Matters of the Heart

By: Danielle Steel

Narrated by: Mel Foster

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Hope Dunne has carved out a name for herself as a top photographer, known the joys of marriage and motherhood and the heartbreak of loss. In her chic SoHo loft, Hope is content with her life, finding serenity and beauty through the lens of her camera. She isn't looking for a man or excitement.

But these things find her when she accepts a last-minute assignment to fly to London at Christmas and photograph one of the world's most celebrated writers - an Irish-American author known for novels of thrilling literary darkness.

To Hope's surprise, Finn O'Neill exudes warmth and a boyish charm. Enormously successful, he is a perfect counterpoint to Hope's quiet, steady grace - and he's taken instantly by her. He courts her as no one ever has before, whisking her away to his palatial, isolated Irish estate.

Hope finds it all, and him, irresistible. But soon cracks begin to appear in his stories: gaps in his history, lies and bouts of jealousy unnerve her. Suddenly Hope is both in love and suspicious, caring and deeply in doubt, and ultimately frightened of the man she loves.

Alone, thousands of miles from home, her mind is reeling. Is it possible that this adoring, attentive man - like the characters in his novels - is hiding something even worse? The spell cast by a brilliant sociopath has her trapped in his web, too confused and dazzled to escape, as he continues to tighten his grip on her.

©2009 Danielle Steel (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Matters of the heart took me away!!

Wonderful, riveting story!! Couldnt put it down!! One of the best books by Danielle Steel I have read🩷

Loved it!! Keep me up all night listening!!

I loved the character Hope in this book. This book is so realistic because it shows how even a smart, independent woman like her can be fooled by a smooth talking sociopath! Danielle Steel is so current and up with today's times because there are men and women out there today that are extremely smart and cunning and dangerous and she shows us that we shouldn't be afraid to love but also keep our eyes open and aware and "watch our back" so to speak! Loved it and think it's a must read for anyone whether you are just entering the dating scene or back into it! She gives us brilliantly smart insight through these realistically believable characters. Danielle Steel has either done remarkable research or has known someone who has gone through something like this. Great work Ms. Steel and keep the work coming! You're one of my favorite authors!!

Wonderful Listen

Excellent story with some very interesting insight into the mind of a sociopath. Narrator was very good as well.

Perfect Portrayal of a Psychopath

This book gives a crystal cleat psychological portrait of a psychopath. Everyone should learn about them since 1 on every 100 people has psychopathic traits. The book provides a life lesson through this well written thriller.

Very good

It's not a normal novel by Danielle Steel but was very good and I am glad it ended they way it did.

Great read

I found the Matters. Of the Heart an excellent read. I enjoy audible. The reader did an excellent job!

Strong lady!

Very strong lady to fall in love with the wrong person and need the he’s not the man she thought he was. And has the strength to get way before he can hurt her. Then finds a new life that is better.

Finn where are you??

Good book. Loved the story. My only complaint was. ......Where is and what happened to Finn. I feel there should have been more closure with him. I would still be looking for him around every corner.

Good story!!

very good story some twist a dark character all added up to a very good book

Matters of the Heart

Any additional comments?

Matters of the Heart is ten hours of listening, read by Mel Foster.

You’re pushing fifty, divorced, a well known and professional photographer, smart. Life has hardened you with the death of an adult child but, you’re content with your life. You have no financial worries, the ex has left you very wealthy. This is the main character who suddenly develops the brains of a doorknob. Typical of Danielle Steel books, our lead character is going to be swept off her feet. Her paramour shows immediate signs of blind obsession, extreme possessiveness, and childish jealousy. He lies about pretty much everything. The guy is an out-of-control high-speed train that hurtles toward the main character and she stupidly allows him to bully her in every way … even pregnancy! It’s like women over fifty become completely brain dead with the ‘love’ of a man! Really….

Yikes. Not an uplifting story. After the half-way mark I started skipping chapters and didn’t miss a thing. Transparent and repetitive. Maybe I’m getting too old to enjoy Danielle Steel books. I used to, but ….. hey, come to think of it … Danielle is getting older, too. So……?????

Mel Foster does an okay job, but I’d prefer Steel books are read by a woman. All of her main characters are women, so …. a female reader is more realistic with regard to point-of-view. Just my opinion.

I suppose if a book can evoke emotion, it’s a good story. Given that, the main character did evoke frustration. I wanted to shake her and say, “You stupid f**k!" Love Steel and you’ll like the book.