I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Joy by Danielle Steel Published by Dell on August 13, 2024
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When she is only six years old, Allegra Dixon’s party-loving mother leaves without so much as a goodbye. Her father, an emotionally distant military officer, is also unable—or unwilling—to care for her. Sent to live like a ghost in her grandparents’ joyless home, Allegra finds her only solace through an escape into books.
Attending boarding school, life finally takes a turn when she meets a dashing young West Point cadet named Shep Williams. Soon their friendship blossoms into something more, and they fall deeply in love.
After college, Allegra has established herself as a book editor and Shep is rising through the ranks of the military. But then Shep suddenly receives a posting to Afghanistan, and they decide to marry before he goes. Between his deployments, they cling to their brief and fraught stolen moments together. Each time he leaves, Shep promises the separations will soon come to an end.
But soon Allegra realizes that the horrors of war have begun to change her husband into a man she no longer recognizes. The trauma he has experienced proves to be too harrowing, and Allegra will find herself feeling utterly alone again just when she thought she’d finally found happiness.
In her new novel,Danielle Steel tells the unforgettable story of a woman who refuses to give up until she finds the joy she deserves.
An emotional journey of searching for joy! Danielle Steel is a natural when it comes to painting a picture for her reader of great detail into the core of each character so it feels like we are walking the path alongside them. Allegra is an extremely easy character to connect with because she has been so neglected emotional throughout her childhood that we can’t help but want to wrap our arms around her. I found her journey and perseverance to be inspiring and I really enjoyed getting to know her. The plot held my attention, her supporting characters were well developed and enjoyable and seeing her finally be seen was inspiring. The only thing I walked away from this book feeling bereft about was that she never got true closure with that first love. I would have loved for her to have run across him one last time … whether it be in person and a final goodbye, or in finding out info about him. He was her first savior in feeling love, so I had a special spot in my heart for him even after. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an inspiring life journey of overcoming life even when it throws you obstacles time and time again. I loved Allegra’s spirit!
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