6 New Releases from Danielle Steel to Jackie French

Read This Next with Emily Darlow

Whether you’re looking for a sweeping love story, an unforgettable historical novel or a contemporary romance filled with charm, this week’s selection has something to suit every reading mood. From wartime Europe and the romance of Paris to Australia’s colourful past, these six new releases showcase the many different ways love, family and resilience can shape our lives.

The Portrait – Danielle Steel
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Danielle Steel returns with another emotionally rich novel exploring family, identity and the lasting influence of the past. Centred around an extraordinary portrait and the secrets it holds, the story follows characters whose lives become intertwined as long-buried truths begin to emerge. As relationships are tested and old wounds revisited, the novel explores love, forgiveness and the courage it takes to move forward. One of the world’s bestselling authors, Steel is known for combining family drama with heartfelt emotion, and The Portrait continues that tradition. With compelling characters and themes of resilience and hope, it’s a novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories where love and family remain at the heart of every page.

The verdict: A moving family drama filled with romance, secrets and the emotional storytelling Danielle Steel is known for.

Meet Me in Paris – Kristin Harmel
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Set over one unforgettable week in Paris, Kristin Harmel’s latest novel is a story of love, loss, courage and redemption. Against the backdrop of one of the world’s most beloved cities, lives unexpectedly intersect as the novel explores the choices people make, the connections that shape them and the hope that can emerge even during life’s most difficult moments. Harmel has earned a devoted following for her emotionally resonant storytelling, and this novel once again combines memorable characters with themes of resilience, healing and second chances. It’s an uplifting and engaging read that balances heartfelt emotion with an immersive sense of place.

The verdict: A beautifully written novel celebrating love, hope and the unexpected moments that can change everything.

A Study in Sparkling – Jodi McAlister
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Jodi McAlister returns with another instalment in her Love Notes series, delivering a contemporary romance filled with wit, charm and sparkling dialogue. Inspired by the wit and romance of classic literature while offering a fresh, modern perspective, the novel combines humour, romance and memorable characters in a story that is both entertaining and heartfelt. Known for her clever writing and engaging voice, McAlister continues to delight romance readers with stories that celebrate love in all its messy, joyful complexity. Whether you’re already a fan of the Love Notes series or picking it up for the first time, this latest release offers an enjoyable blend of romance and humour.

The verdict: A warm, witty romance that’s perfect for readers looking for a fun, feel-good escape.

Broken Country – Clare Leslie Hall
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Already a major international bestseller, Broken Country is a powerful novel exploring love, family, loyalty and the enduring impact of choices made in the past. Set in the English countryside, the story brings together richly drawn characters in an emotionally layered narrative that examines relationships, memory and the ties that bind people across generations. Praised for its evocative writing and emotional depth, the novel has resonated with readers around the world. Combining compelling storytelling with universal themes of love, loss and belonging, Broken Country is an absorbing read that lingers long after the final page.

The verdict: An emotionally powerful novel that blends family drama, romance and beautifully crafted storytelling.

Sisters of the Storm – Lana Kortchik
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Inspired by extraordinary true events, Sisters of the Storm tells the story of two women whose lives are transformed by the upheaval of the Second World War. As they face extraordinary challenges, they discover remarkable courage, resilience and hope, creating a moving story about survival, friendship and the strength of the human spirit. Lana Kortchik combines meticulous historical research with compelling storytelling, bringing this remarkable period of history vividly to life. Readers who enjoy historical fiction inspired by real events will appreciate the novel’s emotional depth and unforgettable characters.

The verdict: A moving historical novel celebrating courage, resilience and the enduring power of hope.

The Diamonds of Tilly Devine – Jackie French
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Jackie French brings one of Australia’s most notorious historical figures to life in this richly researched novel inspired by the life and times of Tilly Devine. Set against the backdrop of Sydney’s colourful underworld, the story explores ambition, survival, loyalty and the people whose lives were shaped by an era of dramatic social change. French’s gift for blending historical detail with engaging storytelling has made her one of Australia’s most respected historical novelists. The Diamonds of Tilly Devine offers readers an immersive journey into Australia’s past while exploring the lives, relationships and resilience of those who lived through it.

The verdict: A richly detailed historical novel that offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Australia’s most colourful chapters.