A few weekends ago, I stopped in my local Barnes and Noble. Now, as an avid book buyer, I typically find myself in a bookstore once or twice a month. I usually buy a fantasy title or two; sometimes a cookbook winds up on the seat next to me on the way home.
This trip, I ended up browsing the area of the store to see what kind of Danielle Steel books they would have available. I was a little surprised to say the least. They had only paperback versions and not even the most recent novels. Now, I’m not adverse to paperback books. In fact, most of my non-cookbooks are indeed paperback editions. But, they didn’t even have the latest releases from Danielle Steel. So I couldn’t buy the most recent hardcover (Never Too Late) even if I wanted to.
Still, I decided I should take the opportunity and purchase one anyway. This version of the book is technically called a “pocket book” which is a fancier term for mass market paperback. I’m not a huge fan of this style of book for fantasy novels. The font tends to be small, the spines crease more easily, and they’re typically hefty. But for a Danielle Steel novel, which are much shorter by nature than epic fantasy works it seemed fine. Plus the price couldn’t be beat!
The Purchase
I had about ten different titles to choose from. Many of which I didn’t know too much about. I recognized them, sure, but none were really calling out to me. Until my eyes landed on The Whittiers. This book was published for the first time near the end of 2022. I remember it very well. In fact, its the book that first planted the seed in my brain to start this project. Perhaps because it was the only Steel novel that year that really seemed to interest me in any capacity.
I think what really drew my eye to this book was the cover. It was a more interesting cover than the others, in my opinion. I also have a “thing” for houses on works of art: painting, books, cards, etc. If it’s got a house on it, or a semblance of a house, I’m intrigued. Don’t ask me why. I don’t know. So The Whittiers came home with me that day. So did a copy of Anne of Green Gables. While it isn’t a Danielle Steel novel, I want to read it one day.
Summary of the Book
The Whittiers revolves around a somewhat large, but wealthy family in New York City. Here is what Danielle’s publisher: Random House has to say about the book.
Preston and Constance Whittier have built a happy life together, with a brood of six children raised in a beautiful historic Manhattan mansion. Now, with a nearly empty nest, it’s easier than ever for the Whittiers to maintain their tradition of a solo romantic “Wintermoon” ski trip.
But with this year’s trip comes tragedy, and suddenly the Whittiers’ adult children find themselves reuniting in the family home without their parents for the first time ever. The oldest, Lyle, is reaching a breaking point in his marriage and must decide whether a divorce would be best for him and his two children. Gloria’s big job on Wall Street has kept her single at thirty-nine, and growing ever more cynical. The twins, Caroline and Charlie, moved out long ago to start a fashion business that may now be faltering. Benjie, with special needs, is hit hard by the loss of his parents and needs his siblings’ help. And Annabelle, the youngest, drops out of college and starts to spin out of control.
The eldest four are forced to put aside their personal issues and their grief to keep the family together and support each other and their two youngest siblings. Selling the house, along with all the memories that live in its walls, feels like yet another devastating loss. Could there be another way, as unconventional as it seems?
Reading Placement
Since I now own this book it will hold a special place in my heart. It’s the first Danielle Steel novel I’ve purchased for it’s cover price since I started this project. If you’ve seen my Instagram (shelvesofsteel), then you’ll know that most of the books I have already were bought from local library book sales. These tend to be only a dollar or two.
I know I said last month that I may not attempt to “collect” the novels. And I’m still debating that statement. But purchasing one every now and then probably isn’t a horrible idea. This book was one that really sparked my interest, too.
Have you read The Whittiers? Did you enjoy it? Is it as interesting as the book summary makes it seem to be? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to engage with my readers.
Until next time, readers… ~ RJ