Ransom

Four different lives.

One act that changes everything forever.

RANSOM

PRAISE FOR

DANIELLE STEEL“Steel pulls out all the emotional stops.… She delivers.”—Publishers Weekly“Steel is one of the best!”—Los Angeles Times“The world's most popular author tells a good, well-paced story and explores some important issues…. Steel affirm[s] life while admitting its turbulence, melodramas, and misfiring passions.”—Booklist“Danielle Steel writes boldly and with practiced vividness about tragedy—both national and personal… with insight and power.”—Nashville Banner“There is a smooth reading style to her writings which makes it easy to forget the time and to keep flipping the pages.”—Pittsburgh Press“One of the things that keeps Danielle Steel fresh is her bent for timely story lines…. The combination of Steel's comprehensive research and her skill at creating credible characters makes for a gripping read.”—Newark Star-Ledger“What counts for the reader is the ring of authenticity.”—San Francisco Chronicle“Steel knows how to wring the emotion out of the briefest scene.”—People“Ms. Steel excels at pacing her narrative, which races forward, mirroring the frenetic lives chronicled; men and women swept up in bewildering change, seeking solutions to problems never before faced.”—Nashville Banner“Danielle Steel has again uplifted her readers while skillfully communicating some of life's bittersweet verities. Who could ask for a finer gift than that?”—Philadelphia Inquirer

PRAISE FOR THE RECENT NOVELS OF

DANIELLE STEELRANSOM“This suspense novel has automatic appeal for Steel fans.”—Booklist“A sure-fire best seller.”—New York Daily NewsECHOES“Romance and risk mark the latest adventure from the prolific Steel, as a young woman must survive the Nazi regime if she is to be reunited with her family.”—Sacramento Bee“Get out your hankies…. Steel put her all into this one.”—Kirkus ReviewsSECOND CHANCE“Vintage Steel.”—St. Paul Pioneer Press“Gazillions of readers around the globe worship Steel's books.”—New York PostSAFE HARBOUR“Danielle Steel offers readers a poignant tale of friendship, family, and hope. The relationships are full, and the unforgettable spirit with which the characters struggle to renew their love for life makes this book a treasure.”—Oklahoman“Her page-turning plot and charming depiction of loving relationships will endear Ms. Steel to her fans.”—Library JournalJOHNNY ANGEL“Call us sentimental, but sometimes we prefer the classic authors. Make it a point of pride to read Johnny Angel….”—Chicago Sun-TimesDATING GAME“A cheerful story full of colorful dating scenarios…you can't stop devouring it.”—Chicago TribuneANSWERED PRAYERS“Smooth plotting…”—Publishers WeeklySUNSET IN ST. TROPEZ“Steel's skillful character development shines.”—Newark Star LedgerA MAIN SELECTION OF

THE LITERARY GUILD

AND DOUBLEDAY BOOK CLUB

Also by Danielle Steel

ECHOES     VANISHED SECOND CHANCE     MIXED BLESSINGS SAFE HARBOUR     JEWELS JOHNNY ANGEL     NO GREATER LOVE DATING GAME     HEARTBEAT ANSWERED PRAYERS     MESSAGE FROM NAM SUNSET IN ST. TROPEZ     DADDY THE COTTAGE     STAR THE KISS     ZOYA LEAP OF FAITH     KALEIDOSCOPE LONE EAGLE     FINE THINGS JOURNEY     WANDERLUST THE HOUSE ON     SECRETS HOPE STREET     FAMILY ALBUM THE WEDDING     FULL CIRCLE IRRESISTIBLE FORCES     CHANGES GRANNY DAN     THURSTON HOUSE BITTERSWEET     CROSSINGS MIRROR IMAGE     ONCE IN A LIFETIME HIS BRIGHT LIGHT:     A PERFECT STRANGER The Story of Nick Traina     REMEMBRANCE THE KLONE AND I     PALOMINO THE LONG ROAD HOME     LOVE: POEMS THE GHOST     THE RING SPECIAL DELIVERY     LOVING THE RANCH     TO LOVE AGAIN SILENT HONOR     SUMMER'S END MALICE     SEASON OF PASSION FIVE DAYS IN PARIS     THE PROMISE LIGHTNING     NOW AND FOREVER WINGS     PASSION'S PROMISE THE GIFT     GOING HOME ACCIDENT a cognizant original v5 release october 15 2010

To all of my wonderful children,

who are extraordinary people I admire, love,

and respect so much,

And especially to Sam, Victoria, Vanessa,

Maxx, and Zara for being brave, loving,

patient, and courageous.

And to the remarkable men and women

in state, local, and federal agencies,

often unknown and unseen,

who keep all of us safe.

with deepest thanks

and all my love,

d.s.

“Tenderness is more powerful than hardness.

Water is more powerful than the rock.