Cover Image: Complications

Complications

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Complications is about a group of guests in Paris who come together during the grand reopening of the newly refurbished hotel. I loved how the author brought the characters together and as we learn about the characters we also learn of the many things that happen to them during their stay at the hotel. I enjoyed the story and although sometimes I felt like it repeated some information overall this is a great story. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Was this review helpful?

This book centers around a group of travelers staying at the Hotel Louis XVI. Each person is dealing with personal problems, and through this hotel they all manage to be linked together. While one experiences the consequences of their selfish decisions, another has to decide to take the leap of faith in love no matter what the future holds. When one experiences a sudden health crisis, another must choose to fight to live. Throughout all these complications the author does a good job tying everything together. Looking forward to reading the next book.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve read or listened to a few Danielle Steel books this past year because I wanted something easier to read, and when I was a teen I really enjoyed her books. When NetGalley and Delacorte Press offered me an ARC of Complications in exchange for an honest review, I couldn’t resist. All opinions are my own.

Ostensibly, the book is about the re-opening of a well-known, posh hotel in Paris, which has been undergoing renovations for four years. The Manager in charge of the renovation dies just a short time before the opening of the hotel, quite literally in the first few pages. It’s up to Oliver, the new manager, and his assistant Yvonne, to continue on with the hotel’s previously impeccable reputation.

But there are problems with the upgraded phone system, and the electronics of the building. Phones go out at inconvenient times, room doors don’t open when the key is used, all sorts of kinks that need to be worked out but there’s no time. The guests are arriving.

The guests that arrive include an art consultant whose husband left her for a woman the same age as their daughters, a physician with a secret, a French elected official who many believe will achieve higher office, and a couple celebrating their divorces. While the hotel is discreet, events one night ensures that everyone knows everyone else’s business. There’s lots of drama, almost too much at once, but ultimately it works for the story.

I’m not going to give a blow-by-blow of the relationships that develop in the story, but there are several, and my favorite is Gabriella’s. She’s the character I empathized with the most, That’s not to say the other stories weren’t interesting, they were. I wasn’t crazy with how the French politician’s story was handled as it reminded me way too much of American politics with a touch of homophobia mixed in.

As with most Danielle Steel books, there’s some repetition which gets old. I mean, does Steel think we’re not going to remember important details mentioned earlier that she has to bring them up again? But then again, that’s what Steel’s fans are looking for, I guess. I don’t mind. I usually read or listen to a Danielle Steel book when I want a break from heavier reading.

A solid three out of five stars for Complications.

Was this review helpful?

Another great book by Steel. The characters were unique, and very well written. As always I had a hard time putting this novel down !

Was this review helpful?

This is a Women's Fiction. This is the three Danielle Steel's book I have read, and I really enjoy her writing style. This is follows characters that stay at the famous boutique hotel, Hotel Louis XVI reopening. Lets just say the reopening keeps everyone on the toes and there is a lot of drama. I love the characters of this book, but I do think there is way to many side storylines in this book. The ending was ok, but not great. This book is very entertaining, and there is a lot out into a short book. I love the first 50% way more then I liked the last 50%. I wish we only follow two characters. I am just a reader that does not love when there is to many characters we follow, and I really do not like the having a ton of side storylines. This book was beautifully written. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Delacorte Press) or author (Danielle Steel) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Was this review helpful?

This story reminds me of a modern day soap opera. There are secrets and scandals, romance and crime, life and death, and LOTS of juicy drama!

I really enjoyed how all the lives pivoted from this newly-renovated, exclusive hotel. There were a lot of characters and several stories to follow, but they didn’t jump around too much, and the transitions weren’t forced.

Overall, this one was definitely worth the read.

Was this review helpful?

Not my favorite Danielle Steel novel this year, unfortunately. The novel starts out set in a hotel that is reopening with a new management team and is set up in a way to make the reader think these characters are important throughout the story... yet they only reappear two or three more times and truly were not necessary to advance the story whatsoever. I appreciated the vignettes of characters whose stories might intertwine here and there but otherwise... not my favorite and would not read again. That being said, I read EVERYTHING she writes and am anxiously looking forward to her next publication... 2.5 stars from me. Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to preview #Complications by Danielle Steel!

Was this review helpful?

Complications?!?! Every character in this book has complications in their life. They are far from perfect, have not always made the right decision and are very "real". Who doesn't have a complicated life?
Gabrielle is a successful business woman who is divorced from her older cheating husband. Patrick Martin is a politician who aspires to become the next president of France. But, he has created a deceptive life that rocks his career goals and destroys his family. Richard and Judythe met and had an instant attraction at her wedding.
What do these characters have in common? They all love the Hotel Henry XVI in Paris and check in for the reopening after a 2 year renovation. The previous manager, adored by all, has died and his replacement is a nervous mess. Within the first week of opening there is a murder, a near death experience and new beginnings.
I have to say after reading this book I am grateful for my "simple" life. No complications anywhere near what these characters experience! This book takes you on a journey of survival and reinforces that you can create the life you want.

Was this review helpful?

Complications by Danielle Steel was not quite what I expected from the blurb. I thought the story would be focused on the Hotel Louis XVI and its new caretakers. The story begins at the hotel where we are introduced to its new manager and assistant manager as the Hotel Louis XVI reopens are being closed four years for renovations. We are then introduced to a variety of guests that include a physician, a prime minster, an art consultant, and a couple celebrating their respective divorces. The nervous new manager is hoping for a smooth opening, unfortunately, two incidents happen that will change many lives. We are introduced to a number of people in the beginning (info dump). It did feel that we were introduced to a few too many people in the beginning (can be hard to keep them all straight). After a while the story focuses on the main characters and their storylines. I did find one storyline to be particularly disturbing and wish it had not been included in the book. Complications is a short book so no one storyline was looked at in depth. Gabrielle and Alaistair ultimately become the focus, but it is late in the tale. There is repetition of information especially regarding Gabrielle’s ex-husband and his new Russian bride. Complications was a quick, easy read with a satisfactory conclusion. The lesson in Complications is to live life to the fullest. You never know what will happen in your life, so we should not waste a day. My favorite line from Complications is, “Life is precious, and every day is a gift.” Complications is a contemporary romance with a high-end hotel, an attractive art consultant, an ill internist, a surreptitious prime minister, a jumpy manager, an unflappable assistant, and scandalous actions.

Was this review helpful?

This story begins as the exclusive boutique hotel, the hotel Louis XVI Reopens after a long and complicated remodel, updating the hotel while still maintaining its original charm. The hotel reopens with new managers in place as many of the old patrons can't wait to return to their beloved loved Paris hotel. Life is filled with complications and the reopening of this hotel is is marred by many. A suspicious death, a bomb threat, a nearby armed robbery... And these circumstances bring together several of the hotel guests in a way that will change each of their lives. A near death experience, a death sentence, lies and betrayal of family and country. An excellent book up until this point! And then it went where many of Steel's more recent books have gone… into the land of money and privilege marred by hardship which is always overcome almost unbelievably so and ends happily ever after. Don't get me wrong, I actually did enjoy the story, the trust and faith and hope , the courage it takes to have those & to move forward. Good but, predictable for me.

Was this review helpful?

This was quite an enjoyable read…I’ve read all of Danielle Steel’s novels and this one strayed a bit from the usual “formula” I do feel that one of the sub plots was unnecessary but it really didn’t detract from the story. I found myself getting emotional at certain points and even teared-up a bit. 4.5 stars out 5!

Was this review helpful?

Another great Women's romance story highlighting a strong female protagonist.
This one emphasizes the power of having a positive attitude.
As always a nice easy peaceful read.
I love reading Danielle's books especially in between my sometimes very gripping psychological thrillers.
Thank you to Netgalley, Random House and the Author, Danielle Steel for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Danielle Steel can truly do no wrong. I love her imagination and the worlds she creates. This book was no exception!

Was this review helpful?

So 2 of the storylines don't really need to be there. There is very little focus on them after the big eventful night. I'm giving this 3 stars as I didn't enjoy the story of the main characters. Thanks NetGalley for tha advance copy. #NetGalley #Complications

Was this review helpful?

My Thoughts
Taking place for the most part in the most lauded boutique hotel in all of Paris for decades the Hotel Louis XVI, as well as partly in London, this book follows events bringing together a group of strangers.

Reopened after four years of renovations the hotel itself seems little changed to returning guests from years past, although the modern touches are there they do not take away from the ambience of old world charm and history that gives Louis XVI it’s feeling of welcoming warmth.

The new manager, Olivier Bateau, joined by his assistant manager, Yvonne Philippe, do their best to continue the decades old traditions this revered hotels former manager instituted.

However as things often do fate intervenes and as certain guests arrive events unfold that change the course of a triumphant reopening into one of almost disastrous proportions.

For me the journey taken by both the guests and the staff is an interesting look into what goes on behind the scenes of peoples lives that are brought together in extraordinary circumstances.

Complications in real life forever change us, the ones these characters face certainly changed them.

[EArc from Netgalley]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Was this review helpful?

I used to read Danielle Steel along with my mother growing up. I got away from her for decades and recently found her work again. Danielle Steel had me transported to Paris in Complications. Hotel Louis XVI is an elite hotel in Paris undergoing 4 years of renovations. Everyone who is anyone stays here and is jumping at the opportunity to get back to Louis XVI when it opens. Its beloved manager has passed away during the last of the renovations and new management has to take over this daunting task. As any hotel would, lots of kinks have to be ironed out. No matter the upgrade, you are still dealing with a very old structure. Steel introduces us to Patrick, a French politician, who is trying to get away and have a few secret moments to himself; Gabrielle is trying to get on with her life after a horrible divorce; Judythe and Richard are starting their new life together; and that is just the beginning. Steel puts you right in the middle of these people lives and you won't be disappointed! I just wish I could stay at this hotel! At least when the kinks are all worked out.
Danielle Steel does an amazing job with Complications. I will be recommending this to others and will continue to look for her other works. Special Thanks to Danielle Steel, NetGalley, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 5 stars for me.
#Complications #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Danielle Steel writes another great story. She captures the Paris setting perfectly while blending in an intriguing array of characters. Complications is a quick read that will leave you satisfied.

Was this review helpful?

The Louis XVI Hotel in Paris is reopening after having been closed for 4 years for renovations. Louis Lavalle had been the hotel’s manager for 38 years but has now passed away. He has been replaced by Olivier Bateau and his assistant is Yvonne Phillippe. Olivier does not possess the finesse that Louis Lavalle had but Yvonne certainly does. Some of the people staying at the hotel are:

At 45, Gabrielle Gates is now divorced and the mother of two daughters. She owns a very successful art gallery and buys art for her customers. She is in Paris for a large showing at the Grand Palais.

Alistair Whyte-Jones is a British doctor who is in Paris to see a well-known doctor as he has been diagnosed with a deadly form of leukemia.

Richard and Judythe are in Paris to celebrate their divorces and hope to start their new lives together.

Patrick Martin is France’s minister of the interior and looking to run for president. He has scheduled a clandestine meeting with someone who is blackmailing him.

We have a character suffering a life-threatening heart attack; another is trying to decide whether to commit suicide rather than die a painful death; two have had sad marriages and just want to be happy and together; one is gay and has hidden his secret, sordid life.

We are part of these character’s lives in this book and I found them all quite fascinating. Everyone has their share of problems in their lives, but find strength to do what they have to do. This is just a taste of what happens here. Once again, Danielle Steel has written a compassionate tale of love, hate, sorrow, and even edgy secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

The characters in this book certainly had their share of complications! The main characters were likeable, the settings were lavish and beautiful and the jet-setting lifestyle was mind-boggling. There was quite a bit of repetition, but not enough to be totally annoying. The ending was fairly predictable - at least how I hoped it would end - and the book was actually an easy and enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

This is Gabrielle's first time traveling by herself since her divorce. She goes to her favorite hotel in Paris but there is more excitement than she has ever encountered before. She finds a man having a heart attack in the door to his room, she is helping but a doctor across the hall takes over. Alaistair a doctor from England goes to the hospital to sit with the wife of the heart attack victim. Gabrielle starts talking to Alaistair and they become friends. The hotel has other problems too with the hotel itself and other visitors.
I enjoyed this Steel novel. If you are a fan of Steel you will not want to miss this one!

Was this review helpful?