Never Too Late by Danielle Steel is the story of Sam and Kezia, both in their sixties, both widowed, who met during a catastrophic event in New York City one Fourth of July when instead of fireworks they watched bombs explode, bringing down buildings and killing more people than 9/11. Kezia had just moved from San Francisco into her new penthouse; Sam had lived in the other penthouse for over a year. When the call for volunteers went out, they both answered. Kezia had once been a nurse practitioner and had kept her license up so she was able to help with patients. Sam helped by moving body bags. Both of Kezia’s daughters were out of the country so they were unable to contact her. The city, the country, was locked down tight. No planes, no people walking the streets as they normally would in New York City. It was a fearsome time but it built a bond of friendship quickly between the two. Of course, family soon took over and with it some interesting changes.

As always with Danielle Steel, the backstory is as important as the current one. She does it so beautifully. Sam and Kezia were both just regular people, despite Sam being a well-known film star. Kezia was living with the bare minimum as both her belongings from San Francisco and her new furniture were both to be delivered at the end of August. As Sam and Kezia got closer, so did their families. Sam had a son, his age between that of Kezia’s daughters. In this day and age, it is wonderful to read a simple book, with regular people, that the ending is foretold by the nature of the book. It always makes me happy to read a work by Steel. She does it so well.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Never Too Late by Random House publishing Group-Ballantine, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine #DanielleSteel #NeverTooLate

Thoughts
We follow the journey of Kezia Cooper Hobson, a recently widowed woman who arrives in NY from SF where she’s determine to start fresh.
Kezia has just sold her home in Pacific Heights home and left everything behind.
And as Kezia is settling in she meets her neighbor, Sam Stewart who is a movie star. But almost right away a devastating crisis hits NYC.
Soon Kezia and Sam find themselves connecting over their strong impulse to help those in need and they form a friendship but Kezias daughters are not sure about.
This is a story about starting over, personal growth and friendship and allowing change. If you’re a Danielle Steele fan this is out now go out and get it or If you enjoy contemporary fiction with heartwarming feel to it. Thank you netgalley

A great escape from Danielle Steel! You can never go wrong with her books. During one crazy summer in NYC, the Hobson women learn their worth, leave unfulfilling relationships, and find love admits an attack in the city. If you’re like me and love Danielle Steel, get it.

Widow Kezia Hobson is ready to start her life over. Although she misses her late husband tremendously, she knows she must go on with her life. She sells her late husband’s firm and moves from San Francisco to New York City. It, also, gives her a chance to be close to her two adult daughters who live in New York, too.

She buys a beautiful apartment and is looking forward to decorating it. She’s excited to find her next-door neighbor is a famous movie star, Sam Stewart. When tragedy strikes the city, Sam and Kezia are drawn to each other in their mutual desire to help anyone needing it. They volunteer their time and experience as tragedy brings them together.

Meanwhile, Kezia’s adult daughters are having their own personal issues. Kezia is torn between worrying about her children and developing her new relationship.

I truly loved this book. It’s been a long time since I read a Danielle Steel book, and this one has everything I always loved about them. It has emotions, family drama, a heartbreaking crisis, sibling rivalry, and even a little romance. It has all the excitement of Steel’s earlier books.

I loved Kezia and Sam. Strong characters with a ton of sizzling chemistry. All the characters are written realistically with real life problems.

I gobbled this one up and enjoyed every minute. I had a wonderful time going on this journey with Kezia.

Definitely one of my top faves of 2024. Sometimes a book just touches all your emotions, and this one did for me.





FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Starting over for Kezia, a widow that has decided to move from California to New York City where her two adult daughters live. She soon meets her neighbor, Sam, a movie star and also a widower. A devastating crisis happens in the city, where they both find themselves helping those injured and soon a friendship develops. Kezia daughters, Felicity and Kate are more different than day and night and both are dealing with their own love lives that are about to change.

Thoroughly enjoyed this story, a page turner that I had a hard time putting down. It's never too late to start over.

Deligtful! I truly enjoyed this book. A sixty year old widow moves into a penthouse in New York City. A handsome actor is said to live next door. There's a big, huge twist a couple of chapters in that I did not expect at all. The characters are great, with several of the lead couple's children also finding love and making important life decisions.

The writing and plot are tight as a drum; no wasted words at all. This is a quick and enjoyable read, perfect for vacation or beach reading.

I enjoyed reading this book and believe it or not, this was the first book by Danielle Steel I have ever read. I thought this book was excellently paced and never for a moment took its eyes off the main point of the story.

How should we approach our life when we are thrown a curve ball, a seriously bad turn of events? A death of a loved one. A citywide or even nationwide catastrophe. A breakup in a relationship you thought was “the one”. Every one of us has faced our own version of that point in our lives, but how should we approach it? That is precisely what the author seeks to address in this novel. Everyone in this story is at that turning point in their lives. First we meet Kezia whose husband died suddenly five years earlier—a statistic of the COVID pandemic. Then we meet Sam whose beloved wife died suddenly two years ago in a plane crash. Kezia’s eldest daughter, Kate, has spent four years with a man whom she believed was going to be her husband. He had no interest in marriage—ever. Sam’s son John was dating a woman who had serious plans to marry him. John wasn’t interested. Then here was the city of New York itself who had to face a second terrorist attack and the death of thousands of citizens.

So what happens to life when tragedy strikes? You grieve, but push on and try to live life to the fullest. That is what the characters in this book tried to do. It wasn’t always easy. But progress, love, and life were in front of them. How they got there was the key and it made this book special.

I loved the chance to read this book and highly recommend it. My only regret is that it took so long to finally read a Danielle Steel novel!

Good story!

Kezia Hobson has been a widow for the past five years. She lost her husband, Andrew, at the start of the pandemic to COVID-19. He died 5 days after he was diagnosed leaving behind his two daughters as well. Kezia stayed in San Francisco running his company until a buyer offered a large sum if she sold along with his two partners. With her daughters living in NYC, Kezia packed up her life and moved across the country.

She purchased an apartment in a beautiful private building. She owns half of the penthouse with her reclusive neighbor. While watching the fireworks for the Fourth of July celebration, a horrific bombing of three buildings happen downtown. Is it another terrorist attack?

Sam Stewart is a widowed famous movie star, he's also Kezia's next door neighbor. They come together during this tragedy, rushing downtown to help the victims. Unexpectedly, they bond over this and fall in love, making them realize that life is too short and they deserve to live again.

Danielle Steel’s latest book is a 5 powerful star winner. Steel proficiently grabs the base of each characters struggles. Kezia is intelligent, warm, selfless, good natured and full of hope and dreams. Kezia is about to turn 60 and makes a major move from San Francisco to NY to be closer to her two daughters. Her husband of 25 happy years died five years prior to the move. She had Kate out of wedlock to a man who gave up all parental rights. Years later, she falls in love with a man whom she marries and has a daughter with him. He adopts Kate and treats her like his own.

Kate struggles with who her biological father and why he abandoned her. This part of the story fell short. We could have read from Kates POV. She always chooses the wrong man and then hangs on to long. She often compares herself to her much younger super model sister who has it all.

There’s a darker side of the story. NY is attacked and is more brutal than 9-11. This brings Kezia to met her terrace neighbor Sam. Sam is famous (widowed) actor. They form a bond when they volunteer to help at the bombing sites.

There are side characters too. Steele has the ability to weave families and new friends into transitioning the past into the future.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, Delacorte Press for ARC read in exchange for my honest review

It had been quite some time since I had picked up a Danielle Steel novel and I was excited to do so, as I have enjoyed her writing and her books in the past. I must say though, that this book was a challenge for me to make it through given the terrorist attack that makes up a great deal of the beginning of this book.

Kenzia Cooper Hobson loses her husband unexpectedly and she leaves her life on the West Coast and moves to New York City to be closer to her two adult daughters. Once she moves into her new home, she finds out that movie star Sam Stewart lives next door to her. The two not only develop a friendship, but more blossoms as well as they navigate the trauma that comes from the attack that happens to their city.

Not only are readers treated to the relationship between Kenzia and Sam, Kenzia's daughters Felicity and Kate also find love. I have to admit, I didn't always love Felicity and Kate. They weren't my favorite characters, but I'm certain that there are others that probably loved them.

This story provided second chances, love and showcased that it's never too late to be happy.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Never Too Late is classic Danielle Steel. I love books with strong female characters. I particularly liked the relationship between the mother and two adult daughters. This is a quick enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book.

Kezia Cooper Hobson is moving. Her husband passed away and she's decided to sell his business and move to New York City. Not long after she moves in tragedy strikes the city and she throws herself into helping wherever she can. Surprises are in store for Kezia when she meets her next door neighbor., actor Sam Stewart. I loved this story, how members of the city step in to help after the tragedy. What startled me a bit was what the tragedy was and how it happened. Hopefully this was truly just a story and won't ever happen for real. Great, quick lazy day read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

Never Too Late By Danielle Steel. Stars: 4 x 5
I need to start out by saying how much I love Danielle Steel and her books.

Kezia Cooper a Nurse Practitioner had a wondrous husband named Andrew. Andrew died about 5 years ago. Kezia decides it is time to move one and she decides to move to NYC from San Francisco. NYC is where her two grown daughter live. Kenzie also has a 60th birthday coming up which is why she decided to make this move. Kezie decides it is time to find happiness again. Kezie finds a great apartment penthouse and she also finds that recluse movie star Sam Stewart lives in the other Penthouse and that they share a terrace. As time goes by Kezia gets to know Sam and his son plus she has been doing a real good job about reconnecting with her daughters, Katie and Felicity. Katie is the eldest and she is trying to write a book. Katie also has daddy issue as her biological father is a doctor with Doctor’s Without Boarders and has been gone since she was about 12. Andrew adored Katie when he married Kezie and he was a wonderful father to her. Katie’s boyfriend is Jack annd he is 42 years old. Kezia doesn’t really care for Jack as she thinks she is just using her for her money. Everyone worries about Kezia’s youngest who is Felicity and she is 23 years old. Felicity is a model and has a boyfriend Blake, who is a bit older than her at the ripe old age of 39. Blake has a 6 year old son.

Kezia had Katie when she was in college. She did not marry Katie’s father but he was there to help with Katie when Kezia was in Nurse Practionier school. Kate feels that her biological father did not want her. Kezia met Andrew at a medical conference in San Francisco. After six months they were married. Andrews adopted Katie and then Andrew and Kezia had Felicity. Andrew thought of Katie as his own. When he died he left each of them 1/3 of his estate. Sam had lost his wife two years ago and has been a recluse since.

Fourth of July, Kezia is watching the fireworks from her terrace when an attack happens in New York. She can see what happened and is thankful both of her girls are out of the country. Sam who also happened who to be watching from his side of the terrace goes over and checks on Kezia. After a while they decide to head down to see how they can help. They work throughout the night helping with the injured etc. This bonds Sam and Kezia and they start to become friends and then more. Remember the title “Never too Late”. This exactly what happens with Sam and Kezia they were both broken and now they are loving and healing together. They are getting a second chance at life together. I loved this book. I loved that it was and older woman and man as the main characters. Once again Danielle Steel writes a wonderful book!

"Never Too Late" by Danielle Steel is a heartwarming story about starting over and finding unexpected friendships. As someone who loves Danielle Steel's books, I was hooked from the start by Kezia Cooper Hobson's journey as a widow in New York City. Settling into her new home, Kezia becomes friends with her neighbor, Sam Stewart, during a city crisis. Their bond shows the power of helping others and embracing change.

Steel's storytelling makes the characters feel real and easy to relate to. From Kezia's strength to Sam's charm, each character feels genuine. "Never Too Late" is a touching reminder that it's never too late to find joy and new beginnings. If you enjoy heartwarming stories, you'll love this one from Danielle Steel.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for my review.

Never Too Late by Danielle Steele
I'll be honest, I used to read Danielle Steele books a lot. But the only reason I finished this book was because I had promised a review.
Let me start with the time line. She begins by mentioning Covid, saying five years ago. Which in the reality of trading this book in February of 2024 (even with release date of March) did not add up. Which first took me out of the story. Then she mentions 9/11, which is also indicated was 25 years ago, again, no. So I'm not sure of she was just being arbitrary, but timelines for real world events big me when they aren't right.
And then the ABSOLUTE harping on the differences in the daughters. I just kinda couldn't even, we get it, they are different people, one is bubbly and optimistic and the other is soon and gloom and clearly needs more therapy sessions.
At the core, this was supposed to be a story about finding yourself after <insert trauma here>. But I did not like this book. Things went too fast for some things and could have focused more of developing each character. Pretty sure I'm done with Ms. Steele.

Never Too Late" is a novel by Danielle Steel. It tells the story of a woman named Maggie who, after being widowed, decides to make a fresh start and pursue her long-held dreams of becoming a successful journalist. As Maggie embarks on her journey of self-discovery and reinvention, she encounters new challenges, opportunities, and unexpected romance along the way. With its themes of love, loss, second chances, and the pursuit of dreams, "Never Too Late" is a heartwarming and inspiring read that resonates with readers of all ages.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — There really is a Danielle Steel book for everyone!!!

Kezia is a retired nurse practitioner who has two daughters, Kate who she had during a summer fling in college and consequentially the father wanted nothing to do with parenting, and Felicity, who like her name is happy and empathetic.

Kezia moves into a lavish apartment in New York City, where her daughters live, after her period of mourning and becoming a widow. On the Fourth of July, the Empire State Building and surrounding buildings are bombed. While gazing at the horror, she meets her neighbor, Sam, and the two race into action to help the victims.

What Kezia, doesn’t know at the time is that Sam is a famous actor and he loves her authenticity and need to put others first.

On the other spectrum, Kate goes to Africa to meet her father for the first time, who is involved in humanitarianism yet selfish. She sees her life in a new view, and convinces her boyfriend they need to take their relationship to the next step (not before she jealously hears about her younger sister becoming engaged first).

These two learn that, as the title states, it is never too late to find your own happiness in love and in life.

This was a wonderful story to read, I felt I was actually there with Kezia as the terrorist attacks were happening and made me realize we don’t know what will happen tomorrow and we need to live our life to its fullest for today.

Thank you @netgalley and Random House Publishing for sending me an Advanced Copy!!!

Kezia moves across the country to NYC, to be closer to her daughters. Her husband passed away a few years prior, and Kezia is pushing 60. Her youngest daughter, Felicity, is a regulation hottie and walks in Chanel runway shows. Her older daughter, Kate, is an aspiring writer, 37, and in a dead-end relationship. Kezia is on her first week in her lavish new penthouse in NYC when a terrorist attack hits the city. This tragedy brings her and her movie star neighbor, Sam together.

While Never Too Late was rather predictable and maybe a bit cliche, in true Danielle Steel form, I was engulfed in the story, and rooting for Kezia (and her daughters!) the whole time!

Never Too Late is the perfect poolside read this summer!

There is something I find compelling in Danielle Steel’s writing style. She comes at you with a continuous flow of information that moves the story quickly along. Kezia Cooper Hobson is 59 and a widow of a few years. She moves to NYC to be closer to her two daughters Kate and Felicity who are different from each other. While watching fireworks from her penthouse balcony she is alarmed when explosions rock the city. She meets and becomes friends with her next door neighbor, a widowed movie star as they pitch in during the aftermath.

The domestic attack on the city isn’t the point of the book but more a catalyst to a bonding with her neighbor and making changes in the status quo of their lives. This is strong women’s fiction. There is romance brewing for Kezia. Her adult daughters are at different points in their lives. Her eldest is dealing with daddy and relationship issues and her younger is living a golden life while still in her young 20s. There are changes for all of them during this less than 300 page novel. I think the one thing that may be out of touch for most readers is the wealth of everyone. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but trust funds are nice to have. I enjoyed the book and thought it ended with everyone getting a potential HEA. Thank you to Random House Publishing Group for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

Never Too Late starts out like many Danielle Steel novels with a recounting of the privileged and wealthy lives of her protagonist Kezia and her two grown daughters, Kate and Felicity. Kezia, widowed five years ago during Covid, is moving on from her high society life in San Francisco to a multimillion dollar apartment in New York sharing the penthouse level with a famous movie star. Felicity is an international jet-setting fashion model and Kate, who has elevated being ‘the lesser’ to a pedestal, lives to find new depths for her self-pity. It’s hard to summon up much sympathy for these characters despite the fact that they have had some legitimate traumatic life experiences.
How different personalities cope with life along with a massive, domestic terrorist attack on NY provide the realism and substance to the story. It’s a fast read with a positive message on Kezia’s part, although it retains that Danielle Steel fairy tale quality. Focus on what turned former military into terrorists would have made the book more impactful. Overall how the author dealt with attack subplot was wholly inadequate to its magnitude and implications.
Thank you to the author, the publisher Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.