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Happiness
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel comes an uplifting novel about an author who—to her surprise—inherits a grand estate near London.
Sabrina Brooks is a wildly successful bestselling author of gripping thrillers. Unlike her fictional characters, Sabrina lives a quiet life in the Berkshires with her two beloved dogs. But behind this peaceful exterior is a dark, painful past. As a child raised by an emotionally distant father, Sabrina rarely felt love. And as an adult, her marriage twisted into an abusive relationship from which she had to escape.
Sabrina channeled that fear into her writing, and now she has everything she’s ever wanted. Until the arrival of a mysterious letter disrupts it all, declaring that Sabrina, as the only living relative of her recently deceased uncle, is now the heir to his title and estate outside London. This shocking news forces her to cross the Atlantic and see the manor for herself, stirring up her father’s past and the secrets he kept.
Determined to sell the estate quickly and return home, Sabrina is surprised by how much she loves roaming the gardens and exploring the historic manor. She can’t help but admire her surroundings, especially with the handsome estate attorney, Grayson Abbott, acting as her tour guide. As she learns more about the family history, Sabrina begins to wonder what life would be like as “Lady Brooks,” and if she could upend the stability she has worked so hard for. Is she brave enough to choose a different path?
In Happiness, Danielle Steel creates an unforgettable story about inner strength, following your joy, and the rejuvenating power of love.
Sabrina Brooks is a wildly successful bestselling author of gripping thrillers. Unlike her fictional characters, Sabrina lives a quiet life in the Berkshires with her two beloved dogs. But behind this peaceful exterior is a dark, painful past. As a child raised by an emotionally distant father, Sabrina rarely felt love. And as an adult, her marriage twisted into an abusive relationship from which she had to escape.
Sabrina channeled that fear into her writing, and now she has everything she’s ever wanted. Until the arrival of a mysterious letter disrupts it all, declaring that Sabrina, as the only living relative of her recently deceased uncle, is now the heir to his title and estate outside London. This shocking news forces her to cross the Atlantic and see the manor for herself, stirring up her father’s past and the secrets he kept.
Determined to sell the estate quickly and return home, Sabrina is surprised by how much she loves roaming the gardens and exploring the historic manor. She can’t help but admire her surroundings, especially with the handsome estate attorney, Grayson Abbott, acting as her tour guide. As she learns more about the family history, Sabrina begins to wonder what life would be like as “Lady Brooks,” and if she could upend the stability she has worked so hard for. Is she brave enough to choose a different path?
In Happiness, Danielle Steel creates an unforgettable story about inner strength, following your joy, and the rejuvenating power of love.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 8, 2023
1926 people are currently reading
3941 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Steel
911 books16.7k 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
Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 621 reviews
August 12, 2023
"Happiness is a choice, not a gift."
November 18, 2023
Completely mistitled. Should have been UNHAPPINESS. 1 of 10 stars
August 31, 2023
Amazing! Another one of her new novels that I really go in to! I could not put it down. It was very relatable, swoony, romantic and fun. It mimics something you would see on the hallmark channel. Nevertheless, Danielle Steel stole my heart in this hopeless romantic story that leaves you questioning your own destiny. It has a great self discovery plot and a climax for those mushy gushy individuals.
A very easy recommendation for an easy read and happy romantic, self discovery adventure.
A very easy recommendation for an easy read and happy romantic, self discovery adventure.
October 1, 2025
This was my first venture into this very famous author's books, and I truly hope her others are better. This was SUCH a dud. The writing felt extremely amateur and repetitive, so much so that I even looked up how old the book was in hopes it was one of her first works, but alas, it's only a couple of years old. The characters were bland and predictable, and the author would repeatedly rehash whatever their current issue was, not even kidding, close to 10 times. There wasn't even much of a plot or climax, just a slow trickling to the completely guessable ending. The setting was the one redeeming quality, I mean, inheriting a massive English castle with a working horse farm? YES PLEASE. Yet the descriptions and setting the scene barely existed, and the author just focused on the terribly cheesy whirlwind romance.
April 11, 2024
*2.5 stars
🌞Happiness is a tale of unexpected blessings, property acquisition, relationships, family, life choices and the pursuit of contentment. It is another light and fluffy read from the author of A Gift of Hope.
🌞Sabrina Brooks has a personal history of sadness and failure. After leaving two failed marriages behind and a difficult childhood upbringing, Sabrina hopes her simple life which involves writing, a small circle of friends and her beloved pets will keep her happy. But life changes for Sabrina when she receives a life changing letter that declares she is now the heir of a manor house in the UK. The acquisition of this unexpected property sees Sabrina consider a move from the US to the UK. What life path will Sabrina choose and what will she learn along the way about her family history?
🌞Happiness was a one evening sitting read for me, it didn’t take long for me to knock this one off at all. This book is probably one of the weaker releases I have read from the global bestselling author of late, Happiness seemed to lack a spark or two. The storyline was familiar and the main character was just okay. I didn’t care much for the outside cast or the love interest. There was way too much will they/ or won’t they action in this. In the end, I didn’t really care about Sabrina’s relationship status. Steel zones in themes of change, family secrets and the pursuit of happiness in this title. These are interesting themes and issues to ponder on, but Happiness seemed to lack any kind of depth. I did like the setting interchanges and the time spent in England. I also found myself somewhat intrigued by Sabrina’s career as a thriller writer. However, I tired easily with this one and I honestly skimmed it towards the end, which is probably why I ripped through it so quickly.
🌞Happiness represents another passable read from the famous women’s fiction and romance author.
Thank you to @macmillanaus for the copy.
🌞Happiness is a tale of unexpected blessings, property acquisition, relationships, family, life choices and the pursuit of contentment. It is another light and fluffy read from the author of A Gift of Hope.
🌞Sabrina Brooks has a personal history of sadness and failure. After leaving two failed marriages behind and a difficult childhood upbringing, Sabrina hopes her simple life which involves writing, a small circle of friends and her beloved pets will keep her happy. But life changes for Sabrina when she receives a life changing letter that declares she is now the heir of a manor house in the UK. The acquisition of this unexpected property sees Sabrina consider a move from the US to the UK. What life path will Sabrina choose and what will she learn along the way about her family history?
🌞Happiness was a one evening sitting read for me, it didn’t take long for me to knock this one off at all. This book is probably one of the weaker releases I have read from the global bestselling author of late, Happiness seemed to lack a spark or two. The storyline was familiar and the main character was just okay. I didn’t care much for the outside cast or the love interest. There was way too much will they/ or won’t they action in this. In the end, I didn’t really care about Sabrina’s relationship status. Steel zones in themes of change, family secrets and the pursuit of happiness in this title. These are interesting themes and issues to ponder on, but Happiness seemed to lack any kind of depth. I did like the setting interchanges and the time spent in England. I also found myself somewhat intrigued by Sabrina’s career as a thriller writer. However, I tired easily with this one and I honestly skimmed it towards the end, which is probably why I ripped through it so quickly.
🌞Happiness represents another passable read from the famous women’s fiction and romance author.
Thank you to @macmillanaus for the copy.
July 22, 2023
2.5 Stars
I usually enjoy Danielle Steel’s novels as quick, entertaining reading, but this latest offering was very disappointing. The author’s style often includes a fair amount of repetition in backstory details and character perspectives. This book took that proclivity to the extreme and made for a tedious experience. The book could have easily been half the length without all the repetitive “filler.”
For a book entitled “Happiness” there is much angst in both the female and male protagonists’ lives and I found the statements concerning the cultivation of happiness cliched and trite. The character development felt inconsistent, and I only enjoyed the male protagonist’s father and the dogs. Several of the supporting characters were outright distasteful and even the female protagonist’s friend was manipulative with her own agenda.
Overall, this book does not represent the author’s proven ability to craft interesting storylines in the genre of women’s fiction. I look forward to her next publication.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
I usually enjoy Danielle Steel’s novels as quick, entertaining reading, but this latest offering was very disappointing. The author’s style often includes a fair amount of repetition in backstory details and character perspectives. This book took that proclivity to the extreme and made for a tedious experience. The book could have easily been half the length without all the repetitive “filler.”
For a book entitled “Happiness” there is much angst in both the female and male protagonists’ lives and I found the statements concerning the cultivation of happiness cliched and trite. The character development felt inconsistent, and I only enjoyed the male protagonist’s father and the dogs. Several of the supporting characters were outright distasteful and even the female protagonist’s friend was manipulative with her own agenda.
Overall, this book does not represent the author’s proven ability to craft interesting storylines in the genre of women’s fiction. I look forward to her next publication.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
September 9, 2023
Thank you Pan Macmillan for sending us a copy to read and review.
Happiness is the latest contemporary fiction by popular global bestseller, Danielle Steel.
A story of choices, life and the decisions we make to be happy.
Sabrina Brooks has settled into a world of writing.
She is a best selling thriller author who has had a bleak childhood.
Living in bliss in the mountains, her writing is her life.
Out of the blue, Sabrina inherits her Uncle’s mansion in country England.
Deciding to sell, she ventures to the property to take a look.
While there she hears of the unknown family history and the secrets her parents chose to keep.
What she doesn’t expect is to be attracted to the lawyer assigned to selling the estate.
Sabrina must make a decision, to go on a new path or return to her safe place…..
Repetitive prose, trite moments, bland situations, empty characters and a dull plot, just another day in the writing of Danielle Steel.
It’s ok but lacks essence and descriptive characters.
Not one of her better tales, standard for the escapism read.
I wish someone would mention to her that quality is better than quantity.
The ideas are still flowing but it seems to feel incomplete.
A fair read from the well-known writer.
Happiness is the latest contemporary fiction by popular global bestseller, Danielle Steel.
A story of choices, life and the decisions we make to be happy.
Sabrina Brooks has settled into a world of writing.
She is a best selling thriller author who has had a bleak childhood.
Living in bliss in the mountains, her writing is her life.
Out of the blue, Sabrina inherits her Uncle’s mansion in country England.
Deciding to sell, she ventures to the property to take a look.
While there she hears of the unknown family history and the secrets her parents chose to keep.
What she doesn’t expect is to be attracted to the lawyer assigned to selling the estate.
Sabrina must make a decision, to go on a new path or return to her safe place…..
Repetitive prose, trite moments, bland situations, empty characters and a dull plot, just another day in the writing of Danielle Steel.
It’s ok but lacks essence and descriptive characters.
Not one of her better tales, standard for the escapism read.
I wish someone would mention to her that quality is better than quantity.
The ideas are still flowing but it seems to feel incomplete.
A fair read from the well-known writer.
August 17, 2023
I had a longer review written but it disappeared on me.
It’s been a long time since I read a Danielle Steel book and now I remember why I stopped.
Besides being a waste of money, this book was so repetitive it felt like she thinks her readers are too stupid to remember things. Then the love story was ridiculously fast. I used to love her books and I believe if she would put out 1 or 2 books a year instead of 4, she could spend more time and write much better stories. Plus a new editor wouldn’t hurt either.
It’s been a long time since I read a Danielle Steel book and now I remember why I stopped.
Besides being a waste of money, this book was so repetitive it felt like she thinks her readers are too stupid to remember things. Then the love story was ridiculously fast. I used to love her books and I believe if she would put out 1 or 2 books a year instead of 4, she could spend more time and write much better stories. Plus a new editor wouldn’t hurt either.
July 28, 2023
As I"ve said before, Danielle Steel books seem to be either gems or clinkers. “Happiness” was, unfortunately, one of my least favorite of Ms. Steel’s novels. The story revolves around Sabrina Brooks, a suspense/thriller novelist who grew up without loving parents and had two failed marriages behind her. She found contentment with her two dogs and her farmhouse in the Berkshires until she inherits and English estate and meets Gray, an unhappily married attorney. It was a lot of “will she or won’t she” back and forth to the point that the reader didn’t really care. There were some sideline characters who could have been better fleshed out and really, the whole story was predictable. Yes, we knew from the first few pages that her father was an unloving father. No, we did not need to have that fact hammered into our head page after page. While I will continue to read Danielle Steel books for those gems I mentioned above, I cannot, in all good conscience, recommend this one. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion.
August 12, 2023
"Happiness was not only a choice, it was a gift."
Danielle Steel points out that happiness is a choice. That sounds obvious but why then would we choose unhappiness?
I sometimes see my friends and family make choices that run counter to their happiness. I'm sure that I do the same.
Steels beautifully written characters face these questions as they navigate two roads. Which would bring happiness? Is my happiness an important factor? Do I deserve happiness?
Thoughts for all of us to ponder.
Danielle Steel points out that happiness is a choice. That sounds obvious but why then would we choose unhappiness?
I sometimes see my friends and family make choices that run counter to their happiness. I'm sure that I do the same.
Steels beautifully written characters face these questions as they navigate two roads. Which would bring happiness? Is my happiness an important factor? Do I deserve happiness?
Thoughts for all of us to ponder.
October 26, 2023
Too much repeating the same thing over and over!
2023
October 22, 2025Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press
April 11, 2025
Tired DS, but good listening for a work task where no concentration was needed - if I missed anything it didn’t matter.
Repetitive, bland and mundane. Cliche, uninspired - lacking depth and substance. The author must love what she does regardless of outcome and being judged!
Repetitive, bland and mundane. Cliche, uninspired - lacking depth and substance. The author must love what she does regardless of outcome and being judged!
August 27, 2023
no climax at all
I thought there would be some mystery behind her parents past and maybe a surprise or two. It was nothing. No surprise, no suspense, no exciting ending. This book about two middle aged people getting together and it’s as boring as that sounds.
I thought there would be some mystery behind her parents past and maybe a surprise or two. It was nothing. No surprise, no suspense, no exciting ending. This book about two middle aged people getting together and it’s as boring as that sounds.
September 3, 2023
My first Danielle Steel novel and I was pretty disappointed.
Happiness is about Sabrina Brooks, a 48 yo woman who comfortably lives in the Berkshire’s with her two dogs in a farmhouse style home, and who writes twisty thrillers for a living. Writing thrillers was inspired by being married to a sociopathic doctor that controlled her life - that was thirteen years ago and she is just now getting settled with her new life as a single woman and a successful author whose previous works have been made into movies.
Sabrina is now perfectly happy with her life, when she suddenly gets notice from England that she has inherited a 60 acre estate with a lake, and a title of Viscountess / Lady Brooks, from her British Uncle Rupert - her father’s older brother whom they have been estranged. Sabrina’s upbringing and childhood had been loveless - living with her father who became a recluse and a writer of historical books who recently passed away, and a French mother who left them when Sabrina was just six years old.
Sabrina had been quick to decide to sell the estate, but hesitates when she fell in love with her London attorney - however, Sabrina finds out that he is married, and he kept it from her. In a back and forth difficult decision and not wanting to be a mistress, Sabrina had to figure out what happiness is to her and if the English estate was part of that.
The best thing about this book was that it was short - about 230 pages and can be read in one sitting. The writing was in third person which I found difficult to read as it felt like Steel was telling the story rather than showing - with interspersed dialogue in between, that was long winded, unnatural, and unrealistic. There were a lot of repetition that felt like a filler. I have never read a book like this where Third Person Omniscient Narration just did not work. Maybe it’s just me.
There are so many fans of Danielle Steel’s writing and I will definitely read more of her other books - and hopefully this was just a one off.
Happiness is about Sabrina Brooks, a 48 yo woman who comfortably lives in the Berkshire’s with her two dogs in a farmhouse style home, and who writes twisty thrillers for a living. Writing thrillers was inspired by being married to a sociopathic doctor that controlled her life - that was thirteen years ago and she is just now getting settled with her new life as a single woman and a successful author whose previous works have been made into movies.
Sabrina is now perfectly happy with her life, when she suddenly gets notice from England that she has inherited a 60 acre estate with a lake, and a title of Viscountess / Lady Brooks, from her British Uncle Rupert - her father’s older brother whom they have been estranged. Sabrina’s upbringing and childhood had been loveless - living with her father who became a recluse and a writer of historical books who recently passed away, and a French mother who left them when Sabrina was just six years old.
Sabrina had been quick to decide to sell the estate, but hesitates when she fell in love with her London attorney - however, Sabrina finds out that he is married, and he kept it from her. In a back and forth difficult decision and not wanting to be a mistress, Sabrina had to figure out what happiness is to her and if the English estate was part of that.
The best thing about this book was that it was short - about 230 pages and can be read in one sitting. The writing was in third person which I found difficult to read as it felt like Steel was telling the story rather than showing - with interspersed dialogue in between, that was long winded, unnatural, and unrealistic. There were a lot of repetition that felt like a filler. I have never read a book like this where Third Person Omniscient Narration just did not work. Maybe it’s just me.
There are so many fans of Danielle Steel’s writing and I will definitely read more of her other books - and hopefully this was just a one off.
August 20, 2023
Did not finish @40%. So repetitive. Could not get into it.
May 9, 2024
Not sure how I missed this Danielle Steel book when it came out in August 2023. I have read 50+ books of hers so I was excited to read her latest one, Happiness. It just took me awhile to find it! Sabrina inherits a grand estate in England from an uncle she never knew. She came from a pretty rough upbringing but she pulled herself together and she became a very famous author. This is heartwarming, a little romance and I really enjoyed it. A nice change from all the thrillers I’ve been reading lately.
January 6, 2024
Where are all those rave reviews coming from?
Reading this I felt like the MCs’ love story was summarized. Like I was reading a condensed version of the book. Which kinda blows because then it felt too soon and rushed when the heroine mentions falling in love with him… although I guess I would have felt that way anyway given that this happens literally after meeting him just ONCE. 😬 🤦🏻♀️ oh well. It also meant I just didn’t care about either character or their love story.
I found the hero terribly bland. 😬 the heroine Uber dramatic 🙄 here’s an excerpt:
“Gray had just shown her that she was ill prepared for those big leagues, so she was refusing the property and staying where she knew she was safe and could trust people, in her barn with her dogs. He had convinced her in a week that that bigger world was not for her. He had robbed her of that dream.”
And then a couple or paragraphs later:
“She was not going to let Gray Abbott take anything more from her. He had violated her trust and scared her off from taking the property she’d been given, but she intended to live her life to the fullest where she was and felt comfortable.”
Dramatic much? She’s known him for ONE WEEK at that point 🙄
Another tidbit of nonsense:
“The secret was staying busy, and writing a lot, and she intended to do both. That always worked for her when faced with a disappointment, which Gray had been.”
For someone who’s been in therapy for years and years she sure hasn’t learned much 🙄 you don’t avoid your feelings - you face them. Any therapist will tell you that 🙄
Ahhh well. Big fat fail for me. DNF @46% because 🤢 🙄
Reading this I felt like the MCs’ love story was summarized. Like I was reading a condensed version of the book. Which kinda blows because then it felt too soon and rushed when the heroine mentions falling in love with him… although I guess I would have felt that way anyway given that this happens literally after meeting him just ONCE. 😬 🤦🏻♀️ oh well. It also meant I just didn’t care about either character or their love story.
I found the hero terribly bland. 😬 the heroine Uber dramatic 🙄 here’s an excerpt:
“Gray had just shown her that she was ill prepared for those big leagues, so she was refusing the property and staying where she knew she was safe and could trust people, in her barn with her dogs. He had convinced her in a week that that bigger world was not for her. He had robbed her of that dream.”
And then a couple or paragraphs later:
“She was not going to let Gray Abbott take anything more from her. He had violated her trust and scared her off from taking the property she’d been given, but she intended to live her life to the fullest where she was and felt comfortable.”
Dramatic much? She’s known him for ONE WEEK at that point 🙄
Another tidbit of nonsense:
“The secret was staying busy, and writing a lot, and she intended to do both. That always worked for her when faced with a disappointment, which Gray had been.”
For someone who’s been in therapy for years and years she sure hasn’t learned much 🙄 you don’t avoid your feelings - you face them. Any therapist will tell you that 🙄
Ahhh well. Big fat fail for me. DNF @46% because 🤢 🙄
August 12, 2023
Too much filler and not enough story/ plot. A quick read with many skipped, repetitive parts.
September 6, 2023
I don't know why, but I felt like I have read this book before. I checked my books that I've read and I hadn't read it. It is a first edition published in 2023. It just had such an odd feeling to it like I have read it before and I knew what was going to happen. I have read a lot of books that I guess what's coming next but this was the entire book. I don't know if maybe I read it another time or if there's another author that wrote a book similar to this that I have read. Did anyone else have that feeling? It's probably only me. Lol. With that being said it was a good book. I would recommend it and happiness is a choice.
November 4, 2023
Seriously, why do I continue reading Danielle Steel? This book could easily be a short story, if she eliminated all the endless descriptions of what people are wearing (who cares?) and their mundane daily activities that we all do. Boring, predictable, awful.
October 10, 2023
Not DS best writing. Felt very repetitive in the storyline. Tell it to me once and move on.
January 9, 2024
Dreadful, predictable and repetitive
Dreadful, predictable and repetitive
Dreadful, predictable and repetitive
The non-existent plot has more holes than Swiss cheese. A new low even for DS.
Dreadful, predictable and repetitive
Dreadful, predictable and repetitive
The non-existent plot has more holes than Swiss cheese. A new low even for DS.
January 21, 2024
Another Danielle Steel winner. The absolute strength of this book the descriptions of people and the settings.
I am always impressed with Steel and highly recommend this book.
I am always impressed with Steel and highly recommend this book.
August 21, 2023
This should be a novella. The entire story would be a few chapters if every page did not repeat the same information. Story was fine, and I love a good romance. It just seemed like this was written for someone with a lot of memory loss.
August 27, 2023
1 1/2 rounded up to 2…her books are total mindlessness (and to be perfectly honest are quick reads to up my book count). But this one was beyond mindlessness.
August 29, 2023
I read this book in two days, and it was typical of Daniel Steele. It was a wonderful story with a feel good ending.
October 1, 2023
Stupidest book by Danielle Steel ever.
November 26, 2024
An awesome book by an awesome author.
March 2, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever given a book one star but I also don’t think I’ve ever read a Danielle Steel book. The book was so poorly written it is overly repetitive and the actual storyline is very minimal. I am not sure how that makes it through editing ?! She just keeps saying the same thing over and over I think I saw someone else saying their review but this book shouldn’t be called happiness, but rather Unhappiness! The ending was horrible too. The only reason I decided to finish it after I was already discovering how horrible the writing was is because the book is so short so I figured I might as well read the other hundred pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 621 reviews