Dissapointed, 29 Aug 2008
I have to agree with the previous reveiew in that I found myself wondering what happened?!? It started off well and as with all other Danielle Steel books her writing is easy and flows well, however this particular story about Maxine and her ex husband Blake, along with Maxines new husband to be Charles was a little repetitive, if not a little boring. The ending was abrupt and predictable and I didn't enjoy the book that much but it was an easy read.

Danielle Steel - Rogue, 30 Jul 2008
I think I must be outgrowing Danielle Steel as I found this book very repetitive in her writing. If she told you once about Maxine and Bradley being best friends etc she mentioned it 100 times. She should either stop writing or spend more time on each book!!!

I have to say I became bored reading it - a fact which I thought would never happen to me with Danielle Steel!

Dissapointed, 29 Aug 2008
I have to agree with the previous reveiew in that I found myself wondering what happened?!? It started off well and as with all other Danielle Steel books her writing is easy and flows well, however this particular story about Maxine and her ex husband Blake, along with Maxines new husband to be Charles was a little repetitive, if not a little boring. The ending was abrupt and predictable and I didn't enjoy the book that much but it was an easy read.

Danielle Steel - Rogue, 30 Jul 2008
I think I must be outgrowing Danielle Steel as I found this book very repetitive in her writing. If she told you once about Maxine and Bradley being best friends etc she mentioned it 100 times. She should either stop writing or spend more time on each book!!!

I have to say I became bored reading it - a fact which I thought would never happen to me with Danielle Steel!

Delivering the goods, 29 Jun 2008
One of Scanlan's greatest attributes is her determination to humanise her characters. And we're not just talking about the central heroine. The ostensible "bad guys" are presented as fully fleshed-out people too. While popular fiction is often presented/dismissed merely as 'good, clean fun' this book is the kind of proper storytelling that manages to transcend the genre.

For me, Scanlan's career high has always been "Promises, Promises." That position has now been usurped by "Forgive and Forget." These books share a certain dark realism and a real humanity that makes them more compelling. To very loosely paraphrase Lisa Stansfield, Connie Adams may not be a surgically-enhanced Jackie Collinsesque powerbabe, but she's all woman. Elsewhere, the woman we'd all hate to work with, Judith - bitterly encumbered by responsibilities - is a heartbreaking, three-dimensional soul. The bane in her life, her scared and frail mother, is also sensitively realised. There are moments in the book (I won't spoil it for you!) when you find yourself groaning "No! Don't do it" but, true to real life, the character goes ahead and does it because they are too likeably human, too realistically weak to resist.

Given the paths the protagonists have been following, I think the sequel will be just as dark and beguiling. Unlike the reviewer 'chic lit', I am pleased that there is more to come from these characters. Hurry up, Ms. Scanlan, your readers await!


FANTASTIC, 23 Apr 2008
I bought Patricia Scanlan's new book at the airport and didn't put it down, as a child whose parents also split up when I was very young I could totally sympathise with what Debbie was going through coming up to her wedding. A brilliant read and I would recommend it to everyone.

Better than ever!, 15 Apr 2008
Dare I say that this is Patricia Scanlan's best book to date? I think so. From page one I was drawn into the story and completely hooked. Not a dull moment. Pure joy all the way.

Not that the story itself is all bliss. Connie and Barry have been divorced for years. Barry is married again to Aimee and has 13 year old daughter Melissa in this marriage. Now Connie and Barrie's daughter Debbie is getting married and the event leads to a myriad of complications in the two families. One of them being Barry's renewed interest in his first wife, whom he left so many years ago...

Aimee is a tough, self-sentered career woman, with business trips abroad, designer clothes and no time for cosy family life.

First wife, Connie, is her opposite. A nurse, she has raised Debbie single-handedly and created a nice little home with a heavenly flower garden for the two of them. Neither money nor time has allowed for fancy clothes and pursuing a svelte body over the years. Connie appears a bit frumpyish and middle aged, and has seemingly lived in contented celibacy, until now!

There are other people and destinies to be met in this rich and fulfilling tale, which is not your regular chick lit but a wise story about life and love, regrets and new hope.

The book is excellently written and filled with humour. Always a bliss. A golden moment is young Melissa and her best friend Sarah's participation in Debbie's wedding, described with much insight and tenderness. Ah, to be 13 again, with your whole life ahead of you (and posters of Johnnie Depp over your bed...).

The book is not neatly wrapped up in a happy ending. Expertly, new threads are being woven in and create expectations for joys to come. Joys we are invited to share, the last sentence being - To be continued.

I can't wait.


Really enjoyed it!, 07 Apr 2008
I have to agree with another reviewer here - this is Patricia's best book so far. I read it on holiday and could hardly put it down. She deals with the subject of weddings and families really well and also she depicts older female characters very well too. I felt really sorry for poor Judith who at fifty is spiteful, resentful and discontent because she feels life has passed her by while she's been taking care of her mother Lily and has no help from either of her siblings. You really understand why she is the way she is by the end of the book. I also really liked Connie, first wife and mother-of-the bride and I liked melissa, the teenage step sister of the bride for all her naivety and rebellious teenage ways. The run up to the wedding was narrated really well and I enjoyed reading about the actual day. I would give this 5 stars but because it 'is to be continued' I removed a star. How can I wait a whole year to find out what happens next??? It's so frustrating!!!

Best Patricia Scanlan so far..., 12 Mar 2008
I have read almost all of Patricia Scanlan's books and enjoyed this the most. She manages to engage with the characters in a manner that moves the plot along but doesn't delve into superfluous detail, as is an unfortunate habit of many writers of this genre. An enjoyable read!

One criticism, however, the theme of age is prevalent in the book, but without the writer explicitly telling us the ages of the various characters I would have had no idea at all. More attention to this detail would have aided the character development.

Dissapointed, 29 Aug 2008
I have to agree with the previous reveiew in that I found myself wondering what happened?!? It started off well and as with all other Danielle Steel books her writing is easy and flows well, however this particular story about Maxine and her ex husband Blake, along with Maxines new husband to be Charles was a little repetitive, if not a little boring. The ending was abrupt and predictable and I didn't enjoy the book that much but it was an easy read.

Danielle Steel - Rogue, 30 Jul 2008
I think I must be outgrowing Danielle Steel as I found this book very repetitive in her writing. If she told you once about Maxine and Bradley being best friends etc she mentioned it 100 times. She should either stop writing or spend more time on each book!!!

I have to say I became bored reading it - a fact which I thought would never happen to me with Danielle Steel!

Delivering the goods, 29 Jun 2008
One of Scanlan's greatest attributes is her determination to humanise her characters. And we're not just talking about the central heroine. The ostensible "bad guys" are presented as fully fleshed-out people too. While popular fiction is often presented/dismissed merely as 'good, clean fun' this book is the kind of proper storytelling that manages to transcend the genre.

For me, Scanlan's career high has always been "Promises, Promises." That position has now been usurped by "Forgive and Forget." These books share a certain dark realism and a real humanity that makes them more compelling. To very loosely paraphrase Lisa Stansfield, Connie Adams may not be a surgically-enhanced Jackie Collinsesque powerbabe, but she's all woman. Elsewhere, the woman we'd all hate to work with, Judith - bitterly encumbered by responsibilities - is a heartbreaking, three-dimensional soul. The bane in her life, her scared and frail mother, is also sensitively realised. There are moments in the book (I won't spoil it for you!) when you find yourself groaning "No! Don't do it" but, true to real life, the character goes ahead and does it because they are too likeably human, too realistically weak to resist.

Given the paths the protagonists have been following, I think the sequel will be just as dark and beguiling. Unlike the reviewer 'chic lit', I am pleased that there is more to come from these characters. Hurry up, Ms. Scanlan, your readers await!


FANTASTIC, 23 Apr 2008
I bought Patricia Scanlan's new book at the airport and didn't put it down, as a child whose parents also split up when I was very young I could totally sympathise with what Debbie was going through coming up to her wedding. A brilliant read and I would recommend it to everyone.

Better than ever!, 15 Apr 2008
Dare I say that this is Patricia Scanlan's best book to date? I think so. From page one I was drawn into the story and completely hooked. Not a dull moment. Pure joy all the way.

Not that the story itself is all bliss. Connie and Barry have been divorced for years. Barry is married again to Aimee and has 13 year old daughter Melissa in this marriage. Now Connie and Barrie's daughter Debbie is getting married and the event leads to a myriad of complications in the two families. One of them being Barry's renewed interest in his first wife, whom he left so many years ago...

Aimee is a tough, self-sentered career woman, with business trips abroad, designer clothes and no time for cosy family life.

First wife, Connie, is her opposite. A nurse, she has raised Debbie single-handedly and created a nice little home with a heavenly flower garden for the two of them. Neither money nor time has allowed for fancy clothes and pursuing a svelte body over the years. Connie appears a bit frumpyish and middle aged, and has seemingly lived in contented celibacy, until now!

There are other people and destinies to be met in this rich and fulfilling tale, which is not your regular chick lit but a wise story about life and love, regrets and new hope.

The book is excellently written and filled with humour. Always a bliss. A golden moment is young Melissa and her best friend Sarah's participation in Debbie's wedding, described with much insight and tenderness. Ah, to be 13 again, with your whole life ahead of you (and posters of Johnnie Depp over your bed...).

The book is not neatly wrapped up in a happy ending. Expertly, new threads are being woven in and create expectations for joys to come. Joys we are invited to share, the last sentence being - To be continued.

I can't wait.


Really enjoyed it!, 07 Apr 2008
I have to agree with another reviewer here - this is Patricia's best book so far. I read it on holiday and could hardly put it down. She deals with the subject of weddings and families really well and also she depicts older female characters very well too. I felt really sorry for poor Judith who at fifty is spiteful, resentful and discontent because she feels life has passed her by while she's been taking care of her mother Lily and has no help from either of her siblings. You really understand why she is the way she is by the end of the book. I also really liked Connie, first wife and mother-of-the bride and I liked melissa, the teenage step sister of the bride for all her naivety and rebellious teenage ways. The run up to the wedding was narrated really well and I enjoyed reading about the actual day. I would give this 5 stars but because it 'is to be continued' I removed a star. How can I wait a whole year to find out what happens next??? It's so frustrating!!!

Best Patricia Scanlan so far..., 12 Mar 2008
I have read almost all of Patricia Scanlan's books and enjoyed this the most. She manages to engage with the characters in a manner that moves the plot along but doesn't delve into superfluous detail, as is an unfortunate habit of many writers of this genre. An enjoyable read!

One criticism, however, the theme of age is prevalent in the book, but without the writer explicitly telling us the ages of the various characters I would have had no idea at all. More attention to this detail would have aided the character development.


filled with excitement, heartbreak and hope., 04 Feb 2008
I picked up Amazing Grace by Danielle Steel, I had not expected it to be much more than a semi-interesting read. However, with every page turn, I became more and more attached to the novel's heroine, and actually found it very difficult to put the book down. Since reading this book, I have highly recommended it to all my girlfriends. It's a interesting look of a major disaster, about life, love and friendship filled with excitement, heartbreak and hope. I'd also recommend reading Tino Georgiou's bestselling novel--The Fates--if you haven't yet!!

Promising synopsis, but disappointing, 21 Nov 2007
After a promising synopsis, "Amazing Grace" was a great disappointment.

The main characters are interesting enough: Beautiful socialite wife and mother Sarah happily married to finance wizard Seth. Megastar singer Melanie and her overpowering ambitious mother. Bright young redtop Sister Maggie, nurse and nun. And restless, rootless alcoholized (saved by the AA) former war correspondent Everett. During a major earthquake in San Francisco, the lives of these people are intertwined and their destinies changed forever.

There is surely enough material for a very interesting story when so many lives change direction. However, through Danielle Steel's pen only the surface is skimmed, the easiest and most likely solutions chosen. Most of what happens is given early in the book, and the lack of intrigue and digging deeper into the characters' minds and feelings make the book boring and predictable.

Even the earthquake itself, a disaster of huge dimensions, seems more like a well organized event than a tragedy craving the lives and homes of thousands. We are told what happens but somehow not convinced. Popstar Melanie's search for a meaningful life is a beautiful thought but somehow the convert does not ring through. Maggie's destiny is apparent the moment she meets Everett. The only hint of uncertainty regards Sarah and Seth's relationship. The book puts up the slightest questionmark, which allows for a tiny bit of page-turning in order to find out.

Having been a fan of Danielle Steel's for years, I know she can do better than this. She will certainly be back.


Entertaining start but sloppy finish...., 19 Nov 2007

I have been a fan of Steele's for years, and consider her books a guilty pleasure. So don't pick up one of her novels in hopes of reading the great literature. With that said I have to agree with the other reviewers that this is not her best effort. I give it three stars as if you're a fan you'll still want to read the book but it is going to leave you a little hungry. This time out the story revolves around a San Francisco bay are earth quake and how it effects the lives of three successful and of course beautiful woman. The story starts off strong and quickly pilled me in, but I thought it lost focus towards the end. The typical Steele Romance is there but I did not feel connected to the characters. This is one you may want to wait for paperback. Oh, for a quirky romance I have to recommend "Across the High Lonesome" don't judge this book by the cover!

Dissapointed, 29 Aug 2008
I have to agree with the previous reveiew in that I found myself wondering what happened?!? It started off well and as with all other Danielle Steel books her writing is easy and flows well, however this particular story about Maxine and her ex husband Blake, along with Maxines new husband to be Charles was a little repetitive, if not a little boring. The ending was abrupt and predictable and I didn't enjoy the book that much but it was an easy read.

Danielle Steel - Rogue, 30 Jul 2008
I think I must be outgrowing Danielle Steel as I found this book very repetitive in her writing. If she told you once about Maxine and Bradley being best friends etc she mentioned it 100 times. She should either stop writing or spend more time on each book!!!

I have to say I became bored reading it - a fact which I thought would never happen to me with Danielle Steel!

Delivering the goods, 29 Jun 2008
One of Scanlan's greatest attributes is her determination to humanise her characters. And we're not just talking about the central heroine. The ostensible "bad guys" are presented as fully fleshed-out people too. While popular fiction is often presented/dismissed merely as 'good, clean fun' this book is the kind of proper storytelling that manages to transcend the genre.

For me, Scanlan's career high has always been "Promises, Promises." That position has now been usurped by "Forgive and Forget." These books share a certain dark realism and a real humanity that makes them more compelling. To very loosely paraphrase Lisa Stansfield, Connie Adams may not be a surgically-enhanced Jackie Collinsesque powerbabe, but she's all woman. Elsewhere, the woman we'd all hate to work with, Judith - bitterly encumbered by responsibilities - is a heartbreaking, three-dimensional soul. The bane in her life, her scared and frail mother, is also sensitively realised. There are moments in the book (I won't spoil it for you!) when you find yourself groaning "No! Don't do it" but, true to real life, the character goes ahead and does it because they are too likeably human, too realistically weak to resist.

Given the paths the protagonists have been following, I think the sequel will be just as dark and beguiling. Unlike the reviewer 'chic lit', I am pleased that there is more to come from these characters. Hurry up, Ms. Scanlan, your readers await!


FANTASTIC, 23 Apr 2008
I bought Patricia Scanlan's new book at the airport and didn't put it down, as a child whose parents also split up when I was very young I could totally sympathise with what Debbie was going through coming up to her wedding. A brilliant read and I would recommend it to everyone.

Better than ever!, 15 Apr 2008
Dare I say that this is Patricia Scanlan's best book to date? I think so. From page one I was drawn into the story and completely hooked. Not a dull moment. Pure joy all the way.

Not that the story itself is all bliss. Connie and Barry have been divorced for years. Barry is married again to Aimee and has 13 year old daughter Melissa in this marriage. Now Connie and Barrie's daughter Debbie is getting married and the event leads to a myriad of complications in the two families. One of them being Barry's renewed interest in his first wife, whom he left so many years ago...

Aimee is a tough, self-sentered career woman, with business trips abroad, designer clothes and no time for cosy family life.

First wife, Connie, is her opposite. A nurse, she has raised Debbie single-handedly and created a nice little home with a heavenly flower garden for the two of them. Neither money nor time has allowed for fancy clothes and pursuing a svelte body over the years. Connie appears a bit frumpyish and middle aged, and has seemingly lived in contented celibacy, until now!

There are other people and destinies to be met in this rich and fulfilling tale, which is not your regular chick lit but a wise story about life and love, regrets and new hope.

The book is excellently written and filled with humour. Always a bliss. A golden moment is young Melissa and her best friend Sarah's participation in Debbie's wedding, described with much insight and tenderness. Ah, to be 13 again, with your whole life ahead of you (and posters of Johnnie Depp over your bed...).

The book is not neatly wrapped up in a happy ending. Expertly, new threads are being woven in and create expectations for joys to come. Joys we are invited to share, the last sentence being - To be continued.

I can't wait.


Really enjoyed it!, 07 Apr 2008
I have to agree with another reviewer here - this is Patricia's best book so far. I read it on holiday and could hardly put it down. She deals with the subject of weddings and families really well and also she depicts older female characters very well too. I felt really sorry for poor Judith who at fifty is spiteful, resentful and discontent because she feels life has passed her by while she's been taking care of her mother Lily and has no help from either of her siblings. You really understand why she is the way she is by the end of the book. I also really liked Connie, first wife and mother-of-the bride and I liked melissa, the teenage step sister of the bride for all her naivety and rebellious teenage ways. The run up to the wedding was narrated really well and I enjoyed reading about the actual day. I would give this 5 stars but because it 'is to be continued' I removed a star. How can I wait a whole year to find out what happens next??? It's so frustrating!!!

Best Patricia Scanlan so far..., 12 Mar 2008
I have read almost all of Patricia Scanlan's books and enjoyed this the most. She manages to engage with the characters in a manner that moves the plot along but doesn't delve into superfluous detail, as is an unfortunate habit of many writers of this genre. An enjoyable read!

One criticism, however, the theme of age is prevalent in the book, but without the writer explicitly telling us the ages of the various characters I would have had no idea at all. More attention to this detail would have aided the character development.


filled with excitement, heartbreak and hope., 04 Feb 2008
I picked up Amazing Grace by Danielle Steel, I had not expected it to be much more than a semi-interesting read. However, with every page turn, I became more and more attached to the novel's heroine, and actually found it very difficult to put the book down. Since reading this book, I have highly recommended it to all my girlfriends. It's a interesting look of a major disaster, about life, love and friendship filled with excitement, heartbreak and hope. I'd also recommend reading Tino Georgiou's bestselling novel--The Fates--if you haven't yet!!

Promising synopsis, but disappointing, 21 Nov 2007
After a promising synopsis, "Amazing Grace" was a great disappointment.

The main characters are interesting enough: Beautiful socialite wife and mother Sarah happily married to finance wizard Seth. Megastar singer Melanie and her overpowering ambitious mother. Bright young redtop Sister Maggie, nurse and nun. And restless, rootless alcoholized (saved by the AA) former war correspondent Everett. During a major earthquake in San Francisco, the lives of these people are intertwined and their destinies changed forever.

There is surely enough material for a very interesting story when so many lives change direction. However, through Danielle Steel's pen only the surface is skimmed, the easiest and most likely solutions chosen. Most of what happens is given early in the book, and the lack of intrigue and digging deeper into the characters' minds and feelings make the book boring and predictable.

Even the earthquake itself, a disaster of huge dimensions, seems more like a well organized event than a tragedy craving the lives and homes of thousands. We are told what happens but somehow not convinced. Popstar Melanie's search for a meaningful life is a beautiful thought but somehow the convert does not ring through. Maggie's destiny is apparent the moment she meets Everett. The only hint of uncertainty regards Sarah and Seth's relationship. The book puts up the slightest questionmark, which allows for a tiny bit of page-turning in order to find out.

Having been a fan of Danielle Steel's for years, I know she can do better than this. She will certainly be back.


Entertaining start but sloppy finish...., 19 Nov 2007

I have been a fan of Steele's for years, and consider her books a guilty pleasure. So don't pick up one of her novels in hopes of reading the great literature. With that said I have to agree with the other reviewers that this is not her best effort. I give it three stars as if you're a fan you'll still want to read the book but it is going to leave you a little hungry. This time out the story revolves around a San Francisco bay are earth quake and how it effects the lives of three successful and of course beautiful woman. The story starts off strong and quickly pilled me in, but I thought it lost focus towards the end. The typical Steele Romance is there but I did not feel connected to the characters. This is one you may want to wait for paperback. Oh, for a quirky romance I have to recommend "Across the High Lonesome" don't judge this book by the cover!

Chick Lit at Its Best, 03 Apr 2008
Haven't previously read this author however, after going through the best seelers rapidly at the moment, I thought I'd give it a go. Thoroughly enjoyed the first three quarters of this book as easy-to-read escapism for the train journey to work. The last potion did spoil this somewhat and came across as though the author had gotten bored with it and just wanted to meet the publisher's deadline. Consequently, whilst reasonably entertaining, will not rush to read another Danielle Steele!



Excellent until a too sudden, too sugarcoated ending!, 24 Jul 2007
In Danielle Steel's latest novel "Sisters", the story starts out with the usual trademark fairytale quality.

Four sisters with highly successful and interesting careers, are scattered around the world; New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Florence. Hardly your average bunch of ordinary lives.

But that's the beginning. The surface. The setting. Until tragedy strikes and man's vulnerability cuts through whatever glamourous lifestyles the sisters may seemingly enjoy.

Life is turned upside down. The reality is as unexpected, harsh and as far from a fairytale as can be. The best part of the book describes the developments straight forward, honest and with much warmth and insight.

That a happy ending awaits, is Danielle Steel's trademark. However, the way tragedy all too quickly literary turns into happiness is a bit too easy to give the story balance. The pieces of the puzzle fall into place so fast and conveniently for all the family members that the situation is hard to fathom even for the most soft-hearted.

Tragedies ARE overcome but usually it takes time and hardship to build up a new future.

This book could actually have been longer. A more natural development of the situation and not the lightening quick wrapping up of loose ends during the last fifty pages or so, would have given the story more credibility.

Happy solutions are nice, but the turning of events in "Sisters" is simply too sweet and sudden even for a fairytale.

I almost gave the book four stars, but those miraculous solutions broke the book's rhytme and was in too sharp contrast to the rest of the book which was five star quality. In fact, after the first appr. two thirds of the book I thought it one of Danielle Steel's best books ever.

All together an enjoyable read, somewhat lessonned by a too sugarcoated ending.

Her Best Ever, 05 May 2007

I have read many Danielle Books but this one is the best. I would love to see it made it into a film.

Each one of these girls were great and you wanted sisters just like them

I would read this again.

Excellent, 24 Apr 2007
Another fantastic novel by Danielle Steel.

Finally another lovely novel which is a relief after the last two Danielle Steel novels I reviewed.

This time her novel takes you on a family journey with four sisters, these sisters think the world of each other. A tragic accident changes their lives suddenly, and they have to learn to cope with everything that's happen. They all decide to change their lives so they can support one another.

I really don't want to say much more about the story as it would spoil it for you and I don't want to do that.

If you decide to buy this novel you won't be disappointed. The novel is an excellent read and very compulsive. :-)

Dissapointed, 29 Aug 2008
I have to agree with the previous reveiew in that I found myself wondering what happened?!? It started off well and as with all other Danielle Steel books her writing is easy and flows well, however this particular story about Maxine and her ex husband Blake, along with Maxines new husband to be Charles was a little repetitive, if not a little boring. The ending was abrupt and predictable and I didn't enjoy the book that much but it was an easy read.

Danielle Steel - Rogue, 30 Jul 2008
I think I must be outgrowing Danielle Steel as I found this book very repetitive in her writing. If she told you once about Maxine and Bradley being best friends etc she mentioned it 100 times. She should either stop writing or spend more time on each book!!!

I have to say I became bored reading it - a fact which I thought would never happen to me with Danielle Steel!

Delivering the goods, 29 Jun 2008
One of Scanlan's greatest attributes is her determination to humanise her characters. And we're not just talking about the central heroine. The ostensible "bad guys" are presented as fully fleshed-out people too. While popular fiction is often presented/dismissed merely as 'good, clean fun' this book is the kind of proper storytelling that manages to transcend the genre.

For me, Scanlan's career high has always been "Promises, Promises." That position has now been usurped by "Forgive and Forget." These books share a certain dark realism and a real humanity that makes them more compelling. To very loosely paraphrase Lisa Stansfield, Connie Adams may not be a surgically-enhanced Jackie Collinsesque powerbabe, but she's all woman. Elsewhere, the woman we'd all hate to work with, Judith - bitterly encumbered by responsibilities - is a heartbreaking, three-dimensional soul. The bane in her life, her scared and frail mother, is also sensitively realised. There are moments in the book (I won't spoil it for you!) when you find yourself groaning "No! Don't do it" but, true to real life, the character goes ahead and does it because they are too likeably human, too realistically weak to resist.

Given the paths the protagonists have been following, I think the sequel will be just as dark and beguiling. Unlike the reviewer 'chic lit', I am pleased that there is more to come from these characters. Hurry up, Ms. Scanlan, your readers await!


FANTASTIC, 23 Apr 2008
I bought Patricia Scanlan's new book at the airport and didn't put it down, as a child whose parents also split up when I was very young I could totally sympathise with what Debbie was going through coming up to her wedding. A brilliant read and I would recommend it to everyone.

Better than ever!, 15 Apr 2008
Dare I say that this is Patricia Scanlan's best book to date? I think so. From page one I was drawn into the story and completely hooked. Not a dull moment. Pure joy all the way.

Not that the story itself is all bliss. Connie and Barry have been divorced for years. Barry is married again to Aimee and has 13 year old daughter Melissa in this marriage. Now Connie and Barrie's daughter Debbie is getting married and the event leads to a myriad of complications in the two families. One of them being Barry's renewed interest in his first wife, whom he left so many years ago...

Aimee is a tough, self-sentered career woman, with business trips abroad, designer clothes and no time for cosy family life.

First wife, Connie, is her opposite. A nurse, she has raised Debbie single-handedly and created a nice little home with a heavenly flower garden for the two of them. Neither money nor time has allowed for fancy clothes and pursuing a svelte body over the years. Connie appears a bit frumpyish and middle aged, and has seemingly lived in contented celibacy, until now!

There are other people and destinies to be met in this rich and fulfilling tale, which is not your regular chick lit but a wise story about life and love, regrets and new hope.

The book is excellently written and filled with humour. Always a bliss. A golden moment is young Melissa and her best friend Sarah's participation in Debbie's wedding, described with much insight and tenderness. Ah, to be 13 again, with your whole life ahead of you (and posters of Johnnie Depp over your bed...).

The book is not neatly wrapped up in a happy ending. Expertly, new threads are being woven in and create expectations for joys to come. Joys we are invited to share, the last sentence being - To be continued.

I can't wait.


Really enjoyed it!, 07 Apr 2008
I have to agree with another reviewer here - this is Patricia's best book so far. I read it on holiday and could hardly put it down. She deals with the subject of weddings and families really well and also she depicts older female characters very well too. I felt really sorry for poor Judith who at fifty is spiteful, resentful and discontent because she feels life has passed her by while she's been taking care of her mother Lily and has no help from either of her siblings. You really understand why she is the way she is by the end of the book. I also really liked Connie, first wife and mother-of-the bride and I liked melissa, the teenage step sister of the bride for all her naivety and rebellious teenage ways. The run up to the wedding was narrated really well and I enjoyed reading about the actual day. I would give this 5 stars but because it 'is to be continued' I removed a star. How can I wait a whole year to find out what happens next??? It's so frustrating!!!

Best Patricia Scanlan so far..., 12 Mar 2008
I have read almost all of Patricia Scanlan's books and enjoyed this the most. She manages to engage with the characters in a manner that moves the plot along but doesn't delve into superfluous detail, as is an unfortunate habit of many writers of this genre. An enjoyable read!

One criticism, however, the theme of age is prevalent in the book, but without the writer explicitly telling us the ages of the various characters I would have had no idea at all. More attention to this detail would have aided the character development.


filled with excitement, heartbreak and hope., 04 Feb 2008
I picked up Amazing Grace by Danielle Steel, I had not expected it to be much more than a semi-interesting read. However, with every page turn, I became more and more attached to the novel's heroine, and actually found it very difficult to put the book down. Since reading this book, I have highly recommended it to all my girlfriends. It's a interesting look of a major disaster, about life, love and friendship filled with excitement, heartbreak and hope. I'd also recommend reading Tino Georgiou's bestselling novel--The Fates--if you haven't yet!!

Promising synopsis, but disappointing, 21 Nov 2007
After a promising synopsis, "Amazing Grace" was a great disappointment.

The main characters are interesting enough: Beautiful socialite wife and mother Sarah happily married to finance wizard Seth. Megastar singer Melanie and her overpowering ambitious mother. Bright young redtop Sister Maggie, nurse and nun. And restless, rootless alcoholized (saved by the AA) former war correspondent Everett. During a major earthquake in San Francisco, the lives of these people are intertwined and their destinies changed forever.

There is surely enough material for a very interesting story when so many lives change direction. However, through Danielle Steel's pen only the surface is skimmed, the easiest and most likely solutions chosen. Most of what happens is given early in the book, and the lack of intrigue and digging deeper into the characters' minds and feelings make the book boring and predictable.

Even the earthquake itself, a disaster of huge dimensions, seems more like a well organized event than a tragedy craving the lives and homes of thousands. We are told what happens but somehow not convinced. Popstar Melanie's search for a meaningful life is a beautiful thought but somehow the convert does not ring through. Maggie's destiny is apparent the moment she meets Everett. The only hint of uncertainty regards Sarah and Seth's relationship. The book puts up the slightest questionmark, which allows for a tiny bit of page-turning in order to find out.

Having been a fan of Danielle Steel's for years, I know she can do better than this. She will certainly be back.


Entertaining start but sloppy finish...., 19 Nov 2007

I have been a fan of Steele's for years, and consider her books a guilty pleasure. So don't pick up one of her novels in hopes of reading the great literature. With that said I have to agree with the other reviewers that this is not her best effort. I give it three stars as if you're a fan you'll still want to read the book but it is going to leave you a little hungry. This time out the story revolves around a San Francisco bay are earth quake and how it effects the lives of three successful and of course beautiful woman. The story starts off strong and quickly pilled me in, but I thought it lost focus towards the end. The typical Steele Romance is there but I did not feel connected to the characters. This is one you may want to wait for paperback. Oh, for a quirky romance I have to recommend "Across the High Lonesome" don't judge this book by the cover!

Chick Lit at Its Best, 03 Apr 2008
Haven't previously read this author however, after going through the best seelers rapidly at the moment, I thought I'd give it a go. Thoroughly enjoyed the first three quarters of this book as easy-to-read escapism for the train journey to work. The last potion did spoil this somewhat and came across as though the author had gotten bored with it and just wanted to meet the publisher's deadline. Consequently, whilst reasonably entertaining, will not rush to read another Danielle Steele!



Excellent until a too sudden, too sugarcoated ending!, 24 Jul 2007
In Danielle Steel's latest novel "Sisters", the story starts out with the usual trademark fairytale quality.

Four sisters with highly successful and interesting careers, are scattered around the world; New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Florence. Hardly your average bunch of ordinary lives.

But that's the beginning. The surface. The setting. Until tragedy strikes and man's vulnerability cuts through whatever glamourous lifestyles the sisters may seemingly enjoy.

Life is turned upside down. The reality is as unexpected, harsh and as far from a fairytale as can be. The best part of the book describes the developments straight forward, honest and with much warmth and insight.

That a happy ending awaits, is Danielle Steel's trademark. However, the way tragedy all too quickly literary turns into happiness is a bit too easy to give the story balance. The pieces of the puzzle fall into place so fast and conveniently for all the family members that the situation is hard to fathom even for the most soft-hearted.

Tragedies ARE overcome but usually it takes time and hardship to build up a new future.

This book could actually have been longer. A more natural development of the situation and not the lightening quick wrapping up of loose ends during the last fifty pages or so, would have given the story more credibility.

Happy solutions are nice, but the turning of events in "Sisters" is simply too sweet and sudden even for a fairytale.

I almost gave the book four stars, but those miraculous solutions broke the book's rhytme and was in too sharp contrast to the rest of the book which was five star quality. In fact, after the first appr. two thirds of the book I thought it one of Danielle Steel's best books ever.

All together an enjoyable read, somewhat lessonned by a too sugarcoated ending.

Her Best Ever, 05 May 2007

I have read many Danielle Books but this one is the best. I would love to see it made it into a film.

Each one of these girls were great and you wanted sisters just like them

I would read this again.

Excellent, 24 Apr 2007
Another fantastic novel by Danielle Steel.

Finally another lovely novel which is a relief after the last two Danielle Steel novels I reviewed.

This time her novel takes you on a family journey with four sisters, these sisters think the world of each other. A tragic accident changes their lives suddenly, and they have to learn to cope with everything that's happen. They all decide to change their lives so they can support one another.

I really don't want to say much more about the story as it would spoil it for you and I don't want to do that.

If you decide to buy this novel you won't be disappointed. The novel is an excellent read and very compulsive. :-)



OK but not her best, 15 Nov 2008
Just finished this book and on the whole I did find it quite enjoyable, however I cannot remember the last time I was completely glued to one of her books - perhaps with Lightning or Malice or others from the 1980's.

Unfortunately her writing seems have gone downhill over the past few years which is a shame because I think she is a very talented author.

I liked the descriptions of Paris and it made me wish I was back there for a holiday but I found the repetition in the earlier chapters very grating.

Overall OK but she can do a lot better.

In my opinion her best book was definitely HIS BRIGHT LIGHT.

Excellent Read, 10 Nov 2008
I've lost count of how many Danielle Steel novels I've read over the years, but I was rather dubious about reading another as the last few I've read that have been published since 2000 I've been disappointed in, as the quality and style had completely altered.

The story is set around a movie star called Carole Barber who has two children and been married twice. She has lived in America and France, and been on location all over the world for her movies. Carole was in the process of writing a novel but she had writers block and decided on taking a trip which hopefully would her. Here long time assistant and friend Stephanie recommended France as she knew Carole had loved the 2yrs that she had spent there with her children. The day she arrives in Paris she decides to go on a long walk looking at all the places that she had loved, she then took a taxi back to the hotel when disaster struck. I don't want to mention anymore of the story as I don't want to spoil it for you.

The story is well written, the characters have depth, and the descriptive work throughout the book I found to be excellent. :-)

Personally, I loved this novel. The book gripped me right from the first page; it was an enjoyable and compulsive read. I read this book within 24hrs as I found it hard to put down. :-)

It's definitely a book I'd read again and is worth every penny. :-)


A BIG yawn, all the way!!, 07 Apr 2008
I had such high hopes for this book. After many disappointments with Danielle Steel lately, the synopsis seemed promising.

Alas. This book was far from ds at her best, when she was writing really good books. The last fairly acceptable one being "Sisters".

"Honor Thyself" starts with 50 year old world famous movie star Carole Barber trying to write a semi-biographic book. A very sympathetic heroine, to sympathetic perhaps, but that is regular ds recipe. However, already the first 20-30 pages are so repetitive and downright boring that I only kept reading in the hope that it would all get better.

In a way it does. Carole ends up in an awful accident, a terrorist attack in Paris. She almost dies, lies in a coma for a long time. Wakes up, does not recognize anyone, not even her children. She finally gets better and gets a new lease on life. She finds the answers she has been seeking both from her past and her loves.

The book has a happy, perhaps a bit unexpected, ending. That is, if you manage to get so far (or only take a peek at the end in order to find out). Because, even if things do happen in this book, it continues being extremely repetitive and lacking in substance. A big yawn, all the way!

If properly edited, it could have made a nice little short story, but there certainly is not material for much more than that.

Danielle Steel is such a fine writer and has given me so much joy with her numerous excellent works. Please get back to the quality of quite long ago. This book is a waste of money both in hardcover and paperback.

Dissapointed, 29 Aug 2008
I have to agree with the previous reveiew in that I found myself wondering what happened?!? It started off well and as with all other Danielle Steel books her writing is easy and flows well, however this particular story about Maxine and her ex husband Blake, along with Maxines new husband to be Charles was a little repetitive, if not a little boring. The ending was abrupt and predictable and I didn't enjoy the book that much but it was an easy read.

Danielle Steel - Rogue, 30 Jul 2008
I think I must be outgrowing Danielle Steel as I found this book very repetitive in her writing. If she told you once about Maxine and Bradley being best friends etc she mentioned it 100 times. She should either stop writing or spend more time on each book!!!

I have to say I became bored reading it - a fact which I thought would never happen to me with Danielle Steel!

Delivering the goods, 29 Jun 2008
One of Scanlan's greatest attributes is her determination to humanise her characters. And we're not just talking about the central heroine. The ostensible "bad guys" are presented as fully fleshed-out people too. While popular fiction is often presented/dismissed merely as 'good, clean fun' this book is the kind of proper storytelling that manages to transcend the genre.

For me, Scanlan's career high has always been "Promises, Promises." That position has now been usurped by "Forgive and Forget." These books share a certain dark realism and a real humanity that makes them more compelling. To very loosely paraphrase Lisa Stansfield, Connie Adams may not be a surgically-enhanced Jackie Collinsesque powerbabe, but she's all woman. Elsewhere, the woman we'd all hate to work with, Judith - bitterly encumbered by responsibilities - is a heartbreaking, three-dimensional soul. The bane in her life, her scared and frail mother, is also sensitively realised. There are moments in the book (I won't spoil it for you!) when you find yourself groaning "No! Don't do it" but, true to real life, the character goes ahead and does it because they are too likeably human, too realistically weak to resist.

Given the paths the protagonists have been following, I think the sequel will be just as dark and beguiling. Unlike the reviewer 'chic lit', I am pleased that there is more to come from these characters. Hurry up, Ms. Scanlan, your readers await!


FANTASTIC, 23 Apr 2008
I bought Patricia Scanlan's new book at the airport and didn't put it down, as a child whose parents also split up when I was very young I could totally sympathise with what Debbie was going through coming up to her wedding. A brilliant read and I would recommend it to everyone.

Better than ever!, 15 Apr 2008
Dare I say that this is Patricia Scanlan's best book to date? I think so. From page one I was drawn into the story and completely hooked. Not a dull moment. Pure joy all the way.

Not that the story itself is all bliss. Connie and Barry have been divorced for years. Barry is married again to Aimee and has 13 year old daughter Melissa in this marriage. Now Connie and Barrie's daughter Debbie is getting married and the event leads to a myriad of complications in the two families. One of them being Barry's renewed interest in his first wife, whom he left so many years ago...

Aimee is a tough, self-sentered career woman, with business trips abroad, designer clothes and no time for cosy family life.

First wife, Connie, is her opposite. A nurse, she has raised Debbie single-handedly and created a nice little home with a heavenly flower garden for the two of them. Neither money nor time has allowed for fancy clothes and pursuing a svelte body over the years. Connie appears a bit frumpyish and middle aged, and has seemingly lived in contented celibacy, until now!

There are other people and destinies to be met in this rich and fulfilling tale, which is not your regular chick lit but a wise story about life and love, regrets and new hope.

The book is excellently written and filled with humour. Always a bliss. A golden moment is young Melissa and her best friend Sarah's participation in Debbie's wedding, described with much insight and tenderness. Ah, to be 13 again, with your whole life ahead of you (and posters of Johnnie Depp over your bed...).

The book is not neatly wrapped up in a happy ending. Expertly, new threads are being woven in and create expectations for joys to come. Joys we are invited to share, the last sentence being - To be continued.

I can't wait.


Really enjoyed it!, 07 Apr 2008
I have to agree with another reviewer here - this is Patricia's best book so far. I read it on holiday and could hardly put it down. She deals with the subject of weddings and families really well and also she depicts older female characters very well too. I felt really sorry for poor Judith who at fifty is spiteful, resentful and discontent because she feels life has passed her by while she's been taking care of her mother Lily and has no help from either of her siblings. You really understand why she is the way she is by the end of the book. I also really liked Connie, first wife and mother-of-the bride and I liked melissa, the teenage step sister of the bride for all her naivety and rebellious teenage ways. The run up to the wedding was narrated really well and I enjoyed reading about the actual day. I would give this 5 stars but because it 'is to be continued' I removed a star. How can I wait a whole year to find out what happens next??? It's so frustrating!!!

Best Patricia Scanlan so far..., 12 Mar 2008
I have read almost all of Patricia Scanlan's books and enjoyed this the most. She manages to engage with the characters in a manner that moves the plot along but doesn't delve into superfluous detail, as is an unfortunate habit of many writers of this genre. An enjoyable read!

One criticism, however, the theme of age is prevalent in the book, but without the writer explicitly telling us the ages of the various characters I would have had no idea at all. More attention to this detail would have aided the character development.


filled with excitement, heartbreak and hope., 04 Feb 2008
I picked up Amazing Grace by Danielle Steel, I had not expected it to be much more than a semi-interesting read. However, with every page turn, I became more and more attached to the novel's heroine, and actually found it very difficult to put the book down. Since reading this book, I have highly recommended it to all my girlfriends. It's a interesting look of a major disaster, about life, love and friendship filled with excitement, heartbreak and hope. I'd also recommend reading Tino Georgiou's bestselling novel--The Fates--if you haven't yet!!

Promising synopsis, but disappointing, 21 Nov 2007
After a promising synopsis, "Amazing Grace" was a great disappointment.

The main characters are interesting enough: Beautiful socialite wife and mother Sarah happily married to finance wizard Seth. Megastar singer Melanie and her overpowering ambitious mother. Bright young redtop Sister Maggie, nurse and nun. And restless, rootless alcoholized (saved by the AA) former war correspondent Everett. During a major earthquake in San Francisco, the lives of these people are intertwined and their destinies changed forever.

There is surely enough material for a very interesting story when so many lives change direction. However, through Danielle Steel's pen only the surface is skimmed, the easiest and most likely solutions chosen. Most of what happens is given early in the book, and the lack of intrigue and digging deeper into the characters' minds and feelings make the book boring and predictable.

Even the earthquake itself, a disaster of huge dimensions, seems more like a well organized event than a tragedy craving the lives and homes of thousands. We are told what happens but somehow not convinced. Popstar Melanie's search for a meaningful life is a beautiful thought but somehow the convert does not ring through. Maggie's destiny is apparent the moment she meets Everett. The only hint of uncertainty regards Sarah and Seth's relationship. The book puts up the slightest questionmark, which allows for a tiny bit of page-turning in order to find out.

Having been a fan of Danielle Steel's for years, I know she can do better than this. She will certainly be back.


Entertaining start but sloppy finish...., 19 Nov 2007

I have been a fan of Steele's for years, and consider her books a guilty pleasure. So don't pick up one of her novels in hopes of reading the great literature. With that said I have to agree with the other reviewers that this is not her best effort. I give it three stars as if you're a fan you'll still want to read the book but it is going to leave you a little hungry. This time out the story revolves around a San Francisco bay are earth quake and how it effects the lives of three successful and of course beautiful woman. The story starts off strong and quickly pilled me in, but I thought it lost focus towards the end. The typical Steele Romance is there but I did not feel connected to the characters. This is one you may want to wait for paperback. Oh, for a quirky romance I have to recommend "Across the High Lonesome" don't judge this book by the cover!

Chick Lit at Its Best, 03 Apr 2008
Haven't previously read this author however, after going through the best seelers rapidly at the moment, I thought I'd give it a go. Thoroughly enjoyed the first three quarters of this book as easy-to-read escapism for the train journey to work. The last potion did spoil this somewhat and came across as though the author had gotten bored with it and just wanted to meet the publisher's deadline. Consequently, whilst reasonably entertaining, will not rush to read another Danielle Steele!



Excellent until a too sudden, too sugarcoated ending!, 24 Jul 2007
In Danielle Steel's latest novel "Sisters", the story starts out with the usual trademark fairytale quality.

Four sisters with highly successful and interesting careers, are scattered around the world; New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Florence. Hardly your average bunch of ordinary lives.

But that's the beginning. The surface. The setting. Until tragedy strikes and man's vulnerability cuts through whatever glamourous lifestyles the sisters may seemingly enjoy.

Life is turned upside down. The reality is as unexpected, harsh and as far from a fairytale as can be. The best part of the book describes the developments straight forward, honest and with much warmth and insight.

That a happy ending awaits, is Danielle Steel's trademark. However, the way tragedy all too quickly literary turns into happiness is a bit too easy to give the story balance. The pieces of the puzzle fall into place so fast and conveniently for all the family members that the situation is hard to fathom even for the most soft-hearted.

Tragedies ARE overcome but usually it takes time and hardship to build up a new future.

This book could actually have been longer. A more natural development of the situation and not the lightening quick wrapping up of loose ends during the last fifty pages or so, would have given the story more credibility.

Happy solutions are nice, but the turning of events in "Sisters" is simply too sweet and sudden even for a fairytale.

I almost gave the book four stars, but those miraculous solutions broke the book's rhytme and was in too sharp contrast to the rest of the book which was five star quality. In fact, after the first appr. two thirds of the book I thought it one of Danielle Steel's best books ever.

All together an enjoyable read, somewhat lessonned by a too sugarcoated ending.

Her Best Ever, 05 May 2007

I have read many Danielle Books but this one is the best. I would love to see it made it into a film.

Each one of these girls were great and you wanted sisters just like them

I would read this again.

Excellent, 24 Apr 2007
Another fantastic novel by Danielle Steel.

Finally another lovely novel which is a relief after the last two Danielle Steel novels I reviewed.

This time her novel takes you on a family journey with four sisters, these sisters think the world of each other. A tragic accident changes their lives suddenly, and they have to learn to cope with everything that's happen. They all decide to change their lives so they can support one another.

I really don't want to say much more about the story as it would spoil it for you and I don't want to do that.

If you decide to buy this novel you won't be disappointed. The novel is an excellent read and very compulsive. :-)



OK but not her best, 15 Nov 2008
Just finished this book and on the whole I did find it quite enjoyable, however I cannot remember the last time I was completely glued to one of her books - perhaps with Lightning or Malice or others from the 1980's.

Unfortunately her writing seems have gone downhill over the past few years which is a shame because I think she is a very talented author.

I liked the descriptions of Paris and it made me wish I was back there for a holiday but I found the repetition in the earlier chapters very grating.

Overall OK but she can do a lot better.

In my opinion her best book was definitely HIS BRIGHT LIGHT.

Excellent Read, 10 Nov 2008
I've lost count of how many Danielle Steel novels I've read over the years, but I was rather dubious about reading another as the last few I've read that have been published since 2000 I've been disappointed in, as the quality and style had completely altered.

The story is set around a movie star called Carole Barber who has two children and been married twice. She has lived in America and France, and been on location all over the world for her movies. Carole was in the process of writing a novel but she had writers block and decided on taking a trip which hopefully would her. Here long time assistant and friend Stephanie recommended France as she knew Carole had loved the 2yrs that she had spent there with her children. The day she arrives in Paris she decides to go on a long walk looking at all the places that she had loved, she then took a taxi back to the hotel when disaster struck. I don't want to mention anymore of the story as I don't want to spoil it for you.

The story is well written, the characters have depth, and the descriptive work throughout the book I found to be excellent. :-)

Personally, I loved this novel. The book gripped me right from the first page; it was an enjoyable and compulsive read. I read this book within 24hrs as I found it hard to put down. :-)

It's definitely a book I'd read again and is worth every penny. :-)


A BIG yawn, all the way!!, 07 Apr 2008
I had such high hopes for this book. After many disappointments with Danielle Steel lately, the synopsis seemed promising.

Alas. This book was far from ds at her best, when she was writing really good books. The last fairly acceptable one being "Sisters".

"Honor Thyself" starts with 50 year old world famous movie star Carole Barber trying to write a semi-biographic book. A very sympathetic heroine, to sympathetic perhaps, but that is regular ds recipe. However, already the first 20-30 pages are so repetitive and downright boring that I only kept reading in the hope that it would all get better.

In a way it does. Carole ends up in an awful accident, a terrorist attack in Paris. She almost dies, lies in a coma for a long time. Wakes up, does not recognize anyone, not even her children. She finally gets better and gets a new lease on life. She finds the answers she has been seeking both from her past and her loves.

The book has a happy, perhaps a bit unexpected, ending. That is, if you manage to get so far (or only take a peek at the end in order to find out). Because, even if things do happen in this book, it continues being extremely repetitive and lacking in substance. A big yawn, all the way!

If properly edited, it could have made a nice little short story, but there certainly is not material for much more than that.

Danielle Steel is such a fine writer and has given me so much joy with her numerous excellent works. Please get back to the quality of quite long ago. This book is a waste of money both in hardcover and paperback.


Not as good as expected, 20 Jul 2005
I thought this book would be really good, and there are 19 writers who all have their own little short stories, I was quite bored with this book, some of the stories were ok, but some i didn't bother finishing off and i found them rather boring.

Dissapointed, 29 Aug 2008
I have to agree with the previous reveiew in that I found myself wondering what happened?!? It started off well and as with all other Danielle Steel books her writing is easy and flows well, however this particular story about Maxine and her ex husband Blake, along with Maxines new husband to be Charles was a little repetitive, if not a little boring. The ending was abrupt and predictable and I didn't enjoy the book that much but it was an easy read.

Danielle Steel - Rogue, 30 Jul 2008
I think I must be outgrowing Danielle Steel as I found this book very repetitive in her writing. If she told you once about Maxine and Bradley being best friends etc she mentioned it 100 times. She should either stop writing or spend more time on each book!!!

I have to say I became bored reading it - a fact which I thought would never happen to me with Danielle Steel!

Delivering the goods, 29 Jun 2008
One of Scanlan's greatest attributes is her determination to humanise her characters. And we're not just talking about the central heroine. The ostensible "bad guys" are presented as fully fleshed-out people too. While popular fiction is often presented/dismissed merely as 'good, clean fun' this book is the kind of proper storytelling that manages to transcend the genre.

For me, Scanlan's career high has always been "Promises, Promises." That position has now been usurped by "Forgive and Forget." These books share a certain dark realism and a real humanity that makes them more compelling. To very loosely paraphrase Lisa Stansfield, Connie Adams may not be a surgically-enhanced Jackie Collinsesque powerbabe, but she's all woman. Elsewhere, the woman we'd all hate to work with, Judith - bitterly encumbered by responsibilities - is a heartbreaking, three-dimensional soul. The bane in her life, her scared and frail mother, is also sensitively realised. There are moments in the book (I won't spoil it for you!) when you find yourself groaning "No! Don't do it" but, true to real life, the character goes ahead and does it because they are too likeably human, too realistically weak to resist.

Given the paths the protagonists have been following, I think the sequel will be just as dark and beguiling. Unlike the reviewer 'chic lit', I am pleased that there is more to come from these characters. Hurry up, Ms. Scanlan, your readers await!


FANTASTIC, 23 Apr 2008
I bought Patricia Scanlan's new book at the airport and didn't put it down, as a child whose parents also split up when I was very young I could totally sympathise with what Debbie was going through coming up to her wedding. A brilliant read and I would recommend it to everyone.

Better than ever!, 15 Apr 2008
Dare I say that this is Patricia Scanlan's best book to date? I think so. From page one I was drawn into the story and completely hooked. Not a dull moment. Pure joy all the way.

Not that the story itself is all bliss. Connie and Barry have been divorced for years. Barry is married again to Aimee and has 13 year old daughter Melissa in this marriage. Now Connie and Barrie's daughter Debbie is getting married and the event leads to a myriad of complications in the two families. One of them being Barry's renewed interest in his first wife, whom he left so many years ago...

Aimee is a tough, self-sentered career woman, with business trips abroad, designer clothes and no time for cosy family life.

First wife, Connie, is her opposite. A nurse, she has raised Debbie single-handedly and created a nice little home with a heavenly flower garden for the two of them. Neither money nor time has allowed for fancy clothes and pursuing a svelte body over the years. Connie appears a bit frumpyish and middle aged, and has seemingly lived in contented celibacy, until now!

There are other people and destinies to be met in this rich and fulfilling tale, which is not your regular chick lit but a wise story about life and love, regrets and new hope.

The book is excellently written and filled with humour. Always a bliss. A golden moment is young Melissa and her best friend Sarah's participation in Debbie's wedding, described with much insight and tenderness. Ah, to be 13 again, with your whole life ahead of you (and posters of Johnnie Depp over your bed...).

The book is not neatly wrapped up in a happy ending. Expertly, new threads are being woven in and create expectations for joys to come. Joys we are invited to share, the last sentence being - To be continued.

I can't wait.


Really enjoyed it!, 07 Apr 2008
I have to agree with another reviewer here - this is Patricia's best book so far. I read it on holiday and could hardly put it down. She deals with the subject of weddings and families really well and also she depicts older female characters very well too. I felt really sorry for poor Judith who at fifty is spiteful, resentful and discontent because she feels life has passed her by while she's been taking care of her mother Lily and has no help from either of her siblings. You really understand why she is the way she is by the end of the book. I also really liked Connie, first wife and mother-of-the bride and I liked melissa, the teenage step sister of the bride for all her naivety and rebellious teenage ways. The run up to the wedding was narrated really well and I enjoyed reading about the actual day. I would give this 5 stars but because it 'is to be continued' I removed a star. How can I wait a whole year to find out what happens next??? It's so frustrating!!!

Best Patricia Scanlan so far..., 12 Mar 2008
I have read almost all of Patricia Scanlan's books and enjoyed this the most. She manages to engage with the characters in a manner that moves the plot along but doesn't delve into superfluous detail, as is an unfortunate habit of many writers of this genre. An enjoyable read!

One criticism, however, the theme of age is prevalent in the book, but without the writer explicitly telling us the ages of the various characters I would have had no idea at all. More attention to this detail would have aided the character development.


filled with excitement, heartbreak and hope., 04 Feb 2008
I picked up Amazing Grace by Danielle Steel, I had not expected it to be much more than a semi-interesting read. However, with every page turn, I became more and more attached to the novel's heroine, and actually found it very difficult to put the book down. Since reading this book, I have highly recommended it to all my girlfriends. It's a interesting look of a major disaster, about life, love and friendship filled with excitement, heartbreak and hope. I'd also recommend reading Tino Georgiou's bestselling novel--The Fates--if you haven't yet!!

Promising synopsis, but disappointing, 21 Nov 2007
After a promising synopsis, "Amazing Grace" was a great disappointment.

The main characters are interesting enough: Beautiful socialite wife and mother Sarah happily married to finance wizard Seth. Megastar singer Melanie and her overpowering ambitious mother. Bright young redtop Sister Maggie, nurse and nun. And restless, rootless alcoholized (saved by the AA) former war correspondent Everett. During a major earthquake in San Francisco, the lives of these people are intertwined and their destinies changed forever.

There is surely enough material for a very interesting story when so many lives change direction. However, through Danielle Steel's pen only the surface is skimmed, the easiest and most likely solutions chosen. Most of what happens is given early in the book, and the lack of intrigue and digging deeper into the characters' minds and feelings make the book boring and predictable.

Even the earthquake itself, a disaster of huge dimensions, seems more like a well organized event than a tragedy craving the lives and homes of thousands. We are told what happens but somehow not convinced. Popstar Melanie's search for a meaningful life is a beautiful thought but somehow the convert does not ring through. Maggie's destiny is apparent the moment she meets Everett. The only hint of uncertainty regards Sarah and Seth's relationship. The book puts up the slightest questionmark, which allows for a tiny bit of page-turning in order to find out.

Having been a fan of Danielle Steel's for years, I know she can do better than this. She will certainly be back.


Entertaining start but sloppy finish...., 19 Nov 2007

I have been a fan of Steele's for years, and consider her books a guilty pleasure. So don't pick up one of her novels in hopes of reading the great literature. With that said I have to agree with the other reviewers that this is not her best effort. I give it three stars as if you're a fan you'll still want to read the book but it is going to leave you a little hungry. This time out the story revolves around a San Francisco bay are earth quake and how it effects the lives of three successful and of course beautiful woman. The story starts off strong and quickly pilled me in, but I thought it lost focus towards the end. The typical Steele Romance is there but I did not feel connected to the characters. This is one you may want to wait for paperback. Oh, for a quirky romance I have to recommend "Across the High Lonesome" don't judge this book by the cover!

Chick Lit at Its Best, 03 Apr 2008
Haven't previously read this author however, after going through the best seelers rapidly at the moment, I thought I'd give it a go. Thoroughly enjoyed the first three quarters of this book as easy-to-read escapism for the train journey to work. The last potion did spoil this somewhat and came across as though the author had gotten bored with it and just wanted to meet the publisher's deadline. Consequently, whilst reasonably entertaining, will not rush to read another Danielle Steele!



Excellent until a too sudden, too sugarcoated ending!, 24 Jul 2007
In Danielle Steel's latest novel "Sisters", the story starts out with the usual trademark fairytale quality.

Four sisters with highly successful and interesting careers, are scattered around the world; New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Florence. Hardly your average bunch of ordinary lives.

But that's the beginning. The surface. The setting. Until tragedy strikes and man's vulnerability cuts through whatever glamourous lifestyles the sisters may seemingly enjoy.

Life is turned upside down. The reality is as unexpected, harsh and as far from a fairytale as can be. The best part of the book describes the developments straight forward, honest and with much warmth and insight.

That a happy ending awaits, is Danielle Steel's trademark. However, the way tragedy all too quickly literary turns into happiness is a bit too easy to give the story balance. The pieces of the puzzle fall into place so fast and conveniently for all the family members that the situation is hard to fathom even for the most soft-hearted.

Tragedies ARE overcome but usually it takes time and hardship to build up a new future.

This book could actually have been longer. A more natural development of the situation and not the lightening quick wrapping up of loose ends during the last fifty pages or so, would have given the story more credibility.

Happy solutions are nice, but the turning of events in "Sisters" is simply too sweet and sudden even for a fairytale.

I almost gave the book four stars, but those miraculous solutions broke the book's rhytme and was in too sharp contrast to the rest of the book which was five star quality. In fact, after the first appr. two thirds of the book I thought it one of Danielle Steel's best books ever.

All together an enjoyable read, somewhat lessonned by a too sugarcoated ending.

Her Best Ever, 05 May 2007

I have read many Danielle Books but this one is the best. I would love to see it made it into a film.

Each one of these girls were great and you wanted sisters just like them

I would read this again.

Excellent, 24 Apr 2007
Another fantastic novel by Danielle Steel.

Finally another lovely novel which is a relief after the last two Danielle Steel novels I reviewed.

This time her novel takes you on a family journey with four sisters, these sisters think the world of each other. A tragic accident changes their lives suddenly, and they have to learn to cope with everything that's happen. They all decide to change their lives so they can support one another.

I really don't want to say much more about the story as it would spoil it for you and I don't want to do that.

If you decide to buy this novel you won't be disappointed. The novel is an excellent read and very compulsive. :-)



OK but not her best, 15 Nov 2008
Just finished this book and on the whole I did find it quite enjoyable, however I cannot remember the last time I was completely glued to one of her books - perhaps with Lightning or Malice or others from the 1980's.

Unfortunately her writing seems have gone downhill over the past few years which is a shame because I think she is a very talented author.

I liked the descriptions of Paris and it made me wish I was back there for a holiday but I found the repetition in the earlier chapters very grating.

Overall OK but she can do a lot better.

In my opinion her best book was definitely HIS BRIGHT LIGHT.

Excellent Read, 10 Nov 2008
I've lost count of how many Danielle Steel novels I've read over the years, but I was rather dubious about reading another as the last few I've read that have been published since 2000 I've been disappointed in, as the quality and style had completely altered.

The story is set around a movie star called Carole Barber who has two children and been married twice. She has lived in America and France, and been on location all over the world for her movies. Carole was in the process of writing a novel but she had writers block and decided on taking a trip which hopefully would her. Here long time assistant and friend Stephanie recommended France as she knew Carole had loved the 2yrs that she had spent there with her children. The day she arrives in Paris she decides to go on a long walk looking at all the places that she had loved, she then took a taxi back to the hotel when disaster struck. I don't want to mention anymore of the story as I don't want to spoil it for you.

The story is well written, the characters have depth, and the descriptive work throughout the book I found to be excellent. :-)

Personally, I loved this novel. The book gripped me right from the first page; it was an enjoyable and compulsive read. I read this book within 24hrs as I found it hard to put down. :-)

It's definitely a book I'd read again and is worth every penny. :-)


A BIG yawn, all the way!!, 07 Apr 2008
I had such high hopes for this book. After many disappointments with Danielle Steel lately, the synopsis seemed promising.

Alas. This book was far from ds at her best, when she was writing really good books. The last fairly acceptable one being "Sisters".

"Honor Thyself" starts with 50 year old world famous movie star Carole Barber trying to write a semi-biographic book. A very sympathetic heroine, to sympathetic perhaps, but that is regular ds recipe. However, already the first 20-30 pages are so repetitive and downright boring that I only kept reading in the hope that it would all get better.

In a way it does. Carole ends up in an awful accident, a terrorist attack in Paris. She almost dies, lies in a coma for a long time. Wakes up, does not recognize anyone, not even her children. She finally gets better and gets a new lease on life. She finds the answers she has been seeking both from her past and her loves.

The book has a happy, perhaps a bit unexpected, ending. That is, if you manage to get so far (or only take a peek at the end in order to find out). Because, even if things do happen in this book, it continues being extremely repetitive and lacking in substance. A big yawn, all the way!

If properly edited, it could have made a nice little short story, but there certainly is not material for much more than that.

Danielle Steel is such a fine writer and has given me so much joy with her numerous excellent works. Please get back to the quality of quite long ago. This book is a waste of money both in hardcover and paperback.


Not as good as expected, 20 Jul 2005
I thought this book would be really good, and there are 19 writers who all have their own little short stories, I was quite bored with this book, some of the stories were ok, but some i didn't bother finishing off and i found them rather boring.

To all the women out there who have dated a sod of a man !!!, 27 Mar 2006
This book had me gripped from the moment i had read the first four chapters. You where always waiting for something to happen to Chris Wallace! I'm glad to say that in the end he got what was coming to him from the moment he done that nasty deed! To all the women out there if you have loved someone who has been really horrible and nasty to you. You should read this book and it will find you the strength that not all men are the same ! That there are actually some nice men out in this world !

I didn't want to enjoy this as much as I did!!, 02 Sep 2005
I've only just discovered PS. Before I had children I used to read 'worthier' books, but I enjoyed this so much I went out and PAID for Mirror Mirror (half way through it already). It's rare for me to be able to face another book by the same author straight away.

Patricia is like an edgier Maeve Binchy. Obviously because the book was set in 1961, story lines like a character getting pregnant without being married can be milked for maximum emotional effect. I cried for Ellen. You really felt her pain, and I was so cross with her Mother for caring more about gossip than whether or not her daughter was miserable.

The only thing that annoyed me was the references to 'creme de societé etc.. She managed to make the characters who were supposed to be middle class sound very lower class but with money. Like Gillian and Frank. But that's a minor thing. Pamela did seem like a lady, in that she never said anything nasty about Ellen.

Absolutely Brilliant, 25 Feb 2004
A warming story filled with romance and heart break, it definitely kept me awake on the train into work! a must read

Excellent, 21 Apr 2003
This book is fantastic! This is the best Scanlan book I have read, although I hvaen't read them all, I've got that to look forward to! I would recommend this book to any one who has read a Scanlan book or one of that genre.
It follows the story of Ellen and her family in Glenree and we follow her journey of her romance with Chris. Fantastic narration which makes you consider other character's view not just Ellen's. It is indeed perfect for all those who have loved a rotter ,as the blurb on the back of book says.
It is perfect for all romantics and I actually found myself sympathising with Chris and wanting them to get back together, but I have not read Mirror Mirror yet so I don't know how the story ends, I will scout round tomorrow for it, I cannot wait to read it!

All in all an excellent read, I thoroughly enjoyed it, I could not put it down and when I did I couldn't wait to get back to it, so I recommend it to anybody!

Fantastic, 15 Jul 2002
I loved the city girls books and went on to read this. And it certainly lived up to their fantastic storylines. I couldn't put it down! As soon as I'd finished it i went straight out and bought the sequel Mirror Mirror! If you buy this book you must buy Mirror Mirror and what a fantastic ending! Patricia Scanlan is a wonderful author!

Dissapointed, 29 Aug 2008
I have to agree with the previous reveiew in that I found myself wondering what happened?!? It started off well and as with all other Danielle Steel books her writing is easy and flows well, however this particular story about Maxine and her ex husband Blake, along with Maxines new husband to be Charles was a little repetitive, if not a little boring. The ending was abrupt and predictable and I didn't enjoy the book that much but it was an easy read.

Danielle Steel - Rogue, 30 Jul 2008
I think I must be outgrowing Danielle Steel as I found this book very repetitive in her writing. If she told you once about Maxine and Bradley being best friends etc she mentioned it 100 times. She should either stop writing or spend more time on each book!!!

I have to say I became bored reading it - a fact which I thought would never happen to me with Danielle Steel!

Delivering the goods, 29 Jun 2008
One of Scanlan's greatest attributes is her determination to humanise her characters. And we're not just talking about the central heroine. The ostensible "bad guys" are presented as fully fleshed-out people too. While popular fiction is often presented/dismissed merely as 'good, clean fun' this book is the kind of proper storytelling that manages to transcend the genre.

For me, Scanlan's career high has always been "Promises, Promises." That position has now been usurped by "Forgive and Forget." These books share a certain dark realism and a real humanity that makes them more compelling. To very loosely paraphrase Lisa Stansfield, Connie Adams may not be a surgically-enhanced Jackie Collinsesque powerbabe, but she's all woman. Elsewhere, the woman we'd all hate to work with, Judith - bitterly encumbered by responsibilities - is a heartbreaking, three-dimensional soul. The bane in her life, her scared and frail mother, is also sensitively realised. There are moments in the book (I won't spoil it for you!) when you find yourself groaning "No! Don't do it" but, true to real life, the character goes ahead and does it because they are too likeably human, too realistically weak to resist.

Given the paths the protagonists have been following, I think the sequel will be just as dark and beguiling. Unlike the reviewer 'chic lit', I am pleased that there is more to come from these characters. Hurry up, Ms. Scanlan, your readers await!


FANTASTIC