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Danielle Steel’s ‘Happy Birthday’ doesn’t disappoint

In Danielle Steel’s latest novel, “Happy Birthday,” the queen of “feel good” stories once again brings her legions of fans a wonderful tale of hard times, complications and love.

Valerie Wyatt is the reigning diva of gracious living, putting Martha Stewart in a far second place, or at least she thinks so. Not wanting to face that she is turning 60, Valerie pushes herself to maintain her image as a youthful, trendsetting personality who is adored by everyone.

But Valerie is a lonely woman in reality and wonders if the big 6-0 is the beginning of the end for her fast-paced life. What she desires most is a good man to love, but finding one seems difficult for the aging goddess.

Valerie’s daughter, April, isn’t exactly following in her mother’s footsteps, but she is just as relentless when it comes to her career as a top chef and running her one-of-a-kind restaurant in downtown New York. So on the morning of her 30th birthday (yes, she was born on her mother’s birthday), April is shocked when she finds out she’s pregnant. She knows the father of her unexpected child is not going to be thrilled — after all he is a food critic who gave her restaurant a horrible review.

Jack Adams is used to the adulation of his fans and love from the ladies, being a Hall of Fame football hero and sought after television sports analyst. But when his 50th birthday finds him suffering from the after-effects of a wild night, Jack definitely feels his age. There must be something more out there for a football hero, but he feels he might be too old for the chase.

Three different birthdays, all on the same day — and each person celebrating (or not celebrating, as the case may be) will face unexpected changes. When events, some happy, some adventurous, and one downright terrifying, begin to bring Valerie, Jack and April together, it seems the fates are determined these three find that life is worth celebrating.

I have read and loved Steel's books since I was a teenager, and "Happy Birthday" was just as delightful a read for me as "The Promise" was when I was 16. I particularly loved the interaction in this novel between mother Valerie and daughter April as they both have significant birthdays which bring about a year of surprises. And as always, who doesn't love a great HEA ending — Happily Ever After!

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