Palazzo

by Danielle Steel

Por vezes os sonhos podem mesmo tornar-se realidade…

Em Palazzo, Danielle Steel conta-nos uma extraordinária história sobre família, raízes, ruína e novos começos.

Depois de ver os pais morrerem num trágico acidente, Cosima Saverio assume a liderança da marca de alta costura italiana detida pela família. Enquanto enfrenta os desafios de gerir uma empresa aos 23 anos, Cosima tem também de cuidar do palazzo com mais de quatrocentos anos que a família tem, em Veneza, e olhar pelos seus irmãos mais novos: Alegra, que sobreviveu à tragédia que matou os pais, com várias cicatrizes e uma lesão na coluna, e Luca, que tem uma tendência para grandes festas, mulheres bonitas e mesas de póquer.

Cosima vive os desafios pessoais e profissionais com uma inteligência rara para quem tem 23 anos, mas o seu sucesso tem um preço: as suas necessidades vêm sempre em segundo lugar. Na verdade, casou-se com o negócio da família, e o tempo que lhe sobra é dedicado àqueles que mais precisam dela… Mas isso termina quando ela conhece Olivier Bayard, o fundador da empresa de malas de mulher mais bem sucedida em França. Uma breve conversa no terraço do palazzo rapidamente se transforma num tour pelo ateliê Saverio, e, quinze anos depois da morte dos pais, Cosima encontra o seu confidente.

Agora, o negócio da família está financeiramente estável e permite que os Saverio vivam confortavelmente. Porém, quando Luca perde uma grande quantia no casino, e a dívida tem de ser paga com dinheiro ou com a própria vida, Cosima vê-se forçada a fazer uma escolha impossível: pôr o palazzo à venda, vender um terço do negócio da família ou deixar que Luca resolva o seu próprio problema. Haverá outra maneira de salvar tudo, antes que aquilo pelo que lutou se destrua por completo?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Italy, Family, Chick Lit

232 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2023

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

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Is there any truth to the rumour that Danielle Steel is writing her swan song in 2024?

I read this one solely on the title/cover and must admit that I wasn't 'wowed' by this one.

While I liked the characters and was invested in the storyline, it just lacked pizazz. It was a good read, just won't be memorable.

I loved this message: "Don't be too busy to have a life."

[Tina Loves To Read]

This is a Women's Fiction. This book I was really looking forward to because I love how Danielle Steel puts so much emotion in her books. I really love reading emotionally hard hitting books. This book just was a let down for me. I could not make myself care for any of the characters, and I saw the setup for what this book was doing. I just really did not like how the beginning was put together. I ended up putting the book down around the 30% mark, and I just never want to pick it up again which tells me it was not a book for me. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Delacorte Press) or author (Danielle Steel) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Daniel Koch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Light and tepid. Characters with little to no depth interacting with each other in the most predictable way possible. Steel reiterates the character traits so repeatedly that towards the end I thought she was deliberately trolling the reader. Luca is despicable? Wow, you haven't said that in a sentence and a half. Good of you to remind me! Cosima is devoted to her family business? YOU DON'T SAY?!

The entire time I was waiting for someone (anyone really) to call out that sisters (Cosima and Allegra) marrying a father and son duo (Oliver and Basile) is freaking weird. Like helllloooo?

As a side note: Max being sent from prison to Oklahoma (essentially a different type of prison) was pretty amusing.

I am glad there are lots of readers who love Steel's formula but it's not for me.

1*!

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

• BOOKSTAGRAM •

I have not read a Danielle Steele novel in quite some time. This novel really pulled at your heart and shows the struggles even wealthy people have to go through, though I cannot understand how someone could even stomach writing a character like Luca—I guess there are real entitled self centered people like him in the world and also pushovers like Cosimo. I don’t care how wealthy I am—if I had a continuous screw up for a brother enough would have been enough WAYYYYY sooner. However….the location filled with history is amazing. Venice is on my bucket list so this novel really turned me into an armchair traveler! The books plot seemed slightly rushed towards the end but in true DS fashion ended perfectly!

[Tonya Babb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a really hard time believing Danielle Steel wrote this book. A major author of her league would never repeat details throughout the writing - it reads like a debut. A sweet story that needed a better editing.

[Monica Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great novel if you want to be transported to Italy. The novel was predictable and the events turned out exactly as I thought they would. However it was a nice, sweet escape from real life. I loved the setting and picturing their Palazzo in Venice. It made me really want to visit there. I was surprised at how quickly time flowed in this novel. We meet the three siblings who lost their parents in a tragic accident, and a few pages later it is talking about them being several years older and taking over their family business. Luca was a horrible human being and it made me root more for Cosimo and Allegra. There was nothing really ground breaking or have to read about this book but it was enjoyable and read quickly. I haven't read a Danielle Steel book in ages and I do not regret picking this one up.

[Alicia Rojas · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is the most mid book. Every character is so two-dimensional and unchanging. There was not a single part of the plot that wasn’t predictable. And don’t get me started on the way the author narrates, each sentence is stated 3 times in slightly different ways. And essentially reiterates who the characters are every chapter?? Parts of the book were recapped as if I was waiting for the next chapter to be released and forgot what happened 2 seconds ago. Lastly, why did every character need their parallel character?? It truly was as if developing 6 characters w different personalities was too much so 3 character profiles were developed then duplicated. Happy for Cosima tho.

Also all of the reviews for this on this app are 100% paid for. No way people are giving this 5 stars. I was falsely lead into reading this book.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...

👜One billion copies sold, according to the front cover sticker that adorns Danielle Steel’s 2023 release Palazzo, is what greeted me when I began this book. A story of family, riches, tragedy, grief, succession, fashion empires, disappointment, greed, and responsibility fill the pages of Palazzo.

👜Cosima Saverio is the oldest daughter of a wealthy and powerful family who lead the way in the leather fashion brand trade. But after an unexpected tragedy, Cosima is in her early twenties when she is thrust in the leadership role of the family business after both her parents pass away. Dealing with her family high-end business brand, along with caring for her younger sister who is now wheelchair bound after the accident, her family’s Venice based palazzo is also in Cosima’s care. Will Cosima triumph or fail?

👜I managed to make my way through a few current Danielle Steel releases over the school holiday period. Although this extremely popular author’s books are easy, light, predictable and repetitive, I find that I tend to reach for them as escapist reads. Palazzo offered exactly what I expect from a Danielle Steel release. Extreme wealth, love, an independent female protagonist, tragedy, melodrama, a villainous secondary character and of course the cosmopolitan setting with a happy ending defines Palazzo. This one took me back to a trip to Europe I made in 2009, where I visited Venice, Rome and Paris. All three of these locations are included in Palazzo. Fashion also plays an important role in this book and I have to say I appreciated the look into the world of leather-based fashion and handbags. Despite the predictability and ideas on repeat style narration, Palazzo offered a spot of relaxation for this holiday mode reader.

⭐️⭐️⭐️3 stars

🙏Thank you to the team at @macmillanaus for the copy

[Mai H.]

Valentine's Day TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

All things Venetian

Switching between Rome, Venice and Paris, this tale depicts the struggles of three siblings to survive in the mad rush of haute couture life.
Cosimo, her brother Luc and sister Allegro inherit the family run Italian business, Saverio leathers making handbags for the elite. Unfortunately their parents were killed and younger sister Allegro injured in an horrific boating accident. Cosimo at once took over the running of the family business. Her driving ambition is to look after her siblings and maintain the stands of her Saverio heritage. A beautiful woman, but it’s her inner beauty that makes her glow.
Luc becomes a high rolling, shallow playboy, wanting nothing to do with the business except to be given money to indulge his life style and gambling habit. His petulance and entitlement attitude says it all.
Allegra, left in a wheelchair after the accident, is absolutely lovely and a talented designer just itching to fly. She faces life head on, enjoying all it can offer her. Her disability doesn’t define her.
Oliver Bayard runs a middle range handbag business out of Paris. He has two sons. Max who is somewhat like Luc, and Basile a street artist of some renown. Oliver’s always admired Saverio handbags. He meets Cosimo at a party given by the rich Texans who’d rented the Savario Palazzo. That will only be the first crossover of others in their lives as the plot develops.
A second chance romance, a crumbling family palazzo in Venice, and the breeze of change blowing through Cosimo’s world of haute couture design bringing disaster and triumph.
A fairly predictable and comfortable read incorporated into an entrancing world of glamour, belying the hard and delicate balance of work and economics, of risk and chance.
A look at family dynamics, love and jealousies, universally experienced and understood.

A Random House-Ballantine ARC via NetGalley.

[D · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. In fact I barely got through the first quarter. I haven't read Danielle Steel in years but used to love her books, and was actually quite put off by the writing in this one. In three paragraphs the same description was used repeatedly, and I noticed a definite repetition of this through out what I read. Are these books no longer being edited or do they REALLY want to force how useless this person is/how many years they kept the business going/ how contentious the relationship is down our throat? Has the average reader's retention really decreased that much that they basically have to read the same paragraph over and over? Um, no thanks. Maybe it gets better and this just had a really rocky start, but a painful beginning is just not for me.

[Hayley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up because I like books set in Italy and I'd never read anything by Danielle Steel before. She's a beloved writer, maybe she deserved a chance?

Nah, this book is awful through and through. Terrible writing, and so much repetition! Yes, we know that Luca is selfish/Cosima works too hard/Allegra is disabled/the family used to have lavish parties at the palazzo.

My main issues:

- The main character, Cosima, falls in love with a married friend of her late father's when she is 23 years old. He's 60, and has known her since she was a child. She's still in love with him late into her 30s, and he is presented as the great love of her life. Ewwwww.

- If you're going to write a book set in Italy, do a quick Google to get the names and locations right! It's Tiziana, not Tizianna. Tommaso, not Tomaso. Puglia is an Italian region home to millions of people, not a 'small town'. Maratea is in Basilicata, not Sicily. There's no need to regularly fly instead of taking the train between Rome and Venice, let alone FLORENCE and Venice.

- Lots of casual misogyny. Love interest is cheated on by his wife, but not to worry! She has aged badly and now looks like a 'blowzy housewife'. There is much mention of how unattractive the other love interest's wife is, too (the one being cheated on). Perhaps worst of all, rape is not a 'serious offense' (p157).

All in all, this book feels like it was pulled together in a week back in 1997.

[Kathleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just awful. I’ve read Danielle Steel novels before and enjoyed them, but this book seemed as if it was written by (dare I say?) AI.
The first quarter of the book was repetitive paragraphs that said the same thing over and over and over. Setting the background in words with little to draw you in and connect you to the history or the characters.
For a supposed romance novel, it was devoid of emotion. Sure there were uses of the word “sad” and “joy”, and others, but the book simply told the reader what emotion should be felt without a good story to evoke those feelings!
Truly the worst book I have read.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

A good storyteller but the story is utter garbage. I realized that I was being a snob because I had never read Danielle steel and now I know that I was being smart what’s the most upsetting is all the stars other people gave this schlock.
Beautiful rich people with successful businesses in beautiful, high end, handbags artsy fartsy, elegant, handsome, rich and a castle like palazzo . Ugh
This makes Hallmark movies look like art
Utter garbage

[Karen Axnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something comforting about the predictability of Danielle Steel’s style and the creative context she provides in each new novel. I have read many of her books and appreciate the consistent focus on strong, independent, female protagonists finding well-deserved love.

The predominant theme of the story is the challenges associated with navigating family relationships. Cosima Saverio becomes head of her well-known family and the family’s legacy business at the young age of 23 when her parents are unexpectedly and tragically killed in an accident. It was never her intent to take over the business, but with a 14-year-old sister and 18-year-old brother to support, her options were limited. Fifteen years later Cosima has made the business thrive through her devotion and savvy business sense, but those qualities have left her with little personal life as she is “married” to the business. Trouble arises when Luca, who has become a playboy with no intention of working to support his lavish lifestyle, incurs a sizable gambling debt and allows his greed to lead him into illegal activities.

The romantic element is introduced when Olivier Bayard crosses paths the Cosima at a party. Successful in his own right in a parallel business with hers, Olivier patiently pursues Cosima while dealing with his own family dynamics. His kindness, calm, practical nature, and vision provide her with inspiration and support.

Palazzo is set in Europe – primarily Italy and France – with wonderful descriptions of Rome, Venice and Paris adding to the enjoyment of the story. This novel is a quick, easy read that kept me engaged and left me with a satisfying ending.

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.

[Melanie McGrade Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was enchanted by the descriptive scenes of Rome and Italy in Palazzo, as well as the enticing tease of the high end purses, clothes, and fabrics described in detail throughout the book. I appreciated the background on how Cosima’s business was being expanded and built, and of course loved the focus on family, the unique characters, and complex relationships that is typical of Steel’s novels. Cosima has a strong mature personality and profile, and I commend her role in all aspects of her personal and professional life, which were heavily entwined. She had a lot to juggle and make decisions on, with more and more obstacles being thrown her way in the process. Exciting and interesting read.

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for an easy beach read, and this one jumped out at me. Italy, romance, fashion, etc., what could be better? This book could be better, that’s what. Now I remember why I haven’t read Danielle Steele in years. I did give it two stars because I found the storyline enjoyable (despite being able to tell exactly where it was going), but the writing was hard to get past. Maybe it should have been one star, but it did inspire good memories of a trip to Italy.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome book! A fast paced read with so many twists and turns. It keeps you wondering what will happen next. I loved the ending!

[Craig and Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Pan Macmillan for sending us a copy to read and review.
In Danielle Steel’s latest book we are introduced to the wealthy Saverio siblings.
In the busy and chaotic world of leather goods, an Italian fashion mogul must keep the family business afloat while caring for her sister and brother after their parents die.
Cosima has been running the empire for fifteen years after a tragic accident took the lives of both her parents.
She must also look after the family Palazzo where they take vacations.
Allegra takes her life in a wheelchair in her stride as well as wanting to become more involved in the successful leather brand.
Luca doesn’t care at all and spends his time gambling and wooing beautiful women.
Cosima doesn’t have a personal life and always puts others first.
When dashing, rich and founder of a rival company enters, things begin to heat up.
Olivier sparks something in Cosima and the two start to fall for each other.
When Luca gets into trouble, Cosima must make decisions she thought she would never have to make.
One of the world’s most popular writers and her tales of privileged people, exotic locations, extreme drama and the happy ever after is here again for another regular and monotonous narrative.
The premise is appealing but it does get repetitive and the writing is wooden and standoffish.
Feel good fiction with the usual formula.
A soothing, unimaginative read.

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

1⭐️

Pffff que historia más anodina y simplona.
Repetitiva, poco interesante, además todo lo que iba a pasar era evidente y se sabía desde el principio.
Nunca había leído a esta autora, pero es increíble que alguien cuya narración es así de pésima puede haber alcanzado el nivel de fama que tiene.
No profundiza nada en los personajes, no he sido capaz de empatizar con ninguno. Cósima es como un robot mecánico que solo trabaja y trabaja y su historia de amor es mediocre y poco realista. Ocurre de repente sin venir a cuento y prácticamente sin interactuar.
🤷🏻‍♀️

Creo que no repetiré con esta autora.

[Ann Berry · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing is repetitive and is hard to get through. I couldn’t get past the first few chapters. Hopefully it got better?

[Lindsay Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was cute, but I feel like I read different combinations of same 6 sentences over and over for 300 pages.

[Gina *loves sunshine* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danielle Steel was probably the very first adult romance author I read as a teenager. I think I went from Babysitter's club to Sweet Valley High straight to Steel.(thanks to my mother's bookshelf) Steel always had such great sweeping sagas, and I devoured so many of her books back in the early 90's. I don't think I have touched a book of hers in at least 20 years, certainly not since I have joined GR so I haven't marked any of her books as read!! I still remember so many of them though!!! So many good memories of those reads, how many authors can you say stick with you so long!!!

So here we are back in the "old romance" saddle and I was once again swept away!!! Her style has always been unique to me. She doesn't have overly swoony stories, just classic, simple, traditional but with many characters that you are drawn to and always in a great location, a beautiful city or country that centers around the story. Hard to explain her style and the draw but she is an icon for a reason and I can't wait to get back to trying out more of her books!!! This one was on the shorter side but was so endearing and sweet. I loved the Venice and Paris backdrop and all the characters were lovely, even the villains, HAHA! The male narration on the audio was fabulous too!!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danielle Steel sweeps readers away to Italy where history and fashion set the foundation for love. While sparks fly between Cosima and Olivier, she gave her heart away and is caught up in the dream that love will return.

Taking helm of the family business at a young age after her parent's sudden death, Cosima save the stores from going under. While Allegra adores her older sister, Luca's wild nature can't be contained. As he continues to spin out of control, he's wrecking the foundation the family built.

Filled with Italian splendor and memorable moments, Steel fans will delight in the romantic escape read. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #Palazzo in exchange for an honest review. While the characters went through difficult situations, I I prefer her historical fiction stories. That being said, if you're seeking a modern-day reverse Cinderella story, Palazzo's glass slipper fits.

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

A lovely story! The author has the great neck for weeding. The characters rolls inside the plot line of the story.

I loved that I didn’t know where the story was going and was very much surprised at the end.

This was a good book that I highly recommend.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be my favorite Danielle Steele story! I was sorry when I finished!

[Joanne Eglon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong 4.5 ⭐

Such a lovely comforting read.

A go to author for me without a doubt.. Predictable as always but honestly just adore her writing and simplicity of characters and plots.

Would recommend 💕

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Someone needs to teach Danielle Steel the concept of “show don’t tell”. This book is entirely telling, and like 5% showing. It’s a bit tiresome after a while just being told in paragraphs the background of each person and meanwhile the scene is just the main character sitting at her terrace. Surely the same info can be imparted in much more interesting ways.

That being said, I enjoyed this book. It was cute and wholesome and an easy read. I didn’t love the writing but I enjoyed the plot.

I picked this up by searching Libby by random and choosing the first one that was semi interesting. Overall I’m glad I did, because I don’t think I would have picked this up usually!

[Tawni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started the first chapter this morning and finished the book in the same day. As usual Danielle Steel did not disappoint. I hadn’t read on of her books in several years and reading this one made me want to read some of the ones I’ve missed. . She writes with such vivid descriptions that I felt like I was in Rome and Venice along with her characters. It’s a story about family and how no matter how hard we love them, sometimes it’s out of our control.
If you haven’t read a Danielle Steel novel, you really should.
I was given an advance reader copy of this book.