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memphisholli's review
emotional
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
callienicole's review against another edition
4.0
I recently had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of Stars Over Sunset Boulevard. by Susan Meissner. If you follow my blog Instagram account, you are aware of my sudden discovery of audiobooks and how great they are! I was excited to listen to this one.
Story: This is the story of two friends, Violet and Audrey, living in Hollywood in the 1930's. They both have dreams, Audrey of becoming a star, and Violet of becoming a mother - and through this story we learn how far one of them will go to get her dream.
Narration: The narration of this audiobook was great! I felt like Ann Marie Lee's voice was perfect for the story, and I liked the southern accent she added for Violet's parts. She added just the right amount of drama to the reading without going over the top!
Writing: Meissner has an interesting writing style, maybe a little wordier than I am used to, but she knows how to paint a picture. I got a strong sense of time and place, the way she described the movie sets and studio where Violet and Audrey worked.
Thoughts: I really liked this book overall, though at times it was painful to listen to - not because of the narration, which I thought was great, but because of the story! I couldn't believe how my opinions of each character changed throughout this book! I started out not liking Audrey as much, but as the book went on I liked Audrey more and started to dislike Violet. Her reactions to things just became more and more self-centered, where at the beginning of the book she seemed more concerned about others. It made me think a lot about my own selfishness, because in some instances I know I would have had some of the same feelings as Violet - and it wasn't pretty. I wish the ending had addressed this issue of selfishness a bit more satisfactorily, but it was close enough for me. I definitely recommend it! It was the perfect book to listen to as I did laundry and housework the last couple weeks.
Note: I received the christianaudio production of this work for free from christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for a review. This is my honest opinion.
Story: This is the story of two friends, Violet and Audrey, living in Hollywood in the 1930's. They both have dreams, Audrey of becoming a star, and Violet of becoming a mother - and through this story we learn how far one of them will go to get her dream.
Narration: The narration of this audiobook was great! I felt like Ann Marie Lee's voice was perfect for the story, and I liked the southern accent she added for Violet's parts. She added just the right amount of drama to the reading without going over the top!
Writing: Meissner has an interesting writing style, maybe a little wordier than I am used to, but she knows how to paint a picture. I got a strong sense of time and place, the way she described the movie sets and studio where Violet and Audrey worked.
Thoughts: I really liked this book overall, though at times it was painful to listen to - not because of the narration, which I thought was great, but because of the story! I couldn't believe how my opinions of each character changed throughout this book! I started out not liking Audrey as much, but as the book went on I liked Audrey more and started to dislike Violet. Her reactions to things just became more and more self-centered, where at the beginning of the book she seemed more concerned about others. It made me think a lot about my own selfishness, because in some instances I know I would have had some of the same feelings as Violet - and it wasn't pretty. I wish the ending had addressed this issue of selfishness a bit more satisfactorily, but it was close enough for me. I definitely recommend it! It was the perfect book to listen to as I did laundry and housework the last couple weeks.
Note: I received the christianaudio production of this work for free from christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for a review. This is my honest opinion.
ashc123's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Stars Over Sunset Boulevard is the latest book by Susan Meissner. The novel starts out in 2012 with Christine McAllister discovering a beautiful green Robin Hood style hat in her latest acquisitions for her vintage clothing boutique. There is a tag inside that reads Scarlett #13. Could this be an actual hat from Gone with the Wind? This hat is supposed to be at the University of Texas. How did it get in the box of items they just acquired?
We then join Violet Mayfield in 1938. Violet is the newest secretary in the secretarial pool at Selznick International. Violet heard that Audrey Duvall is looking for a roommate. Violet is originally from Alabama, but she needed a change (she was in the right place at the right time). Audrey wants to be an actress. She almost got her big break when she was a teenager (before talkies), but then the movie industry changed. Audrey’s voice is too deep many feel for the movies. Bert Redmond works in the wardrobe department and is involved in the costumes for Gone with the Wind. Violet is lucky enough to be picked to be the secretary to Miss Susan Myrick (technical advisor for the film). These three have adventures around the city after they finish work (especially at parties where Audrey tries to network). Bert likes Audrey, but Audrey is not interested in Bert (except as a friend). Violet is interested in Bert, but she is scared to tell him her big secret. We follow these three through the filming of Gone with the Wind and their lives following the film. Audrey and Violet both have secrets that will continue to affect their lives for many years to come.
I am a fan of Susan Meissner, but I did not feel that Stars Over Sunset Boulevard was her best work. It was an interesting book, and I loved the behind the scenes information on Gone with the Wind that Ms. Meissner worked into the book. I just felt the book was lacking (hard to explain). I think I wanted more spark, but it was more ordinary especially after they finished working on Gone with The Wind at Selznick International. I really did not like what happened to the hat at the end of the book (it was a big disappointment). I give Stars Over Sunset Boulevard 3.75 out of 5 stars. The book has some good moments and some very slow parts (I skimmed through these sections). This does not put me off Ms. Meissner’s books. I will definitely continue to read her stories.
I received a complimentary copy of Stars Over Sunset Boulevard from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Check out my blog, The Avid Reader for more details: http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2016/01/stars-over-sunset-boulevard.html
We then join Violet Mayfield in 1938. Violet is the newest secretary in the secretarial pool at Selznick International. Violet heard that Audrey Duvall is looking for a roommate. Violet is originally from Alabama, but she needed a change (she was in the right place at the right time). Audrey wants to be an actress. She almost got her big break when she was a teenager (before talkies), but then the movie industry changed. Audrey’s voice is too deep many feel for the movies. Bert Redmond works in the wardrobe department and is involved in the costumes for Gone with the Wind. Violet is lucky enough to be picked to be the secretary to Miss Susan Myrick (technical advisor for the film). These three have adventures around the city after they finish work (especially at parties where Audrey tries to network). Bert likes Audrey, but Audrey is not interested in Bert (except as a friend). Violet is interested in Bert, but she is scared to tell him her big secret. We follow these three through the filming of Gone with the Wind and their lives following the film. Audrey and Violet both have secrets that will continue to affect their lives for many years to come.
I am a fan of Susan Meissner, but I did not feel that Stars Over Sunset Boulevard was her best work. It was an interesting book, and I loved the behind the scenes information on Gone with the Wind that Ms. Meissner worked into the book. I just felt the book was lacking (hard to explain). I think I wanted more spark, but it was more ordinary especially after they finished working on Gone with The Wind at Selznick International. I really did not like what happened to the hat at the end of the book (it was a big disappointment). I give Stars Over Sunset Boulevard 3.75 out of 5 stars. The book has some good moments and some very slow parts (I skimmed through these sections). This does not put me off Ms. Meissner’s books. I will definitely continue to read her stories.
I received a complimentary copy of Stars Over Sunset Boulevard from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Check out my blog, The Avid Reader for more details: http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2016/01/stars-over-sunset-boulevard.html
mbenzz's review against another edition
3.0
While this book isn't terrible, I had a hard time with it. I really enjoyed the 'Gone With the Wind' story line, as well as the time period. I love Hollywood in the 30's and 40's. Unfortunately, I couldn't STAND Violet. She was shady, deceptive and selfish. I felt like the author was trying to paint Audrey as the more unlikable of the two women, but Violet was just a bitch.
The story was extremely predictable (I saw the baby thing coming from a mile away), and I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, considering how much time was spent on their younger years. While I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading this, I also wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it. Overall, it was a pretty forgettable book.
The story was extremely predictable (I saw the baby thing coming from a mile away), and I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, considering how much time was spent on their younger years. While I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading this, I also wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it. Overall, it was a pretty forgettable book.
januaryghosts's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
This is supposed to be a story about female friendship, but I repeatedly had the impression that these two women didn’t actually like each other that much. The author has also placed her main characters on opposite ends of the madonna-whore complex in a way that felt archaic.
The other issue with this book is that it’s supposed to be set in 1930s Hollywood, but the descriptions of what it would have been like to live that life were pretty vague — and absolutely nonexistent towards the second half of the novel.
I got bored as I read through pages, waiting for what I expected to happen to actually happen.
The other issue with this book is that it’s supposed to be set in 1930s Hollywood, but the descriptions of what it would have been like to live that life were pretty vague — and absolutely nonexistent towards the second half of the novel.
I got bored as I read through pages, waiting for what I expected to happen to actually happen.
micayladougherty's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
A special thank you to PENGUIN Berkley/NAL and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Master storyteller, Susan Meissner delivers a stunning detailed account of the Golden Age Hollywood’s era of the 1930s, STARS OVER SUNSET BOULEVARD —filled with magical lyrical prose, emotion, dreams, allure, friendship, and desires of the heart; with behind the scenes of the iconic, "Gone with the Wind" movie set.
Meissner draws you into the personal worlds of two memorable women who become friends— set in one of the most exciting times .. the charm and glamour of Hollywood. A heartwarming tale of the power of love and forgiveness—a relationship that spans decades and weathers life's complex storms.
Meet two women: Violet Mayfield and Audrey Duvall --a hat worn by Scarlett O’Hara resurfaces in a vintage shop in Los Angeles. The story alternates between present day, and from the late thirties to the late sixties. Two women who become friends.
Violet, the southern belle wants home and family. She comes from the South (Alabama) in 1938, to Los Angeles to work as a secretary for the studio making Gone With The Wind. She wanted to be a wife and a mother; however, it did not work out the way she planned.
Audrey was once a rising film star, now a secretary and the women become friends and roommates working with one of the most famous motion picture of all times. Unlike Audrey, Violet has no desire to become an actress. Audrey is glad, because she does not need the competition as a roommate. She is waiting to be discovered.
Something about Audrey made Violet think old hopes could be given new shapes. Audrey looked like a highly-paid actress rather than a fellow studio secretary when they met.
As most friends, they experience ups and downs. A complex relationship, things are said and done, lies, betrayal, secrets----each have their own desires and aspirations. As we see, even in earlier days there is also ways a power struggle between personal and career for a woman. Choices. Decisions. Consequences.
Ultimately an inspiring story of love, friendship, and redemption. Susan is definitely in her element—no one can revisit the past, and put her own unique spin to history, like Meissner-- with her distinct style, elegance, grace, and charm.
It is quite exciting to learn the inspiration behind the novel:
“The hat is the color of envy and greed. However, the green is the color of life springing up out of the earth. The color of new beginnings."
If you have not read A Fall of Marigolds or Secrets of a Charmed Life highly recommend. Reinvention. (previews included).
JDCMustReadBooks
Master storyteller, Susan Meissner delivers a stunning detailed account of the Golden Age Hollywood’s era of the 1930s, STARS OVER SUNSET BOULEVARD —filled with magical lyrical prose, emotion, dreams, allure, friendship, and desires of the heart; with behind the scenes of the iconic, "Gone with the Wind" movie set.
Meissner draws you into the personal worlds of two memorable women who become friends— set in one of the most exciting times .. the charm and glamour of Hollywood. A heartwarming tale of the power of love and forgiveness—a relationship that spans decades and weathers life's complex storms.
Meet two women: Violet Mayfield and Audrey Duvall --a hat worn by Scarlett O’Hara resurfaces in a vintage shop in Los Angeles. The story alternates between present day, and from the late thirties to the late sixties. Two women who become friends.
Violet, the southern belle wants home and family. She comes from the South (Alabama) in 1938, to Los Angeles to work as a secretary for the studio making Gone With The Wind. She wanted to be a wife and a mother; however, it did not work out the way she planned.
Audrey was once a rising film star, now a secretary and the women become friends and roommates working with one of the most famous motion picture of all times. Unlike Audrey, Violet has no desire to become an actress. Audrey is glad, because she does not need the competition as a roommate. She is waiting to be discovered.
Something about Audrey made Violet think old hopes could be given new shapes. Audrey looked like a highly-paid actress rather than a fellow studio secretary when they met.
As most friends, they experience ups and downs. A complex relationship, things are said and done, lies, betrayal, secrets----each have their own desires and aspirations. As we see, even in earlier days there is also ways a power struggle between personal and career for a woman. Choices. Decisions. Consequences.
Ultimately an inspiring story of love, friendship, and redemption. Susan is definitely in her element—no one can revisit the past, and put her own unique spin to history, like Meissner-- with her distinct style, elegance, grace, and charm.
It is quite exciting to learn the inspiration behind the novel:
Inspired by the green velvet “curtains” hat that Scarlett wears in the film, Susan contacted the curator of the “Producing Gone With the Wind” exhibit at The University of Texas at Austin to hear about how the hat and outfit came to be. After that conversation, the idea for a novel came to Susan; what if there was another green hat made for Scarlett that went missing… only to be rediscovered decades later?
“The hat is the color of envy and greed. However, the green is the color of life springing up out of the earth. The color of new beginnings."
If you have not read A Fall of Marigolds or Secrets of a Charmed Life highly recommend. Reinvention. (previews included).
JDCMustReadBooks
littletaiko's review against another edition
3.0
The first half of this book was exactly what I wanted it to be - two young women who meet in Hollywood 1938 where they both work for the studio filming Gone With the Wind. Loved the little glances into what was going on behind the scenes. Violet and Audrey are completely different people with their own dreams and desires but they mesh nicely as friends. Violet is the out of town innocent and Audrey is the ambitious girl who knows more about life.
The book lost a little steam as the women grew older and the choices they make at various points in their lives have serious consequences. I think that we are supposed to feel most sympathetic towards Violet, but by the end, her tunnel vision and stubbornness regarding her decisions was irritating. Audrey ended up being the more mature and well-rounded adult.
The book lost a little steam as the women grew older and the choices they make at various points in their lives have serious consequences. I think that we are supposed to feel most sympathetic towards Violet, but by the end, her tunnel vision and stubbornness regarding her decisions was irritating. Audrey ended up being the more mature and well-rounded adult.