Member Reviews

After her parents perish in a tragic accident, Cosima Saverio assumes leadership of her family’s haute couture Italian leather brand. While navigating the challenges of running a company at twenty-three, Cosima must also maintain the four-hundred-year-old family palazzo in Venice and care for her younger siblings: Allegra, who survived the tragedy that killed their parents with scars and a spinal injury, and Luca, who has a penchant for wild parties, pretty women, and poker tables.

Cosima navigates her personal and professional challenges with a wisdom beyond her years, but her success has come at a cost: Her needs are always secondary. She’s married to the business, and her free time is given to those who rely on her . . . until she meets Olivier Bayard, the founder of France’s most successful ready-to-wear handbag company. A brief conversation on her palazzo’s terrace turns into a tour of the Saverio workshop, and, fifteen years after her parents’ deaths, Cosima has found a confidant.

Now the business is financially stable and generating enough income for the Saverios to live comfortably. Then Luca loses a hefty sum at the casino, and his debt must be repaid with money or his life. Cosima, forced to bail him out, is given an impossible choice: List the palazzo, sell a third of the family business, or let Luca fend for himself. But is there another way to save everything she has fought for before it goes up in flames?

Danielle Steel's inimitable storytelling style explores a family's strengths and weaknesses, and a strong woman's determination to see her family thrives through adversity. Recommended. #Palazzo #NetGalley #SaltMarshAuthors

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Although I enjoy a dose of Danielle Steel, I found this one disappointing. The writing wasn’t up to the usual standards and the plot was incredibly thin and hard to believe.

I recently read THE WEDDING PLANNER, which had charm and seemed a bit over the top, but certainly a fun read. I felt like there was simply too much in this book that was beyond any reality.

I enjoy a Steel read and look forward to more. Thank you Netgalley for this book.

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Maybe it’s not for me, I don’t know. There were so many characters to keep track of and I made it to 50% which to me is plenty of time to either know if you like a book or not. To me, it dragged on and on and on and it was very repetitive. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release but it’s just not a right fit for me

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Thank you Net Galley for an ARC of Palazzo by Danielle Steel. I loved these characters. Such a glamorous life they all lead. This setting is familiar D.S. settings, and I love it because I can dream! This one has a family of 3 siblings. MC female is strong, Sister is artistic and sweet, and the brother is a problem. And watch it unravel, then unfurl. Love it! 5 ⭐️

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I am definitely in the minority with this review and I really had high hopes for this book since it does have A LOT of 4-5 stars but how can I be the one of the very few who just didn’t “get it?” Maybe it’s not for me, I don’t know. There were so many characters to keep track of and I made it to 50% which to me is plenty of time to either know if you like a book or not. To me, it dragged on and on and on and it was very repetitive. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release but it’s just not a right fit for me.

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After her parents’ tragic deaths, young Cosima takes over the running of the family business of high-end handbags as well as the care of her younger brother and her crippled sister. Over the years Allegra, her sister, learns to manage her disability and becomes a purse designer. Luca, the brother, is a gambling playboy who relying on Colima’s generosity to support his lifestyle. Cosima has run the company as the expense of her personal life. A series of event force her to reexamine her loyalties and make some hard choices. This was a quick, engaging read. I enjoyed hearing about Venice, Rome, and Paris as well as the leather goods industry. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

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In Palazzo, Danielle Steel introduces us to two families; the Saverio’s of Italy and the Bayard’s in France. Cosima Saverio is the oldest of three siblings and works very hard to maintain the integrity and history of her family’s high-end and exclusive leather business. In addition, she and her brother and sister own equal shares of the Venetian palazzo that has been in her family for generations. The problem is that her brother, Luca, is a womanizing gambler who has never worked a day in his life and is causing never ending monetary problems resulting in putting both the business and the palazzo at risk. Enter into the fray, Olivier Bayard, who owns and runs a highly successful mass market leather purse company in Paris. Two failed marriages and two sons keep him on his toes as one of his sons, Max, is on the wild side and when Max meets Luca, the two families have to face several obstacles. In typical Danielle Steel fashion, there is a LOT of repetition in this book, sometimes ad nauseum. The story, itself, was compelling, but extremely predictable. Three and a half stars for this one.

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Palazzo by Danielle Steel is the story of the Saverio family. They own a high-end leather business in Europe. There was a tragic accident that killed Cosima’s parents, and left her sister, Allegra, confined to a wheelchair. Cosima became the head of the family at 23 and working exceptionally long hours to keep the company going and caring for her brother Luca and her sister Allegra. Luca, who wanted nothing to do with the business they inherited and was addicted to gambling. Cosmia always bailed him out by paying his debts which were in the thousands. Cosmia’s is a strong, courageous women. She always is putting everyone else first and trying to hold the family together no matter what she might have to sacrifice for herself.
A must read!
Thank you NetGally, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, and Danielle Steel for the ARC for my review.

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This was a interesting book it shows how people come together after q tragic accident. It was a heartwarming story of love and family. This book was approved by netgalley and the publisher for me to read and review.

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Cosima Saverio assumes the leadership of the family and the family business when her parents perish in a boating accident. Although she is young, she steps up and maintains the business in a manner that she believes would make her grandfather and parents proud. Allegra and Luca, her younger siblings, are now her responsibility, and one of them is a bit more than she bargains for. As time progresses, things change for all of the siblings, offering heartache and financial stressors along with happiness and love. I loved both the setting of this story as well as the flow. I know that Ms. Steel doesn’t do sequels, but I would like to have at least one more book following the characters in this story to find out what happens next. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

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Wow this book, even tho figuring out what was going to happened and who did what, that ending was perfect….. such a great story that I’m sure people can relate to.

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Glamour, Rome, designer handbags, couture …. What a way to spend a day!!!!
I love this book, I love the characters, I loved their dedication to tradition, to family, and loyalty!

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This is a beautiful story that demonstrates how important it is to value and carry on family traditions and honor memories. That is why Cosima is so intrinsically tied to Saverio and the message of luxury that it represents. It is refreshing to see an individual who is not trying to jump to the next thing but rather is proud to carry on this fashion house. Of course Luca marred the situation based upon his behavior, but Cosima and Allegra moved on. I was so glad that both women expanded their horizons both personally and professionally and as a result, became a better version of themselves. One should not go on in life alone and Olivier and Basile made sure that this didn't not occur. The palazzo was certainly another character in the book and was a cause of celebration especially at the end as time honored traditions continued.

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There is something comforting about the predictability of Danielle Steel’s style and the creative context she provides in each new novel. I have read many of her books and appreciate the consistent focus on strong, independent, female protagonists finding well-deserved love.

The predominant theme of the story is the challenges associated with navigating family relationships. Cosima Saverio becomes head of her well-known family and the family’s legacy business at the young age of 23 when her parents are unexpectedly and tragically killed in an accident. It was never her intent to take over the business, but with a 14-year-old sister and 18-year-old brother to support, her options were limited. Fifteen years later Cosima has made the business thrive through her devotion and savvy business sense, but those qualities have left her with little personal life as she is “married” to the business. Trouble arises when Luca, who has become a playboy with no intention of working to support his lavish lifestyle, incurs a sizable gambling debt and allows his greed to lead him into illegal activities.

The romantic element is introduced when Olivier Bayard crosses paths the Cosima at a party. Successful in his own right in a parallel business with hers, Olivier patiently pursues Cosima while dealing with his own family dynamics. His kindness, calm, practical nature, and vision provide her with inspiration and support.

Palazzo is set in Europe – primarily Italy and France – with wonderful descriptions of Rome, Venice and Paris adding to the enjoyment of the story. This novel is a quick, easy read that kept me engaged and left me with a satisfying ending.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

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Palazzo by Danielle Steel is a novel that tells the story of Cosima Saverio, a young woman who assumes leadership of her family's Italian leather brand and their four-hundred-year-old family palazzo in Venice after her parents' tragic accident. Cosima must balance the challenges of running the company at a young age and caring for her siblings, Allegra and Luca.

The author beautifully captures the legacy of families and the challenges that come with preserving it. Cosima is a remarkable character with a wisdom beyond her years, and her personal and professional challenges are relatable to readers. The narrative skillfully portrays the pressure that comes with being in charge and the sacrifices that one must make for the greater good.

The plot thickens as Cosima meets Olivier Bayard, the founder of France’s most successful ready-to-wear handbag company. The relationship between Cosima and Olivier is beautifully developed and adds a much-needed lightness to the story.

The story takes an intense turn when Luca's gambling addiction lands him in deep trouble. Cosima is faced with a tough choice, and the decisions she makes will impact the future of her family and their legacy.

Overall, Palazzo is a beautifully written novel that explores the themes of family, legacy, and sacrifice. Danielle Steel does an excellent job of creating well-developed characters that readers will connect with and care about. The plot is engaging and keeps the reader invested in the story until the very end. I would highly recommend this book to fans of family dramas and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story.

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This is a short, quick read of family and romance. The author is popular and talented. The main character is likable albeit probably not realistic. Her sister is adorable, but her brother is dishonest. The places written about…Italy…are well known and fascinating. Get cozy and spend an afternoon with these characters. This Steel book would make a great television movie. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to one of my favorite publishers and to a gifted author.

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Oh the magic of a new Danielle Steel novel. No one writes romance as well. Taking place in Italy and France, family problems ,a great business and shared grief. All come together to make this a book you will not want to put down.

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