This one didn't work for me. The "telling instead of showing" is a lot, even for Ms. Steel, who is known for it. One of the characters is so far over the top as to make her cartoonish--another Cruella Deville. It's just not believable. The whole plot was pretty bland and not up to Ms. Steel's usual standards. There was no real emotion in the writing even though this family had just lost their parents.

Although I have enjoyed many of Ms. Steel's books over the years, I cannot recommend this one.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

I am not typically a Danielle Steel fan but absolutely loved this feel good story about a family coming together after the death of their parents

Not the most exciting Danielle Steel book I have read. The Whittier siblings have just lost their beloved parents in their wintermoon vacation. They must pull together and survive like a team that they were raised to be. Each sibling has their own issue that they must overcome and work with as a family. The death of their parents solidified the relationships of the siblings.

An average run of the mill book. There was no suspense or romance and nothing was written in depth. We do get some character development, but nothing that makes you want to root for individual characters. A good story, but bland on the characters.

The Whittiers are a big, close-knit family. With six siblings that are there for each other, no matter the circumstance. Can they keep their family values in tact, while navigating tragedy and misfortune?

I thought the Whittiers gave off a kind of "Family Stone" vibe, especially in the beginning and at the end. Overall, this read was a bit all over the place, with so many characters being followed. And it felt a little too holiday movie network, for my liking.

The characters themselves, were strong and likeable. And while I enjoyed "meeting" each of them, I do wish there had been more of a central character.

Despite all of that, I did enjoy the story and it was a fairly quick read for anyone that likes Women's Fiction and wants to cozy up with a book over the weekend.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

3/5 stars

I have been reading Danielle Steel novels for a very long time. Sure, they are a little predictable but they're like comfort food. I just want to sit and read for hours. The Whittiers is one of those books. Heart-warming, a little drama, a big house, wealthy family. Things don't always work out like I think they will but isn't that just like real life?

Sorry, but I found it boring and simplistic. Should be more 'show don't tell'. And I'm tired of the old joke about how librarians dress. Why is ok? ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

The Whittiers is a story about a close knit family living in New York City. Mom and Dad have a life long love and meet a tragic death on their annual "wintermoon", their vacation alone after the holidays without any of their 6 children. The 6 children could not be more different including the youngest son with Asperger's.
The oldest son, considered the most stable, but in a loveless marriage is the executor of the estate. Will they sell the massive mansion the family grew up in just off of Fifth Avenue near Central Park?
This was such a heartwarming story. Each character has a unique personality which is described in such detail that you feel you know the person. I would say this book is a story about love and support of family. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Happy Publication Day!


I don't know what to say about this book except that it made me feel good and that all is NOT wrong with the world. It's not accurate to real life, but it is great escapism.

Yes, in some ways, this book was written as sort of a fairytale. To the best of my knowledge, real people don't all act this way; of course, if you were to inherit a 100 million-dollar house and the financial means to back it up, had five siblings that are always there for you. The worst you ever had to put upon with was a brother who is Autistic/on the spectrum, a young sister (21 years old) who is living her life to the fullest and becomes pregnant out of wedlock and had to go through a divorce from a bitch of a wife I might have had more empathy for these characters.

However, as I already said, this WAS great escapism/ It also was a sweet book and a quick read.

*ARC supplied by the publisher Delacorte Press - Penguin Random House, the author, and NetGalley.

Another wonderful Danielle Steel story I loved it. It had tragedy, a strong family, a very sweet younger brother that was a little different but had a heart of gold, a very selfish wife and the youngest daughter who was a little lost and didn't know what she wanted out of life. I loved the social worker who thought she was tough but had to learn to look t the whole picture. Lyle loved his kids but his wife didn't care aboiut them at all - she just wanted his money. The twins worked really hard and finally accomplished what they had dreamed about. Gloria was a hard worker and thought love wasn't in the cards for her. I'm happy with how she found she was wrond. The last sentense in the book wrapped it up. The parents would have been very proud of them. The six children had grown up to be great adults. I highly recoment this book

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

⭐️⭐️
The Whittier’s by Danielle Steel is a standalone novel. The story starts slow and is repetitive. I found myself asking out loud - “didn’t I already ready this?” Preston and Constance have six adult children. Their lives are busy, each sibling has their own issues, yet their lives intertwine as siblings. From eldest Lyle, becoming separated with money hungry wife Amanda wanting his inheritance to youngest Annabelle party girl and pregnant. After their parents fatal accident the six siblings need to figure out what’s next. Predictable, slow, no blind sides nor drama. Recommend if you want a vacation book that you can ignore few days and come back to it. Thank you NetGalley and Random House Pub Group Ballantine for ARC for my honest review.

This is such a heartwarming family story, perfect to read any time of the year, but especially touching right before the holidays! Danielle Steel develops characters that are just so honest, down to earth, loyal, and loving. I want to be a part of this family. of siblings. Sadly, they lose their parents but they all support each other with love and understanding. Quick, beautiful read that I didn't want to end!

You know it’s a good book when you laugh, cry and celebrate along with the characters in the story! I always love Danielle Steel books, but this one was really good. Great characters, and they all come together and pitch in when times get rough in order to help each other in their grief.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

The Whittier's are a large family in New York. Three boys and three girls are crushed when their parents get killed in a skiing trip. They keep each other close and five of the children move so they are sharing their family home.
An especially good Danielle Steel book. Reminds me of her earlier books. This would make a great book to read during the holidays.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher Delacorte Press.

Welcome to the story of a quirky family who comes together when things get tough. I enjoyed this story of love, kindness, and family!

Another interesting family drama by Danielle Steel. The characters are all compelling, six adult siblings who have lost their parents very suddenly, and find a new sense of family while navigating their own personal issues. I especially loved Benjie and his outlook on life. Each of them find happiness in their lives and develop even closer attachments to their siblings. My only reservation was that everything was too predictable, and a bit formulaic. Three and a half stars. Still a good read.
Many thanks to Danielle Steel and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read an arc of this soon to be published book.

A heartwarming story about a family that comes together after their parents tragic passing. Full of love, arguments, growing up, and learning this is a Steel book not to be missed.

Six siblings lives’ are forever changed upon the demise of their parents’ passing.
The huge family home is meant to be some but a few of the siblings move back in to care for the two still living at home.
Steel has several formulas she uses in her plots. The big family with lots of contrasting personalities kept the reading interesting.
All of the characters are easy to like except one. She was just nasty and vile and I wished less time was spent on her. I knew how each story would turn out, but that’s fine. I rely on Steel’s predictability. That’s what makes it a comfort read. The story wrapped up nicely with a pleasant ending.

I loved reading this emotional story. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I have been reading this authors books for most of my life. Each book is creative and unique. The author uses her writing skills to bring her stories to life. This book is no different and one of my favorites. This is a well written story about loss and bring a family back together. The characters are connectable and truly made the story for me. They took me on an emotional roller coaster which adced to the story. I enjoyed thier growth throughout which made the story easy to read. I found this book to be a fast paced, engaging story that had me coming back for more. This is a story you don't want to miss, a must read. I highly recommend this book and this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. This book was all about the Whittier family, and I enjoyed every second. Each family member has their own story and is trying to find their place in the family.

Preston and Constance Whittier raised their six children in a large Manhattan mansion. The couple's passion remained after all their years of marriage, and they faithfully took their annual "wintermoon" ski trip holiday. This year, tragedy struck. The siblings are now forced to confront their new loss. Lyle, the eldest, is the father of two and loves his children, but his marriage is failing. Sister Gloria is devoted to her high-powered job with little time for a personal life. Twins Caroline and Charlie run a fashion label which is in need of financial help. Benjie has special needs and finds himself lost. And Annabelle, the youngest, dropped out of college and has been living an irresponsible life. To cope with their new situation, the family must come together like never before.

I've lost count of how many Danielle Steel novels I've read. There's something very comforting about her books. Are they predictable? Sure. But do they tug at your heart? Yes, most definitely. Her new book, The Whittiers, appealed to me as it is about family dynamics and dealing with the unexpected. While the siblings were divided on how to handle major family issues, their love and loyalty to one another made this a very heartwarming story. And the emergence of romance for these characters was a nice addition. This was a quick and light read even when the subject matter was often sad. And though the story has the family going through rough times, you know how things will turn out. That's why we read Danielle Steel books and keep coming back.