Publisher, Brilliance Audio (November 2011)

NOTE: RETAIL EDITIONS are packaged in attractive, compact cardboard, jewel-case or DVD shrink-wrapped boxes, with full-color art.

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The hotel was old, run-down. But to Swiss-born Hugues Martin, a young, ambitious hotelier trained in the most illustrious European traditions, it is a rough diamond, tucked away on a quiet, perfectly situated Manhattan street. After begging and borrowing every penny he can scrape together, Hugues purchases the building — and transforms it into one of the world’s finest luxury hotels.

Under Hugues’ tireless, exacting supervision, the Hotel Vendôme is soon renowned for its elegance, its efficiency, its unparalleled service and discretion — the ideal New York refuge for the rich and famous, as well as a perfect home for Hugues’ beautiful young wife and their daughter. But when his wife runs off with a notorious rock star, Hugues is suddenly a single parent to four-year-old Heloise — who will grow up happily regardless, amid a fascinating milieu of celebrities, socialites, politicians, world travelers, and the countless hotel employees who all adore her.

As the years pass, Hugues and the hotel are the center of Heloise’s life, a universe of unexpected mysteries and pleasures, crises and celebrations that make every day magical. She longs to follow in her father’s footsteps and one day run the Vendôme with him. New challenges mark her way: an unexpected romance for Hugues and her own journey to hotel school in Switzerland. The lessons she has learned at her father’s side, in their exciting upstairs-downstairs world, will carry her through it all, as they illuminate a story no listener will forget.

Welcome to the Hotel Vendôme.

About the Author: Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world’s most popular authors, with over 590 million copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of the story of her son Nick Traina’s life and death.

About the Performer: Fred Stella has worked as an actor and voice talent in radio, TV, independent films, the web and audiobooks. Fred was awarded the Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award for Best Male Narration in 2002. He makes his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is on the adjunct faculty staff of Muskegon Community College.