Cover Image: The Ball at Versailles

The Ball at Versailles

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

The Ball at Versailles is yet another amazing historical fiction by Danielle Steel. As a fan for many years , I really enjoyed it . Four young American ladies are invited to a debutante Ball in Paris The beginning of the book details each girl’s life and after the ball it shows how their lives end up intertwined .
They all have to learn about lives complications in their own way.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy for my opinion .

Was this review helpful?

I loved this story of four American debutantes who are invited to attend a cotillion in Paris. wonderful setting, great characters.

Was this review helpful?

Round up to 3.5 stars

Reading this book was self-indulgent. I’d had a hectic week and needed an escape. This was the perfect antidote to relieve my stress.
We’re taken back to the late 1950s when debutante balls were still the rage. Young women were introduced to society to meet eligible young men from families who were part of society and financially stable. Four young American women are invited to the biggest event of the social season, a coming-out ball at the Palace of Versailles in Paris.
Each young woman has their own back story, and we follow them from when they are invited to the ball to after the event, and their friendship continues. Some of the stories overlap, but each experiences life-changing events.
I enjoy concurrent stories that overlap and join together at the end. I liked each of the four main characters and had favorite moments of each of them. While I thought the story was accurate on most points, I found that some of the women’s actions were a little modern for the late 1950s. But since the author tends to write about modern women, I guess these characters fit in fine with this story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and Delacorte Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Review posts:
Goodreads (already posted): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5921739599
StoryGraph (already posted): https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/b6691308-5e19-4eea-9595-aff176c20076
Instagram: will be posted on 11/07/2023 @read.rest.recharge

Was this review helpful?

I was excited NetGalley and the publisher approved me for Danielle Steel’s latest book The Ball at Versailles. This had me from the very first page and I loved this heartfelt story from 1959. Four American women and other women from France were chosen to go to as debutants to the ball and none of them wanted to go but each of their parents talked them into it. Loved the story, loved the characters and loved the ending! My 51st Daniel Steel book!

Was this review helpful?

The Ball at Versailles is historical fiction about four girls meeting at the ball in Paris and how their lives are forever changed as a result. Liked the way that it was basically 4 stories in one and how that intertwined as a result of the ball and the friendships made there. It's different from other historic fiction that I read which can be heavy and depressing. This ends up being a feel good story with a happy ending. If that is what you are looking for - this will fit the bill. Danielle Steel books are always a light read with a happy ending.

Was this review helpful?

Four girls are offered the chance if a lifetime to be presented in Paris at Versailles. Each girl has their own reasons for not wanting to attend, but in the end they all go and become friends. I enjoyed how each girl’s story was presented throughout the book. Like most Steel books, this is a fast and easy read that sucks you right in.

Was this review helpful?

For most girls the chance to attend a ball in Paris would be wonderful. For these girls it is either magic or the worst thing possible. The magic of Danielle Steel Brings it all alive. Great Read!!

Was this review helpful?

Release Date: February 21 , 2024

📖📖📖📖

It’s the summer of 1959 and the Palace of Versailles is hosting an event that will make history. It is an exclusive dusk-to-dawn ball in which a select group of American and French debutantes will be presented to international society and royalty. Four young women, all with something to prove, receive what some see as the invitation of a lifetime.
For all these young women, Paris and one transcendent night will change their lives forever.

I thoroughly enjoyed @officialdaniellesteel book #BallofVersailles. It kept my interest all through the entire book. I really liked that it was about young people and their parents ! I totally Recommend this book. I still think her book Suspects is one of my favorites though.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

#ballatversailles #daniellesteel
#randomhousepublishing #ballentinepublishing #delacortepress #netgalleyreads #romance #bookreview #bookstagram #booklover #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #booktok #bookrecommendations #bibliophile #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #igreads #goodreads #bookclub #bookreviews #bookblog

Was this review helpful?

How fun to meet someone at a Ball and to become best friends. As this is not one of my favorite reads by Danielle Steel but it won't stop me from continuing to read her books. Four ladies meet at the Ball and become best friends over time. Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and is my own opinion. #theballatversailles, #netgalley, #delacortepress, #daniellesteel, #ball

Was this review helpful?

Danielle Steel never ceases to provide readers with a swoon-worthy read! Most women can only imagine what it would be like to attend the Ball at Versailles in its atmospheric setting. With her vivid descriptions and glorious imagery, Steel paints a vivid picture of the elegant gowns, elaborate decorations, and intriguing conversations, making her readers feel as if they are there themselves.

In the summer of 1959, a historic event takes place at the Palace of Versailles. In this exclusive ball, a select group of American and French debutantes will be presented to international society and royalty. This evening promises to be an unforgettable moment for the debutantes, as they will be entering a new era of affluence and opportunity. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Amelia, Felicity, Caroline, and Samantha, four young American girls. There will be opulence, glamour, and a chance to form lasting connections with the elite at this stunning ball. This trip to Paris promises to be a dreamy night that will change their lives forever.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for sharing this beautiful story with me. I felt like I was on a stunning adventure as I read The Ball at Versailles.

Was this review helpful?

It’s the summer of 1959 and the Palace of Versailles is hosting an event that will make history. It is an exclusive dusk-to-dawn ball in which a select group of American and French debutantes will be presented to international society and royalty. Four young women, all with something to prove, receive what some see as the invitation of a lifetime.

Amelia Alexander, who hopes to eventually attend law school, hesitates to participate in what she sees as an archaic and privileged tradition. But her indomitable widowed mother, Jane, who’s struggled financially and sacrificed for a career, encourages her to attend. Jane would do anything for Amelia to have the chance at a happily ever after.

Felicity Smith is equally uncertain about the ball. Although her family is prominent in the Dallas social scene, Felicity prefers to keep to herself, avoiding the older sister who torments her. But to get out of her sister’s shadow, Felicity decides to accept. If it’s a success, the tables will have turned at last.

For Caroline Taylor, the beautiful ingénue and daughter of Hollywood legends, the ball is an irresistible opportunity. But an unexpected heartbreak just before she leaves for France gets things off to a bad start.

Then there’s Samantha Walker, an art history major with an overprotective father. Her excitement about the invitation is overshadowed by the emotional and physical effects of a past tragedy that still haunts her.

For all these young women, Paris and one transcendent night will change their lives forever.
I love anything read by Danielle Steel! This one did not disappoint!

Was this review helpful?

I really loved this story of 4 debutants that are invited to the historical event at the Versailles. The 4 ladies are Amelia Alexander who will be going to law school as soon as she finishes NYU. Jane is her Mom
Samantha Walker who also is going to NYU. raised by her father.
Felicity Smith who goes to MIT in Boston studying to be a physicist.
Caroline Taylor whose parents are Hollywood actors.. This is such a GREAT READ that I am not going to tell you more. A MUST READ.

Was this review helpful?

This book was OK. It talked about four women who met at the ball. I liked how it talked out each of them. They became best friends. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Four young women and their parents attend a coming out ball in France and develop friendships that sound awesome. The four separate stories continue to be intertwined and just really make me wish I could have been in the audience. I love how this author develops the stories of these four young women and their parents. Such a beautiful story. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

In 1959 the Palace of Versailles is having its first cotillion for young ladies from both France and America. This book focuses on the four young women from America who received the coveted invitation. All 4 of the young women have very different family backgrounds and future pursuits.
The 4 find a special comradery together when they arrive in Paris and meet. Will this presentation to society in France change their future paths forward?

Was this review helpful?

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

The Palace of Versailles has decided to host its first cotillion in 1959. Forty women from America have been invited to join 200 French women in this honor. The novel follows four America women from different walks of life and perspective through the ball and the year that follows.

As one would expect, Steel writes a glorious, richly described novel about love, loss, and friendship. Would love a sequel to see what comes next.....

Was this review helpful?

The Ball at Versailles is a captivating and enchanting novel that transports readers to the summer of 1959, immersing them in an exclusive and historic event held at the magnificent Palace of Versailles. This mesmerizing tale revolves around the lives of four American debutantes, who are bestowed with the honor of attending a dusk-to-dawn ball, where they will be introduced to international society and royalty.

Steel masterfully crafts well-developed characters, allowing readers to form deep connections with each debutante. Their individual journeys are emotionally compelling, drawing readers into a world of relatable experiences and heartfelt challenges. As the story unfolds, readers will find themselves wholeheartedly cheering for the triumphs of these young women, while also empathizing with the obstacles they face.

Immerse yourself in the glamour and intrigue of The Ball at Versailles, as Danielle Steel weaves a tapestry of passion, ambition, and resilience. This novel not only offers a glimpse into a bygone era but also explores timeless themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of Versailles and the indomitable spirit of these remarkable debutantes.

Was this review helpful?

Another enjoyable read by Danielle Steel. It was interesting to see the coming out process and how the characters are affected. The process itself seems somewhat random and arbitrary. I enjoyed seeing the main characters evolve and interact. However, it seemed that the final resolution for two of the characters was not expressed, which I found disappointing. I would have enjoyed an epilogue several years into the future showing the reader how this experience ultimately helped them in their growth. Altogether an enjoyable read. I would recommend.

Was this review helpful?

This is the story of 4 young women from very different backgrounds who meet at a debutante ball in Versailles. The story follow their lives after they leave the ball. This is a typical Danielle Steel, you can expect a happy ending with a good story to enjoy along the way. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Was this review helpful?

This was an excellent Danielle Steel book. Four very different girls go to the ball at Versailles and it changed their lives over the next year. None of them wanted to go at first, but did it for their parents. Amelia's mother Jane struggled to pay for it until she sold something she treasured. She also met Samantha's father and they hit it off and found they had a lot in common. Felicity was an overweight younger sister whose older sister picked on her relentlessly and her parents did not protect her until it was too late. Caroline had famous parents who left her on her own alot and she ran into trouble that came to light during the ball. The ball ended up changing 6 people's lives all for the better. It really kept me engaged throughout the whole book

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Was this review helpful?