The Sins of the Mother

A Novel

By: Danielle Steel

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Every woman makes choices. And no one has made more difficult choices than Olivia Grayson. The enormously successful businesswoman missed out on much of her children’s lives while she built her legendary home-furnishings empire. In Danielle Steel’s character-rich novel, Olivia faces the past, tries to balance the present and make amends where due, while still running her vastly successful business.

As a way of making up to them for time lost, Olivia spends months each year planning a holiday that everyone in her family will enjoy. This summer she has arranged a dream trip in the Mediterranean on a luxurious yacht, which she hopes will be the most memorable vacation of all. Her lavish gesture every year expresses her love for them, and regret at all the important times she missed during her children’s younger years. Her younger daughter, Cassie, a hip London music producer, refuses the invitation altogether, as she does every year. Her older daughter, Liz, lives in her mother’s shadow, with a terror of failure as she tries to recapture her dream of being a writer. And her sons, John and Phillip, work for Olivia, for better or worse, with wives who wish they didn’t.

In the splendor of the Riviera, this should be a summer to remember, with Olivia’s children, grandchildren, and daughters-in-law on board. But as with any family gathering, there are always surprises, and no matter how glamorous the setting, things don’t always turn out as one hopes.

Family dynamics are complicated, old disappointments die hard, and as forgiveness and surprising revelations enter into it, new bonds are formed, and the future takes on a brighter hue. And one by one, with life’s irony, Olivia’s children find themselves committing the same "sins" for which they blamed their mother for so many years. It is a summer of compassion, important lessons, and truth.

The Sins of the Mother captures the many sides of family love: complex, challenging, funny, passionate, and hopefully enduring. Along the way, we are enthralled by an unforgettable heroine, a mother strong enough to take more than her fair share of the blame, wise enough to respect her children for who they really are, and forgiving enough to love them unconditionally.

©2012 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved (P)2012 Danielle Steel

Good Story

Would you consider the audio edition of The Sins of the Mother to be better than the print version?

Audio works best for me. I love to read but don't have time. So, I listen while I get my stuff done.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Loves the main character. She recognizes her short commings while standing by her decisions.

Just Okay - Barely

This story was just okay. The narrator was great. The first hour or so of the book made me want to vomit as the character kept droning on about how perfect her life was. if you can get through that part it becomes okay and is a story of a rich family with an absentee mom. The book isn't worth a credit, but I got it on sale.

One of her best!!!

Have you listened to any of Cassandra Campbell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Cassandra Campbell is always superb. I am not fond of the way she does male voices, but even with that small flaw, I always enjoy her performances.

Any additional comments?

This was an intricate love story involving an entire family, centered around a strong capable businesswoman who built a huge business. I am about the same age as Olivia and really enjoyed the way she was involved in the ups and downs of her fabulously wealthy family.

Made me smile

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! Great read! Amazing job detailing and bringing all the characters to life. Realistic storyline and all around feel good book. Would enjoy reading more into each characters life after the book. Well done!

Loved it

What did you love best about The Sins of the Mother?

The story, this is the best Danielle Steel book I have read in years. I rarely purchase her books if the narrater is male. I find a female suits this type of story so much more.I could not put this book down and will read it again.The story is so complete you enjoy every bit I just did not want it to end. It was a pleasure to listen too. I have some of her books with a male narrator but find them a trial it is like listening to a speech sometimes, particularly one male who is really bad. Altho I would like to buy some of these book I do not and will not buy her books again unless we have a female narrator.

Which character – as performed by Cassandra Campbell – was your favorite?

Olivia she was so well read but then again Cassandra was amazing with every character.

If you could rename The Sins of the Mother, what would you call it?

The name was perfect.

Any additional comments?

It is a great book my favourite Danielle Steel ever and much better than any of her recent books.