Review: For Richer For Poorer by Danielle Steel
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If you’re looking for a glamorous family drama that doubles as pure escapism, For Richer For Poorer by Danielle Steel delivers just that. This novel blends the world of high fashion with the ups and downs of family life, offering readers a story that’s both entertaining and inspiring. As always with Steel, you’ll find strong characters, glittering settings, and a plot that keeps you turning pages until the very end.
Key Takeaways:
What It’s About
In For Richer For Poorer, Danielle Steel introduces us to Eugenia Ward, a powerhouse fashion designer and mother of five. Once the creative lead at Oscar de la Renta, she built her own empire but now faces mounting business losses. At the same time, family tensions rise – from her daughter’s extravagant wedding plans and questionable fiancé to another daughter’s imminent delivery of twins.
As the family gathers for a pivotal summer, Eugenia juggles financial pressure, personal doubts, and a looming hurricane. Amid the chaos, a chance connection with Patrick Hughes, a successful developer, sparks both business insight and the possibility of love. The result is a story of strength, glamour, and one woman’s determination to protect what she’s built while imagining a new chapter.
My Review Rating – 4 out of 5 stars.
For Richer, For Poorer by Danielle Steel was pure escapist fun – a glamorous, fast-paced read with strong characters and the classic Steel style.
What I Liked
The Setting
As always with Danielle Steel, the settings are half the fun. From glamorous fashion houses to breezy summer escapes, this novel takes readers from Paris to New York to the south of France. It’s exactly the kind of jet-set escapism that makes her books so enjoyable.
The Characters
Eugenia Ward is a standout heroine – strong, stylish, and deeply committed to both her family and her business. I loved following her journey and seeing her connection with Patrick Hughes develop. Her children were a mixed bag – some likable, some frustrating (looking at you, Gloria) – but all contributed to the family dynamic. By the end, even the pricklier ones had moments of redemption.
The Plot
Yes, the story is predictable, but in the best way. You know when you pick up a Danielle Steel novel what you’re going to get: family drama, financial pressures, a little romance, and ultimately hope. I tore through this in a day and a half – it’s a fast, absorbing read. For me, that’s the very definition of successful escapism.
What I Disliked
Honestly, not much. If you’re looking for deep literary prose or groundbreaking storytelling, this isn’t the book for you – but that’s not why we read Danielle Steel. It’s formulaic, yes, but it’s also comforting, entertaining, and polished. I didn’t notice the editing flaws some readers mention; for me, the writing quality was on par with her other recent releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is For Richer For Poorer a romance or a family drama?
It’s a mix – while there is a romance subplot, the story centers more on family dynamics, career struggles, and resilience.
Do you need to read other Danielle Steel novels first?
No. Like most of Steel’s novels, this is a standalone with its own cast and storyline.
Who would enjoy this book?
Fans of glamorous settings, fashion-world drama, and stories about strong women facing life’s challenges will find plenty to enjoy.
Does this book include themes of wealth and privilege?
Yes, but it also explores the flipside – financial struggles, family pressures, and the realities of an industry downturn.
Conclusion: For Richer For Poorer by Danielle Steel
For Richer For Poorer is classic Danielle Steel: glamorous settings, high-stakes family drama, and an inspiring protagonist who refuses to back down. It’s a story about resilience in the face of setbacks – financial, personal, and emotional – all wrapped in the glittering world of fashion with a side of romance. For fans of Steel’s work, or anyone looking for an empowering tale of family and reinvention, this novel delivers both heart and sparkle.
📚 Did You Know?
Danielle Steel is not only one of the world’s bestselling authors but also has a deep connection to the world of fashion. Earlier in her life, she worked in public relations for a fashion house in New York – an experience that often seeps into her glamorous novels.
