Member Reviews

This was a very enjoyable read about a man that is at the top of his game and then isn’t.

We learn what he does over the next year to reinvent himself, be happy with who he is.

Well written, good characters, not too many but the ones there are good ones, I was able to visualize them all well with the descriptions provided.

Thank you Netgalley, and the author for an advanced copy.
The opinions are my own

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As studio CEO, Andy is living the high life. He never dreamed it could be ripped away leaving him floundering to discover his second act. Leaving LA behind, he seeks refuge in the UK. The sleepy beach town is the escape Andy needs to figure out the rest of his life.

Seeking help to put his affairs in order, a violet-eyed assistant changes his world. Will he have the 'write' stuff to embrace a new chapter or return to the corporate world?

Thank you for #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #SecondAct in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the read and having recently discovered my own 'second act' it made the story relevant.

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Second Act by Danielle Steel A heartwarming romance with Andy and Violet, whose love and respect for one another shines throughout the book. Very enjoyable read. There are times you just want to read a happy story without all the drama and viciousness that seems to prevail in books today.

Thank you to the author, Danielle Steel; publisher, Random House; and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

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This is a lovely story about reinvention and mature love. When Andy is suddenly fired from his hugely important job as a studio head, he becomes deeply depressed. Out of his despair and desire to hide, he goes to England to recover. It’s there he meets a woman, seeking her own reinvention after terrible losses. Of course, these two people are able to work together and heal.

This is the kind of novel that I enjoy, very relaxing, a bit predictable but sending out a life affirming message. I enjoyed this book and I am sure it will be a springboard to interesting discussions, especially about values.

Yes, read, relax and repeat with other charming books. Thanks Netgalley for giving me this opportunity to enjoy a very positive novel.

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I can’t remember the last time I read a book by Danielle Steel, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to read her new masterpiece, “Second Act.” I love Andy and Violet and their magical second chance at love. Andy enjoyed a lucrative and successful career in the entertainment industry until he was unceremoniously ousted from his position, which bruised his pride and left him without a backup plan. I felt bad for Andy as he wallowed in self-pity until it dawned on him that a change of scenery was necessary in order to heal his broken psyche and allow him to ponder his future. Renting a mansion in a tiny beach town in England immediately brought him peace and it also brought him Violet, the woman who would save his soul. Violet was also adrift, not knowing what to do with her life, until she applied for a job as Andy’s assistant. She immediately fell for the handsome and charismatic American, but romance wasn’t in the cards for her right now. Of course, love grabs you when you least expect it and when Andy and Violet began collaborating on a life-changing project, sparks flew and they knew their future together was guaranteed to have a happy ending. I loved everything about Ms. Steel's new book, especially Andy and Violet’s sweet romance, their immediate and off the charts chemistry, and the happiness they bestowed upon each other with just a sexy wink or a tender hug. They certainly were a match made in heaven!

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The main character is starting over. What makes it easier for him is he is wealthy. In fact, everything in this book lends itself to financial success and the rich and famous. Written by one of the most famous authors, this book is all about finding oneself again. I do wish this author would once again visit those who don’t have the best of everything, but this novel follows her usual outline. It is a fun quick read. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher and the author.

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When a man is ousted as chief executive of a major film organization in LA, he must re-evaluate his life and so he takes a break and rents a house in Britain. He finds an assistant who is writing a book which he reads and loves. He wants to write the screenplay and make it into a movie. Maybe he's found a new life.

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As one of the most powerful studio heads Andy Westfield, soon Hollywood stars, learns that his life can change in a minute. When it does, he leaves Hollywood for the coast of England and a small town Winchelsea. Once there he meets Violet Smith, another person hurt and almost destroyed by what life has thrown at her. Together they help each other find a new goal, and life goals. Great read for anyone who thinks they can't recover from what life has hurled at you. Human lives are resilient and with determination can find a better path.

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Many thanks to Net Galley and Random House for a copy of Second Act by Danielle Steel. Everyone that knows my reading tastes know I love this author. We are playing Bookopoly in my Book Club and I received a prompt, "Book by PBS of your favorite authors". I knew right of what to read.

Alex has a high powered job as A CEO of a movie house. He has had this position for 19 years, but when the company was sold, he got fired. This book tells Alex's story about picking yourself up. Making a new life. His journey starts when he told his assistant "get me out of here!". He goes from L.A. to England.

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Andy Westfield has it all. He’s the head of Global Studios, has a mega mansion in Bel-Air, a garage full of luxury vehicles and a famous actress on his arm at exclusive events. He has it all. Until he doesn’t. In a studio shakeup, he’s summarily fired and escorted from the building and the studio he ruled for twenty years. A brief period of self pity fueled by alcohol follows, then Andy leaves Hollywood for a small seaside town in England where he hopes he can reinvent himself after his recent humiliation. He can’t leave his past life totally behind so he hires Violet, a local woman with a tragic past, to help with his correspondence. She is also an author and when he reads her manuscript, he realizes it has the potential to be a hit movie and he is just the person to make that happen. But he needs Violet’s help and she must trust him enough to share her heartbreaking past.

As always, Danielle Steel gives the reader a fast moving plot full of beautiful and well dressed people with luxurious homes and expensive cars. While Second Act has a sad subplot, there is the expected happy ending. We all need that. 5 stars.

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The Second Act is a winner by Danielle Steel! I really enjoyed reading this book. These books are always somewhat predictable, but always interesting and entertaining to read. Can’t wait for more!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the arc of this book!

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Classic Danielle Steel! The Second Act is another winner by this best selling author. I can always count on a good story with interesting characters. When I start one of her books I know what to expect and never wonder if it will be a good book and an enjoyable read. While her novels are somewhat predictable , I always find them entertaining and enjoy the few hours I spent reading them. I have not missed one of her books yet and don’t plan to! Thank you to NetGalley, Danielle Steel and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC .⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Can the CEO of a prestigious movie studio find a new beginning when his career takes an unexpected turn?

Andy Westfield had it all. As head of a movie studio for nearly two decades, Andy lived the perfect life, or so he thought. The son of Hollywood royalty, Andy’s career came first, before his marriage, and even his daughter at times.

His life consisting of a stunning office, private jet, and company cars, comes to an ending when the studio is sold and Andy is out as CEO. Andy is humiliated and begins to spiral. He decides to get away and rents a home for six months in a small coastal town two hours from London to try to find a way forward. Andy hires a local woman to help handle his affairs. Violet Smith, a former journalist, is at a crossroads in her life as well.

Violet leaves behind a manuscript of her unfinished novel after work one day. Andy’s curiosity gets the best of him and is stunned by the power of the story. Could this be the start of a new beginning?

Violet meets Andy during a traumatic time for both of them but Andy is unaware of Violet’s past when they meet. As they work together, their meeting gives them the opportunity they both need to begin their second act.

I was pulled into the story immediately and read the book in one day. There is a lovely romance that I enjoyed watching form between the two main characters as they begin to understand each other and support one another. The book explores how things can happen which totally change your life in an instant whether it’s for better or worse. A great read with a satisfying ending.

Thank you to Netgalley, Delacorte Press, and the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

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This book is about how someone fulfills their life wanting to be a screenwriter. With a lot of faith and hard work and with people you least expect to help. A dream will come true in the most unexpected way. There is a great love story too. This book was approved by netgalley and the publisher for me to read and review.

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Another quick entertaining read from this prolific author.

Two people from vastly different backgrounds cross paths in a remote beach village on the English coast. They do share one thing in common: each has suffered a major loss. For Andy, it is the loss of his career with its prestige and power when he is fired in a corporate takeover. For Violet, it is the loss of her family, specifically her son, through the ruthless actions of her ex-husband. Call it fate, or destiny or mere coincidence, their meeting is a catalyst for healing and the opportunity to discover love and a shared partnership based on their respective talents…an opportunity for a second act in life.

I was engaged with the characters from start to finish, which took a day to read. The storyline itself was satisfying, if predictable, but what made the book a winner was the authenticity of Andy and Violet in facing their pasts, but not letting those pasts define them by limiting their future.

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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