You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
*** I received an advanced e-copy of the book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
This book is about friendship and love, but it is also about the choices we make when we want to achieve our dreams. Is telling a lie, hurting another person worth it in order to make your dreams come true? Both Violet and Audrey are likable and you want to cheer them on during their good times and sympathize with them during the bad. A very enjoyable book!
This book is about friendship and love, but it is also about the choices we make when we want to achieve our dreams. Is telling a lie, hurting another person worth it in order to make your dreams come true? Both Violet and Audrey are likable and you want to cheer them on during their good times and sympathize with them during the bad. A very enjoyable book!
Meissner is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! This historical fiction, 1930s based old Hollywood story was a serious page turner. I have always loved Gone with the Wind and there were many parallels between that book/movie and the friendship between the two women in the book. Meissner has a true gift in making you feel like you were apart of that time in history. There is just something so familiar about it, even though you know you never lived through the time she writing about. Extremely lyrical. Can’t wait to read the rest of her books!
Stars Over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner is a 2016 NAL publication.
This story is very interesting in the beginning, with the hustle surrounding the movie set, the recognizable names, getting to know Violet and Audrey, who are so very different from one another, marveling at how well their friendship works, even when tested, and naturally, I was invested in the love triangle for a while, but the story tended to drag on, is very slow moving, and extremely heavy on the drama, almost to the point of becoming a little sudsy, which isn’t really my cup of tea these days. I will confess to feeling bored on several occasions, and wishing for some kind of action or suspense to develop.
Having said that, the ending saw the release of years of pent up frustrations, resentments, fears, and of course, explosive secrets will come to light as a result. This climatic conclusion was tense and riveting, but also moving, as Violet and Audrey join forces in all things, proving their bond really is unshakable.
Even though Violet and Audrey each did things they later came to regret, what kept these friends and lovers bonded is a testament to love, but, also, it is about forgiveness and the acceptance of the flaws all three of the main characters has, which is something we could all probably learn from.
Overall, this story is an interesting character study, an homage to friendship, with a whimsical parallel between Scarlett O'Hara's actions and Violet's, which fans of chick-lit and women’s fiction will enjoy.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the review in full, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Reviews/Gpangel-reviews-Stars-Over-Sunset-Boulevard-by-Susan-Meissner
This story is very interesting in the beginning, with the hustle surrounding the movie set, the recognizable names, getting to know Violet and Audrey, who are so very different from one another, marveling at how well their friendship works, even when tested, and naturally, I was invested in the love triangle for a while, but the story tended to drag on, is very slow moving, and extremely heavy on the drama, almost to the point of becoming a little sudsy, which isn’t really my cup of tea these days. I will confess to feeling bored on several occasions, and wishing for some kind of action or suspense to develop.
Having said that, the ending saw the release of years of pent up frustrations, resentments, fears, and of course, explosive secrets will come to light as a result. This climatic conclusion was tense and riveting, but also moving, as Violet and Audrey join forces in all things, proving their bond really is unshakable.
Even though Violet and Audrey each did things they later came to regret, what kept these friends and lovers bonded is a testament to love, but, also, it is about forgiveness and the acceptance of the flaws all three of the main characters has, which is something we could all probably learn from.
Overall, this story is an interesting character study, an homage to friendship, with a whimsical parallel between Scarlett O'Hara's actions and Violet's, which fans of chick-lit and women’s fiction will enjoy.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the review in full, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Reviews/Gpangel-reviews-Stars-Over-Sunset-Boulevard-by-Susan-Meissner
Tale of true friendship and Scarlet 's hat!
I enjoy books that go back and forth from past to present, tying the two periods together in the end. Gone With the Wind is my all-time favorite movie, and reading about goings on during the filming, whether fact or fiction, was great fun. The friendship of Violet and Audrey may have been an unlikely one, and not always an honest one, but ultimately it was a true and lasting one.
I enjoy books that go back and forth from past to present, tying the two periods together in the end. Gone With the Wind is my all-time favorite movie, and reading about goings on during the filming, whether fact or fiction, was great fun. The friendship of Violet and Audrey may have been an unlikely one, and not always an honest one, but ultimately it was a true and lasting one.
4.5 Stars PG-13 for mild language and drinking
Recommended 16 & up
I didn't know quite what to expect when I picked up this novel. It's gorgeous cover and plot summary caught my eye, and I added it to my to-be-read list. Now having read this wonderful book, it's hard not to feel nostalgic for Old Hollywood.
Violet Mayfield and Audrey Duvall provide probably the most well-written, tested, and entertaining female friendships I have read. They both have their own skeletons in the closet, but form such a bond that I could envision myself arm and arm with them-- facing the world.
Susan Meissner created a novel that not only transported me to Old Hollywood and into the unique lives of these two women, but made me forget I was reading a book all together. Susan's writing and sentences flow across the page with the mastering of an experienced author. The right amount of descriptions spur your imagination, but Susan guides you along through the story with invisible hands. Those are my favorite kinds of books; ones that I forget myself in and no longer notice the words on the page, but see only the story.
This is a novel I can highly recommend with no trepidation. It's a novel that I think can capture and entertain even a reader who doesn't consider Hollywood their "taste". I couldn't help coming back to this book because I had to know what became of Violet and Audrey.
If the cover isn't enough to win you over, then the equally beautiful story within will!
CLICK HERE to check out my full review and more content on my website!
DISCLAIMER: I was offered a copy of this book from the publicist in exchange for an honest review, unbeknownst to her that I had been wanting to pick it up myself. All opinions are my own.
Recommended 16 & up
I didn't know quite what to expect when I picked up this novel. It's gorgeous cover and plot summary caught my eye, and I added it to my to-be-read list. Now having read this wonderful book, it's hard not to feel nostalgic for Old Hollywood.
Violet Mayfield and Audrey Duvall provide probably the most well-written, tested, and entertaining female friendships I have read. They both have their own skeletons in the closet, but form such a bond that I could envision myself arm and arm with them-- facing the world.
Susan Meissner created a novel that not only transported me to Old Hollywood and into the unique lives of these two women, but made me forget I was reading a book all together. Susan's writing and sentences flow across the page with the mastering of an experienced author. The right amount of descriptions spur your imagination, but Susan guides you along through the story with invisible hands. Those are my favorite kinds of books; ones that I forget myself in and no longer notice the words on the page, but see only the story.
This is a novel I can highly recommend with no trepidation. It's a novel that I think can capture and entertain even a reader who doesn't consider Hollywood their "taste". I couldn't help coming back to this book because I had to know what became of Violet and Audrey.
If the cover isn't enough to win you over, then the equally beautiful story within will!
CLICK HERE to check out my full review and more content on my website!
DISCLAIMER: I was offered a copy of this book from the publicist in exchange for an honest review, unbeknownst to her that I had been wanting to pick it up myself. All opinions are my own.
I’d say 4.25 stars or so. I really, really enjoyed the stuff about the production of GWTW and Old Hollywood. If there was more about that and a little less melodrama, I may have given it that 4.5 or 5 star rating I so badly wanted to. It kind of reminded me of Firefly Lane, now that I think of it, and I had the same problem with that book. A lot of drama crammed into a normal length book and some of it felt...forced? I don’t know. It was still worth a read and I’ll probably keep it.
Find my full review at http://aliteraryvacation.blogspot.com.
Susan Meissner's last novel, Secrets of a Charmed Life, was my first 5-starred book of 2015. This being the case I was beyond excited to read her newest, Stars Over Sunset Boulevard, not only because she's one of my favorite authors but because Gone with the Wind is my all time favorite movie. I've watched it more times than I can count and have always marveled at the costumes and complicated characters. Getting to see beyond the spectacle into the real world making of the movie....yeah, sign me up for that! Sometimes this kind of high expectation has lead me to disappointment, but I'm delighted to say Stars Over Sunset Boulevard was just as wonderful as I expected!
The modern storyline involving Christine McAllister and her discovery of the iconic green curtain hat from the making of Gone with the Wind is told more as small snippets that connect Christine's past to one of our characters from the 1930's than as its own standalone storyline. The small mystery of how the carpet hat made its way out of the hands of the movie makers and into a woman's private collection and how that woman connected to Christine kept the snippets interesting, but the real heft and emotion of the story resides in Violet and Audrey's relationship starting when they meet as secretaries on the set of the movie.
Audrey and Violet make wonderful counters for each other and serve to represent two distinct kinds of women during this vibrant and unique time and place in history. Audrey wants nothing more than to be a movie star and is as vivacious, beautiful and outgoing as one could want in a woman with this ambition. Violet, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to be a wife and mother and is shy and naive to the ways of Hollywood. Both are hiding secrets from their pasts that hamper there ability to get what they want most. However, when circumstances present themselves that will allow both women the chance at their greatest happiness, they take it, not realizing the consequences that might come. Watching each sacrifice so much and make choices they know aren't right in the hope that the outcome will be was poignant and touching. In the end the saying "be careful what you wish for because you just might get it" comes into play for both and they have to face the fact that what they thought they wanted might not have been worth what they did to get it.
While the gold of the story is the relationship between Audrey and Violet, I can't forget to mention the behind the scenes view into the making of Gone with the Wind, as it is as fascinating as you would imagine. Learning little tidbits, like the fact that Vivienne Leigh was not cast as Scarlett O'Hara when filming started, really fed my need to know more about the making of the movie. Susan Meissner did an exceptional job of perfectly describing this world so I felt completely immersed and could envision it all, from movie sets to Audrey's bungalow to the streets and sounds of old Hollywood. It was a perfect backdrop for this exceptional story.
I can't recommend Susan Meissner's novels enough for those that love glimpses into interesting times in history mixed in with a modern storyline that connects to the past. The characters are always well drawn and interesting and never fail to tug at my heart. Stars Over Sunset Boulevard is now another favorite of mine, and I cannot help but get excited to see what she comes up with next.
Susan Meissner's last novel, Secrets of a Charmed Life, was my first 5-starred book of 2015. This being the case I was beyond excited to read her newest, Stars Over Sunset Boulevard, not only because she's one of my favorite authors but because Gone with the Wind is my all time favorite movie. I've watched it more times than I can count and have always marveled at the costumes and complicated characters. Getting to see beyond the spectacle into the real world making of the movie....yeah, sign me up for that! Sometimes this kind of high expectation has lead me to disappointment, but I'm delighted to say Stars Over Sunset Boulevard was just as wonderful as I expected!
The modern storyline involving Christine McAllister and her discovery of the iconic green curtain hat from the making of Gone with the Wind is told more as small snippets that connect Christine's past to one of our characters from the 1930's than as its own standalone storyline. The small mystery of how the carpet hat made its way out of the hands of the movie makers and into a woman's private collection and how that woman connected to Christine kept the snippets interesting, but the real heft and emotion of the story resides in Violet and Audrey's relationship starting when they meet as secretaries on the set of the movie.
Audrey and Violet make wonderful counters for each other and serve to represent two distinct kinds of women during this vibrant and unique time and place in history. Audrey wants nothing more than to be a movie star and is as vivacious, beautiful and outgoing as one could want in a woman with this ambition. Violet, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to be a wife and mother and is shy and naive to the ways of Hollywood. Both are hiding secrets from their pasts that hamper there ability to get what they want most. However, when circumstances present themselves that will allow both women the chance at their greatest happiness, they take it, not realizing the consequences that might come. Watching each sacrifice so much and make choices they know aren't right in the hope that the outcome will be was poignant and touching. In the end the saying "be careful what you wish for because you just might get it" comes into play for both and they have to face the fact that what they thought they wanted might not have been worth what they did to get it.
While the gold of the story is the relationship between Audrey and Violet, I can't forget to mention the behind the scenes view into the making of Gone with the Wind, as it is as fascinating as you would imagine. Learning little tidbits, like the fact that Vivienne Leigh was not cast as Scarlett O'Hara when filming started, really fed my need to know more about the making of the movie. Susan Meissner did an exceptional job of perfectly describing this world so I felt completely immersed and could envision it all, from movie sets to Audrey's bungalow to the streets and sounds of old Hollywood. It was a perfect backdrop for this exceptional story.
I can't recommend Susan Meissner's novels enough for those that love glimpses into interesting times in history mixed in with a modern storyline that connects to the past. The characters are always well drawn and interesting and never fail to tug at my heart. Stars Over Sunset Boulevard is now another favorite of mine, and I cannot help but get excited to see what she comes up with next.
I was so excited to be able to read this book early. I read Susan Meissner's previous book The Secrets of a Charmed Life and loved it; I couldn't put it down. I was hoping I would feel the same way about Stars Over Sunset Boulevard but I just didn't. I love the time period it is set in and enjoyed the way the friendship between the two main characters; Audrey and Violet, developed and grew over the years. I felt like the rest of the book fell short, I didn't feel emotionally connected to the story line at all. However, this will not stop me from reading more books from this author!
"Stars Over Sunset Boulevard" is a tale of old Hollywood, friendship, and secrets with a few "What would I do?" dilemmas thrown in for good measure.
The story centers around Violet, Audrey, and Bert who all work together on the set of "Gone with the Wind." Bert is enamored with Audrey (who doesn't reciprocate his feelings), and Violet has designs on Bert. Meissner crafts a story line that keeps their lives linked throughout the decades.
Although I'm not a huge "Gone with the Wind" fan, Meissner has woven in some behind-the-scenes detail about the film's production and release that was not only integral to the plot, but also interesting (GWTW fans may want to read the book on that measure alone).
The book kept me interested enough to read for long stretches at a time (but it could have been that I did the bulk of the reading the day after Thanksgiving, in a cozy robe, with a cat curled on my lap). Meissner's character development is good, and I did appreciate that the characters' actions aren't black and white. On that measure this might make for a good book club choice as there would be much discussion about whether the characters made the "right" decisions.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story centers around Violet, Audrey, and Bert who all work together on the set of "Gone with the Wind." Bert is enamored with Audrey (who doesn't reciprocate his feelings), and Violet has designs on Bert. Meissner crafts a story line that keeps their lives linked throughout the decades.
Although I'm not a huge "Gone with the Wind" fan, Meissner has woven in some behind-the-scenes detail about the film's production and release that was not only integral to the plot, but also interesting (GWTW fans may want to read the book on that measure alone).
The book kept me interested enough to read for long stretches at a time (but it could have been that I did the bulk of the reading the day after Thanksgiving, in a cozy robe, with a cat curled on my lap). Meissner's character development is good, and I did appreciate that the characters' actions aren't black and white. On that measure this might make for a good book club choice as there would be much discussion about whether the characters made the "right" decisions.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.