The Cottage

By: Danielle Steel

Narrated by: David Garrison

Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

In her 54th best-selling novel, Danielle Steel weaves a compelling story of fame and friendship, charmed lives and private struggles...and of three very different men whose lives converge and collide at the Cottage.

On a sunny day in Hollywood, a gleaming Rolls-Royce convertible pulls through the gates of the magnificent estate known as the Cottage. Modeled after the “cottages” of Newport, Rhode Island, the spacious, elegant property, sitting on 14 acres of lush Bel Air, fits its owner to a T. For the man behind the wheel of the Rolls is Hollywood's ageless wonder, Cooper Winslow. A star of the silver screen for decades, a man whose allure to women is the stuff of legend, Coop exudes grace, charm, and old-fashioned style. But today, Coop Winslow is in for a major surprise. He's broke. And with no major roles coming his way, Coop is faced with the heartbreaking prospect of selling his beloved home of 40 years, or at least renting out the gatehouse and part of the main house. A huge blow to Coop, whose debonair attitude allows him to escape reality much of the time.

His new tenants, Mark Friedman and Jimmy O'Connor, are busy coping with problems of their own. Mark's wife of 16 years just walked out, and Jimmy recently lost his own wife to a devastating illness. But everything changes when Mark's teenage son and daughter move in. Suddenly, the Cottage is transformed, with music blasting from every corner, teenagers on skateboards crashing into vintage cars, and a never-ending parade of young starlets streaming in and out to visit Coop.

But amid all the noise and the chaos, something unexpected is happening. Three men who never would have met are becoming friends...and each man finds himself changing in surprising ways, Coop most of all. Because beneath the dazzle and flash, the impeccably tailored suits, and the sheer bravado, is a man trying to keep control of his carefully ordered world - a world that is becoming more and more unpredictable with each passing day.

First, a tabloid scandal erupts, threatening Coop's budding romance with a wealthy debutante.... A stranger approaches Coop with stunning news.... A devastating accident almost claims the life of one of the housemates.... And in the midst of it all, the Cottage welcomes a new houseguest with a secret of her own, who will change Coop's life in unexpected ways. Because among the people who share his cottage and his life, Coop Winslow - loner, bachelor, movie star - may find the rarest of all opportunities: a chance to build a happiness he could never have dreamed of on his own, and to become the kind of human being he has never been.

Against a glittering backdrop of celebrity and glamour, Danielle Steel digs deeper to tell a story of friendship and love, tragedy and second chances...of the choices and unexpected turns of fate that can shape characters and lives.

©2002 Danielle Steel (P)2002 Random House Inc., Random House Audio, a Division of Random House Inc.

The Cottage

Writing this review, I want to comment first of the Narrator, David Garrison. Just the best I have had in a very long time. Made the story just flow on. Looked his name up to find any others that he had narrated. I have learned to listen to the Sample for the tone of the voice. Then I look at the Reviews.

The Cottage was a very unravelling story and took me right in from the start. I followed
through to the end taking about two days. Wishing there might have been a sequel which there is none.

The characters fell into place little by little as they became more interesting. I have learned to take notes just for myself of who is who. Made the story on my own pad to get it all straight. Taking place in the setting of California, traveling to New York and then to Cape Cod. I am from Massachusetts and know mostly about the Cape.

I cannot possibly tell all the stories that stem from The Cottage as it would give away too much. Glad I did not have a synopsis, so just listened along.

Have no idea how these talented Authors are able to write and write and write. Thank you Danielle Steele,

Marilyn

Always Love A Happy Ending

Glad Coop made the decision he made in the end. All well, ends well . . . . . . .

As fate would have it.

Loved every moment. Great characters and storyline. Loved the amazing description of the cottage and the ambiance of the property...I wish I could go there...well, thanks for the vision. This book was awesome.

Love this book...

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

I enjoy all of David Garrison's narrations, but this story is one of my favorites.

Any additional comments?

Danielle Steel relates touching and hilarious life situations in The Cottage and David Garrison is very easy to listen to...one of my favorites.

OK but not great, she really drags a story out

OK but not great, she really drags a story out would not recommend to anybody

narrator great.

Ending was predictable, but not until very late in the book. a good sit down and listen no stress book.

Sweet Story

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I loved the storyline and the characters , but no I would not recommend it..

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Cottage?

Relationship subjects are always interesting to me, it's like having a view into someone's personal life ( fly on the wall, if you will) Very educational to see relationships unfold.

What does David Garrison bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It took a long time to get to the point I had figured out how the relationships at the cottage would evolve

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

good book

it has thrilling and some suspense. it has been a enjoyable book. great book and its great

Excellent story!

The plot was excellent. I love Danielle Steels writing style. She let s the reader know the characters. Her description of the cottage, guest quarters , and the guest cottage allowed me to picture each place. The main characters were each strong in their own stories. The ending was great! I loved this story!!!

Life With it’s Up’s n Down’s

The book with its ups n downs is exactly how life sometimes is in one’s world. Sometimes if one is smart they realize what a wonderful world we live in and never give up The world is round n what may seem wrong maybe what is so right.