All That Glitters by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Description:
Nicole “Coco” Martin is destined to have it all. As the only child of doting and successful parents, she has been given every opportunity in life. Having inherited her mother’s stunning beauty and creativity, along with her father’s work ethic and diligence, she has the world at her feet. Her graduation from Columbia is fast approaching, and with it the summer job of her dreams working at a magazine. Between work, leisurely weekends at her family’s home in Southampton, and spending as much time as possible with her best friend, Sam, life couldn’t be better—until tragedy strikes. Coco’s beloved parents are killed in a terrorist attack while on vacation in France.

Now devastated and alone, Coco must find a way to move forward and make her way in the world without the family she loved. Determined to forge her own path and make her parents proud, Coco pursues her dreams, dazzled by exciting opportunities that come her way. Her goals are to think outside the box—and always play by her own rules. As she finds herself drawn to charismatic, fascinating men, each relationship will teach Coco new lessons, some delightful, some painful. She will come to realize what matters, and how strong she truly is—and in the end, she will discover herself.

Richly exploring one woman’s poignant journey through life, All That Glitters is a compelling tale of challenges, heartbreak, discovery, and triumph, a powerful reminder that all that glitters is not the essence of life. And what is truly worth having was right there in our hands all along.

Review:

All That Glitters by Danielle Steel is another one of her wonderful romance novels.  Nicole (Coco) Martin, our beautiful young heroine, has led a wonderful life, growing up with her wealthy family, her loving parents, spending vacations at the Hamptons and attending Columbia University, as well as a summer job as an intern in a magazine.  She spends a lot of time with her best friend, Sam, whom she grew up with.  Sam comes from a strict Orthodox Jewish family, who are worried about their friendship, since his family pushes him to join his father’s business and to marry a religious Jewish woman.  Despite his parents worries, their friendship never changed over the years…best friends who will always be there for each other.

Life for Coco drastically changes when her parents are killed in Europe from a terrorist bombing attack killing many in Cannes.  Coco at 21 is now the sole heiress to the family fortune, and devastated by the loss of her mother and father.  It takes her awhile to get past the devastation, but with Sam’s help, she begins to move forward in her life. Her father’s business partner helps her planning and advising on her inheritance.  When she spends a lot of time with him, she begins an affair, even though he is many years older, and eventually after being together for a while, she learns he is married and does not want to be a mistress, and breaks up with him. 

She then goes to London for a job, and meets a new friend, Leslie, who eventually will become partners with Coco after a number of years. Coco meets Nigel at one of Leslie’s parties, and they have a whirlwind fun romance that does end up with them getting married.  Nigel, who is a younger son to London royalty, is used to enjoying things, even if he has no money.  He begins to make plans to buy mansions, summer homes spending Coco’s money, but when she catches him having sex with a girl, she threatens to leave him.  Coco gives him a second chance, and a few months later, when she runs home to tell him that she is pregnant, she finds him once again with another woman. She divorces him, as she will give him the summer smaller home, as long as he waives his rights to the child.  Coco’s track record with men has not been good, and Sam tells her often, that she rushes into things.

While Sam goes to work for his father, a job he does not like, he is also forced to date Jewish woman, and eventually marries one. They will have 4 children, but their marriage was falling apart, as his wife wanted a career.

Coco will meet a famous writer, and become involved with him for a happy and content 4 years, until her life changes, when her daughter is sick and diagnosed with Leukemia. She will fly back to New York and with Sam’s contacts, be treated by one of the best cancer doctors for children.  After a year of treatments and follow-ups, Bethanie (Daughter) will go into remission, and they go back to London, with her ex-boyfriend no longer around. 

Coco’s career blossoms, and though she does date, she just wants fun and no strings attached.  When Sam’s marriage begins to falls apart, Coco is always there for him, as he has always been for her.  A wonderful long-lasting friendship.

All That Glitters is a wonderful heartwarming story of one woman’s journey through her life, filled with success, love, tragedy, happiness and friendship.  Coco and Sam’s friendship was amazing and wonderful to watch, as their strength gets them through many challenges bringing them even closer.  If you enjoy romances and family, I suggest you read this book, so very well written by Danielle Steel.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher