Wednesday, August 4, 2010

FAMILY TIES: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY and MYSTERY BONUS GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
FAMILY TIES

BY DANIELLE STEEL

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Annie Ferguson was a bright young Manhattan architect. Talented, beautiful, just starting out with her first job, new apartment and boyfriend, she had the world in the palm of her hand—until a single phone call altered the course of her life forever. Overnight, she became the mother to her sister’s three orphaned children, keeping a promise she never regretted making, even if it meant putting her own life indefinitely on hold.

Now, at forty-two, as independent as ever, with a satisfying career and a family that means everything to her, Annie is comfortable being single and staying that way. She appears to have no time for anything else. With her nephew and nieces now young adults and confronting major challenges of their own, Annie is navigating a parent’s difficult passage between lending them a hand and letting go, and suddenly facing an empty nest. The eldest, twenty-eight-year-old Liz, an overworked, struggling editor in a high-powered job at Vogue, has never allowed any man to come close enough to hurt her. Ted, at twenty-four a serious and hardworking law student, is captivated by a much older, much more experienced woman with children, who is leading him much further than he wants to go. And the youngest, twenty-one-year-old Katie—impulsive, artistic, rebellious—is an art student about to make a choice that will lead her to an entirely different world she is in no way prepared for but determined to embrace.

Then, just when least expected, a chance encounter changes Annie’s life yet again in the most unexpected direction of all.

From Manhattan to Paris and all the way to Tehran, Family Ties is a novel that reminds us how challenging and unpredictable life can be, and that the powerful bonds of family are the strongest of all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world’s most popular authors, with over 590 million copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include Big Girl, Southern Lights, Matters of the Heart, One Day at a Time, A Good Woman, Rogue, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina’s life and death.

MY REVIEW:

As a long, long, LONG time reader of Danielle Steel’s novels, it was something about this lovely cover that drew me back after being absent from the “World of Steel” for a while. Like many of you, I “grew up” on/with Danielle Steel’s novels until a few years ago, I started to choose and experiment with other genres only to find out that there was a whole world of books I loved that weren‘t just “happy ending with a twist” stories. Still Danielle Steel’s work has continued to be best selling, well written, and character driven, but a little more predictable than I was in the mood for, and so I stopped reading every one that came out. Do understand, however, that for years, a new book coming out from Steel was met with great excitement and anticipation as I waited to buy it the day it hit the stores (Amazon who?). With FAMILY TIES, I found my longtime “friend” Danielle Steel in great form and presenting an entertaining read in which the main character, Annie Ferguson, taking on responsibilities, dealing with a family, and growing up in a new and more culturally diverse world today.

When the reader first gets to know twenty-six year old Annie Ferguson, an architect, she is eagerly looking forward to starting a new project in Manhattan and moving in with her boyfriend, Seth. This elation is short lived, however, as she has the rug pulled out from under her when Jane, her sister, and her husband, Bill, are killed in a plane crash. The long ago promise to be the legal guardian of Jane’s children should anything ever happen to both of them, comes to fruition and Annie is suddenly a single mother of three- Liz, Ted, and Katie. Annie meets the responsibility head on (at least for all outward appearances) and takes on the raising of these three preteen children. Seth shows his true colors, better now than later, and can’t handle all this and so their relationship is ended. As with all good Steel novels, much of this happens early on and the narrative then goes on to add depth to the characters as it follows Annie and the children growing into young adults and developing the kind of relationship she has with each child. There is obviously no easy job here and the children realize that now they only have Annie for support and the adjustment is dealt with on a different level, and at a different time, for each of them.

Life moves on and sixteen years pass and Annie is now heading up a very successful architectural firm. The “children“, are grown and finding their way in the world which means Annie will be an empty-nester now. Liz is an editor for Vogue who travels all over the world, while Ted is attending law school. Katie is in college and studying design. The story takes on a tumultuous shift for everyone who had been moving steadily along when one sprained ankle lands Annie in the ER where she meets Tom.

What follows involves new directions and choices for all of them. At times, it is hard as the story seems to break into four parts for the reader to keep track of with Annie and the children. With a new man a possibility for Annie, what can that mean to her as well as the group dynamics of her “family”? How does young Katie wind up in Tehran and did Pratt teach tattoo as part of the design program? Is Liz’s French love interest going back to his wife and child or staying with Liz? And what of Ted who realizes too late that a relationship with an older law professor is not the smartest thing to have? Danielle Steel has not lost her touch with modern romance novels that entertain, characters that do live real lives, and endings that appear headed for disaster but is that what really will happen?

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO QUINNE AND THE GOOD
PEOPLE AT RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING,
I HAVE TWO COPIES OF THIS
WONDERFUL BOOK TO GIVE AWAY



--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!
HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY:
COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND OF INTEREST AT DANIELLE STEEL'S WEBSITE BY GOING HERE

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON IF YOU FOLLOW MY BLOG AND HOW....AND EACH WAY IS A SEPARATE COMMENT AND ENTRY

+1 MYSTERY???? BONUS ENTRY:
GO AGAIN TO DANIELLE STEEL'S WEBSITE HERE THIS TIME AND NAME ANY ONE BOOK OF HERS YOU HAVE READ, OR ONE YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ!!! IF YOU NAME ONE OF THE BOOKS THAT I OWN, (ALL NEW OR GENTLY/BARELY READ ONCE), IT COULD BE YOURS. IF MORE THAN ONE PERSON NAMES THE SAME BOOK, I WILL DRAW STRAWS (RANDOM.ORG)...SO ONLY ONE TITLE PLEASE FOR THIS! AND I HAVE A FEW THAT PEOPLE COULD WIN!

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, AUGUST 19!

107 comments:

CMash said...

I was amazed to know that she can work on 5 books at a time.
CMash
Mash1195(at)aol(dot)com

CMash said...

I am both a GFC follower and an email newsletter subscriber.
CMash
Mash1195(at)aol(dot)com

CMash said...

For the mystery entry. It would be "The Ring" that I read when in college many many years ago.
CMash
Mash1195(at)aol(dot)com

traveler said...

Her website is interesting and contains a great deal of information on all the books and her writing. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

The book that I read and found memorable was Echoes. Thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

Her perfume venture is lovely and her prolific writing career is amazing. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I am interested in reading her novel Sisters. It sounds great. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

debbie said...

I learned she has written 78 books. Wow.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I am a email subscriber.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I would like to read big girl.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Colleen Turner said...

I learned from the author's website that in 2002, Danielle Steel was decorated by the French government as an "Officier" of the distinguished Order of Arts and Letters, for her lifetime contribution to world culture. Now that is impressive!
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am a Networked Blogs follower.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am a Facebook fan!
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

+5 swagbucks!
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I would love to read Matters of the Heart...I hope you have it :)!
candc320@gmail.com

Suburban prep said...

She wrote her first book at 19.

msgb245 at gmail dot com

Suburban prep said...

I follow via GFC.

msgb245 at gmail dot com

gcpeach17 said...

The 5 books at a time and I did not remember that she had 9 children! My feelings about Danielle Steele mirror yours almost exactly. I, too, bought every book as it came available until I started reading other authors and slid away. But, I still enjoy her books and would love to win this one.
gcpeach17 at aol dot com

gcpeach17 said...

I am a follower on Google Reader.

gcpeach17 at aol dot com

gcpeach17 said...

For the mystery giveaway, if you happen to have "The Ghost", I would love to read that one. There are so.o.o many of her books it is easy to miss one......

gcpeach17 at aol dot com

holdenj said...

One thing that I thought was most interesting was that her books have been translated into 28 languages. Wow.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I am a GFC follower.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I am a RSS subscriber via google reader.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I think one of the first of her books I remember reading was No Greater Love.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Cindy W. said...

It blew me away to read that she has over 580 million books in print. Wow!

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Cindy W. said...

Mystery entry - Matters of the Heart looks interesting.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Cindy W. said...

I am a GFC follower.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Cindy W. said...

I am an email subscriber.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Linda Kish said...

GFC follower

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

One or more of Ms. Steel's novels have been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 390 consecutive weeks.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

Toxic Bachelors sounds interesting.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Stormi said...

I am a follower and haven't read a Danielle Steele book in a long time so would love to win one.

Stormi
booklady2007[at]gmail[dot]com

Stormi said...

Well I went to the site and I guess I never knew there was a Danielle Steele line of perfume..lol.

Stormi

Stormi said...

Went back for the bonus entry and I found the book Matters of the Heart sounds really good so maybe you have that one and I win it..hehehe :)

Stormi

Steve Capell said...

I found out that Steel has sold more than 580 million copies of her books (as of 2005) worldwide and is the eighth best selling writer of all time. I would say that speaks very high of her books.

This book sounds like an interesting read.. Thanks for the opportunity

steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Like you, I have grown up with Danielle Steele. Her books make
great summer reading. Would love
to read "Family Ties".....it's still summer. Thanks for your review and chance to win her book.
mjsinger0500@gmail.com

Bingo said...

I am so happy to see so many fans of Danielle Steel...many of us did grow up on her books, M.J., so it is nice to see I'm not alone...and do watch for this morning's post as it is a winner as well...oh, and for those of you posting Danielle's titles that I may have so you can win, I can tell you I have one title winner already so keep with it!

Bingo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Latter-day Saint Mom said...

Learned that she founded and runs to foundations, one involved with mental illness and child abuse and another to assist the homeless.
cparkins14 AT teancum.net

Latter-day Saint Mom said...

I am a follower and e-mail subscriber.
cparkins14 AT teancum.net

Latter-day Saint Mom said...

Would like to read Honor Thyself.
cparkins14 AT teancum.net

Sarah said...

I like her video discussion about the book~

foxchick0323@live.com

Sarah said...

I an a google follower.

foxchick0323@live.com

Sarah said...

I am an email follower too:)

foxchick0323@live.com

Sarah said...

I would really like to read "Big Girl"

foxchick0323@live.com

Anonymous said...

I am a follower and email subscriber. I love reading Danielle Steel. She is truly amazing. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I did not know that she wrote a series of books, MAX & MARTHA for young readers.

monagarg@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I follow via email

monagarg@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I follow you on Twitter

monagarg@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Mystery Entry: I would love to read SOUTHERN LIGHTS. I hope you have that one.

monagarg@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I have read Star. I loved that book. I also would like to read No Greater Love or Johnny Angel. All her books sound reall great. Tore923@aol.com

enyl said...

It was intresting to learn that she has started a new line of perfume and a beauty supply line this late in life .
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

enyl said...

e-mail subscriber.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

enyl said...

GFC follower.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

enyl said...

I would love to read His Bright Light.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

enyl said...

Tweeted.
twitter.com@enylstil#family
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

Wow, she has raised nine children while doing all the books that she has written


(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I've read Secrets, The Gift,Message from Nam to name just a few. I grew up reading Danielle Steel books.


(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

Pam S (pams00) said...

I found it fascinating she was the writer of a children's series, "Max and Martha". I also enjoyed her scrapbook.

Pam S
pams00 @ aol.com

Pam S (pams00) said...

I am a GFC follower (pams00)

Pam S
pams00 @ aol.com

Pam S (pams00) said...

Would like to read Bungalow 2

Pam S
pams00 @ aol.com

Shirley said...

+5swag shundelt@yahoo.com

Christine H said...

+5swag chirth7@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

+5swag jeff72768@yahoo.com

bison61 said...

In 2002, Ms. Steel was decorated by the French government as an "Officier" of the distinguished Order of Arts and Letters, for her lifetime contribution to world culture. She was awarded the second highest rank of the Order.

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Ruthie said...

I love the description & packaging of her new fragrance.

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

Ruthie said...

I would like to read the book about her son His Bright Light

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

Ruthie said...

FB Fan

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

g.g. said...

I see that Steel now has her own perfume called Danielle

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I follow with google friend connect

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I subscribe via email

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I have read many of her books but one that came out that I really wanted to read was called "Coming Out" and I'd love to read or win that one.

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

rubynreba said...

21 of her novels have been adapted for tv.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I follow on google
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I would like to read The Wedding.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

CherylS22 said...

I found it interesting that Danielle Steel also writes books for young readers in the illustrated "Max and Martha" series.

Thanks for the giveaway!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

FB fan
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

FB Networked Blogs follower
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I'd like to read "Ransom"
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

Teresa said...

The fact that she has 78 bestsellers is hard to imagine
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

I follow via google reader
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

The first book i read of hers was Palomino when I was in high school.
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Amanda said...

I read on her website about the Foundation for her son and it's efforts to help families dealing with manic-depression.
winnieayala at yahoo dot com

Amanda said...

I'd love to read Leap of Faith :)
winnieayala at yahoo dot com

StephTheBookworm said...

I learned that 21 of her books have been adopted for television! Whoa, that sure is impressive!!!

stephaniet117 at yahoo dot com

StephTheBookworm said...

I am a GFC follower.

StephTheBookworm said...

I really want to read her new book Big Girl.

Unknown said...

She has a pick of the month section on the website

Unknown said...

GFC follower

misaacmom at gmail dot com

ossmcalc said...

I follow you on Twitter.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc said...

I subscribe via email.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc said...

I follow via Google Reader.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc said...

I follow via Networked Blogs.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc said...

I Like you on Facebook under Bookin with Bingo II.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc said...

I am a Google Friend Connect Follower.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc said...

I would like to read His Bright Light or Amazing Grace.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc said...

I tweeted about this giveaway http://twitter.com/ossmcalc/status/21468600032

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

Allison said...

I love her online scrapbook!

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Allison said...

Email subscriber

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Allison said...

I'd love to read Coming Out.

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Pamela Keener said...

Danielle is the author of the Max and Martha series for young adults.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I follow your blog via GFC.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I follow your blog via Google Reader.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I am an e-mail subscriber to your blog.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I follow Bookin with Bingo on FB/Pam Keener
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

My favorite book was The Long Road Home. I love how she touches on deep subject matters. I have never read Safe Harbour and since there is a dog involved I am so getting this book.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

+ 5 Swagbucks.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

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