Joy

By: Danielle Steel

Narrated by: James Babson

In this deeply moving novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, a determined young woman must survive a series of abandonments to find a love that is worthy of her.

When she is only six years old, Allegra Dixon’s party-loving mother leaves without so much as a goodbye. Her father, an emotionally distant military officer, is also unable—or unwilling—to care for her. Sent to live like a ghost in her grandparents’ joyless home, Allegra finds her only solace through an escape into books.

Attending boarding school, life finally takes a turn when she meets a dashing young West Point cadet named Shep Williams. Soon their friendship blossoms into something more, and they fall deeply in love.

After college, Allegra has established herself as a book editor and Shep is rising through the ranks of the military. But then Shep suddenly receives a posting to Afghanistan, and they decide to marry before he goes. Between his deployments, they cling to their brief and fraught stolen moments together. Each time he leaves, Shep promises the separations will soon come to an end.

But soon Allegra realizes that the horrors of war have begun to change her husband into a man she no longer recognizes. The trauma he has experienced proves to be too harrowing, and Allegra will find herself feeling utterly alone again just when she thought she’d finally found happiness.

In her new novel, Danielle Steel tells the unforgettable story of a woman who refuses to give up until she finds the joy she deserves.

©2024 Danielle Steel (P)2024 Recorded Books

The Heart’s Battlefield - Love, Loss and War

I was captivated by the story and the narrator’s performance was outstanding. The realism of the story touched me deeply, and the sad moments brought me to tears. It made me appreciate the fortunate childhood I had and empathize with children who experience lovelessness from their parents. Danielle Steele’s books have taught me a lot, especially about the war in Afghanistan and its impact on both men and women.

Joy

Liked the meaning of Joy. It is a sense of fulfillment that transcends romance and love.

Joy - a similar read

Another classic Danielle Steel read which I enjoyed. It’s very similar to another of hers, Invisible.

Enjoyable Danielle Steel!

An easy read, characters with plenty of background, although it would have been better to give Shep an ending and include interaction.with his family. This was a great "road trip" book!

Love Love

This book really pulls you in. You love Allegra and feel sorry for her, then happy for her as her life continues. Loved it!

Loved, loved, the story.

Loved everything. Story and narration were great. Another Steele hit. Where is she come up with the unlimited writing ability?

Outstanding read

Lived reading this book through the sad parts, infuriating g sections and the really good sections.

Loved the Military Story Line

Unbelievable story of a wonderful child who was abandoned by her mom and unfortunately, her Military father chose war over her. So sad she had to make her own way through life. Her mom was not good to her and either parent wanted her. Throughout the story, her mom is stand offish towards her. Then, she marriages someone who chose war over her. To the point where he tried to kill her during his nightmares. I was very taking be this. Unfortunately, he divorced her and broke her heart! She loved her husband unconditionally and was willing to get him help. Loved the story till she moved on with her live and meet someone new who protected her like a father, married her even though he was 38 years older than her and he died several years later of cancer. I would have gave the story a 5 star but I thought the ending of her getting involved with two additional men did not match the rest of the Military story line. It was to rushed at the end with no ending. I didn't like the ending.

I do recommend the book, with the open mind of it shifting 3/4's of the story line into something else not to the favor of the character. I loved the character Alegra and perhaps I would have gave her a different ending. But I did love the Military story line!

Heartbreak to find Joy

Sometimes you need your heart to be broken before you really can appreciate true Love and true Joy!

It was a clean honest readable story

I enjoyed this book. It was filled with honest situations and good endings. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good ending