account of his courageous battle with a masked killer known as manic depression, which plagues between two and three million Americans, is hauntingly portrayed through Nick's journals and Steel's own tender and painful memories of her son.
The burden of mental illness surpasses all other diseases, including cancer, in all countries with established economies.
Steel's attempts to absolve herself of any guilt in Nick's passing are evident throughout the book.
Losing a child to mental illness can undoubtedly evoke overwhelming feelings of remorse.
However, her poignant memoir serves as an educational tool on how to cope with a loved one's severe mental illness, such as bipolar disorder.
It is a story of personal sacrifice, hopelessness, despair, and, at times, hopefulness, much like Nick's short and tumultuous life.
Steel's own relationships, including a divorce and a significant breakup, were affected by Nick's illness.
Nonetheless, her writing keeps Nick's memory alive, and her tribute is a gift of understanding, hope, healing, and life.
9. Safe Harbour
Safe Harbour: On a foggy summer day, a lonely figure walks down the beach accompanied by a dog, surrounded by the coastal winds of San Francisco.
Pip Mackenzie, an eleven-year-old girl who has experienced tragedy, meets a person who brightens her world with color and light.
Matt Bowles, an artist, offers to teach her how to draw and ignite a spark that will change their lives forever.
As their friendship grows, Ophélie, Pip's mother, retreats deeper into grief, but Matt brings joy into their lives. He works his subtle magic and slowly heals the wounds of the two wounded hearts.
When summer ends, Ophélie and Pip must leave the beach for the city, and the season of healing continues. Ophélie begins a volunteer job at a city outreach program, where she works with the homeless, and can no longer ignore the blessings in her life.
But fate strikes another blow, and Matt must confront unfinished business from his past. Ophélie is betrayed by someone she trusts. Out of the darkness comes an unexpected gift of hope.
Danielle Steel's novel explores the fragile bonds between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, family members, and lifelong friends. It is a story of triumph and a moving elegy to those who suffer and survive.
The book captures grief and depression and the long, slow process of getting back.
However, the protagonist's poor judgment is not mentioned, and she takes on challenging roles that are reserved for people with military or law enforcement training, leaving her 11-year-old daughter alone at home with a babysitter. It takes three bullets to get her attention, and she realizes that she is sick, not weak.
10. Echoes
Echoes: The summer of 1915 brought about both prosperity and unease for the Wittgenstein family, as they heard the guns of war sound in the distance.
However, it was a time of awakening for the eldest daughter, Beata, who fell in love with a young French officer by the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva.
Despite her parent’s disapproval of her marrying a Catholic, Beata followed her heart and started a new life with her lover.
As Europe faced war once again, Beata watched in horror as Hitler’s terror threatened her family, including her daughter Amadea, who had become a Carmelite nun.
Amadea's decision to become a nun was a selfish and self-absorbed one, especially given the timing and the fact that her mother and sister needed protection.
Danielle Steel's Echoes portrays a mother's love and a daughter's courage in a world where family and friends have been swept away without a trace.
Amadea escapes to the French Resistance, where she finds renewed purpose and meets Rupert Montgomery, a British secret agent who helps her discover her place in an unbreakable chain between generations and her lost family.
The book depicts the elegant rituals of Europe's pre-war aristocracy and the brutal desperation of Germany's death camps, weaving an intricate tapestry of unwavering faith that sustained them, even in history's darkest hour.
11. Prodigal Son
Prodigal Son: The duality of twin boys who grew up together in the same family, in the same town, but with vastly different personalities, is a captivating subject.
Their tumultuous relationship is intriguing, even in their childhood.
One departs their idyllic hometown but is forced to return twenty years later, at his wit's end.
Their reunion initially feels harmonious and soothing, but it quickly reveals shocking truths about their morality.
Peter McDowell, an affluent investment banker, experiences a rapid succession of losses: his wealth, assets, and livelihood, due to the stock market crash.
The economic calamity also causes irreparable damage to his marriage.
He is left with nothing but a lakefront cottage bequeathed to him by his parents, who left most of their modest estate to his twin.
With no other choice, Peter reluctantly returns home.
Michael McDowell, a beloved town physician, and an exemplary family man exemplifies selflessness, but he is not without fault.
Only Peter knows how Michael manipulated their parents when they were young, driving Peter away.
Peter dreads the reunion with his brother, but to his surprise, their encounter is warm and genuine.
As Peter peruses his mother's diaries, the truth gradually unfolds, and fear sets in.
Who is his twin?
Is the surface appearance genuine, or is there something abysmal underneath?
With time running out, Peter recklessly pursues the truth.
His findings will have far-reaching implications for his children, his twin, and the entire town.
Danielle Steel, a master storyteller, skillfully crafts a tale of secrecy, deliverance, and redemption, populated by intricate and multi-dimensional characters.
I'm increasingly convinced that Danielle Steel may not be writing all of her books these days.
The last two books I read from her, "Second Chances" and "Big Girl," were absolutely dreadful.
It felt like someone was attempting to mimic her writing style but doing a poor job of it.
"Prodigal Son," on the other hand, was a refreshing change.
The plot was engaging and not what I anticipated.
I enjoyed reading it.
I gave it four stars instead of five because the conclusion feels somewhat rushed, and I wish she had elaborated on it further.
But, that's a common problem with many books, and this one is still worth reading.
12. Blue
Blue: Ginny Carter's life was a bright one, shining with her marriage to a top anchorman, a three-year-old son, and a happy home in Beverly Hills.
But in a moment of horror on the freeway, her life was shattered.
After picking up the pieces, she searches for purpose as a human rights worker in dangerous corners of the world.
On the anniversary of the accident, Ginny meets a boy named Blue Williams, a thirteen-year-old who has been abandoned by his family, living on the streets, and is distrustful of everyone.
Despite his resistance, Ginny persists, and their friendship blossoms into an unlikely bond that fills the holes in each other's lives.
Blue is a heartwarming tale with a strong social message about homeless children, neglectful adults, and the Church's pedophilia scandals.
Danielle Steel always finds a unique backdrop to showcase her characters and their stories, and this one is no exception.
The relationship between the melancholic social worker and the young homeless boy is unexpected and transformative.
The story follows a predictable path, and the lovey-dovey bits may become cloying.
In conclusion, like a cake with predictable ingredients, Blue falls short of its potential despite the author's skillful storytelling.
13. Accidental Heroes
Accidental Heroes: In a stunning turn of events, two planes have just left JFK airport for San Francisco.
One is a large 757, and the other is a smaller Airbus A321.
But as a TSA agent named Bernice Adams sifts through security, she stumbles upon a postcard depicting the Golden Gate Bridge with an ambiguous and perhaps even ominous message.
Despite her supervisor's initial dismissal of her concerns, Bernice persists and calls for security.
Soon, Ben Waterman, a senior Homeland Security agent struggling with his own past mistakes, arrives on the scene.
Together, they begin to piece together the mystery of the postcard: Who left it behind?
Which flight is the person on?
And what is the true meaning behind the message?
As Ben delves deeper into the passenger manifests, his attention becomes fixated on the A321 and its senior pilot, Helen Smith.
Despite her impressive military background and tenure with the airline, Helen has faced devastating personal tragedies, including the brutal loss of her husband in Iraq, leaving her widowed with three young children.
Among the passengers on her flight are a major film star, an off-duty pilot who has just lost his forty-year career, and a distraught father who has abducted his baby son from his estranged wife.
Based on instinct and data analysis, Ben becomes convinced that one of the passengers on Helen's plane is planning something terrible, and he's proven right.
With the help of passengers, crew, and ground experts, they band together to try to avert disaster and save lives.
Danielle Steel's novel combines intense action and emotionally rich, interconnected lives.
As the plane hurtles toward its destination, San Francisco, complete strangers are united, and futures are forever changed by a handful of unlikely heroes.
Although the story initially starts slowly, it gradually builds suspense and tension, culminating in a heart-pounding finale where it is left up to Helen to bring all the passengers to safety.
The prose is filled with tense moments, leaving listeners on edge as they wonder if all the passengers will make it out alive.
However, the ending drags on too long, detailing every aspect of the characters' lives.
While the audiobook was well-narrated, the male voice could have been improved with a female narrator, although this is entirely subjective.
Overall, the story was highly entertaining and emotionally charged, captivating listeners with the tale of what happened one fateful day aboard flight A-321.
14. Spy
Spy: The exquisite and delicate beauty of eighteen-year-old Alexandra Wickham impresses King George V and Queen Mary, suggesting a life of privilege.
However, fate, war, and her rebellious nature redirect her life, leading her to volunteer as a nurse during World War II in London.
Her unique skills catch the attention of intelligence agencies, offering her the perfect opportunity to become a spy.
Alex's family is unaware of her covert activities, which she balances with her love for a pilot.
As the war ends, she marries him, embarking on a life of secrets, and espionage, and travels to exotic places in the company of her husband, a foreign service agent.
Danielle Steel's Spy is an enlightening historical romance filled with intrigue, secrets, and turmoil.
The story of Alexandra is captivating, and her adventures behind enemy lines and life as a spy are riveting.
15. All That Glitters
All That Glitters: Nicole, who goes by Coco, is a fortunate individual.
Being the only child of loving and accomplished parents has resulted in a life filled with abundant opportunities.
Her mother's stunning looks and creativity, combined with her father's strong work ethic and diligence, have given her the world on a platter.
With graduation from Columbia just around the corner, she has landed her dream job at a magazine for the summer.
Between leisurely weekends spent in Southampton with her family and quality time with her close friend, Sam, Coco is content.
Tragically, Coco's world is shattered when her parents are murdered in a terrorist attack in France.
Left alone and heartbroken, Coco must now forge her own path without the guidance and support of her cherished family.
Resolute in her determination to make her parents proud, she sets out to achieve her ambitions, unafraid to take risks and defy conventions.
As she navigates through life, Coco's experiences with charming and intriguing men teach her valuable lessons, some of which are delightful, while others are painful.
Ultimately, she discovers her inner strength and learns what is truly important, culminating in a victorious journey of self-discovery.
All That Glitters is a captivating tale that explores a woman's emotional journey through life, brimming with challenges, heartbreak, self-discovery, and triumph.
It is a poignant reminder that glitter and glamour do not define our existence and that what is truly valuable may have been within our grasp all along.
Danielle Steel masterfully transports us into a world of luxury and power, demonstrating that monetary wealth is not the key to happiness, and our personal integrity can be stripped away in an instant.
With an enthralling narrative that traverses New York, London, Paris, and beyond, Steel shows how Coco embarks on an intriguing journey, drawn towards one enigmatic man after another like a moth to a flame.
All That Glitters is a compelling parable that exhorts us to slow down and appreciate the importance of balance in life.
It urges us to cherish the simple pleasures that come from true friendships, find joy in life's small moments, and discover security in simplicity.
Steel artfully peers into our deepest longings and beliefs, reminding us never to give up and that better days are always ahead.
16. Finding Ashley
Finding Ashley: Melissa Henderson, formerly a celebrated author, now focuses on refurbishing an aged Victorian home ensconced in the New England countryside's foothills.
Her son's passing and marital separation six years prior left her exiled, an existence she deemed tolerable until the house's purchase, which became her raison d'être.
A news report covering a wildfire encroaching on her home prompts Melissa's sibling, Hattie, to call. Though once tight, Melissa's recluse ways strained their bond. Regardless, Hattie, who became a nun at 25, is determined to aid Melissa's rebirth, even if that necessitates revisiting her tragic past.
When Melissa was sixteen and with a child, her parents sent her to a depressing Irish convent for unwed mothers to shield their reputations. Following Ashley's birth, Melissa relinquished her baby and never saw her again.
Decades later, Hattie takes it upon herself to locate Ashley, a pursuit that will alter their lives permanently.
Finding Ashley is a modern drama that depicts the tenacity of the human spirit in chasing unattainable dreams. The story follows two valiant women as they convert heartbreaking losses into a reunion and a family reconciled by bringing concealed secrets to light.
Although there are mixed reviews of Finding Ashley, I was thoroughly impressed. Melissa's life story is a reminder that people come into our lives for a reason. Danielle Steel never disappoints, and Finding Ashley is no exception.
17. Lost and Found
Lost and Found: A catastrophic accident, an unorthodox dwelling, and a notable photographer with a prodigious legacy are the foundation of this riveting tale.
Madison Allen's life takes an unexpected turn when she falls from a ladder at her NYC firehouse residence, resulting in more than just a physical injury.
Maddie's personal mementos and photos are the catalyst for a soul-searching road trip she embarks upon, bringing her face to face with men from her past to answer long-awaited questions.
She courageously confronts her life's choices while being held captive by the demanding road and heart-wrenching revelations.
Danielle Steel skillfully narrates the story's intricacies, touching on love, motherhood, family, and destiny, leaving readers yearning for more.
The story's bittersweet and emotional tenor will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings.
Every aspect of the novel, from the characters' depth to the unexpected twists and turns, is well-crafted, making it an incredibly gratifying read.
18. Turning Point
Turning Point: A cadre of exceptional medical professionals - Bill, Stephanie, Wendy, and Tom - have all embarked on a mission of great importance.
Bill, the head of a trauma unit at San Francisco's busiest emergency room, immerses himself in work due to the distance from his ex-wife and daughters in London.
Stephanie is a rising star at her hospital, with two young sons and an unhappy stay-at-home husband.
Wendy is a dedicated trauma doctor at Stanford, stuck in a dead-end relationship with a married cardiac surgeon.
Tom, a skilled medical practitioner in Oakland, is known for his popularity with women and his resistance to forming attachments.
These extraordinary individuals have been selected for a momentous and unique project: to participate in a mass-casualty training program in Paris alongside their French counterparts.
While gaining invaluable professional knowledge, they discover that the City of Light holds incredible new possibilities, both exhilarating and frightening.
However, their temporary lives in Paris are soon interrupted by an unspeakable act of mass violence that forces them to confront life-altering decisions with lasting consequences.
With realistic characters, intense settings, and captivating drama, Danielle Steel's latest novel will draw you in from the very first chapter.
The romance takes a back seat to the multiple characters, but the drama will carry you through the book.
The story is well-crafted, taking you into each doctor's daily routine without overdoing the gore.
A truly enjoyable read!
19. The Promise
The Promise: Michael Hillyard, a young architect, and artist Nancy McAllister is determined to marry despite his wealthy mother's disapproval.
However, an accident and deception at their wedding separate them indefinitely. Both start a new life, Nancy in California and Michael in New York, but they remain devoted to their vow to never say goodbye, and eventually, they reunite.
Romance writing nowadays appears to be influenced by the Fifty Shades of Grey craze, with many novels featuring graphic scenes.
However, Danielle Steel's The Promise proves that a classic romance novel with a compelling storyline can still captivate readers without such explicit content.
The novel was adapted into a film in 1979 and has since become a timeless classic. The Promise was the book that sparked the reader's interest in Danielle Steel's work during their high school years.
They found it to be well-written, fast-paced, and an enjoyable read. Upon rereading it, the book was just as good as they remembered.
20. The House On Hope Street
The House on Hope Street: The 49th bestselling novel by Danielle Steel centers around the theme of courage and loss, family power, and the strength of the human soul. Liz and Jack Sutherland had a lovely life for eighteen years.
They created a family, a thriving law practice, and a cozy, happy home on Hope Street near San Francisco. However, it all falls apart in an instant. Jack's life ends tragically while running a quick errand on Christmas morning.
Liz is left alone to face the difficult questions after a devastating loss. She struggles to cope with her grief while consoling her five children, one with special needs.
Despite the overwhelming sorrow, Liz gains strength from the love of her children, becoming a coach for her youngest son in the Special Olympics. As each holiday passes by, the first without Jack, Liz learns to find hope in small miracles.
When her oldest son is sent to the hospital, a doctor named Bill Webster becomes a friend and helps heal her son. A new relationship offers new hope, and Liz reflects on the past year of mourning and looks ahead to a new life.
Although the book was completed, it was easy to set aside, even in the middle of a chapter, which is unusual for me.
The plot is repetitive in many of Steel's novels. I could read her books 15 years ago, about 10 different ones, and then go back to them. Thurston House, Silent Honor, Jewels, The Ring... Her earlier books were amazing! I doubt I'll reread this one, and I'm feeling nostalgic about her previous books.
I can't remember the name of the one where the father kills the mother or the one where they move into a guest home during Hitler's reign, or Kaleidoscope.
Wow, I can recall many of her books! Her earlier works were truly masterpieces. Does anyone agree or have a suggestion for other titles that are similar to her earlier books?
21. A Perfect Life
A Perfect Life: In a novel by Danielle Steel, Blaise McCarthy is a successful television news anchor and single mother.
Her daughter Salima, who is blind due to Type 1 diabetes, returns home when her boarding school closes.
A new caretaker, Simon, enters their lives and helps them to see things differently.
However, when a younger anchorwoman is hired at the network, Blaise's life is turned upside down and she begins to face the truth about herself.
The story is emotional and honest, exploring what happens when facades fall away and life becomes brand-new.
22. Invisible
Invisible: Antonia Adams had a loveless childhood, neglected by both her parents, which made her want to hide and be "invisible." She found solace in books and movies and dreamed of becoming a screenwriter.
One summer, she gets a job at a Hollywood studio and catches the attention of a famous filmmaker who wants to make her a star.
This terrifies Antonia as it takes away the safety of being invisible.
Danielle Steel's novel tells the story of Antonia's pursuit of her passion and whether she can stay true to herself.
The book is short, precise, and one of Steel's better stories, not a cliché or recycled Steel.
It's an enjoyable read that keeps the reader flipping from page to page, Love conquers pain, and the story is entertaining and perfect for a weekend read.
About the Auther Danielle Steel
Danielle Steel, the noteworthy wordsmith acclaimed for her enchanting romantic literature, is a prestigious figure among the literati. She first saw the light of day in the great city of New York in 1947, born to a well-known French thinker and an ingenious artist.
She studied in elite schools and acquired a conventional education, but her ardent passion for writing set her apart from the crowd.
When she was 22, Steel published her debut novel, "Going Home". The book was greeted with great acclaim, and it was the stepping stone to her prosperous career as an accomplished author.
Over the next several decades, Steel has been incessantly penning her musings and producing numerous books almost every year.
Besides her successful writing career, Steel has been an ardent philanthropist and has lent her support to various charitable causes.
She has contributed copious amounts to organizations that support education, healthcare, and animal welfare.
Steel's books have been translated into 43 languages, a clear testament to her worldwide renown, and they have amassed over 800 million copies sold globally.
She is celebrated for her heart-stirring storytelling that is packed with brisk action and saturated with emotion, making her an author of choice for her loyal readers who fervently anticipate each new release.
Some of the popular Danielle Steel books that have been adapted into movies include "Now and Forever" (1983), "The Ring" (1996), "Palomino" (1991), "Changes" (1991), "Kaleidoscope" (1990), and "Safe Harbour" (2007). Other movies based on her books include "Zoya," "Granny Dan," and "Princess Daisy".
Regarding Danielle Steel's husband, she has been married multiple times. John Traina, her fourth husband, passed away suddenly on February 1st, 2011, at the age of 79. Her other ex-husbands, including her second husband, Danny Zugelder, and her third husband, William George Toth, are all still alive.
Danielle Fernandes Dominique Schuelein-Steel is an American writer, best known for her romance novels. She is the best-selling author alive and the fourth-bestselling fiction author of all time, with over 800 million copies sold. As of 2021, she has written 190 books, including over 140 novels. Wikipedia
- Born: August 14, 1947 (age 75 years), New York, New York, United States
- Spouse: Thomas Perkins (m. 1998–2002)
- Children: Nick Traina, Vanessa Danielle Traina
- Parents: Norma da Câmara Stone dos Reis, John Schulein-Steel
- Albums: Love Notes, By Danielle Steel
Danielle Steel Books In Order: Novels In Publishing Order
Danielle Steel’s Book Series: Max And Martha
- Martha’s New Daddy (1989)
- Max and the Baby-Sitter (1989)
- Martha’s Best Friend (1989)
- Max’s Daddy Goes to the Hospital (1989)
- Max’s New Baby (1989)
- Martha’s New School (1989)
- Max Runs Away (1990)
- Martha’s New Puppy (1990)
- Max and Grandma and Granpa Winky (1991)
- Martha and Hillary and the Stranger (1991)
Freddie Children’s Books In Order
- Freddie’s Trip (1992)
- Freddie’s First Night Away (1992)
- Freddie and the Doctor (1992)
- Freddie’s Accident (1992)
Danielle Steel’s Picture Books In Publishing Order
- The Happiest Hippo in the World (2000)
- Pretty Minnie in Paris (2014)
- Pretty Minnie in Hollywood (2016)
Danielle Steel’s Non-Fiction Books In Publishing Order
- His Bright Light (1998)
- A Gift of Hope (2010)
- Pure Joy (2013)
- Expect a Miracle (2020)
What should I read if I like Danielle Steel?
If you're a fan of Danielle Steel's novels and are looking for something similar to read, many other authors write in a similar style.
Here are five options to consider:
- Nora Roberts
- Diana Gabaldon
- Johanna Lindsey
- Nicholas Sparks
- Jill Shalvis
Conclusion: Best Danielle Steel Books
As one of the world's most popular and successful authors, Danielle Steel has written dozens of books that have captivated and inspired readers around the globe.
Her stories are known for their strong characters, emotional depth, and compelling themes, and she has a talent for crafting engaging and uplifting tales that resonate with a wide audience.
Personally, I have always enjoyed reading Best Danielle Steel's books. I find her writing style to be engaging and enjoyable, and I appreciate the way she creates complex and believable characters. Her stories are often emotional and poignant, and they always leave me feeling uplifted and inspired.
If you haven't already, I highly recommend checking out the books on this list. Whether you are a long-time fan of Danielle Steel or are new to her work, these books are sure to captivate and move you with their powerful themes and memorable characters.