Felicia's Favorites: A Novel

by Danielle Steel

A mother bestows a life-changing legacy on her five adult daughters in this profoundly moving novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel.

After the unexpected death of their mother, Felicia Morgan Weston, her five daughters are summoned to a historic Connecticut farmhouse for the reading of her will. Still reeling from shock, they hear revelations that will potentially change their lives—and they realize there was much more to their mother than they ever knew.

Charlotte, the oldest, always resented her mother’s advice, but now misses her terribly. An entrepreneur and single mother, she doesn’t dare hope for a second chance at love.

Although content with her career as a TV producer and her life with her partner in Greenwich Village, Quinne is about to have an opportunity to dream bigger.

Former ballet dancer Olivia has lived as a paraplegic since a car accident twelve years ago. Refusing to be a burden, she has denied herself the love of her life.

Despite her mother’s disapproval, Veronica resigned herself to a secret relationship with an ambitious married senator.

Happily married mother of three Isabelle has just found out that her husband is having an affair with his much younger intern.

Each sister is about to receive a gift beyond her wildest dreams from their very private but loving mother, who considered all her girls her favorites. Danielle Steel’s new novel is a moving testament to the power of a mother’s love and the importance of fully embracing life.

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

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2026

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

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Women's Fiction/Romance. There are a ton of characters in this book, but I think it was well done and easy to keep up with all the characters. I really enjoyed this book. I normally do not love books that are not written in first person, but I have enjoyed most of Danielle Steel's book. I think the storyline was so well done.

[Bailey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I knew my 5 star streak was coming to end 1 endless chapter into this book.

Where to begin? The 3rd person writing in this book drove me nuts. I always go into a book blind and I can’t believe for the life of me why I put a hold on Libby for this one.

Not my cup of tea.

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Felicia and her five daughters. After Felicia's death her five daughters find out all about the secrets she has been keeping. They are shocked to find out that their mother was a famous writter and was wealthy. Upon her death her five daughters inherit a home and quite a bit of money. Charlotte enjoys the money as a single mom and takes her kids on vaccation. Quinne uses her moey to open her own production company. Olivia who is in a wheelchair and teaches ballet classes decides to try and have a child. Veronica who has tied herself to a married man for the past decade is givan the abiity to practice law and get out of the controlling relationship she is in. Isabelle the stay at home Mom who thought she had it all is know free to pursue her own life. This book is about how they go about changing their lives for the better.

[Kelly London · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of her Best Books

I have read every single DS books. Over the past couple of years they are much shorter and not always as interesting as her previous books. This one is the exception. Just when I think I’ve read every story she could imagine, a new one pops up that is just amazing. I loved this book. The development of the characters is outstanding. Heart-warming story filled with lots of surprises along the way

[Connie Boles · Rating 1 out of 5]

I haven’t read a DS book since the 90’s, and now I remember why. Her characters are ridiculous. The mother is a saint, and the daughters are kind of pathetic. The men are either 100% losers or 100% angelic beings. Charlotte undergoes a complete personality overhaul, and I would like to tell the others, “Snap out of it! Don’t you have even a shred of self worth?” Okay, rant over…did not like the book at all.

[Katrina (Catching up on Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

[Rowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I liked this novel. She had 5 daughters that were all her favourites. Reminds me of my sisters as we say that, but I know I’M the favorite! Haha!🤣

[Valerie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the worst written books I have ever read. Steel restates sentences not long after their last iteration, included no development or segues, and generally put together an offensive, shallow piece of writing.

I had whiplash from the frequency that she shifted perspective in the same page or even paragraph. There was no development of any storyline. Feelings (of which there were few) are handed to you on a silver platter with no descriptions whatsoever.

I don't even know where to begin with the unbearable character flaws. There was some satisfying closure by the end, but it was satisfying largely because the book was over.

I truly thought reading this would offer me a new perspective on my mother's generation to better understand them. The only thing I understand is that you don't need talent to sell books and can be horribly ableist with no consequence.

[Julie Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story from Danielle Steel. I love when she writes an "ensemble" piece that focuses on multiple characters. This book centers on the five adult daughters of Felicia. When Felicia suddenly passes away, the girls learn a great deal about her that they never knew and find out that they've inherited a large sum that they were not expecting. Throughout the novel, we see the transformative power that finally getting to know their mother after her death, and the inheritance has on each daughter's life, as though their mother were orchestrating these positive changes from the grave. It's an uplifting and feel-good story, just like so many of Danielle Steel's other books.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A widow with 5 daughters has a secret life as a famous author using a pseudonym. When she unexpectedly dies, her daughters find out that she had a secret country estate in Connecticut and had made millions as the famous author. Each daughter inherits almost 30 million dollars. The book tells all of the events that happen with each daughter over the first year after their mom’s passing. Rich problems!

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always think the Danielle Steel book I’m reading is one of my favourites - then I read the next one and that’s my favourite too. Really loved all the characters and the storyline was fantastic. What a legacy Felicia left behind

[Deb Doro · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favorite Danielle Steel book EVER and I’ve read them all. This would be a great movie!

[Brandy Lemire · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was one of her better books! I truly enjoyed the 5 daughters’ stories and all that their mom did for them!

[Lynn Gambardella · Rating 5 out of 5]

My brain candy! Love her books and this one was great! Five daughters and all that they went through to find happiness! Strong female characters, which I love

[Marilyn Teitelbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterpiece

Ms. Steel has done it again. When we think about love we know that a Mother’s love is unconditional. This book proves that point. Felicia’s love are her beautiful and sweet daughters and they loved her just as much. It’s a feel good story that is a must read.

[Brittney Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Danielle ✨

[Tracy Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story had the potential for greatness… 5 sisters come together after the death of their mother, going through life changes but… as many of her books are, it’s just repetitive, superficial rushed writing.

[Nancy Cormier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felicia's Favorites by Danielle Steel is the novel of a mother and five adult daughters. Felicia, a book editor, unexpectedly dies, leaving her five daughters to deal with her estate. Called to Connecticut for the will reading while they all live in NYC is puzzling. What they learn changes their lives forever.

Each daughter has their own story and situation. How they go forward with the gifts their mother has left them and how they find that each sibling was their mother's favorite is a very good read.

[GiGi Carothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felicia's Favorites y Danielle Steel was an emotional read. Felicia kept many secrets from her five daughters. Not until her sudden death were the secrets revealed. Her daughters regretted that they never really knew their mother or her private life, Their mothers wise investments made it possible for her daughters to have the lives they wanted and cherished. Read Steel's latest novel to disclose the secrets and decide if you think the mother had made the best decisions for her family.

[Marta Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Danielle Steel again. Felicia's Favorites is more like her books in the beginning were. This book is about 5 sisters who find out after their mother dies, that they never knew who she really was. I loved how the sisters bloomed after their mother's death. I enjoyed this book very much!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a beautiful family and the love and loss they endure. Loved it!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having worked in publishing and in the process of commencing my next chapter, this story about starting over resonated with me. Readers will find themselves immersed in the sisters' stories and eagerly paging through the novel to discover if they find their happily ever after...

[Bethany Rushing · Rating 3 out of 5]

A feel good read!

[Marilyn Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best DS novel I’ve read in quite a while. Interesting characters & plot.

[Michele Lash · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Emily Joesting]

Actually one of her better books lately - not as much repetition and better developed storyline

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felicia Morgan Weston, widow and mother to five grown daughters dies unexpectedly and now the women are meeting with their mother's lawyer about her estate. When the women learn about their inheritance they are stunned. It seems that none of them really knew their mother as well as they thought. The reader learns more about each of the women and how this windfall changes their lives. This is a fast read and entertaining. I gave this book 4.6 stars as I enjoyed it and it was entertaining.

[Terry B · Rating 1 out of 5]

They hid Olivia’s wheelchair when taking her wedding pictures as much as possible? God forbid someone’s wheelchair is in a photo - how shallow!

[Shelly Itkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felicia Morgan Weston has raised five daughters on her own since her husband's death 32 years ago.

She died rather unexpectedly when a crazed gunman shot her and several others as they crossed the finish line at a race.

When she started working, she mostly did editorial work, but her husband always told her she should try writing, as she could become an author.

Charlotte, her oldest daughter, is raising two grown children: Sean, 19, and Julia, 16. She had been hurt and had not listened to her mother's advice when she told her not to marry, as this man was not right for her, but she was always on the defensive. Besides marrying him and then having to pay him, she was not very happy. She has given up on love and thrown herself into her company.

Veronica, who, after graduating from law school with a promising career, has given it all up to become the mistress of a highly known person in public office.

Isabelle, who has been married for twelve years and is raising her three children, Tyler, Charlie, and Penny, mostly on her own. Her husband makes a good living, so she does ot have to work.

Unfortunately, he is having an affair and can't make up his mind if he wants to stay married or move in with someone almost half Isabel's age. Leaving her to decide if she wants a divorce or to give him a second chance.

Olivia, who has had paraplegia for many years, is the strongest. She thought she could do it all herself, but needed her mother the most of all five in the beginning. She is now managing on her own, runs a small dance studio, and designs outfits, as her days as a ballerina were over after the accident.

Quinne is a talented TV producer and lives with her boyfriend, and it works out fine.

After their mother passes, they are all to meet at a historic farmhouse in Connecticut to discuss her will.

What each daughter will inherit will change their lives forever, with some receiving second chances and others taking risks and facing challenges.

They never knew that her mother, Morgan Reed, was a famous author who had written and published more than a hundred best-selling books.

Besides each becoming a millionaire overnight, they learned that, although their mom had a secret life, she was in love with the man who lived next door to her Connecticut farmhouse.

Through her manager and her lawyer, they had much to tell her children. She had made lots of money and invested it, giving each of the daughters the exact sum, and they all owned 1/5 of the cottage.

This is one of her best books and would make a wonderful Mother's Day gift for friends, relatives, or mothers.