There were tears sliding down Francine’s cheeks when the judge read off the sentences. He fully understood the devastating effect it had had. Dan looked as though he didn’t. Bob Benson sat there wondering how Dan could have gone so far off track, how he could hate or disrespect anyone so much that he could do the things he did.
It was grim watching him being led away. It was the end of the story. He was being taken by bus that night to state prison, to live in a cell for the rest of his days, no fewer than thirty-seven years. He had destroyed his own family while having a devastating impact on everyone else’s. And God only knew how many other women had been his victims and never came forward. He would die in prison.
They walked out of the courtroom together after Dan had been taken back to jail. He didn’t turn to look at anyone before they took him. He looked straight ahead, already separate from the human race. There was a broken piece in him that nothing would ever fix. Bob doubted he would ever see him again. Dan had nearly taken them all down with him.
They stood in the sunlight outside the courthouse, huddled together, not speaking at first, because it was hard to know what to say. Allie put an arm around Francine’s shoulders. They all kissed Jane and Julia and Francine. Jane had been the bravest of all. They had all learned from her to stand up for their principles, to speak up, to refuse to be silenced or cowed or bullied or threatened into silence. Her lone voice had carried the day, Julia and Francine had followed, and Francine had finally won her freedom.
They all went to lunch together afterwards. The restaurant was friendly and loud. They were all part of it. They had earned the right to go after what they wanted, to stand for what they believed in. Some of them had paid a high price, the others had supported them. When they left after lunch, they hugged each other and it meant something. They had been through the wars together.
They went back to work, to life, to the business of living, to their jobs and careers and the people they loved. When they kissed each other and their children that night, they were part of the victory and the blessing. They had earned the right to their happiness because they were brave.
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BEAUTIFUL
Veronique Vincent is a star. At twenty-two, she is one of the most sought-after models in fashion, gracing the covers of magazines and walking runways across the globe. Yet she wants little of the glamorous life that modelling affords her. The beloved daughter of a hardworking single mother, she has always preferred spending time at home or with her kind-hearted boyfriend to attending lavish parties. When a quick getaway presents a welcome break, Veronique is thrilled to escape the mayhem of her busy schedule. But then, a ruthless terrorist attack at Brussels Airport changes her life forever.
Veronique finds herself hospitalized and alone. She is also forced to confront the harsh reality that she has been severely injured, her famous appearance forever altered. As she plunges into seclusion, the industry that once adored her believes her to have fallen off the map. In truth, she is struggling to find herself again after losing everything. But her mother’s will reveals long-held secrets, introducing her to a world she hadn’t even known was possible.
As Veronique forges new bonds, she begins to see a light beyond the darkness, finding peace in opportunities to help others, and redefining for herself what beauty is, and what it truly means to be beautiful.
Coming soon
PURE STEEL. PURE HEART.
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About the Author
Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world’s most popular authors, with nearly a billion copies of her novels sold. Her recent international bestsellers include The Butler, Flying Angels and Invisible. 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; and the children’s books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood. Danielle divides her time between Paris and her home in northern California.
By Danielle Steel
High Stakes • Invisible • Flying Angels • The Butler • Complications • Nine Lives
Finding Ashley • The Affair • Neighbours • All That Glitters • Royal
Daddy’s Girls • The Wedding Dress • The Numbers Game • Moral Compass • Spy
Child’s Play • The Dark Side • Lost And Found • Blessing In Disguise
Silent Night • Turning Point • Beauchamp Hall • In His Father’s Footsteps
The Good Fight • The Cast • Accidental Heroes • Fall From Grace
Past Perfect • Fairytale • The Right Time • The Duchess • Against All Odds
Dangerous Games • The Mistress • The Award • Rushing Waters • Magic
The Apartment • Property Of A Noblewoman • Blue • Precious Gifts
Undercover • Country • Prodigal Son • Pegasus • A Perfect Life
Power Play • Winners • First Sight • Until The End Of Time
The Sins Of The Mother • Friends Forever • Betrayal • Hotel Vendôme
Happy Birthday • 44 Charles Street • Legacy • Family Ties • Big Girl
Southern Lights • Matters Of The Heart • One Day At A Time
A Good Woman • Rogue • Honour Thyself • Amazing Grace • Bungalow 2
Sisters • H.R.H. • Coming Out • The House • Toxic Bachelors • Miracle
Impossible • Echoes • Second Chance • Ransom • Safe Harbour
Johnny Angel • Dating Game • Answered Prayers • Sunset In St. Tropez
The Cottage • The Kiss • Leap Of Faith • Lone Eagle • Journey
The House On Hope Street • The Wedding • Irresistible Forces
Granny Dan • Bittersweet • Mirror Image • The Klone And I
The Long Road Home • The Ghost • Special Delivery • The Ranch
Silent Honour • Malice • Five Days In Paris • Lightning • Wings • The Gift
Accident • Vanished • Mixed Blessings • Jewels • No Greater Love
Heartbeat • Message From Nam • Daddy • Star • Zoya • Kaleidoscope
Fine Things • Wanderlust • Secrets • Family Album • Full Circle • Changes
Thurston House • Crossings • Once In A Lifetime • A Perfect Stranger
Remembrance • Palomino • Love: Poems • The Ring • Loving
To Love Again • Summer’s End • Season Of Passion • The Promise
Now And Forever • Passion’s Promise • Going Home
Nonfiction
Expect a Miracle
Pure Joy: The Dogs We Love
A Gift of Hope: Helping the Homeless
His Bright Light: The Story of Nick Traina
For Children
Pretty Minnie in Paris
Pretty Minnie in Hollywood
First published 2022 by Delacorte Press
an imprint of Random House