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Quoi qu'il arrive
Rien de plus fort que l'amour d'une mère.
Kate Madison est à la tête d'une boutique de vêtements florissante à SoHo, en plein cœur de New York. Veuve, elle a élevé seule ses quatre enfants et les voit désormais faire leurs propres choix, parfois à son plus grand désarroi.
L'aînée, Isabelle, brillante avocate, succombe au charme d'un de ses clients, impliqué dans une affaire criminelle. Julie, elle, croit avoir rencontré l'homme idéal, qu'elle épouse et suit à Los Angeles après avoir tout abandonné derrière elle. Justin vit difficilement de sa plume et désire ardemment un enfant avec son partenaire, bien qu'ils ne soient pas prêts à assumer une telle responsabilité. La pression aura-t-elle raison de leur relation ? Quant à Willie, le benjamin, il s'investit dans une histoire d'amour qui les surprendra tous...
Si Kate ne peut empêcher ses enfants de commettre des erreurs, elle apprendra que le plus important est d'être là pour eux, quoi qu'il arrive...
Kate Madison est à la tête d'une boutique de vêtements florissante à SoHo, en plein cœur de New York. Veuve, elle a élevé seule ses quatre enfants et les voit désormais faire leurs propres choix, parfois à son plus grand désarroi.
L'aînée, Isabelle, brillante avocate, succombe au charme d'un de ses clients, impliqué dans une affaire criminelle. Julie, elle, croit avoir rencontré l'homme idéal, qu'elle épouse et suit à Los Angeles après avoir tout abandonné derrière elle. Justin vit difficilement de sa plume et désire ardemment un enfant avec son partenaire, bien qu'ils ne soient pas prêts à assumer une telle responsabilité. La pression aura-t-elle raison de leur relation ? Quant à Willie, le benjamin, il s'investit dans une histoire d'amour qui les surprendra tous...
Si Kate ne peut empêcher ses enfants de commettre des erreurs, elle apprendra que le plus important est d'être là pour eux, quoi qu'il arrive...
328 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2017
3425 people are currently reading
4370 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Steel
911 books16.8k 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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Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 577 reviews
June 28, 2017
A moving story about family, narrated masterfully.
You expect nothing less from the bestselling author Danielle Steel.
Kate, who became a widow, has learnt it very well that life is not fair at all. Being single mother of four children is not an easy task but Kate is determined to do her best.
After doing all the things one can do as a parent, Kate has only one wish left to see that her children get settled in their lives. She wants them to marry to the right person and be content. Regrettably, her wishes are not going to come true just like that. Danielle Steel fabricates a story that demonstrates what it feels like to love deeply and then letting it go.
The title suits perfectly to the story. It couldn't have been better. Multiple characters and their as interesting lives make the read more delightful and entertaining.
Describing the near perfect lives of her characters, the author has maintained the balance by introducing many challenges and troubles which gives the book a realistic feeling.
A strong, painful and awakening tale that hits you in your head. I can see that why this book would be read globally, because the characters are universal. Their emotions and struggles are relatable.
A well crafted book speak volumes about family and relationships.
For those, who have already been introduced to the magical world of her books, Against All Odds would seem a light and fun read but that will only increase the curiosity to read more of her as it happened with me.
Endings were the most amazing part in Against All Odds. The readers need to see both the happy ones and also the sad ones and the author has managed to provide both.
I must say this was my first Danielle Steel book and certainly not the last one. Unable to put it down for a minute, I would recommend it highly.
You expect nothing less from the bestselling author Danielle Steel.
Kate, who became a widow, has learnt it very well that life is not fair at all. Being single mother of four children is not an easy task but Kate is determined to do her best.
After doing all the things one can do as a parent, Kate has only one wish left to see that her children get settled in their lives. She wants them to marry to the right person and be content. Regrettably, her wishes are not going to come true just like that. Danielle Steel fabricates a story that demonstrates what it feels like to love deeply and then letting it go.
The title suits perfectly to the story. It couldn't have been better. Multiple characters and their as interesting lives make the read more delightful and entertaining.
Describing the near perfect lives of her characters, the author has maintained the balance by introducing many challenges and troubles which gives the book a realistic feeling.
A strong, painful and awakening tale that hits you in your head. I can see that why this book would be read globally, because the characters are universal. Their emotions and struggles are relatable.
A well crafted book speak volumes about family and relationships.
For those, who have already been introduced to the magical world of her books, Against All Odds would seem a light and fun read but that will only increase the curiosity to read more of her as it happened with me.
Endings were the most amazing part in Against All Odds. The readers need to see both the happy ones and also the sad ones and the author has managed to provide both.
I must say this was my first Danielle Steel book and certainly not the last one. Unable to put it down for a minute, I would recommend it highly.
June 20, 2017
I read new Danielle Steel for the same reason I read old Danielle Steel. It's totally mindless, requires no effort on my part and has no "nutritional" value. It's like mental potato chips, I read it because it's in front of me (on the library's new release shelf).
But let me tell you, I have been reading this lady's books for over 30 years now and I am convinced that either a) there's someone else writing these "in the style" of Danielle Steel, or they have fed all her previous books into a computer and run the Steel Algorithm to produce new ones.
In many of her recent books, I have felt that her heroines got off too easily, compared to their 80s and 90s counterparts. I spent the whole of The Mistress or Blue waiting for something really brutal to happen and it never did. Apparently I am not the only reader who thought Steel had gone soft-hearted in her old age because this book cranks up the hardships for the main characters, but it rings totally false. The cheater, "bad boy" druggie and the spouse abuser are more caricatures than actual characters, none of the black hats in this book have any depth or believability. Their comeuppance is totally predictable and the outcome for the main characters is as well.
All the recent books supposedly by this author read like a blurred xerox copy of a poor quality copy of a pretty but mediocre painting. If this book sounds good to you, do yourself a favor and just read her book Family Album instead.
Even if you've read it before, reading it again would be less of a waste of your time than reading this one.
But let me tell you, I have been reading this lady's books for over 30 years now and I am convinced that either a) there's someone else writing these "in the style" of Danielle Steel, or they have fed all her previous books into a computer and run the Steel Algorithm to produce new ones.
In many of her recent books, I have felt that her heroines got off too easily, compared to their 80s and 90s counterparts. I spent the whole of The Mistress or Blue waiting for something really brutal to happen and it never did. Apparently I am not the only reader who thought Steel had gone soft-hearted in her old age because this book cranks up the hardships for the main characters, but it rings totally false. The cheater, "bad boy" druggie and the spouse abuser are more caricatures than actual characters, none of the black hats in this book have any depth or believability. Their comeuppance is totally predictable and the outcome for the main characters is as well.
All the recent books supposedly by this author read like a blurred xerox copy of a poor quality copy of a pretty but mediocre painting. If this book sounds good to you, do yourself a favor and just read her book Family Album instead.
Even if you've read it before, reading it again would be less of a waste of your time than reading this one.
July 18, 2017
“The only love that I really believe in is a mother’s love for her children.”
----Karl Lagerfeld
Danielle Steel, the #1 bestselling author, is back with her new adult fiction book called, Against All Odds that unravels the story of a widowed mother and her four children, who are now adults, and whose terrible life's choices land them up in a mucky situation, yet the mother, who already warned them against their decisions, stands strongly by their side, and fights for them against all odds, even though her own personal life goes haywire. A story that vividly portrays the parent's undying support for their children, no matter what.
Synopsis:
Kate Madison’s stylish second-hand clothing shop has been a big success in New York, supporting her and her four kids since her husband’s untimely death. Now her children have grown up, they are ready to forge lives of their own. They all choose to play against the odds, much to their mother’s dismay.
Isabelle, a dedicated attorney, is in line to make partner at her Wall Street firm, when she falls for a client she represents in a criminal case. She tells herself she can make a life with him – but can she? Julie, a young designer, meets a man who seems too good to be true and falls under his spell. She marries him quickly, gives up her job, moves to LA to be at his side – is all what it seems? Justin is a struggling writer who pushes for children with his partner before they’re financially or emotionally ready. Will the strain on the relationship take too high a toll? Willie, the youngest, a tech expert, makes a choice that shocks them all, with a woman fifteen years older.
Kate – loving, supportive and outspoken – can’t keep her children from playing against the odds.
Can the odds be beaten?
Kate Madison, a successful, widowed mother of four, whose husband died when her children were very young, and she raised them up all by herself all the while establishing a successful career for herself and supported their education and well being in an affluent manner despite of all the odds. Now that her four children have all grown up, and have their own established careers, yet Kate supports them strongly. But lately, her children are taking all wrong decisions, that Kate's children aren't aware of, but Kate is, and despite of her warnings, she stands by them. Like, her eldest daughter, Isabelle, who is a successful attorney, decides to settle down with a man with no career goals and a former convict, out of love, and Kate is sure that Izzy, a.k.a, Isabelle's relationship would not end well. Her other daughter, Julie, who is gradually building her own career in the world of fashion, decides to settle down with a man, Peter, in a different city out of the blue, and without knowing anything about his past or his background and Kate is dubious about Peter's background or about his way too goody nature. Kate's son, Justin, who is gay and lives with his partner, Richard, pushes him to have a kid through surrogacy, even though they are not ready mentally or financially, and even though Kate understands the gravity of their situation and knows in her heart that they will fall apart, yet she stays strongly by their side. Kate's youngest son, Willie falls for an older woman, whom Kate doesn't approve of, yet she supports him of his choices.
A mother's love is so deep and pure that can't be matched with anything in nature or in this world, that has author arrested strikingly in her new family drama book, that is both poignant and enlightening to read about. The author portrays a mother's love in an authentic and most realistic manner and not only that, the book is very much character-driven, hence every other characters are quite layered and grow through out the story line. Thus the story is very much relatable to any mother or father, especially for single mothers, who even though harbor a lot of insecurities and worries about their children, yet they can't do anything about it, but to stay strong by their sides. Right from the very first page itself, the story sucked me in, as the author develops the life of each character with intensity, passion and emotions.
The author's writing style is brilliant and is laced with evocative emotions that holds a power to deeply move its readers. The prose is eloquent and the plot line will only provoke the thoughts of its readers. Not only that, the story is very inspiring, as the author genuinely and sensitively resolves the trouble faced by Kate's children, which can be a lesson for many. The dialogues are free flowing and quite articulate and are easily comprehensible by the readers. The pacing is smooth and fast, as there are quite a few unpredictable turns that will keep the readers glued to the pages of this book till the very end. Although the only downside will be some cliched moments included in the lives of the characters, that could have been easily avoided.
The characters in this book are very much well developed, fleshed out with a realistic demeanor, that will compel the readers to stick with their stories. The main character, Kate, is one hell of a super mom, who puts her children and their wishes above everything else. Her priorities have always been her own children, even though they have grown up and have their own separate lives, yet Kate manages to keep them all unite with her constant support and undeniable motherly love. Kate is an ideal character, an epitome, who will motivate and enlighten many mothers around the world with her touching and profound journey. But not only Kate's children faces their own demons and bad choices, even Kate makes some terrible choices, that leaves her heart broken. Yet Kate manages to pick up the piece and move on from it, for the sake of her children. The children's personalities are equally real, multi dimensional and so their behavior and actions. The supporting cast is also quite interesting to read about.
In a nutshell, this is a must read book for one and all, especially the author vividly depicts the true value of a family through a very captivating and intriguing manner.
Verdict: A must read page turning, realistic family drama.
----Karl Lagerfeld
Danielle Steel, the #1 bestselling author, is back with her new adult fiction book called, Against All Odds that unravels the story of a widowed mother and her four children, who are now adults, and whose terrible life's choices land them up in a mucky situation, yet the mother, who already warned them against their decisions, stands strongly by their side, and fights for them against all odds, even though her own personal life goes haywire. A story that vividly portrays the parent's undying support for their children, no matter what.
Synopsis:
Kate Madison’s stylish second-hand clothing shop has been a big success in New York, supporting her and her four kids since her husband’s untimely death. Now her children have grown up, they are ready to forge lives of their own. They all choose to play against the odds, much to their mother’s dismay.
Isabelle, a dedicated attorney, is in line to make partner at her Wall Street firm, when she falls for a client she represents in a criminal case. She tells herself she can make a life with him – but can she? Julie, a young designer, meets a man who seems too good to be true and falls under his spell. She marries him quickly, gives up her job, moves to LA to be at his side – is all what it seems? Justin is a struggling writer who pushes for children with his partner before they’re financially or emotionally ready. Will the strain on the relationship take too high a toll? Willie, the youngest, a tech expert, makes a choice that shocks them all, with a woman fifteen years older.
Kate – loving, supportive and outspoken – can’t keep her children from playing against the odds.
Can the odds be beaten?
Kate Madison, a successful, widowed mother of four, whose husband died when her children were very young, and she raised them up all by herself all the while establishing a successful career for herself and supported their education and well being in an affluent manner despite of all the odds. Now that her four children have all grown up, and have their own established careers, yet Kate supports them strongly. But lately, her children are taking all wrong decisions, that Kate's children aren't aware of, but Kate is, and despite of her warnings, she stands by them. Like, her eldest daughter, Isabelle, who is a successful attorney, decides to settle down with a man with no career goals and a former convict, out of love, and Kate is sure that Izzy, a.k.a, Isabelle's relationship would not end well. Her other daughter, Julie, who is gradually building her own career in the world of fashion, decides to settle down with a man, Peter, in a different city out of the blue, and without knowing anything about his past or his background and Kate is dubious about Peter's background or about his way too goody nature. Kate's son, Justin, who is gay and lives with his partner, Richard, pushes him to have a kid through surrogacy, even though they are not ready mentally or financially, and even though Kate understands the gravity of their situation and knows in her heart that they will fall apart, yet she stays strongly by their side. Kate's youngest son, Willie falls for an older woman, whom Kate doesn't approve of, yet she supports him of his choices.
A mother's love is so deep and pure that can't be matched with anything in nature or in this world, that has author arrested strikingly in her new family drama book, that is both poignant and enlightening to read about. The author portrays a mother's love in an authentic and most realistic manner and not only that, the book is very much character-driven, hence every other characters are quite layered and grow through out the story line. Thus the story is very much relatable to any mother or father, especially for single mothers, who even though harbor a lot of insecurities and worries about their children, yet they can't do anything about it, but to stay strong by their sides. Right from the very first page itself, the story sucked me in, as the author develops the life of each character with intensity, passion and emotions.
The author's writing style is brilliant and is laced with evocative emotions that holds a power to deeply move its readers. The prose is eloquent and the plot line will only provoke the thoughts of its readers. Not only that, the story is very inspiring, as the author genuinely and sensitively resolves the trouble faced by Kate's children, which can be a lesson for many. The dialogues are free flowing and quite articulate and are easily comprehensible by the readers. The pacing is smooth and fast, as there are quite a few unpredictable turns that will keep the readers glued to the pages of this book till the very end. Although the only downside will be some cliched moments included in the lives of the characters, that could have been easily avoided.
The characters in this book are very much well developed, fleshed out with a realistic demeanor, that will compel the readers to stick with their stories. The main character, Kate, is one hell of a super mom, who puts her children and their wishes above everything else. Her priorities have always been her own children, even though they have grown up and have their own separate lives, yet Kate manages to keep them all unite with her constant support and undeniable motherly love. Kate is an ideal character, an epitome, who will motivate and enlighten many mothers around the world with her touching and profound journey. But not only Kate's children faces their own demons and bad choices, even Kate makes some terrible choices, that leaves her heart broken. Yet Kate manages to pick up the piece and move on from it, for the sake of her children. The children's personalities are equally real, multi dimensional and so their behavior and actions. The supporting cast is also quite interesting to read about.
In a nutshell, this is a must read book for one and all, especially the author vividly depicts the true value of a family through a very captivating and intriguing manner.
Verdict: A must read page turning, realistic family drama.
August 27, 2019
Normally I thoroughly enjoy Steele’s novels but lately I just can’t get into the ones I read. I found this one to be so dry and boring, it felt like I was having a textbook dictated to me and I was bored to tears. I thought the characters were extremely unlikable and very selfish and it made it impossible for me to enjoy any part of this story!
May 27, 2017
I've read most of the Danielle Steele books dating back to my younger 20's and I liked this one! A quick read.
December 5, 2022
Dopo descrizioni lunghissime e noiose di outfit e situazioni, storie d’amore molto dolorose, tristi e persino terribili, finalmente è arrivato il lieto fine, ma che fatica arrivare alla fine.
February 13, 2022
*A very Apt Title*
In the blink of an eye Kate is a young woman left to raise four young children after the death of her husband. She goes out of her way to give them a decent upbringing in order to give them a good start in life. She has struggled against all the odds and has become successful running a second hand fashion business in New York. Unbeknownst to her her 4 children will end up living their lives against all the odds.
Izzie her eldest a lawyer ends up with a strikingly handsome man with a trust fund to come, he has never worked a day in his life and does not seem to take life seriously, he was a previous client who she managed to get him off a drug charge, a fact that Izzie tries to hide. Kate acknowledges his looks and appeal but finds him totally unsuitable, is she right?
Justin (one half of twins)
He is in a long term relationship with Richard and they want to have children, but not marry. A baby is soon on the way and will Kate’s reservations be realised and what does the future hold for Justin and Richard?
Julie (the other twin)
She is a designer working with her mother and is dyslexic. She meets a man who Kate feels is too perfect, is she right?
Wiliie the youngest is a ladies man then he meets someone 12 years older and is about to introduce her to the family, Kate is sceptical…
Each child goes through heartbreak or a big change and one just manages to escape with her life.
How will Kate cope with everything to come and ironically her romantic life is something she would never want for her children how will that work out?
In the blink of an eye Kate is a young woman left to raise four young children after the death of her husband. She goes out of her way to give them a decent upbringing in order to give them a good start in life. She has struggled against all the odds and has become successful running a second hand fashion business in New York. Unbeknownst to her her 4 children will end up living their lives against all the odds.
Izzie her eldest a lawyer ends up with a strikingly handsome man with a trust fund to come, he has never worked a day in his life and does not seem to take life seriously, he was a previous client who she managed to get him off a drug charge, a fact that Izzie tries to hide. Kate acknowledges his looks and appeal but finds him totally unsuitable, is she right?
Justin (one half of twins)
He is in a long term relationship with Richard and they want to have children, but not marry. A baby is soon on the way and will Kate’s reservations be realised and what does the future hold for Justin and Richard?
Julie (the other twin)
She is a designer working with her mother and is dyslexic. She meets a man who Kate feels is too perfect, is she right?
Wiliie the youngest is a ladies man then he meets someone 12 years older and is about to introduce her to the family, Kate is sceptical…
Each child goes through heartbreak or a big change and one just manages to escape with her life.
How will Kate cope with everything to come and ironically her romantic life is something she would never want for her children how will that work out?
August 23, 2019
This book was great! :) Not amazing, but close enough. I liked the way it made reference to abuse, mental health, straight and gay people. It was very interesting. I also liked the way we got to watch and experience the way many mothers feel with the things that can happen to thier children and not having any control over thier actions and because of that, they are having to watch the mistakes made and the strength, courage and accomplishment that comes from it.
June 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this book about a family and how things changed in each of their lives.
a mother's love for wanting what is best for her children never goes away and this was just what this mom needed to read.
Great job.
a mother's love for wanting what is best for her children never goes away and this was just what this mom needed to read.
Great job.
August 4, 2017
Kate Madison leads a normal life with her Adult kids. Never did it occur to her to have a partner in her life, nor did her mother. All her kids are successful in their career but what troubles her most is that except her son Justin, none of her kids have a personal life. While her children start getting settled in their life, Kate finds her love. But, life is never easy.
The book handles a lot of dimensions in relations. Izzie's relation with Zach is a pointer to whether money should have a role in relations. Whether one should choose a partner on the basis of their career and ability to earn. Justin and Richard's relation is an eye opener about mono-sexual relations and feasibility of having a child through surrogacy. Julies love life is an example of the dilemma to accept the reality we all face when everything is right. William's relation is an indication of complications that could happen when there is a difference of a generation between the couples.
Complicate relations and realistic scenarios are interwoven with finesse. The way emotions are handled in this book is a far cry from how it was done in her previous book. Overall the book is entertaining, engaging and relatable.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
The book handles a lot of dimensions in relations. Izzie's relation with Zach is a pointer to whether money should have a role in relations. Whether one should choose a partner on the basis of their career and ability to earn. Justin and Richard's relation is an eye opener about mono-sexual relations and feasibility of having a child through surrogacy. Julies love life is an example of the dilemma to accept the reality we all face when everything is right. William's relation is an indication of complications that could happen when there is a difference of a generation between the couples.
Complicate relations and realistic scenarios are interwoven with finesse. The way emotions are handled in this book is a far cry from how it was done in her previous book. Overall the book is entertaining, engaging and relatable.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
July 26, 2020
I absolutely devoured this Danielle steel book. Great story and such a wonderful cast of characters. The pace and plot was great and so easy to fall into. One of my favorite Danielle Steel books to date. Highly recommend.
February 28, 2018
Against All Odds by Danielle Steel is, for me, a good summer beach read.
I always enjoy the authors quotes but the following quote is memorable...
“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.”
― A.A. Milne
I always enjoy the authors quotes but the following quote is memorable...
“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.”
― A.A. Milne
July 18, 2017
(A huge thanks to Pan Macmillan India for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Actual rating - 3.5
CHARACTERS
The story is filled with flawed but realistic characters, That's not to say I liked them all! I liked the very reasonable Kate who is the mother of four adult children. She is responsible and worries about her children all day. I enjoyed reading about her business and how she ran her second hand clothing store, "Still fabulous". I also liked Grandma Lou and enjoyed reading about her trips across the world.
While I started out with liking Izzie, Kate's eldest daughter I soon grew weary of her. She makes the bad choices even when she can see they aren't good choices and I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a good shake. Justin was one of my favorite characters and I loved how responsible he was. I also loved Julie who was dorky and adorable! I'm afraid there wasn't enough of Willie in there for me to have any particular feelings about him. I must say hough that while I liked these characters, there were times when they said some random stuff that made me mad or confused; like when grandma Lou says only straight couples break up and not gay couples. I was pretty confused by that dialogue of hers.
PLOT
The plot is realistic. It's about the problems Kate's children face in their lives due to having made the bad choices and how Kate deals with it. The mother-child relationships in the story have been wonderfully written. Kate being torn between wanting to support her children's decisions and also wanting to warm them about the risks in their decisions was so realistically portrayed. The problems characters face in this story are also realistic and things that happen to many people in life. I did feel at times that certain problems were solved too easily but still I liked the realistic portrayal of contemporary issues. Danielle Steel sure knows how to weave multiple plot-lines into one solid one.
WRITING
This is my second book by the author and i must say I enjoyed the writing a lot more than before. The words flow fluidly and even when there isn't much happening plot-wise, the writing keeps up a good pace. I liked how past stories in the lives of the characters was interspersed with the story without seeming heavy or choppy. I especially loved reading about the clothes that went into Kate's shop, "Still Fabulous". As a lover of fashion, i really enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the vintage clothes!
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
- Most characters
- The various familial relationships that are explored
- The relatable scenarios
- The plot
- The writing
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
- Certain things said by characters
- The slow plot advancement at times
CONCLUSION
A wonderfully written tale of parenthood and the problems adults face in life. The story revolves around the love a mother has for her children and how she deals with them making the bad choices.
Actual rating - 3.5
CHARACTERS
The story is filled with flawed but realistic characters, That's not to say I liked them all! I liked the very reasonable Kate who is the mother of four adult children. She is responsible and worries about her children all day. I enjoyed reading about her business and how she ran her second hand clothing store, "Still fabulous". I also liked Grandma Lou and enjoyed reading about her trips across the world.
While I started out with liking Izzie, Kate's eldest daughter I soon grew weary of her. She makes the bad choices even when she can see they aren't good choices and I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a good shake. Justin was one of my favorite characters and I loved how responsible he was. I also loved Julie who was dorky and adorable! I'm afraid there wasn't enough of Willie in there for me to have any particular feelings about him. I must say hough that while I liked these characters, there were times when they said some random stuff that made me mad or confused; like when grandma Lou says only straight couples break up and not gay couples. I was pretty confused by that dialogue of hers.
PLOT
The plot is realistic. It's about the problems Kate's children face in their lives due to having made the bad choices and how Kate deals with it. The mother-child relationships in the story have been wonderfully written. Kate being torn between wanting to support her children's decisions and also wanting to warm them about the risks in their decisions was so realistically portrayed. The problems characters face in this story are also realistic and things that happen to many people in life. I did feel at times that certain problems were solved too easily but still I liked the realistic portrayal of contemporary issues. Danielle Steel sure knows how to weave multiple plot-lines into one solid one.
WRITING
This is my second book by the author and i must say I enjoyed the writing a lot more than before. The words flow fluidly and even when there isn't much happening plot-wise, the writing keeps up a good pace. I liked how past stories in the lives of the characters was interspersed with the story without seeming heavy or choppy. I especially loved reading about the clothes that went into Kate's shop, "Still Fabulous". As a lover of fashion, i really enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the vintage clothes!
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
- Most characters
- The various familial relationships that are explored
- The relatable scenarios
- The plot
- The writing
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
- Certain things said by characters
- The slow plot advancement at times
CONCLUSION
A wonderfully written tale of parenthood and the problems adults face in life. The story revolves around the love a mother has for her children and how she deals with them making the bad choices.
March 20, 2018
tw: drug use, abuse (spousal) rape, cheating
Never thought I would see the day where I would have to put trigger warnings on a Danielle Steel book. I lived for 25 years thinking that DS was light and fluffy with a few hard topic books thrown in. That is what I thought this book was, actually. Boy, was I wrong. This was not light and fluffy. Not even close.
This is a slice of life book, which can sometimes be hit or miss. We have Kate and her four kids, Izzie, Justin, Julie and Willie. The three older kids get more page time as they are dealing with more difficult things in their life, especially Julie. Each child is different and is going through something and this book discuss how they cope with the hardships and how Kate helps them deal with the hardships as much as she can.
Since I like to give themes to books so much, I would say that the family is the theme for this book. No matter what happens, no matter how much your family irritates you, they will always have your back. They will always be there for you. Kate thinks that a lot of what her children doing are mistakes and she tries so desperately to help them to understand that. But even though she disapproves of their choices, she still supports them and loves them.
I think this book also brings light to how hard it is being a parent. Kate worries for her babies and the choices they make, however wrong she thinks they are. She wants nothing more then to make sure they are happy. Kate learns that sometimes you just have to let your babies fly and make mistakes. And always be there when they fall.
Overall, this was a classic DS novel with some more darkness then what she normally brings to the table. I would recommend this book to those that have read DS. I think they would appreciate this book. It shows how far she has come with her writing.
Never thought I would see the day where I would have to put trigger warnings on a Danielle Steel book. I lived for 25 years thinking that DS was light and fluffy with a few hard topic books thrown in. That is what I thought this book was, actually. Boy, was I wrong. This was not light and fluffy. Not even close.
This is a slice of life book, which can sometimes be hit or miss. We have Kate and her four kids, Izzie, Justin, Julie and Willie. The three older kids get more page time as they are dealing with more difficult things in their life, especially Julie. Each child is different and is going through something and this book discuss how they cope with the hardships and how Kate helps them deal with the hardships as much as she can.
Since I like to give themes to books so much, I would say that the family is the theme for this book. No matter what happens, no matter how much your family irritates you, they will always have your back. They will always be there for you. Kate thinks that a lot of what her children doing are mistakes and she tries so desperately to help them to understand that. But even though she disapproves of their choices, she still supports them and loves them.
I think this book also brings light to how hard it is being a parent. Kate worries for her babies and the choices they make, however wrong she thinks they are. She wants nothing more then to make sure they are happy. Kate learns that sometimes you just have to let your babies fly and make mistakes. And always be there when they fall.
Overall, this was a classic DS novel with some more darkness then what she normally brings to the table. I would recommend this book to those that have read DS. I think they would appreciate this book. It shows how far she has come with her writing.
May 16, 2017
Danielle Steel books are strictly brain candy. But the stories can still entertain, even if they are poorly written. For example, on one page alone, four sentences began with And.
If you can avoid being distracted by the simplistic writing, this novel has a widowed mother worrying about her adult children and their poor life choices. She learns to be supportive, and they learn life lessons. This book has it all: a gay son having a baby with a surrogate mother, an attorney falling in love with a drug addict client, a dyslexic married to an abuser, and a December-May romance (older woman, younger man).
The setting is typical DS, lovely NYC apartments and restaurants, designer clothes, and trips to Paris and the Hamptons.
If you can avoid being distracted by the simplistic writing, this novel has a widowed mother worrying about her adult children and their poor life choices. She learns to be supportive, and they learn life lessons. This book has it all: a gay son having a baby with a surrogate mother, an attorney falling in love with a drug addict client, a dyslexic married to an abuser, and a December-May romance (older woman, younger man).
The setting is typical DS, lovely NYC apartments and restaurants, designer clothes, and trips to Paris and the Hamptons.
September 29, 2021
I thought for a book written in our generation that this book had a great story in it. Every problem or situation in today's life from wife beating to gay sons was involved in a marvellous read. I became so into the story that I could not put the book down.
One thing is always true you cannot be disappointed by a book written by Danielle Steele. I would give this ok five stars.
One thing is always true you cannot be disappointed by a book written by Danielle Steele. I would give this ok five stars.
May 15, 2017
Ahhhh that hit the spot
March 24, 2021
dnf... couldn't carry on reading it. wasn't interested in plot or the characters to even try and finish it
May 15, 2017
In her typical expressive way, Danielle Steele has crafted a modern day protective mother story involving a set of twins; one a young woman and one a young man, an older sister and younger brother all with with complicated love lives. Older sister Izzie, a lawyer, has fallen in love with a convicted felon whom she thinks she can change by loving him. Twin Justin is attempting to have a baby with his partner Richard through a surrogate and in vitro fertilization. Twin Julie, a dyslexic but creative young woman has fallen in love with and married a Mr. Perfect who turns out to be Mr. Nightmare, and youngest brother Willie has fallen in love with a woman 12 years his senior. Mother Kate navigates an affair with a French business associate who turns out to be married but in an arrangement with his wife. Kate runs a successful resale shop which becomes all the rage in Soho while her longtime friend Liam is in the wings bringing support and encouragement. This is a story about how Kate learns to balance love with letting go of the lives of her children. Against All Odds is a slow, easy and comfortable read about the real issues in the lives of young adults and baby boomers alike. For Danielle Steele fans. Recommended.
October 3, 2017
‘Against All Odds’ is a story about Family and Life. After losing her husband early on, Kate raised her children as a single mother. She had taken on anything that life had to throw at her, with hopes of doing right by her children. Now they are all grown up and have lives of their own. All Kate wants now is for her children to settle down in their lives. But it is wishful thinking on her part as her children have their own sets of woes to face.
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
August 13, 2017
Complete and utter garbage! Sorry but this was torturous to listen to. The childish writing, the repetitive simplistic sentences over and over again were giving me a headache! How many times do you have to tell me that the smart attorney daughter, married a bad boy, who does not want to work and how mismatched they are.! This smart attorney cant be that smart if she marries a drug using, lazy man child. It makes no sense in any way that you tried to spin it! If anything this book is a referendum on not marrying someone you have known less than a year! The mom in this book raised some pretty stupid children all the way around!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2017
It was ok. A book needs to last with me for a while to actually be worthy of 5 stars. It needs to last with me a day at least to be worthy of 4. This book just seemed way too unrealistic. But still, all in all, it was entertaining. Would make a good Lifetime of Hallmark movie.
August 21, 2017
The book is about the most dysfunctional family I ever saw. The characters are too irresponsible and irrational. It was the worst Danielle Steel's book that I've read until today, but no problem, she can't be perfect all time and I can't wait to read an other one.
July 19, 2020
A story of a Mother's love for her children and the lessons they have to learn on their own.
January 27, 2022
A lot going on in this book.
May 17, 2025
I don't know how this book was in my "To Read" list because it should have been in the bin. Boring, predictable, repetitive with no character development. The short basic sentences with a severe lack of adjectives and metaphors made me feel like I was reading a factual legal document and made the story void of any emotion. When a character died I felt dissappointed that everyone else didnt die with them and put me out of my misery of reading such a dull book.
Read
November 28, 2017I have noticed that most of the mothers in Danielle Steel's books are over involved in their adult children's lives, in most cases it is not necessary to be as inserted, in this novel Kate worries too much about things she cannot control or have any say over, she may as well roll with the punches
August 16, 2017
Synopsis :
Taking chances is part of life, but when you bet your future against the odds, it's a high-risk game.
Kate Madison's stylish second-hand clothing shop has been a big success in New York, supporting her and her four kids since her husband's untimely death. Now, her children have grown up and are ready to forge lives of their own. They all choose to play against all odds, much to their mother's dismay . . .
Isabelle, a dedicated attorney, is in line to make partner at her Wall Street firm when she falls for a client who she represents in a criminal case. She tells herself she can make a life with him - but can she? Julie, a young designer, meets a man who seems too good to be true and falls under his spell. She marries him quickly, gives up her job and moves to LA to be at his side. Is all what it seems? Justin is a struggling writer who pushes his partner for children before they're financially or emotionally ready. Will the strain on the relationship take too high a toll? Willie, the youngest, a tech expert, makes a choice that shocks them all, with a woman fifteen years older . . .
Kate - loving, supportive and outspoken - can't keep her children from playing against the odds. Can the odds be beaten? Not often - as her children have to learn for themselves. For Kate, the hardest lesson will be that she can't protect the children she loves from the choices they make - but can only love them as they make them.
Review :
Before I begin my review I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with the book in exchange of an honest and unbiased review.
Against All Odds is the second book that I have read by Danielle Steel, the first being Dangerous Games. The first book was a thing of great interest and you can head back a few posts to read my full review. Well, since I had enjoyed reading it, I was very much looking forward to the second one and I must say, though Against All Odds has a very different story line than Dangerous Games, the author maintains her skillful art of narration through the beautiful handling of words.
Now, Against All Odds tells us the story of Kate Madison, a successful owner of a retail clothing shop. She is known all over the place because of her keen eyes for exquisite sense of fashion and her store is the favourite spot for well known celebrities. But her being this much successful was not something she had planned or ever imagined from the very beginning of her career. She got herself married at a very young age without the consent of her parents, her husband being a law student still. She soon became a mother of 2 boys and 2 girl, eldest one - Isabelle, the twins - Julie and Justin and the last one Willie. However, Willie sadly didn't have the luck to meet his father who, though was an amazing husband and caring father, could not live long. With his death, Kate was devastated but was determined to stay strong and work hard for her children. Her mother, Louis was a great help as she took up the responsibility of looking after the children while Kate was out working. Kate with the help of her best friend, Liam, opened her own retail store after working in another store, thus being well informed and equipped with the ways and necessities of fashion. She knew the demand of the market and soon gained name. However, this didn't stop her from being close to her children. in fact she was very close to them and though the boys sometimes felt the absence and need of a father, she was more than enough for all of them and they were always very caring and involved in each others' lives.
All four of the siblings, though well off on their own, never forgot to contact each and meet up with Kate and Louis. Julie shares Kate's passion for fashion and was a fashion designer herself with an excellent taste. She often visited her mother's shop because she believed it was a great place for inspiration and new ideas. Justin, a struggling writer, lived with his boyfriend Richard and Kate was very kind and loving to both of the boys. Isabelle was the serious one in the family and a successful lawyer. Willie was the "child" of the family and was pampered a lot. He was a tech expert and never was into a serious relationship.
All was well but, as is obvious, children do not remain children for ever and once established they find it hard to agree more with parents than accepting their own mistakes and mishaps. The cool of the family went upside down with each child of the family taking a strange, jaw dropping decision one after the other and Kate becomes worried for their future and is sure they can't win against all odds. It starts with Isabelle. After a broken engagement, she had sworn to never marry again. Well, that's what she kept on telling everyone but deep inside she was just an wounded soul. Her family was surprised, rather shocked when she brought Zach, her previous client & supposed boyfriend, to meet them and Kate could clearly see the hell and heaven difference between the two. She was certain that it was a bad match and tried her best to pour some sense into Isabelle, but as persistent as she was, she dismissed her mother's worries. She moves ahead marrying him while Kate could not help but bless her though she was still uncertain of their commitment. Justin and Richard decide on becoming parents and inform the family of their plan of using a surrogate mother of which Kate and Isabelle strongly disapprove of. Kate feels the young couple are not yet ready for parenthood and Isabelle doesn't believe in surrogacy. this highly disappoints Justin but he decides to go along with their plan without interruption. If that was not enough, Julie, the shy little girl of the huge loving family falls in love with Peter, a man with a character quite opposite of Zach. While the whole family warms up to him, Kate has this unnerving feeling of something odd about this too-good-to-be-true man.
In all these events, one can clearly see how Kate always treats her children as teenage kids, never letting go of them and never wanting them to get even a little bit hurt. While her children become irritated by that, they themselves have this feeling of their mother being right to some extent. As story moves forward, it is clearly seen how right Kate had been in all the cases.
This book is quite a teacher on it's own. It gives an insight to the mental struggles of a mother, the regretful events of life, the mistaken decisions of humans. What I find odd about the book is how easily people fall in love here, if not easily then within a very short period of time. All the love affair seem to be rather fast pacing and wrong. The book shows how the six sense of a mother is too strong.
It is a tale of love, desire, pain, trust, effects of a sociopath, mother's never ending love and anxiety. It a tale of never giving up what it worthy of fighting and of giving up what isn't worth the pain.
Taking chances is part of life, but when you bet your future against the odds, it's a high-risk game.
Kate Madison's stylish second-hand clothing shop has been a big success in New York, supporting her and her four kids since her husband's untimely death. Now, her children have grown up and are ready to forge lives of their own. They all choose to play against all odds, much to their mother's dismay . . .
Isabelle, a dedicated attorney, is in line to make partner at her Wall Street firm when she falls for a client who she represents in a criminal case. She tells herself she can make a life with him - but can she? Julie, a young designer, meets a man who seems too good to be true and falls under his spell. She marries him quickly, gives up her job and moves to LA to be at his side. Is all what it seems? Justin is a struggling writer who pushes his partner for children before they're financially or emotionally ready. Will the strain on the relationship take too high a toll? Willie, the youngest, a tech expert, makes a choice that shocks them all, with a woman fifteen years older . . .
Kate - loving, supportive and outspoken - can't keep her children from playing against the odds. Can the odds be beaten? Not often - as her children have to learn for themselves. For Kate, the hardest lesson will be that she can't protect the children she loves from the choices they make - but can only love them as they make them.
Review :
Before I begin my review I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with the book in exchange of an honest and unbiased review.
Against All Odds is the second book that I have read by Danielle Steel, the first being Dangerous Games. The first book was a thing of great interest and you can head back a few posts to read my full review. Well, since I had enjoyed reading it, I was very much looking forward to the second one and I must say, though Against All Odds has a very different story line than Dangerous Games, the author maintains her skillful art of narration through the beautiful handling of words.
Now, Against All Odds tells us the story of Kate Madison, a successful owner of a retail clothing shop. She is known all over the place because of her keen eyes for exquisite sense of fashion and her store is the favourite spot for well known celebrities. But her being this much successful was not something she had planned or ever imagined from the very beginning of her career. She got herself married at a very young age without the consent of her parents, her husband being a law student still. She soon became a mother of 2 boys and 2 girl, eldest one - Isabelle, the twins - Julie and Justin and the last one Willie. However, Willie sadly didn't have the luck to meet his father who, though was an amazing husband and caring father, could not live long. With his death, Kate was devastated but was determined to stay strong and work hard for her children. Her mother, Louis was a great help as she took up the responsibility of looking after the children while Kate was out working. Kate with the help of her best friend, Liam, opened her own retail store after working in another store, thus being well informed and equipped with the ways and necessities of fashion. She knew the demand of the market and soon gained name. However, this didn't stop her from being close to her children. in fact she was very close to them and though the boys sometimes felt the absence and need of a father, she was more than enough for all of them and they were always very caring and involved in each others' lives.
All four of the siblings, though well off on their own, never forgot to contact each and meet up with Kate and Louis. Julie shares Kate's passion for fashion and was a fashion designer herself with an excellent taste. She often visited her mother's shop because she believed it was a great place for inspiration and new ideas. Justin, a struggling writer, lived with his boyfriend Richard and Kate was very kind and loving to both of the boys. Isabelle was the serious one in the family and a successful lawyer. Willie was the "child" of the family and was pampered a lot. He was a tech expert and never was into a serious relationship.
All was well but, as is obvious, children do not remain children for ever and once established they find it hard to agree more with parents than accepting their own mistakes and mishaps. The cool of the family went upside down with each child of the family taking a strange, jaw dropping decision one after the other and Kate becomes worried for their future and is sure they can't win against all odds. It starts with Isabelle. After a broken engagement, she had sworn to never marry again. Well, that's what she kept on telling everyone but deep inside she was just an wounded soul. Her family was surprised, rather shocked when she brought Zach, her previous client & supposed boyfriend, to meet them and Kate could clearly see the hell and heaven difference between the two. She was certain that it was a bad match and tried her best to pour some sense into Isabelle, but as persistent as she was, she dismissed her mother's worries. She moves ahead marrying him while Kate could not help but bless her though she was still uncertain of their commitment. Justin and Richard decide on becoming parents and inform the family of their plan of using a surrogate mother of which Kate and Isabelle strongly disapprove of. Kate feels the young couple are not yet ready for parenthood and Isabelle doesn't believe in surrogacy. this highly disappoints Justin but he decides to go along with their plan without interruption. If that was not enough, Julie, the shy little girl of the huge loving family falls in love with Peter, a man with a character quite opposite of Zach. While the whole family warms up to him, Kate has this unnerving feeling of something odd about this too-good-to-be-true man.
In all these events, one can clearly see how Kate always treats her children as teenage kids, never letting go of them and never wanting them to get even a little bit hurt. While her children become irritated by that, they themselves have this feeling of their mother being right to some extent. As story moves forward, it is clearly seen how right Kate had been in all the cases.
This book is quite a teacher on it's own. It gives an insight to the mental struggles of a mother, the regretful events of life, the mistaken decisions of humans. What I find odd about the book is how easily people fall in love here, if not easily then within a very short period of time. All the love affair seem to be rather fast pacing and wrong. The book shows how the six sense of a mother is too strong.
It is a tale of love, desire, pain, trust, effects of a sociopath, mother's never ending love and anxiety. It a tale of never giving up what it worthy of fighting and of giving up what isn't worth the pain.
July 13, 2019
This is my first Danielle Steele book and I enjoyed it a lot; finished it off within two days! She is just amazing and I can see why many adore her!
There were instances where I couldn't connect much with emotions of the character like when they showed sorrow for a dear one passing especially when Mr. Holbrook was killed in an accident. Or maybe the writing didn't work there for me!
I was so saddened by Zach's death, he brought it upon himself...!
The story I connected the most with was obviously, Izzie's and then close second came Kate's affair with the Frenchman.
Julie is better now, thankfully and I hope Mr. White get killed in some tragedy.
Well, I feel, Steele should have given Willie more limelight too atleast giving some interactions he had with Zoe and the kids but nevertheless, I really wish the odds work in favour for them.
I enjoyed it completely and hopefully, I can finish her Wanderlust pretty soon too!
There were instances where I couldn't connect much with emotions of the character like when they showed sorrow for a dear one passing especially when Mr. Holbrook was killed in an accident. Or maybe the writing didn't work there for me!
I was so saddened by Zach's death, he brought it upon himself...!
The story I connected the most with was obviously, Izzie's and then close second came Kate's affair with the Frenchman.
Julie is better now, thankfully and I hope Mr. White get killed in some tragedy.
Well, I feel, Steele should have given Willie more limelight too atleast giving some interactions he had with Zoe and the kids but nevertheless, I really wish the odds work in favour for them.
I enjoyed it completely and hopefully, I can finish her Wanderlust pretty soon too!
June 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book about a family and the changes occurring in
their lives. Kate Madison is the mother who raised her four children by
herself since the death if her husband. Now it is time for the kids to begin their lives with partners of their own. They must learn from mistakes and the
challenges each face. A fast and enjoyable read. The most difficult lesson
for a parent is that you are unable to protect your children from mistakes
they make- you can only love them and stand by them.
their lives. Kate Madison is the mother who raised her four children by
herself since the death if her husband. Now it is time for the kids to begin their lives with partners of their own. They must learn from mistakes and the
challenges each face. A fast and enjoyable read. The most difficult lesson
for a parent is that you are unable to protect your children from mistakes
they make- you can only love them and stand by them.
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