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The Butler: A Novel
Two different worlds and two very different lives collide in Paris in this captivating novel by Danielle Steel.
Joachim von Hartmann was born and raised in Buenos Aires by his loving German mother, inseparable from his identical twin. When Joachim moves to Paris with his mother in his late teens, his twin stays behind and enters a dark world. Meanwhile, Joachim begins training to be a butler, fascinated by the precision and intense demands, and goes on to work in some of the grandest homes in England. His brother never reappears.
Olivia White has given ten years of her life to her magazine, which failed, taking all her dreams with it. A bequest from her mother allows her a year in Paris to reinvent herself. She needs help setting up a home in a charming Parisian apartment. It is then that her path and Joachim’s cross.
Joachim takes a job working for Olivia as a lark and enjoys the whimsy of a different life for a few weeks, which turn to months as the unlikely employer and employee learn they enjoy working side by side. At the same time, Joachim discovers the family history he never knew: a criminal grandfather who died in prison, the wealthy father who abandoned him, and the dangerous criminal his twin has become. While Olivia struggles to put her life back together, Joachim’s comes apart.
Stripped of their old roles, they strive to discover the truth about each other and themselves, first as employer and employee, then as friends. Their paths no longer sure, they are a man and woman who reach a place where the past doesn’t matter and only what they are living now is true.
Joachim von Hartmann was born and raised in Buenos Aires by his loving German mother, inseparable from his identical twin. When Joachim moves to Paris with his mother in his late teens, his twin stays behind and enters a dark world. Meanwhile, Joachim begins training to be a butler, fascinated by the precision and intense demands, and goes on to work in some of the grandest homes in England. His brother never reappears.
Olivia White has given ten years of her life to her magazine, which failed, taking all her dreams with it. A bequest from her mother allows her a year in Paris to reinvent herself. She needs help setting up a home in a charming Parisian apartment. It is then that her path and Joachim’s cross.
Joachim takes a job working for Olivia as a lark and enjoys the whimsy of a different life for a few weeks, which turn to months as the unlikely employer and employee learn they enjoy working side by side. At the same time, Joachim discovers the family history he never knew: a criminal grandfather who died in prison, the wealthy father who abandoned him, and the dangerous criminal his twin has become. While Olivia struggles to put her life back together, Joachim’s comes apart.
Stripped of their old roles, they strive to discover the truth about each other and themselves, first as employer and employee, then as friends. Their paths no longer sure, they are a man and woman who reach a place where the past doesn’t matter and only what they are living now is true.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2021
1269 people are currently reading
5191 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.
Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel
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Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 830 reviews
January 1, 2022
A dreadful read to start off 2022. No dialogue, no character development, just Ms. Steel repeating and repeating and repeating and repeating boring and irrelevant information about her characters. The plot is almost non-existent; this book seemed more like a total (and poorly written) fairy tale of pretty and wealthy people living in a fantasy world. Ms. Steel’s books have been going downhill for years - and keep getting worse.
July 9, 2022
This is a Women's Fiction book. I loved this book, and it kept me wanting to keep reading. This book takes place in Paris, France. The main person is Joachim von Hartmann who is an identical twin. He has not seen is twin in 25 years. He is trying to learn to deal with not having seen his twin in a long time and the fact people do not need Butler's anymore. While, He is visiting his Mother he takes a job for Olivia. Olivia trying to deal with her Mother just dying and what her Mother choose to do with her life. This book has so much drama and that keeps you wanting to read. The characters are super developed and pops so much. This book is well written. I cannot believe how much Danielle Steel can fit into less then 300 pages. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Delacorte Press) or author (Danielle Steel) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
May 29, 2021
Fell very flat for me. All the buildup then just meh.
December 9, 2021
While reading this book, I’m actively wondering why it was rated so high on goodreads. The plot is laugh out loud ridiculous and the writing can only be compared to a middle-schooler redundantly repeating whole paragraphs using a thesaurus for synonyms while frantically trying to make the word count to complete their school essay. I would give it zero stars if that were an option.
April 16, 2021
This is different from most Steel books, with a male protagonist, the butler. Joachim is a man with a fascinating backstory that has made him very sensitive and empathetic. Because of family trauma and the lies used to cover some awful truths, Joachim opts to train as a butler and establishes an impressive career in service, until the death of his noble employers. At that point he returns to Paris to visit his beloved mother and finally learn about long hidden truths.
Olivia has had her world collapse after the death of her mother. Rootless and dealing with many ugly lies she lived with, she decides to escape to Paris.
Despite the inconsistencies in the novel, it is a lovely story of 2 people, nearing middle age and finding new beginnings.
This book certainly held my interest. I liked both characters and enjoyed learning about their histories. Thank you Netgalley for another lovely Danielle Steel book.
Olivia has had her world collapse after the death of her mother. Rootless and dealing with many ugly lies she lived with, she decides to escape to Paris.
Despite the inconsistencies in the novel, it is a lovely story of 2 people, nearing middle age and finding new beginnings.
This book certainly held my interest. I liked both characters and enjoyed learning about their histories. Thank you Netgalley for another lovely Danielle Steel book.
October 26, 2021
Horrible predictable and drawn out I could not wait to finish this
May 19, 2021
It’s not every day that my wish is granted at NetGalley and I believe this is the only 2nd time this has happened in the 6 years I’ve been with NetGalley. So when this latest book by Danielle Steel popped up for me, I was more than excited. It’s my 39th book by DS. Another great book by her. Twin brothers Joachim and Javier are so different. Joachim and his mother move from Argentina to London, leaving Javier behind. Joachim goes to butler school and later becomes a butler for a prominent family. Later he moves to Paris where he meets Olivia. I loved Olivia. I loved them as a “team”. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
August 1, 2021
Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Butler by Danielle Steel is about love, family, and brothers. It’s a family saga that starts out in Argentina, and goes to Paris, New York and London. It’s an inside look into a dying profession, the butler, but so much more. The characters are strong, memorable and very likeable.
Joachim and Javier, twins, are raised by a single mother in Buenos Aires, Argentina. When the twins are teenagers, their mother remarries and moves to Paris. Javier doesn’t go with them and instead stays in Argentina with his friends. Joachim finishes his schooling, and then is lost without his twin brother and does odd jobs until he finds an ad for a butler school in England. Without a passion, or a career, Joachim decides to go to butler school and learn the trade. Joachim is surprised that he loves the job, and spends the next sixteen years working as a butler for a noble family in England. After his employers pass away, and his job is over, he returns to Paris to spend time with his mother, who is now widowed until he can find another job as a butler. As butler jobs are rare, he takes a temporary job in Paris helping a woman set up a home and acts as her personal assistant. Olivia, his employer is taking a break after her high end decorating magazine failed after ten years. She decides to spend a year in Paris, and hires Joachim, a master of four languages, to help her set up her apartment.
Danielle Steel is a master at developing deep and realistic characters and this book does not disappoint. Joachim and his mother are such loving characters, and so is Olivia. I’ll admit there is a bit of an info dump in the beginning of this book, but it’s worth it to plow through it, as the story is so very good. I just loved Joachim, his relationship with his mother and then his relationship with Olivia, it all seemed so real, and true.
I highly recommend this book, especially to all who love Danielle Steel Novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Butler by Danielle Steel is about love, family, and brothers. It’s a family saga that starts out in Argentina, and goes to Paris, New York and London. It’s an inside look into a dying profession, the butler, but so much more. The characters are strong, memorable and very likeable.
Joachim and Javier, twins, are raised by a single mother in Buenos Aires, Argentina. When the twins are teenagers, their mother remarries and moves to Paris. Javier doesn’t go with them and instead stays in Argentina with his friends. Joachim finishes his schooling, and then is lost without his twin brother and does odd jobs until he finds an ad for a butler school in England. Without a passion, or a career, Joachim decides to go to butler school and learn the trade. Joachim is surprised that he loves the job, and spends the next sixteen years working as a butler for a noble family in England. After his employers pass away, and his job is over, he returns to Paris to spend time with his mother, who is now widowed until he can find another job as a butler. As butler jobs are rare, he takes a temporary job in Paris helping a woman set up a home and acts as her personal assistant. Olivia, his employer is taking a break after her high end decorating magazine failed after ten years. She decides to spend a year in Paris, and hires Joachim, a master of four languages, to help her set up her apartment.
Danielle Steel is a master at developing deep and realistic characters and this book does not disappoint. Joachim and his mother are such loving characters, and so is Olivia. I’ll admit there is a bit of an info dump in the beginning of this book, but it’s worth it to plow through it, as the story is so very good. I just loved Joachim, his relationship with his mother and then his relationship with Olivia, it all seemed so real, and true.
I highly recommend this book, especially to all who love Danielle Steel Novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 4, 2022
It's been years since I've read a Danielle Steel's novel and The Butler has proven why I've given up on her books. It was predictable and super repetitive (not sure why we needed Joachim's family background drawn out 3 different times).
January 4, 2022
Full disclosure: this is the first Danielle Steel book I’ve ever read and I’m not a fan of romance novels.
This was like reading a bad episode of The Bachelor (momma boy edition). It was 5 hours I’ll never get back and I may have lost an IQ point or two while reading it. Awful. You would do much better from a literary perspective to read the witty remarks scrawled on a bathroom stall at a monster truck rally. I’m embarrassed to say I finished it. However, having read it makes me feel as though I’ve survived something. Something slightly tawdry and cheap….like impetigo or thrush. Do not recommend.
This was like reading a bad episode of The Bachelor (momma boy edition). It was 5 hours I’ll never get back and I may have lost an IQ point or two while reading it. Awful. You would do much better from a literary perspective to read the witty remarks scrawled on a bathroom stall at a monster truck rally. I’m embarrassed to say I finished it. However, having read it makes me feel as though I’ve survived something. Something slightly tawdry and cheap….like impetigo or thrush. Do not recommend.
October 4, 2021
As always with Danielle Steel books, you can count on strong characters and settings that sweep you away, and this is no different, What is different, however, is that the main character is a male. Joachim and Javier are twins who have been living apart from each other for all their adult lives. Joachim is very sensitive and empathetic and attached to their mother, especially given their past as well as hers, he feels very protective of her. Javier has always been the difficult one, and has chosen a life very different from theirs. Joachim chooses a life of service as a butler and is very good at it. When his long term employer’s pass away, he’s given a new assignment with Olivia, who unbeknownst to Joachim has had a similar past, to renovate a chateau. In the process, they become very good friends until Javier shows back up and threatens everyone and everything that Joachim is close to.
It’s a nice and simple story of love, loss and friendship and the power of new beginnings. Classic Danielle Steel.
Thanks to Delacorte Press and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
It’s a nice and simple story of love, loss and friendship and the power of new beginnings. Classic Danielle Steel.
Thanks to Delacorte Press and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
June 15, 2025
Audiobook. I really enjoyed this book. Two very believable people. A man who trained as a Butler, working many years in England, in role that we would describe mainly as project manager. Then goes to Paris, to see his mother, and decide what to do next. A lady who works many years on her own design magazine, which eventually fails, then takes herself to Paris to recover.
She needs as an assistant. He needs something today.
A beautifully put-together storyline.
Unputdownable.
She needs as an assistant. He needs something today.
A beautifully put-together storyline.
Unputdownable.
August 10, 2021
Reading a Danielle Steel book is always like eating comfort food. At first I thought this was an odd idea for a book, a butler in these modern times, but it was very original. I loved the whole premise of the book and was sad to see it end. Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for this early copy for review
April 2, 2025
Did not finish. Got halfway through before realising that I’m just wasting my time. Non stop repetition of words and sentences. I’m half wondering if this author has dementia still writing in her seventies.
Two main characters:
A momma’s boy in his forties who doesn’t know what to do with his life until he sees an ad in the paper about a butler school in England. (I’m thinking to myself, who the hell wants to spend their lives basically baby sitting rich people!)
A girl in New York who learns the truth about her father right before her mom dies and then decides that she needs to live life to the fullest. And what does she do? She goes to Paris and rents an apartment and refurbishes it with new furniture from IKEA of all places! (If it were up to me, I’d use all that money to travel the world!)
Characters are indecisive and seem hollow, to only focus on their own problems and not be aware of the world outside of their own.
Don’t recommend!
First Danielle Steel’s book I’ve read and I’m not impressed. But according to other reviews, her earlier books sound much better.
Two main characters:
A momma’s boy in his forties who doesn’t know what to do with his life until he sees an ad in the paper about a butler school in England. (I’m thinking to myself, who the hell wants to spend their lives basically baby sitting rich people!)
A girl in New York who learns the truth about her father right before her mom dies and then decides that she needs to live life to the fullest. And what does she do? She goes to Paris and rents an apartment and refurbishes it with new furniture from IKEA of all places! (If it were up to me, I’d use all that money to travel the world!)
Characters are indecisive and seem hollow, to only focus on their own problems and not be aware of the world outside of their own.
Don’t recommend!
First Danielle Steel’s book I’ve read and I’m not impressed. But according to other reviews, her earlier books sound much better.
October 13, 2021
Two stars only because I'm still on a high from my shopping trip to Home Sense. I should have known I wouldn't enjoy a Danielle Steel novel yet the title drew me in. So much potential in plot and character but I found the dialogue very boring with little happening to pique my interest in the story line.
I always feel bad giving a review like this but then I remember that nobody but my daughter's friends will read it!
I always feel bad giving a review like this but then I remember that nobody but my daughter's friends will read it!
February 1, 2022
Sorrow... joy and romance.
October 1, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
“I don’t mind a life of service. I kind of like the idea of keeping people’s lives in good order.”
American author Danielle Steel is loved around the world for her romance novels. The Butler is Steel’s most recent contemporary romance release. A story of family, wealth, secrets, betrayal, loss, trauma, estrangement, employment, friendship and love, The Butler is an engaging read, ideal for fans of the bestselling author.
Joachim von Hartmann leads the events of Danielle Steel’s latest novel. Joachim and his twin brother Javier come from a very rich family, but when their grandfather is charged with serious war crimes, this family takes a big fall from grace. Joachim and Javier’s mother Liese is forced to bring up the boys alone, on a small income. Over time things improve for Liese. Liese falls into a satisfying position as a French art expert. However, Liese leaves behind one son in Argentina, who goes off the rails when he becomes involved in the dark drug underworld. Joachim follows his mother to France, but he eventually moves on and takes up a lucrative position as a butler. After sixteen years of loyal service to his employer, Joachim returns to France to be with his ageing mother. While trying to secure a new long-term position as a butler in France, Joachim takes up interim role with an American businesswoman who is starting afresh in France. Joachim’s new employer Olivia never thought she would need a butler, but Joachim proves his worth in gold. But as this employer and employee grow closer, threats from the past will impact this couple.
The Butler offers a slight departure from Danielle Steel’s usual fodder. This time around Steel chooses the narrate events from mainly a male perspective through the central voice of Joachim von Hartmann, the butler figure of this tale. Steel also integrates the perspective of Olivia, a successful American woman looking to restart her life in France. It was refreshing to read a Danielle Steel book from the eyes of a male lead. Joachim was quite a charming figure!
The initial premise of The Butler was intriguing and I was interested to see where this novel would go direction wise. Those who are fans of Danielle Steel will know that the author loves the cult television series Downton Abbey and France. Steel combines both these elements in her novel and she includes a focus on the wealthy, which is another of the author’s common narrative threads. The Butler looks at a family who take a tumble from the upper class due to an unexpected revelation. I enjoyed the way in which the war crime element involving the lead’s grandfather played out in this book. I actually would have loved more air time on this component of the novel as I found it fascinating. Likewise, I found Liese to be a very absorbing character with a compelling profession. I devoured the sections involving Liese’s art work and her dedication to recovering stolen paintings from the war. Steel presents a very intriguing subject area in minimal form only. I would have liked a stronger exploration of this highly engaging subject line.
Joachim von Hartman leads proceedings in Danielle Steel’s most recent publication. Joachim is an appealing and likeable protagonist. Joachim’s family background, education, further studies, training and eventual employment as a butler proved to be enjoyable points in this story. I did feel some areas around Joachim and his family were repetitive, which was unfortunate. The female lead of this tale was inserted into the novel without much warning or build up, which was a bit odd, but I did appreciate the relationship progression between these two leads. What I found most surprising was the changing position of a butler in modern times as opposed to the past, this aspect of the tale held my interest. Olivia and Joachim’s relationship took some time to develop and the happy ever after came just a bit too fast for me, more build up was definitely required in this area of The Butler.
With some predictable elements and plot turns, The Butler takes an additional focus on Joachim’s twin brother Javier. Javier’s disappearance and possible death contributes to a valued level of suspense in this contemporary romance tale. Steel uses this aspect of her novel to explore the drugs trade and Argentina’s dark underworld. This was another alternative storyline focus for Danielle Steel. It was good to see Danielle Steel branch further afield with some elements of her new novel.
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
“I don’t mind a life of service. I kind of like the idea of keeping people’s lives in good order.”
American author Danielle Steel is loved around the world for her romance novels. The Butler is Steel’s most recent contemporary romance release. A story of family, wealth, secrets, betrayal, loss, trauma, estrangement, employment, friendship and love, The Butler is an engaging read, ideal for fans of the bestselling author.
Joachim von Hartmann leads the events of Danielle Steel’s latest novel. Joachim and his twin brother Javier come from a very rich family, but when their grandfather is charged with serious war crimes, this family takes a big fall from grace. Joachim and Javier’s mother Liese is forced to bring up the boys alone, on a small income. Over time things improve for Liese. Liese falls into a satisfying position as a French art expert. However, Liese leaves behind one son in Argentina, who goes off the rails when he becomes involved in the dark drug underworld. Joachim follows his mother to France, but he eventually moves on and takes up a lucrative position as a butler. After sixteen years of loyal service to his employer, Joachim returns to France to be with his ageing mother. While trying to secure a new long-term position as a butler in France, Joachim takes up interim role with an American businesswoman who is starting afresh in France. Joachim’s new employer Olivia never thought she would need a butler, but Joachim proves his worth in gold. But as this employer and employee grow closer, threats from the past will impact this couple.
The Butler offers a slight departure from Danielle Steel’s usual fodder. This time around Steel chooses the narrate events from mainly a male perspective through the central voice of Joachim von Hartmann, the butler figure of this tale. Steel also integrates the perspective of Olivia, a successful American woman looking to restart her life in France. It was refreshing to read a Danielle Steel book from the eyes of a male lead. Joachim was quite a charming figure!
The initial premise of The Butler was intriguing and I was interested to see where this novel would go direction wise. Those who are fans of Danielle Steel will know that the author loves the cult television series Downton Abbey and France. Steel combines both these elements in her novel and she includes a focus on the wealthy, which is another of the author’s common narrative threads. The Butler looks at a family who take a tumble from the upper class due to an unexpected revelation. I enjoyed the way in which the war crime element involving the lead’s grandfather played out in this book. I actually would have loved more air time on this component of the novel as I found it fascinating. Likewise, I found Liese to be a very absorbing character with a compelling profession. I devoured the sections involving Liese’s art work and her dedication to recovering stolen paintings from the war. Steel presents a very intriguing subject area in minimal form only. I would have liked a stronger exploration of this highly engaging subject line.
Joachim von Hartman leads proceedings in Danielle Steel’s most recent publication. Joachim is an appealing and likeable protagonist. Joachim’s family background, education, further studies, training and eventual employment as a butler proved to be enjoyable points in this story. I did feel some areas around Joachim and his family were repetitive, which was unfortunate. The female lead of this tale was inserted into the novel without much warning or build up, which was a bit odd, but I did appreciate the relationship progression between these two leads. What I found most surprising was the changing position of a butler in modern times as opposed to the past, this aspect of the tale held my interest. Olivia and Joachim’s relationship took some time to develop and the happy ever after came just a bit too fast for me, more build up was definitely required in this area of The Butler.
With some predictable elements and plot turns, The Butler takes an additional focus on Joachim’s twin brother Javier. Javier’s disappearance and possible death contributes to a valued level of suspense in this contemporary romance tale. Steel uses this aspect of her novel to explore the drugs trade and Argentina’s dark underworld. This was another alternative storyline focus for Danielle Steel. It was good to see Danielle Steel branch further afield with some elements of her new novel.
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
July 31, 2023
In Danielle Steel's novel, "The Butler," the protagonist is a male named Joachim. Joachim and his twin brother, Javier, have led separate lives since adulthood. Joachim is characterized as sensitive, empathetic, and deeply attached to their mother, particularly due to their shared past. He feels a strong sense of protectiveness towards her. On the other hand, Javier has always been the more difficult and rebellious of the two, choosing a life vastly different from Joachim's.
Joachim decides to pursue a life of service as a butler and excels in his chosen profession. However, when his long-term employers pass away, he is assigned a new job that brings him into contact with Olivia, a woman who shares a similar past. They are tasked with renovating a chateau together, and in the process, they develop a deep and meaningful friendship.
Unbeknownst to Joachim, his newfound happiness and stability are threatened when Javier unexpectedly reappears in his life. Javier's return brings chaos and danger, jeopardizing everything that Joachim holds dear. The once-close brothers find themselves on opposite sides, with Joachim forced to confront his brother's destructive behavior and protect those he cares about.
Throughout the novel, Steel explores themes of family, loyalty, and the power of personal transformation. Joachim's journey from a troubled past to a life of service and stability highlights the resilience of the human spirit. His unwavering dedication to his loved ones, particularly his mother and Olivia, showcases the strength of his character.
"The Butler" delves into the complexities of sibling relationships, portraying the contrasting paths that Joachim and Javier have chosen. While Joachim seeks solace in a life of service, Javier embraces a more tumultuous existence. Their divergent choices and the subsequent conflict between them serve as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.
Steel's storytelling prowess shines through in "The Butler," as she weaves together a compelling narrative filled with emotional depth and gripping suspense. The novel explores the power of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
"The Butler" is a captivating tale that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, personal transformation, and the enduring bonds of love and loyalty. Through Joachim's journey, readers are reminded of the strength that can be found in the most challenging of circumstances and the power of forgiveness and redemption.
Joachim decides to pursue a life of service as a butler and excels in his chosen profession. However, when his long-term employers pass away, he is assigned a new job that brings him into contact with Olivia, a woman who shares a similar past. They are tasked with renovating a chateau together, and in the process, they develop a deep and meaningful friendship.
Unbeknownst to Joachim, his newfound happiness and stability are threatened when Javier unexpectedly reappears in his life. Javier's return brings chaos and danger, jeopardizing everything that Joachim holds dear. The once-close brothers find themselves on opposite sides, with Joachim forced to confront his brother's destructive behavior and protect those he cares about.
Throughout the novel, Steel explores themes of family, loyalty, and the power of personal transformation. Joachim's journey from a troubled past to a life of service and stability highlights the resilience of the human spirit. His unwavering dedication to his loved ones, particularly his mother and Olivia, showcases the strength of his character.
"The Butler" delves into the complexities of sibling relationships, portraying the contrasting paths that Joachim and Javier have chosen. While Joachim seeks solace in a life of service, Javier embraces a more tumultuous existence. Their divergent choices and the subsequent conflict between them serve as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.
Steel's storytelling prowess shines through in "The Butler," as she weaves together a compelling narrative filled with emotional depth and gripping suspense. The novel explores the power of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
"The Butler" is a captivating tale that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, personal transformation, and the enduring bonds of love and loyalty. Through Joachim's journey, readers are reminded of the strength that can be found in the most challenging of circumstances and the power of forgiveness and redemption.
October 4, 2021
The Butler by Danielle Steel takes us from Argentina to Paris and New York. This is a unique story for this author with a male protagonist as the main character. Joachim von Hartmann is a modern-day butler in a world where butlers are no longer needed. Olivia White is a woman at a crossroads. She is not sure what she wants to do or where she wants to it. The characters are developed and interesting. I particularly liked Joachim’s mother, Liese. She has a rich, diverse history. I especially enjoyed the work Liese was doing helping to return stolen art from World War II to its rightful owners. Personally, I felt that Liese’s story would have made a more compelling story. Joachim’s life is complicated by his identical twin brother, Javier who joined a drug cartel in Columbia. This provides complications for Joachim. Olivia and Joachim end up working together. They have a companionable relationship. They each get a chance to find their path. While some aspects of The Butler were interesting, others were lackluster. There is quite a bit of repetition and there is mild foul language. The way Olivia was introduced was abrupt. There needed to be a smoother entrance, or it should have been done earlier in the story. She came out of left field. We get to see Joachim discover that a butler’s role is changing and, in many cases, is no longer needed. Olivia must discover where she belongs and what she should do with her skills. The ending felt rushed though it was satisfying. The Butler felt disjointed with repetitive details. This is not my favorite book by Danielle Steel, though, it will not keep me from checking out her future books.
January 9, 2022
I have read all of Danielle Steele‘s books over the years. This book I had a very hard time getting into. I actually checked it out of the library two times before I decided to read it. That is the reason for the four-star review because it took at least 80 pages before it started to be interesting to me. The book about a woman who goes to France and hires a butler. Olivia flees to France after her mother dies and the magazine she created fizzles. Olivia hires Joachim. He is an identical twin and is nothing like his brother.
December 31, 2021
This was one of the worst books I have read by Danielle Steel. Half the book was so repetitive, it was almost like it was written by someone else not her. I wish there was a rating of zero because this it what it deserves.
May 8, 2021
A modern day Cain and Abel story mixed with Downton Abbey, Danielle Steel pens a tale filled with adventure and finding love in the midst of heartache. Liese von Hartmann provided her twin sons love and stability despite difficult circumstances. While Joachim was content without having riches, Javier felt resentful..
When darkness takes over Javier's life, the brothers are distanced not only by location but in life decisions.. Struggling to make piece with his brother's defection, Joachim forges a new life for himself. Becoming a butler, he helps others clean up their lives not realizing that he's glossing over his own sadness.
Taking a job near his aging mother, Joachim returns to Paris and begins working for Olivia White. Running from her past, she escapes to Paris for a new beginning. Offered the opportunity to remodel a chateau, the project forges a restoration of Olivia and Joachim's dreams. Will they leave their pasts behind or forever be stuck in their concrete views of the world?
Thank you to #NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the early edition of #TheButler in exchange for an honest review. From the first chapter, I knew this would differ from Steel's historical fiction or romance titles. I didn't have a clear direction of where the story was headed until Joachim commenced working with Olivia, Readers will delight in their friendship and fortitude by overcoming obstacles.
I enjoyed the read and would recommend that fans of Steel's previous books will fall in love with Joachim, Olivia and their adventures. Thank you to Danielle Steel for continuing to 'usher' in charismatic characters.
When darkness takes over Javier's life, the brothers are distanced not only by location but in life decisions.. Struggling to make piece with his brother's defection, Joachim forges a new life for himself. Becoming a butler, he helps others clean up their lives not realizing that he's glossing over his own sadness.
Taking a job near his aging mother, Joachim returns to Paris and begins working for Olivia White. Running from her past, she escapes to Paris for a new beginning. Offered the opportunity to remodel a chateau, the project forges a restoration of Olivia and Joachim's dreams. Will they leave their pasts behind or forever be stuck in their concrete views of the world?
Thank you to #NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the early edition of #TheButler in exchange for an honest review. From the first chapter, I knew this would differ from Steel's historical fiction or romance titles. I didn't have a clear direction of where the story was headed until Joachim commenced working with Olivia, Readers will delight in their friendship and fortitude by overcoming obstacles.
I enjoyed the read and would recommend that fans of Steel's previous books will fall in love with Joachim, Olivia and their adventures. Thank you to Danielle Steel for continuing to 'usher' in charismatic characters.
January 10, 2022
Light reading. Chapters were repetitive at times
I didn’t find it had my full attention
I didn’t find it had my full attention
August 30, 2023
If I had to sum up the whole book in one word: Ikea.
January 15, 2022
I have high hopes every time I read one of her books. Nothing like her books used to be. Boring and predictable. 2 * cause it DS and I did finish it.
April 30, 2022
his is the first Danielle Steel book I have read in many years, and I remember why I used to read all her books as soon as I could get my hands on them. Twin brothers Joachim and Javier von Hartmann are raised by their mother in Buenos Aries. They are inseparable until in their teens. It was at that time that their differences become apparent. When his mother falls in love with a man from France, they marry and move to Paris. Joachim and his mother move to Paris, but Javier wants to stay in Argentina to finish school. They leave him behind with friends to follow them when he finishes high school. It is over 20 years before they see him again. Meanwhile, Joachim goes to butler school, where he gets a job working for a wealthy, prominent family. When the elderly couple pass on, he moves to Paris to live with his mother and registers with a service. It is here, he meets Olivia. Olivia has recently lost her mother and moved to Paris to start over. She hires Joachim to help her settle in to her new home, but he ends up working with her to renovate and decorate a home for a rich Russian. This is when they realize their feelings are more than boss and employee. With Javier's life exposed, his grandfather's war crimes acknowledged and his mother getting older, Joachim must decide what he wants out of life.
The Butler by Danielle Steel is about family, twin brothers, following your dreams and love. I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but it gives us a peek into the butler profession, a look at the wealthy lifestyle that is dying out. We see a family and how it deals with it's past, present and plans for a future. This is a character driven story, which I enjoyed. The characters are strong, memorable and very likeable. I loved Joachim's relationship with his mother and how he looked out for her. I also enjoyed seeing how Olivia and Joachim became friends and eventually fell in love. I thought it was very realistic and honest. The story was slow moving, a drama, with a lot of telling, but I did enjoy it.
The Butler by Danielle Steel is about family, twin brothers, following your dreams and love. I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but it gives us a peek into the butler profession, a look at the wealthy lifestyle that is dying out. We see a family and how it deals with it's past, present and plans for a future. This is a character driven story, which I enjoyed. The characters are strong, memorable and very likeable. I loved Joachim's relationship with his mother and how he looked out for her. I also enjoyed seeing how Olivia and Joachim became friends and eventually fell in love. I thought it was very realistic and honest. The story was slow moving, a drama, with a lot of telling, but I did enjoy it.
March 5, 2022
The Butler
Danielle Steel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She does it again… She is an amazing writer and I believe she hit in the park with this book.
From a son who loses his twin brother, and can’t seem to find him but does know who is into some shady stuff. His mother who has lost a lot and has decided to stay close to her because he was worried about leaving her. You can never go wrong with a Danielle Steel book!
Danielle Steel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She does it again… She is an amazing writer and I believe she hit in the park with this book.
From a son who loses his twin brother, and can’t seem to find him but does know who is into some shady stuff. His mother who has lost a lot and has decided to stay close to her because he was worried about leaving her. You can never go wrong with a Danielle Steel book!
June 16, 2022
Just the title made me want to read this one. Twin boys, one good and one horribly bad but a mother who loved them, she was a very strong woman who loved her boys. Was not expecting that Javier would end up the way he was, that part was so sad. Lots of family secrets, love, very strong mother/son relationship. Plus best friends can fall in love. Love Danielle Steels books
November 23, 2021
This book is awful. It has been a while since I've read DS, but have always liked her books. This one seemed like it was written by a freshman HS English student. Boring, very little dialogue. I tried the audiobook, and the narrator may have made it even worse with the monotonous tone of his voice. Sorry I wasted my time.
August 24, 2021
Thank you Net Galley for generously providing me an ARC of The Butler by Danielle Steel. Danielle Steel never fails to get me out of a reading slump. She is a great story teller. I loved the story of Olivia and her butler.
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