Member Reviews
2.5/5
Having never read a Danielle Steele book before, I did not know what her writing style was like and after this book, I don't think she is a right fit for me. The Versailles Ball was too sweet to the point where it was sickly to read. It was like a Hallmark movie on steroids. While I did enjoy some parts of the book, especially the arc of Felicity growing her own confidence and finding love, this was just a fast and predictable read. I wish it had more tension, especially with these debutantes with distinct personalities that clash with the norm of what was expected for a young woman in the 1950s. I can see why people liked this book, however it just didn't do enough for me.
Danielle Steel hits it out of the park again! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Thanks for letting me check it out!
I did not want to like The Ball at Versailles because I’d never read a Danielle Steel novel and associate them with seeing them on “old” people’s shelves when I was a child. Well, Steel’s prolific news and longevity are deserved. Emotional and poignant, beautifully written, a book where multiple perspectives aren’t a gimmick but actually critical to storytelling.
It’s easy to get hooked on books by Danielle Steel, yet too many of them are so
predictable. This definitely applies to THE BALL AT VERSAILLES.
A great book of the rich and the famous powerful people. You never know what will happen. The debutantes are ready for the showing and being presented to the group waiting for them. Amelia who wants nothing but go to law school is expected to be there . Felicity is uncertain about the ball ,her family is important and she fights them on their decision. Will she be there in the end ?
The 50's were an era unto itself. A debutante ball in Versailles was invitation only and it was the most sought after invite of the year. Four young women, all with something to prove, receive what some see as the invitation of a lifetime. For all these young women, Paris and one transcendent night will change their lives forever. All 4 have different reasons for accepting the invite from family pressure to proving something to themselves. A great read from one of my favorite authors.
The Ball at Versailles is such a treat! The story is told through several different perspectives, all young ladies attending the ball hoping to make a fruitful match. The events that unfold felt much like a soap opera - addictive, dramatic and fun. Kudos to Danielle Steel for yet another entertaining read!
I enjoyed having the opportunity to read this ARC on Net Galley! Danielle Steel books never disappoint, and this one did not either. I really thought it was fun to follow the different stories of the characters as they prepared for their Ball at Versailles, and then their lives after returning home.
Very romantic novel about an old custom of cotillion and young women being introduced to society. Each debutante attends a ball at Versailles to please their parents and none really believe it is to meet their future spouse. This tale weaves the lives of four young American women who become lifelong friends and some actually fall in love!
The first third to half of this novel was full of just background information, some of which was repeated multiple times. However, once the plot actually started to gain traction, it was still hard to determine which character was which. I felt like the story was built nicely overall and had a happy ending, but it was still a 2.5/5 for me.
The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steele was a very nice book. I enjoyed the variety of characters and situations in the book. I felt I knew each of the characters and was empathetic to each one.
I rated The Ball at Versailles 4/5 stars.
In her latest romance novel, Steel brings readers to the 1958 debutante ball at Versailles and follows four American girls -- Felicity Smith, Caroline Taylor, Amelia Alexander, and Samantha Walker -- and their families as they debut and meet each other at Versailles. Alternating between these four perspectives, readers explore their very different lives and families as they grow up and fall in love. Steel’s characters are, of course, brilliantly developed, dynamic, and engaging to read, and these four young women have very different paths to follow. The ball at Versailles is the genesis for this novel, which travels around the United States to follow these four young women’s stories. The relationships -- romantic and platonic -- in this novel are the heart of the story, and Steel adds some complexities and challenges to the novel as it progresses. Steel highlights the postwar world and the new possibilities for women in 1958 -- attending college, going to law school, and studying at MIT -- while also emphasizing the larger cultural and technological changes around the world (the decline of debutante balls and the rise of airplane travel). Steel’s latest novel is a charming, heartwarming, novel of romance, friendship, growth, and empowerment for young women of the 1950s.
This book took a long time to get into but once I was through all the background information I very much enjoyed it. A great story about things working out even when they are hard.
You will love this Danielle Steele book if you love debutantes and balls. Typical storyline that comes with a happily ever after (as do all of her books). If you like the subject matter, you will be interested.
This is the type of Steele stories that are enjoyable to read. Fast reads, fun enjoyable characters, a great setting and multiple romance with a HEA. I liked the differences of the 4 main characters and how they all became friends thru attending a ball in Paris. 3.5 stars
This is one of the best Danielle Steel books in a long time. Three girls are chosen to go to Versailles for a ball for the debutantes. You can see how each girl relates to the experience. Definitely read this one..
Thanks to the publisher Delacorte Press and to NetGalley for the ARC.
Danielle is my girl. And this book did not disappoint. This book is set in 1958 mostly France. We follow 4 girls who are invited from America to France for a Debutante Ball. Caroline isnt really into it but her famous parents send her nonetheless. Felicity is in a battle to control her figure and her difficult sister. Amelia and her Mom are under financial strain and Samantha has some physical problems due to an accident. I enjoyed seeing each one of their stories unfold. Also, I loved the description of the ball and Versailles and it made me feel like i was there. I highly recommend this for any lover of women fiction, France, and of course Danielle.
The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel is an engaging historical romance which tells the story of four young women who receive invitations to an exclusive debutante event that transforms their lives forever. Prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary read. #TheBallatVersailles #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me a free eARC of this book to read in exchange for my review!
This was exactly what I thought it would be - and when I'm reading historical romance, predictability is generally something I look for!
This one started out really slow but picked up about half way through. I ended up enjoying it in the end and seeing all four girls get heir HEA.