15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Better Than Previous Books by Danielle, January 1, 2008
I have to admit, the last few, heck, most books within the last few years by Danielle Steel have been very shallow in storyline, and lacking in character development, making me feel that I'm wasting my time reading them.
I decided to giver her another chance, and picked up the newest release by Steel, Amazing Grace. I have to admit, I read this book in 24 hours. I found it to be a very quick read. I kept finding myself wanting to read on. The characters had a lot of potential, and the story was promising.
What I liked most about the story is that Steel has a unique knack for intertwining several stories with several different characters into her books, without leaving you confused. The characters were all drawn together in one place by one single situation, in this case, an earthquake. The majority of the book discusses how these characters attempt to get back to their normal lives, living with the life-changing effects of the earthquake.
What left me disappointed with the book was that I found the romantic situation in the story between a nun and a photographer (yes, a nun!) not very believable. A nun would not so quickly leave her beliefs behind to get married to a man who got a girl pregnant at 18, and uses vulgar language in her presence. I also felt there could have been a little more "wrap-up" with the characters at the end of the book.
Overall, I recommend this book if you are a Steel fan, but have been disappointed in her last few books. When compared to her other recent releases, Amazing Grace fairs much better with the setting, the situation and the intertwining of the characters, which makes it a very quick read.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Nothing Special !!, December 7, 2007
This was a mediocre book written by a women who used to be a great author of great stories. Obviously the lure of the almighty dollar has clouded her ability to come up with an intriguing story and interesting characters. This book drags on.
Her early books were truly page turners. Wonderful stories that I couldn't wait to read. Now, they are just average to below average books or short stories.
The jacket on this book states "her most powerful and life-affirming novel to date". Yeah right. There was nothing powerful in this story. Even the earthquake story line was dull. There certainly wasn't anything life affirming.
It was just fair. I certainly wouldn't and didn't pay for this book, its not worth the price. Luckily the library is free.
Steel needs to read her own early books and find her true writing talent again. Anyone can put words to paper. It takes a special talent to make a real story out of it.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very Disappointed, January 28, 2008
I was very very disappointed with this book. I hadn't read a Danielle Steele book for quite a while and after I read this, I remembered why. I kept waiting for something to happen. It was about the most boring book I have ever read. That's it for me - I used to enjoy reading her books. No more.....
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