I can’t believe I’m gonna say this but I didn’t like this one. It seemed dated. Like it was current in its happenings but the mindset of the characterization was from long ago. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

I've read many books of Ms. Steel's-some I've enjoyed a bit more. However, this book did keep my attention. From the blurb you can discern that there are multiple main characters (sometimes too many at once) and their lives are varied. 1959 was a time of opportunity for women, so many more choices available than for the women before them.

Their lives are forever changed by this "coming out" and their lives are now intwined. I didn't think I would find such a subject as interesting but I did. The fact that I've enjoyed the sites of Paris, and particularly Versailles, didn't hurt either.

I'm not sure I have ever read a Danielle Steel book that I didn't love and I love them all for many different reasons. The setting of this book and the story it tells, in general, were captivating. I loved the girls separately and I loved them as a whole. The time period was fascinating and I think that this story will engage and entertain many readers in a fresh and new manner than many of the previous Steel best-sellers. I recommend it to the fullest!

This was an interesting work by the author..instead of following one woman, it followed four. I enjoyed the setting and timeline, and found it well.paced.

Danielle Steel has quickly become one of my favorite authors!

This book was no different and didn’t disappoint.
The four stories of the who had their debut at Versailles was so good. I liked learning about their lives. It also helps I just visited Versailles back in March so it felt great to read about a place I visited.

The Ball at Versailles was a satisfying read. Four young American women go to a French ball to be presented and the descriptions of the women's lives, as well as their preparations for the ball, were very intriguing. They meet several eligible men in France and some find their life partners, of course.

Many people have commented that they feel that Steel's books are formulaic and predictable but this book was well written and charming.

I tried to review this on Amazon on 8-19-23 but they're not permitting reviews yet.

Always enjoy reading books by Danielle Steel. In The Ball of Versailles we fallow four american girls Felicity, Amelia, Caroline and Samantha as they debut in France. You read about each girl and the there guys through out. Each couple were different and I was rooting for each couple. Highly recommend reading another hit by this talented author. Thanks to NetGalley for advanced copy for an advanced review.

Novel about girls coming out in Paris. Four girls from the US travel to Paris to attend a coming out ball and make friends and romantic matches.

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel follows four young women through their journey into being debuted at Versailles. Each young woman comes from a different background and, despite all of the glamour of the upcoming event, are going through difficulties they must overcome.

I enjoyed this book and felt like it could have been taking place during current times, not just the late 1950s.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank you for introducing the girls seperately as you did, although I did skip some of the pages if not skimmed them to get to the main topic of the book.you wrote. A little too wordy on each of the girls. You are detailed and distinctive describing all your characters, that was very pleasant to read. It's just that your writing on what was about to happen in each of these folks realms was somewhat evident, no surprises, one could take an educated guess, and be guaranteed to be spot on. It was an entertaining read. Thank you for your time.

Very pleasant read about four American girls selected to debut at the Palace of Versailles in 1958. The four girls become fast friends each bringing a unique background along with personal complications. Hidden financial concerns, physical complications and bad romances are worked through with the support of the new friends. Changes and new opportunities for young women in the late '50's present themselves and the young women find support from each other as they choose their own path. I thought the character development in this book stood out from past books.

Danielle Steel is wonderful about finding new story ideas that have broad appeal.

This was a good story and bit off the usual story line of Danielle Steel. I was not sure in the beginning. There were a lot of character to keep track of but in the end it was worth the wait. The girls really grew up and and matured during the years that past. Of the 4 girls 2 sets of parents were so uninterested in their life, they ended up ok in the end.

Set right after WW2, debutante balls are all the rage for right societal families. The Ball at Versailles connects 4 families that have been through the ball season for their daughters with no luck. Each girl is vastly different, but the same that they are not interested in going to another ball. They each end up going and meet and become great friends. Three of the girls meet suitors whom they fall in love with, and widowed parents of the two New York girls also fall in love.

An interesting Danielle Steel read that does not include the heroine in peril. Strong female leads do not disappoint.

I have read only a few of the nearly 180 novels written by Danielle Steel. The Ball at Versailles provides the luxurious setting typical of many Steel novels. I loved the setting in Versailles, which I have visited several times, most recently only 2 months ago. Like all of Steel's novels, romance and second chances are important themes. Instead of focusing on only one couple, The Ball at Versailles focuses on 5 couples, to various degrees. Creating the opportunity for love and romance is what many of Danielle Steel's readers want and expect.

What works, as in all Steel novels, is probably what most of her fans love most--a satisfying resolution for her character's problems. The characters in The Ball at Versailles are enjoyable, complex as in real life and with the possibility of fulfillment of their dreams. As is true for most Steel novels, the setting is rich with wealth or with the opportunity for wealth. Danielle Steel readers expect a sweet happy ending, and the author gives readers a happy ending in The Ball at Versailles, where all the strings are tied together neatly in the last few chapters. As is often the case with Steel novels, it is the journey to that happy ending that matters most.

The Ball at Versailles is not perfect. In the first several pages, the writing was awkward and given to much repetition. Whole sentences were repeated within a paragraph. It is likely quite difficult to have so many leading characters. Perhaps in the opening chapters, rather than using a line break to introduce each of the four young women, each woman might have a separate short chapter to give each one a separate introduction. Closer editing might help to smooth out some awkward places in the first dozen pages. Initially I was wondering if there was a different writer at the start, but soon enough, Steel's voice comes through quite clearly and the problems with text disappear.

I enjoyed this novel and I expect Steel fans will love it. I thank Danielle Steel and her publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you also to NetGalley for helping to make this ARC so readily available.

The Ball at Versailles made it so easy to remember why I enjoy Danielle Steel’s books. The way she brings the debutant ball meets gentlemen trope together had me so immersed that I simply flew through the story. I cannot wait for Ms.Steel’s next book!

"The Ball at Versailles" is a captivating historical fiction novel set against the opulent backdrop of the Palace of Versailles during the 18th century, this enchanting tale weaves together romance, intrigue, and societal upheavals, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.

The story revolves around a grand ball hosted by the King Louis XVI and his Queen Marie Antoinette. Amidst the shimmering chandeliers, sumptuous gowns, and lavish celebrations, readers are introduced to a diverse cast of characters, each carrying their own hopes, dreams, and secrets. Steel's impeccable research brings the lavish world of Versailles to life, combining rich descriptions of opulent parties with the tension of a society on the brink of upheaval.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Danielle Steel for the ARC, from one of my favorite authors.

This story is amazing. I would like to see it made into a movie. So, you say why only three chairs? Because DS repeats information over and over again throughout the whole book. The same information was given in two consecutive paragraphs - the exact same sentence.

The girls were each very different and it made their stories very interesting. The parents were involved and had interesting lives themselves.

It was wrapped up at the end with a nice bow. The reader was able to see everyones happily ever after.

Danielle Steel is one of my favorite authors. I enjoy the story her book tells every time I read one.
The Ball at Versailles was a book that took me to places and into lives where I could feel the characters and location as if I were there.
Four American debutantes have each received an invitation to an event of their lives that will change them forever.
Amelia, Caroline, Felicity, and Samantha have lives that are so different from each other and yet when they meet at Versailles, they feel a bond that pulls them together.
This was one I couldn’t put down.
Thank you NetGalley, Danielle Steel and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of The Ball at Versailles. This is my personal review.

A special ball and lots of fun. These ladies take on life challenges. Each in her own way. Tougher they can conquer all.

The Ball at Versailles is a coming-of-age novel following four young women after they receive invitations to a ball at the very prestigious Palace of Versailles. I liked the differing perspectives of the young ladies and what they experience that night. The story is full of glitz, glamour, drama and friendships. It was an easy book for me to get through, as I do love a good historical fiction. I do respect Danielle Steel and have enjoyed numerous books of hers, but I feel like her writing is out of touch with younger audiences, many things seemed so far fetched for me,
I've also been reading a lot of historical romance/fiction books by different authors who write in a very different way, so perhaps I've grown accustomed to different styles. I would say that it is a "comfort" kind of book that you know what will happen.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.