I am a huge D. Steel fan but this book put it over the top. It was so good that I couldn’t stop reading and didn’t want it to end. If I wasn’t a fan already this would have made me one. I need to purchase several of this title to give as gifts. I started reading Danielle in the early 80’s when my kids were little. Her books gave me a nice escape from all the Mommy duties. I would curl up nightly and just relax. My kids are grown now but I still love curling up with a good book at night. I would have thought that Danielle’s writing would get old, but no she keeps things relevant and interesting. I recommend this book 100%

Danielle Steel is best known as a writer of romance novels centered around women who learn to be strong through adversity. This story is a little different....lots of adversity, not as much romance, which is okay as the story is a great one.

A famous actress suffers tragedies that will drive her to pull back from society. She moves from a famous life to a grief stricken divorcee/ mother so quickly that her only means of coping is withdrawal. For so many years, she has lived in the same neighborhood without venturing out, so has no interactions with any of her neighbors. A major earthquake will cause her to offer shelter in her home to 8 people....and their secrets.

Danielle Steel has done an excellent job, again, of pulling readers into the story. I tried many times to warn this retired reclusive actress to ask questions and demand answers. I gasped and cried at many of the events she suffered through and rejoiced when everything came right in the end. That is no spoiler....Ms Steel always makes things right in the end. Another great 5 star read from a well loved author.

I adored this book! No one can take me to places like Danielle Steel does! This was a lovely story of a woman who hadn't left the security and safety of her home in many years and an unfortunate tragedy finally pulls her out. Love, loss, and new possibilities filled up this story.

Danielle Steel is the queen of romance novels and while this book did have elements of romance, I feel like it fell more into the "chick-lit" category. Not that this is a bad thing, it was just not the typical Danielle Steel book that I was expecting.

For that reason, I would say that I liked this book but didn't love it. I felt like something was missing.

I have read many of this author’s books through the years. This is another 5-star hit for Danielle Steel - one of my favorites yet!

We see how neighbor, who didn’t know each other in the past, can come together after an earthquake enduring many trials and tribulations. This book covers so many social issues that make it a very quick read as you want to see how each issue is resolved. There are characters you will love and a few you will dislike very much.

You don’t want to miss this one! Thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC. All comments are my own opinions.

When COVID life got too overwhelming for me I reached for my Danielle Steel novel that I had been saving on my NetGalley shelf. Danielle Steel has always been as comforting and dependable as an old baby blanket; “Neighbors” did not disappoint. With movie star Meredith White tucked safely in her house in San Francisco she doesn’t need anything else. This is the story of growing up, moving on, and falling in love while touching on some tough topics. Great read and I can’t wait for her next book.

NEIGHBORS – Danielle Steel
Random House
ISBN-10: 0-59333-917-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-5933-917-6
January 2021
Woman’s Fiction

San Francisco – the Present

Before her withdrawal from society fourteen years ago, Meredith White had been a famous actress. Fifteen years ago, her actor-producer husband left her for a younger Italian actress, moving to New York. Her fourteen-year-old son went to New York to visit his father and died in a tragic accident. Her son’s death caused Meredith to retreat from the world. For the last fourteen years, Meredith has become a recluse in her stone mansion in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights. Her house servants, Jack and Debbie, have taken care of the house and Meredith ever since. She now considers them her only friends. That is until the earthquake. When an 8.2 quake hits the area, Meredith insists that she go into the street to discover if her neighbors need help. Debbie and Jack oppose her decision, insisting she doesn’t even know her neighbors. Meredith goes anyway, and everything begins to change.

While Meredith’s house had minimal damage, her neighbors were severely damaged and have gone to the street for safety. Meredith meets Tyla, her husband, Doctor Andrew Johnson, and their children, eleven-year-old Will and seven-year-old Daphne. Daphne possesses a beloved doll Martha, who helps her in difficult situations. Unfortunately, her brother doesn’t have a friend like Martha to help him. Other residents include blind concert pianist Arthur Harriman, his assistant Peter Stern, wealthy businessman Joel Fine, and his current live-in girlfriend, Ava Bates. Meredith invites all of them to stay in her house until theirs are repaired. They know who Meredith is as her reputation as an actress is still well known, and all are excited at her invitation. Retired Air Force Colonel Charles Chapman also shows up. He is checking neighborhoods in his work for the Office of Emergency Services during this devastating crisis.

The past histories and current situations of these characters, both good and bad, begin to intertwine. The reader’s interest is captured as their involvement with each other brings significant changes to their lives. The story shows how devastation can lead to attainment or failure.

It has been years since I read a book by Danielle Steel. At one time, I read everything she wrote but I think I grew tired of the whole romance genre that she seemed to rule for years. Neighbors is a great book that includes elements of romance but also includes many of the issues we currently see in our world. I enjoyed the characters very much and enjoyed the setting of the book. The story started slowly and I was not sure who the main character would actually be, but it soon settled into an engaging story. This was an easy read. I really liked it and look forward to, once again, reading more books by Danielle Steel.

. Neighbors is exciting with every page turned. Danielle Steel brings us in touch with a real human drama of abuse,theft, love and courage. Meredith White is a famous actress living in seclusion in San Francisco. After a powerful 8.0 earthquake hits the area, something in Meredith wakes up and invites the shaken neighbors into her undamaged home. Their close kept secrets begin to seep out one by one. The doctor whose wife and children fear him, the beautiful young woman dating a dishonorable man, the aspiring writer caring for a famous blind musician, to Meredith herself of coming out of seclusion and facing the tragedy and truth in her world she was hiding from. I give this book 2 thumbs up. Could not put it down.

Danielle Steel was one of the first authors I read way back when I was a pre-teen. I was limited to whatever my local library or school library had available at the time.... but Danielle Steel will always hold a sentimental place in my heart for being one of my first reads. If I ever had the chance to meet her in person, I would share how all her novels have touched me and how connected to her characters I have been.

I do list two triggers at the bottom of my review so if you’re sensitive to certain issues then you can read the trigger warning as a heads up to decide if it’s something you would like to continue reading. They can also be spoilers of certain plot details. So please proceed with caution.

I love the story line in Neighbors- with the main character, Meredith and why the famous movie star becomes so reclusive. The tragic event of the past has taken its toll on Meredith so she allows herself to go off grid for way too many years. Her housekeeper and maintenance person live on her land in their own apartment, but they are taking serious advantage of Meredith. I would classify Neighbors by Danielle Steel as a combination of fiction, women’s fiction and romance novel.

An earthquake hits and Meredith is finally able to open her home and her heart to her neighbors to offer them sanctuary while their homes are being repaired. As she slowly starts opening to the people she meets and has living in her home, Meredith starts relaxing she’s ready to embrace more change in her life. She develops relationships she didn’t know she was missing.

Danielle Steel is an author who has her own style and doesn’t waver much from her unique writing style. Her writing tells instead of shows what’s going on with our characters and there are lines which seem to be repetitive as the writing tells the reader the same thing more than once. I imagine tight editing will have corrected the repetition,, but not the tells not shows witting style and tone.


Possible spoilers below-

I hate to add triggers because they are often spoilers but at the same time, sometimes hard issues are dealt with in realistic ways in novels..


Triggers: domestic abuse, death of a child

Another great book by Danielle Steele. A retired actress becomes a recluse after a personal tragedy. Her only contact is with her hired help, who turn out to be criminals, until a earthquake happens and she ends up helping all of her neighbors. This was a great read and I Can't wait until the next DS book.

It's been many years since I read a Danielle Steel book and I'm glad I chose this one. The book isn't exactly a romance but more of a women's fiction. When an earthquake hits San Francisco a diverse group of neighbors come together. Meredith is a former Hollywood star that has spent the last 15 years as a recluse. When the neighborhood is destroyed she takes in 6 neighbors and 2 children. What follows is the ultimate act of trust, friendship and kindness. The characters are very engaging and only a few are completely unlikable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. Warning..... There is domestic violence in this book.

Here is another Danielle Steel book that gives you all the feels. I've been reading her books since I was a young girl, so each book for me is like going back home.
She doesn't stray to far from her style and to me thats refreshing. She knows what works and she does it well.
Meredith is old hollywood but became a recluse after a tragic event (which again is the norm in her books) and then she comes to the aid of many when an earthquake hits.
Steel manages to bring a number of characters to live and weave them all together. Her books are always ALWAYS easy to get lost in. One of the reasons why I love them so much!

Thank you so much to #Netgalley and #Ballatine books for the arc.

Overall, this is a middle-tier book by Danielle Steel. We begin with a long, almost too long and repetitive introduction to a crooked couple taking advantage of a former movie star Meredith, who now lives as a recluse in her home. A major earthquake strikes San Francisco and Meredith realizes that she needs to take in her neighbors as her home is the only one standing without significant damage. Relationships and romances form in a typical Danielle Steel written fashion, but definitely more relationship oriented than romance. There are also some serious domestic abuse scenes which are chilling, so be warned if needed. A quick and easy read and entertaining enough.

Neighbors by Danielle Steel

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - For an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First off, for those Danielle Steel fans out there, take note that rather than the romance that Steel is famous for, Neighbors, is better fitted into the women’s fiction genre. The novel is enjoyable read.

The incredibly famous actress Meredith White, who spent 15 years as a recluse holed up in her San Francisco mansion, invites her neighbors to come stay with her after a devastating earthquake.

The neighbors, who have never met each other, or their famous neighbor Meredith, become a family. I liked seeing Meredith open up as time went by with the help of those around her. Danielle Steel has always been a wonderful storyteller and there is always a surprise round the corner. There is tragedy, but with that also comes friendship, love, and acceptance.

Steel’s novel, Neighbors, is publishing January 5, 2021 and is available in Hardcover from Delacorte Press and in large print paperback from Random House Large Print Publishing.

#Neighbors
#DanielleSteel
#DelacortePress
#Ballantine
#RandomHousePublishingGroup

Another great book from Danielle Steel. She can do no wrong. Great characters. Can't wait to read more from her.

First off, for those Danielle Steel fans out there (and I know you’re out there!), take note that rather than the romance that Steel is famous for, Neighbors, while it does have some romantic elements, is better fitted into the women’s fiction genre. The novel is enjoyable read with a strong sense of metaphor.

The incredibly famous and beautiful actress Meredith White, who has spent the last 15 years as a recluse holed up in her San Francisco mansion, invites three sets of neighbors to come stay with her after a devastating earthquake. The earthquake, which of course is an analogy representing the neighbors’ lives, shakes every one up, causing them to analyze where their lives have been going and what is really important in life.

The neighbors, who have never met each other, or their famous neighbor Meredith, are a varied cast of characters including: abusive husband Andrew, his former nurse wife Tyla, and their two children Will and Daphne; business VIP and sugar daddy Joel and his young girlfriend Ava; elderly, blind, renowned pianist Arthur and his night care worker and aspiring novelist Peter. Also playing a large part are Charles the security company owner who comes around checking on the various neighbors after the quake; and Meredith’s house managers and closest and only friends over the last 15 years, Jack and Debbie.

Neighbors qualifies as a minimalist read, so it’s perfect for that relaxing Sunday on the couch on a rainy day. Steel makes strong use of symbolism and is big on reminding the reader of the plot points – great if you’re someone who is easily distracted while reading, but could be a bit tiresome for more studious readers.

A big thank you to Danielle Steel, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for providing a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review.

According to https://daniellesteel.com/about-danielle/: Steel has sold 650 million copies of her books internationally, each one of which was a bestseller. She is published in 69 countries and 43 languages. She has written 191 books, 162 of which are novels; and she has written the lyrics for a music album. Steel also founded and runs two foundations, one named in honor of her late son, The Nick Traina Foundation, which finances organizations involved in mental illness, child abuse, and suicide prevention.

Steel’s novel, Neighbors, is publishing January 5, 2021 and is available in Hardcover from Delacorte Press and in large print paperback from Random House Large Print Publishing.

#Neighbors
#DanielleSteel
#DelacortePress
#Ballantine
#RandomHousePublishingGroup

Danielle Steel isn't an author I would normally pick up and read but the premise of this book hooked me. Now I've got to go out and pick up some more of her books because this book was really good!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I wish to thank NetGalley and the Publishers Random House – Ballantine, Dellacorte Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Set during an earthquake in San Francisco, this is a story full of characters, back stories and drama. It keeps you reading and makes you cheer for the heroes and heroines and boo at the villains. It is a light read story and one I really enjoyed. Danielle Steel continues to be a great story teller. The storyline deals with family problems and some solutions, romance, deception and abuse. I cannot think of much she did not cover. The main character is a former movie star who has become reclusive until the quake helps her come out of her shell to help others recover. She discovers that life is worth living and family matters.

If you are a Danielle Steel fan I know you will enjoy this one. If you are just discovering Danielle Steel you will be a future fan.

This book felt real! It was full of trials and tribulations and especially healing and overcoming. The characters made me face some scary circumstances involving real life situations. Meredith’s story was inspiring. Book provided by NetGalley.