Stars Over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

In this new novel from the acclaimed author of Secrets of a Charmed Life, two women working in Hollywood during its Golden Age discover the joy and heartbreak of true friendship.
Los Angeles, Present Day. When an iconic hat worn by Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind  ends up in Christine McAllister’s vintage clothing boutique by mistake, her efforts to return it to its owner take her on a journey more enchanting than any classic movie… 
Los Angeles, 1938.  Violet Mayfield sets out to reinvent herself in Hollywood after her  dream of becoming a wife and mother falls apart, and lands a job on the film-set of Gone With the Wind. There, she meets enigmatic Audrey Duvall, a once-rising film star who is now a fellow secretary. Audrey’s zest for life and their adventures together among Hollywood’s glitterati enthrall Violet…until each woman’s deepest desires collide.  What Audrey and Violet are willing to risk, for themselves and for each other, to ensure their own happy endings will shape their friendship, and their lives, far into the future. 
CONVERSATION GUIDE INCLUDED
From the Trade Paperback edition.

Why Did I Listen To Stars Over Sunset Boulevard?

I actually first became interested in Stars Over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner upon receiving a pitch for it in my email. I mean, they brought up the film Gone With The Wind and old Hollywood glamor. Plus, friendships and secrets. Obviously I was totally hooked by the synopsis. However, it seems to be the case that the only time I really have to read is while driving, so of course I gave the audiobook available via Hoopla at my library a shot.

What’s The Story Here?

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard is about two women who are working for the Gone With The Wind film – Violet and Audrey. Violet is from the South and a bit of society girl – or she was down south. Now she is a working girl and has a pretty big secret. Audrey is an old pro at Hollywood and has aspirations to be an actress. She’s a bit more wild than Violet, however, the two do have quite the solid friendship. Yet, there is something there that threatens to tear the two apart. That is the thing that kept me totally hooked.

What Did I Ultimately Think of Stars Over Sunset Boulevard?

Frankly, I really enjoyed Stars Over Sunset Boulevard. I will be honest and admit that when I saw the audiobook was produced by Christian Audio (I think) I was like, oh no is this a religious book? Did I get sneak attacked? But no, this is not. It’s a very well written, engaging historical fiction. I love that Stars Over Sunset Boulevard is women-centered. I love the strong focus on friendship and even the end of a friendship, potentially. ALSO ALL THE SECRETS, that bit really helps keep my interest.

How’s The Narration?

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard is narrated by Ann Marie Lee. It is 10 hours and 59 minutes, but I listened at 1.25x speed. I think that Lee really embodies the characters of Audrey and Violet quite well. She even brings in accents. Her narration never feels over the top. This audiobook was a solid commute companion. I have no hesitations about recommending a listen of Stars Over Sunset Boulevard.

Sum It Up With A GIF:

There is quite a lot of focus on this hat, or at least I think it was this hat.

Other reviews of Stars Over Sunset Boulevard:

• The Lit Bitch – “I liked so much more than I expected to“
• To Read Or Not To Read – “a must read“
• Romancing The Book – “an entertaining read“

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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