A Mind of Her Own: A Novel

by Danielle Steel

Rising above the devastation of World War I, a young half-French, half-American woman remains true to her own independent spirit in this powerful historical novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel.

Alexandra Bouvier is born in Paris in 1900, at the dawn of a new century. From an early age, she is encouraged to think for herself by her enlightened her father, a French doctor; her mother, an American nurse; and her maternal grandfather a highly regarded newspaperman back in the Midwest.

At age fourteen, Alex’s comfortable life is upended as war erupts across Europe. Her parents follow their sense of duty to the front, performing triage at a field hospital and confronting the horrors of poison gas and trench warfare. The merciless fighting, coupled with the fast-spreading Spanish flu, wreaks havoc on the continent, as well as on Alex’s loved ones. By the time she is eighteen, she has suffered unimaginable losses.

With her grandfather’s support, she attends the University of Chicago and decides to follow his footsteps into journalism. As a newspaper intern she meets reporter Oliver Foster, who is covering the gang wars sparked by Prohibition. He too has known devastating loss, and the two are drawn to each other, though both fear any attachment. As it turns out, Alex has good reason to be cautious.

Danielle Steel’s sweeping historical novel is a story of resilience and the courage to open one’s heart—no matter how many times it’s been broken—and believe in oneself.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Historical, Adult Fiction, War

304 pages, Hardcover

First published April 29, 2025

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

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Better title would be, "Barely," a mind of Her Own. Story is completely pointless.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been sort of sick of the Danielle Steel novels. I generally liked them but they just seemed to be getting more “formula” like..and very much same old, same old with no interesting story arcs…to the point where I almost didn’t read this one, but I am sure glad I did.

The relationships formed between family and friends was unique. The main character showed much growth and I liked that her romance was not easy and to the point where you thought it might even not work out.

Recommend.

[paige (ptsungirl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Don't ever get used to being unhappy."

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story from Danielle Steel, with A Mind of Her Own. Alex had a wonderful life, until she didn't. With the war raging in Europe, her parents are on the front lines, helping the injured. She is with her Grandmother in Paris, waiting for their return, which never came. The Spanish Flu is next enemy and Alex is now alone. She goes back to America to live with her Grandfather and to learn the newspaper business, in between her education. Her life, will once again change. Will she have the courage, at such a young age to succeed. Time will tell, especially after meeting Oliver. Beautiful story.

[Fit4Life218 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can we just skip the first 2/3 of the book & get to the last 1/3 please? 🙏

I’m over the plot lines of war & pandemics. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Let’s just go back to fairytales & billionaires traveling to exotic locations. 😎

I really wish I wasn’t addicted to seeing ‘if this new book will be different.’ 😅

[Linda Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh!!
I feel like I just read the abridged summary of the book.
Great story idea but no real development of the story just the outline. I gave it two stars because the cover was lovely. 😊

[Amanda Vacca · Rating 2 out of 5]

When your grandma gives you a book you have to read it but this one just didn’t strike me. I think it was largely the writing style that I didn’t jive with. It wasn’t bad just not my cup of tea.

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great premise, terrible writing for Danielle Steel. so much repetition, I was surprised.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thing I liked most in this tale was the insights into that time of history. Modernization and efficiency were the buzz words.
Most of the book happens between 1900-1926.
Alexandra (Alex) and Oliver (Ollie)
A “skipping” read.

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another interesting story by DS. It seems lately the books I have read written by her is she uses the same names, for example, Alex, some books Alex is a she and the next one a he. It gets confusing when I read one after another. The other themes I have been noticing is that the age difference in the couples, sometimes the guy is a lot older than the girl and some times it is reversed and it seems that the female in the story loses her whole family in some tragic event.

Other than that this book was ok.

[Rachel Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written and boring. Didn’t even finish.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Danielle Steel - ending was happily ever after. However, the first half of this book was very depressing. Between life and death in WWI in Paris and then the Spanish flu, the poor main character lost everyone in her family. Being a young woman of 18 and not having parents or grandparents was so sad. But Alex did have a good head on her shoulders and had been brought up to be a strong, independent thinker. This helped her to make a good life for herself in the long run.

[Benjamin Urbanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been over fifteen years since I had seriously read a novel in English — not since the release of the final Harry Potter book. Ironically, I switched to digital reading three years ago, yet 90% of the books I still own in print are in English. The truth is, British hardcovers are simply stunning — a far cry from the often underwhelming paperback editions published in French.


As a devoted reader of Danielle Steel — I own over fifty of her novels in their British editions — I finally took the plunge and left behind the language of Molière. Ten pages. That’s all it took for me to forget I was even reading in another language. Not because my English is flawless, but because Danielle Steel’s storytelling is so immersive. She has a rare gift for creating characters we can instantly relate to — deeply and genuinely.

The first half of the novel moved me profoundly. I quickly grew attached to Alexandra Bouvier, a young woman who is both brilliant and vulnerable, determined and wounded. I felt as though I were walking through her struggles with her — as if her story was unfolding not on the page, but within me. Fiction had become a mirror.


I’m fortunate to still have my grandmother, who will soon turn 90. She often shares with me her experiences during the war, and stories about her parents. My great-grandfather was a member of the resistance; my great-grandmother, who was deported, saved numerous children from certain death. Their legacy is a beacon. Reading Alexandra’s journey brought back that emotional weight, and I found myself in tears for much of the book.

Danielle Steel has a trademark style: poignant tragedies often softened by hope, illuminated by love. A Mind of Her Ownfits perfectly into that tradition — but it carries something more. A deeper intensity. A unique spark. An unforgettable quality.


As someone deeply committed to promoting equality in all forms, I was also shaken by the reminder that less than a century ago, women had virtually no rights. And even now, in 2025, they still aren’t paid equally. When will humanity finally understand that equality isn’t an ideal — it’s a necessity?

Benjamin L. Urbanski – Le Parfum des Mots

12 juin 2025

[N. Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beginning to a Future

Danielle Steel again writes as easily as the air you breathe. This novel will take you onto a path which can take you wherever you want to go and give you the courage to leap.

Step back in time and feel war, death and the Spanish Flu strip you from privileged beginnings. Alone with only memories of family with strong work ethics and pride in what they do one 16 year old female fights her way for herself and others.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great romance.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family…..War……Survival…….writing…..all the good stuff! I enjoyed this book very much

[Melanie Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! So much sadness for a young person but I love the character and her strength

[Candida Waterford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born in Paris 1900, Alexandra Bouvier was raised believing that with hard work she could achieve anything.
Both her parents in the medical field worked on the front line in WW11 while she lived with her grandmother who was loving. Then came the Spanish flu and she suffered the loss of those close to her.
She then went to live with her other grandfather who also believed she could be anything she wanted to be. She went to college and met Oliver Foster who was damaged

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to read Danielle Steel books that stopped reading them long time ago. This one looked interesting to me because she seems to be writing more historical fiction now. I enjoyed this book, but it is very similar to most of her books that I’ve read in the past. I think I will read more of her historical fiction books as I enjoyed this one. Predictable but well-done.

[Rhonda Gilpin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of details and events are repeated throughout the book. Felt like it was just page filler. Otherwise I enjoyed the story.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perspective behind the novel is good but the story is a bit choppy and well typical Danielle Steel. This follows the same flow of previous books although it is a nice story, predictable and shows a strong woman.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. I love all her books. Some are just romantic novels but are written with a story and class. Loved the main characters and just kept turning the pages.

[Maura LoVerde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical!

[Patti Jacobs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than some of her other books but still not great. The first part of the book is about young Alex and her parents (Dr/nurse) who go to help during WWI. I thought all this backstory took up too many pages. It wasn’t until Alex is crossing the ocean to the US to go live with her grandfather that I was a little more interested. When Alex had a summer internship at a newspaper in NY she meets Oliver (17 yrs older than her). They have a mostly platonic relationship for years. Alex was at least a strong MFC. And unlike in most DS books we weren’t told a million times that she was aristocratic, thin, gorgeous and smart. (We were told many times that she had a mind of her own). Quick read but don’t necessarily recommend.

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Take a shot every time you read “a mind of her own” you’ll get really drunk.

[DMK · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story has some redeeming qualities but ultimately feels lacking. A major issue is the repetitive nature of the characters' thoughts and actions, which slows down the narrative. Streamlining this could greatly improve the pacing.

Additionally, the characters seem overly idealistic and lack the depth needed for readers to connect with them. Adding more flaws and vulnerabilities would enhance their realism.

With some editing and development, this story has the potential to be more impactful. I appreciate the effort put into it and hope future works will address these areas for a more engaging experience.

[Kat ~ Forever Book Lover ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest—when I picked up A Mind of Her Own, I was expecting another typical Danielle Steel romance with a historical backdrop. What I got instead was something much deeper and more emotionally complex. This isn't just a love story; it's a masterclass in resilience wrapped in the kind of sweeping historical detail that makes you feel like you're living through one of the most turbulent periods in modern history.

Alexandra is the kind of heroine I didn't know I needed. She's not perfect, she's not always likable, but she's absolutely real. Steel does something brilliant here—she shows us a young woman who refuses to be broken by circumstances that would destroy most people. Watching Alexandra navigate the devastation of WWI and then the chaos of Prohibition-era America, I found myself rooting for her in a way that surprised me.

What struck me most was how Steel handled the historical elements. The WWI sequences felt authentic and heartbreaking without being gratuitously graphic. You feel the weight of loss, the uncertainty, the way war changes not just nations but individual families. The transition from war-torn Europe to 1920s Chicago was seamless, and I loved seeing Alexandra find her voice in the male-dominated world of journalism.

The romance with Oliver felt earned rather than forced. Both characters carry such heavy emotional baggage that their cautious dance around each other felt completely believable. Steel doesn't rush their connection, which I appreciated. Too often in historical fiction, the romance overshadows everything else, but here it feels like a natural part of Alexandra's journey toward healing.

My only minor complaint is that some of the middle section dragged slightly when focusing on the newspaper politics. I wanted more of Alexandra's internal struggles and less of the procedural journalism details. But honestly, that's a small quibble with what is otherwise a really engaging read.

This book reminded me why I fell in love with historical fiction in the first place. It's not just about the costumes and settings—it's about universal human experiences played out against the backdrop of extraordinary times. Alexandra's story is ultimately about finding your own strength when everything familiar is stripped away, and that feels incredibly relevant no matter what era you're reading it in.

Steel's writing here feels more mature and nuanced than some of her earlier work. The historical research is evident but never overwhelming, and she strikes a nice balance between sweeping historical drama and intimate personal storytelling. The pacing moves well between the war sections and the post-war rebuilding, though it occasionally slows in the middle act.

Key Themes

Resilience in the face of devastating loss: Alexandra's journey shows how trauma can either break you or forge you into something stronger
Women breaking barriers: Her pursuit of journalism in the 1920s highlights the challenges women faced in male-dominated professions
Family legacy and independence: The tension between honoring family values while carving your own path
Love after loss: How to open your heart again when you've experienced profound grief
Why You Should Read It

If you're looking for historical fiction that goes beyond surface-level romance, A Mind of Her Own delivers. It's perfect for readers who love strong female protagonists, richly detailed historical settings, and stories about overcoming adversity. This works well for both longtime Steel fans and newcomers to her work—it showcases her storytelling abilities at their best.

I'd especially recommend this to anyone who enjoyed The Nightingale or The Alice Network. While it's not as intense as those novels, it has the same focus on women's strength during wartime and the lasting effects of historical trauma.

[Luzanne Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Resilience isn’t just surviving—it’s choosing to live, love, and believe in yourself again, no matter how many storms you’ve weathered."
Danielle Steel has long been the queen of sweeping, emotional storytelling, but with A Mind of Her Own, she delivers something truly special—a deeply human, profoundly moving historical tale that will linger in your heart long after you’ve turned the final page. Set against the backdrop of World War I and the tumultuous years that follow, this novel is as much about courage and independence as it is about love and loss. It’s a book that manages to feel intimate in scope while sweeping across decades of personal and world history.
The Story
Alexandra Bouvier—half-French, half-American—is born into privilege in Paris in 1900. Her upbringing is uniquely progressive for the time, thanks to her French doctor father, her American nurse mother, and her idealistic journalist grandfather in the Midwest. From the very start, Alex is encouraged to think for herself, value her education, and nurture her ambitions—a rare gift for a young woman in the early 20th century.
But when she is just fourteen, the world shatters. The Great War consumes Europe, and her parents leave for the front lines to serve in a field hospital, confronting the brutal realities of trench warfare and poison gas. As the war drags on, the Spanish flu arrives, decimating populations and claiming lives with chilling speed. By the time Alex turns eighteen, she has endured staggering losses that would crush a lesser spirit.
With the steadfast support of her American grandfather, Alex moves to the United States to attend the University of Chicago. There, she discovers journalism—a calling that allows her to tell the truth and fight for justice through words. As an intern at a newspaper, she meets Oliver Foster, a determined reporter covering the violent gang wars born of Prohibition. Like Alex, Oliver has endured his own tragedies, and the two are drawn together by a shared understanding of grief. Yet they are both wary—both carrying wounds that make trust difficult, and love even harder.
What follows is a story of perseverance, self-reinvention, and the delicate, terrifying choice to open one’s heart again. Alex is not a heroine who waits to be rescued; she charts her own course, even when the cost is high.
What I Loved
1. Alex’s Character Arc
This is one of Steel’s most inspiring protagonists in years. Alex embodies resilience—not the glossy, easy kind, but the gritty, day-by-day determination to keep going. She makes mistakes, she doubts herself, but she never loses her core independence. Watching her evolve from a sheltered Parisian girl into a self-made woman of the world is nothing short of empowering.
2. The Historical Depth
The historical setting feels authentic and well-researched. Steel captures the chaos and fear of wartime Europe, the devastation of the Spanish flu, and the electric (and dangerous) energy of Prohibition-era Chicago. Every era is vivid—you can almost smell the ink in the newsroom, hear the echo of jazz drifting from speakeasies, and feel the tension of gang-run streets.
3. The Emotional Balance
While there’s romance here, this is ultimately a story about self-discovery. The love story between Alex and Oliver is nuanced and slow-burn, rooted in friendship and shared experience rather than instant infatuation. But equally important are Alex’s relationships with her family, her mentors, and her own sense of self-worth.
4. Danielle Steel’s Signature Emotional Punch
Steel’s hallmark is her ability to make you feel, and this book delivers that in spades. There are moments that will have you holding your breath, moments that will break your heart, and moments that will leave you smiling through tears.
Themes That Resonate
Resilience After Loss – Life knocks Alex down repeatedly, but she keeps finding her way forward.


Female Independence – Alex pursues higher education and a career in journalism at a time when women were expected to marry young and stay home.


The Price of Truth – As a journalist, Alex learns that telling the truth can be dangerous—but also deeply necessary.


Love as a Choice, Not a Guarantee – The relationship at the heart of the book is about two people choosing to risk vulnerability despite past hurts.


Pacing & Writing Style
Steel’s writing here is clean, cinematic, and highly readable. She has a knack for making history feel immediate, and she gives just enough descriptive detail to transport without slowing the pace. The book flows quickly, even as it spans years of Alex’s life, and there’s a satisfying rhythm to the narrative.
Who Should Read This Book
Fans of historical fiction with strong, independent female leads.


Readers who enjoy stories set in the early 20th century, particularly around WWI and Prohibition.


Anyone looking for a character-driven novel that balances romance, personal growth, and historical intrigue.


Danielle Steel devotees who appreciate her blend of heart and hope.


Final Thoughts
A Mind of Her Own is a reminder that strength isn’t just surviving the bad—it’s daring to believe that good is still possible. Alex Bouvier’s journey is inspiring, not because she’s perfect, but because she’s human. She falters. She rebuilds. She chooses to keep living fully, even when her heart has been broken.
This is one of Danielle Steel’s most compelling heroines to date, and I can already see this book being a favorite for book clubs—it’s rich with themes to discuss, from the roles of women in wartime to the ethics of journalism and the courage it takes to start over.
If you’re looking for a historical fiction read that’s both heart-wrenching and uplifting, this belongs on your shelf immediately.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5 stars)
Spice Level: 🌶️ (Very mild, romance-focused, suitable for all audiences)

[Chris Cary Harder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall it was a captivating novel that started off in Paris with a young married couple, a doctor & nurse in private practice , but early on WW1 is set in motion along with the Spanish flu epidemic that killed more than the war itself. Most of the book was seen thru the eyes of their teenage daughter, Alex , a beautiful girl who quickly becomes a strong willed young woman who moves to America after her family suffers devastating consequences tied into both the horrific war and the epidemic.

At 18 Alex’s grandfather in the Midwest and owner of a respected newspaper where she works part time, is a strong influence on her decision to follow in his footsteps so she enrolls at University of Chicago to study journalism. And before you know it she’s taking her summers at a popular New York City newspaper.

Of course the era did not have much to offer for women in college or a career in journalism working for a newspaper. But as she follows her passion of women’s rights & newspaper journalism Alex strikes up a relationship with a handsome crime reporter , Oliver, working at the same newspaper. Both have similar family tragedy backgrounds and a strong and driven passion for the written word, along with a shared view to not get heavily involved in a relationship.

Following this romantic affair thru two newspaper reporters….Alex from the only available area to work,the high society arena, to Oliver’s journalistic career at the same paper focusing on the mafia’s influence over everyone during the prohibition period….brings to lite a dynamic couple made for each other, but will their combined fears of intimate family tragedy curtail what was “meant to be” before it gets off the ground.

[Candi J · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a tale of war, pandemics and tragedy. After losing all her family to the war or the Spanish flu, Alexandra Bouvier sets about life educating herself to be a voice for women all over the world.

I was sucked into her world from the first page as it transported me back to before World War I started. We see the life of Alex and how she was always taught that she could be whatever she wants as long as she works hard.

She loses her parents to the war and her grandmother to the Spanish flu and is lost in war torn Paris. Her maternal grandfather arranges her travels to the United States where she can live with him and complete her education.

After yet another tragedy, she’s offered an internship at a prominent New York newspaper. It’s not the glamour and writing she was expecting but she loves it. It’s also where she meets Oliver Foster.

Alex and Oliver become fast friends and soon they discover that there’s more, but with Alex still at university, things are a little tricky.

Their romance blooms as Alex finishes school and gets a job in New York very close to Oliver. When danger lurks Alex decides it’s time to go back home and run her grandfather’s newspaper.

This story was inspirational to read considering the time it was written about. In an era where women had zero rights, a young woman is taught from a young age that education is the key to success. She is to stand up for what she believes in, study hard and work hard and life will be rewarding. In the end all that she was taught had proven to be right. She’s resilient, intelligent and beautiful and has a mind of her own.

4,5🦋