The book was a quick read. The ending didn't wrap up nicely. I would have liked to found out what happened to her first love.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was a fast and enjoyable read and followed the life of Allegra as she navigates life after a lonely and sad childhood. I found myself rooting for her and enjoyed the way it wrapped up. I was curious, however, what happened to Shep.

A woman whose mother abandoned her when she was 6 and whose father was in army intelligence and never hardly home, is raised by grandparents who didn't really want her. She was sent to boarding school when she was 11. Her parents families were well to do and summered in Newport and lived in New York, so she got things she needed, but wanted love.

I always look forward to new Danielle Steel books and immediately read them. She is just one of my authors that I know I am going to love, no matter what she writes. "Joy" is another great story that we get from Danielle Steel that does not disappoint.

Allegra has been dealt her fair share of bad luck and of no fault of her own. She was born to a mom that had no interest in being a mom and a dad that was too busy with his career to be a real dad. Poor Allegra was shuffled from one place to another and then finally put into boarding school so no one would have to deal with her. Her mom never really came back after she left Allegra when she was young. I can't imagine how Allegra felt knowing that her mom and dad didn't want to really have a relationship with her.

When Allegra finally meet someone that cared for her, they married before he left for the ARMY and decided not to tell anyone until he got back from his tour overseas. Allegra was faithful to her husband and waited for him to return from the deployment only to be shattered by his PTSD that he was experiencing. Shep decides that the only place for him is back in the deployment zone and goes back for another deployment. Allegra knows what the ARMY can do to soldiers because of her father. She doesn't want that to happen to Shep but she can't get through to him and their relationship eventually goes south as well. Allegra has more heartbreak, as if she hasn't had enough already in her life.

You will have to read this story to find out how things end for Allegra. You won't be disappointed though. Allegra finally has a run of good luck. i really enjoyed this book and the ride that we got to go on along with Allegra. Danielle Steel did not disappoint with this story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book.

It is a truly rare and precious thing to come across a story as powerful as this one; as beautiful, as intensely emotional, as evocative and unique. This book represents the reason I love to read. It’s the diamond in the rough. It’s the book that, ten years later, you think of and your heart skips a beat. It’s a master piece of storytelling. I hope Danielle Steele never stop writing books because as long as she keeps writing them, I will be reading them.

Allegra Dixon has grown up without any one in her family loving her. Her mother deserted her, her dad is in the military and has been gone most of her life. Her grandparents have taken care of her out of necessity but have not shown her love. She thinks she has finally found love when she marries Shep Williams. He is in the military and soon after they marry he is sent to Afghanistan. When he returns he has changed and thinks he must keep going back. Allegra finds herself alone again but is determined to move on and find joy again.


Thanks to Danielle Steel and Random House Publishing group-Ballantine

Deprived of any affection by her neglectful family from birth, Allegra spends decades searching for a safe outlet for a lifetime of dammed up love she has stored inside her.

Verdict: not much of a love story, this book is a quick, relatively dispassionate retelling of a series of human connections made and severed.

Danielle Steel's ubiquitous logotype on the cover of a book has somehow become synonymous with romance, much like Nora Roberts or the other great prolific romance novelists of their generation. And yet, similar to how Roberts actually writes primarily crime thrillers, Danielle Steel's books seem to be perfunctory at best about their love storylines, while focused mostly on overcoming personal trauma. This is not a real romance in spirit or in execution, and it is not a coming of age story, either; the storytelling style is too detached for that. I would probably class this as contemporary fiction (or "women's fiction," a patronizing moniker I detest).

In terms of the plot, it reminds me a little bit of Honey Moon by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. But one of the odd distinctions about Danielle Steel novels (with the caveat that I haven't read many, and the ones I have read are recent releases) is the great emotional distance between the third-person narrator and the characters. Joy is written in a cool and remote third person voice, albeit a benevolent one, as though describing a bird's eye view of a human life from a great distance. Intimacies are stated rather than shown. The body of the book, in my personal opinion, delivers little of the emotional payoff expected in the "Romance" section of a library or bookstore. And likewise for the ending.

TLDR: This novel is not truly a love story but rather the story of a woman determined to be hopeful in the face of emptiness and abandonment, and its gentle yet detached writing style strips away most of the emotional satisfaction commonly associated with the romance genre. It would probably find more success marketed under a different category.

Thank you Random House for the ARC; I always look forward to seeing what the great names of the fiction world have up their sleeves, and this was no exception.

Review appeared as a blog post here: https://warmfuzziesonly.wordpress.com/2024/01/02/advance-review-joy-by-danielle-steel/

Another novel by Danielle Steel. I finished it because it was a quick read but I didn't enjoy this one. The plot was too simple and a repeat one of hers. I gave it 3 stars because it was a quick read and basically the plot was a given. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy. #NetGalley #Joy

The book titled "Joy" was surprisingly lacking in joy and rather dismal. The narrative revolves around Allegra, a strong-willed woman who endures a difficult childhood, a troubled marriage, and a generally bleak existence for the majority of the book. The fleeting instances of happiness were insufficient to uplift the overall tone of the story. However, it is a quick read. I would suggest opting for a more uplifting read instead. In summary, "Joy" does not live up to its name.

In Joy, Danielle Steel brings us the story of a woman who has gone through pain, neglect, and love. She is the neglected child of a career military dad and a mother who leaves her at the age of six. She is passed around from grandparents to boarding school to grandparents again. She meets Shep. They fall in love and plan to marry once she is finished with school and he leaves the army. Unfortunately, that don't go as planned. Allegra makes a bold decision to leave New York and head to California. Will she find the joy? A simplistic ending was definitely a choice, but Steel opted for more complexity, emphasizing the strength Allegra developed.

#netgalley

This was my first DS novel — but not the last! It was a slow start, but it kept me interested enough to keep going. I’m happy she has a robust catalog of work to keep me reading all year.

Danielle Steel delivers another entertaining novel although the title might be a little misleading. There is a strong undertone of sadness as Allegra’s story unfolds from early childhood to midlife. A major theme of abandonment/rejection/neglect dominates most of her significant relationships and yet her resilience shines through as kindness, hope and dedication. There are moments of joy as she experiences the love she longed for and finally received. Ultimately, she begins to understand that the joy arises from within as external sources are transient.

While this novel has all the classic elements of Steel’s work – a strong female protagonist facing challenges, achieving success, and finding love, it was a bit difficult to embrace after reading her most current historical novel, Only the Brave. The contrast between the latter book of such power and emotional depth and this more superficial contemporary story left me wanting more.

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.

Danielle Steel does it again with her newest novel Joy! The lead character, Allegra, turns a very lonely and sad childhood into gold. The resilience of the human spirit is amazing in this book. Some surprise twists and turns keeps the reader engaged. This fast paced novel was just a pleasure to read.

This storyline is one of DS signatures. She does it well, but she has done this narrative a lot, especially in recent books. Story was good but nothing exciting or provoking.

Allegra is the epitome of resilience, courage and conviction that she would find joy both within herself and her belief in the good of others. Abandoned by her "parents" of whom felt no emotional attachment to her, she was left alone in her room with only her teddy bear. George, providing any sort of comfort. She was raised by sets of grandparents whom saw it as their duty to bring her up rather than rejoicing in the opportunity to raise a child. As a result, Allegra did everything she could to become invisible and lacked trust in others not to leave her, Even her best friend and eventual lover and husband, Shep, was too emotionally destroyed to commit himself to her. Starting over in LA was the best thing that could have happened to her. That is where she met her soulmate and her other half, Henry. They acted out of joy and love for each other everyday. When she wrote his biography it was not to showcase his accomplishments but to provide detail about the man she loved. True love brings true joy and this was a great example.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. In this book Danielle Steel brings us the story of Allegra. This book has the tragedy of a child raised without love and takes us on the journey throughout her life. This book has everything you would expect from the author love and tragedy. Once I started this book I could not set it down. This book was shorter than most Danielle Steel books but a good read.

This book can be divided into 2 segments, a very dark start and a beautiful love story. Allegra has been abandoned and neglected by every member of her family. She finally starts to bloom after meeting a young man. Together they happily explore young love and happiness. It seems like a lovely story until Shep fulfills his military commitment and returns with PTSD.

Allegra starts over and miraculously has a second chance at life and great JOY. Steel once again employs a very May-December romance to bring Allegra a fulfilling life. A simplistic ending was definitely a choice, but Steel opted for more complexity, emphasizing the strength Allegra developed.

I enjoyed this book and appreciate how Steel’s novels change and explore new issues. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review Steel’s newest novel.

"Joy" by Danielle Steel is a poignant and deeply moving novel that explores the resilient spirit of a determined young woman named Allegra Dixon. Abandoned by her party-loving mother at the tender age of six, Allegra finds solace in books as she navigates a childhood marked by emotional neglect and a military father unable to provide the warmth and care she craves. Sent to live with joyless grandparents, she discovers the transformative power of literature.

The narrative follows Allegra through her journey at boarding school, where she meets the charismatic West Point cadet Shep Williams. Their friendship blossoms into a profound love that sustains them through the challenges of Shep's military career and deployments to Afghanistan. As Allegra strives to build a life filled with joy, she confronts the harsh realities of war that gradually change the man she loves.

Danielle Steel skillfully weaves a tale of love, loss, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness. Allegra's character is portrayed with depth and authenticity, drawing readers into her world and eliciting empathy for her struggles. The exploration of themes such as abandonment, the impact of war, and the healing power of love adds layers of complexity to the narrative.

The novel is a heartfelt exploration of the human spirit's capacity to endure, survive, and seek joy even in the face of profound challenges. Steel's storytelling prowess is evident as she crafts a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impact on the reader. "Joy" is a compelling and emotional journey that celebrates the strength of the human soul and the enduring power of love.

In summary, "Joy" is a beautifully written novel that delves into the complexities of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Danielle Steel's storytelling expertise shines through, creating a narrative that resonates with readers on a deep and emotional level. The novel is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart and its capacity to find joy amidst life's tribulations.

Loved reading the heartwarming and heart-wrenching novel by the amazing and phenomenal author, Danielle Steel. Each time Allegra's husband, Shep, comes home from the service, Shep becomes a changed man, breaks her heart, leaves Allegra, divorces her, and Allegra begins a new life far away working for an older man, Henry Platt. Read the highly recommended and wonderfully written story full of heartbreak and joy.

Joy by Danielle Steel. The story starts off slowly but speeds up toward the end which feels somewhat rushed and abrupt. Had to admire Allegra's determination and ability to find happiness and her own self worth.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.