The Sins of the Mother

A Novel

By: Danielle Steel

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Not the best outta D.Steele . . .

This story and narration, together, boggle the mind. Yet having heard it right out of an unexpected gallbladder surgery, it'd be an equally perfect (read, 'perfectly insipid' - and, yes, sometimes 'insipid choices are 'perfect' for the right circumstance) - oh darn, I've just moved above my own ability to think right now. Just don't buy it unless you're trying to find the right book to tear apart in one of your beginning creative writing courses. "What is this book missing? Or after so manner better books, why would Steele even bother (money . . ., to get over a back relationship, who knows, who cares).

But if you're over 15 or intelligent or if you like to learn something while you're reading, please don't shed your shekels on this young girl's fantasy-come-true (which doesn't even emerge until, well, near the bitter end, I believe) . . .

In short, spare your money. Instead get, 'The Cottage', if you're wanting a story showing growth (I guess you could call it 'growth') - a much better D. Steele. Or, if you haven't yet read 'The Walking Series' books, by Richard Patrick Evans, give it a go. Talk about having an author touch your heart (altho he skimps out a bit around book 4 or so, with the shorter books. (Note: Just make sure you start from Book 1 - read some 'reviews' to find out.)
Or my fave, by Evans, 'A Winters Dream' narrated by the incomparable Fred Berman.

That's it.

Love it!! So compassionate

Love it Love bow this woman made it to the top and took care of her family the best way she could. How she suffer paying for the list time of being with her children,bhh at the same time she had a great mother and a great husband who loved her and stood by her side. The Narrirator was amazing!! Awesome voice and story teller I could not put this book down, I am glad I heard this book. Thank you again DNille Steele!!;

Amazing

i laughed, I cried, I booed and i hissed what a great story of family relationships and how they intertwined and supported each other. remarkable!

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!

The Sins of the Mother....

It has been years since I have read Danielle Steel. She was the writer who knocked you down then kicked you in the gut. Her writing was too depressing for me. Read the reviews and thought maybe I could handle this one. Also sick of recent purchases of books written for the younger set. I kept waiting for something to happen. It really didn't...I'm glad no one was killed, the boat wasn't hit by a tsunami or anything. This isjust family&how family is with one another. I really liked it, but didn't find any "Wow" . I liked all the characters. I really like Olivia. I found the transition of Phillip to be somewhat not believeable. I was happy for their successes and realizations. But this is a family story of a very successful family. I think I was holding my breath expecting the heartbreaking event but thankfully my heart wasn't hurt in the reading of this book.

Not the usual Danielle Steel

This was all happy and positive, not the usual tale that keeps my head clogged trying not to cry. I kept reading waiting for the catastrophe to happen, but was pleasantly surprised.

My only negative reaction was to morals portrayed. I guess I'm too old to appreciate the modern attitude toward marriage.

Kept waiting

This book was fairly boring and I found myself always waiting for something to happen. Too neat.