Review: Upside Down by Danielle Steel
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If you’re looking for emotional redemption wrapped in old Hollywood glamour, Upside Down by Danielle Steel delivers. This novel tracks a mother and daughter navigating estrangement, romance, and reconnection – set against a lush backdrop of fame, age, and second chances – so fans of emotional dramas will find themselves fully invested.
Key Takeaways: Upside Down by Danielle Steel
What It’s About
In Upside Down, Oscar-winning actress Ardith Law is a Hollywood icon whose success came at an emotional price – her daughter, Morgan, now a successful NYC plastic surgeon, still holds resentment. As a tragedy upends Ardith’s life, a younger assistant, Josh, enters her world and offers unexpected companionship. Meanwhile, Morgan falls for a charismatic TV anchor, Ben Ryan, but their relationship hits a crisis. As both women navigate unconventional romances, they confront past pain and cautiously rebuild their bond.
My Review Rating – 3 out of 5 stars.
Upside Down by Danielle Steel was an okay read for me – entertaining in parts, but overall it left me feeling a bit “meh.”
What I Liked
I’m a diehard Danielle Steel fan, the kind who doesn’t even read the synopsis before grabbing her latest book. That said, Upside Down wasn’t one of my favorites. I didn’t completely dislike it – I never do with Steel – but for some reason, this one just didn’t fully click with me.
And, we all know that Danielle Steel has written a boatload of books – you can see them all here, and there is even a Danielle Steel printable book list.
The Characters
Ardith and Josh were definitely the highlights for me. Their dynamic had spark and even made me laugh at times, which I loved. On the flip side, I never fully warmed up to Ardith’s daughter, Morgan, or her new love interest, Ben Ryan. Something about those characters just didn’t draw me in the same way, and I found myself more invested in Ardith’s storyline than in theirs.
The Setting
The split between glamorous Hollywood and New York high society was fun. I especially enjoyed the California side of the story, with Ardith navigating her celebrity life alongside her assistant, Josh. Those scenes had energy and humor, and I liked seeing Ardith outside the spotlight, acting like a regular person when she wasn’t in front of the cameras. The alternating locations also kept the pacing brisk.
The Plot & Storylines
This is where the book lost some ground. The story felt somewhat predictable, and while it touched on timely issues like the #MeToo movement, it didn’t quite land as strongly as I hoped. It was written in classic Danielle Steel style – comfortable, recognizable, and easy to read – but it lacked that extra spark that makes some of her novels so memorable.
What I Disliked
I never quite warmed up to the New York side of the story. Ardith’s daughter, Morgan, and her high-profile newsman boyfriend, Ben Ryan, just didn’t resonate with me the way the California characters did. Their storyline felt flatter and less engaging, which made me far less invested whenever the focus shifted away from Ardith.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upside Down by Danielle Steel
Is this a standalone novel?
Yes – it isn’t part of a series, and you don’t need any prior knowledge of Steel’s work.
Is it more romance or family drama?
It’s primarily a family drama with strong romantic storylines, making it emotionally well-rounded.
How long is it to read?
Fast – typical Steel pacing: most readers breeze through this in a day or two.
Who would enjoy this book?
Anyone who loves emotional family stories, a bit of glamorous escapism, and warm reconciliation arcs will enjoy this.
Conclusion – Upside Down by Danielle Steel
Overall, Upside Down was fine but not fantastic. It had moments I enjoyed, particularly the Hollywood setting and the Ardith/Josh storyline, but it never rose above feeling a bit average. For loyal Steel fans, it’s still worth a read, but for me, it was one of those middle-of-the-road entries in her massive catalog. Sometimes you get a page-turner you can’t put down; other times, like this, you get a book that’s just…okay.
📚 Did You Know?
Danielle Steel often explores unconventional romances and female resilience in her later novels – Upside Down is emblematic of this shift toward more emotionally reflective stories involving women in their later stages of life.
