Joy

by Danielle Steel

A compelling new novel from Danielle Steel, whose countless #1 New York Times bestselling novels have made her one of America’s favorite storytellers.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Family Drama, Womens Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 13, 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

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been pondering this rating, and I'll settle on a 3. It was a really fast read, I liked our main character, the story could have used a bit more work.
It always baffles me how the young girls end up with older men in her novels, but eh..each to his own I suppose.

[Rhonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much repetition. It was like reading the same line over and over again. Would have been nice to have closure with Shep, or at least let the readers know how his life turned out. The relationship with Jordan could have been edited out.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second half is better than the first with more interest than many of her previous stories.

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember meeting an Aussie Readers friend over ten years ago who gifted me two bags of Danielle Steel books having passed her own DS journey. She’s my summer treat and easy fuss free companion when I am in the stacks at work being Suzanne book girl, finding books, looking at books and tidying the books - everything must have its place. Is this a good thing? As I’m always on the prowl doing all these tasks it’s easy listening, easy booking.

These stories tend to follow the usual rhythm. Privilege or the opposite and the climb out. Strong women or women learning to be better, or unfortunately allowing themselves to fall into the men behaving badly trap. I was happy this was not the case with Joy. Writing always pops up in her arcs because she loves her craft and it is what she knows best, churning them out like nothing else.

Joy starts life with appalling parents, then she’s passed on to loveless chilly relatives and a very solo existence built on self reliance. She eventually finds her way into the book world and finally into herself. It’s a smooth sailing process which takes me neatly from A to Z. They rarely surprise me and I usually land at two or three stars because they do exactly what I need them to do.

** I am surprised at the Goodreads average, but good for her!
❓What’s your guilty pleasure when it comes to what you pick up from time to time

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Danielle Steel’s last book that I read (Only the Brave) was an amazing piece of work, uplifting and memorable. “Joy”, unfortunately, is the exact opposite. The story follows Allegra, a resilient woman who powers through a sad childhood, a sad marriage, and a pretty sad life for at least through 80-90% of the book. The brief moments of joy were way too brief to make the story a feel good read. Fortunately, it is a fast read. Recommend you plan to read something more uplifting. I could say more, but really “Joy” is no joy and I will eagerly await the true gem from Danielle Steel because I KNOW it will be forthcoming.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danielle Steel’s latest book Joy is due out in August 2024. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. We follow Allegra - she’s raised by a father in the military who she never sees and a mother who could care less about her. She meets Shep who is also in the military and she falls in love with him but hates he’s following in her father’s footsteps. Other things happen and some is heartbreaking. It was a typical Danielle Steel book. I did enjoy the story and read it in 2 days.

[paige (ptsungirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It took courage to hang onto joy, and determination not to lose it."

[Gypsy Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was my first Danielle Steel novel, and I dare say it will be my last. I wish I could get those 7 hours of my life back. Honestly, the only good thing about this book was that it was short and over quickly.

Everyone knows who Danielle Steel is, right? She’s one of the most famous authors ever, but I just don’t see the appeal—like, at all. I’ve come to the conclusion that there are two types of authors: writers and storytellers. Danielle? She’s a storyteller.

Lines like, “She felt sad and emotional at the same time” - Okay, I know what those emotions are, but if you want me to actually connect with the character, you're going to need to give me a little more than that, Danielle.

Then we get, “She had lost everything,” but there’s no emotions to accompany it, just a quick rush to the next part of the story. Or, “She had a feeling of freedom,” thrown in randomly. I know what freedom feels like, but come on—this reads like my 8-year-old wrote it.

Danielle writes with almost no emotion or dialogue, just, "And then she did this," and "Then that happened." It’s weird. It’s definitely not for me. And the plot? Depressing. The main character is abandoned over and over again, but I couldn’t even feel bad for her because the writing lacked any depth, only "it made her sad." Then, It was just on to the next tragedy.

Oh, and the repetition? Maddening. Do you think I have amnesia, Danielle? You’ve told me this part already. If you have this book on your TBR, I suggest you take a drink every time she mentions how the 'military ruined her father.' I guarantee you’ll be smashed by the end of it. You're welcome.

[Elizabeth O'Keefe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh. This was such a sad read for so long of the book, so much loss and heartbreak.

I kind of knew what would happen with Shep, based on the way the story went, but I was not expecting Allegra's life to change the way it did.

Amazing what happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.

Thank you NetGalley for my E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Annette Geiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m giving the book three stars because it was an easy, fast read. It moved like a freight train without stops! Very repetitious, to a fault, as if the author thought the reader’s ability to retain what was said before, would be forgotten unless she kept pounding it over and over. After reading an amazing book, that was so well written, I was granted this book by Netgalley and the publisher (Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine), because I knew it would be a quick read and predictably, mediocre. If you are on a beach and want a book to get through easily, with some interesting points, then read it. I do not rehash the plot in my reviews. You can read the jacket covers for that piece. And you can also read others’ reviews, where they talk about the characters and the story. I focus on my opinion. Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. #NetGalley, #Joy, #RandomHousePublishingGroup-Ballantine.

[Tabatha (tab.talks.books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

* Heartbreaking. The story of survival and having loving yourself be enough.
* Abandoned by everyone who should have loved her.
* Married young, her husband went into the military and slowly you see the cracks in his character as the military has changed her husband into someone she no longer recognizes.
* You watch Allegra finally understand she deserves all the joy in the world and now she is going to fight for it.
* You follow her quest for joy and all of the amazing memories that she has made and fears she’s had to overcome
* Through darkness there is always light.
* It’s a short story coming in under 300 pages
* Narrated in a third person POV
* I was left wondering about some characters

[april · Rating 1 out of 5]

SHELF CARE BOOK CLUB |
The book feels repetitive and a bit messy, like it was rushed to hit a deadline. Too much backstory and awkward pacing make it drag. Feels like quality took a backseat this time.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typical Daniel Steel book. Allegra’s mother let when Allegra was 6 years old. Her father was career military and was never home. Allegra was raised by grandparents, boarding schools, and servants. She was very lonely and felt unloved.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Danielle Steele for more years than I would like to admit, because it will show my age (35 years) Danielle Steele has always been an auto but for me. I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book. The way she is able to provide such vivid details which make you feel like her characters are your friends or acquaintances and this one was no different. , I will continue to read her books for as long as she writes them. "Joy" is another 5 star read for me. Danielle Steel never disappoints! "Joy" is a heartbreaking story about Allegra who goes through so many situations where she feels like she will never be loved. How many times must one start over and reinvent themselves. Her tenacity is inspiring.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a decades long DS fan, I keep pondering why her editors don’t eliminate the redundancy?! The novel Joy, her latest, introduces Allegra, a lovely young woman who grew up an unloved child sent to boarding school that searches for love and acceptance until she finds it with Henry, a wealthy man old enough to be her grandfather (After secretly marrying her childhood sweetheart Shep, and never telling either family they secretly married ) She has fleeting happiness with Henry and his glamorous life, so she authors a book about Joy. There is very little consistency or joy on these pages though. I still wonder about the unfinished storyline in Joy, and remain a DS fan, although these repetitive plots need more emotional depth and less young women falling for much older men. 3/5

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been reading a few books by this author lately, and I’ve been enjoying them including this one. This story is quite heartbreaking and sad at times, so don’t be fooled by the title. Family drama written with depth and a great cast of characters, all of which make an entertaining read. Recommended.          

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl abandoned by all the people who were supposed to cherish and love her....finds joy.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending us a copy to read and review.
Joy is one of the more recent releases from popular author Danielle Steel.
A quick and easy read that’s bearable and standard of late from the writer.
Allegra Dixon has had a lonely childhood and has grown up self reliant and resilient.
Having a military father and a selfish mother who didn’t care, Allegra found her enjoyment through books.
Then she finds love at high school with Shepherd Williams and later they marry.
But Shep joins the military and drifts from the relationship and Allegra must make a decision.
Then she gets a job as an assistant to the famous composer Henry Platt and life is joyous once again.
Is a happy ending on the cards……
It follows the usual formula and needs more explanation.
For me, I felt the writing needed a bit more oomph.
I quite liked the main character and felt for her and her decisions.
Like an addiction I will continue to read her books, as I find them a good break from heavier reads and a cleansing palette.
A Steel book I liked but it didn’t wow me.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a Danielle Steel book feels like coming home. She's been writing books longer than I've been alive. And I've been reading her books long before I was old enough. This book made me feel exactly the way I felt the first time I read one of her books. There's so much emotion on every page. Allegra is the main character & you go on a life's journey with her. The flow of the story isn't too fast or too slow. It just glides you along with her while she experiences things that are somewhat unimaginable. However, DS had a way of making a lifestyle far separated from your own seem relatable somehow. This book had more twists & turns than I expected. I was not expecting that ending. I honestly wasn't sure what was going to happen! It definitely kept me interested the whole way through! Loved it! I am honored to have received this ARC because DS is one author who has made an impact on my life. I think we all have those authors we hold dear.

[Sheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title of this book is misleading. If you are looking for a joyful, uplifting book this is not the one. I think a better title for this book would be Overcoming. It can be inspiring to see what Allegra went through and that she came out the other side a stronger person.

[Forest Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book titled “Joy”, this book was SO sad. About 70% in, I was happy for the main character, and then more devastation ensued. I get the overall message, but it made me sad!

[Bessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 (audio)

[Susan McAulay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I have never read anything by Danielle Steel (or maybe I just don't remember) and I wanted to see if I liked her since she is such a prolific author.
I really liked the main character, Allegra. She seems like the kind of person I would choose as a friend. She perseveres through many difficult things in her life. How she moved through her life was engaging and this was a fast read; I finished it in two days.
However, if this is representative of Danielle Steel's writing, it may not be my cup of tea except perhaps for being a once in a blue moon palate cleanser.
I find the writing rather flat. This book was full of exposition telling us rather than showing us. There was not a clear plot; it was more or less of this happened to Allegra then that happened to Allegra and so on. Finally, the first third of the book focused on Allegra's marriage to Shep which ended and then he was totally gone and she moved on. It felt to me like Shep should have returned at some point--either as a lover, friend, or enemy but I think there needed to be a reason he occupied so much space in the book and then he was dropped like a hot potato. I do think we learn about Allegra through her relationship with him but nonetheless. I thought this was a loose end, even if they divorced.
Thanks to NetGalley and to Random House Ballantine for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I originally had this as a 4-star book - I felt like I really liked it, but as I thought about it harder, I had to drop it down to 3 stars. As always, it was a quick and easy read, and I liked Allegra's character quite a bit, but the entire story was just so damned depressing. Her entire life was just one disappointment after another. I appreciated her tenacity and strength in the face of all her diversity; I just wish she hadn't had SO much to overcome. As an aside, I'd love to read a Danielle Steel book where the heroine didn't fall for a man old enough to be her father. That theme has bene way overdone by this author.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Brandi Holloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of my earliest memories of books is my mother devouring a Danielle Steel book. She is a classic & timeless & continues to write amazing works. This book is full of family drama/issues & Steel has woven a beautiful story intertwined with lovable character. I will definitely be pulling some of her works from my mom’s library.

Thank you NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group-Ballentine for the ARC copy of this book.

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In order to fully embrace joy, one must endure some hardships. Allegra experienced childhood pain but is such a beautiful person worthy of so much joy. The author creates a story where you don’t want to use your bookmark…totally captivating!!!

Thank you Danielle Steel, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC opportunity!

[Page Jedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a true masterpiece, it is not often you find a book that so accurately expresses real life issues so well.
First of all, I found myself completely captured by the writing, this is one of those books I could be reading it anywhere and I don’t even hear what’s going on around me. The author has an absolutely amazing way of just bringing you into the book and every bit of it was so interesting I could not put it down.
I instantly fell in love with our FMC, Allegra, she goes through so much in this story and I wanted to see her be happy of course, but I also admired her strength. I feel like in books we often see all the reason for a character to be happy, but in this book we saw all the reasons for her to be sad but she continued to pick herself up and chose to still find JOY!
I utterly adored Henry and feel he was such a vital piece to this story, I also really loved Shep and his character really broke my heart.
I felt every type of emotion throughout this book and at times had to take a break from reading because it was so intense.
This story was expertly crafted and is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year!
I am completely honored to have received this arc from NetGalley and these opinions are my own.

[Call Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 🌟

Okay, I will be completely honest I have never read a Danielle Steel book before this (and I love romance) and strictly chose to read this one only because it matched a tricky category on my reading challenge. After reading Joy, doubt I will be picking up another one of her books 😬.

What a depressing storyline. Truly, how much more can a person endure? So unrealistic. No way in hell would a person be able to randomly call an agency and secure a job so quickly in LA. Truly was laughable 🤭. And there were multiple times I found the writing to be repetitive. Literally repeating the same things within the same paragraph. Yikes.

Kept my attention well enough but overall do not see why DS is so popular if this is what readers are given.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning was so strong. I really felt her pain and the arc with Shep killed me. Her story with Henry was kind of weird, but the little bit with Jordan was so unnecessary that it wasted pages that she could have used elsewhere, maybe with Galen because I don't believe we had enough time know know if Galen really had sparked joy like Henry had, and I found that part a little unbelievable. And honestly? I know there are people we cut off and leave behind in the past, but I was so broken by Shep I wish we knew what became of him or have some closure. Maybe I'm like Allegra, though, I have a void because he left so abruptly, lol. I enjoyed the book; there was so much more depth in the beginning than the ending, which I think is what hooked me in, but the end was a little flat for me.

[Sheri Metzger Karmiol · Rating 4 out of 5]

In many way, Joy is typical Danielle Steel.. There is loss, sadness, wealth, love, second chances. There are the usual well-educated central characters, for whom great wealth does not always bring lasting happiness. Everyone is beautiful and talented with impressive abilities. But for Danielle Steel fans, the familiar is comfort food, which in many ways is what a lot of readers want and need. In Joy, Steel takes on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The war sections are superficial, but it is the emotional toll of war that soldiers and wives must endure. At time Steel becomes preachy and heavy handed, but the topic itself, is important.

As always, the central female character, Allegra, is beautiful, smart, and talented. The men are handsome but not always worth Allegra's attentions. It takes a long time for the joy in the title to show up in Allegra's life. Steel makes the point that Allegra's childhood of neglect is not uncommon. As is true for most Steel novels, there is a romance and several men, not all of whom create much joy in Allegra's life. Allegra is given the opportunity for second chances, which not all women find as easily. Money helps, as Steel suggests. Could not stand Jordon, loved Henry, and wondered what happened to Shep.

I always enjoy a Steel novel and read them right away. I can count on them being true escapist reads. Thank you to the author, publisher, Random House - Ballantine, and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. The above comments are my true opinions. If not a Steel novel, I might give this novel 3 stars, but Steel is not another author. Her fans will likely enjoy this novel, as they do every Steel novel.