Release date: July 22, 2025
Publisher: Gallery
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis:
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in this enchanting novel about estranged lovers reconnecting over mysterious tapes found in an attic and the old Hollywood secret hidden within them.
After her grandmother’s death, thirty-something Margot DuBois prepares to sell the house quickly so she can go back to her predictable life in Santa Barbara. There, no one knows she used to write and that her lack of success wrecked her confidence. But while cleaning out the attic, she comes across eight unlabeled cassette tapes. Unable to use the damaged tape player, she calls in a favor from Leo—her first love and first epic heartbreak—and they strike a deal: he’ll fix the player if he can hear what’s on the tapes. When they manage to listen, the two are shocked to hear the voice of comedic legend Vivian Stone. Why did she record these tapes and how did Margot’s grandmother get them?
Between listening to Vivian recount everything from her forbidden love for Hollywood’s leading actor, to working under a misogynistic exec, to her chemistry with her costar-turned-husband on TV, Margot and Leo fall down a memory lane of their own. Margot is inspired by Vivian’s tenacity and courage to keep fighting for the life she wants, but everything changes when Vivian reveals a secret from her past in this moving exploration of how it’s never too late to start over.
Review:
This was a dazzling and emotional dual timeline historical fiction that swept me away from the very first page. Set against the glittering backdrop of old Hollywood, the story explores the life of Vivian Stone, a fierce and groundbreaking actress who refuses to let the era’s limitations define her. Flashing forward to the present day, we follow Margot, a writer piecing together Vivian’s legacy, and in doing so, begins to find her own purpose and truth.
What sets this novel apart is its captivating character work. Vivian has the bold charisma and charm of a screen legend, with shades of Lucille Ball’s comedic brilliance and emotional depth. While the book is being compared to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I found Vivian Stone to have its own unique sparkle. Margot’s journey intertwines beautifully with Vivian’s, and both women felt fully fleshed out, complex, and deeply relatable. The shifting timelines never felt disjointed—instead, they enriched each other, revealing secrets, strength, and resilience.
This story truly has it all: romance, family drama, historical richness, and an undercurrent of mystery that kept me emotionally hooked. I was thoroughly invested in both timelines and all the supporting characters. It’s a love letter to ambitious women, untold stories, and the golden age of film. Whether you’re here for the Hollywood glam, the heart tugging emotion, or the slow burn uncovering of a life well lived, you’ll find something to love in this unforgettable read.
Overall rating: 4/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
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