The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Description:
It’s the summer of 1959 and the Palace of Versailles is hosting an event that will make history. It is an exclusive dusk-to-dawn ball in which a select group of American and French debutantes will be presented to international society and royalty. Four young women, all with something to prove, receive what some see as the invitation of a lifetime.

Amelia Alexander, who hopes to eventually attend law school, hesitates to participate in what she sees as an archaic and privileged tradition. But her indomitable widowed mother, Jane, who’s struggled financially and sacrificed for a career, encourages her to attend. Jane would do anything for Amelia to have the chance at a happily ever after.

Felicity Smith is equally uncertain about the ball. Although her family is prominent in the Dallas social scene, Felicity prefers to keep to herself, avoiding the older sister who torments her. But to get out of her sister’s shadow, Felicity decides to accept. If it’s a success, the tables will have turned at last.

For Caroline Taylor, the beautiful ingénue and daughter of Hollywood legends, the ball is an irresistible opportunity. But an unexpected heartbreak just before she leaves for France gets things off to a bad start.

Then there’s Samantha Walker, an art history major with an overprotective father. Her excitement about the invitation is overshadowed by the emotional and physical effects of a past tragedy that still haunts her. 

Review:

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel is another one of her captivating and enchanting stand-alone novel. The story begins in the summer of 1959, where the Palace of Versailles will host a historic first dusk-to-dawn debutante ball, for international and royalty.  Invitations were sent to a select group of French and American debutantes to attend the ball. The story revolves around four young American women, who are offered a lifetime opportunity, with some anxious to attend, and some being pushed by family; but the trip will open the door that will change their lives forever, as well as a wonderful friendship.  We will meet Amelia, Felicity, Caroline and Samantha, as well as their family.

Amelia Alexander is planning on going to law school, and sees this invitation as something she feels is not her style.  But Amelia is very close to her mother, Jane, who is widowed, recently lost her job as an executive publisher; but Jane is determined for Amelia to have a chance to go to Paris and attend the Ball.  Amelia at first hesitates, but decides to accept the invitation to the Ball a Versailles.

Felicity Smith, who comes from a wealthy Dallas family, is uncertain about attending the ball.  Her older sister constantly torments her, especially since she is a bit overweight.  Her mother and father are thrilled about the invitation, and Felicity decides to accept, in order to get out of her sister’s shadow.  She is also hoping to find someone, who will like her as she is.

Caroline Taylor is the daughter of two Hollywood legends, and immediately accepts the opportunity to attend the Ball. A short time before she needs to leave, her boyfriend (an actor) dumps her for a younger girl, breaking her heart and putting a cloud on the event.  She keeps this a secret from her parents, and together they attend the Ball.  Unfortunately, Caroline gets sick, and has a hard time preparing for the ball, which turns out she may be pregnant.

Samantha Walker, lives with her overprotective father, having lost her mother and young brother years ago.  She convinces her father that they should go to Paris, a chance to visit Europe, and enjoy the Ball. Sam wants to make her father proud of her; and together they look forward to the trip.

What follows is the 4 girls will meet each other and over time become friends.  Three of the ladies will find someone meant to be for each, having met them as escorts at the ball. I really like the girls, who’s life will change, mostly for the better.  I also enjoyed Jane (Amelia’s mother) and Robert (Sam’s father), who found love along the way.  The boys who entered the lives of three ladies, Quentin, Willie, Rapheal were also very likeable to their designated women.  Caroline, who suffered a bit at the ball, became close friends with the others, and eventually will find the love she deserved.

The Ball at Versailles was a captivating, engaging historical romance story line, with each girl finding love after it was over.  I did like how Steel gives us wonderful descriptions, fantastic gowns and decorations.  The Ball at Versailles once again is written so very well by Danielle Steel. This was an enjoyable and fun read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher