Without a Trace - by Danielle Steel

Yikes! This was so predictable and repetitive. I was so disappointed. The story line was good and I thought this was going to be a “can’t put it down” kind of book. This story line could have been really great, but it was written with no twist and very boring. I was shocked that such a well known writer, wrote this.

Very repetitive and a bit slow

Without a Trace by Danielle Steel is a fast-paced romance with a touch of suspense. We travel to Paris, France where Charles Vincent lives with his wife, Isabelle. The couple have a grown son and daughter. Charles is unhappy with his job and his life. Charles and Isabelle have not had a real marriage in years. She cares more for the money Charles earns than the man. After another argument with his boss, Charles is heading to the chateau they own on the Normandy coast where Isabelle is hosting another weekend party. It is late on Friday evening and Charles is tired (and it is a three hour drive). He drifts off while driving and his car ends up taking a header off a cliff road. When the car finally stops moving, Charles is able to get free and swim to the surface. It is a miracle he survived. He finds his way to a cabin in the woods where Aude Saint-Martin, an artist, lives. There is an instant attraction between Aude and Charles. He needs a break from his real life and makes a decision to walk away. I can understand Charles’ desire to walk away from his life. He has a greedy, ungrateful wife and a job he does not enjoy. Of course, then he is unable to contact with his children. Life is full of choices as we see in Without a Trace. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Paris and the Normandy coast. I especially liked Aude’s cabin. The majority of the characters are unlikeable. The most likeable is Aude who has not had an easy life. The romance between Aude and Charles seemed rushed. I thought it should be slower considering Aude’s experience with her ex-husband. There is a lot of repetition of key details (way too much). I enjoyed the story though there are some disturbing sections. Without a Trace does have some good life lessons (being honest, facing hard truths). I believe at one time or another we have all dreamed of walking away from our lives. Without a Trace lets us see what happens when one man does just that.

I love all her books. I am waiting for the next one. I have all the books for this year as pre orders.

Beautiful book, very well written