I enjoyed this book but the end was very predictable. ( )

Very pleasant read about four American girls selected to debut at the Palace of Versailles in 1958. The four girls become fast friends each bringing a unique background along with personal complications. Hidden financial concerns, physical complications and bad romances are worked through with the support of the new friends. Changes and new opportunities for young women in the late '50's present themselves and the young women find support from each other as they choose their own path. I thought the character development in this book stood out from past books.

Danielle Steel is wonderful about finding new story ideas that have broad appeal.

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel takes us back to 1959 when four young ladies get the opportunity to be presented to Paris Society at a ball to be held for the first time at the Palace of Versailles. It is an invitation only issued to forty American young women. Amelia, Felicity, Caroline, and Samantha are the four young women we get to follow along with their parents (and one mean sister). I was quickly drawn into The Ball of Versailles. I found the story to be easy to read. I liked that each young woman had a different personality and background. It was interesting to get a behind the scenes look at being a debutante at an exclusive event. This ball is happening at a time when women are getting more options. Women no longer need to be presented to society to find themselves a husband who will take care of them. Women can attend college and have a career. The four women experience a special night that will end up changing their futures. A parent or two may end up making a special connection. The author captured the time period. I enjoyed the descriptions of Paris, Versailles, and the clothes. Each lady not only gets a once in a lifetime evening at a gorgeous venue, but they also learn some lessons along the way. This event can bring out the best or the worst in a person. The ladies get to traverse the rocky road of love and heartbreak. I did feel that the story lacked depth, and there is a repetition of details (I got it the first five times). That said, I still enjoyed reading The Ball at Versailles. It is a story that provides a break reality. I have read all of Danielle Steel’s books (been reading them since I was twelve), and I look forward to each new release. The Ball at Versailles is an appealing tale with a distinctive invitation, swanky dresses, a nasty sister, a misunderstood scientist, lifelong friends, and lasting love. ( )

Historical fiction that takes you back to the late 1950’s and the age of Debutantes. Four American women are invited to come out at the Ball. Different background, but same wealthy status.

With so much darkness in our current world, I chose a lighter read mainly due to the cover art. I devoured Ms. Steel’s books at a younger age and have enjoyed a few of her recent books. They are good for an escape. This storyline was predictable from the beginning: invitation, issues with parents, rich girls wanting to break out of their routine but never really succeeding. I enjoyed the backstory of each girl and appreciated what they wanted to do with their life, but in typical Steel style, love, marriage and money trump all. I found the story on the slower side and could not connect with the characters. Not as descriptive as I had hoped for. This would be a nice read for an older reader who enjoys being transported to a romantic place and time.

Thanks to Random House/Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone. ( )

This is a brief excerpt of the book's recap, and it is exactly what this book is about:

"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."

Now, remember these women were born in the 1940s and raised in the 1950s, so this makes all of the difference to how this story plays out. This book is as much historical fiction as well as romance.

Ms. Steel hit all of the necessary tropes to keep this a romance.

We have the spoiled rich girl who hates her sister. Another not-so-rich girl who has lost her father and has a mother whose career may be in jeopardy. There is another girl who was horribly injured in an accident and who is extremely rich. Another is an overweight, very tall, and highly intelligent young lady. Another young lady whose antics may shock you.

But as you all know, this is a Danielle Steele romance, so we all can look forward to a happily ever after, even for some who may surprise you!

*ARC supplied by NetGalley, the publisher Delacorte Press, and the author. ( )