The Ball at Versailles

The Ball at Versailles

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  • Create Date:2023-11-24 04:21:40
  • Update Date:2025-09-07
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  • Author:Danielle Steel
  • ISBN:B0BWHC17KQ
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Summary

Four American debutantes attend a renowned Paris cotillion in #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel’s captivating new novel。

It’s the summer of 1959 and the Palace of Versailles is hosting an event that will make history。 It is an exclusive dusk to dawn ball in which a select group of American and French debutantes will be presented to international society and royalty。 Four young women, all with something to prove, receive what some see as the invitation of a lifetime。

Amelia Alexander, who hopes to eventually attend law school, hesitates to participate in what she sees as an archaic and privileged tradition。 But her indomitable widowed mother, Jane, who’s struggled financially and sacrificed for a career, encourages her to attend。 Jane would do anything for Amelia to have the chance at happily ever after。

Felicity Smith is equally uncertain about the ball。 Although her family is prominent in the Dallas social scene, Felicity prefers to keep to herself, avoiding the older sister who torments her。 But to get out of her sister’s shadow, Felicity decides to accept。 If it’s a success, the tables will have turned at last。

For Caroline Taylor, the beautiful ingénue and daughter of Hollywood legends, the ball is an irresistible opportunity。 But an unexpected heartbreak just before she leaves for France gets things off to a bad start。

Then there’s Samantha Walker, an art history major with an overprotective father。 Her excitement about the invitation is overshadowed by the emotional and physical effects of a past tragedy that still haunts her。

For all these young women, Paris and one transcendent night will change their lives forever。 Bestselling author Danielle Steel extends an invitation to all, in The Ball at Versailles。

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Reviews

FS Meurinne

This captivating tale centers around four American debutantes invited to an exclusive ball at the historic Palace of Versailles。 As they navigate tradition, societal expectations, and personal aspirations, the novel beautifully captures the essence of a transformative night that shapes their destinies。 Steel's storytelling brilliance shines through as she weaves together the individual journeys of Amelia, Felicity, Caroline, and Samantha, each facing unique challenges against the backdrop of a c This captivating tale centers around four American debutantes invited to an exclusive ball at the historic Palace of Versailles。 As they navigate tradition, societal expectations, and personal aspirations, the novel beautifully captures the essence of a transformative night that shapes their destinies。 Steel's storytelling brilliance shines through as she weaves together the individual journeys of Amelia, Felicity, Caroline, and Samantha, each facing unique challenges against the backdrop of a changing era。 The rich historical setting adds depth to the narrative, making the novel a compelling blend of romance, self-discovery, and the clash between tradition and progress。 This book is a mesmerizing read that transports readers to a bygone era, offering a poignant exploration of love, heartbreak, and the pursuit of dreams amidst the glamour of Versailles。 。。。more

Wendy Yarnling

Book Name: The Ball at VersaillesAuthor: Danielle Steel ARC Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for an ARC of Danielle Steel’s A Ball at Versailles Stars: 5Spice: 1 Standalone Fast Paced (EXTREMELY) MULTI-POVHistorical Drama with Romance Elements - Topics - Class - Second Wave Feminism - Consequences - Tradition Vs Modernity - Mothers and Daughters- Tropes - Cinderella - Deb Ball - “Love” at First Sight- Thoughts。 - First Danielle Steel Book - Book Name: The Ball at VersaillesAuthor: Danielle Steel ARC Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for an ARC of Danielle Steel’s A Ball at Versailles Stars: 5Spice: 1 Standalone Fast Paced (EXTREMELY) MULTI-POVHistorical Drama with Romance Elements - Topics - Class - Second Wave Feminism - Consequences - Tradition Vs Modernity - Mothers and Daughters- Tropes - Cinderella - Deb Ball - “Love” at First Sight- Thoughts。 - First Danielle Steel Book - mildly impressed - FAST read - Read in One Night - Great Story Arc’s - Mildly Predictable - Highly Enjoyable - Great Historical Palate Cleansers After a Major Slump 。。。more

Kimberly

**Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**Great story。The year is 1958 and the Palace of Versailles will be hosting an event that will definitely make history in the summer of 1959。 A very select group of Debutantes both French and American will be presented to international society and royalty。 Of the 40 Americans invited, four women are given the chance of a lifetime。 But not all of them want to go。Amelia Alexander, is the daughter of a widowed mother **Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**Great story。The year is 1958 and the Palace of Versailles will be hosting an event that will definitely make history in the summer of 1959。 A very select group of Debutantes both French and American will be presented to international society and royalty。 Of the 40 Americans invited, four women are given the chance of a lifetime。 But not all of them want to go。Amelia Alexander, is the daughter of a widowed mother who has given her everything, not knowing the price her mother has paid in exchange。 Amelia attends Barnard College and wants to go to law school afterwards。 She's not looking to get married at just 19 years old。 She already debuted in NY a year ago, but agreed for the sake of her mom, Jane, to go。Samantha Walker, daughter of a wealthy widower, Robert, who lost his young wife and son in a near fatal car accident 14 years ago。 Sam was in a coma when she was only 5 years old, she was left with a limp and some balance issues as a result from the accident。 Now she just wants to spread her wings, but her overprotective father is too afraid to let her out of his sight。 She attends NYU but lives at home with her father; his decision。 Robert thinks this would help Sam by attending the ball。 She never debuted in NY, she didn't want to。 But going to this ball might be just what she needs。Felicity Smith, goes to MIT, her family is from Dallas, Texas but she has never fit in。 Her family is extremely wealthy but none of that means anything to her。 Being invited to the ball is her worst nightmare。 She's overweight and her only concerns is studying。 She makes a deal with her mother to go only to please her。Caroline Taylor, is the daughter of two Hollywood legends, she can't wait to go。 But right before she leaves her older, actor boyfriend dumps her making her miserable and leaving her with a parting gift in return。Immediately all 4 girls bond and become friends。 But no one expected to fall in love。 Jane and Robert also find themselves falling in love as well。A beautiful story。 。。。more

Lisa Mcbroom

Okay Stop the Presses! I'm actually giving a Danielle Steel book five stars and choosing it as best of 2023! I am sure the setting has to do with it: two of my favorite things Versailles and Paris。 Set in 1959, after Queen Elizabeth said debutante balls were outdated, France decided to hold their own at Versailles and a certain amount of American girls were invited。 The novel delves into the lives of the four American girls。 Amelia from NYC is studying law。 She thinks the balls are snobbish and Okay Stop the Presses! I'm actually giving a Danielle Steel book five stars and choosing it as best of 2023! I am sure the setting has to do with it: two of my favorite things Versailles and Paris。 Set in 1959, after Queen Elizabeth said debutante balls were outdated, France decided to hold their own at Versailles and a certain amount of American girls were invited。 The novel delves into the lives of the four American girls。 Amelia from NYC is studying law。 She thinks the balls are snobbish and archaic but her mother Jane has sacrificed all for Amelia and forces her to attend。 Felicity is a honor student at MIT, but can't escape the shadow of her popular older sister Araminta。 Perhaps going to this ball she can escape Araminta's shadow。 Caroline Taylor, daughter of Hollywood royalty, yearns an escape of a secret heartbreak。 Lastly Samantha Walker, daughter of an over protective father must survive a physical handicap from a horrible accident。 Their lives will converge on a magical night! I have been to Versailles and Steel brought the magic and enchantment of it。 。。。more

Julie

I knew this was going to be shallow just based on the blurb, but wow, I had no idea how shallow。 I get that this book was set during an era where things were far different than they are now。 But wow, this was brutal to read。 Things also didn't match up for me - some characters were clearly from the late 50's, while others seemed much more modern and living in today's world。 I liked all the characters, but I just can't get past the archaic storyline and mismatched writing。 I typically give this a I knew this was going to be shallow just based on the blurb, but wow, I had no idea how shallow。 I get that this book was set during an era where things were far different than they are now。 But wow, this was brutal to read。 Things also didn't match up for me - some characters were clearly from the late 50's, while others seemed much more modern and living in today's world。 I liked all the characters, but I just can't get past the archaic storyline and mismatched writing。 I typically give this author a lot of slack, but I just can't do it here。 Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Anne

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel is vintage Steel and a wonderful read, despite the fact, as in most romance, the reader knew the outcome very early in the book。 In this case there were four outcomes。 For some reason, someone in France had determined that there would be a debutante ball held at Versailles for the first time ever。 Also, they had determined to include twenty-five American girls, apparently chosen at random from lists of recent debutantes。 Included were four who became frie The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel is vintage Steel and a wonderful read, despite the fact, as in most romance, the reader knew the outcome very early in the book。 In this case there were four outcomes。 For some reason, someone in France had determined that there would be a debutante ball held at Versailles for the first time ever。 Also, they had determined to include twenty-five American girls, apparently chosen at random from lists of recent debutantes。 Included were four who became friends: Amelia from New York who was in college and intended to go to law school; Felicity, from Dallas, who was a science nerd who attended MIT and was less than debutante material; Caroline, the daughter of a famous actress and successful director and hailed from Los Angeles; and Samantha, who was the daughter of a single father, a successful, overprotective man, also from New York。 This is the story of the several days celebrations that were part of the ball and some of the aftermath。 Their stories are, at once, heart-wrenching and inspiring。 And, they became fast friends。 As did the single parents of Amelia and Sam, who themselves fell in love。 A friend once told me she stopped reading Danielle Steel because all her books were the same。 In essence, that is true, but it is also exactly why I read them。 There are few surprises, although there are twists and turns。 They are heart-warming and always have a good end。 They explore the human condition in a way no other author quite does。 It is a good read。 It made me feel good while I was reading it and when I finished it。 Is there a higher recommendation for a book?I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Ball at Versailles by Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, through Netgalley。 All thoughts and opinions are mine。 #Netgalley #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine #DanielleSteel #TheBallAtVersailles 。。。more

Jennifer

Is the Ball At Versailles a love story? There is more than one love story。 Is this a romance novel? Not precisely。 This is a coming-of-age story about 4 very different young women。 Their journey from being on separate journeys to going to the ball at Versailles to the events that follow is chronicled。 Will they find their happily ever after stories? Based on the name of the story, I thought the young women would be spending a lot of time at the ball but most of the story is about the before and Is the Ball At Versailles a love story? There is more than one love story。 Is this a romance novel? Not precisely。 This is a coming-of-age story about 4 very different young women。 Their journey from being on separate journeys to going to the ball at Versailles to the events that follow is chronicled。 Will they find their happily ever after stories? Based on the name of the story, I thought the young women would be spending a lot of time at the ball but most of the story is about the before and the after。 I enjoyed how the author showed each of the young women developing and growing。 Caroline is living a secret life, and she is forced to face the consequences。 Felicity loves going to MIT, but she has some personal issues to overcome。 Samantha is protected by her father after she almost died when she was younger, but she longs to be treated like she’s strong and capable。 Amelia has had a good life being raised by her mother after her father died。 Amelia’s mother, Jane, gets her own story。 The journey was sweet and I loved how each of them found happiness at the end。 The book flowed as each of the young women discovered who they are and what they want for their futures。 The love stories are all fast and furious but they all make sense。 If you are looking for a book that is set around 1960 that focuses on a group of women coming of age and finding love for themselves。 。。。more

Jaime

I really enjoyed this book and I am not surprised because Danielle Steel never disappoints。 This story puts an interesting twist on the experiences, expectations, excitement, and outcomes of the decisions for four debutants during their presentation to society。 It’s the summer of 1959 and four American debutantes have been honored with the opportunity to travel to Paris and make their debuts at a renowned cotillion being held at the Palace of Versailles。 This is an event that will make history a I really enjoyed this book and I am not surprised because Danielle Steel never disappoints。 This story puts an interesting twist on the experiences, expectations, excitement, and outcomes of the decisions for four debutants during their presentation to society。 It’s the summer of 1959 and four American debutantes have been honored with the opportunity to travel to Paris and make their debuts at a renowned cotillion being held at the Palace of Versailles。 This is an event that will make history and ultimately change the lives of the selected debutants - will they be good or bad changes? I found this story to be thought provoking and a story that led to a lot of emotional turmoil on my part。 Overall I highly recommend this book for both seasoned lovers of Steel’s work or a beginner book for those just finding her!5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press via #Netgalley。 All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free。 I did not receive any money in exchange for this review。 Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review。 Reviews are usually cross-posted to social media, goodreads, bookbub, and blog。 🦄 。。。more

Kookie9200

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book。I tried, but I just can't read this。 I got one chapter in before I decided to DNF。 The writing and story are stale and boring。 I think she did a similar version of this book a few years ago。。 I forget the name of that one, but I think it was called Coming Out or something to that effect。 I truly think it's time for Ms。 Steel to step away from the keyboard and retire, and I say that as a loyal reader who has read nearly Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book。I tried, but I just can't read this。 I got one chapter in before I decided to DNF。 The writing and story are stale and boring。 I think she did a similar version of this book a few years ago。。 I forget the name of that one, but I think it was called Coming Out or something to that effect。 I truly think it's time for Ms。 Steel to step away from the keyboard and retire, and I say that as a loyal reader who has read nearly every book she's written。 。。。more

Kristin

The Ball at VersaillesBy Danielle SteelDNFI was excited to get an ARC from #netgalley of Danielle Steel's novel, The Ball at Versailles, to be released in November 2023。 The premise of the book was intriguing to me and the cover art is absolutely gorgeous。 However, this was a DNF for me, which is very rare in my reading habits。 I read seven chapters and had to stop- I unfortunately found the writing style to be lacking。 There was a lot of repetitiveness where the same thing would be explained mu The Ball at VersaillesBy Danielle SteelDNFI was excited to get an ARC from #netgalley of Danielle Steel's novel, The Ball at Versailles, to be released in November 2023。 The premise of the book was intriguing to me and the cover art is absolutely gorgeous。 However, this was a DNF for me, which is very rare in my reading habits。 I read seven chapters and had to stop- I unfortunately found the writing style to be lacking。 There was a lot of repetitiveness where the same thing would be explained multiple times within the same chapter, just using different wording。 I also found the focus on “looks" to be very off-putting, all the descriptions of the characters had to do with how beautiful they were or weren't。 The constant body shaming of one of the main characters was also a big turn off for me。The characters had the potential to be well-rounded and relatable but within the 7 chapters I read, Steel just hadn't gotten there yet and I couldn't continue with the book。 。。。more

Barb Lie

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel is another one of her captivating and enchanting stand-alone novel。 The story begins in the summer of 1959, where the Palace of Versailles will host a historic first dusk-to-dawn debutante ball, for international and royalty。 Invitations were sent to a select group of French and American debutantes to attend the ball。 The story revolves around four young American women, who are offered a lifetime opportunity, with some anxious to attend, and some being pu The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel is another one of her captivating and enchanting stand-alone novel。 The story begins in the summer of 1959, where the Palace of Versailles will host a historic first dusk-to-dawn debutante ball, for international and royalty。 Invitations were sent to a select group of French and American debutantes to attend the ball。 The story revolves around four young American women, who are offered a lifetime opportunity, with some anxious to attend, and some being pushed by family; but the trip will open the door that will change their lives forever, as well as a wonderful friendship。 We will meet Amelia, Felicity, Caroline and Samantha, as well as their family。Amelia Alexander is planning on going to law school, and sees this invitation as something she feels is not her style。 But Amelia is very close to her mother, Jane, who is widowed, recently lost her job as an executive publisher; but Jane is determined for Amelia to have a chance to go to Paris and attend the Ball。 Amelia at first hesitates, but decides to accept the invitation to the Ball a Versailles。Felicity Smith, who comes from a wealthy Dallas family, is uncertain about attending the ball。 Her older sister constantly torments her, especially since she is a bit overweight。 Her mother and father are thrilled about the invitation, and Felicity decides to accept, in order to get out of her sister’s shadow。 She is also hoping to find someone, who will like her as she is。Caroline Taylor is the daughter of two Hollywood legends, and immediately accepts the opportunity to attend the Ball。 A short time before she needs to leave, her boyfriend (an actor) dumps her for a younger girl, breaking her heart and putting a cloud on the event。 She keeps this a secret from her parents, and together they attend the Ball。 Unfortunately, Caroline gets sick, and has a hard time preparing for the ball, which turns out she may be pregnant。Samantha Walker, lives with her overprotective father, having lost her mother and young brother years ago。 She convinces her father that they should go to Paris, a chance to visit Europe, and enjoy the Ball。 Sam wants to make her father proud of her; and together they look forward to the trip。What follows is the 4 girls will meet each other and over time become friends。 Three of the ladies will find someone meant to be for each, having met them as escorts at the ball。 I really like the girls, who’s life will change, mostly for the better。 I also enjoyed Jane (Amelia’s mother) and Robert (Sam’s father), who found love along the way。 The boys who entered the lives of three ladies, Quentin, Willie, Rapheal were also very likeable to their designated women。 Caroline, who suffered a bit at the ball, became close friends with the others, and eventually will find the love she deserved。The Ball at Versailles was a captivating, engaging historical romance story line, with each girl finding love after it was over。 I did like how Steel gives us wonderful descriptions, fantastic gowns and decorations。 The Ball at Versailles once again is written so very well by Danielle Steel。 This was an enjoyable and fun read。BarbThe Reading Cafe 。。。more

Alicia Niles Deal

This is a story about four young women who get to participate in the 1st Ball of Versailles to include American women。 The stories follows them before, during and after the ball。 It shows how there relationships grow due to this once in a lifetime opportunity。 There is drama and romance。 I throughly enjoyed this book as I do all of Danielle Steel’s books! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and ARC in exchange for an honest review。

Connie

1957This is the first year that the President of France has decided to host a ball at Versailles for 250 French debutantes and 40 American debutantes to be presented to society。 The “cream of the crop” will be invited。Jane Alexander works at a publishing house in New York City and her daughter is a freshman at Barnard。 Jane comes from a good family and is a widow, but she works hard to give Amelia a good life。 She receives an invitation for Amelia to be presented at the ball。 At first uncertain, 1957This is the first year that the President of France has decided to host a ball at Versailles for 250 French debutantes and 40 American debutantes to be presented to society。 The “cream of the crop” will be invited。Jane Alexander works at a publishing house in New York City and her daughter is a freshman at Barnard。 Jane comes from a good family and is a widow, but she works hard to give Amelia a good life。 She receives an invitation for Amelia to be presented at the ball。 At first uncertain, Jane finally convinces her daughter that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and she agrees。Charlotte and Bailey Smith live in Texas and are very wealthy。 They have two daughters, Araminta, spoiled and not interested in attending college。 Her younger sister, Felicity, is tall and attends MIT with a goal to earn her doctorate。 The two girls do not get along。 When Felicity is invited to attend the ball, she is unwilling as she feels awkward。 But to please her parents, she agrees。Caroline Taylor is the daughter of Josh Taylor a producer-director in Los Angeles。 Her mother is Betty Wade, a movie star。 Caroline is pleased to receive an invitation to the ball, but a devastating incident right before leaving for Paris has upset her。Robert Talker is a very wealthy man living in New York City with his daughter, Samantha。 A tragic accident years ago left him a widower, his son killed, and Samantha injured。 He is quite protective of her。 She receives an invitation and while hesitant at first finally agrees to attend the ball。 When these four young ladies meet up at the teas and receptions leading up the ball, they form an instant friendship。Danielle Steel has really outdone herself with this delightful story! I loved the relationships that grew from this very ball。 The characters are perfectly created and so real。 In addition, the author stayed true to the time this occurred。 One of my favorite of her books。 Don’t miss this one。 It’s fabulous!!Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review。 。。。more

Diane Saul

This is the story of 4 young women from very different backgrounds who meet at a debutante ball in Versailles。 The story follow their lives after they leave the ball。 This is a typical Danielle Steel, you can expect a happy ending with a good story to enjoy along the way。 Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy。

Lori Boyd

Review to follow!

Janilyn Kocher

Vintage Danielle Steel which I appreciate。 Four young women have the Chance to dance the night away at Versailles, set in 1959。Some of the characters are more developed than others and I had to look up a few items mentioned, like an electric typewriter, to see if they were available in 1959。I liked the richness the culture and just the ambience of the book。I tend to just float along with the story when it’s a DS。Anyone looking for a nostalgic read should pick this one up。Thanks to Random House a Vintage Danielle Steel which I appreciate。 Four young women have the Chance to dance the night away at Versailles, set in 1959。Some of the characters are more developed than others and I had to look up a few items mentioned, like an electric typewriter, to see if they were available in 1959。I liked the richness the culture and just the ambience of the book。I tend to just float along with the story when it’s a DS。Anyone looking for a nostalgic read should pick this one up。Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the advance copy。 。。。more

Kristina

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel takes us back to 1959 when four young ladies get the opportunity to be presented to Paris Society at a ball to be held for the first time at the Palace of Versailles。 It is an invitation only issued to forty American young women。 Amelia, Felicity, Caroline, and Samantha are the four young women we get to follow along with their parents (and one mean sister)。 I was quickly drawn into The Ball of Versailles。 I found the story to be easy to read。 I liked tha The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel takes us back to 1959 when four young ladies get the opportunity to be presented to Paris Society at a ball to be held for the first time at the Palace of Versailles。 It is an invitation only issued to forty American young women。 Amelia, Felicity, Caroline, and Samantha are the four young women we get to follow along with their parents (and one mean sister)。 I was quickly drawn into The Ball of Versailles。 I found the story to be easy to read。 I liked that each young woman had a different personality and background。 It was interesting to get a behind the scenes look at being a debutante at an exclusive event。 This ball is happening at a time when women are getting more options。 Women no longer need to be presented to society to find themselves a husband who will take care of them。 Women can attend college and have a career。 The four women experience a special night that will end up changing their futures。 A parent or two may end up making a special connection。 The author captured the time period。 I enjoyed the descriptions of Paris, Versailles, and the clothes。 Each lady not only gets a once in a lifetime evening at a gorgeous venue, but they also learn some lessons along the way。 This event can bring out the best or the worst in a person。 The ladies get to traverse the rocky road of love and heartbreak。 I did feel that the story lacked depth, and there is a repetition of details (I got it the first five times)。 That said, I still enjoyed reading The Ball at Versailles。 It is a story that provides a break reality。 I have read all of Danielle Steel’s books (been reading them since I was twelve), and I look forward to each new release。 The Ball at Versailles is an appealing tale with a distinctive invitation, swanky dresses, a nasty sister, a misunderstood scientist, lifelong friends, and lasting love。 。。。more

Carolyn Page

I have received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。Danielle Steele is a very successful author。 I have seen her books in libraries and shops all my life。 Her commercial appeal cannot be denied, so I decided to read one of her novels。 I am very grateful that I was allowed to read this ARC。I won't lie, the cover is what sucked me in。 It is gorgeous, and being a big fan of debutantes and midcentury glamour, I hoped this would be my entrance into a fandom spanning decade I have received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。Danielle Steele is a very successful author。 I have seen her books in libraries and shops all my life。 Her commercial appeal cannot be denied, so I decided to read one of her novels。 I am very grateful that I was allowed to read this ARC。I won't lie, the cover is what sucked me in。 It is gorgeous, and being a big fan of debutantes and midcentury glamour, I hoped this would be my entrance into a fandom spanning decades of readers before me。Welp。I'd like to see the author get away with trying to publish a book with this first chapter as an unknown。 Ladies and gents, we are in 3rd person POV and 5% into the book before we hit a single line of dialogue。 We are subjected to pages on pages of infodumping via "this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened"。 The old writer's adage of "show, don't tell" appears to not apply here。 Despite the dramatic events that were being related, it just got BORING。 Three chapters worth of new characters were introduced in this manner, with a few token lines of throwaway dialogue at the end of each scene-cum-narrative flashback。 There was more dialogue as the book progressed, but it was of a kind narration。。。bland。 The characters did not have any uniqueness in their voices or motivations。 Beyond my issues with the writing style, the plot was a grade-A, number-one clunker。 The ball didn't really effect each character's trajectory in life。 Nobody changed what they would have done AFTER the ball from what they would have done BEFORE (with the possible exception of Felicity)。 Nobody had an arc。 Nobody learned anything new。 They all got married and lived happily ever after, and if they didn't, it was from events before the ball, not anything that happened in France。 You can argue "but they met the guys in France"。。。Yeah, and if they hadn't, it was 1959 and they'd still be getting married to some other guys。I'm so sorry。 This was a good idea, terrible execution。 It needs to be sent back for a reworking。 I'm so disappointed。 What a waste of a beautiful cover。 。。。more

Louise Pledge

Whenever I read Danielle Steel, I think of the old Dragnet show and the "Just the facts, ma'am"。 That's pretty much her style of writing, and it makes the reading quicker and easier。 Four young ladies (older teens) in different parts of the country were honored to be selected to take part in the coveted Ball at Versailles。 However, not all of them went willingly。 The delightful story involved, some love stories as well as some life-long friendships。 Whenever I read Danielle Steel, I think of the old Dragnet show and the "Just the facts, ma'am"。 That's pretty much her style of writing, and it makes the reading quicker and easier。 Four young ladies (older teens) in different parts of the country were honored to be selected to take part in the coveted Ball at Versailles。 However, not all of them went willingly。 The delightful story involved, some love stories as well as some life-long friendships。 。。。more

Melonie

Danielle Steel books always feel like a present at Christmas! The anticipation and never disappointed! I love this lovely story of three young ladies coming out a at ball at Versailles。 They all have unique stories and personalities and reasons for attending It is a magical night that exceeds their expectations。。 The blending of these four girls whose lives will never be the same! I could not put it down! It was such a lovely book! I would love to see a movie of this story!! Thanks #Netgalley fo Danielle Steel books always feel like a present at Christmas! The anticipation and never disappointed! I love this lovely story of three young ladies coming out a at ball at Versailles。 They all have unique stories and personalities and reasons for attending It is a magical night that exceeds their expectations。。 The blending of these four girls whose lives will never be the same! I could not put it down! It was such a lovely book! I would love to see a movie of this story!! Thanks #Netgalley for this amazing and magical ARC! 。。。more

LS

The Ball at Versailles is Danielle Steel's latest romance。 Set in 1959, the book follows four young women on the cusp of adulthood who get selected to participate in a coming out ceremony at the French chateau。 The first young woman, Amelia, is the daughter of an overprotective mother who convinces her to participate in what Amelia feels is an old-fashioned tradition。 Felicity is an overweight teenager who has lived her life in the shadow of her mean-girl older sister and is looking to shift the The Ball at Versailles is Danielle Steel's latest romance。 Set in 1959, the book follows four young women on the cusp of adulthood who get selected to participate in a coming out ceremony at the French chateau。 The first young woman, Amelia, is the daughter of an overprotective mother who convinces her to participate in what Amelia feels is an old-fashioned tradition。 Felicity is an overweight teenager who has lived her life in the shadow of her mean-girl older sister and is looking to shift the tide。 Caroline is the child of Hollywood stars who persuade her to participate in the ball。 And finally, Samantha, an art history major with an overly zealous father, is a young woman trying to escape a dark past。In typical Steel fashion, the story skims the surface of the characters' lives without asking very much from the reader。 This is a light read, short enough to consume in a few hours。 If you're interested in old-fashioned romances, this book might appeal to you。 But if you want something deep, you might want to give this one a pass。 。。。more

Ashley

Full Review Coming Soon!

Lynn Brooks

4 1/2 STARS!Danielle Steel can always be counted on to weave a captivating tale as she wraps characters around her reader's heart! THE BALL AT VERSAILLES quickly hooks us on four main families as their debutante daughters converge in Paris for the ball of the century。 The story covers a few months in time but is fairly fast paced with each main character having ample time for drama, romance and various family obligations。 I was highly entertained and didn't want to put the book down until they e 4 1/2 STARS!Danielle Steel can always be counted on to weave a captivating tale as she wraps characters around her reader's heart! THE BALL AT VERSAILLES quickly hooks us on four main families as their debutante daughters converge in Paris for the ball of the century。 The story covers a few months in time but is fairly fast paced with each main character having ample time for drama, romance and various family obligations。 I was highly entertained and didn't want to put the book down until they each reached a high point。 。。。more

Carol Perreault

Four American debutantes are invited to a debutante ball at Versailles。 They go and meet each other and become fast friends。 They also meet interesting men with whom they continue to stay in touch with。 All in all, a very nice story。

Kathleen Gray

Amelia, Felicity, Samantha and Caroline- four young women on the cusp who meet at a debutante ball held in Versailles in 1959。 They come from and are going different places but they are united on that one night。 Remember that this is set in 1959 and reflects attitudes of the period and that these characters are very privileged。 That said, it's interesting to see what happens to them a year later- and no spoilers as to how things turn out。 I might have liked to check back in five years later but Amelia, Felicity, Samantha and Caroline- four young women on the cusp who meet at a debutante ball held in Versailles in 1959。 They come from and are going different places but they are united on that one night。 Remember that this is set in 1959 and reflects attitudes of the period and that these characters are very privileged。 That said, it's interesting to see what happens to them a year later- and no spoilers as to how things turn out。 I might have liked to check back in five years later but so be it。 It's an easy read typical of Steel's work。 Thanks to netgalley for the ARC。 For her fans。 。。。more

Diane Jewell

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Another great historical fiction by Danielle, whom never disappoints。4 young different women from the USA journey across the sea to the Versailles in Paris for their coming out。 The “coming out” of a young woman represented a change in her status from child to adult and her “introduction” to society。 Up to the point of their coming of age of seventeen or eighteen, so the formalization of the event helped insure that she would meet young men who were The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Another great historical fiction by Danielle, whom never disappoints。4 young different women from the USA journey across the sea to the Versailles in Paris for their coming out。 The “coming out” of a young woman represented a change in her status from child to adult and her “introduction” to society。 Up to the point of their coming of age of seventeen or eighteen, so the formalization of the event helped insure that she would meet young men who were deemed suitable by her parents。 The event itself was quite short, but was formal and conducted with a certain amount of “pomp and ceremony”。 Once introduced, the debutante emerged as an adult and it marked the beginning of her first social season, although if she did not get married or engaged, the coming out was often repeated。It a great learning experience for me to read about this。 Bringing me to the event with thoughts and reasoning s of each young adult。 Hope you will pre-order your copy today to read for yourself about the coming out to society。 I highly recommend this book。 I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley 。。。more

Gail Herrmann

Taking us back to the 50’s, 4 young women from different American cities accept an invitation to the coming out ball in Versailles。 4 very different girls with very different reasons for going come together as friends。 What I liked most was the step back in time and reading about what it was like to come out into society。 Danielle Steel writes best when she writes historical fiction, in my opinion。 I enjoyed this book!

Donna

Danielle Steel novels never disappoint。 “The Ball at Versailles” follows four debutantes from the United States in late 1950’s。 Each debutante is presented alongside French debutantes at the first ball hosted in The Versailles Palace。 Easy and enjoyable read。

Stephanie

The Ball at Versailles is the latest novel by Danielle Steel。 It's 1959 and four young American women are invited to be presented to society in Versailles。 Like all Steel novels, this one is a pleasant way to pass an afternoon and you can see the storylines coming in advance and yet it is still an enjoyable experience。 The struggle is that having 4 main characters (actually 5 with mom Jane) and then their men too it can be hard to keep straight which girl is with which family and man。 That likel The Ball at Versailles is the latest novel by Danielle Steel。 It's 1959 and four young American women are invited to be presented to society in Versailles。 Like all Steel novels, this one is a pleasant way to pass an afternoon and you can see the storylines coming in advance and yet it is still an enjoyable experience。 The struggle is that having 4 main characters (actually 5 with mom Jane) and then their men too it can be hard to keep straight which girl is with which family and man。 That likely means a bit more character development would be helpful。 Ironically I just read another novel set in the same time frame and the exploration of women of the time was so different, but again it's Danielle Steel that we read for a nice light story where everyone comes through it better for the journey。 Steel fans will enjoy this journey。Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion。 。。。more

Laura

The Ball at Versailles is a combination of historical fiction mixed with the usual romance in Danielle Steel novels。 We meet four American debutantes, Amelia, Sam, Felicity and Caroline, who are invited to "come out" at Versailles。 Each character's story is unique。 As in most Ms。 Steel's books, each debutante finds her own unique happily ever after。 The book was engaging, but I would have preferred a little more depth to each of the character's story。 All in all, an engrossing read。 Thanks to Ne The Ball at Versailles is a combination of historical fiction mixed with the usual romance in Danielle Steel novels。 We meet four American debutantes, Amelia, Sam, Felicity and Caroline, who are invited to "come out" at Versailles。 Each character's story is unique。 As in most Ms。 Steel's books, each debutante finds her own unique happily ever after。 The book was engaging, but I would have preferred a little more depth to each of the character's story。 All in all, an engrossing read。 Thanks to NetGalley, Delacorte Press, and Danielle Steel for the ARC in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

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