The Whittiers - by Danielle Steel

Constance and Preston Whittier aevery year after Christmas would take their annual ski trip just the two of them to the French Alps their kids called it the Wintermoon. Their kids were all grown only the youngest two lived with their parents at the massive historical mansion that they called home on Fifth Avenue. Their oldest child Lyle is married with two kids works in land development and commercial real estate, Gloria works on Wall Street in finance, twins Charlie and Caroline work together in fashion with their own very successful fashion line, Annabelle is a recent college dropout living at home with her parents with hopes of living on her own and Benji has Asperger’s and Autusm lives with his parents and works at a animal shelter. When Lyle answers the phone early one morning he never expected to get the news that he got. He calls for a family meeting to tell his siblings the unbelievable news. As they began to process the news plans are made Charlie will move back to the mansion to look after Benji with Caroline eventually joining him to help and give support to Annabelle who has her own life changing news. Before long Lyle is moving in after he separates from his wife. This is a story of a family coming together after devastating news to help and give each other the support that they need.

I enjoyed reading The Whittiers by Danielle Steel. Preston and Constance Whittier go on a “wintermoon” each year. Unfortunately, this one was their last. We see how their six adult children cope with the loss of their parents. I was drawn into the story. I like the author’s writing style which is relaxed and friendly. The story moved along at a fast clip. There are quite a few characters to keep track of. I found it easier as I got further into the story. I liked that the characters were not perfect. Each character had something happening in their lives (life is messy). Benjie is the youngest son, and he is at the high end of the autism spectrum. The family soon learns just how much their mother did for Benjie. The family will need to step up to fill the gap. Benjie provides many of the uplifting and funny moments in the book. Annabelle is the youngest child, and she was on a downward spiral before her parents’ death. After the parent’s death, Annabelle’s life quickly spirals out of control. The four older siblings are needed to handle the parent’s estate and help their youngest siblings. There are many moving moments in this emotional story. I found myself staying up late to finish The Whittiers. It is a story that will leave you with a smile on your face. My one negative is the repetition of backstory details. It is a trait found in all of this author’s books, and I really wish she would discontinue doing it. The Whittiers is a feel-good story with grief, regret, love, humor, and family. I enjoyed seeing the family came together after such a tragic event. The Whittiers is a touching tale with a terrible tragedy, a dreadful divorce, an unrestrained sister, dear dogs, a captivating Italian, cute kids, and a happy house.

I was excited to read this book, but I have to admit a lot of it was based on being drawn to the cover. I've never read it Danielle Steel book, but figured she's written several hundred books so it shouldn't be too bad. The writing, character and development were fine, but I found it ridiculous that each of the characters were paired off romantically by the end. It was so formulaic and completely unrealistic. I will not be reading anymore by her.

This is a great family story. All the characters are interesting and keep you engaged. Danielle Steel did it again!

Parents die in a avalanche leave behind 6 kids. Oldest ones step up care for their younger siblings. Also maintain their own lives.