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هموم القلب
"تجرفك الحياة بقوة أحياناً، وحتى لو كنت تحب شخصاً، لا تستطيع العثور على طريقك إليه مجدداً". بهذه العبارة يمكن لنا أن نكتشف "هموم القلب" رائعة سيدة الرواية الأميركية المعاصرة "دانيال ستيل" التي ترجمت رواياتها إلى أكثر من 28 لغة، وتصدرت قائمة الكتب الأكثر مبيعاً حسب النيويورك تايمز؛ وتحولت أكثر من 28 رواية من رواياتها إلى أعمال تلفزيونية ناجحة. بكثير من الواقعية وبمزيج من الرومانسية، وبأسلوب أدبي على غاية من الرهافة تعالج الروائية مشكلة عاطفية بحتة؛ تتناول فيها حياة امرأة طموحة وموهوبة تعمل مصورة فوتوغرافية أمضت كل حياتها كمراقبة؛ مؤرخة للوضع البشري، في بداية الرواية اعتُبرت "هوب دان" شخصاً غير منظور تقريباً وهي، في نواح أخرى، إنسانة هائلة صاحبة ضوء داخلي وقوة قادرين على ملء مساحة كبيرة. تعيش هذه المرأة قصة حب مفعمة مع زوجها "بول فورست" يعمل جراحاً وأستاذاً في هارفارد وكانت علاقتهما شغوفة وقوية، إلى أن يقع الزوج فريسة مرض "باركنسون" فأصيب بالارتعاش وفقد قدرته على الحياة بشكل طبيعي، فيقرر طلاقها، على الرغم من الحب الذي جمعهما، ولكنه، لا يريدها أن تبقى بقربه وهو ينتظر موته فهي تستحق حياة أفضل برأيه. بعد طلاقها بدت امرأة مستقلة جداً وعاشت حياة هادئة ومنعزلة لسنوات عدة، تبدو ماهرة في إبقاء نفسها مشغولة، فهي تلتقط صوراً في شوارع هارلم ليلة الميلاد، وتصور في مقهى سائقي الشاحنات في الجادة العاشرة عند الرابعة فجراً وهذا ما تفعله، وهكذا تحب تمضية وقتها. تتوالى الأحداث إلى أن يُعرض عليها تصوير "فين أونيل" أرستقراطي إيرلندي حاصل على شهادة الدكتوراه من أوكسفورد، ونال الوسام البريطاني بعدما فاز بجائزة الكتاب الوطنية في أميركا عن فئة القصص الخيالية، وهو شخصية مثيرة جداً، وهنا تأخذ حياة "هوب دان" طريقاً إلى التغيير، عندما تلتقي بـ "فين أونيل" حيث يطلب منها تصويره بهدف وضع الصورة على غلاف كتابه الجديد فأخبرته عن الكثير من حياتها مع "بول" وطلاقها وبدت له امرأة حنونة وودودة وفي الوقت نفسه امرأة غامضة بالنسبة إليه، وبقيت الأسئلة دون أجوبة "إنهما شخصان معتادان على النظر إلى قلوب الأشخاص الآخرين، لكنهما حيّرا بعضهما بعضاً". قال لها "استمتعت بالتحدث إليك. أنا مفتون بعينيك وبالغموض الكبير الذي رأيته فيهما. أتمنى أن نلتقي مجدداً قريباً...". أما هي فشعرت أن "لديهما العديد من الاهتمامات المتشابهة. لو حضرت لائحة بكل شيء تريده من رجل، لوجدت أن فين يملك كل شيء (...) كل ما تذكرته لاحقاً هو فين يقبلها، والشعور بأمان كبير بين ذراعيه، ورغبة في عدم انتهاء القبلة أبداً، وفيما نظرت إلى عينيه بذهول بعد ذلك، أدركت أنها تقع في غرامه هي الأخرى. إنها البداية المثالية لسنة جديدة. وربما لحياة جديدة". فهل تتوقف الأمور عند هذا الحد أم أن هنالك مفاجآت أخرى تنتظر قلب هذه المرأة، حيث بدت وكأنها تحمل طفلاً في أحشائها...! هذا ما سوف نكتشفه معاً عند قراءتنا لهذه الرواية الممتعة والشيقة البعيدة عن التكلف، والتي تكشف فيها "دانيال ستيل" عن ذلك الجانب الخفي في تكوين النفس البشرية، تلك المسافة ما بين حب ماضٍ وحب آتٍ في حياة كل إنسان حيث يقول المثل الصيني "كان ذلك آنذاك، والآن هو هذا".
286 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
1417 people are currently reading
3960 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Steel
911 books16.7k followersDanielle Steel has been hailed as 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 614 reviews
January 20, 2010
When I first started this book I did so with high hopes. After all, it had been referred to my by a trusted friend, and I'd seen this authors books everywhere, so it was a very good chance that this author/book would be good.
I can't believe how wrong I was. This book was so poorly written and so badly outlined that I literally found myself both squirming (picture it like being in a dentists chair getting drilled) and rolling my eyes as I continued on. About halfway through I rarely read any of it, I just skimmed through to get the gist of the story.
Honestly, I can't fathom reading any more of her books ever again. Not only was it confusing in the way she changed between people's perspectives, but I felt like I was reading the same paragraph again, and again, and again. Her overuse of the same adjectives, and almost entire sentences, gave me a similar sensation to fingernails running down a chalkboard.
I guess I feel that reading a book should be a pleasant, enjoyable thing. But I would have to say that this author does not deliver. I can't rate it according to my opinion. If I could, I would give it a negative 5 stars, and an "I really hated it" rating. Definitely a "do not read."
I can't believe how wrong I was. This book was so poorly written and so badly outlined that I literally found myself both squirming (picture it like being in a dentists chair getting drilled) and rolling my eyes as I continued on. About halfway through I rarely read any of it, I just skimmed through to get the gist of the story.
Honestly, I can't fathom reading any more of her books ever again. Not only was it confusing in the way she changed between people's perspectives, but I felt like I was reading the same paragraph again, and again, and again. Her overuse of the same adjectives, and almost entire sentences, gave me a similar sensation to fingernails running down a chalkboard.
I guess I feel that reading a book should be a pleasant, enjoyable thing. But I would have to say that this author does not deliver. I can't rate it according to my opinion. If I could, I would give it a negative 5 stars, and an "I really hated it" rating. Definitely a "do not read."
May 14, 2016
I have SO many issues with this book. First off, a guy you met like 3 days ago flies to meet you and shows up at your apartment with no announcement and you don't find that even remotely disturbing? Second, after he lies to you multiple times about some pretty freaking HUGE things, you shrug it off and still consider marrying him. Third, he asks you for 5 MILLION DOLLARS to spend as he pleases and you still don't run? It takes a very thinly veiled threat to kill you to make you run? Really? REALLY?! This book was long and tedious and I'm shocked I actually managed to get all the way through it. The whole story was incredibly predictable, I had guessed the whole story within the first 50 pages and none of it was remotely interesting. Do yourself a favour, don't read this book.
November 19, 2009
This is my 1st Danielle Steel book in probably 10 years. So far it's predictable for her novels. Ok, I finished it this morning and now I remember why it's been 10 years since reading the last one. It will probably be another 10 years before I pick up another. I used to love her.
I hated this book. All her characters are always poor little rich girls. This one though I just wanted to smack. How a character that's 44 years old would put up with someone who abused her like that and stayed with him even for a year after ignoring all the warning signs in the beginning because he was charming sometimes and she loved him.
I know it happens in real life but it annoyed me so much in the book that I found myself wanting to throw it against the wall.
I hated this book. All her characters are always poor little rich girls. This one though I just wanted to smack. How a character that's 44 years old would put up with someone who abused her like that and stayed with him even for a year after ignoring all the warning signs in the beginning because he was charming sometimes and she loved him.
I know it happens in real life but it annoyed me so much in the book that I found myself wanting to throw it against the wall.
July 6, 2014
I absolutely love Danielle Steel even if I haven't meant her presently face to face. I admire this women who strucks your soul and imagination to go where ever it wants not only that when you open her books just by the note that she writes you can tell it's going to be a good read. I do not agree with people judging her writing because who are you to huge someones writing. Her writings come fourth to life about hope, heartache, and love all combined into one and that's absolutely magnetic and magnificent. This women has captured me with her beautiful books. Sometimes I feel as if she writes her books for me, which in truly she does for us and the people she loves. I'm a reader of romance books and very many Authors but none like Danielle steel she sweeps you away and that's what I love. I can picture every word of how every detail of the story goes and I'm actually in that world of the book seeing everything face to face. Her writings are her it comes from experience, hope, knowledge, and wisdom from above. That is why she is number one and she will continue to make her mark known and remain the most incredible writer I have ever read.
May 3, 2011
This is a fantastic read.
Matters of the heart is a love story that captures your heart but in different ways than you would think.
It is all about a women Hope Dunn, she has been a wifew, mother, who has loved and lost. She went through so much sadness and heartbreak.
Finally she turned her life around and became a women, who has it all, and becomes a top photographer, who has become a big name.
Life is now settled and has found peace in herself.
Suddenly her life is turned upside down, by a charming man Finn Oneill, an Irish-American author.
Hope falls in love, and starts living the life, she thought she will never have again, and is happier than life itself.
Suddenly she is living the perfect love story, but isnt perfect than what she thought.
The story sums up a story about love and trust and how we can be blinded by emotion, and how is presents a struggle in our lives.
Matters of the heart is a love story that captures your heart but in different ways than you would think.
It is all about a women Hope Dunn, she has been a wifew, mother, who has loved and lost. She went through so much sadness and heartbreak.
Finally she turned her life around and became a women, who has it all, and becomes a top photographer, who has become a big name.
Life is now settled and has found peace in herself.
Suddenly her life is turned upside down, by a charming man Finn Oneill, an Irish-American author.
Hope falls in love, and starts living the life, she thought she will never have again, and is happier than life itself.
Suddenly she is living the perfect love story, but isnt perfect than what she thought.
The story sums up a story about love and trust and how we can be blinded by emotion, and how is presents a struggle in our lives.
November 11, 2019
You’ll get a frustrated with Hope for not leaving sooner. It was a bit predictable and she it was red flags galore. It is just a story but readers can still get annoyed by her overlooking some of the red flags and his constant verbal abuse. Overall though it was still a good story!
April 23, 2021
Well it took me a while to get into the book.
And for its my first Danielle Steel book it was kinda hard.
But now that I'm completely into it, I can feel Hope's emotions, Finns unresolvable jealousy, Paulo's care, Marks concern, everything.
I really appreciate Paul for making the right choice for Hope.
I am from a country where it is still a dream. People don't even think about getting past their own selfish reasons.
I liked Hope very much. Independent women are something.
And from the first moment, i didn’t like Finn at all.
All those sweet gesture means nothing when you can't be their both physically and mentally.
And as the story goes on i dislike him more and more. Unfortunately i was being a little impatient with Hopes back and forth but was happy that she finally pull her self together and got her happy ending. Not the traditional one, no.
But she got her peace.
And for its my first Danielle Steel book it was kinda hard.
But now that I'm completely into it, I can feel Hope's emotions, Finns unresolvable jealousy, Paulo's care, Marks concern, everything.
I really appreciate Paul for making the right choice for Hope.
I am from a country where it is still a dream. People don't even think about getting past their own selfish reasons.
I liked Hope very much. Independent women are something.
And from the first moment, i didn’t like Finn at all.
All those sweet gesture means nothing when you can't be their both physically and mentally.
And as the story goes on i dislike him more and more. Unfortunately i was being a little impatient with Hopes back and forth but was happy that she finally pull her self together and got her happy ending. Not the traditional one, no.
But she got her peace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2013
"تجرفك الحياة بقوة أحياناً، وحتى لو كنت تحب شخصاً، لا تستطيع العثور على طريقك إليه مجدداً". بهذه العبارة يمكن لنا أن نكتشف "هموم القلب" رائعة سيدة الرواية الأميركية المعاصرة "دانيال ستيل" التي ترجمت رواياتها إلى أكثر من 28 لغة، وتصدرت قائمة الكتب الأكثر مبيعاً حسب النيويورك تايمز؛ وتحولت أكثر من 28 رواية من رواياتها إلى أعمال تلفزيونية ناجحة. بكثير من الواقعية وبمزيج من الرومانسية، وبأسلوب أدبي على غاية من الرهافة تعالج الروائية مشكلة عاطفية بحتة؛ تتناول فيها حياة امرأة طموحة وموهوبة تعمل مصورة فوتوغرافية أمضت كل حياتها كمراقبة؛ مؤرخة للوضع البشري، في بداية الرواية اعتُبرت "هوب دان" شخصاً غير منظور تقريباً وهي، في نواح أخرى، إنسانة هائلة صاحبة ضوء داخلي وقوة قادرين على ملء مساحة كبيرة. تعيش هذه المرأة قصة حب مفعمة مع زوجها "بول فورست" يعمل جراحاً وأستاذاً في هارفارد وكانت علاقتهما شغوفة وقوية، إلى أن يقع الزوج فريسة مرض "باركنسون" فأصيب بالارتعاش وفقد قدرته على الحياة بشكل طبيعي، فيقرر طلاقها، على الرغم من الحب الذي جمعهما، ولكنه، لا يريدها أن تبقى بقربه وهو ينتظر موته فهي تستحق حياة أفضل برأيه. بعد طلاقها بدت امرأة مستقلة جداً وعاشت حياة هادئة ومنعزلة لسنوات عدة، تبدو ماهرة في إبقاء نفسها مشغولة، فهي تلتقط صوراً في شوارع هارلم ليلة الميلاد، وتصور في مقهى سائقي الشاحنات في الجادة العاشرة عند الرابعة فجراً وهذا ما تفعله، وهكذا تحب تمضية وقتها. تتوالى الأحداث إلى أن يُعرض عليها تصوير "فين أونيل" أرستقراطي إيرلندي حاصل على شهادة الدكتوراه من أوكسفورد، ونال الوسام البريطاني بعدما فاز بجائزة الكتاب الوطنية في أميركا عن فئة القصص الخيالية، وهو شخصية مثيرة جداً، وهنا تأخذ حياة "هوب دان" طريقاً إلى التغيير، عندما تلتقي بـ "فين أونيل" حيث يطلب منها تصويره بهدف وضع الصورة على غلاف كتابه الجديد فأخبرته عن الكثير من حياتها مع "بول" وطلاقها وبدت له امرأة حنونة وودودة وفي الوقت نفسه امرأة غامضة بالنسبة إليه، وبقيت الأسئلة دون أجوبة "إنهما شخصان معتادان على النظر إلى قلوب الأشخاص الآخرين، لكنهما حيّرا بعضهما بعضاً". قال لها "استمتعت بالتحدث إليك. أنا مفتون بعينيك وبالغموض الكبير الذي رأيته فيهما. أتمنى أن نلتقي مجدداً قريباً...". أما هي فشعرت أن "لديهما العديد من الاهتمامات المتشابهة. لو حضرت لائحة بكل شيء تريده من رجل، لوجدت أن فين يملك كل شيء (...) كل ما تذكرته لاحقاً هو فين يقبلها، والشعور بأمان كبير بين ذراعيه، ورغبة في عدم انتهاء القبلة أبداً، وفيما نظرت إلى عينيه بذهول بعد ذلك، أدركت أنها تقع في غرامه هي الأخرى. إنها البداية المثالية لسنة جديدة. وربما لحياة جديدة". فهل تتوقف الأمور عند هذا الحد أم أن هنالك مفاجآت أخرى تنتظر قلب هذه المرأة، حيث بدت وكأنها تحمل طفلاً في أحشائها...! هذا ما سوف نكتشفه معاً عند قراءتنا لهذه الرواية الممتعة والشيقة البعيدة عن التكلف، والتي تكشف فيها "دانيال ستيل" عن ذلك الجانب الخفي في تكوين النفس البشرية، تلك المسافة ما بين حب ماضٍ وحب آتٍ في حياة كل إنسان حيث يقول المثل الصيني "كان ذلك آنذاك، والآن هو هذا"
October 7, 2009
Curiosity got the better of me. I had never read a Danielle Steel book which didn't seem right. By reading "Matters of the Heart" I confirmed that I'm not missing anything. Maybe her other books are better? I felt as though this was written for a lower reading level than what I'm used to. The author repeats lines and facts several times throughout the story (as though I wouldn't remember the first and second time). This was a completely unbelievable plot. No one in their right mind (and apparently Hope Dunne was of sound mind) would tolerate the relationship portrayed in this book. On the other hand, it was an easy and fast read for which I give 2 stars.
January 2, 2013
What an awful, terrible, stupid book. I haven't read anything by Danielle Steel in forever, and I guess now I know why. Ick. I can't believe this was written by an established author. It was more like listening to a girlfriend try to describe a movie she'd seen: "There was this woman, a famous photographer. And then there was this guy, a famous author. And he looooves her so much, but he's creepy, kinda. And then she moved to Ireland,to be with the guy. She's tiny and perfect and beautiful. She looks like Snow White, remember? And even though she's in her 40's, she looks 20 years younger. Awesome, right?"
There's a couple hours of my life I'll never get back.
There's a couple hours of my life I'll never get back.
June 6, 2016
Liked this one, must go back to her soon. My lovely friend Brenda gifted me a whole bunch, so I will never be without a DS, I also keep buying the ones I don't have. Kinda thought I'd have them all by now!
July 13, 2018
Esta autora tem sempre uma maneira especial de nos envolver na história e uma maneira incrível de a transmitir. Este livro fala de transtornos psicológicos e obsessão por dinheiro e até que ponto uma pessoa é capaz de ir para alcançar esse objetivo. As vezes “é demasiado bom para ser verdade”.
February 7, 2011
First of all, anyone who reads a Danielle Steel novel knows the drill: the main character is usually wealthy and aristocratic or "new money" rich and is perfect (physically and morally usually). That should sum up the main character, Hope Dunne, for you. It's hard to relate to her characters because they're not really that human. They're these flawless people that have done nothing wrong in their lives except have tragedies happen to them left and right and usually make people feel sorry for them. That's another premise of the story.
I can actually see how the sociopath, Finn, can sink his hooks into Hope and keep her there with him--only during the reading of the book I was so frustrated (not to mention the fact that I found it hard to even feel anything for this character) that I either wanted her to get killed by the guy or just call her stupid and throw the book across the room. A lot of the material is repetitive in the novel. Finn's lies and horrible actions are mentioned so many times in the book you wonder how and why does Hope put up with it. But here are some reasons why Hope looks really stupid in this book:
1. Before knowing this guy for very long (maybe a month or so) she divulges that her ex husband left her a fortune of $50 million with the promise of another $50 million after his death. Unless this is a known fact, anyone with $1 million dollars (or even a few thousand) don't tell people things like this unless they're married to them and even then most people would be hesitant to tell these things. $50 million is not small change in the least. Not only would that have 1 person set for life, but it could have your kids and grandkids set if handled properly. Gosh, and I wonder why anyone would want to marry her....
2. After knowing the guy LIES about owning his castle/mansion (or whatever) she then BUYS it for him and then wonders why he's asking her for more money!
3. After this guy bangs her against a wall and threatens to kill her (not the first time either) she then goes upstairs with him, sits next to him in bed, and READS A BOOK!!!!!!
I'm not belittling abusive situations in any way. But usually when people stay in them they have financial hurdles or there are kids involved, not just strong hormones and the memories of how the abuser USED to be. I've heard so many stories of women in abusive situations that as soon as they scraped up chump change they high tailed it on a bus and got out of there. But not this idiot. She has $100 million (her husband died) and she's sitting there wondering when she will get a glimpse of her old lover again and the way he used to be so she's willing to put up with him giving her crap day in and day out just wishing he were being different.
Oooohhhhh, and I didn't even mention the fact that after she finds out that this guy lied about his entire history (the only thing he told the truth about was his name) she still wanted to be with him. So it's hard to feel bad for her at all.
Any writer would want their characters to be brave in the face of adversity and intelligent on how to overcome it. Yes, people can be paralyzed by fear, but there's a difference between fear and lacking common sense. There's something to be said about someone who would create a character as dumb as this...
I can actually see how the sociopath, Finn, can sink his hooks into Hope and keep her there with him--only during the reading of the book I was so frustrated (not to mention the fact that I found it hard to even feel anything for this character) that I either wanted her to get killed by the guy or just call her stupid and throw the book across the room. A lot of the material is repetitive in the novel. Finn's lies and horrible actions are mentioned so many times in the book you wonder how and why does Hope put up with it. But here are some reasons why Hope looks really stupid in this book:
1. Before knowing this guy for very long (maybe a month or so) she divulges that her ex husband left her a fortune of $50 million with the promise of another $50 million after his death. Unless this is a known fact, anyone with $1 million dollars (or even a few thousand) don't tell people things like this unless they're married to them and even then most people would be hesitant to tell these things. $50 million is not small change in the least. Not only would that have 1 person set for life, but it could have your kids and grandkids set if handled properly. Gosh, and I wonder why anyone would want to marry her....
2. After knowing the guy LIES about owning his castle/mansion (or whatever) she then BUYS it for him and then wonders why he's asking her for more money!
3. After this guy bangs her against a wall and threatens to kill her (not the first time either) she then goes upstairs with him, sits next to him in bed, and READS A BOOK!!!!!!
I'm not belittling abusive situations in any way. But usually when people stay in them they have financial hurdles or there are kids involved, not just strong hormones and the memories of how the abuser USED to be. I've heard so many stories of women in abusive situations that as soon as they scraped up chump change they high tailed it on a bus and got out of there. But not this idiot. She has $100 million (her husband died) and she's sitting there wondering when she will get a glimpse of her old lover again and the way he used to be so she's willing to put up with him giving her crap day in and day out just wishing he were being different.
Oooohhhhh, and I didn't even mention the fact that after she finds out that this guy lied about his entire history (the only thing he told the truth about was his name) she still wanted to be with him. So it's hard to feel bad for her at all.
Any writer would want their characters to be brave in the face of adversity and intelligent on how to overcome it. Yes, people can be paralyzed by fear, but there's a difference between fear and lacking common sense. There's something to be said about someone who would create a character as dumb as this...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2014
MATTERS OF THE HEART by Danielle Steel is the 100th book by this author.
Her books are almost all similar in that the people involved are all affluent which makes for fun reading, but I find it impossible to relate to her characters on a deeper level.
Hope Dunne is a famous photographer and the author describes her childhood as average and simple, but with a Professor father and artist mother, her childhood was actually decidedly upscale. Her family even owned an ocean front house on Cape Cod. This is a childhood that the majority of people could only dream of.
Finn O'Neill is a famous, award winning author who owns a home in London and says he recently purchased a palatial estate in Ireland that supposedly once belonged to his maternal great grandparents.
Hope is given an assignment to photograph Finn's portrait for his latest book cover.
Predictably, they fall in love. But soon Finn's jealousy that had started out as flattering becomes extreme.
Any intelligent reader will have a hard time believing that Hope (who is supposed to be an intelligent and independent woman) does not see the warning signs that are so blatantly obvious. It makes her seem not very bright, which makes no sense since she starts out as being portrayed as extremely intelligent. Eventually, even Hope cannot ignore the lies and the personality changes.
SPOILER ALERT----
The ending of this book is strange. What I mean by that is that it seemed like the author had hit her word quota and just decided to wrap it up. If Finn is truly a sociopath and obsessed with Hope & her money then why does he give up after sending text messages and leaving her phone messages. It seems rather too easy that he simply walks away. It would have been much more realistic to include a scene of him staking out the Dublin airport when she leaves Ireland. It just seems that the conclusion of his obsession is for him to just quietly give up (after the calls & texts).
Also, it was ridiculously predictable that she would end up with Robert at the end. I saw that coming as soon as she walked into his office. And it was a bit too convenient that Robert's ex-wife is also a sociopath.
However, despite the flaws, this book is an entertaining read, and readers who want an escape will enjoy it. However, there are no surprises and readers will predict the outcome rather easily.
I rate this book as 3 out of 5 stars based on it's predictability.
Her books are almost all similar in that the people involved are all affluent which makes for fun reading, but I find it impossible to relate to her characters on a deeper level.
Hope Dunne is a famous photographer and the author describes her childhood as average and simple, but with a Professor father and artist mother, her childhood was actually decidedly upscale. Her family even owned an ocean front house on Cape Cod. This is a childhood that the majority of people could only dream of.
Finn O'Neill is a famous, award winning author who owns a home in London and says he recently purchased a palatial estate in Ireland that supposedly once belonged to his maternal great grandparents.
Hope is given an assignment to photograph Finn's portrait for his latest book cover.
Predictably, they fall in love. But soon Finn's jealousy that had started out as flattering becomes extreme.
Any intelligent reader will have a hard time believing that Hope (who is supposed to be an intelligent and independent woman) does not see the warning signs that are so blatantly obvious. It makes her seem not very bright, which makes no sense since she starts out as being portrayed as extremely intelligent. Eventually, even Hope cannot ignore the lies and the personality changes.
SPOILER ALERT----
The ending of this book is strange. What I mean by that is that it seemed like the author had hit her word quota and just decided to wrap it up. If Finn is truly a sociopath and obsessed with Hope & her money then why does he give up after sending text messages and leaving her phone messages. It seems rather too easy that he simply walks away. It would have been much more realistic to include a scene of him staking out the Dublin airport when she leaves Ireland. It just seems that the conclusion of his obsession is for him to just quietly give up (after the calls & texts).
Also, it was ridiculously predictable that she would end up with Robert at the end. I saw that coming as soon as she walked into his office. And it was a bit too convenient that Robert's ex-wife is also a sociopath.
However, despite the flaws, this book is an entertaining read, and readers who want an escape will enjoy it. However, there are no surprises and readers will predict the outcome rather easily.
I rate this book as 3 out of 5 stars based on it's predictability.
March 24, 2020
This book was DEEP! Woah!
Well if I ever find myself in a situation such as that, I know what to do.
The book really opened my eyes and mind to certin types of people. You would never have thought of someone actually doing it to you until it becomes a reality.
It was a very powerful story. I enjoyed the writing style very much and I literally flew through this book without even knowing how it happened. Thank you Danielle Steel.
Well if I ever find myself in a situation such as that, I know what to do.
The book really opened my eyes and mind to certin types of people. You would never have thought of someone actually doing it to you until it becomes a reality.
It was a very powerful story. I enjoyed the writing style very much and I literally flew through this book without even knowing how it happened. Thank you Danielle Steel.
March 21, 2017
You have to read this!!!!!! Trust me!!!!! I know "stuff"!!!
Without doubt, one of the very best of Danielle Steele! Hope was SO much more kind, trusting and gentle than anyone I have known, but that becomes her strength!!!! What a delicious plot!!! She broke the mol dc on this one!!!!! You still ROCK Me Steele!!!!!!!
Without doubt, one of the very best of Danielle Steele! Hope was SO much more kind, trusting and gentle than anyone I have known, but that becomes her strength!!!! What a delicious plot!!! She broke the mol dc on this one!!!!! You still ROCK Me Steele!!!!!!!
August 6, 2014
Great book which was well written and had a lovely storyline to it but there were a few sad, emotional parts in it.
Read
February 4, 2016This is my first Danielle Steel book, and I really liked her writting. Engaging novel with an interesting twist. Just found the ending a tad rush.
May 12, 2020
Não conhecia a autora, foi o meu primeiro livro dela e, muito honestamente, foi uma muito má escolha.
Muito repetitivo. Muito cliché. Muito mau.
Muito repetitivo. Muito cliché. Muito mau.
August 23, 2019
Au début il paraît dérangeant. C'est un sujet complexe, qui retourne le cerveau, qui met mal à l'aise. Puis le suspens fait son effet, on cherche à savoir la suite à tout prix. C'est un roman bien ficelé, à lire néanmoins lorsque l'on est dans une bonne phase.
January 6, 2025
Quite boring not a new theme but readable
June 24, 2022
A 5 I LOVE THE BOOK SO MUCH
I honestly thought that the book would include words that I wouldn't be familiar with but surprisingly I was familiar with all the words. I love the suspense it had and its really interesting.
I honestly thought that the book would include words that I wouldn't be familiar with but surprisingly I was familiar with all the words. I love the suspense it had and its really interesting.
March 4, 2017
Nunca mais me meto noutro livro desta autora. Foi um deslize infeliz.
Escrita pobre, recheada de pronomes pessoais, repetição exaustiva de ideias e com uma personagem principal muito estranha e ambígua. Até gostei mais do vilão. Pelo menos, comportava-se como tal.
Escrita pobre, recheada de pronomes pessoais, repetição exaustiva de ideias e com uma personagem principal muito estranha e ambígua. Até gostei mais do vilão. Pelo menos, comportava-se como tal.
April 10, 2015
A couple months ago, it finally happened: I went on my first blind date with a book. I'd heard about the practice a couple years ago and longingly bided my time until it caught on at my local library.
True to the essence of a blind date, the packaging on the book I could chose was delightfully cryptic: "Hope Dunne made her way through the silently falling snow on Prince Street in SoHo," it said at the top. And below: "Genre/Subject: Fiction--Women photographers, authors, Irish-Americans."
As I peeled back the wrapping paper, I saw a picture of a huge European mansion with the title Matters of the Heart in a gold serif font typical of all the romance novels you see at big-box stores while waiting to check out. I'm not usually one for romance novels--but, hey, I've learned you never judge a book by its cover image, title, or font selection. After all, this was a blind date!
The book date started out pretty typical. Forty-something divorcee meets forty-something widower and they hit it off. And just in case you fall asleep while reading (which I managed to do something like 47 times), the author, Danielle Steel, conveniently reminds you of the woman's violet eyes and the man's blond hair every few pages, along with several other odd details that never add up to anything.
Things dragged on and on and I realized this was fast becoming the longest blind date of my existence--but then things got weird. As in, psychotic weird. And--despite entire pages dedicated to one sentence rephrased 25 different ways, minimal descriptions about things you want to know more about, ultra-detailed descriptions about things you don't care about (see: her violet eyes and his blond hair), and a few moments where I wanted to scream at one of the main characters because of her naiveté--the plot finally managed to get quasi-interesting and I finished the book on a quasi-good note.
To be honest, I'm not sure I'll ever take the author out again. But this book dealt with some difficult issues (*begin spoiler alert*) like emotional abuse and how to overcome it (*end spoiler alert*) and had enough potential that I'm sure someday it's going to connect with someone, somewhere, and make them really glad they read it.
True to the essence of a blind date, the packaging on the book I could chose was delightfully cryptic: "Hope Dunne made her way through the silently falling snow on Prince Street in SoHo," it said at the top. And below: "Genre/Subject: Fiction--Women photographers, authors, Irish-Americans."
As I peeled back the wrapping paper, I saw a picture of a huge European mansion with the title Matters of the Heart in a gold serif font typical of all the romance novels you see at big-box stores while waiting to check out. I'm not usually one for romance novels--but, hey, I've learned you never judge a book by its cover image, title, or font selection. After all, this was a blind date!
The book date started out pretty typical. Forty-something divorcee meets forty-something widower and they hit it off. And just in case you fall asleep while reading (which I managed to do something like 47 times), the author, Danielle Steel, conveniently reminds you of the woman's violet eyes and the man's blond hair every few pages, along with several other odd details that never add up to anything.
Things dragged on and on and I realized this was fast becoming the longest blind date of my existence--but then things got weird. As in, psychotic weird. And--despite entire pages dedicated to one sentence rephrased 25 different ways, minimal descriptions about things you want to know more about, ultra-detailed descriptions about things you don't care about (see: her violet eyes and his blond hair), and a few moments where I wanted to scream at one of the main characters because of her naiveté--the plot finally managed to get quasi-interesting and I finished the book on a quasi-good note.
To be honest, I'm not sure I'll ever take the author out again. But this book dealt with some difficult issues (*begin spoiler alert*) like emotional abuse and how to overcome it (*end spoiler alert*) and had enough potential that I'm sure someday it's going to connect with someone, somewhere, and make them really glad they read it.
January 20, 2016
I am reluctant to admit I read this book, but it was for a "There are no bad books, only bad book clubs book club" at work. Which was started based on a dare. True story.
Previously, I only thought that Danielle Steel wrote steaming piles of crap. Now I have definitive proof that she is a terrible author who writes terrible books. Matters of the Heart should be renamed Trainwreck, because it is awful, and yet you just can't look away/stop reading.
Hope is a middle aged, successful, famous, rich person. Up until the point in time where this novel picks up, she was described as... not stupid. She didn't make ridiculous and irrational decisions for the first 44 years of her life. And then, she meets Finn - and BOOM. Somehow, just by meeting this creature, she is magically transformed into a complete idiot. Spoiler alert - I can sum up this 341 page book in one sentence: Hope is a moron and Finn is a jerk. There, I just saved you hours of your life. I just wish I could get them back myself.
Previously, I only thought that Danielle Steel wrote steaming piles of crap. Now I have definitive proof that she is a terrible author who writes terrible books. Matters of the Heart should be renamed Trainwreck, because it is awful, and yet you just can't look away/stop reading.
Hope is a middle aged, successful, famous, rich person. Up until the point in time where this novel picks up, she was described as... not stupid. She didn't make ridiculous and irrational decisions for the first 44 years of her life. And then, she meets Finn - and BOOM. Somehow, just by meeting this creature, she is magically transformed into a complete idiot. Spoiler alert - I can sum up this 341 page book in one sentence: Hope is a moron and Finn is a jerk. There, I just saved you hours of your life. I just wish I could get them back myself.
September 28, 2010
This was my first Danielle Steel novel, and overall, I found it disappointing. I got the impression it was quickly, and not carefully written, not well-edited, repetitive, slow, and simplistic. Matters of concern are so overly-explained that it speaks down to those of us who are still awake. I agree with reviewers here that are frustrated with DS's 'tell-it rather than show-it' style.
On the positive side however, 2 points are worth mentioning. First, the action speeds up nicely for a while at the climax, for an interesting change of pace. Second, I appreciate the subject matter chosen by the author, and I think that she was able to successfully portray how a sociopath can exert a powerful influence over otherwise intelligent people of either sex, to string them along through an emotional nightmare.
While I did learn something new, I didn't enjoy the writing style, and I don't expect that I will turn to Danielle Steel's work too frequently.
On the positive side however, 2 points are worth mentioning. First, the action speeds up nicely for a while at the climax, for an interesting change of pace. Second, I appreciate the subject matter chosen by the author, and I think that she was able to successfully portray how a sociopath can exert a powerful influence over otherwise intelligent people of either sex, to string them along through an emotional nightmare.
While I did learn something new, I didn't enjoy the writing style, and I don't expect that I will turn to Danielle Steel's work too frequently.
April 27, 2017
Matters of the Heart is Danielle Steel’s fourth best novel for me following The Long Road Home, Journey, and Granny Dan!
Matters of the Heart is about a woman who falls in love with a sociopath. Though the sociopath is famous, he isn’t rich because he spends as quickly as the money comes in. His career is his targeting wealthy women, marrying them, making babies with them, and then convincing them to kill themselves.
Matters of the Heart is a must read for those in sociopath relationships and stay in them until death do them part, and it’s rarely the sociopath, or the children who dies. Matters of the Heart will help those in sociopath relationships recognize themselves and the danger they’re in.
Matters of the Heart is about a woman who falls in love with a sociopath. Though the sociopath is famous, he isn’t rich because he spends as quickly as the money comes in. His career is his targeting wealthy women, marrying them, making babies with them, and then convincing them to kill themselves.
Matters of the Heart is a must read for those in sociopath relationships and stay in them until death do them part, and it’s rarely the sociopath, or the children who dies. Matters of the Heart will help those in sociopath relationships recognize themselves and the danger they’re in.
June 8, 2010
From the time Finn arrives unannounced on Hope's doorstep, I could see this would not end well. One question repeatedly came to my mind while reading this book: Why can this 44 year old woman not see the obvious red flags?!
I laughed while reading the last forty pages or so because 1) the plot and characters had become so outlandish it was comical and 2)I was imagining how I would react to Finn if I were in Hope's situation-it would have gone a completely different way (not that I would be so blind/needy/naive as to put myself in her shoes).
In the future I will stick to the Danielle Steel TV movie classics such as Jewels and Family Album!
I laughed while reading the last forty pages or so because 1) the plot and characters had become so outlandish it was comical and 2)I was imagining how I would react to Finn if I were in Hope's situation-it would have gone a completely different way (not that I would be so blind/needy/naive as to put myself in her shoes).
In the future I will stick to the Danielle Steel TV movie classics such as Jewels and Family Album!
August 26, 2010
This is the first Danielle Steel book I read and I liked it.
The story is very hard and complicated, especially from the point of view of the main character. Suddenly she finds herself in a dominant and dangerous relationship and it will be very difficult to leave the guy. The author has tried to show to the reader the angst, doubts and loneliness of Hope in a successful way. How, despite loving Finn, she must move on and do what needs to be done.
The problem i see is that the story is perhaps a little too predictable. Since we meet Finn it's easy to guess where the things are going and what will happen at the end.
The story is very hard and complicated, especially from the point of view of the main character. Suddenly she finds herself in a dominant and dangerous relationship and it will be very difficult to leave the guy. The author has tried to show to the reader the angst, doubts and loneliness of Hope in a successful way. How, despite loving Finn, she must move on and do what needs to be done.
The problem i see is that the story is perhaps a little too predictable. Since we meet Finn it's easy to guess where the things are going and what will happen at the end.
March 9, 2014
هوب مصورة فوتوغرافية مخترفة ، مستقلة ، هادئة ومتصالحة كثيراً مع ذاتها رغمَ ما خبرته في ماضيها القريب ..
فين كاتب شهير ، غامض ، منعزل ومسيطر، يلتقيان في جلسة تصوير ، ويقعان في الحب ، لا نلبث كثيراُ حتى يتصادمان لكنَ الموضوع لن يكونَ سهلا ، الصدام البسيط سيكبر ونعرف مع الوقت كم هذا الـ فين محتال ومسيطر ومتملك وأكثر من ذلكَ بكثير أيضاً ..
أكثر ما أحببته في هذه الرواية : رغمَ تعقيد الشخصيات الكبير- وخاصة شخصية البطل- وهو شيءٌ لم أعهده من دانييل ستيل من قبل ،
إلا أنه يخلو من المبالغة المصطنعة التي نراها كثيراً في الشخصيات التي تعيش صراعات نفسية أوالشخصيات المركبة ..
رواية جيدة .
فين كاتب شهير ، غامض ، منعزل ومسيطر، يلتقيان في جلسة تصوير ، ويقعان في الحب ، لا نلبث كثيراُ حتى يتصادمان لكنَ الموضوع لن يكونَ سهلا ، الصدام البسيط سيكبر ونعرف مع الوقت كم هذا الـ فين محتال ومسيطر ومتملك وأكثر من ذلكَ بكثير أيضاً ..
أكثر ما أحببته في هذه الرواية : رغمَ تعقيد الشخصيات الكبير- وخاصة شخصية البطل- وهو شيءٌ لم أعهده من دانييل ستيل من قبل ،
إلا أنه يخلو من المبالغة المصطنعة التي نراها كثيراً في الشخصيات التي تعيش صراعات نفسية أوالشخصيات المركبة ..
رواية جيدة .
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