Mixed Blessings

by Danielle Steel

After the wedding of Diana Goode and Andrew Douglas, Diana teases that they will make a baby on their honeymoon.  But long afterward, she is still not pregnant.  As Diana and Andrew wait out each month only to be bitterly disappointed, they are forced to question just how much they are willing to go through to have a baby.  

Charlie Winwood dreams of a house filled with children.  His bride, party-girl actress Barbie Mason, has other ideas.  When he discovers he is sterile, Charlie has to rethink his deepest values -- and his marriage to a woman who shares none of his dreams.

After ten years of living together, Pilar Graham, a prominent Santa Barbara attorney, marries Judge Brad Coleman, who is nineteen years her senior and father of two grown children.  They are happy with their comfortable life together, à deux, until Pilar begins to wonder if she will someday regret not having a baby with Brad.  Are they crazy to begin now -- with Brad about to become a grandfather and Pilar with a busy career, and in her early forties, possibly putting herself at risk?

Through the lives of these couples, Danielle Steel shows us the mixed blessingswe face as we build our families and live our modern lives.  She touches us with the triumphant people who prevail, their victories, their defeats, their tragedies and joys, their compromises, their lives.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Drama, Adult Fiction

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Reviews

[Tea Jovanović · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jedna od njenih najboljih knjiga... S veoma aktuelnom temom u svetu već godinama... Dok sam je prevodila i svaki čas proveravala stvari s priznatim lekarima u pojedinim oblastima, svi su me pitali da li to prevodim neku stručnu knjigu iz medicine... :)

[Noella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy en Diana willen graag een kindje, maar Diana blijkt onvruchtbaar te zijn omdat ze vroeger door een spiraaltje een onontdekte infectie gehad heeft die littekens op haar eileiders gemaakt heeft.
In het huwelijk van Barbie en Charlie is het vooral Charlie die graag een kind wil, Barbie echter ziet dat niet zitten. Maar hoewel ze onvoorzichtig is met voorbehoedsmiddelen, wordt ze toch niet zwanger. Dan blijkt dat Charlie steriel is.
Brad en Pilar zijn een al wat ouder koppel, Brad is 61 en Pilar 42. Hoewel ze al een jarenlange relatie hebben, heeft Pilar nooit de noodzaak gevoeld om te trouwen, alhoewel Brad dat wil graag wilde. Brad heeft al volwassen kinderen uit zijn eerste huwelijk. Dan besluit Pilar toch om met Brad te trouwen, en ineens is daar ook haar kinderwens, iets waar ze ook nooit aan gedacht had. Maar op haar leeftijd is het niet meer zo simpel om zwanger te worden en een gezond kind ter wereld te brengen...
Deze drie koppels worden dus afwisselend belicht in dit boek. Ik vond dat het zich in het begin nogal traag voortsleepte, maar naarmate het boek vorderde, werd het wel heel emotioneel. Heel meeslepende verhalen. Eerst dacht ik aan 3 sterren, maar het is er toch wel 4 waard.

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

In usual DS fashion, I enjoyed an easy read, three intertwining stories of couples and their different experience of infertility. Nothing at all challenging, but still lots of moments when I felt close to the characters, and cared about what happened to them.

[Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tri bračna para, tri različite situacije, tri emotivne priče o neopisivoj želji za stvaranjem obitelji, o zdravstvenoj nemogućnosti za ostvarivanjem tog željenog cilja i neopisivoj tuzi, upornosti, hrabrosti i ljubavi koja spomenute bračne parove razdvaja, ali i veže.

Postoje dva načina na koja je moguće doživjeti ovu knjigu, ovisno o životnom iskustvu samog čitatelja.
Ukoliko ste osoba koja se iskustvom poistovjećuje sa jednom od situacija opisanih u knjizi, gotovo ćete sigurno ovu knjigu doživjeti vrlo emotivno i nećete je lako ispuštati iz ruku.
Knjiga me dirnula duboko u srce i preporučam je svima onima koji prolaze kroz slično iskustvo jer, ne samo da ćete se naći u njoj, već će vas donekle i utješiti, pružajući vam nadu koju u tom trenutku možda nemate.
Jednako tako knjigu preporučam i ostalima koji su imali sreću ne doživjeti sudbinu likova u ovoj knjizi, jer sasvim sigurno u svom životu poznajete bar jednu osobu ili bračni par koji prolazi upravo kroz ovakve teške trenutke i ova će vam knjiga svakako pomoći da bar donekle shvatite osjećaje koji prožimaju te nesretne parove i na taj ćete im način biti u mogućnosti pružiti podršku na pravi način.

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three couples living charmed lives in California marry on the same day. The couples are diffrent ages and backgrounds but all face the decision about having children. This will test their ties as partners and friends. They go through stormy times, tears, withdrawal, and bitterness. Their lives, goals and their feelings about family are on the line before coming to a happy ending. Many twists and surprises. I did not like this book as much as others she has written.

[Danielle Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW: infertility, child loss, miscarriage

Although a quick read I would say this is one of the less fun Danielle Steel books. Really dogs into the consequences of what wanting a family means to three different couples.

This is also the first book by her that was told from three different and un-touching stories all of course with a common thread.

The 30th book I’ve read by her in publication order.

[Irene Azuaje · Rating 5 out of 5]

Si la gente leyera este libro se abrió ahorrado muchos dolores de cabeza en cuanto a la indiscreción.

[sapphire temileyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favourite ds books!!!

[Nancee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not get interested .. skipped very quickly through this. Too many characters for sure.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so depressing. I don’t have children, so I have to wonder if women who have experienced infertility issues and experienced miscarriages find it depressing, or do they find it comforting to know that there are other options and possibly miracles. I’m also curious if the happy endings that two of them experienced are likely, or are they purely fiction to create a happy ending. I disliked Diana and felt sorry for Andy. I most identified with Pilar because I decided early on that I didn’t want to have children (for different reasons than Pilar), but I was confused by her sudden flip and instant obsession. I most enjoyed Charlie’s story and wished the book had been solely about him. I was happy for him when he found love, found a family, and helped to save a little orphan boy who might not have been adopted. As usual, this author’s books are poorly written, and she uses expressions that young people wouldn’t use. I’m also so tired of her describing everything as handsome. She overuses that word and uses it to describe everything. I also had to laugh at how she described Thanksgiving dinner, but it was the popcorn later that night that was delicious. Her writing is just so bad. I’m sorry I wasted my time on this one. I’m glad Im almost at the end of the stack of her books I bought.

[J Jahir · Rating 4 out of 5]

En este libro, observamos que el tema central de la novela es sobre ser padres. Tres parejas que se casan el mismo día y que no se conocen entre sí tienen que afrontar el hecho de ser padres de una forma diferente. Me pareció muy bueno porque una vez más, Danielle Steel refleja los deseos, pensamientos y emociones de las tres parejas.

[Nat PlainJanetheBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of the movie for years and years. I love all the Danielle Steel movies to be honest which makes is so strange that I haven’t read the books! Now after reading the book, I can say that I loved both versions. Of course, the movie has a time limit so I can always understand why books a something different to the book. But I loved the movie that much already, that when I read the book and loved the whole story even more because there were bits in there that didn’t happen in the movie. What a treat!
Now I haven’t actually read a Danielle Steel book before. I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to read. The writing was smooth, the pace right, and the characters developed nicely. If I had to choose my favourite couple story, it would be hard. I enjoyed them all to be honest. But it I HAD to choose, then I would probably choose… Pilar and Brad’s.
If you’ve seen the movie, I recommend reading the book now!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually skipped parts of this book. There were actually three stories involved and I was not reading Pilar and Brad's part. Lol. I did enjoy the every-now-and-then twisty moments in the novel though. And Danielle Steel really proves to be an author who can produce such heart-warming stories. It's a lovely tale that lets you believe that blessings are everywhere if we just stop and try to take a look at them.

[Julie Hoffpauir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seriously depressed me...Three different couples, three different types of lifestyles and ages, three different ways to feel about the couples..

I felt a lot of rage toward Diana and how she treated Andy when all he was trying to do was help. I cried for poor Charlie because of that witch Barb he married. I felt so heartbroken for Pilar and Brad because of her decided so late in her life to have a child and then the heartbreak after...but I enjoyed the story a lot.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love this story...I've read this book many times. It reminds me of my own infertility troubles and those of others. Reading it this time, I was touched by Charlies story of growing up in an orphanage and finally aging out and not being adopted because of his asthma. I've often thought of adoption and maybe one day that is a road we will travel.

[Narmadharayaru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book, Danielle expressed the feeling of of the couple who are longing for the baby and the happiness when it arrives. She captured each moments of the couples around this title. It never looks like story..its all collection of real incidents in most of the life

[Aղցela W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that I read as a teen. Danielle Steel weaved a tell about couples who are struggling with becoming parents or in one case his marriage to a woman who doesn't want to have kids.

[Rob · Rating 1 out of 5]

"He certainly did not make love like he was sterile." Worst. . .line. . .ever (and I read "Fifty Shades of Grey"). This was the last Danielle Steel book I could tolerate.

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a waste... weak, simpy woman who are not fulfilled unless they have a baby. What a slam to women. Shame on you Danielle Steele. Do not waste your time reading this book. I can't believe I did.

[Sana Merchant · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t complete. It was like reading a ‘how to conceive’ book.

[Cláudia Santos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Logo no início senti-me muito desiludida. O estilo de escrita é bastante descritivo, não deixa nada à descoberta, o que me desapontou bastante. Eu gosto de livros que deixam, ao leitor, um papel mais ativo. As personagens são exaustivamente descritas, quer fisicamente, quer em termos psicológicos, quer mesmo em termos da sua história. Os locais são também muito descritos e até mesmo os sentimentos que os personagens têm ao longo dos diálogos não os apreendemos como fruto da nossa interpretação de leitor, mas são nos transmitidos, pormenor por pormenor, pela autora. Enfim, nada é deixado ao livre pensamento do leitor e só isso para mim já retira bastante prazer à leitura.

A história é muito ligeira. Não o conteúdo da história, mas digamos os floreados. Ou seja, Danielle mostra-nos personagens perfeitas. São excelentes pessoas, muito competentes, muito bonitas. São casais que quando entram num restaurante todos param para olhar o belo casal, enfim... É tudo idílico de uma forma muito conservadora.

A história, no entanto, no seu cerne é interessante, principalmente porque a autora se debruça sobre o tema da paternidade/maternidade de uma forma muito realista. Diferentes perspectivas, muitos problemas, opções de abordagem e de resolução diferentes. A este nível gostei da estrutura da história e deixa-me a esperança que sobre outro tema, aqueles aspetos dos quais não gostei possam ser atenuados.

[Jenn Mull · Rating 2 out of 5]

This seems like a pretty standard story—characters are introduced, disaster strikes, but in the end [mostly] everything turns out okay. It was a combination of three separate stories of couples dealing with the decision, and ability, to have kids. Overall, the story was interesting; it was an easy read. I was mildly surprised that the stories never collided, but of course, that's not really an issue.

As for Danielle's writing—awful, repetitive, simple, and uneducated. My biggest problem was her extreme overuse of the two words "and" and "but." At times, the word "and" would show up 4 times in a sentence! From the very first word of the sentence (which we all know is frowned upon), and continuing throughout, which brings me to my next point. I have never encountered so many run-on sentences in one book! Lastly, I'm not sure that she even knows the difference between "and" and "but." Besides overusing both words, she seemed to just interchange them willy-nilly, as though they don't have actual definitions and rules for use.

I have a vague recollection of similar feelings from the last time I read a Danielle Steel book, so I think I'll probably be getting rid of my collection at this point . . .

[Jesús Rubio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Como me envenenan los libros de esta mujer, mi escritora favorita sin duda.
Nos habla en esta bella obra de arte acerca de la maternidad si, pero, mierda, nos lleva muy amablemente sobre el desarrollo de las parejas cómo binomio, lo estresante que puede ser el tra bambalinas de buscar tener un hijo y el resultado de escoger un compromiso del nivel de un embarazo por cierta imposición canonica o social que recordemos que cuando no lo aceptamos por voluntad propia cualquier compromiso se vuelve una carga.
La gran empatía que sentía por las niñas que aparecen aquí era gradísima, la envidia y la pregunta normal más castrosa y autodestructiva que puede formular un ser humano "¿Por qué el/ella sí y yo no?".
La madurez de ciertos personajes se hacia ver que les llevaban cuadras de distancia en este proceso que compartían todos y me encantó esa parte.
Lo que más me gustó fue la conexión que pude formar con los personajes que inclusive pensaba que podrían llegar a pensar, decir o hacer, te amo Daniel Steel.

[Cindy Wiedemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

oof this book hit home, and hit hard. This book touches on the lives of three couples married on the same day. while their lives never mix, they all approach married life in different ways, including whether or not to have children. the topic of abortion and infertility are explored as well as infidelity, marriage, and how they survive or don't through trials of life and what in the end makes you happy and what defines family. While I was a bit disappointed in how things were for the most part, closed and resolved with a pretty pink bow of happiness, I have to remind myself this is a romance author and they all live happily ever after, or do they? The book has extreme emotions and intense sadness and could be difficult topics for some to read, but I enjoyed the book and had difficulty putting it down. Danielle Steel never disappoints.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three couples and their journey to have children.

Diana and Andy try desperately to have children after they are married and after undergoing numerous tests Diana finds out that she is unable to. They separate and then reconcile and find themselves adoptive parents over a weekend and pregnant with their own child soon after that.

Charlie married a Las Vegas stripper and desperately wants to have a family and finds out that he has zero active sperm. His wife leaves him and he finds a single woman taking care of her child and form a relationship with them

Pilar and Brad married late in life 40s and 60s and when her step daughter has a child, Pilar is struck with the child instinct. They take advantage of medical advances and Pilar is pregnant with twins, but she loses one of them in childbirth and both of them are inconsolable

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh boy what a novel - on one hand full of joy and happiness and on the other shock, despair, sadness, and anger! When I first started reading it was difficult to gather the storyline of three couples in their relationships. Careers and marriage in some cases were competing with each other! And with each couple there were concerns as to reasons for a relationship or even marriage. The wanting of children was top topic, but how to get to finally having children was the journey that each couple had to travel and endure. And out of each journey was hardship, strife; also bittersweet joy! Why was life so hard at times? And why was nature sometimes playing games with these couples in making their modern families - definitely mixed blessings all round!

[Khalil Aragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

a heartwarming and emotional story about a mother's love and the challenges of raising a blended family. The book tells the story of a woman who marries a man with three children, and the struggles they face as they try to merge their two families. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is both realistic and thought-provoking. Steel does a great job of capturing the emotions and challenges that come with blending a family, making it a must-read for anyone who has experienced this themselves or knows someone who has. The story has a good flow and it keeps you engaged throughout the book. Overall, "Mixed Blessings" is a well-written and insightful novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever had to navigate the complexities of family dynamics.

[X · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every since I was a teenager in the mid 90s I used to write down the date of finishing a book, add location and time [in secs]. I guess I was paving the way for my goodreads account to be so accurate.

One of those books is this one.

I marked it for few months as to read, since I forgot part of the plot, but then decided against doing that, since the topic is not interesting to me at this time.

Danielle Steel was my top favorite author growing up, and Palamino is still one of my all time favs.

[Paul White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel and for once don't want to include any spoilers.

What I will say is that as usual Ms Steel is able to get to the core of human nature and relationships. Life is not always black and white and we all have our own needs and dreams. This book shows how several couples are faced with life choices that can make or break relationships, not to mention character. But as the title points out, life is made up of mixed blessings and the secret it to make the most of the opportunities that come your way.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very emotional book to read. I found myself having to take small breaks through the holiday
season to get a feel for each couple separately but once the introductions were out of the way it was a
smooth read. I would say for any new readers of this book to bring your tissues because I sobbed in
quite a few scenes in this book but the ending was rewarding in unexpected but satisfying ways. All in all it is a good book that was well written but since the subject and content are so emotional I won't
be rereading the book because once was enough for me.