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The Sins of the Mother

Review

The Sins of the Mother

At an early age, Olivia Grayson assumed command of a home products company called The Factory. Under her supervision as CEO, The Factory grew to a worldwide empire worth billions, and Olivia celebrated one success after another. As with any success, however, there was a price to be paid.

While Olivia climbed the corporate ladder, the care of her four children was left predominantly to her mother, Maribelle, and her husband, Joe. While Maribelle and Joe loved the children deeply, the kids were scarred by a childhood with a mother who was largely absent. Now that they are all adults, it's time for Olivia to face the consequences of her past choices.

"THE SINS OF THE MOTHER is classic Danielle Steel at her best.... Steel's latest novel allows readers to journey across the world without ever leaving their easy chairs and provides a feel-good read that will leave them with a smile on their faces."

Each year, in an effort to connect more deeply with her children and grandchildren, Olivia plans a stupendous two-week vacation that is as extravagant as it is exotic. This year, the vacation will be spent aboard a luxury yacht that will dock at several points in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, not everyone looks forward to this annual trip as much as Olivia does.

Olivia's two sons, Phillip and John, who work with their mother at The Factory, are usually eager to make the pilgrimage. Unfortunately, their wives are not as keen to attend. Liz, Olivia's eldest daughter, is beset with insecurities and shame due to the choices she's made in life, and Cass, Olivia's youngest daughter, refuses to take part in the family vacation in any fashion. With Maribelle happily ensconced in a home for senior living and Joe dead from a heart attack suffered while Olivia was away on business, Olivia is left to sort out her complicated familial relationships on her own. 

Fortunately, the grandkids are always keen on a family get-together and lighten the mood significantly, even as the adults battle their own demons from the past. The days are spent shopping, eating and enjoying the abundant water sports available on this year's vacation and the nights include dining and dancing in top-notch locales.

As several serious situations arise with her children and grandchildren, Olivia does her best to help them resolve their issues without overstepping the sometimes considerable boundaries between them. This year, though, may be just the one where her adult children begin to understand their mother better and cut her some slack for the choices she made while they were growing up.

THE SINS OF THE MOTHER is classic Danielle Steel at her best. We are immediately immersed into a world of wealth and privilege where most people act honorably and lead lives that most of us are unacquainted with. Here, she allows us a glimpse into the price that the rich and famous pay for their success and touches our heartstrings with the emotional stories behind those choices. Steel's latest novel allows readers to journey across the world without ever leaving their easy chairs and provides a feel-good read that will leave them with a smile on their faces.

Reviewed by Amie Taylor on November 2, 2012

The Sins of the Mother
by Danielle Steel

  • Publication Date: September 24, 2013
  • Genres: Fiction
  • Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
  • Publisher: Dell
  • ISBN-10: 0440245230
  • ISBN-13: 9780440245230