The author of more than 210 books, 182 of which are novels, Danielle Steel is by some distance the world’s best-selling living author having sold over one billion copies globally.
She shows no signs of slowing down, with five books scheduled for the remainder of 2024 alone.
Her books have been translated into 43 languages, with 24 adapted for the small and big screen, and she’s also a successful children’s author, writing the Max & Martha series and the Freddie series.
Steel continues to write several books a year so, with so many to choose from, it’s hard for a beginner to know where to start.
To help out, we’ve had a look at how the millions of readers of book website Goodreads have rated her books.
Here are the top 13.
1. Only the Brave
Taking top spot when it comes to readers' favourite Danielle Steel books is Only the Brave, with an average rating of 4.32 out of five from 3,605 reviews. It was first published in 2024 so she just seems to be getting better with age. "For nineteen-year-old Sophia Alexander, life will never be the same. The daughter of a respected doctor, Sophia has always believed that her destiny is to look after others, and as the persecution of Jewish families begins, she joins a group of dissidents who are committed to helping them to safety." | Contributed
2. The High Notes
In second spot is 2022's The High Notes, with an average rating of 4.26 from 9,381 reviews. "Iris Cooper grew up dirt-poor in Texas. Her mother left when she was a baby, leaving her to be raised by her rodeo cowboy dad, who was too interested in beer, whisky and women to be a good father to her or to provide what she needed. On top of her innocent beauty, Iris had a rare gift: she had the voice of an angel. After singing in downtrodden bars across the state from the age of twelve, and then many years on the road with different bands suffering at the hands of greedy managers with no scruples, she finally gets a lucky break when she meets Boy, another talented singer, in Jackson Hole. Together they make their way to New York where Iris’s talent is recognized and nurtured by one of the top agents in the business. A star is born and Iris finally gets the success she deserves. But then tragedy strikes, and through it Iris discovers another kind of love..." | Contributed
3. Worthy Opponents
The final podium spot goes to 2023's Worthy Opponents, with an average rating of 4.25 from 11,380 reviews. "Spencer Brooke grew up knowing that one day she would inherit and run Brooke’s, one of New York’s most respected luxury department stores. Established by Spencer’s grandfather, it is in her blood to navigate its successful passage through twenty-first-century competition. But when the death of her grandfather comes, it leaves a terrible void in Spencer’s life. She strives to be a devoted wife and mother, as well as a successful CEO, but the pressure leads to the breakdown of her marriage. Devoting herself to her twin sons and her career, Spencer has little time for a social life. But when successful entrepreneur Mike Weston enters her life, offering investment at a time when the store most needs it, she knows she must take his offer seriously. Spencer faces a dilemma: can Mike Weston be who or what she needs, and can she trust him? Or should she remain independent, but risk the security of her inheritance?" | Contributed
4. Never Too Late
Another recent addition to the Danielle Steel canon comes fourth. Never Too Late, published in 2024, earns an average rating of 4.24 from 7,057 reviews. "Shocked and traumatized by the events they experience, Kezia and Sam bond in the days and weeks that follow one of the worst nights the country has ever known. What follows is a summer of healing and change, and the discovery that it's never too late for dreams to be born again.." | Contributed