In her 50th bestselling novel, Danielle Steel takes us behind the closed doors of a prominent marriage to explore the private secrets hidden behind public lives.
Journey
Everyone in Washington knows Madeleine and Jack Hunter. Maddy is an award-winning TV anchorwoman. Jack is the head of her network, an adviser to the President on media issues. To the world, theirs is a storybook marriage. Two brilliant careers. A long, loving partnership. But behind the locked doors of their lush Georgetown home, a very different story emerges. For as Maddy’s career soars, a bitter edge has crept into Jack’s words, a pattern of subtle put-downs, control, and jealousy that Maddy has always tried to ignore and deny. For Maddy, there are no bruises, no scars, only the daggers of fear, humiliation, and isolation. Their effect as powerful as the gun, the knife, or the fist, the wounds as deep. Through hard work, long years, and with Jack’s help, Maddy has become a role model and a star. It seems impossible to believe that a woman the nation idolizes lives in degradation and fear. Only Maddy knows the terror in her heart. Her secrets are well kept, sometimes even from herself.
Maddy’s journey to healing begins when the President’s wife offers an extraordinary opportunity, the chance to join her newly formed Commission on Violence Against Women. There, Maddy hears chilling stories from terrified wives and girlfriends that sound eerily familiar. And there she comes to know Bill Alexander, a distinguished scholar and diplomat who also works on the commission. Bill suspects that something is terribly wrong in Maddy’s marriage and begs her to open her eyes. And as Maddy slowly, painfully takes the first steps toward freedom, as she and Bill grow closer, a remarkable series of events begins to unfold…a stranger from Maddy’s past suddenly reappears…White House headlines bring the nation to a standstill…and a devastating tragedy occurs, forcing Maddy to realize just how much she has lost and how much has been taken from her–her confidence, her trust, her self-respect. As she is faced with the most difficult choice of her life, Maddy’s extraordinary journey comes to a close, and with it comes a strength she never knew she had and a gift she never could have expected–a gift that will change her life forever.
Set against a vivid backdrop of world-shattering events, Journey is a book about abuse, in its subtlest forms. The powerful effects that last a lifetime. With wisdom and compassion, bestselling novelist Danielle Steel reminds us that no one is exempt from the effects of this devastating disease, which crosses social borders, has no respect for money, power, or success. But at its core, Journey is a book about hope, about change, and about daring to be free.
**Journey by Danielle Steel: A Gripping Tale of Hidden Abuse, Courage, and Second Chances** Delve into the captivating world of Danielle Steel's *Journey*, a powerful and emotionally resonant novel that explores the hidden realities behind a seemingly perfect marriage. This hardcover first edition takes you on an unforgettable journey with Madeleine Hunter, a celebrated TV anchorwoman living a life admired by millions. But behind the facade of success and glamour lies a chilling secret: a marriage marred by subtle yet devastating emotional abuse. Maddy and her husband, Jack, head of her network and a presidential advisor, appear to be the golden couple of Washington D.C. Their Georgetown home exudes luxury, their careers are thriving, and their partnership seems unbreakable. However, as Maddy's star rises, Jack's behavior takes a sinister turn. His words become laced with bitterness, control, and a gnawing jealousy that chips away at Maddy's confidence and self-worth. There are no visible scars, no physical violence, but the emotional wounds inflicted by Jack's manipulative tactics run deep, leaving Maddy feeling isolated, humiliated, and trapped in a web of fear. Steel masterfully portrays the insidious nature of emotional abuse, highlighting how it can erode a person's sense of self and leave them feeling powerless. Maddy, a woman idolized by the nation, lives in quiet desperation, hiding her pain even from herself. The turning point comes when the First Lady offers Maddy a seat on the Commission on Violence Against Women. Hearing the harrowing experiences of other women who have suffered similar fates, Maddy begins to recognize the patterns of abuse in her own marriage. Enter Bill Alexander, a distinguished scholar and diplomat working on the commission, who sees through Maddy's carefully constructed facade. He gently encourages her to confront the truth about her relationship and offers her support as she embarks on a difficult path toward healing and freedom. As Maddy and Bill grow closer, a series of dramatic events unfold, testing Maddy's resilience and forcing her to make life-altering decisions. A figure from her past resurfaces, White House scandals erupt, and a tragic incident shakes the nation, compelling Maddy to confront the extent of her losses her confidence, her trust, and her self-respect. *Journey* is more than just a story about abuse; it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of finding hope and happiness even in the darkest of times. Set against a backdrop of significant world events, this novel explores the themes of courage, self-discovery, and the importance of breaking free from oppressive situations. Danielle Steel's signature blend of compelling storytelling and relatable characters makes *Journey* a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with self-doubt, adversity, or the complexities of relationships. Discover the transformative power of self-love and the resilience within us all. This First Edition, published by Delacorte Press, is a tangible piece of literary history, making it a valuable addition to any Danielle Steel collection. Own this captivating novel and experience the emotional depth and inspiring message that has captivated readers worldwide.