Precious Gifts - Danielle Steel

Precious Gifts

By Danielle Steel

  • Release Date: 2015-12-01
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 374 Ratings

Description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Handsome, widowed, sophisticated, utterly charming, Paul Parker won the heart of a wealthy young Frenchwoman—the daughter of an American financier, the granddaughter of a major French art dealer—as his second wife. In two marriages, he fathered a challenging son and three very different daughters. But as irresponsible as he was irresistible, he ultimately shrugged off the demands of marriage and parenting to pursue life as an international bon vivant.

Raised by their mother with all the care and resolve their father lacked, the three Parker sisters have become vibrant, self-reliant young women: Timmie, the oldest, a fiercely dedicated social worker in New York; sweet, nurturing Juliette, proprietor of a fledgling bakery in Brooklyn; and their younger sister, Joy, who is struggling to build an acting career in Los Angeles. While they love their mostly absent, glamorous father, he has left them with a legacy of impermanence and uncertainty in their own relationships with men. And with no strong role model to guide him, Paul’s son has gone from one failure to another, even while his stepmother makes excuses for him, as he seethes with jealousy of his younger sisters.

Now, after a long illness, Paul has slipped away peacefully in his sleep, and his family has gathered together to read his will. As his final wishes are revealed, his son is forced to face reality as an adult. And his daughters see a new side to their father—one that shows a caring man trying to redeem himself with a different, lasting legacy. He has made a very personal bequest to each of his children, carefully designed to help them achieve their own unique dreams and find true happiness. But Paul has saved the biggest surprise for his ex-wife Véronique: a secret from the past that shakes her world and sets her free. He leaves her a gift that remained a mystery for their entire marriage, and she begins a search to discover its history and rightful owner.

The story of a man’s last wish to make a difference—and of the loved ones he leaves behind fulfilling their destinies at last—Precious Gifts is bursting with indelible characters and emotional complexity as it takes readers from New York and Los Angeles to the art capitals of Europe and the South of France. Inspiring and uplifting, it is a deeply moving exploration of the rich territory of loss, inheritance, and reawakening—Danielle Steel at the height of her literary prowess.

Reviews

  • Precious Gifts

    2
    By dutcheja
    Unfortunately this book was not for me. I didn't find any of the characters particularly likable, the story moved kind of slow but it did have a happy ever after. It's too bad because I am a fan of this author.
  • Precious Gifts

    5
    By Close-by
    . One of her most unusual novels. Very good.
  • Memorable!

    5
    By miamiamoa
    This book left me feeling good inside. The beginning was a bit slow and as I kept reading I I was drawn into this odd family and all the different situations that were happening. I stayed with it and actually loved the way everything worked out. Excellent book and as always one of my favorites.
  • Boring

    1
    By E&EMOM
    I found this book extremely boring!
  • Fun Read

    4
    By TaxGirl1040
    I haven't read one of Danielle Steele's novels for a long time. It was a joy to become re-acquainted with her style of writing. It is a fun read. Ms. Steele was wonderful in describing many of the local settings. She made you feel as if you were personally traveling Europe.
  • Awful

    1
    By Kailahess
    This is one of the worst books I have read from Danielle Steele. Don't waste your money. The first 3/4 of the book was a waste of time.
  • Precious Gift Cut and Paste Plot?

    3
    By SageWinston
    While liberally peppered with observations narcissistic individuals wreck havoc and damage, and death plus money plus family equals dysfunction, the improbable plot reads more as an entertaining travelogue, replete with gushing endorsements of iconic European luxury hotels. The disconnects in the plot, and the somewhat hackneyed ending, may owe to fact author reportedly, at any given time, is working on writing multiple books, shifting back and forth amongst projects.
  • Precious Gifts

    5
    By Mama Wosch
    This is a wonderful read from Danielle Steele. Her characters come to life as you learn how love really does triumph through adversity. The rough edges can be made smoother and a change of perspective is truly what some people need. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

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