
Member Reviews

I have been reading Danielle Steel since I was a teenager. When I read reviews I don't like reviews that tell you exactly what the cover tells you, that really defeats the purpose-just my opinion. I am probably a little biased because I love all of her books, this one was such an easy read, right from the first few pages I knew it was gonna be a great one. At one point I was really upset with Lucy and her attitude but then I got so caught up in the story and everything that was happening that it just flew by. Drama., heartbreak, a mothers undying love and things made right, the main character goes on an incredible journey from England to Lexington KY (my home state), living out the one dream she has always had.
Such a moving story about war, love and loss, family and secrets, being yourself and living your dreams!! highly recommend this book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book.
I picked out this book as its premise sounded very interesting. However, as I progressed through the book - I was often bored. There was a lot of repetition, constantly reminding readers what happened earlier in the book that I did not think was necessary.
However, overall if someone is looking for a quick "royal" themed read - this is a good option.

This was my first time reading Danielle Steel- shocking, I know! I’m so glad I was given an ARC from Net Galley.
What I loved about Royal was the storyline that captured my attention page one. I love historical fiction so this book was perfect for me. I also really enjoyed the ending.
What I struggled with was the way Danielle Steel writes. In a short time she covered several years and multiple characters so it lacked development. Some of her sentences were extremely repetitive and not very well written.
Overall, I enjoyed this book but wouldn’t call myself a Danielle Steel fan. I know many people that would love this book though!

This story is about the Royal Princess who is sent to live in a far-away village during the war, to ensure her safety during attacks and bombings near the castle. The decision was a very hard one for the royal family, but one that was deemed necessary. While she was away, the princess falls in love with her keepers' son, and the story takes off from there.
An interesting view into royal families and what could be.

I love reading Danielle Steel books, because she is always writing different types of books. There are very few I don't like, but it's not often This book, talks about royal families and how they are brought together. It reminded me of the current royal families, and I couldn't help to wonder what would happen if there were any events like the ones in the book.
In the beginning I almost gave up, because it was sad, but as I read it i really got lost into the book's world. there were two things I looked up, One was Prince Harry's last name, and the other was to see if there were any female horse Jockeys. I was surprised to find out that there was one, but I won't spoil it for you.
This book was a good one, I am grateful that Netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

Royal, by Danielle Steel, is an endearing story about the love and strength shared between soulmates and the unshakable bonds of family. This easy to read book captivated my interest from the very beginning and was impossible to put down. Danielle Steel has really shown her writing perfection in this story about love, loss, heartache, joy, and what it really means to be a hero. This beautifully written story is a testament to the pursuit of finding true happiness and the power of following your dreams. Royal is a much needed feel good book for people all over the world!
With a beginning backdrop of countries at war, the King and Queen make the hardest decision they’ve ever had to make. They send their youngest daughter to live with another trusted family in a safer area that has not been ravaged by the onslaught of terror and war. Presuming she will be safer there, they agree to keep the young princess Charlotte’s whereabouts and identity secret. Although she desperately misses her mother, father, and two sisters, she finds comfort in riding her horse and spending time in the stables. She has always been able to relate to horses more easily than people. Henry, the son of the family Charlotte is staying with, is eagerly awaiting his eighteenth birthday so that he can serve his country. When Charlotte shows up a few months before he turns eighteen, he is immediately enthralled with everything about her. Their fast friendship soon turns into love, but it isn’t long before tragedy hits. Lucy, another girl who was living with the family, resented Charlotte from the moment she arrived because she has secretly been in love with Henry for years. When the unthinkable happens, Lucy makes a decision that changes all of their lives and vows to live the lie for the rest of her life. Not all secrets can stay hidden though, and when the truths are finally revealed, there is no way to guess what the outcomes will be.
Royal, by Danielle Steel, is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. It is guaranteed to touch your heart and life your spirit. I am tremendously grateful for Danielle Steel, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, Delacorte Press, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. It is a must read that I highly recommend! My feedback is voluntary and expresses my honest opinions.

I have been reading Danielle Steele's books for over 40 years and I am not sure I have ever read one that I did not enjoy. Her smooth writing style, likeable characters, and a variety of settings make each a pleasure to read. "Royal" is pure Danielle Steele. This book showcases a heroine who is born to a royal family member in the difficult circumstances of WWII England. Her childhood is a pleasant one and she is raised by loving parents on the grounds of a beautiful mansion where her father oversees the stables. She is happy, surrounded by her one love, horses. But there is a mystery surrounding her birth and as the mystery is uncovered by her father a whole new world opens up for her. Ms. Steele's excellent characterization makes the royals human and highlights their different personalities. She uses her prose to showcase the luxury and the difficulty of the royal life, and in this book a woman's struggles in a man's world. As always this book was a pleasure to read and the end of the book provides the reader with a satisfying finish. Read Danielle Steele and feel the warm water of a good book surround you with pleasure.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review #Royal#NetGalley.

A royal princess hidden for 20 years. Then all is revealed to the Queen. Lovely story. So real it could have really happened. As all Danielle Steel books it will keep you reading until the end.

I loved this book. This is an author that has continued to impress me with her writing skills and her attention to details. This story is a not only a romance story but a story that comes full circle. It is a historical romance story that ranks right up as one of my favorites. I had no issues connecting with the characters throughout the story. Parts of the story took me on an emotional roller coaster ride because of the situations the characters were going through. This is a well written story that is fast paced, engaging and a page turner. I highly recommend this book and this author.

Danielle Steel delivers a modern-day Anastasia story infused with war, love and heartbreak. Unlock the leather box instead of jewelry and Annie in the place of Anna and the crown will be royally surprised with its new princess.
What started as Charlotte's story transitioned into Lucy and Annie's compelling tale. When 17-year-old Princess Charlotte was sent to the countryside to keep her safe during the war, little did the king and queen know that temptation was stirring.
Henry and Charlotte's affair was the product of war and their young but love for each other. Secretly wedded before the baby was born, the couple didn't realize that they unleashed a chain of events that would forever alter the monarchy.
Lucy’s spurned advances and jealousy of their relationship, prompted her to steal baby Annie after her mother's death. Raised as a stable manager and housekeeper's daughter, despite her modest means, Lucy couldn't hide Annie's heritage. Will Annie figure out the truth or remain a pauper instead of a princess?
Thank you #NetGalley and the publisher for the early read in exchange for an honest review. I loved Annie's story and the fact that despite her stately surroundings, she remains true to herself. Nature vs nurture, Anastasia syndrome and staying true to form are explored in Steel's latest serving.
I enjoyed the story especially the horse racing sections. I felt like I was flying along with the protagonist coaxing the horse to cross the finish line. That being said, the second half, I thought was stronger than the first. Once Annie learned the truth, the novel continued at a fast pace until its fitting end. Does Annie remain #Royal or return to her roots? Readers will have to wait until August 18th to reveal her decision.

I’m a sobbing mess of emotions after this one! This is a beautiful love story that spans generations!
The beginning of this story starts off a little somber! A war, a short lived love and loss so great it could consume you! Through all the darkness though love creates a ray of hope!
This story shows us how love and family can help heal us from heavy losses! It also shows us that our dreams are worth fighting for!
I don’t want to dive into The Who’s and how’s because nothing should be given away! Just know that there are some very emotional events that take place but just as life is you have events that restore hope and solidify love!

I was mesmerized by Danielle Steel's writing with Royal. I really enjoyed the characters and how you seemed to float from character to character as their lives progressed or ended throughout the story. I was constantly asking myself what was going to happen next. I loved the bits and pieces of romance, but the true star was the relationships and family ties that were happening throughout. Annie was by far my favorite character we were introduced to, and I would love to see a sequel in her next phase in life. Overall I really enjoyed this book.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher Random House Publishing Group for letting me read this ARC.

Danielle Steel will occasionally work in some real life historical figures and occurrences in her books and her new one, “Royal” does exactly that. As you can guess by the title, it revolves around the British royal family in the time of World War 2. Because of all the bombing going on, the King and Queen send their youngest of three daughters to the country for safety. While there, she meets a boy, gets pregnant, and dies shortly after childbirth. Raised by another person, a commoner, who happened to be at the same house as the royal princess, this child grows up not knowing she has royal blood. While the members of the royal family all have different names, there is quite a similarity to many of the real life members.
This was a very quick read, and something that was needed amongst all the stress due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a great escape into another world, where even if bad things happen, you know that all will end up well by the end of the book. Wouldn’t it be nice if real life were like that right now?
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

I am a huge fan of Danielle Steel’s books and was thrilled to be given a chance to read an advanced copy of this book! It was a fascinating historical romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was fascinated by the characters and touched by their moving story.

Danielle Steel's historicals are my favorite! I like the way she takes a time puts her own stamp on it is unprecedented. That being said, this WW2 storyline was a little weak and it didn't feel like a true Danielle Steel novel. Of course, nothing compared to vintage Steel, but this didn't read like her at all. That doesn't mean that is wasn't a satisfying book, because it was, but it will not go down as a favorite.

Danielle Steel gives us the story of love and devastation all in a few chapters. We are introduced to Princess Charlotte who is sent to the country because of her weakened condition like so many children were encouraged to do during the war. While hiding out, she falls in love with Henry, the son of the family she is staying with during this time. Meanwhile, there is another girl this family has taken in who has also fallen in love with Henry. When Charlotte falls pregnant, they marry in haste instead of waiting until he returns from the war. They have also decided to tell Charlotte's parents about the baby and marriage when they come to pick her up after the war.
The family took Henry to the train station to send him off to the army. Charlotte kept herself busy while waiting for letters from Henry and the short visit during Christmas. Tragedy strikes when they receive the dreaded telegram from the War Office extending their sincere sympathy to his family. Tragedy strikes again when Henry's father's cough turned into pneumonia leading to his death. Charlotte and her mother-in-law Glorianna are saddened and support comfort for each other. Tragedy keeps striking this family when Charlotte dies shortly after giving birth to her daughter Anne Louise and Glorianna passes away from a heart attack in her sleep.
What becomes of Anne Louise? All those who knew the truth about her birth have all passed away within months of each other. Secrets are buried away until it is time to deal with what you have done with your life as you face death. Truth always has a way of coming to light. But what does this mean for Anne Louise and those who she considers family and those who considers her as family? Will she flourish when her true heritage is finally revealed or will she hide it away so it does not alter her reality?
I have enjoyed Danielle Steel's stories as she takes you on a journey that has you crying and laughing throughout the story. I look forward to another adventure with her. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Randon House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this privilege.

This is my first Danielle Steel read. The story is of a royal family and their love of horses. It was a very easy read about a young girl who does not know she is of the royal line. Some of the dialogue is a bit repetitive at times which was a bit distracting. I think my biggest challenge was the character of Lucy. She was very hard to like but was a critical character in the plot. You want to like her by the middle of the story but I found it difficult based on the early interactions with her. Overall, a quick easy read.

One can never go wrong with a Danielle Steel novel, to me. I return to her books again and again and have for years. She continually delivers well written stories that are entertaining and, most often, heart warming in their delivery. Royal is a perfect book to escape with and be entertained through the pages. In particular, this story is about a royal family who sends their child away during World War II as it rages on in Europe. While under the protection of a lovely family, Princess Charlotte (who is third in line for the throne) falls in love with the son of the family. As she comes into her own, she must navigate her life of love and loss and ultimately make decisions regarding her future. This read is charming and light, it is delightful in a storytelling sense and sure to entertain at the heart of what it is written for. I enjoyed this tremendously and the romantic notions are heart warming. As always, I recommend Steel to the fullest. She never disappoints.

Royal
A Novel
by Danielle Steel
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
Delacorte Press
Women's Fiction
Pub Date 18 Aug 2020 | Archive Date 31 Oct 2020
I try to keep up on the new releases as the Director of a small library. This book was not the one for me, however, I know if I purchase it... which I will .... it will go out. Danielle Steel has a large number of fans and they never tire of her books. Like I said, this book did not keep my attention. Good points, no vivid sexual descriptions.
3 star.

This book is set in WWII when a young princess, 3rd in line to the throne, is secretly sent to the countryside for health reasons. The young Princess and the the son of the family she is staying with fall in love and have a child. The royal family is not aware of the child. After the child is orphaned a young woman, also staying with the family, decides to keep the child and raise her as her own. Many years pass before the true identity of the child is revealed. This was a typical Steele book. It was an entertaining book and held my interest to the end. Most of the characters are likable. I would give this book 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.