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The Principle Of Chance
Frank Orban emigrates from Hungary to America in 1937 to escape the political pressure in Europe. More than sixty years later, Frank is a powerful man in the Hollywood movie business. However, Frank is keeping secrets….
Amy Ronay is a young Los Angeles lawyer. Amy knows what she wants out of life, but what Amy doesn't know is she's about to find out her father’s secret past, a discovery which will transform her life.
Justin Blakes is a successful young music producer, who is working on a screenplay based on Frank’s life. Justin’s life is a ‘safe house’, without girlfriends, complicated relationships and without problems.His well-ordered life takes a turn when Amy arrives on the scene to turn his life upside down.
Justin’s sister Monica, a smart and sexy Hollywood film director with an award to her name. Her life is her work, but she struggles to keep her personal life in control. When Monica meets the ‘unsuitable man’ she is forced to choose…
Jack Harvey, a silver screen legend loves Hollywood blondes. Jack likes his independence and until now, he managed to keep away from relationships. He enjoys the easy life and when not on a date, he spends his time in the company of his best friend Frank, remembering Hollywood’s Golden Age. But Jack, beneath his carefree exterior, hides a vulnerability…
The five people will take a trip from sunny Hollywood to a beautiful snowy Hungary and embark on an entirely different journey than they first imagined, as they discover The Principle Of Chance – will you take the chance…?
Amy Ronay is a young Los Angeles lawyer. Amy knows what she wants out of life, but what Amy doesn't know is she's about to find out her father’s secret past, a discovery which will transform her life.
Justin Blakes is a successful young music producer, who is working on a screenplay based on Frank’s life. Justin’s life is a ‘safe house’, without girlfriends, complicated relationships and without problems.His well-ordered life takes a turn when Amy arrives on the scene to turn his life upside down.
Justin’s sister Monica, a smart and sexy Hollywood film director with an award to her name. Her life is her work, but she struggles to keep her personal life in control. When Monica meets the ‘unsuitable man’ she is forced to choose…
Jack Harvey, a silver screen legend loves Hollywood blondes. Jack likes his independence and until now, he managed to keep away from relationships. He enjoys the easy life and when not on a date, he spends his time in the company of his best friend Frank, remembering Hollywood’s Golden Age. But Jack, beneath his carefree exterior, hides a vulnerability…
The five people will take a trip from sunny Hollywood to a beautiful snowy Hungary and embark on an entirely different journey than they first imagined, as they discover The Principle Of Chance – will you take the chance…?
268 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2013
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476 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 22, 2013
This is a very relaxing book. No surprises here, no shocking twists or turns to startle your stomach. Well, yes, there are twists and turns, but they meander here, not sneak up on behind and wallop you in the back of your head!
Sometimes, I felt as if this book was too relaxing, and had too many scenes in which not much happens. But the author wisely adds two things that help keep the reader stay content: a Hollywood story with the "inside" of how a movie is developed and produced, and secondly, a side trip to Hungary with the intent of finding out long-lost family clues.
This book might do well as a slimmer book, maybe a novella? But the author really builds up the characters well. All the five major characters (Jack, Frank, Justin, Monica, and Amy) are all examined in depth and interact with each other. It's almost like a family. She keeps her focus on each character equally and doesn't let any of them lose screen time. And, interestingly, each character seems to manage significant time with EVERY other character, one at a time. This is a very novel approach.
She also inserts a few long flashbacks, some a chapter unto themselves, that add some spice to the novel.
Since each main character is well developed, it is hard to pick a favourite. But I'll have to vote for Justin, since usually in every character study, a young male is portrayed as a ladies' man, or greedy for recognition or redemption. But the Justin in this story is a very confident man, one who has absolutely no desire to prove himself to the expectations of others. He's very comfortable in his own skin. He has a love interest, but absolutely does not push at all. Interesting man.
So, yes, it is a "sleeper hit". The Hollywood plot line, and the character studies make it a satisfying, sweet read.
Sometimes, I felt as if this book was too relaxing, and had too many scenes in which not much happens. But the author wisely adds two things that help keep the reader stay content: a Hollywood story with the "inside" of how a movie is developed and produced, and secondly, a side trip to Hungary with the intent of finding out long-lost family clues.
This book might do well as a slimmer book, maybe a novella? But the author really builds up the characters well. All the five major characters (Jack, Frank, Justin, Monica, and Amy) are all examined in depth and interact with each other. It's almost like a family. She keeps her focus on each character equally and doesn't let any of them lose screen time. And, interestingly, each character seems to manage significant time with EVERY other character, one at a time. This is a very novel approach.
She also inserts a few long flashbacks, some a chapter unto themselves, that add some spice to the novel.
Since each main character is well developed, it is hard to pick a favourite. But I'll have to vote for Justin, since usually in every character study, a young male is portrayed as a ladies' man, or greedy for recognition or redemption. But the Justin in this story is a very confident man, one who has absolutely no desire to prove himself to the expectations of others. He's very comfortable in his own skin. He has a love interest, but absolutely does not push at all. Interesting man.
So, yes, it is a "sleeper hit". The Hollywood plot line, and the character studies make it a satisfying, sweet read.
April 30, 2013
"The Principle of chance" grabs your attention from the very start.
Amy, a beautiful LA lawyer discovers Frank, a powerful Hollywood big shot has an envelope full of photos of her and her family. "It isn't what you think Amy!" he explains "it's even worse!"
the story follows a cast of highly likable characters as they create a hit movie, from the initial concept, to the red carpet.
We see the sleazy world of present day Hollywood beautifully set against the nostalgia of the "golden age".
The lavish lifestyle of LA's rich and famous brutally contradicted by the inhabitants of a small Hungarian village.
M. Howden achieves a good mix of mystery and romance with a writing style that never fails to keep the reader engaged.
Amy, a beautiful LA lawyer discovers Frank, a powerful Hollywood big shot has an envelope full of photos of her and her family. "It isn't what you think Amy!" he explains "it's even worse!"
the story follows a cast of highly likable characters as they create a hit movie, from the initial concept, to the red carpet.
We see the sleazy world of present day Hollywood beautifully set against the nostalgia of the "golden age".
The lavish lifestyle of LA's rich and famous brutally contradicted by the inhabitants of a small Hungarian village.
M. Howden achieves a good mix of mystery and romance with a writing style that never fails to keep the reader engaged.
July 31, 2013
I totally loved the story, I want Frank and Jack to be in your next book M Howson,they are funny, powerful, considerate and loveable. Justin is sexy, and I was hoping ... Justin is a character many women wish for. I loved the book because it wasn't set on a typical Hollywood chick lit. This book isn't a quick read, but the writing is uncomplicated. There are no long and drawn out descriptions of things, quick to the point just make you want to read more and you can't put the book down.
I am missing the characters I felt I was kind of part of the story - part of the 'pack'! Hope to read more soon!
I am missing the characters I felt I was kind of part of the story - part of the 'pack'! Hope to read more soon!
October 16, 2013
The Principle Of Chance is a page-turner with depth. M Howson has an approachable writing style and her novel draws you in to a variety of times and settings. Great plot, interesting characters and crisp dialogue. This story extends beyond typical chick lit or romance. Well done!
March 31, 2017
I was surprised by this story, it started in a way like other Hollywood novels. However, it turned a corner before I could say 'it isn't for me'.
I was hooked from that point and totally into the story. The writer kept me guessing and have to say made me think about the life many people live or pretend to live.
For me 5*, and looking forward to more stories from this author.
By the way, it isn't a chick lit if that is what you're looking for look at other authors
I was hooked from that point and totally into the story. The writer kept me guessing and have to say made me think about the life many people live or pretend to live.
For me 5*, and looking forward to more stories from this author.
By the way, it isn't a chick lit if that is what you're looking for look at other authors
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews