Upside Down

by Danielle Steel

#1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel delivers a poignant novel about a mother and daughter who must repair their relationship and find a way to follow their hearts.

Oscar-winning actress Ardith Law is a Hollywood icon. Radiant at sixty-two, she is the epitome of glamour and a highly respected artist. But her success has come at a she has a strained relationship with her daughter, Morgan, who at thirty-eight still blames Ardith for putting her career before being a mother. Morgan is a successful plastic surgeon in New York City—and the distance from Ardith's Bel Air mansion is not lost on either of them.

Ardith became a single mother when Morgan was seven, after her unfaithful husband died in a helicopter accident. In recent years, she has found amiable companionship with fellow actor Bill West. But Ardith's comfortable world is turned upside down when she hires a temporary personal assistant, Josh Gray, while Bill is away filming in London. Josh's rough-around-the-edges persona is the opposite of what Ardith is used to, but an unexpected tragedy brings them closer, stirring up conflicting feelings in her for this younger man.

In New York, Morgan is swept off her feet by world-renowned TV anchorman Ben Ryan. Though more than two decades her senior, Ben is handsome, charismatic, and just as smitten as Morgan. But when a blackmail scheme puts his career—and their relationship—on the line, Morgan doesn't know where to turn. Perhaps … to her mother? As each woman navigates an unconventional romance, they cautiously approach each other on new terms and attempt to put aside their past for a new future.

In Upside Down, Danielle Steel tells an unforgettable story of bold choices, second chances, and the hope of reconciliation.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Ebooks, Adult

Audible Audio

Published January 2, 2024

About the author

Danielle 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.

Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unless some are re-issued, Ms. Steel has published six books so far this year, with this one scheduled for Jan 2. Based on this book, Ms. Steel may want to slow down a bit and put more thought into her books. In this book, each chapter seems to be a rehash of the one before it. At the 50% mark, the story is just so obvious, with mother and daughter pretty much disliking each other and each of them falling for what seems to be inappropriate men. Dare I risk more of my time and continue?

Morgan, the main character Ardith's daughter, is quite dislikable, cold, and rigid, and it amused me to see Morgan fall for a man who was just like she perceived her mother. Never there as she was growing up, selfish, and aloof. Ardith also falls for someone inappropriate, or at least that's what she thinks. Frankly, I did too! Josh is childlike.

Eventually, major issues happen to test each woman's love for the men and for each other, and ta-da, there is a happily ever after for all!

It's a fast read that you need little thought to get you through.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press, the author, and by NetGalley.

[Suz · Rating 2 out of 5]

A generous two star rating of a DS novel which is my usual summer tradition. I must read at least one whole on holidays.

This story was very tame, there is nothing new here. The plot had its usual ups and downs, with characters so wooden they’d burn in flames instantly in the hot Aussie sun. Actually, there was a really bad metaphor she used which I wish I bored down, but it was audio so I could only roll my eyes.

The conflict that occurs is so elementary, embarrassing.. things are tied up ridiculously neatly that I know I should not be surprised.

The author only writes what she knows, white privilege.

Probably more 1.5⭐️

I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.

[Kayla · Rating 1 out of 5]

The description of the book was intriguing but once you read the pages it lacks in all of the areas. It’s repetitive which makes it feel like the book is dragging along. I was so hopeful but the story was not written well on paper. Just within one page Danielle wrote “Ardith was alone again” “And she was alone again” “She was on her own again”. So, I take it Ardith is now alone? Yes, confirmed in another 5 pages she is alone.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A typical Danielle Steel yarn around wealthy people with issues. Also, an age flip of the script.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book and the reason is because I connected with one of the characters, Ardith Law. Whilst reading about Ardith’s life, I honestly felt like I was sitting there reading about my own life it felt so surreal to me. I’ve connected with plenty of characters over the years, but I don’t recall connecting with a character on such a personal level as I did with Ardith.
I did see many readers rating this book low and I can appreciate why they did that because if I hadn’t had the connection with the main character I too would’ve rated it lower as I felt the storyline was predictable. Overall, I did enjoy this one and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy and light read.

[Mary Ann Ziegeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her writing is way too monotonous and predictable. She needs to quit putting out so many books and concentrate on quality rather than quantity.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world’s favourite author, according to the sticker on the front, Danielle Steel’s current entry into the book world offers a romantic tale with a few hurdles along the way.
It’s also unfortunately, not her best work.
Ardith Law is Hollywood royalty.
Academy award winning, a beauty, an icon and at sixty two she is still looking for another starring role.
Her daughter, Morgan, a cosmetic surgeon has always blamed her distorted childhood on her always working mother.
Josh Gray is much younger and has been employed as an assistant to help Ardith and he is looking for his big break in the movie world.
His feelings for Ardith come as a surprise for both of them.
Ben Ryan is a sought after tv news anchor and when he meets Morgan, fireworks go off.
He is two decades older than her but neither seem to be bothered with the age difference.
With many obstacles and past hurts in their paths, can both women find true happiness and mend their relationship…….
I know what I’m getting when I read a book from her, pure escapism with a guaranteed happy ending.
It’s fairly simple, tolerable and very easy to read.
In true Steel fashion of late, we could do with more texture and characterisation.
I suspect it will be a hit among her many devoted fans.

[Lexie Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick easy audio listen but yikes this might be one of my least favorite yet. The writing style is pretty bad with a lot of repetition… I didn’t care for any characters and it was rather predictable. What I did like was rebonding and relationships across age groups.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Ardith and Josh. I wanted to slap Morgan. All in all, I liked it!

[Karen Axnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Upside Down, the latest offering by this prolific author, is solid escapist reading. However, it does not represent Steel’s best work, which often gives thoughtful reflection on contemporary issues that go beyond pure entertainment value. This storyline is predictable, and the character development felt superficial.

Ardith Law, an aging Hollywood film icon, loses her companion to a sudden heart attack. While she had been a devoted partner, the relationship was more comfortable than passionate. Josh Gray, a struggling middle-aged actor, is hired as her assistant and despite the 21-year difference in their ages, the two find a genuine, deep, fulfilling connection. Similarly, Ardith’s daughter, Morgan, falls in love with a dynamic news journalist who is 25 years older. Hence the source of the book’s title: the mirror image of ages differences in the mother’s and daughter’s love interests.

Overall, I found this novel to be a fast-paced read with Steel’s classic style of a strong, likeable female protagonist. It was a challenge to embrace Morgan with her hard-core anger, but this resolved in a satisfying manner. I most appreciated the premise that love transcends cultural expectations of age-appropriate relationships.

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.

[Keri · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was so repetitive and overall, Not my thing. I'm not sure why my library had it rated so high.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hollywood legend's world comes crashing down when something tragic happens. This book was a quick read and I even laughed out loud several times which I do not remember doing in past Danielle Steel books. I loved all the characters and the storyline was good. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

[Melissa Burling · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two different storylines ( I acknowledge they were interrelated). Morgan was a spoilt cow, and Ben an old sleezebag. Ardiah and Josh, a lovely couple.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story. Typical Steel with very strong characters.

[Sheri Metzger Karmiol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upside Down is typical of Danielle Steel novels, but at the same time, it deals with contemporary issues, such as ageism, the "me too movement", mother-daughter conflict, and fear of aging. As is typical of Steel, this is a novel about love and romance and different depictions of love, as well as the tough choices that women face when falling in love. So many women are forced to choose between a demanding career or motherhood, and with Upside Down, Steel also has something to say about that dilemma and the possible pitfalls that can haunt working women. .

Steel creates characters both typical and new, as noted above. Steel's women are talented and gorgeous, while the men are equally handsome and adoring, which is no doubt why so many readers love Steel's novels. Upside Down is no exception to this formula. Wealth in a steel novel is a given, but all this wealth also makes people a target. As a result, Steel's characters deal with blackmail, fraud, and extortion. Differences in age are nicely defined and the plot works well. Steel's readers want to escape and they want a happy ending, and Steel knows her audience. While characters and plots are familiar to Steel's readers, they are also appealing and enjoyable. Steel fans will embrace this novel, which is exactly how I will rate it.

Thank you to Danielle Steel, her publisher Random House Ballentine, and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for reviewing this novel honestly, which I have done. I do not read a lot of romance novels, but Danielle Steel is several steps above the usual. Her fans should love this novel and enjoy reading it.

[Heer Hendry · Rating 1 out of 5]

in 2024 i’m dnfing books

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok book. Quick read. A little too far fetched for me. Mother is a famous movie star. Daughter is a plastic surgeon who dislikes her mother for nor being there when she was a child. Mother ends up falling in love with an assistant who is 21 years younger than her. Daughter falls in love with a news correspondent who is 25 years older than her. The two women make amends and decide their “upside down” relationships are what makes them happy.

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one!

[Sheila Barton · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have not read Danielle Steele in YEARS. Now I know why. This book was SO repetitive. She said everything so many times just to fill up pages. I finally just had to put it down.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Danielle Steel and always take every opportunity to read her books. When Netgalley sent me this book to review, for an honest review, it was my pleasure to give it a read. Upside Down, is a heartwarming story of starting over and healing old wounds. Two couples, both dating someone significantly younger than themselves and the age old question of does age rally matter? An Emmy award winning actress has been in a relationship for years. Ardith Law has been taking care of her companion and they are more friends than lovers. She is has resigned herself to this situation and has no complaints. When Bill West, her partner takes a role in England, she finds herself alone and she is lonely but she is ok. She has time to think about life and with a new assistant Josh, she is getting things done. While away, Bill passes away and Ardith’s world is turned upside down. This isn’t the first time she has lost a partner and she doesn’t think she will be able to handle all the things that come with death. She tries to reach out to her daughter but their relationship is strained at best and she doesn’t see her daughter helping. They are estranged because while Ardith was taking on Hollywood and acting, her daughter Morgan was left alone a lot. Her father had passed away and she never connected with her mom. She actually left the west coast and became a plastic surgeon in NY. Their worlds were totally different. Ardith digs in deep to her reserves and plans and executes a fitting funeral for her beloved Bill. Morgan comes out for the funeral only and heads back to NY right afterwards. She is cold almost and angry towards her mother. Once back in NY she tries to juggle her career and a new love interest. She doesn’t have time for her mother or old feelings. As time passes both woman fall in love with the most unexpected men. There are hiccups and that come along with these relationships but both woman seem to be able to handle themselves. Both women have never been happier.
Some of these hiccups or troubles actually help bring this mother daughter duo closer. Like most of Danielle Steels novels it is a quick, enjoyable read. Things usually work out for the best. Even if there are twists and turns the endings are worth it. If his style of writing is easy to fall back to. Sometimes this world just needs a good, happy ending.

[Diane Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ardith Law is a Hollywood icon. She was married and had a daughter by another Hollywood star who died in an accident with his mistress when their daughter was 7. Morgan has held her mother’s career against her and their relationship has always been strained. At 60, Ardith has been in a long term with Bill who is also a Hollywood legend. Bill has just signed on for a new film in London and has the studio send a personal assist for Ardith while he is gone. Everyone is surprised when that assistant is Josh Gray, a 40 year old struggling actor. Morgan has been come a successful plastic surgeon in New York. Few people know her connection to Hollywood Royalty. One day TV anchorman Ben Ryan comes in for a procedure and is instantly taken by Morgan. Using all of his charm he finally convinces Morgan to go on a date with him. The twist and turns of their relationship starts automatically with the first being a 20 year age difference. Ardith and Morgan both struggle with their relationships of one dating 20 years younger and the other dating 20 years older. How will it ever work out.
Danielle Steel is amazing at making the unconventional and unexpected work out. True to her style there is heartbreak and tragedy that leave you wondering what it the light at the end of the tunnel and when will it begin to shine.
Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. It was a bit different storyline for DS and I really enjoyed it. A lot of deep moments but also a lot of lighthearted ones. Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

[Kathy Zorn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not very exciting.

[Lynn Gambardella · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite brain candy! Never gets old 😊

[T'Shura Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book

[Katie Mcafee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I lovely endearing story however not a fan of Danielle Steels writing. Felt very repetitive in explaining the plot.

[Kammi Sutton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
It wasn’t bad. You love who you love BUT 20-25 year age difference for both the mom & daughter… it was a bit silly

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upside Down by Danielle Steel is a perfect read for the beginning of the new year. It’s gentle romance sweeps away the dust of other books and all things annoying that have happened recently. It is two love stories, two May/December romances. A mother and a daughter. There are trials and tribulations, of course but there is much joy, as well. Ardith Law is a movie star, maybe not the biggest, but amongst the top stars. She is attending the Oscar awards ceremony with William West, her companion for the past twelve years. It was not a passionate romance, but a comfortable one, one she enjoyed. He was to leave in a couple of days to make a movie being shot in England. He was not as big a star as she was but he was well-known and well-respected with an impressive backlog of films to his name. She was both looking forward and not to the months without him. He had made a deal with the studio to provide her with an assistant during his absence. The assistant arrived bearded and frightening on a very large Harley. Ardith had pushed the panic button and the police came. It was an embarrassing error. Meanwhile, in New York, her daughter, Morgan, who was a plastic surgeon was with a patient, one who normally saw her partner, for a check on a gash in his chin. He was a famous newscaster and had run into some trouble in India several months earlier. The future was bright.

Steel writes the same kind of books every time. She is good at it. They are perfect reads. Especially if following something difficult or unpleasant. It is mostly third person narration, with some breaks into conversations. She draws a complete character; it is one of her strengths. She tells a good story of unanticipated love. There is love-making, but it is not graphic. She uses interesting characters and puts them into unexpected situations. It is no wonder she is such a well-known author and has best seller after best seller.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Upside Down by Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine #DanielleSteel #UpsideDown

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upside Down by Danielle Steel Enjoyed the heartwarming December/May romance of Ardith and Josh Gray, a perfect couple despite the difference in ages. The interaction between Morgan and Ben Ryan not so much. Ben’s character seemed dodging at best and his turn around was all too quick and did not seem sincere. Another winner for Ms Steele.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

[Beth Cue · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better books Steele has written lately. Cheesy and not fabulous writing, but better than some. This is the novel of famous actress Ardith Law as a significant other dies and she finds new love and life. She has a plastic surgeon daughter who struggles with her childhood and relationships. Both end up finding a love that lasts.
There are cheesy and implausible plot elements—such as a potential one night stand pregnancy and then the woman shooting Ben but not killing him.
All in all, it is not an intellectual read but a good escape read.