***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
In this heartfelt novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, a young woman with an unforgettable voice fights for the freedom to pursue her dreams.
Iris Cooper has been singing ever since she can remember, hitting the high notes like no one else. When she is twelve, her father convinces the owner of a bar in Lake City, Texas, to let her perform, and she stuns the audience. In the ensuing years, never staying anywhere for long, father and daughter move from one dusty town to the next, her passion for music growing every time she takes the mike in another roadhouse.
But it is not an easy life for Iris with her father in charge and using her income to pay for gambling, women, and booze. When she starts to tour at age eighteen, she takes on a real manager. Yet he exploits her too, and the singers and musicians she tours with are really the only family she has. It is they who give Iris the courage to finally fly free, leave the tour, and follow her dreams.
After years of enduring the hardships of the road, exploitation, and abuse to do what she loves, Iris’s big chance comes as her talent soars. But at the top at last, Iris still has to fight every step of the way. In The High Notes, Danielle Steel delivers an inspiring story about finding the strength to stand up for yourself and your dreams, no matter what it takes.
The High Notes by Danielle Steel is a stand-alone novel about one woman’s rise to fame in the country/pop music industry.
Story Recap:
Iris Cooper was born to sing, it’s the only thing she knows and the only thing she wants to do in life. With only a father to raise her, she was singing in bars before she was 12. Father and daughter lived a nomadic life, traveling from town to town in Texas, Iris singing, and her father spending everything on drinking.
When Iris gets older, she eventually goes on tour, but her father still spends all her earnings, and when she eventually finds a new manager, things are not much better for her. This is a story of Iris and her climb to fame. But, will she ever achieve her goals?
My Thoughts:
The High Notes is a quick read with a captivating story and a lot of emotion. It’s not a new story, or anything different, but it’s very well told, and the characters, especially, Iris are very realistic and compelling. The book does highlight some of the horrors of talent management and the rougher side of fame.
Lily really is the star of this book. I just couldn’t help myself from rooting for her the entire way. She’s such a sweet woman, who had a horrible upbringing. She loves music and loves to sing, and that’s all she wants in life. Iris eventually learns to stick up for herself and she finds her way. Her journey from a young girl, dependent on her terrible father, to a self-assured pop star is a lot of fun.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The High Notes to anyone who enjoys stories of rising to fame. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Danielle Steel
Danielle Steel has sold 650 million copies of her books internationally, and every one of her books is a bestseller. She is published in 69 countries and 43 languages.
Steel’s latest novel is Nine Lives. Other recent bestsellers include Finding Ashley, The Affair, Neighbors, All that Glitters, Expect a Miracle, Royal, and Daddy’s Girls, all of which have leapt to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, the Wall Street Journal list, and comparable best seller lists around the world.
Steel has written more than 196 books, 168 of which are novels; 18 children’s books, including Pretty Minnie in Hollywood and Pretty Minnie in Paris about her white long-hair teacup Chihuahua; four works of nonfiction, including His Bright Light: The Story of Nick Traina, A Gift of Hope: Helping the Homeless, and Pure Joy: The Dogs We Love; a book of poetry; and she has written the lyrics for a music album.
She also founded and runs two foundations, one named in honor of her late son, The Nick Traina Foundation, which finances organizations involved in mental illness, child abuse, and suicide prevention. The second foundation was established to assist the homeless. In 2002 Steel was decorated by the French government as an “Officier” of the distinguished Order of Arts and Letters and in 2014 she was decorated as a Chevalier (Knight) of the Order of the Legion d’Honneur in Paris. She lives in Paris and San Francisco and is the mother of nine children.
What a struggle it is to succeed in the entertainment industry, and there truly are many willing to take advantage of the people they manage. Then if they make it to the top, they have more concerns than ever. Neither money nor fame can buy happiness!
This does sound compelling in that it showcases her struggle against all odds. I like that things have been kept realistic in the book. Great review, Wendy🙂
Oh wow! Both covers are gorgeous. I was thinking I loved the US cover, but then I saw the UK. I can’t decide which I love more! I am more curious than I was before about this one since you reviewed it. I like the rise to fame theme. I am going to see if my library will have the audiobook. Great review!
I think I like the US cover more. Great review.
Sounds like an emotional read! I like the UK cover.
Have a great week!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
Great review. I haven’t read a Danielle Steele book in ages.
What a struggle it is to succeed in the entertainment industry, and there truly are many willing to take advantage of the people they manage. Then if they make it to the top, they have more concerns than ever. Neither money nor fame can buy happiness!
I love that Danielle Steele still writes so many books per year no this one sounds so moving. Excellent review!
Lovely review, sounds quite emotional
It’s so sad that people kept taking advantage of Iris!
Wonderful review Wendy! This sounds like an inspiring tale about pursuing your passion. I love the UK cover of this book!
This does sound compelling in that it showcases her struggle against all odds. I like that things have been kept realistic in the book. Great review, Wendy🙂
Oh wow! Both covers are gorgeous. I was thinking I loved the US cover, but then I saw the UK. I can’t decide which I love more! I am more curious than I was before about this one since you reviewed it. I like the rise to fame theme. I am going to see if my library will have the audiobook. Great review!
I knew you would love this one Wendy. I can’t wait to read it too. Excellent review!!🤗📚☕💜
I hope you enjoy it, Susan
I do enjoy a rising to fame story now and then and this one sounds like a well-written one. Wonderful review Wendy.
Thank you, Jodie!
The UK cover is striking, isn’t it? Great review!
That UK cover is so pretty!
This sounds emotive and touching. I already feel for Iris. Amazing review!
I like the UK one today.
I do too. It fits the story better. Iris was more of a pop singer than a country singer, so I didn’t get the big hat in the US cover.
Danielle Steel is a blast from the past! I didn’t know she was still writing!
Yes, she still writes a couple of books a year. Amazing.