The Portrait

by Danielle Steel

The Portrait is a poignant story of two successful people who have built walls around themselves, and the rocky path to true courage and connection, from billion-copy bestselling author Danielle Steel.

As a highly sought-after portrait artist, Devon Darcy seems to have the ability to peer into the souls of her subjects and then capture them on canvas. The world doesn’t know about the devastating losses she has endured, first as an orphan, then as a far-too-young widow.

Entrepreneur Charles Mackenzie Taylor has given up on love, resigning himself to a loveless marriage to avoid the inconvenience of divorce. But, when Charlie meets Devon at a New York gallery event, he is haunted by her beauty and her talent. He approaches her to paint his portrait and she in turn is intrigued by Charlie, the electricity between them palpable.

As they encounter each other over the course of a summer in the Hamptons, their connection deepens as they each release years of pent-up emotions and unfulfilled longing. But the ghosts of their pasts are not easily put to rest. Charlie wrestles with his fear of real intimacy, while Devon struggles with her fear of abandonment. And after an accident endangers Devon’s career, they must decide together what their future will hold . . .

Genres: Romance, Fiction

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 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

[Jill Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ from me. This book is written in an unusual way and drags a bit but I was captured by the characters and their journeys. It did lack in plot and the ending was a little underwhelming.

[Melissa Burling · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy read for good reads. Same old story, married man, rich....blah blah.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devon Darcy is a well known and sought after portrait artist. Charles Taylor is a successful businessman who is instantly drawn to her. After setting up an appointment to have his portrait painted life gets in the way of their new relationship. As always the characters are described in depth and the story of love, heartache, hope, and learning how to find happiness again will draw you in.

[Teresa John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Danielle Steele. Ending was lacking.

[Helen Ploetz Stanskas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, good story. The ending was meh!

[Virginia Markhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve literally read dozens of Danielle Steele books. Swore off of them years ago. I find her repititious. So, when I received this book as a Christmas book I was reluctant, but my friend urged me to give it a try. I’m glad that I did. The religion is still very much in place, but the story line was quite different. A married man, a lonely artist woman. It had all the makings of being just another sad story with a decent ending. But wait, things got very different. I could not help but like the Charlie, the main guy, even though he was far from perfect. I felt for him and grieved for his sadness. The book had me guessing how it would end, which is rare.

[Sherralynne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story

Another incredible story that is brilliantly written. Life has a curious way of leading Devon and Charlie through challenges that could happen to any of us. Thanks Danielle, from a New Zealand fan.

[Angela Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Danielle Steele easy read book. It did have several twist and turns that I wasn't expecting but was somewhat predictable. I love her books because they page turners and you can read it in a day or two.

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

A very good book.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story of a couple that fall in love and it takes the whole book to get them together.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.65 Not my favorite

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light easy read. Had some potential but really thin on development of plot. Thought it would turn out to be more of a page turner.

[Lenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light and fluffy, as you would expect from DS. Somewhat formulaic, but an interesting read nonetheless.

[Judi Blaustein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy easy read but enjoyable.i enjoy reading about places that i have been to. Steele is a winner.

[Karen Kirk · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not one of my favourites. Normally I can't put Danielle's novels down but I didn't feel like that about this book. Seemed z bit slow to me.

[Kitty McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, sorrow, happiness, amongst wealthy Americans. Happy ending, though a few twists on the route to happiness.

[Sandy Danckert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good romance light reading story

[Marybeth Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another quick read but good story from DS.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Danielle Steel — an easy, formulaic read when you want a distraction.

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing style takes a bit to get used to. There is a lot of description and repetition and not much action.
The first book I've read by this author and wouldn't read her books again.

[Tahanee Buli · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5⭐️

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read.

[Mylie McKissack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline.

[Ginny Buckham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice, but different love story. Danielle doesn’t disappoint.

[Sheila Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I want a fun, light read Steele never disappoints.

[Linda Lindell. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like the ending. nothing settled.

[Jeri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing book about a weak rich man who doesn’t deserve a lovely unselfish woman. I kept hoping that it would get better.

[Anne Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite of her books.