Release: July 20th 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Random House Large Print Publishing
Source: Amazon
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, Kobo, TBD
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A woman who longs to avoid risk at all cost learns that men who love danger are the most exciting in this moving novel from New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel.
After a carefree childhood, Mary Margaret Kelly came of age in the shadow of grief. Her father, a dashing daredevil Air Force pilot, died when she was nine. Maggie saw her mother struggle to put their lives back together. As the family moved from one city to the next, her mother warned her to beware of daredevil men and avoid risk at all cost.
Following her mother’s advice, Maggie instead sought all the things her mother had lost—a predictable partner, a stable home, and a regular paycheck. She chose to marry a dependable, kind man who was a reliable husband and successful accountant. Together they had a son and found happiness in a conventional suburban life. Until tragedy struck again.
Now on her own, feeling a sense of adventure for the first time, Maggie decides to face her fears, setting off on a whirlwind trip from San Francisco to Rome, Paris, and Monaco. But her travels reconnect her with the very same irresistible, thrill-seeking man she’s spent thirty years trying to forget. Maggie becomes terrified that rushing into love and sharing his life may very well end in disaster. But ultimately, while Maggie tries to outrun her fears and painful memories of her past, fate will surprise her in the most astounding of ways, as she walks the tightrope between danger and courage, and between wisdom and love.
About the Author:
Danielle Steel has been one of the world’s bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy’s Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina’s life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children’s books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.
Nine Lives Review:
Danielle Steel’s books are usually a hit or miss for me. “Nine Lives” turned out to be a pleasant surprise because it made me reminisce about the classic romance novels that the author is famous for, and I enjoyed it.
For me, the main highlight was Paul and Maggie’s romance and all the various places they ventured. I miss the era of ‘larger than life’ romantic tales from the 80s and 90s, where the main characters traveled to exotic destinations worldwide. The author touches on these elements in this book, where Maggie goes to Paris, San Francisco, Milan, and Antigua. It was a delight reading this book, mainly because it made me feel nostalgic.
Maggie is a likable character, and I enjoyed how the author wrote her conflicted feelings towards Paul after Brad. The author also writes her relationship with Helen and Aden beautifully. Similarly, Paul is a dynamic character who always seeks adventure and excitement. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two and wanted to see how they would work things out together. The author also adds some exciting moments where she dwells in the world of car racing.
However, the pacing could have been better. It felt as though a lot of things happen to Maggie at the beginning of the story. Things slow down in the middle for the most part and again pick up towards the end. It would have been nice if the author added more details at the beginning about Maggie’s relationship with Brad to make the story interesting.
Nevertheless, “Nine Lives” was a fun read, and it was what I expected from a Danielle Steel novel, and I enjoyed reading it.
