Friday, June 17, 2016

Fading Starlight

GIVEAWAY

CUSHMAN, KATHRYN
FADING STARLIGHT

When her big shot blows up on her, how far will one woman go to regain her dream?

Lauren Summers is in hiding. Her fashion house internship was supposed to launch her career, but a red carpet accident has left her blackballed. The only job she can find comes with little pay, but at least it offers a free place to live -- a rundown cottage in the shadow of a cliff-side mansion. Planning to live on savings until she figures out what's next, she's unprepared to be contacted by a reporter.

Kendall Joiner is researching Charlotte Montgomery, a former Hollywood ingénue who lives a reclusive life in the cliff-side mansion. Rumors have swirled for decades about Charlotte, and now Kendall wants to find the real story. In return, she may just have the key to getting Lauren back into the fashion world. Desperate to restore her dreams, Lauren's not sure she can turn down the offer -- but as she and Miss Montgomery get to know more about each other, Lauren realizes nothing is quite as it seems.

My Review:

The glamour of old Hollywood combined with a vintage-inspired fashion designer had my heart singing. In fact, the story had a retro movie feel to it even though it takes place in present day. I love classic films so I couldn't help picturing this novel acted out on the big screen.

And, oh my goodness, what a deliciously uncomfortable read it was! And that's a good thing! The author does a fantastic job of laying out a story filled with pitfalls and second guessing and a whole pile of angst. My jaw hurts from clenching my teeth while anxiously anticipating the proverbial other shoe to drop.

I could so relate to Lauren. Not because of her Ninja sewing skills though. No, we're kindred spirits because we both have trouble discerning promptings from the spirit even when they seem glaringly obvious afterwards. I love that Lauren places such importance in her faith. She prays and studies the bible and seeks ways to reflect Christ's light to those around her. But no matter how hard she tries, she doesn't always get it right. Like there's this one scripture that keeps coming to her mind throughout the book and she keeps dismissing it because she doesn't think it relates to her situation. Only it does! She's just not looking at it from the right perspective. I shouted myself hoarse trying to get her to see the light. All to no avail until it was nearly too late.

Charlotte is an interesting secondary character and I especially enjoyed the flashbacks of her life as a young Hollywood starlet. Brutal life experience has made Charlotte a bitter and judgemental woman. I did not like her at all at first. Felt righteously indignant on Lauren's behalf more than once, but Cushman works some storytelling magic and I began to see beyond the superior airs and grating behavior. Contrary to popular opinion, Charlotte Montgomery does have a heart!

An engaging faith-based story about friendship and faith and hope for the future.

 Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Fading Starlight please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 19 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

28 comments:

  1. "An engaging faith-based story about friendship and faith and hope for the future." ..now that's my kind of novel!!

    I love retro movies too :-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I really enjoyed the retro feel of this novel. Good luck, Trixi.

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  2. Beautiful cover and old Hollywood is always interesting.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. The cover really suits the story too. Love that. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  3. Sounds like a pretty interesting read :)

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

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  4. Wow! I am intrigued by this one! I love the cover.
    Thank you, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  5. Now this book review really grabbed my attention! I am totally captivated with the whole retro movie feel, and the glamour of old Hollywood combined with a present day storyline. It sounds like it has a lot of interesting plot twists. I don't think I've read anything quite like this before. Can't wait to read this one!!! ~Alison

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I could totally see this as a forties movie. It just has that kind of vibe. LOL Good luck, agboss.

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  6. I've been hearing a lot about this one!! It sounds fabulous. Can't wait to read it!
    dguz55(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  7. I've bee wanting to read this one. I love the vintage cover and story line. Thanks, Kav!
    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. The vintageness really appealed to me. :-) Good luck, Caryl.

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  8. This book has been on my radar for a little while. Your review confirms that's it's one I would enjoy. Thanks for the review.
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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    1. I really enjoy this author. Good luck, Pam.

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  9. New to me author. I'd love to check this book out after reading your review, Kav!
    betherin02 AT gmail DOT com

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    1. I like her storytelling style. Good luck, Beth Erin.

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  10. I've read a couple of Kathryn's other books and liked them very much. She takes difficult subjects and turns them into very thought-provoking stories. Thanks for the chance to win Fading Starlight.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. She doesn't lack for imagination, that's for sure. Good luck, Pam.

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  11. I love old movies and the glamour of Hollywood in its' payday and your review has me intrigued. I haven't read anything by this author yet but I'm intrigued after reading your review. 😉
    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. Glad I could catch your interest over this book, Diane. Good luck.

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  12. Now this is a wonderful book and review. I would love to read this book. Thank you for the chance. breannaherron(at)icloud(dot)com

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  13. Such a beautiful cover and the story sounds intriguing.

    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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  14. Great review and a dashing cover!

    Count me in, please.

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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