Palazzo by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Description:
After her parents perish in a tragic accident, Cosima Saverio assumes leadership of her family’s haute couture Italian leather brand. While navigating the challenges of running a company at twenty-three, Cosima must also maintain the four-hundred-year-old family palazzo in Venice and care for her younger siblings: Allegra, who survived the tragedy that killed their parents with scars and a spinal injury, and Luca, who has a penchant for wild parties, pretty women, and poker tables.

Cosima navigates her personal and professional challenges with a wisdom beyond her years, but her success has come at a cost: Her needs are always secondary. She’s married to the business, and her free time is given to those who rely on her . . . until she meets Olivier Bayard, the founder of France’s most successful ready-to-wear handbag company. A brief conversation on her palazzo’s terrace turns into a tour of the Saverio workshop, and, fifteen years after her parents’ deaths, Cosima has found a confidant.

Now the business is financially stable and generating enough income for the Saverios to live comfortably. Then Luca loses a hefty sum at the casino, and his debt must be repaid with money or his life. Cosima, forced to bail him out, is given an impossible choice: List the palazzo, sell a third of the family business, or let Luca fend for himself. But is there another way to save everything she has fought for before it goes up in flames?

Review:

Palazzo by Danielle Steel is another one of her wonderful family-oriented novels.  This is the story of the Saverio family, who are considered one of the top two haute couture elite Italian leather brand in Europe; owning two very successful stores in Venice and Rome. We meet Cosima Saverio, who after the tragic death of her parents, becomes the head of the business at the age of 23; with her taking care of her 14-year-old sister, Allegra, who was severely injured in that accident, must use a wheelchair to get around; her brother, Luca who was 18, has no interest in the business. Though Cosima runs the business, all three have their own share financially. 

Now 15 years later, Cosima the business continue to thrive, especially due to her devotion and business savvy. Allegra, learns to manage her disability and using a computer to become a fabulous purse designer. She is close to Cosima, and faces all challenges, not letting her disability stop her; enjoying her life.

Luca, who has never worked, only cares about gambling, enjoying woman, being a playboy and enjoying his lavish life, spending his share of the money. When Luca incurs a very high gambling debt, he expects Cosima to bail him out.  Cosmia does not have the funds available, and decides to sell their Palazzo Saverio estate in Venice to pay off Luca’s debt; the estate is not being used, as the family works from Rome. She warns Luca that she will no longer support his terrible expenses, beyond his normal allowance.

Olivier Bayard, our hero, owns his own successful business, as France’s most successful ready-to-wear handbag company.  When Olivier attends an elite party run by an American couple, who are arranging to buy the Palazzo, he meets Cosima, and they become friends. He also faces issues with his grownup boys, one similar to Luc (Max), and the other is a good son (Basile), who will eventually fall in love with Allegra. Olivier begins to have feelings for Cosmia, but she is so buried in her business, and prefers to remain as friends. Though in time, Cosima enjoys his company, and his always supporting her, with suggestions. They made such a great couple.

Olivier expresses to Cosima that he loves the Saverio leather, and in a short time, he recognizes that Allegra’s bag designs are fabulous, and Allegra begins to design a new line in her name, for the Bayer bags. Luc and Max become dangerous friends, both filled with greed and gambling; leading to possible disaster along the way.

Palazzo is a terrific story of a family, with Cosima facing her loyalties and making hard choices; to keep the business safe; as well as recognizing her feelings for Olivier. Palazzo was a wonderful story of family, love, family issues, tragedy and success.  Danielle Steel once again gives us another fantastic read.  I also loved the wonderful background of seeing Venice, Rome and Paris.  Very enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher