Worthy opponents by Danielle Steele

 "Worthy opponents" by Danielle Steele- A misnomer ! 

This book is published by Macmillan in 2023 and it has 298 pages. 

Spencer Brooke is the owner of a high end store selling rare fashion brands located in a run down locality. This is her grandfather’s store and it’s her life. Her love for store and insistence to continue working after the birth of the twins has cost her the marriage. Mike Weston is an investor. He runs his own fund and is extremely successful. He offers Spencer to buy controlling stake in her store. Spencer flatly refuses. It’s more than just a store for her.

Will Mike accept the rejection? Why does such a small business attract big shout like Mike? Will Spencer be compelled to sell? Who are worthy opponents?

It’s a typical Danielle Steele novel. Well to do people. Nice people. Crisis. Happy ending. Goodie goodie.

Spencer is driven. She loves the store and loves her work. She can also think out of the box. She can’t imagine selling the store. She respects Mike but can’t accept his offer. Mike is rich, intelligent, handsome and very considerate (rare to find all these in one person). He can’t make a deal without controlling stake but admires her courage.

Well, the story is interesting until the fire incident. Thereafter it becomes very predictable. At the end of the book you wonder if the title of the book is appropriate. Doesn’t look so. It’s a misnomer.

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Predictability.

What did I like? Feel good. 

Recommend reading.

The Architect’s apprentice by Elif Shafak

 "The Architect’s apprentice" by Elif Shafak - Stretched end!

This book is published by Penguin Books  in 2015 and has 464 pages.

Jehan is an elephant tamer. He arrives in Turkie with a white elephant gifted by Shah of India to Sultan of Turkie. Here he is selected by Master Sinan (Chief Royal architect) as his apprentice along with three others. The story takes us from his arrival to almost end of his life.

What does he experience? How does he survive Palace politics? What secret is he hiding? What friends does he make? What enemies does he make? Will he be known for his art or for his elephant?

The story takes place in 16th century Turkie. Jehan is a child when he arrives and goes on to live beyond age of 90. But his life is full of intrigue, plots, suspense and mystery. His love for the elephant and his master is exemplary. He is a normal man, not a hero. He has friends but he is alone. He loves someone he can never marry. Despite a full life, it’s empty. Since the story happens in 16th century, the pace is slow. But author keeps readers interested.

The end, however, is stretched unnecessarily. This extension turns counterproductive and spoils the taste of novel. 

Why did I read this book? Author. 

What I didn't like? Pace. Stretched end. 

What did I like? Overall story. 

Read if you don’t mind slow novel.