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.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Joy. It was a fast read about a young girl who grew up with virtually no love. Despite this, she overcame it and eventually married someone who truly loved her and made her happy. It was another great book by Danielle Steel! I can't wait to read her next one!

As usual Danielle Steele does not disappoint . Joy was a great read. It was a fast, entertaining story.
The story kept me interested until the end. I look forward to the next one.

Allegra’s mother left her when she was 6 & her father fulfilled his “duty” to make sure someone looked after her while he was in the military. She referred to herself as an invisible child. The book follows her life into her 40s.

I read this in one sitting… my heart was aching for Allegra. She had so much love to give. I’m still processing it. Abandonment, love, lose, joy, forgiveness, heartache, healing… it has all the emotions.

This was probably one of her best books yet! Just needed a few more chapters! Such a good read!!! She will always be one of my favorite authors !

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book..This short book by Danielle Steel focuses on Allegra, a young woman who grows up with no family to speak of and how she navigates her life throughout many sorrows with ultimately achieving joy and satisfaction with her life. The story is a bit slow moving in the beginning but picks up a quicker pace toward the end, actually the ending seemed a bit rushed and felt like the reader was left hanging. I enjoyed the book , although I do not think it was one of Danielle Steel’s best books.

Poignant tale of love and loss in the life of a brilliant and beautiful editor named Allegra. Danielle Steel has a true way of engaging the reader till the very end. Couldn't put it down.

Loved the book! Was kinda sad at times, I felt sorry for the character being left alone. A mother didn’t want her, but finding love. I would definitely recommend this book!

Joy is another great read by Danielle Steel. It was a fast, fun, entertaining story.
The characters were likable, and kept you turning the pages with their unique situations.
The characters are interesting enough to keep the pages turning.
Steel has written another quick and enjoyable story.
The book kept me interested until the end. Very well written, and made me feel like I was right there with the characters. This was another well written book and I would definitely recommend

Thank You NetGalley and Random House, Ballantine & Delacorte Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Danielle Steel brings us the story of Allegra. She is the neglected child of a career military dad and a mother who leaves her at the age of six. Left alone, her father sends her to his parents then to boarding school then to her mother's parents. Throughout her lonely childhood, she is expected to act invisible until she meets Shep. They fall in love and plan to marry once she is finished with school and he leaves the army. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned and she is left alone once again when the army claims Shep as their own. Free from all ties to family, Allegra makes a bold decision to leave New York and head to California. Will good fortune find Allegra after all the devastation she has lived through up to that point? Or will life keep pounding her down and take away everything from her?

Danielle Steel brings us the story of a woman who has gone through pain, neglect, and love. Once in California, Allegra must once again start over. This time, she only has herself to please and no one else. Will she find the joy she once felt when she had Shep in her life? Will opportunity knock and will she answer it or ignore it thinking that she does not deserve that bit of joy and love in her life? Go along with her as she discovers what she is capable of and if she is brave enough to grab and hold on. Danielle Steel keeps you turning the page to see what Allegra will do next and how she will persevere in spite of all that has happened to her and how that shaped her life.

I have received and read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press for this privilege.

This book follows the tragic life of Allegra, who only ever wanted love, but was betrayed by most everyone she came into contact with. From her parents, to her grandparents and then even her husband. Until she meets the man of her dreams and they live happily ever after....until it ends.

I enjoyed the beginning of this book. It was a slow burn, but good to follow. Once Allegra became an adult though, it got to be too much repetition for me and I got bored.

Solid3.5

This book was hard to start, hard to read about Allegra‘s childhood.
Although it sucked me in quickly, it was still hard for a while.
Allegra Is an amazing girl, woman.

Thank you for the advanced copy
I just reviewed Joy by Danielle Steel. #Joy #NetGalley
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Loved this story. So glad I have rediscovered Danielle Steel. She is an amazing storyteller. I would love to see a sequel to this about what happens to the main character or even what happens to some of the people who were in her life.