What do You think about The House (2007)?
It's really interesting how some books come into our lives at just the right time. I just went through a break-up with a guy I really shouldn't have been with, but didn't realize it until after he broke up with me. I picked this book up with some trepidation on two counts: one, I don't usually read Danielle Steel on the basis of personal principles, and two, I was afraid it would be some schmoopy love story about two people gazing into each others' eyes. Gag. But I was somewhat pleasantly surprised for the most part. Now back to my original point about being broken up with. The reason I really connected with this book was that, like the main character, I was with a man who I shouldn't have been with, but couldn't see it because I didn't want to or wouldn't see it for fear of being alone. I settled. But, like Sarah, have now realized that life is much better and brighter without the weight of having to be with someone I didn't really enjoy being with anyway. So, while the writing was elementary, and the end was predictable, it was very nice to read about a character with whom I could so closely identify. I wouldn't necessarily rush out in order to grab this one (or any other Danielle Steel book) off the shelves, but it was enjoyable for what it was.
—Gretchen
To tell you the truth, the moment I read the summary I knew I would love it and I was right. But the first part of the book seemed to drag on with Sarah and Phil. I was relieved when their relationship ended. I also think the last part was a bit rushed but one thing I can tell you is that I also fell in love with the house at Twenty-forty Scott Street just like Sarah.It is so rich in history. I would have loved if the renovation of the magnificent house was more explained in every little detail. I wished that a movie was adapted from this book, it would have been a success.
—Rose
This was a very easy, cute read. Don't really have to think out what is going to happen, because it is very predictable.Sarah, a tax lawyer, is stuck in a boring weekend only relationship of 2 years. She befriended a 99 year old man, he was like a father to her. He ends up passing away and she must contact all the heirs to tell them of their 20 million dollar inheritance for each of them. As she reads the will she gets a surprise herself, she receives an inheritance from him as well. One of the real estate holdings is the house that Stanley lived in, in fact he only lived in the attic of the 30000 square foot house. The heirs decide to sell it for whatever they can get. It needs a lot of work and was never remodeled. It was built in the early 1900's. Sarah falls in love with the place and decides to buy it and fix it up herself. Phil, her weekend boyfriend, thinks she is nuts for doing so and puts her down for it. She enlists the help of an architect, Jeff, that is in a 14 year rut of a relationship. As things progress on the house, Jeff's and Sarah's relationships fail, and start to build a friendship and a love that can't be broken. Sarah is against kids and marriage but she falls quickly for Jeff, and she may just change her way of thinking.
—Liz
