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Silent Night
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A shocking accident. A little girl struggling to survive. And the childless aunt who transforms her own world to help her . . . Danielle Steel’s deeply moving novel is a story of resilience and hope.
Paige Watts is the ultimate stage mother. The daughter of Hollywood royalty, Paige channels her acting dreams into making her own daughter, Emma, a star. By the age of nine, Emma is playing a central role in a hit TV show. Then everything is shattered by unforeseeable tragedy.
Now Emma is living with her aunt Whitney, who had chosen a very different path from her sister’s. Whitney was always the studious older sister, hating the cult of celebrity that enveloped their childhood. Instead, she is a psychiatrist who lives for her work and enjoys a no-strings-attached love affair with a wealthy venture capitalist. But at a moment’s notice, Whitney drops everything to help her niece.
Once famous, outgoing, and charismatic, Emma is now a shadow of her former self—without speech, without memory, lost and terrified. But with her aunt Whitney’s help, along with a team of caregivers and doctors, Emma begins to find her way, starting her young life all over again—and changing the lives of everyone around her.
Emotionally gripping and richly involving, Silent Night explores how the heart has mysterious healing powers of its own, and blessings happen when we think all is lost.
Paige Watts is the ultimate stage mother. The daughter of Hollywood royalty, Paige channels her acting dreams into making her own daughter, Emma, a star. By the age of nine, Emma is playing a central role in a hit TV show. Then everything is shattered by unforeseeable tragedy.
Now Emma is living with her aunt Whitney, who had chosen a very different path from her sister’s. Whitney was always the studious older sister, hating the cult of celebrity that enveloped their childhood. Instead, she is a psychiatrist who lives for her work and enjoys a no-strings-attached love affair with a wealthy venture capitalist. But at a moment’s notice, Whitney drops everything to help her niece.
Once famous, outgoing, and charismatic, Emma is now a shadow of her former self—without speech, without memory, lost and terrified. But with her aunt Whitney’s help, along with a team of caregivers and doctors, Emma begins to find her way, starting her young life all over again—and changing the lives of everyone around her.
Emotionally gripping and richly involving, Silent Night explores how the heart has mysterious healing powers of its own, and blessings happen when we think all is lost.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2019
3679 people are currently reading
3078 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Steel
915 books16.9k followersDanielle 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 651 reviews
January 16, 2019
Yes, here I am again picking up a Danielle Steel title after I’d just mentioned it had been years since I had enjoyed one. Just goes to show you that it’s easy to get hooked right back into her stories. Silent Night is completely different than the last title I reviewed but in many ways it is still the same, drama, romance and a lot of emotion.
Paige and Whitney are sisters that were born to famous Hollywood parents that now as adults are completely the opposite of one another. Paige relished the spotlight that their parents brought to the family and as she got older she tried her own hand at acting but just didn’t quite have the talent to make it big. Meanwhile Whitney despised the world that surrounded her parents and wanted to be as far out of the spotlight as she could be.
After Paige gave up on becoming famous herself she decided she wanted to focus on motherhood. However, missing a man in her life Paige went the route of a sperm donor which Whitney strongly disagreed with and thought was a mistake however as her niece grew Whitney came to love her. Paige then became the biggest stage mom out there thrusting her daughter into the spotlight with Emma’s career really taking off until one night it all came crashing down around them.
Silent Night is one of those books that shows just how quickly life can change for anyone in simply the blink of an eye. One moment life is headed one way and the next it can take a complete turn or even end for some. The story is highly emotional as it shows the struggle for this family involved to continue after a horrific event becomes all too real but even in the darkest of times there can still be hope and love. A definite page turner that the only reason I’m giving 4 1/2 stars would be a few moments of a little too much telling instead of the showing I prefer but overall a completely compelling read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Paige and Whitney are sisters that were born to famous Hollywood parents that now as adults are completely the opposite of one another. Paige relished the spotlight that their parents brought to the family and as she got older she tried her own hand at acting but just didn’t quite have the talent to make it big. Meanwhile Whitney despised the world that surrounded her parents and wanted to be as far out of the spotlight as she could be.
After Paige gave up on becoming famous herself she decided she wanted to focus on motherhood. However, missing a man in her life Paige went the route of a sperm donor which Whitney strongly disagreed with and thought was a mistake however as her niece grew Whitney came to love her. Paige then became the biggest stage mom out there thrusting her daughter into the spotlight with Emma’s career really taking off until one night it all came crashing down around them.
Silent Night is one of those books that shows just how quickly life can change for anyone in simply the blink of an eye. One moment life is headed one way and the next it can take a complete turn or even end for some. The story is highly emotional as it shows the struggle for this family involved to continue after a horrific event becomes all too real but even in the darkest of times there can still be hope and love. A definite page turner that the only reason I’m giving 4 1/2 stars would be a few moments of a little too much telling instead of the showing I prefer but overall a completely compelling read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
July 24, 2020
Over the years, I have enjoyed many Danielle Steel books. The description of this novel really had me intrigued. I had a credit on Audible and thought I would give it a try.
Emma Watts is only nine years old when she loses her mother in a tragic car accident. Emma survives the accident but has lost her memory as well as the ability to speak. Her aunt Whitney is determined to help her recover.
At just over seven hours this was a nice quick listen. The story was emotional and engrossing. However, there was a lot of repetition that I found distracting at times.
Overall, this was an entertaining audiobook that took my mind off real life for a few hours.
Emma Watts is only nine years old when she loses her mother in a tragic car accident. Emma survives the accident but has lost her memory as well as the ability to speak. Her aunt Whitney is determined to help her recover.
At just over seven hours this was a nice quick listen. The story was emotional and engrossing. However, there was a lot of repetition that I found distracting at times.
Overall, this was an entertaining audiobook that took my mind off real life for a few hours.
March 5, 2019
While I do enjoy Danielle Steel's actual stories and characters often, I am having a really tough time with her writing style. I just feel it is way too simple and seems amateur (which I know I have said before). I feel that too much is repetitive. For example, in this specific book, when introducing the two main doctors, the author describes their personalities as one being more personable and dealing better with children, while the other is more direct and does better with adults. That is great to know...once or twice; but, this fact is repeated over and over almost every time these two characters are mentioned. I do understand that she is writing to an audience that may not always be avid readers, but it is just hard for me to deal with. Sorry for the rant!
Overall, this is a nice story about a young girl in the spotlight who is involved in a tragedy that she must recover from. An aunt that never wanted her own children is forced into the parent role; but, it is a lot more complicated than even that. The characters were lovely and easy to like, so I do think that many will enjoy this title.
Overall, this is a nice story about a young girl in the spotlight who is involved in a tragedy that she must recover from. An aunt that never wanted her own children is forced into the parent role; but, it is a lot more complicated than even that. The characters were lovely and easy to like, so I do think that many will enjoy this title.
February 27, 2025
As always, a very tame offering from good old DS. A young child actor who is pushed to the brink by the classic stage mom. The one who push push pushes her daughter where it's clear she is living her dream through her daughter.
The imaginable disaster happens, a tragedy very severe causes Emma to lose her memory, her hearing. Things are alarming for this poor girl. I always find it odd how this author goes into detail about the physical trauma her characters go into, the descriptions quite graphic, but also quite unrealistic. It's like experiencing writing from a debut author.
A quick unaffecting read, I could not give this more than 2 stars. It contained the usual repetition, and she told, did now show as is the norm. I chose a DS title as I had a day of data entry in front of me, and I knew it wouldn't matter if I did not concentrate!
I listened to this via the Libby platform and my public library.
The imaginable disaster happens, a tragedy very severe causes Emma to lose her memory, her hearing. Things are alarming for this poor girl. I always find it odd how this author goes into detail about the physical trauma her characters go into, the descriptions quite graphic, but also quite unrealistic. It's like experiencing writing from a debut author.
A quick unaffecting read, I could not give this more than 2 stars. It contained the usual repetition, and she told, did now show as is the norm. I chose a DS title as I had a day of data entry in front of me, and I knew it wouldn't matter if I did not concentrate!
I listened to this via the Libby platform and my public library.
October 5, 2025
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It has been a while since I last read a book by Danielle Steel. Silent Night was available as an audiobook from my library, so I gave it a try, and it didn’t disappoint.
Synopsis:
Paige Watts is the ultimate stage mother. The daughter of Hollywood royalty, Paige channels her acting dreams into making her own daughter, Emma, a star. By the age of nine, Emma is playing a central role in a hit TV show. Then everything is shattered by unforeseeable tragedy.
A car accident changes Emma’s world. Her mum is no longer there, and in her place is her aunt Whitney. Unlike Paige, Whitney was always the studious older sister, hating the cult of celebrity that enveloped their childhood. Instead, she is a psychiatrist who lives for her work and enjoys a no-strings-attached love affair with a wealthy venture capitalist. But at a moment’s notice, Whitney drops everything to help her niece.
Once famous, outgoing, and charismatic, Emma is now a shadow of her former self–without speech, without memory, lost and terrified. But with her aunt Whitney’s help, along with a team of caregivers and doctors, Emma begins to find her way, starting her young life all over again–and changing the lives of everyone around her.
My Thoughts:
The synopsis immediately caught my attention, because I love drama. And the scenario is so heartbreaking, that I knew this book would give me all the feels. And it did.
I loved Emma. She was such an amazing character, and a wonderful fighter as well. She goes through a very big trauma, and never stops trying. What I truly loved is the relationship that she develops with her auntie Paige, who gives up her old life to look after Emma. Because there is no one else she has in this world now…
The strength that Whitney carries within her is to be admired.
She is so selfless and caring, not afraid to give Emma all the love in the world, despite the challenges. And especially at the beginning, it’s so hard. It was really hard for me to see Whitney go through rejection, the anger from Emma, not knowing how to process everything that is happening. She had to stay strong, for her and her niece’s sake. To be strong for both of them.
Danielle Steel did a magnificent job trying to show us the reality about people suffering with mental issues and trauma. How hard and frustrating it can be for them, when they can’t express themselves and are not understood. And how hard it is for their loved ones, to come to terms with the “new normal” and adjust, and to provide all the love and support. Recovery is a very slow and painful process, and there are good and bad days. Sometimes you make one step forwards and three steps back, and other times, recovery is not an option at all. And in Silent Night, Danielle Steel perfectly captured these experiences and emotions.
The bond between the niece and auntie is unbreakable, even though it took a long time to build. I loved the slow progress we could see in their relationship, and how they were both slowly healing as time went on. It was also very lovely to see how they both would also speak about Paige and work on healing and forgiving her as well.
I enjoyed the romance that Whitney experiences, and I also loved the fact that she was able to say “no” to a person who couldn’t accept her niece as part of the “deal”. Even though, I also respect his side, and how open he was about expressing his opinion. He was a very selfish person, true, but at least he was honest with her. This actually allowed Whitney to realise he wasn’t the right match for her and she was able to open up her heart to someone more deserving of her.
A very interesting part of this book is Emma’s acting career.
She started off young and her mum organised everything and planned her life. After all, it was her childhood dream that she now re-lived with her daughter. But when the aunt takes care of Emma, she has a completely different mindset, but is also under a lot of pressure from the media and the TV show director. I have to admit, I loved how Whitney handled this part, and ultimately lets Emma make the decision on what she wants to do once she is older.
In conclusion, Silent Night is a very emotional, but beautiful book. I am so glad I read it, and I’m looking forward to reading more books from Danielle Steel in the future.
It has been a while since I last read a book by Danielle Steel. Silent Night was available as an audiobook from my library, so I gave it a try, and it didn’t disappoint.
Synopsis:
Paige Watts is the ultimate stage mother. The daughter of Hollywood royalty, Paige channels her acting dreams into making her own daughter, Emma, a star. By the age of nine, Emma is playing a central role in a hit TV show. Then everything is shattered by unforeseeable tragedy.
A car accident changes Emma’s world. Her mum is no longer there, and in her place is her aunt Whitney. Unlike Paige, Whitney was always the studious older sister, hating the cult of celebrity that enveloped their childhood. Instead, she is a psychiatrist who lives for her work and enjoys a no-strings-attached love affair with a wealthy venture capitalist. But at a moment’s notice, Whitney drops everything to help her niece.
Once famous, outgoing, and charismatic, Emma is now a shadow of her former self–without speech, without memory, lost and terrified. But with her aunt Whitney’s help, along with a team of caregivers and doctors, Emma begins to find her way, starting her young life all over again–and changing the lives of everyone around her.
My Thoughts:
The synopsis immediately caught my attention, because I love drama. And the scenario is so heartbreaking, that I knew this book would give me all the feels. And it did.
I loved Emma. She was such an amazing character, and a wonderful fighter as well. She goes through a very big trauma, and never stops trying. What I truly loved is the relationship that she develops with her auntie Paige, who gives up her old life to look after Emma. Because there is no one else she has in this world now…
The strength that Whitney carries within her is to be admired.
She is so selfless and caring, not afraid to give Emma all the love in the world, despite the challenges. And especially at the beginning, it’s so hard. It was really hard for me to see Whitney go through rejection, the anger from Emma, not knowing how to process everything that is happening. She had to stay strong, for her and her niece’s sake. To be strong for both of them.
Danielle Steel did a magnificent job trying to show us the reality about people suffering with mental issues and trauma. How hard and frustrating it can be for them, when they can’t express themselves and are not understood. And how hard it is for their loved ones, to come to terms with the “new normal” and adjust, and to provide all the love and support. Recovery is a very slow and painful process, and there are good and bad days. Sometimes you make one step forwards and three steps back, and other times, recovery is not an option at all. And in Silent Night, Danielle Steel perfectly captured these experiences and emotions.
The bond between the niece and auntie is unbreakable, even though it took a long time to build. I loved the slow progress we could see in their relationship, and how they were both slowly healing as time went on. It was also very lovely to see how they both would also speak about Paige and work on healing and forgiving her as well.
I enjoyed the romance that Whitney experiences, and I also loved the fact that she was able to say “no” to a person who couldn’t accept her niece as part of the “deal”. Even though, I also respect his side, and how open he was about expressing his opinion. He was a very selfish person, true, but at least he was honest with her. This actually allowed Whitney to realise he wasn’t the right match for her and she was able to open up her heart to someone more deserving of her.
A very interesting part of this book is Emma’s acting career.
She started off young and her mum organised everything and planned her life. After all, it was her childhood dream that she now re-lived with her daughter. But when the aunt takes care of Emma, she has a completely different mindset, but is also under a lot of pressure from the media and the TV show director. I have to admit, I loved how Whitney handled this part, and ultimately lets Emma make the decision on what she wants to do once she is older.
In conclusion, Silent Night is a very emotional, but beautiful book. I am so glad I read it, and I’m looking forward to reading more books from Danielle Steel in the future.
December 19, 2021
Danielle Steel has been widely known for his work and I've always wanted to explore this author's writing as well, and I got this chance this Christmas with #ChristmasWithPacMan ReadAThon where I read this book.
Silent Night, a story about a small girl named Emma, who is a kid Hollywood star. Her mother Paige Watts, wishes Emma to be the ultimate actor and by the age of 9 years, Emma is playing th lead role in a TV show.
Emma & her mother Paige meet with a tragic accident and now Emma lives with her aunt, Whitney, who is a psychiatrist and have always hated the path and limelight she got from her and Paige's mothers Hollywood career.
The book is about hope, family, resilience and we get to see some very moving and deep topics through Emma's journey. Emma suffers a deep mental health issue due to the car accident and now Whitney helps her with recovery.
We never know how things would turn out when it comes to mental health and this book describes that very accurately. Whitney & later on her love interest Bailey also helps Emma in her recovery and we see some tremendous growth in her and the ending was satisfactory.
Silent Night, a story about a small girl named Emma, who is a kid Hollywood star. Her mother Paige Watts, wishes Emma to be the ultimate actor and by the age of 9 years, Emma is playing th lead role in a TV show.
Emma & her mother Paige meet with a tragic accident and now Emma lives with her aunt, Whitney, who is a psychiatrist and have always hated the path and limelight she got from her and Paige's mothers Hollywood career.
The book is about hope, family, resilience and we get to see some very moving and deep topics through Emma's journey. Emma suffers a deep mental health issue due to the car accident and now Whitney helps her with recovery.
We never know how things would turn out when it comes to mental health and this book describes that very accurately. Whitney & later on her love interest Bailey also helps Emma in her recovery and we see some tremendous growth in her and the ending was satisfactory.
May 6, 2019
I had stopped reading Danielle Steel several years ago as I found she had gone to a similar formula for all her books. I saw this in our new audiobook section at the library and thought I'd give it a try. What I found was the same formula. Something horrible happens, Mr. Wonderful comes along and it ends in happy ever after. It was an okay story but the characters were a bit too perfect and selfless.
Also the male reader of the audiobook was a bit flat.
There was some sweet moments in the story, and it did offer some enlightenment on brain injuries, therefore the 3 stars.
Also the male reader of the audiobook was a bit flat.
There was some sweet moments in the story, and it did offer some enlightenment on brain injuries, therefore the 3 stars.
September 30, 2023
Despite the evident receptiveness and distinct writing style which is a theme for DS, I found myself genuinely fond of this story. It contained a few deeply poignant moments, yet it was impossible not to story.
March 15, 2019
Profound and moving. This was one Danielle Steel’s best novels in my opinion. Very emotional and a great story on an aunt that steps up to the plate for her niece when tragedy strikes. Chad was a heartless character but I have come to expect some heartless characters in Danielle Steel novels. Robert was really annoying even though he didn’t appear much. Other than that, the characters are easy to get on board with.
My quick and simple overall: one of her best novels, hands down. Wonderful book!
My quick and simple overall: one of her best novels, hands down. Wonderful book!
April 21, 2019
AVOID, AVOID, AVOID. A horribly written nightmare. Bland and one-dimensional characters, no action and cheesy storyline - reading Manual User Guide and Instructions of my new phone was more entertaining. This book doesn't even work as a guilty pleasure. I read whole only because I bought it - and I'm going to quickly take it to the local library.
March 2, 2019
Silent Night by Danielle Steel takes us to Los Angeles, California. Emma Watts is a nine year old who is the youngest cast member of the hit TV show The Clan. Emma is an intelligent child with a charming personality and a bright future ahead of her. Paige Watts is the driving force behind Emma’s career. On their way home one evening, Paige and Emma are running late for appointment with Emma’s drama coach when a terrible tragedy occurs. Dr. Whitney Watts, Emma’s aunt, rushes back to Los Angeles from Italy to be with Emma. Whitney became a psychologist after growing up in the shadow of her famous actress mother and agent father. She has never desired to marry or have children. Whitney now finds herself responsible for her niece who awakens from a coma with no memory plus she cannot hear or speak. Emma has a long road ahead of her if she is to recover from a traumatic brain injury. Whitney, with the assistance of dedicated doctors, teachers and a nurse, hopes to help Emma regain what she has lost and go forward to a bright, fulfilling future.
Silent Night is a poignant story. We get to see tragic events unfold when a person is careless with their own and a loved one’s safety while operating a car. I thought Silent Night was well-written and engaging. I sat down and read this story straight through (I wen to bed late even for me). The book had steady pacing with smooth transitions between sections. There are good, relatable characters in the story. We see how life can change in a moment and families are messy. I found Silent Night to be an emotional and heartbreaking story. We get to experience the grief Whitney and Emma go through along with handling Emma’s injury. There is good information on traumatic brain injuries in the book. Danielle Steel related the details in an easy to understand way which I appreciated. Emma’s journey is difficult as she tries to relearn all that she has lost. It is nice to see the characters grow as individuals and see this one event change the course of their lives. I like that the author provided an epilogue that nicely wrapped up the book. Silent Night is a story that will touch your heart.
Silent Night is a poignant story. We get to see tragic events unfold when a person is careless with their own and a loved one’s safety while operating a car. I thought Silent Night was well-written and engaging. I sat down and read this story straight through (I wen to bed late even for me). The book had steady pacing with smooth transitions between sections. There are good, relatable characters in the story. We see how life can change in a moment and families are messy. I found Silent Night to be an emotional and heartbreaking story. We get to experience the grief Whitney and Emma go through along with handling Emma’s injury. There is good information on traumatic brain injuries in the book. Danielle Steel related the details in an easy to understand way which I appreciated. Emma’s journey is difficult as she tries to relearn all that she has lost. It is nice to see the characters grow as individuals and see this one event change the course of their lives. I like that the author provided an epilogue that nicely wrapped up the book. Silent Night is a story that will touch your heart.
December 5, 2019
Silent Night by Danielle Steel is a novel based on a tragedy but what comes out of life changing moments turns onto a positive ending. "Love is messy. We all have to decide how we want to lead our lives and what love means to us. The only way to live is with your whole heart, despite the dangers and the risks."
March 20, 2019
As always, DS gives you all the feels. Tragedy turns everyone’s lives upside down but they all prevail. Heartwarming!
June 1, 2019
Decent story, terribly repetitive writing. Editing would help.
January 19, 2022
prachtig
March 19, 2019
AUTHOR Steel, Danielle
TITLE Silent Night
DATE READ 03/18/19
RATING 4/B
FIRST SENTENCE "Your mother is dead, Bethanie. You have to face it. You can't run away from it forever."
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF Fiction/2019/Random House/268 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE SA
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2019 Reading Goal 41/111
GROUP READ
CHARACTERS Whitney Watts/psychiatrist; Paige Watts/ sister to Whitney and stage mother to Emma; Emma Watts/child star
TIME/PLACE Present/CA
COMMENTS This was a somewhat typical DS book -- major tragedy and your life goes off in an unexpected but eventually positive direction. In this book, Whitney and Paige had grown up under the shadow of the Hollywood Movie lifestyle -- their mother was a famous movie star and the father her agent. Whitney shunned the life and became a psychiatrist. Her view of marriage was her father who controlled all aspects of her mother's career and life and also wanted no part of this and at 39 has no plans for marriage. Paige wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps but did not have the talent … her daughter did. Emma, at only 9 yrs old is in a hit TV series. A tragic accident leaves Emma with a brain injury and Whitney as her guardian. A long road to recovery ahead where Whitney is very devoted. Of course, there is a romance angle -- Whitney becomes friends and eventually more than --with Emma's neurologist. What I did really like about this angle was the 2 melding their professional careers and neurology seeing a need for psychiatry and vice-a-versa.
TITLE Silent Night
DATE READ 03/18/19
RATING 4/B
FIRST SENTENCE "Your mother is dead, Bethanie. You have to face it. You can't run away from it forever."
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF Fiction/2019/Random House/268 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE SA
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2019 Reading Goal 41/111
GROUP READ
CHARACTERS Whitney Watts/psychiatrist; Paige Watts/ sister to Whitney and stage mother to Emma; Emma Watts/child star
TIME/PLACE Present/CA
COMMENTS This was a somewhat typical DS book -- major tragedy and your life goes off in an unexpected but eventually positive direction. In this book, Whitney and Paige had grown up under the shadow of the Hollywood Movie lifestyle -- their mother was a famous movie star and the father her agent. Whitney shunned the life and became a psychiatrist. Her view of marriage was her father who controlled all aspects of her mother's career and life and also wanted no part of this and at 39 has no plans for marriage. Paige wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps but did not have the talent … her daughter did. Emma, at only 9 yrs old is in a hit TV series. A tragic accident leaves Emma with a brain injury and Whitney as her guardian. A long road to recovery ahead where Whitney is very devoted. Of course, there is a romance angle -- Whitney becomes friends and eventually more than --with Emma's neurologist. What I did really like about this angle was the 2 melding their professional careers and neurology seeing a need for psychiatry and vice-a-versa.
February 16, 2019
I have not read a Danielle Steel book in a long time, but this one is very, very good.
Emma is a 9 year old child star on a very likeable TV Drama. Her Mother, Paige is a Stage Mom that keeps her in the show and takes her to acting classes, tap, hip-hop, ballet and voice classes.
They are on the way home to meet with her Voice Coach when the accident happened. They were running late so Paige decided to text the Voice Coach to let him know they are on the way. She was busy texting and did not see the truck coming at them. The accident killed Paige and gave Emma a serious Brain Concussion. She was in a coma for a long time.
They only had one relative to help with Emma. Whitney was Paige's older sister and at the time of the accident she was on her way to a vacation on a boat with her friend, Chad.
They did not know how to reach Whitney so the police had to wait until she was able to put on her cell phone. She rushed back to the states and found out that her sister was dead and Emma was in a coma.
Whitney does not have children and is not married and suddenly she is responsible for Emma. She takes on this job. But she has to put her profession on hold. She is a doctor.
The story follows their path to recovery and it is a long journey but Whitney is up to the job. The book is well written and the story kept my interest until the end.
It made me cry, laugh, and I learned a lot about Brain injuries. It is well worth the time to read. I will recommend it to all of my friends.
Emma is a 9 year old child star on a very likeable TV Drama. Her Mother, Paige is a Stage Mom that keeps her in the show and takes her to acting classes, tap, hip-hop, ballet and voice classes.
They are on the way home to meet with her Voice Coach when the accident happened. They were running late so Paige decided to text the Voice Coach to let him know they are on the way. She was busy texting and did not see the truck coming at them. The accident killed Paige and gave Emma a serious Brain Concussion. She was in a coma for a long time.
They only had one relative to help with Emma. Whitney was Paige's older sister and at the time of the accident she was on her way to a vacation on a boat with her friend, Chad.
They did not know how to reach Whitney so the police had to wait until she was able to put on her cell phone. She rushed back to the states and found out that her sister was dead and Emma was in a coma.
Whitney does not have children and is not married and suddenly she is responsible for Emma. She takes on this job. But she has to put her profession on hold. She is a doctor.
The story follows their path to recovery and it is a long journey but Whitney is up to the job. The book is well written and the story kept my interest until the end.
It made me cry, laugh, and I learned a lot about Brain injuries. It is well worth the time to read. I will recommend it to all of my friends.
April 1, 2019
Danielle Steel is an accomplished author when one counts her popularity, sales and movie deals. This little novel has a lot of positive takes on life and will no doubt cause a few readers to cry. I was not one of those readers but I wish I were sometimes. It is a "Life is Messy" storyline, which gets wrapped up in a crisp bow at the end. A great "Hollywood Ending", cut tape!
Emma is the star of a very popular soap opera at age 9 and has a backstage mother that is orchestrating her career with great skill. Then there is an accident...dun dun dah! Enter Whitney, her single, successful, psychiatrist aunt, who roundly eschews Hollywood and stops her life to take on the care of Emma, who is in a coma from a severe brain trauma. As Ella slowly recovers, Whitney begins to see her "successful" life as not really that ideal. She is single with no true friends, no connections and little happiness. Ella becomes her vocal point and they both learn so much about living as they walk together into a new life for both of them. Add to this mix, a dash of neurologists, who really want to make a difference and new hope for all parties result.
This was a light glimpse into traumatic head injuries with a side order of love story, which made for a fulfilling few hours. In the hands of Danielle Steel, it was sweet with a bit of hot sauce so as to avoid cavities.
Emma is the star of a very popular soap opera at age 9 and has a backstage mother that is orchestrating her career with great skill. Then there is an accident...dun dun dah! Enter Whitney, her single, successful, psychiatrist aunt, who roundly eschews Hollywood and stops her life to take on the care of Emma, who is in a coma from a severe brain trauma. As Ella slowly recovers, Whitney begins to see her "successful" life as not really that ideal. She is single with no true friends, no connections and little happiness. Ella becomes her vocal point and they both learn so much about living as they walk together into a new life for both of them. Add to this mix, a dash of neurologists, who really want to make a difference and new hope for all parties result.
This was a light glimpse into traumatic head injuries with a side order of love story, which made for a fulfilling few hours. In the hands of Danielle Steel, it was sweet with a bit of hot sauce so as to avoid cavities.
March 5, 2019
I have read every single one of Danielle Steele's books and this one did not disappoint!!!!!! I loved this novel and the characters so much I'm sad to see it end. You just automatically fall in love with these characters and root for them. The aunt in this book is an amazing person who changes her whole life for her niece when she needs her and the niece is so lovable. Emma is a child star in Hollywood living with her mother happily working on a TV show living the high life until a tragic accident takes her mother's life and leaves her with a severe brain injury. Her aunt Whitney is a psychiatrist who is unmarried and has no children. She is a free woman with no responsibilities except to her career and plans to keep it that way. Until a fatal accident causing her sister to die and throws her brain injured niece into her life. Whitney and Emma have to learn how to navigate their new lives together in ways neither of them are prepared for. Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Ballantine Delacorte for an ARC for my honest review. I will recommend this and all of her Danielle Steele's books to everyone.
March 22, 2019
Everything was perfect in nine year old Emma's life until that tragic accident that changed her forever. Paige wanted Emma to be a star so she stood by her side as Emma was on a popular tv show and everyone adored her. She took tap, hip hop, ballet, voice lessons and any other lessons her mom could think of to make her a star.
Whitney was Paige's sister but couldn't be further from the Hollywood lifestyle if she tried. She wanted nothing to do with the life she worked hard to leave behind. Her parents taught her long ago what Hollywood cost you and she decided long ago she wouldn't be a part of that life again. She was looking forward to her annual vacation and couldn't wait to relax from her hectic schedule as a psychiatrist. A phone call would change her life forever.
This is a story of family. It is a story of faith when no hope seems to exist. Danielle Steel has woven a story that will touch your heart and wrap you in its warmth for the entire duration.
Whitney was Paige's sister but couldn't be further from the Hollywood lifestyle if she tried. She wanted nothing to do with the life she worked hard to leave behind. Her parents taught her long ago what Hollywood cost you and she decided long ago she wouldn't be a part of that life again. She was looking forward to her annual vacation and couldn't wait to relax from her hectic schedule as a psychiatrist. A phone call would change her life forever.
This is a story of family. It is a story of faith when no hope seems to exist. Danielle Steel has woven a story that will touch your heart and wrap you in its warmth for the entire duration.
April 18, 2019
This is my first Danielle Steel novel. I know it’s shocking to me too! So when I got the opportunity to review one of her novels on NetGalley I was all for it and I see why she is so popular! This book is so good and really shows that wherever you are in life, love for family surpasses everything else especially when they need you after a tragedy. An aunt must take care of her brain damaged celebrity niece after tragedy struck. She was mute and doesn’t remember anything about what happened. It’s a touching and loving story. I loved how their relationship grew and they both grew themselves.
January 24, 2019
Whitney becomes the caregiver for her niece Emma after a tragic car accident kills the young girls mother and leaves Emma in a coma. Whitney’s life now revolves around Emma. She is determined to do whatever she needs to do to help Emma recover.
This is a typical Danielle Steel novel. It is heartbreaking and will play to your emotions. It is an entertaining read with the usual happily ever after ending you expect from Steel.
Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
This is a typical Danielle Steel novel. It is heartbreaking and will play to your emotions. It is an entertaining read with the usual happily ever after ending you expect from Steel.
Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
March 7, 2019
JEC
I chose t star because 10 wasn't available. I have read everyone of your books, some more than once. I am amazed that you come up with great stories with great characters time after time. I am 95 years old and my family is planning my 100 birthday party, please keep writing so I can continue enjoying your books until then and maybe after. Good health, happiness and many more stories. Just you this is the first time I have written a review.
I chose t star because 10 wasn't available. I have read everyone of your books, some more than once. I am amazed that you come up with great stories with great characters time after time. I am 95 years old and my family is planning my 100 birthday party, please keep writing so I can continue enjoying your books until then and maybe after. Good health, happiness and many more stories. Just you this is the first time I have written a review.
April 14, 2019
This is a wonderful feel good book about a little girl who suffers a traumatic brain injury due to a car accident. Emma is a child television star playing a role on a popular sitcom. Her mother has her tutored on the set, and she takes dance and voice lessons. Her life is drastically changed after the accident. She now lives with Whitney, her aunt, who doesn't feel children should be acting in movies or on television. Highly recommend this book.
March 12, 2019
Powerful is the first word I think of, after reading Silent Night. The storyline is amazing and the characters are strong. The whole trauma issue is something I am not familiar with, but I now know more and can understand what it would mean to have this happen to someone you know. Bravo Danielle for bringing this subject to the public.
February 10, 2019
Wow. This was such a good story. Hollywood child actress Emma is in a tragic accident and suffers a traumatic brain injury.
Her aunt Whitney is all she has left in the world.
These two need each other and the story is filled with such determination, grit and love !
Her aunt Whitney is all she has left in the world.
These two need each other and the story is filled with such determination, grit and love !
April 20, 2019
The Queen of Melodrama has done it again. We start with a tragic accident and see how our protagonists deal with it. I enjoyed the characters and definitely felt empathy for them. As usual, she repeated herself a lot, but I can deal with that. I liked it.
June 8, 2019
Loved this book. A nice easy going story from Danielle steel and it had good characters and still made the pages turn. Not to in depth just a nice story with a few ups and downs. What I learnt is you need to take risks even when you don’t want to.
June 8, 2019
I haven't read Danielle Steel in ages, but I've never read a book of hers I didn't like. I'm not a Romance reader at all, but I truly enjoy her stories.
October 26, 2019
his summary/review may have been copied for other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any personal notations are for my recollection only
Paige and Whitney are sisters that were born to famous Hollywood parents that now as adults are completely the opposite of one another. Paige relished the spotlight that their parents brought to the family and as she got older she tried her own hand at acting but just didn’t quite have the talent to make it big. Meanwhile Whitney despised the world that surrounded her parents and wanted to be as far out of the spotlight as she could be.
After Paige gave up on becoming famous herself she decided she wanted to focus on motherhood. However, missing a man in her life Paige went the route of a sperm donor which Whitney strongly disagreed with and thought was a mistake however as her niece grew Whitney came to love her. Paige then became the biggest stage mom out there thrusting her daughter into the spotlight with Emma’s career really taking off until one night it all came crashing down around them.
Silent Night is one of those books that shows just how quickly life can change for anyone in simply the blink of an eye. One moment life is headed one way and the next it can take a complete turn or even end for some. The story is highly emotional as it shows the struggle for this family involved to continue after a horrific event becomes all too real but even in the darkest of times there can still be hope and love.
***
Silent Night is a touching and emotional story. We get to see the consequences of a person's negligence and carelessness with their own and a loved one’s safety while operating a car. Emma Watts is a nine-year-old, the youngest cast member of the hit TV show, The Clan. Emma is an intelligent child with a charming personality and a bright future ahead of her. Paige Watts is the driving force behind Emma’s career. Paige had once aspired to be a famous actress but fate had other plans for her. As such, her devotion to ensuring Emma's success is undivided and unwavering.
On their way home one evening, Paige and Emma are running late for an appointment with Emma’s drama coach when a terrible tragedy occurs.
Whitney Watts, Paige's sister and Emma’s aunt, rushes Los Angeles from Italy while on holiday to be with Emma. Whitney became a psychiatrist after growing up in the shadow of her famous actress mother and agent father who controlled every aspect of their mother from the food she ate to how she dressed.
Wanting no one to control her life, Whitney decides to never marry or have children. Whitney now finds herself responsible for her niece who awakens from a coma with memory lapses as well as difficulties in hearing and speaking. Emma has a long road ahead of her if she is to recover from a traumatic brain injury. Whitney, with the assistance of doctors, teachers, and nurses, hopes to help Emma regain what she has lost and look forward to a bright, fulfilling future, a future devoid of fame and acting, but one where Emma can grow and have a normal childhood.
Emma’s journey is difficult as she tries to relearn all that she has lost including the ability to recall her life before the accident and come to terms with the effects the brain injury will have on her.
**
Paige and Whitney are sisters that were born to famous Hollywood parents that now as adults are completely the opposite of one another. Paige relished the spotlight that their parents brought to the family and as she got older she tried her own hand at acting but just didn’t quite have the talent to make it big. Meanwhile Whitney despised the world that surrounded her parents and wanted to be as far out of the spotlight as she could be.
After Paige gave up on becoming famous herself she decided she wanted to focus on motherhood. However, missing a man in her life Paige went the route of a sperm donor which Whitney strongly disagreed with and thought was a mistake however as her niece grew Whitney came to love her. Paige then became the biggest stage mom out there thrusting her daughter into the spotlight with Emma’s career really taking off until one night it all came crashing down around them.
Silent Night is one of those books that shows just how quickly life can change for anyone in simply the blink of an eye. One moment life is headed one way and the next it can take a complete turn or even end for some. The story is highly emotional as it shows the struggle for this family involved to continue after a horrific event becomes all too real but even in the darkest of times there can still be hope and love.
***
Silent Night is a touching and emotional story. We get to see the consequences of a person's negligence and carelessness with their own and a loved one’s safety while operating a car. Emma Watts is a nine-year-old, the youngest cast member of the hit TV show, The Clan. Emma is an intelligent child with a charming personality and a bright future ahead of her. Paige Watts is the driving force behind Emma’s career. Paige had once aspired to be a famous actress but fate had other plans for her. As such, her devotion to ensuring Emma's success is undivided and unwavering.
On their way home one evening, Paige and Emma are running late for an appointment with Emma’s drama coach when a terrible tragedy occurs.
Whitney Watts, Paige's sister and Emma’s aunt, rushes Los Angeles from Italy while on holiday to be with Emma. Whitney became a psychiatrist after growing up in the shadow of her famous actress mother and agent father who controlled every aspect of their mother from the food she ate to how she dressed.
Wanting no one to control her life, Whitney decides to never marry or have children. Whitney now finds herself responsible for her niece who awakens from a coma with memory lapses as well as difficulties in hearing and speaking. Emma has a long road ahead of her if she is to recover from a traumatic brain injury. Whitney, with the assistance of doctors, teachers, and nurses, hopes to help Emma regain what she has lost and look forward to a bright, fulfilling future, a future devoid of fame and acting, but one where Emma can grow and have a normal childhood.
Emma’s journey is difficult as she tries to relearn all that she has lost including the ability to recall her life before the accident and come to terms with the effects the brain injury will have on her.
**
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