Nine Lives by Danielle Stee

"Nine Lives" by Danielle Steel - Simple and sweet!

This book is published by Delacorte Press in 2021 and has 272 pages. 

Maggie's dad was a test pilot and was killed leaving her mother a broken woman. Death of Maggie's brother in war eventually killed her mother. Maggie loves Paul Gilmore, a boy who's an adventure seeker, a risk taker, is dangerous. Maggie parts ways with him. She marries Brad, an accountant, has a son and lives a happy life until an aircraft accident leaves her a widow. A chance encounter with a formula one driver gives a turn to her life. 

Why does Maggie breakup? Who does she encounter? What is the twist? Who has 9 lives?

It's about the dread of losing someone you love. A fear anticipating the death of near and dear one. Maggie's mother has suffered it and Maggie is terrified of same. But her husband, who never ventured into anything dangerous, died and Paul who lives dangerously is alive. Does he have 9 lives?

It's about what you have and don't have. Sometimes you don't cherish what you have and are attracted to what you don't have. Sometimes you have everything but are still empty. Sometimes you love someone but hate what the person does. On one hand Maggie is  terrified of Paul's lifestyle but on the other she loves him. It's a tug of war of emotions. 

Paul's character is adorable. He likes to live on the edge. Be it racing, helicopter skiing, mountain climbing or brush with tax authorities. He is rich, famous but is still down to earth. He is supremely confident but not over confident. He can get anyone but loves Maggie. He and Aiden like each other.

It's not a big book. The story is simple. Easy going but interesting. Nice characters. Not extremely complicated plot. A standalone novel. Danielle Steele's USPs.

Maggie is in two minds and readers want to know how it ends. Does she accept Paul or does she leave him. Read it to know it. It's simple and sweet. 

Why did I read this book? Author.

What did I like? Simplicity.

What I didn't like? Predictability. 

Recommend reading.