I haven’t read a Danielle Steel novel in many years but remember enjoying some of her past work. This novel involves a woman in her 50s who is a famous author and mother of adult twin daughters. With an empty nest and her daughters choosing to spend the Christmas holidays on a yacht trip (Mom isn’t excluded but suffers severe seasickness), Halley (Mom), decides to go to Paris. There are references to her childhood abuse and grief over losing the love of her life three years before but these events seem almost insignificant and unnecessary to the story. The central theme is romance for all three women and unfortunately, there is not much of a story. The narrative is very flat and lacks any creativity at all. I’ve read so many really creative and engaging books lately and this type of writing just can’t cut it anymore. So disappointing.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was just OK. I think a female narrator might have made the story a little more engaging. Maybe it’s just me but I like a female voice telling female stories.
Thanks to NetGalley and RbMedia for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

I received the advanced copy of the audiobook for A Mother's Love.
I really enjoyed this story of a mother and her grown twins. The life that made for herself while being a single mother of twins despite the trauma and rough upbringing that she dealt with. We get to join them at the wedding of one of the twins, as new people are added to their family unit. We have to hear about her trauma from childhood many times throughout as there are experiences (don't want to ruin the mystery in the story) that bring these to the forefront as do new people she meets. Outside of the mystery, this book was great how it centered on the relationship with her daughters and how it changes as they grown up and move on with their lives. Then what she does to move on with her new life outside of raising her kids and being an author.

The one thing that really threw me and took me out of the story a lot, was that it was narrated by a man. He did a great job but It was more like he was reading a news story rather than sharing his story, which is how it would have been perceived if the narrator was a woman. I kept waiting to get to a Part 2 where it changes and it's all about the man of the story which would have then made sense, but that isn't the case.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc audiobook.

I used to love reading Danielle Steel but this book was sheer disappointment. There is no story at all. Most of the sentences are repeated multiple times in the same chapter. I reached a point where I knew exactly what the next sentence would be when the author started a particular topic.
We have 3 couples, all following the same path, each man is burned by a previous failed marriage and thought they would never meet a nice woman. Enter the main character and her twin daughters and bam! they are perfect for each of the men. They instantly fall in love! Oh did I mention that the daughters are twins with amazing connection with each other and with their mother? Because the author made sure to mention that in every other line. The book also showcases how child abuse can follow the victim even into adulthood. However, the same points were driven home so many times that you realise it is being done just to try to get to the readers sympathy. That would work the forst couple of times but when it becomes forced, it loses its importance. I wanted to DNF the book many times but the only thing that kept me hoing was the narrator who did an okay job

A Mother’s Love AUDIO by Danielle Steel is a typical Steel story, which is why I keep reading. I love them. It is highly narrative with less dialogue. It has two storylines going at once. Bestselling author, Halley Holbrook, has just finished with her daughter Valerie’s wedding and now the happy couple are off on their honeymoon and Valerie’s twin, Oliva, is heading for her new home in California. Halley is sad but knows she will see the girls at Thanksgiving. When she does, her new son-in-law announces he had rented a yacht, crew included, to sail the Caribbean for two weeks at Christmas. The party will include the girls, Halley, his mother and stepfather, and brother, and two other couples. Halley is forced to decline as she gets horribly seasick and would ruin it for everyone. The girls are heartbroken. It would be their first Christmas without their mother. Halley feels the same but determines to make the best of it and plans a two-week journey to Paris.

Halley has such a story, up to and including the Paris trip. Valerie has been trying to hook Olivia up with her brother-in-law, who will be on the voyage, but so far it hasn’t taken. This is the story of both these Christmas vacations and what a story it turns out to be. Several unanticipated things happen in Paris, both good and bad, which turn it into a most interesting trip. The voyage on the yacht was heaven on earth, with the ship stopping to visit islands along the way where there was shopping and dancing and so much more. Yes, there is love, lots of it. Halley’s story alone is worth the read and add it the others and it is a blockbuster. It renews my faith in happily-ever-after.

Dan John Miller is the narrator and although the bulk of the book is in women’s voices, he does an exceptional job with differentiating amongst the characters and telling the story without injecting his own feelings.

I was invited to listen to A Mother’s Love by RB Media. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #RBMedia #DanielleSteel #AMothersLove

A lovely story of overcoming childhood trauma and breaking the generational curses of abuse. The love she has for her daughters gives the MFC courage to face a purse theft while on vacation by herself in Paris and find closure of the trauma. Of course Danielle Steele includes a love story .

So… I used to read Danielle Steele as a kid… and then I didn’t for a long time. I guess I wasn’t really reading for a while… But then I got an ARC of hers maybe a year ago… and it reminded me how good she is!
This one was terrific!

Rough start with her stories of growing up and the horrors that were done to her. 😕
But then we move on to her life, and growing up… and mistakes she made… and then the loves of her life!
It was never easy for her, but she did alright.

She’s now a well known writer and has twins. One who recently got married. And the other moved away to be near her! So now Mom (Hailey) is spending her first Christmas alone…

We can’t have this, so she makes plans… and what’s that saying? You plan, God laughs? Make that times a thousand!!

I’m not going to get into it, but let’s just say that bings don’t go as planned. So she needs to make some huge adjustments…

And with this there are police… FBI…. nasty neighbors… nosy onlookers… and so much more!

I will say that I read a review and thought…wow, really?
Said the end was rushed… But, now that I’ve finished it? Well, I agree!
So much lead up to this, and wham bam. It’s over! Would’ve liked a few more minutes there… but, ok. The rest of the book was terrific, so there’s that!

4 big 🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!

#AMothersLove by the one and only #DanielleSteele and narrated nicely by #DanJohnMiller.


*** RELEASE DATE WAS YESTERDAY, JUNE 24, 2025 !! *** SO LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON SHELVES NOW!!!!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #RBMedia and #RevordedBooks for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

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This was a hard one to listen. Overall, it felt like a draft. And the whole twin thing was just ewww.

#netgalley #AMothersLove

First audio book I have listened to of her books. I did like the voice of the person who was the narrator, but it seemed like they were some things that kept getting repeated just in different ways. It did keep me interested and had a really good ending but I also felt like it left out a few things at the end that would have made it come full circle. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to listen to the book!

Danielle Steel’s A Mother’s Love is a tender, emotionally resonant novel that beautifully explores the enduring bond between mother and daughter. With her signature warmth and sensitivity, Steel crafts a story that speaks to the strength found in motherhood and the healing power of unconditional love.

At the heart of the novel is a woman who, despite a painful and difficult upbringing, discovers true love and purpose through raising her daughters. Steel captures the emotional depth of that transformation with sincerity and grace, making the character’s journey both relatable and deeply touching—especially for readers who are mothers or daughters themselves.

While the story moves at a comfortable, heartfelt pace, some readers may wish for a slightly more expansive ending. Still, the restraint shown in the conclusion avoids unnecessary filler, allowing the story to end on a poignant and satisfying note.

A Mother’s Love is a moving and heartfelt portrait of resilience, family, and the quiet triumphs that come from choosing love over pain. It’s a beautiful read that will resonate with anyone who understands the complexities—and the deep joys—of motherhood.

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this arc.
I love Danielle Steel. I have read several books by her and grew up with her books in my house. She was a favorite of the women in my family. This story, like so many others of hers, is well-written. The emotional tale of abuse of overcoming. It has a good plot and while the characters were not all too likable I feel it added depth to the story.

I was absorbed from chapter 1! I loved hearing everything our main character chose to do and make of herself throughout her life and how that affected her kids as a result. Overcoming CPTSD, especially when it’s triggered by serious trauma later in life, is something we don’t often see on page.

A Mother's Love by Danielle Steel is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel about Halley Holbrook, a devoted mother who has overcome a traumatic childhood to provide a loving home for her twin daughters. The story beautifully explores themes of resilience, letting go, and the complexities of motherhood as Halley faces the challenges of an empty nest and unexpected threats from her past. Steel's writing is engaging, and the suspenseful elements add depth to the narrative. While the plot is heartfelt and the characters well-drawn, some readers might find parts predictable or familiar within Steel's style. Overall, it's a gripping and touching read that highlights the power of a mother's love and emotional strength, earning it a solid 4-star rating

3.5*

Thank you #NetGalley # DanielleSteele #DanJohnMiller #RBMedia #AMothersLove
for allowing me to listen to this ARC for an honest review.

This would have been a 4* for me if I was told this is the first in a series. I wanted more of the character’s story going forward, which made the ending feel a bit off, in a cliffhanger sort of way. I hope there are some spin offs of Halle’s romance or the twins’ lives moving forward.

When world renowned writer finds herself alone on Christmas because her twin daughters have other plans, she takes a trip to Paris in memory of her late husband and ends up the victim of a crime. Font despair, there will be crime drama, but also some budding romances.

I have been a Danielle Steel fan for many many years and love her books. When this one became available, I jumped at it. I loved the narrator (Dan John Miller) and he really delivers a great story. The storyline was very heartwarming and tragic at the same time and shows one can truly overcome the happenings in life that you have no control over. However, this book will be as one of my favorites. The story left me hanging in some areas and I felt the ending was rushed somewhat. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC #DanielleSteel #AMothersLove #NetGalley

I’ve always wanted to read a Danielle Steel novel. She’s been a famous novelist for as long as I can remember. So when an ARC became available, I jumped at the chance.

We’re following Halle Holbrook (just reminds me of Hilly Holbrook from the Help) as she’s an empty nester. Her twin daughters are moving to LA, one married and the other single.

My first thoughts in the first five percent of the book were there was too much explaining. I would have DNFed this book if it wasn’t an ARC. I don’t like anyone yet, and I’m not supporting anyone.

I understand that Halle loves her twins, but I only know because it’s been said so many times. I haven’t seen it yet. The timeline is rushed, and I’m getting whiplash from all of the information overload. The author doesn’t show us the story. She rushes through with bullet point details. I got more information of what’s in the mom’s purse than I did about their holidays, traveling, or personalities combined.

The married twin has a creepy husband. “Sometimes I feel like I’m married to both of them.” Gross. Maybe I don’t understand twins, but that line gives me the ick.

This whole “famous author VIP in Paris who needs special attention” thing got old fast. She’s rich and beautiful. I get it. Can she have more of a personality? Even with her money stolen, a random stranger gives her his credit card to use. That’s not realistic and is completely detached from reality.

The plot to this novel could have been amazing. But with the writing being more like a refrigerator manual than an actual novel, it feels extremely flat.

The narrator has such a nice, clear voice. He did a great job.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

I have read very few Danielle Steel books. She is a good writer that can infuse emotion into her stories. This one however fell flat for me.
I listened to the Audiobook version of this book. The Narrator was excellent. I could tell he was a veteran by the flawless delivery.
This was a 6 hour listen which seems short for a DS Novel. I appreciated the romantic way intimate details were described. Sometimes it can be comical and ruins the story. This was not the case.
I admired the love for her children and the accurate way Mothers sacrifice for their children.
The reason it fell flat for me was that it didn’t keep me engaged. I had to replay several details I missed. I wasn’t trying to listen to the book on my way home from work or on a work break. If a book is 5 star you can’t get me to stop listening. It felt as if it lacked a true ending. The peak came and crashed then the book ended. I just needed a little more!
It left me asking too many questions that could have been answered with one more chapter. She briefly followed up on one of her daughters and then nothing. Why introduce a character, follow up but not let us know more? It was vague and frustrating. My only hope is that there is another book. I wouldn’t recommend this book unless you are a die hard DS fan. Someone that reads an Author even if the book is subpar.

I really wanted to like this book. Danielle Steel used to be a favorite author, so I was excited to dig into this one.

Spoiler warning in the backstory. If you don't want spoilers, skip to overview.

Backstory:
This centers around Hallie, a mom of twins who just lost her longtime partner and has a troubled past. When the girls decide to spend Christmas on a mega yacht with a full staff at the last minute (as that's what normal people do), Hallie declines due to getting seasick. Rather than try Dramamine or look for any other solutions, she chooses to fly to Paris on her own with her very expensive handbag that has more time spent developing its look, feel, and uniqueness than any character in the novel. Her bag gets stolen along with all her documents, house keys, and ID. It's fine though because she met a stranger on the plane who gave her his credit card.

Knowing she may be at risk as the thief has her address and keys, she still chooses to stay at the house she rented because it's really pretty with nice wine and art, I guess. She does change the locks and they somehow charge her thousands which is fine because she has someone else's credit card, but they do make a big deal of the price. She gets threats from the attacker as we follow her trying to get her purse back.

Overview:
This story feels a bit out of touch. The blatant privilege of all the characters, the obsession with a handbag, and odd little things. For example, they spent a good amount of time talking negative about pitbulls as the caretaker had one, only to never mention it again.
The twins are part of the story but seem to be an afterthought and I feel their portion is unfinished. Adding to their story and development would have made it stronger, otherwise just leave it out entirely and focus more in depth on the main character.
I struggled a little with the fact that the bag had contained her favorite pictures of her girls, but she was more concerned about the purse itself. I understand it's valuable but for a story centered on a Mother's Love, that felt displaced.

Narrator:
It was odd to have a male narrate a story from a female perspective. I did like his voice, it was smooth and soothing, if a little dispassionate.

Writing:
This should have a trigger warning as it immediately jumps into themes of child abuse and possible SA. I had a problem with the line " Because she hadn't let herself (get SA'd) she could love fully and freely." I don't think that was needed and feel it could be perceived as making those who have seem like less, which is not the case.
It was also very repetitive in areas and dialogue. The same thing is said multiple times in the same page/chapter or there are just different ways of saying the same thing right after each other which interrupts the story and frustrated me as a reader. The overall tone felt very disconnected. It was more telling than showing. "Hallie was a good person" vs. showing us the good she does through the story. There was not a lot of dialogue but when there was, characters would say paragraphs worth to answer a simple question, so it felt a bit unnatural. It read very detached and surface so I had trouble really connecting to the characters.

Overall: the story is good, very little spice, plot has some action and mystery to keep it interesting but it somehow left me wanting more and also less. The handbag seems to be the real star here.

I have been a Danielle Steel fan for years and any time I can read or listen to one of her creations I feel joy.
It was a book that was easy to listen to as I was traveling. I always enjoy a book about finding love when it is least expected. The audiobook was narrated by Dan John Miller who did a wonderful job bringing the book to life for me.
Finding love when Halley was not looking was a perfect and being with Halley and Bart as their relationship evolves makes for a good book.
Thank you NetGalley, Danielle Steel and RBmedia- Recorded Books for the audiobook A Mother’s Love. This is my personal review.

This book by a popular author is a page turner with realistic characters. A loving mother of twins. A family dynamic that is somewhat different. I prefer reading to listening but the narrator was articulate and easy to listen to. I enjoyed the story. Thanks Netgalley.

This was an easy read. The story of a mother who survived an abusive childhood never lets her twin daughters know the trauma she endured. The identical twins who are inseparable move to CA after spending their whole life with their mother in NYC. As the daughters spend Christmas and new year aboard a yacht, their mother decides to take a trip to Paris. While there, she is robbed and spends her vacation trying to track down the thief who stole an irreplaceable bag. The mother meets a stranger and falls in love, but can they catch the thief?