I enjoyed reading The Whittiers by Danielle Steel. Preston and Constance Whittier go on a “wintermoon” each year. Unfortunately, this one was their last. We see how their six adult children cope with the loss of their parents. I was drawn into the story. I like the author’s writing style which is relaxed and friendly. The story moved along at a fast clip. There are quite a few characters to keep track of. I found it easier as I got further into the story. I liked that the characters were not perfect. Each character had something happening in their lives (life is messy). Benjie is the youngest son, and he is at the high end of the autism spectrum. The family soon learns just how much their mother did for Benjie. The family will need to step up to fill the gap. Benjie provides many of the uplifting and funny moments in the book. Annabelle is the youngest child, and she was on a downward spiral before her parents’ death. After the parent’s death, Annabelle’s life quickly spirals out of control. The four older siblings are needed to handle the parent’s estate and help their youngest siblings. There are many moving moments in this emotional story. I found myself staying up late to finish The Whittiers. It is a story that will leave you with a smile on your face. My one negative is the repetition of backstory details. It is a trait found in all of this author’s books, and I really wish she would discontinue doing it. The Whittiers is a feel-good story with grief, regret, love, humor, and family. I enjoyed seeing the family came together after such a tragic event. The Whittiers is a touching tale with a terrible tragedy, a dreadful divorce, an unrestrained sister, dear dogs, a captivating Italian, cute kids, and a happy house.

Danielle Steel books were my “gateway” books to adult reading when I was in junior high in the 1980’s, so I have a fondness for the prolific writer. Yet, at the same time, even at that young age, I thought I could write a Danielle Steel book because they were so formulaic. Much like my beloved Nancy Drew, rarely does Steel branch out and do something different, and I find comfort in that. After reading some pretty heavy non-fiction history books, I was ready for something that didn’t require a lot of thought. The Whittiers is just that. I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from NetGalley and Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

If you’re a long-time fan of Danielle Steel, there’s nothing new with The Whittiers. In fact, if you go way back in her bibliography, you’d find a very similar story with Family Album, just updated to the 21st century. The Whittiers are a comfortably rich family in New York whose kids are all grown. Two of the kids, the two youngest, still live with them in a sprawling Fifth Avenue mansion. The youngest, Annabelle, drops out of college and starts partying too hard and all that comes with that. Benjie, 28, is on the autism spectrum so I was invested in his story since two of my children are as well. The twins, Caroline and Charlie, are in the fashion industry, working hard to build their brand. Gloria is a high-powered broker on Wall Street, and Lyle works in real estate and is the only one of his siblings that is married and has children. At least, for now.

One thing that Danielle Steel does and it amazes me that editors don’t do anything about it the incessant repetition of facts of story. She may mention something in one paragraph at the beginning, then repeat it again at the end of the paragraph, in the next paragraph, and again two pages later. There is absolutely no chance that you’ll forget even the most basic facts of the story. But she’s always written that way, and millions of readers don’t seem to mind. It does make it easier to read her stories, because if you’re just skimming through and miss something, it will be brought up again and again.

As with most Steel novels, not only are the people well off, but they’re all incredibly attractive and fashionable, and the romances that develop are with equally attractive and even more rich people. I’m actually surprised Danielle Steel had people with disabilities featured in her story at all but applaud her efforts to raise awareness that someone with an Autism diagnosis can in fact hold down a job and even fall in love.

It’s always nice to go down the rabbit hole of how the other half lives with Steel’s books, and that even well-off people have problems, albeit ones that are resolved within 400 pages. I enjoy her books like I enjoy a good pastry: delicious to eat, but not very filling. And you always go back for more.

The Whittiers By: Danielle Steel, Publication date - 11/22/2022

My Recommendation 5 STARS

Synopsis: The Whittiers is a story about a very close family, husband and wife with six children.

Every year Preston and his wife Constance take a romantic "wintermoon" ski trip. This years ski trip ends in a tragedy.

For the first time the children must make decisions regarding their family home and belongings without their parents. It's almost unbearable.

How do you come to terms with the loss of both parents, put aside personal issue's, decide what to do with personal belongings, what to do with the family home with six siblings agreeing on everything? Will this bring the siblings closer together or tear the family apart?

The Whittiers is a very interesting, emotional and quick read. As always, Danielle Steel does not disappoint!

Thank you #NetGalley and #RandomPublishingGroup for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is one of my favorite Danielle Steel novels!! It is heartwarming with so many special characters to love. I love the family dynamics that they take care of each other and are there for each other.
Thanks #Netgalley for the ARC.

The Whittiers, by Danielle Steele, is a family drama with lots of triumphs, beautiful characters, and loads of familial love. Steele's latest novel, due out in March of 2023, will grab the reader's attention from the start and will lead them on a fun and inspiring journey through the Whittier family's lives. The Whittiers are a larger-than-life New York family with strong ties to the community and even stronger ties to each other. Their lives may seem a bit too squeaky clean for some, but Ms. Steele offers some heartache and one giant tragedy nestled between successes and victories that should make this book appealing to most. If you are looking for a feel-good novel that's easy to read and will have you yearning for your own family gatherings, then this is definitely the book for you.

Quick read about of family of 6 adult kids who loose their parents in a skiing accident. The story follows their lives for a year after this big life change. Read this book in less than 24 hours. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. #NetGalley #TheWhittiers

The Whittiers by Danielle Steel is everything and more you've come to expect from this author. First, you can never go wrong with a Danielle Steel book. Second, this is one of my favorites from her in a long time! Lastly, I loved this book! I loved the family dynamics. I loved how even though the children lost their parents, they still moved on with their lives and found special someone’s who could share their lives with them. Overall, this was a great book and I would definitely recommend it to someone to read.

I loved this book! I loved the family dynamics. I loved how even though the children lost their parents, they still moved on with their lives and found special someone’s who could share their lives with them. Overall, this was a great book and I would definitely recommend it to someone to read.

The six Whittier siblings experience the unexpected tragedy of losing their parents very suddenly. Caught up in the hustle and bustle of their lives, the siblings need to come together to support one another through their successes and struggles.

While this book was an easy read and I enjoyed it, I do not like the fact that everything finishes all good and jolly. I would like to see Danielle Steele touch more on reality and not have everyone get exactly what they want in the end.

Classic Steel. The six Whittier siblings are thrown for a loop when their parent are killed by an avalanche during their annual ski trip. While there's a monetary inheritance for each of them, that pales in comparison to the value of the family home, a huge house in Manhattan that is worth somewhere between $50 and 100 million (can you imagine?). Yes, this is a lot of privilege (the sort of privilege Steel readers expect) but there's also angst in the family. Jack is divorcing, Gloria's single and unhappy, Caroline and Charles are overworked (and possibly a bit overextended), Benji struggles with change, and Annabelle, the youngest just doesn't know how to cope. This is all about how these siblings pull together, make some tough decisions, and move forward in their lives. Steel has packed a lot into a relatively slim book (especially considering the potential for drama). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For her fans.

This is Danielle Steele's best book in this readers opinion!!! I fell in love with evert single character in this story and didn't want the Whittiers family story to end. Bestseller list here The Whittiers come!!!!

The Whittiers by Danielle Steel is a sweeping family drama that follows a tight-knit family after the death of their parents.

I enjoyed this story and liked the characters very much. All five children are strong characters with their own issues and problems. I loved the way all the children came together and eventually helped each other out.

However, I found the story a bit predictable. I know that romances can be predictable, but for some reason, I found that this book was very predictable, almost as if I’d read it before. But, I still enjoyed the book, as the characters were very compelling.

I recommend The Whittiers to anyone who enjoys fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Predictable fairytale story where everything works out in the end. The characters with their various jobs were interesting. Lyle was pretty gullible when it came to his wicked wife. Caro was the glue who held the family together which was admirable. This hodge podge family made life seem a little too easy. Readers looking for an escape from life's realities will enjoy this book.

Again a huge thank you to Net Galley. What a nice family story. It is nice to see a family come together during a horrible situation and how they deal with everyday issues and bond.

The Whittiers is one of Danielle Steel's best novels. In this book, she has gone back to her writing roots. The Whittiers focuses on family and the bonds and strengths of the family members. Ms. Steel tells the story of six siblings in their 20s and 30s, who lose their parents in a freak accident. As they deal with the loss of their parents, each sibling deals with their own personal demons to eventually triumph and move forward. Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine publishing for the ARC!

As excellent and well known Danielle Steel is as an author, in my opinion her latest novel "The Whittiers" is not one of her best works. The main idea of the book was ambitious but not all that well developed. To summarize, the story follows a total of six siblings and their various storylines in the aftermath of a tragedy (respectfully, I won't divulge the details any further than this for those who decide to read the book).

Each character is unique and therefore has a unique storyline from one another, and yet... the characters are all one dimensional. Upon reading the first ten pages, I had not gotten hooked on the story or interested in the characters. At first, I thought maybe it was a slow burn kind of book so I hung in there with the expectations that it may get better. The drama entertained me a little, but I still didn't feel much for the characters. Perhaps the storyline would have improved if the book became a mini series of 6 novels, each one devoted to each sibling and their own storyline and developing them even further.

There were also some love stories going on, but even that didn't have much meat to it. The partners the characters had fallen in love with had also been flat, and the storyline of how they got together seemed too easy and set up.

Even the way the book had ended seemed a little too neatly tied in a bow.

The entire purpose of the book seemed to have a political agenda to it, but not enough to convince the reader or get the reader to fall in love with the characters. If I had to rate it out of five stars, I would give it one.

I want to thank the publisher and Netgalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book.even though it was a sad start the characters are wonderful. I am falling in love with Danielle Steel's books again. Great read

Preston and Constance Whittier have built a happy life together with six children raised in a beautiful historic Manhattan mansion. Now that they are empty nesters it’s much easier for them to go on their solo romantic Wintermoon ski trip. Until a tragic accident on the ski slopes takes their lives and the adult children reunite in the family home without their parents for the first time ever. The oldest Lyle, is reaching the end of his marriage and needs to decide if a divorce is the best thing for him and his two kids. Gloria has a big job on Wall Street at 39 and has no intention of moving home. The twins Caroline and Charlie moved out long ago working in the fashion industry which may be faltering. Bennie with special needs is hit hard by the loss of his parents and needs his siblings help. Annabelle the youngest drops out of school going to parties with friends drinking and doing some drugs. The four oldest children put aside their personal issues and grief to help their youngest siblings. This was a very inspiring story that when tragedy happens the family pulls together to help one another. I would recommend this to everyone.

This book follows the title family, The Whittiers, for almost a year. They are a large, loving family, anchored by their parents. But when tragedy strikes, the family needs to pull together even more and support each other.

While I enjoyed the book, I did find it a bit of a fairy tale, maybe like a story you'd see on *that* holiday network. Despite the sudden loss of their parents, none of the 6 adult siblings experienced big emotions, they were just described as "sad". In the year's time, there was a broken marriage, a coming out, new loves found, and a surprise baby, but everyone just rolled with it all. They were also all (but one) living in the same house, chaotic as can be, but without the usual arguments you'd expect.

Regardless of the above, it was a quick, enjoyable read.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

After the death of their parents, the Whittiers, come together as a family. There are six of them, with a wide range in age, different places in life., and each one having their own struggles.
They had to grieve the loss of their parents, and life doesn't stop while you are doing that, so they have other things going on at the same time. The siblings decided to live in their parent's huge house, except the oldest one. Thy each had their own pain and difficulties, but they found a way to come together most of the time, at the end of the day, and have dinner together. The love they found for each other, and the support they gave, changed their lives.
Danielle Steele has written another amazing book, telling the journey of the Whittier's. From all they went through, to starting to move forward in their lives, to where they are when they start to make the decisions of where they want to go from here.
I received an ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press though NetGalley.