Neighbors

By: Danielle Steel

Narrated by: James Babson

Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's Summary

In Danielle Steel's gripping new novel, a reclusive woman opens up her home to her neighbors in the wake of a devastating earthquake, setting off events that reveal secrets, break relationships apart, and bring strangers together to forge powerful new bonds.

Meredith White was one of Hollywood's most recognizable faces. But a personal tragedy cut her acting career short and alienated her from her family. For the last 15 years, Meredith has been living alone in San Francisco with two trusted caretakers. Then, on a muggy late summer day, a massive earthquake strikes Northern California, plunging the Bay Area into chaos. Without a moment's hesitation, Meredith invites her stunned and shaken neighbors into her mostly undamaged home as the recovery begins. 

These people did not even realize that movie star Meredith White was living on their street. Now, they are sharing her mansion, as well as their most closely kept secrets. Without the walls and privacy of their own homes, one by one, new relationships are forged. For every neighbor, there is a story, from the doctor whose wife and children fear him, to the beautiful young woman dating a dishonorable man, to the aspiring writer caring for a famous blind musician.  

In the heart of the crisis, Meredith finds herself venturing back into the world. And thanks to the suspicions and dogged detective work of a disaster relief volunteer, a former military officer named Charles, a shocking truth about her own world is exposed. Suddenly Meredith sees her isolation, her estranged family, and even her acting career in a whole new light. 

Filled with powerful human dramas, Neighbors is a penetrating look at how our world can be upended in a moment. In a novel of unforgettable characters and stunning twists, acts of love and courage become the most powerful forces of all.

©2021 Danielle Steel (P)2021 Recorded Books

Great book and great narration!

Yet, another great read from Ms. Steel . It was a suspenseful unraveling tale, a heartwarming story of betrayal, deception, romance and human connection. I enjoyed hearing about Meredith’s journey going from a reclusive movie star to rebuilding her world and shining in unexpected ways.

I also loved Mr. Babson’s voice. I’ve listened to many books on my daily commutes and his narration stands out. Soothing and nicely paced, he brought the characters to life. Enjoyable all around.

not my cup of tea

For its genre it is probably a very good book. It was not the genre I like best, but considering that it was enjoyable to hear.

Last book by Danielle Steel that I will ever read

What a disappointment! This book is so poorly written that I wonder if an editor was involved at all! Not only is the storyline extremely predictable and naive, but the way it was written and the amount of repetition paragraph after paragraph is simply offensive. Narration didn't help to make the book better, it was boring and unconvincing.

Pretty good overall

This was a pretty decent book overall. It’s not one I’d rave about. The sweet parts of the storyline were touching and endearing. The plot twists were dis jarring & abrupt when they occurred...almost out of place. And there were A LOT of repeat phrases, sentences, info that didn’t need to be repeated the way it was, to get the point across.
The performer was great & I enjoyed listening to him. The author is a wonderful writer no doubt. Always has been and I’ll continue to be a fan. This just wasn’t at the top of my DS list.

A wonderful experience

Danielle Steel is a great author and definitely proved it with Neighbors.In my opinion this book is the very best story that she has written. BRAVO DANIELLE

Outstanding women's fiction from Danielle Steel

Friendship, family drama, love, betrayal...
I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and seeing how their lives intertwined. (Trigger warning: there is a domestic violence subplot) Overall I enjoyed the book, another great piece from Daniele Steel.
Narration was perfect. The narrator really brought the characters to life and had a great tone that I enjoyed listening to. Will definitely seek out more titles from him.

Disappointing

Danielle Steel is an amazing prolific author, but if I hadn’t seen the cover with her name on it, I never would’ve guessed she wrote it.
One of the most annoying things was how many times in the novel when the narrator read a portion which summarized all that had just happened.. as if it was a book 2 recap or something.
This occurred at least three times, and was bizarre.
Don’t bother to read/ listen to this.

Danielle is spectacular!

Great characters, story lines, and recovery from long lasting pain. I could not stop listening!

So redundant

This was a disappointing Danielle Steel book. I wonder if someone else wrote it. It was as though the writer needed to get to a word count and kept repeating the same dialogue over again.

Rather boring…

This story read out just as you would expect. I was quite bored with it to be honest.

Well Worth A Listen for DS Fans

James Babson did an excellent job of narrating this audiobook and Danielle Steel did not disappoint. After decades of bestsellers she is still writing a half dozen titles a year. That’s an incredible achievement. Some of her books aren’t her best, I have listened to hundreds of them and always look forward to her next release.
This one is one of her better recent titles and i throughly recommend it. I was bereft when it ended. It has feel-good components that had me rooting for the main characters, there was a community feel about it too as neighbours became friends and allies after a small earthquake damaged their houses and their lives became intertwined. Regular fans will be delighted with this novel.

NB There are upsetting passages of domestic violence in this book.

Enjoyable

Nice and light hearted to listen to. The reader done a great job. Story line good, wish there was a bit more to it. I enjoyed it very well.