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The Cast: A Novel
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Danielle Steel follows a talented and creative woman as she launches her first television series, helping to recruit an unforgettable cast that will bring a dramatic family saga to the screen.
Kait Whittier has built her magazine column into a hugely respected read followed by fans across the country. She loves her work and adores her grown children, treasuring the time they spend together. But after two marriages, she prefers to avoid the complications and uncertainties of a new love.
Then, after a chance meeting with Zack Winter, a television producer visiting Manhattan from Los Angeles, everything changes. Inspired by the true story of her own indomitable grandmother, Kait creates the storyline for a TV series. And when she shares her work with Zack, he is impressed and decides to make this his next big-budget project.
Within weeks, Kait is plunged into a colorful world of actors and industry pros who will bring her vision to life. A cool, competent director. An eccentric young screenwriter. A world-famous actress coping with private tragedy. A reclusive grande dame from Hollywood’s Golden Age. A sizzling starlet whose ego outstrips her abilities. L.A.’s latest “bad boy” actor, whose affairs are setting the city on fire. An unknown ingénue with outsized talent. And a rugged, legendary leading man. As secrets are shared, the cast becomes a second family for Kait. But in the midst of this charmed year, she is suddenly forced to confront the greatest challenge a mother could ever know.
The strength of women—across generations and among friends, colleagues, and family—takes center stage in this irresistible novel, as all-too-real people find the courage to persevere in life’s drama of heartbreak and joy.
Kait Whittier has built her magazine column into a hugely respected read followed by fans across the country. She loves her work and adores her grown children, treasuring the time they spend together. But after two marriages, she prefers to avoid the complications and uncertainties of a new love.
Then, after a chance meeting with Zack Winter, a television producer visiting Manhattan from Los Angeles, everything changes. Inspired by the true story of her own indomitable grandmother, Kait creates the storyline for a TV series. And when she shares her work with Zack, he is impressed and decides to make this his next big-budget project.
Within weeks, Kait is plunged into a colorful world of actors and industry pros who will bring her vision to life. A cool, competent director. An eccentric young screenwriter. A world-famous actress coping with private tragedy. A reclusive grande dame from Hollywood’s Golden Age. A sizzling starlet whose ego outstrips her abilities. L.A.’s latest “bad boy” actor, whose affairs are setting the city on fire. An unknown ingénue with outsized talent. And a rugged, legendary leading man. As secrets are shared, the cast becomes a second family for Kait. But in the midst of this charmed year, she is suddenly forced to confront the greatest challenge a mother could ever know.
The strength of women—across generations and among friends, colleagues, and family—takes center stage in this irresistible novel, as all-too-real people find the courage to persevere in life’s drama of heartbreak and joy.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 15, 2018
4675 people are currently reading
3262 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Steel
930 books17k 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 613 reviews
October 2, 2018
Plenty of misery mixed in with a little healing in the all too typical plot lines for Ms. Steel. 4 of 10 stars
June 2, 2018
Not a bad read at all. It’s not as fluff as some Steel books because things don’t go completely the way readers would like. Instead tragedies and mishaps happen and they just bring the reader more into the story. This is a short, quick read but was a great way to spend some time.
My quick and simple overall: good characters with quick development and a good story that readers will enjoy.
My quick and simple overall: good characters with quick development and a good story that readers will enjoy.
June 14, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Danielle Steel books seem to bring me comfort at exactly the right times, especially when I am in need of a quick and non demanding read during a heavy week. The Cast, the latest release from worldwide bestselling author Danielle Steel, was a book that proved to be heart warming, light and entertaining. It focusses on a woman coping with an empty nest and the spectacular career revival she experiences in an effort to overcome her loneliness. This premise, along with Steel’s bestselling formula in approaching her novels, works well in The Cast.
The Cast features central protagonist Kait Whittier, a well known magazine columnist, who excels in her field and has a solid following. Lately, Kait has been feeling a little lost, her grown up children have flown the nest and no longer need her. With two failed marriages behind her, Kait is reluctant to fall in love again. Instead, Kait focuses her energies on her career, with a new challenge in her sights. By chance, Kait meets Zac Winter, a big shot television producer and it is Zac that gives Kait the new opportunity she has been looking for. Using Kait’s grandmother’s fascinating true story as a source of inspiration, Kait pens a television screenplay. Zac backs this exciting new television series and before Kait knows it, she is submerged in a glamorous world of celebrities and television professionals. Each of these new figures play a part in bringing Kait’s television dream to life. As the weeks roll by, Kait meets one famous star after another. It doesn’t take long before ‘the cast’ earn a special place in Kait’s heart. When a tragedy befalls Kait and her family, it is the cast who rally around her, reminding Kait of how precious these new friendships truly are.
It wasn’t too long ago I picked up a Danielle Steel novel to read and review. I am always happy to welcome a new book by this popular author, but they do seem to come in close succession. The light touch and predictable moments contained in Steel’s novels often help me get through tiresome reading times. The Cast is a novel that I found enjoyable, entertaining, easy to read and it was just what I was looking for this week. Although The Cast isn’t one my favourite novels by Steel (I loved last year’s release The Duchess), it seemed to hit the spot.
Kait, the main character heading this new novel from Steel, is an agreeable lead. Although she is older than me, I found I was able to relate to her and empathise with her feelings. I also admired Kait’s creativity and her willingness to challenge herself, especially in her later years. It was a nice personal achievement for Kait, to see her grandmother’s true story make it to the silver screen.
Supporting Kait are a fantastic group of secondary characters, namely ‘the cast’, the actors and crew of Kait’s television series. Steel ensures each cast member has a distinct and interesting personality, which adds a sense of vibrancy to the tale. Steel also exposes each character’s back story, which was interesting to uncover. I enjoyed the interactions with Kait and the cast. I also felt Steel did a good job of covering the relationship dynamics between Kait and Zac Winter, the television producer who discovers her. Adding to the extensive character list are Kait’s family, who bring a touch of drama and family dynamics to this tale.
What I enjoyed the most about The Cast was the true story element behind the television production series Kait pens titled, ‘The Wilder Women’. A family saga based on three generations, the plot of The Wilder Women enabled me to learn a fair bit about female pilots during World War II. Steel opens our eyes to the WASP program, a fascinating page from our history books. Steel bases her secondary story around the Women Airforce Semi Pilot Program, an initiative which saw female commercial pilots enlisted to help transport vital war supplies during the heat of World War II. Steel paints this hidden slice of history in an accessible and positive light. What a lovely bonus side addition to this novel!
Other themes that come into play in The Cast is the inner world of the silver screen. I appreciated learning a thing or two about producing a television series, the steps involved in getting an idea off the ground and the various personnel involved in the process, from casting to shooting. Steel touches on the glitz, glamour, scandals and personal issues that inflict the stars of The Wilder Women. I also enjoyed gleaning a little more about the career of a magazine columnist, this is an interesting field, which Steel represents well.
Based on Steel’s ‘Forward’ which pre-empts The Cast, Steel lets the reader know that her latest story was inspired by an interest in the inner workings of favourite television shows (I get the feeling Steel’s personal favourite is Downton Abbey based on the frequent references in this novel). Also included in The Cast are some sub plots that have clearly touched Steel personally, the loneliness of an empty nest and the distance issues that come into play when children move far away from their parents, once they have grown up. These issues are covered with plenty of heart and understanding, which I am sure will appeal to all Danielle Steel fans.
*I wish to thank the publisher, Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Danielle Steel books seem to bring me comfort at exactly the right times, especially when I am in need of a quick and non demanding read during a heavy week. The Cast, the latest release from worldwide bestselling author Danielle Steel, was a book that proved to be heart warming, light and entertaining. It focusses on a woman coping with an empty nest and the spectacular career revival she experiences in an effort to overcome her loneliness. This premise, along with Steel’s bestselling formula in approaching her novels, works well in The Cast.
The Cast features central protagonist Kait Whittier, a well known magazine columnist, who excels in her field and has a solid following. Lately, Kait has been feeling a little lost, her grown up children have flown the nest and no longer need her. With two failed marriages behind her, Kait is reluctant to fall in love again. Instead, Kait focuses her energies on her career, with a new challenge in her sights. By chance, Kait meets Zac Winter, a big shot television producer and it is Zac that gives Kait the new opportunity she has been looking for. Using Kait’s grandmother’s fascinating true story as a source of inspiration, Kait pens a television screenplay. Zac backs this exciting new television series and before Kait knows it, she is submerged in a glamorous world of celebrities and television professionals. Each of these new figures play a part in bringing Kait’s television dream to life. As the weeks roll by, Kait meets one famous star after another. It doesn’t take long before ‘the cast’ earn a special place in Kait’s heart. When a tragedy befalls Kait and her family, it is the cast who rally around her, reminding Kait of how precious these new friendships truly are.
It wasn’t too long ago I picked up a Danielle Steel novel to read and review. I am always happy to welcome a new book by this popular author, but they do seem to come in close succession. The light touch and predictable moments contained in Steel’s novels often help me get through tiresome reading times. The Cast is a novel that I found enjoyable, entertaining, easy to read and it was just what I was looking for this week. Although The Cast isn’t one my favourite novels by Steel (I loved last year’s release The Duchess), it seemed to hit the spot.
Kait, the main character heading this new novel from Steel, is an agreeable lead. Although she is older than me, I found I was able to relate to her and empathise with her feelings. I also admired Kait’s creativity and her willingness to challenge herself, especially in her later years. It was a nice personal achievement for Kait, to see her grandmother’s true story make it to the silver screen.
Supporting Kait are a fantastic group of secondary characters, namely ‘the cast’, the actors and crew of Kait’s television series. Steel ensures each cast member has a distinct and interesting personality, which adds a sense of vibrancy to the tale. Steel also exposes each character’s back story, which was interesting to uncover. I enjoyed the interactions with Kait and the cast. I also felt Steel did a good job of covering the relationship dynamics between Kait and Zac Winter, the television producer who discovers her. Adding to the extensive character list are Kait’s family, who bring a touch of drama and family dynamics to this tale.
What I enjoyed the most about The Cast was the true story element behind the television production series Kait pens titled, ‘The Wilder Women’. A family saga based on three generations, the plot of The Wilder Women enabled me to learn a fair bit about female pilots during World War II. Steel opens our eyes to the WASP program, a fascinating page from our history books. Steel bases her secondary story around the Women Airforce Semi Pilot Program, an initiative which saw female commercial pilots enlisted to help transport vital war supplies during the heat of World War II. Steel paints this hidden slice of history in an accessible and positive light. What a lovely bonus side addition to this novel!
Other themes that come into play in The Cast is the inner world of the silver screen. I appreciated learning a thing or two about producing a television series, the steps involved in getting an idea off the ground and the various personnel involved in the process, from casting to shooting. Steel touches on the glitz, glamour, scandals and personal issues that inflict the stars of The Wilder Women. I also enjoyed gleaning a little more about the career of a magazine columnist, this is an interesting field, which Steel represents well.
Based on Steel’s ‘Forward’ which pre-empts The Cast, Steel lets the reader know that her latest story was inspired by an interest in the inner workings of favourite television shows (I get the feeling Steel’s personal favourite is Downton Abbey based on the frequent references in this novel). Also included in The Cast are some sub plots that have clearly touched Steel personally, the loneliness of an empty nest and the distance issues that come into play when children move far away from their parents, once they have grown up. These issues are covered with plenty of heart and understanding, which I am sure will appeal to all Danielle Steel fans.
*I wish to thank the publisher, Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
February 17, 2019
The Cast is my type of reading by Danielle Steel. The Cast has become one of my favourite along with Fall From Grace, Powerplay and Property Of A Nobel Woman. I loved the glamour of it all.
Kait Whittier, has her own agony column for a magazine. I had pure admiration for Kait with two marriages that came to end, her column was so important to her that she filled her life with her work. I love that to about authors with writing a book becomes their life.
Kait's children had left home, making their own way in life with their careers and chosen place to live. What happens next I can't tell you as I don't want to spoil any one who is either reading this book now or who are going to read it. But for me it was an absolute page turner. With a cast of exciting characters and a very good plot to fill your time. I highly recommend reading The Cast.
Kait Whittier, has her own agony column for a magazine. I had pure admiration for Kait with two marriages that came to end, her column was so important to her that she filled her life with her work. I love that to about authors with writing a book becomes their life.
Kait's children had left home, making their own way in life with their careers and chosen place to live. What happens next I can't tell you as I don't want to spoil any one who is either reading this book now or who are going to read it. But for me it was an absolute page turner. With a cast of exciting characters and a very good plot to fill your time. I highly recommend reading The Cast.
May 19, 2018
I think I give up on Danielle Steel's books, which is sad because she was my first adult romance author. My mom, aunt and I always read all of her books. They've just lost the "oomph" they used to have, like Message from Nam. This just read bland to me. No real build up, and predictable.
January 29, 2019
Perfect holiday reading. I really did like this one, and as is customary, I borrowed it from the local library where I holiday as I always have to read a Danielle Steele every summer holiday.
Kait dreams up a ‘Bible’ for a television show loosely based on her grandmother’s life, after meeting a producer at a New Year’s eve party. We follow this through to fruition. I flew through this one while sitting on the beach. A great DS read. Not too much repetition as is the usual case with this author, I found this one to be much more palatable.
Kait dreams up a ‘Bible’ for a television show loosely based on her grandmother’s life, after meeting a producer at a New Year’s eve party. We follow this through to fruition. I flew through this one while sitting on the beach. A great DS read. Not too much repetition as is the usual case with this author, I found this one to be much more palatable.
August 30, 2018
I don’t know why I keep torturing myself by reading these new “Danielle Steel” books but by now it’s quite clear that the interns she’s paying to write her books (probably in a San Francisco basement sweatshop) are not being vetted properly or the algorithm that’s cranking these out of a computer somewhere (probably in a San Francisco basement) needs some tweaking.
This one was so awful, I couldn’t even finish it. The plot made no sense, an advice columnist is encouraged to try writing a screenplay idea about her grandmother, a cookie baking businesswoman...so she writes a screenplay idea about women pilots in WWII, an area she knows nothing about? And then, as a person who wrote the idea (not the screenplay, just a plot outline!) she is flown out to Hollywood, wined and dined, and allowed to interview and pick the stars of the show? And the screenwriter, and the director, this random lady with zero tv experience is given dominion over the whole production. What? Actual screenwriters aren’t given that kind of say, much less some lady who had an idea for a tv show.
The writing quality was awful too, choppy sentences and needless fifty-cent words like the intern or the computer that wrote it was trying to impress someone. Probably Danielle Steel as she rests on her laurels.
This one was so awful, I couldn’t even finish it. The plot made no sense, an advice columnist is encouraged to try writing a screenplay idea about her grandmother, a cookie baking businesswoman...so she writes a screenplay idea about women pilots in WWII, an area she knows nothing about? And then, as a person who wrote the idea (not the screenplay, just a plot outline!) she is flown out to Hollywood, wined and dined, and allowed to interview and pick the stars of the show? And the screenwriter, and the director, this random lady with zero tv experience is given dominion over the whole production. What? Actual screenwriters aren’t given that kind of say, much less some lady who had an idea for a tv show.
The writing quality was awful too, choppy sentences and needless fifty-cent words like the intern or the computer that wrote it was trying to impress someone. Probably Danielle Steel as she rests on her laurels.
August 6, 2018
I am in the minority here apparently. There was a very slim plot. Super repetitive. For example, she liked being a mother. Being a mother was her joy in life. She had a great relationship with her kids. Her kids loved her. Etc. etc. and it would go on for pages. It was like a harlequin that just repeated itself. I can't.
May 21, 2018
What a boring book. About a woman who decides to write a ‘bible’ for a television series. (Script). The television script would have made a great book. Writing about the work going into the Bible was boring. This is what happens when a writer tries to put out too many books out at a time. Do not recommend.
August 30, 2023
Ah, the perennial question that lingers whenever I approach a Danielle Steel book: Why do I consistently raise my expectations, despite the familiar contours of her narrative landscape? It's a conundrum that strikes me each time, for I'm well aware of the well-trodden path her stories tend to traverse.
With a reputation as steady as the North Star, Danielle Steel has perfected her literary formula – one that remains remarkably consistent even as the titles shift. In the end, every journey through the pages of a Danielle Steel novel becomes a rendezvous with the expected, an engagement with the familiar.
Yet, despite this predictable pattern, there's a certain allure to the routine. The pages still manage to offer a quick, almost meditative escape – a respite from the demands of more intricate narratives. It's as though her novels are a refuge, offering a momentary break from the hustle and bustle of the literary world.
And so, while the world outside continues its ever-quickening pace, the Danielle Steel novel remains a steadfast companion – a reliable friend that offers a brief respite. There's a comfort in knowing what's to come, in surrendering to the familiar flow of words and emotions. In essence, it's a moment of mild entertainment that doesn't demand much, a literary interlude that serves as a gentle pause in the grand symphony of storytelling.
A quick, mindless read that is mildly entertaining...
With a reputation as steady as the North Star, Danielle Steel has perfected her literary formula – one that remains remarkably consistent even as the titles shift. In the end, every journey through the pages of a Danielle Steel novel becomes a rendezvous with the expected, an engagement with the familiar.
Yet, despite this predictable pattern, there's a certain allure to the routine. The pages still manage to offer a quick, almost meditative escape – a respite from the demands of more intricate narratives. It's as though her novels are a refuge, offering a momentary break from the hustle and bustle of the literary world.
And so, while the world outside continues its ever-quickening pace, the Danielle Steel novel remains a steadfast companion – a reliable friend that offers a brief respite. There's a comfort in knowing what's to come, in surrendering to the familiar flow of words and emotions. In essence, it's a moment of mild entertainment that doesn't demand much, a literary interlude that serves as a gentle pause in the grand symphony of storytelling.
A quick, mindless read that is mildly entertaining...
May 27, 2018
Quick read -- typical Danielle Steel; nothing new here. 5 out of 10.
May 17, 2018
Danielle Steel can weave a story. I don't expect much out of Danielle Steel these days, her books are a guilty pleasure that I typically enjoy but are not brain tingling. The odd thing is I rush to read one of her books immediately when it comes out. That said... She Knows how to write a story but You know, except for the fact that she Loves Downton Abbey. And DS won't let you forget it, either. Literally every page, there is some reference to how SHE adores the show. It drove me NUTS! It's a terribly predictable book BUT It takes my mind of 45 and how horrible the world is.. I did enjoy the story though but this isn't the best book she's ever written.
May 22, 2018
As always, DS manages to entertain with stories of not so smooth lives & leave us with a satisfied sigh at the end
July 3, 2018
A very good read. The story line really does flow nicely.
May 28, 2018
While most may feel that Danielle's books are boring, repetitive and mundane, I have been reading her books from the very beginning and won't stop until I've read them all. I find them to be a quick easy read and a small escape from my life into someone else's.
The Cast is no exception.
The protagonist Kait has trials and tribulations as in all Danielle's books but I loved the story surrounding this entire book it was almost a book in a book!
I really loved it.
The Cast is no exception.
The protagonist Kait has trials and tribulations as in all Danielle's books but I loved the story surrounding this entire book it was almost a book in a book!
I really loved it.
July 4, 2018
I want to live inside a Danielle Steel novel. Everything always works out so well for her characters, too well you might even say. She really is such a “mum” kind of author, her characters are always a little bit daggy and kinda uncool, but that’s kinda what I like about them.
The Cast is a fun, fast-paced drama that sure to please you if you keep your expectations low. The show that is created in the novel sounds awesome, I would watch the hell out of it if it were a real series.
The Cast is a fun, fast-paced drama that sure to please you if you keep your expectations low. The show that is created in the novel sounds awesome, I would watch the hell out of it if it were a real series.
January 8, 2023
What a read! I was actually thoroughly shocked how much I liked this one. Was able to connect with the characters really easily, plot was decent, and even had a twist I didn’t see coming. This was a good way to start off the new year.
May 1, 2020
A bit long winded at times but it was a good read with a lot of good characters.
September 19, 2018
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: A physical copy was provided via Pan Macmillan India in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Actual Rating 3.75 Stars
Danielle Steel books are wonderful for the times when you just need to reconnect your love for reading but do not want to get totally lost in a world different than your own.
The Cast features the protagonist Kait Whittier; a well known magazine coloumnist; leading successful life yet she is feeling a little lost; ever since her grown up children have flown the coop. With two failed marriages behind her; she is reluctant to fall in love.
She meets Zac Winter, a successful producer who wants to use Kait’s grandmother’s fascinating true story as inspiration for a new television series. This is the opportunity that Kait’s been looking for – she is thrust into a world of glamour; and slowly but surely forms her own little family with celebrities around. They become her foundation, especially when tragedy befalls on her.
While I definitely enjoyed this book; I wouldn’t consider it a favourite – but it was a book that I definitely needed in a week that was filled with quite heavy reads.
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March 17, 2020
A fast addictive read, Danielle Steel at her best.
June 19, 2018
Kait's grandmother raised her and was known for her cookies all over the world. Later in life she sold the brand to Kraft foods for a fortune. Kait inherited the money. Kait is in her fifties and has three grown children. After meeting a producer at a New Year Eve's party she decides to write a bible for a television show based on her grandmother's courage in the 1940's. The show is a hit and Kait is now involved with scripts, actors, and all the problems that go with television shows. There is tragedy, as well as romance in the book. Kait and her family spend time in Jackson Hole, WY. Easy read!
June 24, 2018
She’s becoming too old to write about modern day younger characters. It was hard to believe and very repetitive. She can’t pull off today’s style of thinking and technology with today’s generation. Disappointed in the past few books. Keep it at a past era to be believable. It was easy to guess what happens and boring.
August 12, 2018
Wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but loved it from start to finish. Strong characters and great story.
October 9, 2018
abandoned at 146
October 22, 2018
Heartwarming, entertaining, predictable are the main qualities of this Danielle Steel novel. Three stars for a good beach read or cold autumn day...
August 13, 2018
The cover is beautiful, but the story wasn't. I didn't like some of what happened in this story, but there is a mostly happy ending.
May 16, 2018
Predicable.
May 24, 2018
I really am impressed with Danielle Steel and how many books she writes a year and how they are all so different.
This one was about an newspaper columnist who sits down one day and writes a 'bible' (not a fan of this word in this context) and we are off and running to get this show on TV.
This book just the right amount of all the important elements of a book. You learn to care about the characters, a little romance, some sadness, a wedding, children, etc.
Great read.
This one was about an newspaper columnist who sits down one day and writes a 'bible' (not a fan of this word in this context) and we are off and running to get this show on TV.
This book just the right amount of all the important elements of a book. You learn to care about the characters, a little romance, some sadness, a wedding, children, etc.
Great read.
May 18, 2018
Another typical Danielle Steel book. Slow start and fast ending. I loved the story line, very realistic.
June 4, 2018
While her narrative style usually imparts connections to her characters adversely, the quality of her books has definitely gone downhill. Without a compelling plot (which this story didn't have), the whole book seems formulaic and superficial.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 613 reviews