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Until the End of Time
Bill, a dedicated young lawyer working at his family’s prestigious New York firm, leaves everything he trained for to follow his dream and become a minister in rural Wyoming. Jenny, his wife, is a stylist whose heart and soul are invested in fashion. She leaves the milieu and life she loves to join him. The certainty they share is that their destinies are linked forever.
Fast forward thirty-eight years. Robert is a hardworking independent book publisher in Manhattan who has given up all personal life to build his struggling business. He is looking for one big hit novel to publish. Lillibet is a young Amish woman, living as though in the seventeenth century, caring for her widowed father and three young brothers on their family farm. In secret at night, by candlelight, she has written the novel that burns within her, and gets it into Robert’s hands, wrapped in her hand-stitched apron. He falls in love first with the book, and then with the woman he has never met, living in the sequestered world of the Amish—a world without telephones, computers, electricity, modern conveniences, or cars. Although Lillibet faces banishment from her family and community, she embraces the opportunity to publish her novel, and is irresistibly drawn to the man who has heard her voice. Destiny is at work here. Fate draws her from her horse-and-buggy life toward his, and the publication of her novel.
In the hands of master storyteller Danielle Steel, these two remarkable relationships come together in unexpected and surprising ways, as lovers are lost, and find each other again. If it is true that real love lasts forever and lovers cannot lose each other, then Until the End of Time will not only comfort and fascinate us, as destiny does her dance, but it will give us hope as well. Love and fate are powerful, irresistible forces, as Steel proves to us here, in a book about courage, change, risk, and hope . . . and love that never dies.
Fast forward thirty-eight years. Robert is a hardworking independent book publisher in Manhattan who has given up all personal life to build his struggling business. He is looking for one big hit novel to publish. Lillibet is a young Amish woman, living as though in the seventeenth century, caring for her widowed father and three young brothers on their family farm. In secret at night, by candlelight, she has written the novel that burns within her, and gets it into Robert’s hands, wrapped in her hand-stitched apron. He falls in love first with the book, and then with the woman he has never met, living in the sequestered world of the Amish—a world without telephones, computers, electricity, modern conveniences, or cars. Although Lillibet faces banishment from her family and community, she embraces the opportunity to publish her novel, and is irresistibly drawn to the man who has heard her voice. Destiny is at work here. Fate draws her from her horse-and-buggy life toward his, and the publication of her novel.
In the hands of master storyteller Danielle Steel, these two remarkable relationships come together in unexpected and surprising ways, as lovers are lost, and find each other again. If it is true that real love lasts forever and lovers cannot lose each other, then Until the End of Time will not only comfort and fascinate us, as destiny does her dance, but it will give us hope as well. Love and fate are powerful, irresistible forces, as Steel proves to us here, in a book about courage, change, risk, and hope . . . and love that never dies.
418 pages, ebook
First published January 29, 2013
1142 people are currently reading
4824 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Steel
991books16.1kfollowersDanielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 704 reviews
April 8, 2016
I do love a read like this at the right time. It's like curling up on a yucky day outside, enjoying something over the top and nice on the inside.
Never will I feel that I have to justify my choice of book, I love so many books and authors for so many reasons, and right here I was certainly satisfied!
A story that was two-fold, one set in 1975 and the other, 2013. They both met in a whimsical and somewhat unbelievable way in modern day New York. I always love reading about NY and this was an added bonus.
An indulgent summer read for me. I love a good DS as they are easy to read and quick, which leads me to my next read feeling happy, smiley and girlie!
Never will I feel that I have to justify my choice of book, I love so many books and authors for so many reasons, and right here I was certainly satisfied!
A story that was two-fold, one set in 1975 and the other, 2013. They both met in a whimsical and somewhat unbelievable way in modern day New York. I always love reading about NY and this was an added bonus.
An indulgent summer read for me. I love a good DS as they are easy to read and quick, which leads me to my next read feeling happy, smiley and girlie!
March 24, 2013
I've decided I will be nice, and not tell you what I really think about this book. I'll try anyways. I grew up reading danielle steel. and every now and then I'll pick up her latest book and try it out. I have been so dissapointed the past few years. i wish there was a way to rate this book zero stars. She writes like she wrote a timeline, then went back and filled out words after events..sorta like..
thanksgiving-
came around and it was full of festivities, next thing the couple knew, it was
christmas-
and time flew by fast
march-
arrived shortly after that and this happened and that happened.
very little dialoug, very flat writing, you don't get to know any of the characters. in the first story she went through 8 months of the characters lives in about 4 chapters.
don't even get me started on the second story. i dont think she did any research when it comes to the amish way of life. its very very inaccurate. when someone is shunned, thats it. you have to repent before the entire church to get unshunned. and writing a book? and her mom approving? and her moms best friend? are you kidding me? and i'd REALLY like to know how her little brother knew who frankenstein was.
this book, frankly, sucked. i hated it, i didnt even want to finish it to find out what happened, i just wanted to finish it to get it over so i could properly write a review of the entire thing. i know that if i had written this book, and sent it to a publisher, it never would have made it past the slush pile.
the two stories were supposed to be about true love and how it comes back after death or whatever, and reincarnation, blahblah. so when she tried to tie the two stories together to show the first couple and the second couple were on in the same, it fell very very flat. and didn't convince me, and left me actually confused. without giving spoilers, the second person realizes what happened, and reincarnation. if they really were reincarnated, then how did the second person meet the first?? i dont get it.
thanksgiving-
came around and it was full of festivities, next thing the couple knew, it was
christmas-
and time flew by fast
march-
arrived shortly after that and this happened and that happened.
very little dialoug, very flat writing, you don't get to know any of the characters. in the first story she went through 8 months of the characters lives in about 4 chapters.
don't even get me started on the second story. i dont think she did any research when it comes to the amish way of life. its very very inaccurate. when someone is shunned, thats it. you have to repent before the entire church to get unshunned. and writing a book? and her mom approving? and her moms best friend? are you kidding me? and i'd REALLY like to know how her little brother knew who frankenstein was.
this book, frankly, sucked. i hated it, i didnt even want to finish it to find out what happened, i just wanted to finish it to get it over so i could properly write a review of the entire thing. i know that if i had written this book, and sent it to a publisher, it never would have made it past the slush pile.
the two stories were supposed to be about true love and how it comes back after death or whatever, and reincarnation, blahblah. so when she tried to tie the two stories together to show the first couple and the second couple were on in the same, it fell very very flat. and didn't convince me, and left me actually confused. without giving spoilers, the second person realizes what happened, and reincarnation. if they really were reincarnated, then how did the second person meet the first?? i dont get it.
April 27, 2017
Before I read a Danielle Steel book, I always make up my mind not to shed tears but have never been successful. The tears are never tears of sadness but tears of compassion and glee because Danielle Steel draws me into her stories making me feel as though I either know the characters or related to them biologically or in friendship. Until the End of Time is a double treat because it contains two short stories, that are connected, about couples who succeed in their relationships in spite of adversity from their families and other environment concerns.
Author Steel’s appears to write on subjects from life experiences because all her characters are relatable. I also enjoy the readers selected to narrate her stories because they read author Steel’s stories as though she’s written their personal stories as narrator Nick Podehl did with Until the End of Time.
Author Steel’s appears to write on subjects from life experiences because all her characters are relatable. I also enjoy the readers selected to narrate her stories because they read author Steel’s stories as though she’s written their personal stories as narrator Nick Podehl did with Until the End of Time.
February 2, 2013
This is actually two stories. Bill is unhappy as a New Yorklawyer. He falls madly in love with Jenny, a fashion stylist. Bill decides to become a minister. He eventually accepts a church in Moose, Wyoming. They move there and settle quickly into the community and church family. They both feel they were destined to live in this area and love each other until the end of time.
The other story is about a young Amish woman that has secretly written a book. she finds the address of a publisher in New York and manages to mail her manuscript to him. They meet when he gives her a contract to publish her book. Once again it seems they were destined to be together until the end of time.
This is a bit of a tear jerker so be prepared.
The other story is about a young Amish woman that has secretly written a book. she finds the address of a publisher in New York and manages to mail her manuscript to him. They meet when he gives her a contract to publish her book. Once again it seems they were destined to be together until the end of time.
This is a bit of a tear jerker so be prepared.
September 8, 2014
what a fantastic story! I thought halfway through this book that it was two books in one until a friend online said for me to wait and see, brilliant, brilliant read and as someone said, her books are getting better and better, wouldn't have thought that was possible
March 18, 2013
I am a big fan of Danielle Steel so I was very much looking forward to reading this! Until The End Of Time is a beautiful beautiful story. Danielle weaves two separate love stories set nearly four decades apart together with a few vital themes and similarities � love, understanding, fate, destiny and hope.
In 1975, we meet Bill, a lawyer working in New York. He decides he wants to follow his dream and become a minister. Bill’s wife Jenny has worked hard in her career to get to where she is now, but together they leave their old life behind to pursue Bill’s dreams, with the knowledge that whatever happens, they are facing it together. In the present day, Lillibet lives in a strict Amish community, but she has ambitions and dreams of one day being a writer, composing her novel by candlelight at night. Robert is a hard-working man, on the hunt for one big hit novel to publish. When Lillibet’s work falls into his hands, he discovers not only a great book, but a new person to connect with�
I absolutely loved Until The End Of Time! It was so romantic and at the same time so touching. Danielle’s words moved me and made me think, so much so that my mind was still with the characters long after I had turned the last page.
The characters were wonderfully written, as I progressed throughout the story I really felt as if I knew them on a personal level, as if they lived next for to me and as if we were all friends in real life. What I loved most about the story is how special the relationships between the main characters were. Danielle did show sadness and pain in the story, but she also showed so much love and strong connections through the characters � everything was so vivid that at times I was openly crying over the scenes, and at other times I was smiling with happiness. There is such a range of emotions portrayed in this wonderful book that you can’t help but be touched by the words. I would thoroughly recommend this!
This is truly a very unique, emotional, magical and special book that deserves to be read and re-read all over again. Until The End Of Time is an enchanting story about hope, dreams, compassion, dedication, sacrifice, courage, and above all, the message that true love is forever.
In 1975, we meet Bill, a lawyer working in New York. He decides he wants to follow his dream and become a minister. Bill’s wife Jenny has worked hard in her career to get to where she is now, but together they leave their old life behind to pursue Bill’s dreams, with the knowledge that whatever happens, they are facing it together. In the present day, Lillibet lives in a strict Amish community, but she has ambitions and dreams of one day being a writer, composing her novel by candlelight at night. Robert is a hard-working man, on the hunt for one big hit novel to publish. When Lillibet’s work falls into his hands, he discovers not only a great book, but a new person to connect with�
I absolutely loved Until The End Of Time! It was so romantic and at the same time so touching. Danielle’s words moved me and made me think, so much so that my mind was still with the characters long after I had turned the last page.
The characters were wonderfully written, as I progressed throughout the story I really felt as if I knew them on a personal level, as if they lived next for to me and as if we were all friends in real life. What I loved most about the story is how special the relationships between the main characters were. Danielle did show sadness and pain in the story, but she also showed so much love and strong connections through the characters � everything was so vivid that at times I was openly crying over the scenes, and at other times I was smiling with happiness. There is such a range of emotions portrayed in this wonderful book that you can’t help but be touched by the words. I would thoroughly recommend this!
This is truly a very unique, emotional, magical and special book that deserves to be read and re-read all over again. Until The End Of Time is an enchanting story about hope, dreams, compassion, dedication, sacrifice, courage, and above all, the message that true love is forever.
July 5, 2014
Once in your life
you found someone
who'd turn your world around
bring you up
when you're feeling down
That was Bryan Adams..singing his b'ful song Heaven for this b'ful book. Especially the first part. And when I read these books and all the love spread in 'em, I know that somewhere up in skies God is happy with me and that's why He lets me experience this emotion which expands the heart infinitely and I know it alright to love someone so much that you forget the "I"
When you love there's should be this feeling which makes you smile and when your partner smiles you know in your gut that this is how it is supposed to be. Taking care of each other. Talking to each other and the best part was this only. They always talked to each other. There was no drama, no hidden agendas, only love. And when there's this much intensity of love you just let it engulf you and take you to places where it blossoms, all you feel is fragrance and you suddenly you realize you've become love.
The best part of the book was 1st half. Jenny was a career oriented woman, she rose to a success and it took her 14 years to reach there, but there comes a time when you've to decide to what you will give priority, your family or your career. She chose her husband.
I'm in no place to say anything about that because when you'll read this book you'll know that when it comes down to family there's nothing that matters more. And I wish to all that's holy and sacred out there to love this selflessly Until the End of Time
I believe
when you die
you become stars
and shine in dark
for those who love
and wish upon you
to be with their love
& some of us hope
that we find
that one heart
which fits with us
and beat together
Until the End of Time
May we always find love and believe in it.
I'm in love with you Danielle Steel :)
you found someone
who'd turn your world around
bring you up
when you're feeling down
That was Bryan Adams..singing his b'ful song Heaven for this b'ful book. Especially the first part. And when I read these books and all the love spread in 'em, I know that somewhere up in skies God is happy with me and that's why He lets me experience this emotion which expands the heart infinitely and I know it alright to love someone so much that you forget the "I"
When you love there's should be this feeling which makes you smile and when your partner smiles you know in your gut that this is how it is supposed to be. Taking care of each other. Talking to each other and the best part was this only. They always talked to each other. There was no drama, no hidden agendas, only love. And when there's this much intensity of love you just let it engulf you and take you to places where it blossoms, all you feel is fragrance and you suddenly you realize you've become love.
The best part of the book was 1st half. Jenny was a career oriented woman, she rose to a success and it took her 14 years to reach there, but there comes a time when you've to decide to what you will give priority, your family or your career. She chose her husband.
I'm in no place to say anything about that because when you'll read this book you'll know that when it comes down to family there's nothing that matters more. And I wish to all that's holy and sacred out there to love this selflessly Until the End of Time
I believe
when you die
you become stars
and shine in dark
for those who love
and wish upon you
to be with their love
& some of us hope
that we find
that one heart
which fits with us
and beat together
Until the End of Time
May we always find love and believe in it.
I'm in love with you Danielle Steel :)
April 4, 2013
I think it's time for Danielle Steel to give up writing. I mean, lets face it. Her books flat out suck. Her earlier books were ok but these last few novels that she has written are awful. I know I said that I would never read another book of hers after the Big Girl fiasco but for reasons unknown I felt like I had to give this one a try. Big mistake. Big Big Big mistake!!! The paragraphs are way too long(but aren't they in all her books??) the writing horrible and the lack of research on the Amish is quite obvious. If you're going to write a book make sure you thoroughly research the topic before you start writing about it!! And the writing!!! Don't even get me started on the horrible unintelligent writing. I have read sixth grade book reports that were more intelligently written that this!!! I only wish that I had the time back that it took me to read this book. I would've used it to read something much more enjoyable.
July 25, 2024
I did not liked the first story much, it felt too optimistic though there were some sad parts and it did ended in tragedy. The second one was much more interesting and it could've good on its own without the connection with the first one. The second couple's story was so unique, I really liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2013
Story of 2 couples whose stories intermingle by the end of the book. First couple moves from NYC -- and her busy career in the fashion industry -- to the middle of nowhere in Montana after husband becomes a minister. Second couple: Small book publisher meets Amish girl when she submits a novel she wrote.
SPOILER ALERT: After the first couple's lives end in tragedy, the story of the new couple begins and, by the end, it is revealed that they were reincarnated as the 2nd couple.
I definitely think that the writing in this DS novel was better than most -- low on redundancies, inconsistencies and run on sentences -- and I liked all of the characters but, overall, the purpose of the story seemed too contrived.
I'm giving this book a 3.5 star rating -- it's good, not great -- because I did enjoy reading it, but, overall, the story fell flat. I would only recommend this book to great fans of DS, or someone looking for a quick, light read.
Nearly 3.5 stars.
SPOILER ALERT: After the first couple's lives end in tragedy, the story of the new couple begins and, by the end, it is revealed that they were reincarnated as the 2nd couple.
I definitely think that the writing in this DS novel was better than most -- low on redundancies, inconsistencies and run on sentences -- and I liked all of the characters but, overall, the purpose of the story seemed too contrived.
I'm giving this book a 3.5 star rating -- it's good, not great -- because I did enjoy reading it, but, overall, the story fell flat. I would only recommend this book to great fans of DS, or someone looking for a quick, light read.
Nearly 3.5 stars.
August 16, 2013
Why do I keep doing this to myself? I just have to face the cold hard truth that Danielle Steel does not appeal to me at 53 like she did when I was 23 or even 33� I just keep winding up disappointed. I enjoyed this book until the last 45 minutes when I felt like Danielle said, “I’m tired of this book, I’m going to write a quick, unbelievable and mediocre ending just to get done with it.� For that reason, it’s getting 2 stars instead of the 3 that I was prepared to give it. I really enjoyed the “first half�. Second half, not so much. I felt like the Amish angle was peripheral at best; guess I’ve read too much Beverly Lewis which is a much richer representation of Amish life. Oh well.
August 5, 2015
"Öldüğümüzde, gökyüzündeki yıldızlardan biri oluruz ve ölmeden gerçek aşkı bulmuşsak eğer, o aşk için tekrar yeryüzüne ineriz; aşkımız sonsuza dek sürsün diye..."
Kitabımız bu cümlenin etrafında döndü dolaştı durdu :) Kurgu olarak çok fazla aman aman harika bir şey diyemem ama okuyacak değişik bir kitap arıyorsanız tavsiye ederim. " Seda bunu dedi, Melda bunu yedi, Ceyda koştu" gibi 3. kişi tarafından anlatımı olan kitaplardan. Ben bu anlatım tarzını sevmediğim için kitap 3-4 gün süründü elimde ama sonunda bir günde bitirdim.
Kitabımız bu cümlenin etrafında döndü dolaştı durdu :) Kurgu olarak çok fazla aman aman harika bir şey diyemem ama okuyacak değişik bir kitap arıyorsanız tavsiye ederim. " Seda bunu dedi, Melda bunu yedi, Ceyda koştu" gibi 3. kişi tarafından anlatımı olan kitaplardan. Ben bu anlatım tarzını sevmediğim için kitap 3-4 gün süründü elimde ama sonunda bir günde bitirdim.
July 9, 2017
3.5*
Ξεκίνησα αυτό το βιβλίο με πολύ μεγάλη επιφύλαξη. Το οπισθόφυλλο του βιβλίου δεν με ικανοποίησε άλλα είπα να του δώσω μια ευκαιρία επειδή είχα διαβάσει το "Έρωτας εξ αποστάσεως" της Danielle Steel και μου άρεσε πολύ. Τελικά δεν έκανα λάθος γιατί όντως μου άρεσε!
Λάτρεψα το πρώτο κομμάτι του βιβλίου. Βρήκα πολύ συναρπαστική και συγκινητική την ιστορία του Μπιλ και της Τζένης. Αγάπησα του χαρακτήρες και βρήκα πολύ θλιβερό το τέλος τους. Το δεύτερο κομμάτι ωστόσο με ξένισε λίγο. Με κούρασαν το γράψιμο και οι επαναλήψεις στην αρχή της ιστορίας. Ευτυχώς μετά τις πρώτες 30 σελίδες η συγγραφέας γυρίζει στο τρόπο γραφής που είναι γραμμένο το πρώτο κομμάτι του βιβλίου. Μου άρεσε ο δυναμισμός και η αποφασιστικότητα της Λίλιμπελ και απόλαυσα τον χαρακτήρα του Ρόμπερτ. Ωστόσο θεώρησα πιο δεμένη την ιστορία του Μπιλ και της Τζένης.
Το κλείσιμο του βιβλίου ήταν πολύ καλό. Το σημείο που συνδέονται οι δύο ιστορίες ήταν άκρως συγκινητικό!
Ξεκίνησα αυτό το βιβλίο με πολύ μεγάλη επιφύλαξη. Το οπισθόφυλλο του βιβλίου δεν με ικανοποίησε άλλα είπα να του δώσω μια ευκαιρία επειδή είχα διαβάσει το "Έρωτας εξ αποστάσεως" της Danielle Steel και μου άρεσε πολύ. Τελικά δεν έκανα λάθος γιατί όντως μου άρεσε!
Λάτρεψα το πρώτο κομμάτι του βιβλίου. Βρήκα πολύ συναρπαστική και συγκινητική την ιστορία του Μπιλ και της Τζένης. Αγάπησα του χαρακτήρες και βρήκα πολύ θλιβερό το τέλος τους. Το δεύτερο κομμάτι ωστόσο με ξένισε λίγο. Με κούρασαν το γράψιμο και οι επαναλήψεις στην αρχή της ιστορίας. Ευτυχώς μετά τις πρώτες 30 σελίδες η συγγραφέας γυρίζει στο τρόπο γραφής που είναι γραμμένο το πρώτο κομμάτι του βιβλίου. Μου άρεσε ο δυναμισμός και η αποφασιστικότητα της Λίλιμπελ και απόλαυσα τον χαρακτήρα του Ρόμπερτ. Ωστόσο θεώρησα πιο δεμένη την ιστορία του Μπιλ και της Τζένης.
Το κλείσιμο του βιβλίου ήταν πολύ καλό. Το σημείο που συνδέονται οι δύο ιστορίες ήταν άκρως συγκινητικό!
April 25, 2013
Does love transcend time and does it continue long after our physical bodies are gone? That is the premise behind this Steel book. While the first half was absolutely lovely and about two people who are so in love, they would do anything for each other the second half paled in comparison. The second half picked up with two characters so different, living two polar opposite lives that it seems too far fetched. Though, with all Steel books, I did finish it quickly and enjoyed it but it would have been far more relateable had the second half of the story been about two similar characters to the first set.
I found the second part to be more than a little bit of an after thought, something she did not give much thought too. I also believe that after thinking about it, it followed a bit pike an outline of bullet points and she filled in the gaps after. Had she made the second half more realistic with the two characters and the love more tangible, relateable something you could reach out and grasp with your fingertips as she did the first half, she would have had this be a 5 star book.
I found the second part to be more than a little bit of an after thought, something she did not give much thought too. I also believe that after thinking about it, it followed a bit pike an outline of bullet points and she filled in the gaps after. Had she made the second half more realistic with the two characters and the love more tangible, relateable something you could reach out and grasp with your fingertips as she did the first half, she would have had this be a 5 star book.
May 3, 2013
It has been a long time since I have read a Danielle Steel novel but I thought this looked interesting. It was okay but I don't remember her being this bad of a writer. I stopped reading her because like a lot of prolific authors she was just writing the same stories over and over but I don't recall thinking she was a bad writer. This was not horrible but it was not good as far as the writing went. I don't know if this has always been the case and I just forgot, if this is ghost-written or if my taste has just improved. I always encourage reading regardless of the quality and read a variety of authors but I am going to only try one more Danielle Steel book and if it is no better than this, I am done.
September 26, 2015
This is the book I have been waiting for Danielle Steel to write for quite awhile. I was worried she was losing her touch after disappointing books like Best Friends Forever and 44 Charles street. The stories of Bill and Jenny as well as Robert and Lillibet seemed to come alive on the page (and it all makes sense in the end). I had a very hard time putting this book down. The storylines were believable and you found yourself rooting for these characters. The ending was very strong and heartfelt. I cannot say enough good things about this book and hope to see more of the same from this author in future titles.
June 25, 2018
This was my first ever Danielle Steel book and I absolutely loved it! I think because the underlying theme of undying love, and reincarnation where lovers find each other again even if they don’t know it, resonates so deeply with my current relationship I was just instantly hooked.
At first I was determined to prefer Jenny and Bill’s story, but I found I actually enjoyed both and how they twisted together.
For anyone who wants a good romance read with a few heartbreaking moments this one is highly recommended.
At first I was determined to prefer Jenny and Bill’s story, but I found I actually enjoyed both and how they twisted together.
For anyone who wants a good romance read with a few heartbreaking moments this one is highly recommended.
August 20, 2022
Different, but good!
November 11, 2024
Η πρώτη μου επαφή με την συγγραφέα των εκατομμυρίων μοσχοπουλημένων αντιτύπων σε ολόκληρο τον πλανήτη, Danielle Steel, έγινε όταν κυκλοφόρησε από τις εκδόσεις Μεταίχμιο το βιβλίο της "Έρωτας εξ αποστάσεως". Όσοι είχατε διαβάσει την άποψή μου για το συγκεκριμένο έργο της, ίσως να θυμάστε πως δεν με είχε συγκινήσει και πως το είχα βρει εντελώς έξω από τα γούστα μου και τις αναγνωστικές μου συνήθειες, αλλά και ως ένα βιβλίο που απευθυνόταν σε ένα κοινό μιας κάποιας ηλικίας, αφού θεωρούσα εξαιρετικά δύσκολο να ταυτιστεί κανείς με μια γυναίκα που έχει ήδη διανύσει τα μισά χρόνια της ζωής της, εκτός κι αν βρίσκονται στο ίδιο βαγόνι. Το "Μέχρι το τέλος του κόσμου" είναι ακόμα ένα βιβλίο της συγγραφέως που δεν με ξετρέλανε αλλά αναμφίβολα, σε επίπεδο σύγκρισης, κερδίζει.
Ο Μπιλ και η Τζένι συναντιούνται στη Νέα Υόρκη και ένας μεγάλος έρωτας γεννιέται ανάμεσά τους. Εκείνος, γιος μιας μεγάλης οικογένειας και επιτυχημένος δικηγόρος, ένα επάγγελμα που ακολούθησε για να ικανοποιήσει τις προσδοκίες των γονιών του. Μέχρι τη μέρα, τουλάχιστον, που αποφασίζει να πάρει τη ζωή στα χέρια του και να την ζήσει όπως ονειρεύεται, στο πλευρό της γυναίκας που αγαπάς. Τριάντα οκτώ χρόνια αργότερα, ο Μπομπ, ανεξάρτητος εκδότης, αναζητά το μυθιστόρημα εκείνο που θα κάνει ξεχωριστή επιτυχία. Και το βρίσκει στο χειρόγραφο της Λίλυ, που σχεδόν τυχαία -ή και καρμικά- φτάνει στα χέρια του. Αποφασίζει, λοιπόν, να την αναζητήσει, και θα την βρει σε ένα χωριό που ο χρόνος μοιάζει να έχει σταματήσει αιώνες πριν. Και εκτός από έναν τόπο μυστήριο και ένα νέο best seller, ο Μπομπ βρίσκει και τη γυναίκα εκείνη που θα του κλέψει την καρδιά.
Η Steel επιλέγει να αφηγηθεί την ιστορία της σε έναν τόπο αλλά σε δύο χρόνους, που χωρίζονται μεταξύ τους με απόσταση σχεδόν σαράντα ετών. Δύο ζευγάρια που αν και θεωρητικά δεν έχουν τίποτα κοινό μεταξύ τους, κατά κάποιον τρόπο, συνδέονται, με τα πεπρωμένα τους να είναι δεμένα με μια αόρατη μαγική κλωστή που σε καλεί να την ακολουθήσεις σε μία διαδρομή γεμάτη από εκπλήξεις και ανατροπές. Τουλάχιστον, αυτή είναι η πρόθεση της συγγραφέως, αφού ορισμένες μικρές λεπτομέρειες θα μπορούσε να τις είχε χειριστεί λίγο καλύτερα, έτσι ώστε να συγκαλύψει ορισμένα στοιχεία για λίγο μεγαλύτερο διάστημα, αναστέλλοντας για λίγο ακόμα την βεβαιότητά μας γι' αυτό που θα επαληθευόταν λίγο αργότερα. Παρ' όλα ταύτα, η πλοκή είναι αρκετά ενδιαφέρουσα και καταφέρνει να κρατήσει τον αναγνώστη σε μία εγρήγορση που δεν τους επιτρέπει να βαρεθεί.
Αυτό που για μένα αποτελεί το μεγάλο μειονέκτημα του βιβλίου, είναι οι χαρακτήρες του. Θεωρώ πως ανάμεσα στα δύο ζευγάρια υπάρχει μια ανισορροπία, με εκείνο των Μπομπ και Λίλυ να φαίνεται να έχουν καλύτερη χημεία και με την αγάπη τους να είναι πιο πειστική και ρεαλιστική. Αντίθετα, η σχέση ανάμεσα στον Μπιλ και στην Τζένι είναι πολύ επίπεδη και άνευρη, και παρά που ουκ ολίγες φορές ακούγονται μεγαλόστομες κουβέντες αγάπης, δεν μπορώ να πω πως μας πείθουν με πολύ μεγάλη επιτυχία. Παράλληλα, πιστεύω πως το background story αλλά και οι χαρακτήρες που εμπλέκονται στις ζωές του πρώτου ζευγαριού, είναι καλύτερα σχεδιασμένα και πιο μεστά δομημένα, έτσι ώστε να παρουσιάζουν -ως σύνολο- πολύ μεγαλύτερο ενδιαφέρον.
Συνολικά, το "Μέχρι το τέλος του κόσμου" είναι ένα βιβλίο που διαβάζεται ευχάριστα και που δεν θα σε κάνει να βαρεθείς, αλλά χωρίς αυτό να σημαίνει πως μπορεί να σου προσφέρει πολύ μεγάλες συγκινήσεις. Αν οι χαρακτήρες ήταν πιο καλοδουλεμένοι, είχαν πιο ουσιαστική εξέλιξη κατά την διάρκεια της πλοκής και παρουσίαζαν μεγαλύτερο βάθος, τότε σίγουρα τα πράγματα θα ήταν πολύ διαφορετικά και σίγουρα θα μπορούσαμε να μιλάμε τώρα για μια επική ιστορία αγάπης. Τώρα, όμως, μπορούμε απλά να πούμε πως έχουμε να κάνουμε με μια αρκετά καλή προσπάθεια, που δεν πέτυχε τα μέγιστα, και που σίγουρα δεν αποτελεί την καλύτερη δουλειά της συγγραφέως. Κρίνοντας όχι από προσωπική εμπειρία -που είναι περιορισμένη όσον αφορά τα βιβλία της-, αλλά από τ��ν παγκόσμια επιτυχία της, μάλλον αυτό συμβαίνει.
Ο Μπιλ και η Τζένι συναντιούνται στη Νέα Υόρκη και ένας μεγάλος έρωτας γεννιέται ανάμεσά τους. Εκείνος, γιος μιας μεγάλης οικογένειας και επιτυχημένος δικηγόρος, ένα επάγγελμα που ακολούθησε για να ικανοποιήσει τις προσδοκίες των γονιών του. Μέχρι τη μέρα, τουλάχιστον, που αποφασίζει να πάρει τη ζωή στα χέρια του και να την ζήσει όπως ονειρεύεται, στο πλευρό της γυναίκας που αγαπάς. Τριάντα οκτώ χρόνια αργότερα, ο Μπομπ, ανεξάρτητος εκδότης, αναζητά το μυθιστόρημα εκείνο που θα κάνει ξεχωριστή επιτυχία. Και το βρίσκει στο χειρόγραφο της Λίλυ, που σχεδόν τυχαία -ή και καρμικά- φτάνει στα χέρια του. Αποφασίζει, λοιπόν, να την αναζητήσει, και θα την βρει σε ένα χωριό που ο χρόνος μοιάζει να έχει σταματήσει αιώνες πριν. Και εκτός από έναν τόπο μυστήριο και ένα νέο best seller, ο Μπομπ βρίσκει και τη γυναίκα εκείνη που θα του κλέψει την καρδιά.
Η Steel επιλέγει να αφηγηθεί την ιστορία της σε έναν τόπο αλλά σε δύο χρόνους, που χωρίζονται μεταξύ τους με απόσταση σχεδόν σαράντα ετών. Δύο ζευγάρια που αν και θεωρητικά δεν έχουν τίποτα κοινό μεταξύ τους, κατά κάποιον τρόπο, συνδέονται, με τα πεπρωμένα τους να είναι δεμένα με μια αόρατη μαγική κλωστή που σε καλεί να την ακολουθήσεις σε μία διαδρομή γεμάτη από εκπλήξεις και ανατροπές. Τουλάχιστον, αυτή είναι η πρόθεση της συγγραφέως, αφού ορισμένες μικρές λεπτομέρειες θα μπορούσε να τις είχε χειριστεί λίγο καλύτερα, έτσι ώστε να συγκαλύψει ορισμένα στοιχεία για λίγο μεγαλύτερο διάστημα, αναστέλλοντας για λίγο ακόμα την βεβαιότητά μας γι' αυτό που θα επαληθευόταν λίγο αργότερα. Παρ' όλα ταύτα, η πλοκή είναι αρκετά ενδιαφέρουσα και καταφέρνει να κρατήσει τον αναγνώστη σε μία εγρήγορση που δεν τους επιτρέπει να βαρεθεί.
Αυτό που για μένα αποτελεί το μεγάλο μειονέκτημα του βιβλίου, είναι οι χαρακτήρες του. Θεωρώ πως ανάμεσα στα δύο ζευγάρια υπάρχει μια ανισορροπία, με εκείνο των Μπομπ και Λίλυ να φαίνεται να έχουν καλύτερη χημεία και με την αγάπη τους να είναι πιο πειστική και ρεαλιστική. Αντίθετα, η σχέση ανάμεσα στον Μπιλ και στην Τζένι είναι πολύ επίπεδη και άνευρη, και παρά που ουκ ολίγες φορές ακούγονται μεγαλόστομες κουβέντες αγάπης, δεν μπορώ να πω πως μας πείθουν με πολύ μεγάλη επιτυχία. Παράλληλα, πιστεύω πως το background story αλλά και οι χαρακτήρες που εμπλέκονται στις ζωές του πρώτου ζευγαριού, είναι καλύτερα σχεδιασμένα και πιο μεστά δομημένα, έτσι ώστε να παρουσιάζουν -ως σύνολο- πολύ μεγαλύτερο ενδιαφέρον.
Συνολικά, το "Μέχρι το τέλος του κόσμου" είναι ένα βιβλίο που διαβάζεται ευχάριστα και που δεν θα σε κάνει να βαρεθείς, αλλά χωρίς αυτό να σημαίνει πως μπορεί να σου προσφέρει πολύ μεγάλες συγκινήσεις. Αν οι χαρακτήρες ήταν πιο καλοδουλεμένοι, είχαν πιο ουσιαστική εξέλιξη κατά την διάρκεια της πλοκής και παρουσίαζαν μεγαλύτερο βάθος, τότε σίγουρα τα πράγματα θα ήταν πολύ διαφορετικά και σίγουρα θα μπορούσαμε να μιλάμε τώρα για μια επική ιστορία αγάπης. Τώρα, όμως, μπορούμε απλά να πούμε πως έχουμε να κάνουμε με μια αρκετά καλή προσπάθεια, που δεν πέτυχε τα μέγιστα, και που σίγουρα δεν αποτελεί την καλύτερη δουλειά της συγγραφέως. Κρίνοντας όχι από προσωπική εμπειρία -που είναι περιορισμένη όσον αφορά τα βιβλία της-, αλλά από τ��ν παγκόσμια επιτυχία της, μάλλον αυτό συμβαίνει.
May 21, 2013
I will start by saying that I have read many DS books in the past. Although her books in the past few years have been disappointing, the description inside the jacket caught my attention in the library so I though I'd give it a try.
I gave this book 2 stars for the sole reason that I enjoyed the first story. Although far from typical DS writing, the love story was believable. I am confused, however, by DS trying to convince us that an Episcopalian minister (or any Christian minister for that matter - denomiation unimportant) would believe in reincarnation. How absurd!!! I also feel this story abruptly ended, and the way in which it ended was somewhat predictable.
Story 2 is where she officially lost me. The story was horribly written, unbelievable and unresearched. The relationship development between characters was so incredibly fast that it seemed far fetched and unrealistic. I feel as if DS wrote part 2 as an afterthought, grasping at straws to make any kind of connection she could. I feel that she only twisted ideas around from story 1 to try to make some sort of vague similarity between the stories, such as families and backgrounds, etc. This was ineffective and immature coming from a seasoned writer such as DS. I see no effort in story 2, and feel a fresh writer could have done better. The supposed proof of the two stories connecting made no sense whatsoever, and only further confused the reader by the very few times she would attempt to make a connection. Story 2 reminds me of a student meeting a deadline and counting the exact number of required words, regardless of content and substance.
As a friend and neighbor of Amish and Mennonite families, I am deeply disturbed by how DS makes it seem like their loving, structured, God-centered communities are more like prison camps. She couldn't be more wrong.
DS, next time you take a stab at Christian characters, please research first. This book made you sound very unintelligible to anyone who knows anything about Christianity and Amish communities, regardless of personal belief. It seems as if you took stereotypes of what you THINK the Amish are like and that was the basis for part 2. Solid reseach, effort and care may have saved part 2.
I won't be reading any further DS books. She has lost her touch and I have been bored and disappointed too many times in the recent years. She isn't what she used to be.
I gave this book 2 stars for the sole reason that I enjoyed the first story. Although far from typical DS writing, the love story was believable. I am confused, however, by DS trying to convince us that an Episcopalian minister (or any Christian minister for that matter - denomiation unimportant) would believe in reincarnation. How absurd!!! I also feel this story abruptly ended, and the way in which it ended was somewhat predictable.
Story 2 is where she officially lost me. The story was horribly written, unbelievable and unresearched. The relationship development between characters was so incredibly fast that it seemed far fetched and unrealistic. I feel as if DS wrote part 2 as an afterthought, grasping at straws to make any kind of connection she could. I feel that she only twisted ideas around from story 1 to try to make some sort of vague similarity between the stories, such as families and backgrounds, etc. This was ineffective and immature coming from a seasoned writer such as DS. I see no effort in story 2, and feel a fresh writer could have done better. The supposed proof of the two stories connecting made no sense whatsoever, and only further confused the reader by the very few times she would attempt to make a connection. Story 2 reminds me of a student meeting a deadline and counting the exact number of required words, regardless of content and substance.
As a friend and neighbor of Amish and Mennonite families, I am deeply disturbed by how DS makes it seem like their loving, structured, God-centered communities are more like prison camps. She couldn't be more wrong.
DS, next time you take a stab at Christian characters, please research first. This book made you sound very unintelligible to anyone who knows anything about Christianity and Amish communities, regardless of personal belief. It seems as if you took stereotypes of what you THINK the Amish are like and that was the basis for part 2. Solid reseach, effort and care may have saved part 2.
I won't be reading any further DS books. She has lost her touch and I have been bored and disappointed too many times in the recent years. She isn't what she used to be.
August 25, 2013
Until the End of Time by Danielle Steel
Love the backstory of how Jenny and her relatives had their own fashion shop and how she had met Bill.
He is a lawyer and had saw her one time she was doing a fashion shoot.
His relatives weren't too thrilled with her and even more when he leaves the family lawyer firm and studies to be a minister.
He has a hard time finding a town that will offer him a job at a church and she's not turned up pregnant yet either....
After a medical tragedy they relocate to WY and she works part time from her home office.
She steps right up to being a minister's wife and puts her ideas to work: potluck dinners after church, visiting others who can't get to Mass.
Another tragedy strikes them both...
Another story in this book is about a family that lives in PA. They live on farms with one telephone between farms to be used for emergencies. They are Amish and keep to themselves.
Hard working and don't use electricity. She has written a love story from ideas she had read of other books and she wants her book to be published. She is only at home with her brothers and mother and others in the family have died.
She finds the publishing address in a book on a bench at the dairy and the manger agrees to send her package the next day. This story also follows the man at the publishing company who is waiting for the next big bestseller to arrive at their house.
Robert wants to meet her to talk about publishing her books... Tragedy strikes them all as the previous story and in another life, out of body experience they are together until the end of time...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Love the backstory of how Jenny and her relatives had their own fashion shop and how she had met Bill.
He is a lawyer and had saw her one time she was doing a fashion shoot.
His relatives weren't too thrilled with her and even more when he leaves the family lawyer firm and studies to be a minister.
He has a hard time finding a town that will offer him a job at a church and she's not turned up pregnant yet either....
After a medical tragedy they relocate to WY and she works part time from her home office.
She steps right up to being a minister's wife and puts her ideas to work: potluck dinners after church, visiting others who can't get to Mass.
Another tragedy strikes them both...
Another story in this book is about a family that lives in PA. They live on farms with one telephone between farms to be used for emergencies. They are Amish and keep to themselves.
Hard working and don't use electricity. She has written a love story from ideas she had read of other books and she wants her book to be published. She is only at home with her brothers and mother and others in the family have died.
She finds the publishing address in a book on a bench at the dairy and the manger agrees to send her package the next day. This story also follows the man at the publishing company who is waiting for the next big bestseller to arrive at their house.
Robert wants to meet her to talk about publishing her books... Tragedy strikes them all as the previous story and in another life, out of body experience they are together until the end of time...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
July 25, 2019
As always, I was caught up in Steel's characters and shed a few tears along the way. I would have given this 5 stars if the book ended after the first section. I totally loved Bill and Jenny as they built careers in NYC, followed their dreams, then took a leap of faith to move to rural Wyoming and build a rich and fulfilling life there. The message of their love and their ability to touch other people's lives was strong and beautiful. After their story ended, though, we meet another couple. Just as loving, just as interesting, but I didn't feel the connection with them that I had with Bill and Jenny. Bob is a struggling publisher in NYC, and Lillibet is an Amish girl living as though still in the 17th century. When the book she wrote providentially crosses his desk, things move quickly as they both leap into new situations and change their lives. It was certainly interesting to learn more about the Amish, although I'm surprised that someone once shunned could actually be "un-shunned" and am not convinced that could happen, no matter what the circumstances. I understand the connection Steel was making between these two couples, but the ending seemed a little too pat and contrived. But, all that being said, the emotion Steel creates always overwhelms me and makes for a very heartfelt read.
June 28, 2013
I keep saying I am not going to read any more of her books and yet, since I grew up reading her books, so I always tend to fall back and read another one.
This one was not one of her books that I enjoyed as much as some of the others. I thought the style of the book was just okay, but there were 2 storylines that intersected at the end and it was a bit of a surprise, but when the first story ended and the second one began, I found the book very confusing.
Bill and Jenny go from being a power couple in NYC to Bill being a minister and Jenny being a minister's wife. Tragedy strikes. Fast forward to the second story of Robert and Lillibet. Robert is a NYC book publisher that accidentally finds Lillibet's manuscript in a pile waiting to be sent back with thanks but no thanks letters. He sees it is wrapped in an apron. After reading the book Robert falls in love with it and goes to find the author, who happens to be an Amish girl, Lilabet.
Once again, does tragedy strike or can it be averted? Can two souls find each other in the afterlife? Is there such a thing as star crossed lovers?
3 stars
This one was not one of her books that I enjoyed as much as some of the others. I thought the style of the book was just okay, but there were 2 storylines that intersected at the end and it was a bit of a surprise, but when the first story ended and the second one began, I found the book very confusing.
Bill and Jenny go from being a power couple in NYC to Bill being a minister and Jenny being a minister's wife. Tragedy strikes. Fast forward to the second story of Robert and Lillibet. Robert is a NYC book publisher that accidentally finds Lillibet's manuscript in a pile waiting to be sent back with thanks but no thanks letters. He sees it is wrapped in an apron. After reading the book Robert falls in love with it and goes to find the author, who happens to be an Amish girl, Lilabet.
Once again, does tragedy strike or can it be averted? Can two souls find each other in the afterlife? Is there such a thing as star crossed lovers?
3 stars
February 20, 2014
I haven't read anything by Danielle Steel in a long time.
Although this is different than other Danielle Steel's books I really enjoyed it.
A lot of other reviews critize this book but I really enjoyed it. It was the type of book that made me want to keep reading.
It is two separate stories that intertwine; each is a love story about couples who make love work despite their extremely different backgrounds.
In the first story, Bill is a lawyer who comes from a privileged background and Jenny comes from a working class family but has done well for herself in the fashion world.
The characters and their struggles were realistic and ones that I could relate to. The ending was unexpected, for me at least,but I enjoyed the story.
The two main characters in the second half of the book were a book publisher and a young Amish woman.
I don't share the idea that when lovers die they find each other in another life but this idea not an overriding part of the book.
Although this is different than other Danielle Steel's books I really enjoyed it.
A lot of other reviews critize this book but I really enjoyed it. It was the type of book that made me want to keep reading.
It is two separate stories that intertwine; each is a love story about couples who make love work despite their extremely different backgrounds.
In the first story, Bill is a lawyer who comes from a privileged background and Jenny comes from a working class family but has done well for herself in the fashion world.
The characters and their struggles were realistic and ones that I could relate to. The ending was unexpected, for me at least,but I enjoyed the story.
The two main characters in the second half of the book were a book publisher and a young Amish woman.
I don't share the idea that when lovers die they find each other in another life but this idea not an overriding part of the book.
March 31, 2013
The first two thirds of this novel can stand alone as one book. The ending is shocking but it would have been very effective to stop there. The second part with different characters is rather ridiculous. Lillibet, an Amish girl has written a book amd secretly mails it to a publisher. The publisher, Bob, feels it will be a blockbuster and does what's necessary to get it published. Lillibet has never been out of the county she lives in but somehow through her reading of classic novels can perfectly describe cities all over the world and capture readers. This story although sweet takes away from the first story and wasn't needed in my opinion.
May 14, 2013
Danielle Steel is like a part of being an American woman, she writes novels that resinate thorough possible real life situations and give us all a good joy when she spins a story. I like the concept of this novel and the fact that it was spilt into two stories. Although the story was a slow paced kind of story it had a kind of spell in it that kept me drawn to it, I couldn't get enough of it. The second story was even more enthralling. Using a different life styles from high powered New York, to scenery rich Montana, to Amish country kept the setting fresh. This was just a great thought provoking novel.
January 30, 2013
I've read many Danielle Steel books, but its been awhile since I've enjoyed one as much as this one. I grew up in Lancaster County and although there were a couple of things that weren't exactly accurate for the Amish, most of it was accurate. Some of her latest books seemed very superficial and not about normal, average people, but this was a nice addition to her extensive catalog of stories.
I give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
I give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
August 6, 2018
It is a nice sweet double story but tooooo romantic for my taste... and the second story was a slightly imposed on us in a hurry not like the first one
February 3, 2021
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