Thank you Dreamscape Media/Netgalley for the ALC and MB Communications & Pegasus Books #partner, for the finished copy of The Hidden Life of Aster Kelly in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Pegasus Books / Dreamscape Media
Published: April 4, 2023 / June 26 2023
Summary:
When a runway model in 1940s Hollywood makes a split-second decision intended to protect those she loves, she triggers a cascade of secrets that threatens to upend her daughter’s life decades later.
After winning a prestigious fashion design contest in 1948, Aster Kelly flees the world of modeling in New York and arrives in Beverly Hills to claim her prize: a design apprenticeship with Fernando Tivoli. But Fernando has no such job available. He’s busily preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime—proving to Galaxy Studios that he is the perfect couturier for their A-list stars. The moment he meets Aster, though, he knows she’s the missing ingredient he needs and asks her to be his stand-in model for Lauren Bacall. Aster is dismayed to once again have her creative potential sidelined, but when Fernando promises to mentor her if he wins the contract, she agrees.
Aster and Fernando quickly become romantically entangled with Hollywood insiders—Aster with the head of Galaxy Studios, Fernando with their biggest up-and-coming star, Christopher Page—and Aster and Fernando’s friendship becomes essential as they navigate a glamorous and complicated existence where what’s real must often be hidden, and no one is quite who they seem. As Aster’s ambitions grow and she faces a crisis, and Fernando’s future is threatened by the judgmental Hollywood machine, Aster makes a decision that changes the trajectory of their lives forever.
Twenty-five years later, despite knowing little of her mother’s time in Hollywood and being raised well outside the reaches of fame, Aster’s daughter Lissy is poised to become a Broadway star. But when the musical gets off to a rocky start, Lissy makes a rash decision of her own in an attempt to save the show. And when long-buried secrets blindside them both, mother and daughter are forced to question everything they thought they knew.
The Hidden Life of Aster Kelly is a story about the bonds of chosen family, the cost of fame and the enduring strength of love that will keep you guessing until the last page.
My thoughts:
When this was sent to me, I was immediately drawn to the cover. It is just so beautiful and I knew it would be something I had to read and I’m so glad I did…I really enjoyed this one!
This book brings to life the old Hollywood glamour and glitz along with Broadway fashion and fame. Told using a dual narrative, I found myself equally drawn to both timelines, which isn’t always the case when it comes to dual times lines. A lot of times, I’m drawn more to one than the other, but here I was equally invested in both Aster and Lissy’s stories. I loved seeing how their lives played out, knowing that secrets were involved that impacted both their lives.
I think the reason I am drawn to these types of stories every once in a while, is because there is no way I could live this type of life. But it’s so fascinating getting a glimpse into the life of someone who does. This one gives us that and so much more. I was captivated from start to finish. The very real scenarios that play out and the daunting quick decisions that need to be made that have lasting repercussions for all involved. This one had some surprising twists that kept me on my toes, but even more than that, it was the heart that was woven into these characters.
I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it to anyone who loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or enjoys stories about old Hollywood.
Audio thoughts:
I alternated between the print and audio on this one. I thought the narrator, Emily Beresford, did a great job bringing the story to life and I found myself listening/or reading whenever I had the chance because I was so engaged in the story.
