Jennifer McKinley-van der Zee

'Schitterend' tells the story of six women in different age phases, who all struggle in their own way with self-image, beauty and expectations from society.

Prince Alexander of Fredonia escapes to a cozy inn hoping to experience a traditional American Christmas. Katie, who runs the inn, falls for him, completely unaware of his true royal identity.

Merel, a single midwife, is done with men, but her biological clock is ticking inexorably. And yes, she gets pregnant. However, the whole family suddenly seems pregnant. Her 60-plus father Piet has just become a father again with his young partner and her 23-year-old niece Eva is also expecting. Annet, Merel's older sister, who suffers from the empty nest syndrome, has a husband Theo who only wants to travel because he thinks is too young to become a grandfather.

Alif had just graduated from Pondok Madani. He returned to Maninjau and couldn't wait to start college. However, his friend, Randai, doubted that Alif would pass the entrance exam for university because he did not have a high school certificate. He obtained the certificate and passed the exam at Padjadjaran University. Then, Alif's father's passing forever nearly made him despair. His favorite proverb, "man jadda wa jada," which means "whoever strives will succeed," seemed insufficient to face life, so he remembered his other favorite proverb, "man shabara zhafira," meaning "whoever is patient will be successful." Armed with these two sayings, Alif tried not to be afraid in the face of every obstacle in his life.

Isabelle Rombauts is unexpectedly appointed CEO of the family business Rombauts Pharma, an important player on the international pharmaceutical market. She soon encounters the consequences of serious mismanagement by her father and brother. And she is faced with a devilish dilemma: should she follow her own conscience? Or the interests of her influential family?