The sins of the mother by Danielle Steele

​"The sins of the mother" by Danielle Steele - Family! 

This book is published by Bantam Press in 2012 and has 368 pages. 

Olivia Grayson, in her seventies, a timeless, ageless business woman runs a successful and profitable company selling affordable furniture. She has two sons, Philip and John, who work with her. Her two daughters Liz and Cassie are not in business. Being a successful businesswoman has cost Olivia the family time. Her mother and her husband had been her support systems and they have handled the family ably. 

Everything looks fine, what’s the problem? What’s the sin? How will the sin affect the children? Which mother has sinned?

The story has a lot of characters and all of them are her family, either by birth or by marriage. First born Liz is the unsure one who hasn’t achieved anything. She is always confused and lacks confidence. She also writes, but hasn’t sold more than a couple of stories. Two failed marriages and two daughters Sophie and Carol. Second child Philip is the CFO and heir apparent. His wife Amanda is a lawyer and aspires to become a judge. She is cold and almost devoid of emotions and wants Philip to become CFO for the status. Third child John is an artist and works for his mother because that was expected of him. He is the Head of creative design.  John’s wife Sarah is a college professor. Their son is Alex. Youngest Cassie is a music producer, extremely successful, lives in England and is estranged. She lives with rock star Danny Hell, ten years younger. Then there is Taylor, 28, school teacher. Andrew is Liz’s agent and he is British. Peter runs a law firm and looks after legal aspect of Olivia’s business. 

It’s a likable family. Like any family, there are disagreements, issues, problems, fights, support, love, chaos and fun. There are little twists and turns but they do not escalate. They don’t allow the regulated flow of the story to alter. This is the strong point and weak point at the same time. This story has a lot of potential to become dramatic, emotional, spicy but author prefers to keep the feel good mood intact. 

Well what’s the sin? The way story is written, there doesn’t seem to be any. 

Many a stories of Danielle Steele feature variety of persons, relationships, emotions etc. but one common thread is they are either well off, well to do or at least they have no money problems. 

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? No upheavals. 

What did I like? Feel good. 

Read if you like Danielle Steele stories.