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When I Was Alice
Hollywood is not all glitter and gold. As her brother lies in a coma after a near-fatal car accident, twenty-one-year-old Grace Brighton climbs the Hollywood Sign to make a desperate wish for his recovery. She loses her footing and plummets to the ground below―only there is no impact. Instead, she finds herself the center of attention at a film studio . . . in 1953 Hollywood. Everyone believes she's Alice Montgomery, a rising star she bears an eerie resemblance to, who disappeared just days earlier. Grace has no choice but to step into Alice’s shoes, meeting Alice’s entourage and noticing not everyone is happy that she has returned. Grace begins to suspect that something terrible has happened to the young actress. Afraid Alice’s miraculous return has now made her a target, Grace must find out who wants to harm Alice to have a chance to return to her own time. When she discovers one of the missing starlet's deepest, darkest secrets, Grace finds herself in grave danger―she may die long before she’s even been born.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2024
9 people are currently reading
3430 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Murgia
13 books470 followersJennifer Murgia is an award winning Young Adult author. Her debut adult mystery WHEN I WAS ALICE will release in June 2024 from CamCat Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 31, 2024
3.5 stars
In When I was Alice we follow Grace Brighton. Grace is in pain because her brother is in a coma. He was about to direct a movie and wanted her to play the lead role. She is supposed to audition, but skips it. She checks his phone and sees a photo of a woman that looks like her with James Dean. They also have the same bracelet.
In her desperation to save her brother she goes to the Hollywood sign and climbs the letter H. The weather is horrible. But she is desperately wishing for her brother to wake up again. When she tries to climb down she falls and wakes up disoriented. She quickly discovers everybody thinks she is Alice Montgomery. Alice is the woman from the picture on her brother's phone. And the year is 1953.
She discovers Alice was missing for a week and now fate casted her in Alice's shoes. She is on set and needs to act ASAP.
Grace quickly discovers things aren't as they seem. Where is Alice and how did she go missing? Grace quickly teams up with Dalton Banks and tries to uncover the truth of what happened to Alice. Because that is the only way to find her way back home again.
I love the twist and turns in this novel. You start to trust someone and then it is all torn away from you again. I love how confusing things were. And how sad certains events are. It's an exciting novel with a great story line.
I really enjoyed it. But I did miss some depth in the characters. It was hard to really connect with Grace. And the mystery was written rather flatly. I wasn't completely invested in it and could easily put the book down. I also didn't really feel the romance tingling in my bones or in my soul. I wish there was more depth and more emotion in the book. It felt rather matter of fact. And that was a huge missed opportunity.
I also didn't feel much fear towards Hawkins. I wish I felt Grace's fear more. Because the things he does are horrendous. I just didn't feel scared while I was reading those chapters.
All in all, it's still an enjoyable book. I want to point out that the layout and how the book is written is top notch. 5 huge stars for that. But the story lacked too much emotion for me. So I'll settle on 3.5 stars overall.
In When I was Alice we follow Grace Brighton. Grace is in pain because her brother is in a coma. He was about to direct a movie and wanted her to play the lead role. She is supposed to audition, but skips it. She checks his phone and sees a photo of a woman that looks like her with James Dean. They also have the same bracelet.
In her desperation to save her brother she goes to the Hollywood sign and climbs the letter H. The weather is horrible. But she is desperately wishing for her brother to wake up again. When she tries to climb down she falls and wakes up disoriented. She quickly discovers everybody thinks she is Alice Montgomery. Alice is the woman from the picture on her brother's phone. And the year is 1953.
She discovers Alice was missing for a week and now fate casted her in Alice's shoes. She is on set and needs to act ASAP.
Grace quickly discovers things aren't as they seem. Where is Alice and how did she go missing? Grace quickly teams up with Dalton Banks and tries to uncover the truth of what happened to Alice. Because that is the only way to find her way back home again.
I love the twist and turns in this novel. You start to trust someone and then it is all torn away from you again. I love how confusing things were. And how sad certains events are. It's an exciting novel with a great story line.
I really enjoyed it. But I did miss some depth in the characters. It was hard to really connect with Grace. And the mystery was written rather flatly. I wasn't completely invested in it and could easily put the book down. I also didn't really feel the romance tingling in my bones or in my soul. I wish there was more depth and more emotion in the book. It felt rather matter of fact. And that was a huge missed opportunity.
I also didn't feel much fear towards Hawkins. I wish I felt Grace's fear more. Because the things he does are horrendous. I just didn't feel scared while I was reading those chapters.
All in all, it's still an enjoyable book. I want to point out that the layout and how the book is written is top notch. 5 huge stars for that. But the story lacked too much emotion for me. So I'll settle on 3.5 stars overall.
June 24, 2024
A lovely time travel story with a twist, romance, danger and lots of film stars. Grace is just 22 when she falls of the H of the Hollywood sign, wishing she could go ‘back’ and make it all right. Her brother Ryan is in a coma after a severe car accident, and although Grace promised him to go and do an audition for a role in his first film, she doesn’t. She is not confident enough and doesn’t trust her own skills.
She ends up in 1953 although it takes her some time to realize that she is really, really at a film set and she’s supposed to be a young an upcoming star named Alice. While trying to figure out how to get back to her own time, all she can do is take the part of Alice – and play in a film with James Dean. I loved it the author didn’t use of Dean’s actual movies because that would have made the time travel part of the story much more difficult. We get a good idea about how gruelling the work of an actor can be, famous or not, with all the learning of lines, the acting itself, the people that are around them all the time, the fact that they practically have to give up their own life sometimes. And of course, Grace is from a time where the role of women has changed a lot – for the better. She absolutely hates it that the men of 1953 treat her like a ‘doll’ and call her that all the time.
Slowly Grace realizes that there is something really wrong because some people are very surprised to see her. And why do some scenes and articles in the paper and pictures bare a canny similarity to Grace’s own life?
Anyway, a lovely entertaining story, smoothly written with good characters and an interesting plot.
Thanks to CamCat Books and Edelweiss for this review copy.
She ends up in 1953 although it takes her some time to realize that she is really, really at a film set and she’s supposed to be a young an upcoming star named Alice. While trying to figure out how to get back to her own time, all she can do is take the part of Alice – and play in a film with James Dean. I loved it the author didn’t use of Dean’s actual movies because that would have made the time travel part of the story much more difficult. We get a good idea about how gruelling the work of an actor can be, famous or not, with all the learning of lines, the acting itself, the people that are around them all the time, the fact that they practically have to give up their own life sometimes. And of course, Grace is from a time where the role of women has changed a lot – for the better. She absolutely hates it that the men of 1953 treat her like a ‘doll’ and call her that all the time.
Slowly Grace realizes that there is something really wrong because some people are very surprised to see her. And why do some scenes and articles in the paper and pictures bare a canny similarity to Grace’s own life?
Anyway, a lovely entertaining story, smoothly written with good characters and an interesting plot.
Thanks to CamCat Books and Edelweiss for this review copy.
January 16, 2024
In love! I truly, truly did love this book from the first page. I usually can tell by the first paragraph if I like an author's writing style, and I instantly knew that I was going to love this book. The tale was a perfect balance of everything... smart plotting, adventure, romance, a touch of magic. I finished it a few hours ago and the "feeling" of the book still won't leave me. Its emotion is carrying around me as I go through my day. Very excited for this to be out in the world!
December 27, 2024
“But I can sense it. Something terrible happened to Alice, and I need to find out what.”
Grace’s brother Ryan is in a coma following a car crash. Desperate for him to wake up, Grace climbs to the top of the Hollywood Sign to make a wish for his recovery. She falls from the top of the ‘H’ and wakes up in 1953; everyone is calling her Alice. She learns that Alice is an up and coming movie star and recently went missing for a week. Where is the real Alice? How did Grace wind up in the past? How will she get home?
As Grace steps into Alice’s shoes she experiences the world of 50s Hollywood cinema. A modern woman in the 50s era, especially on a film set, was fun to experience. Grace meets Dalton, an aspiring young screenwriter of science fiction and in him finds an ally, or is he? Strange incidents begin to happen on set, and then another starlet goes missing. And why does Grace look so much like Alice?
‘When I Was Alice’ was a delightful treat to read. With a whimsical feeling, and a sweet touch of romance, I found myself entirely engaged. As a fan of old Hollywood cinema I was not disappointed with all the wonderful references. From the filming scenes with James Dean, to the party with an appearance by Joan Crawford, I throughly enjoyed my visit to 50s Hollywood. Jennifer Murgia created a fun immersive ‘Alice in Wonderland’ style mystery where the real discovery is Grace finding herself.
Thank you Jennifer Murgia for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
⚠️Content Warnings: None noted.
Grace’s brother Ryan is in a coma following a car crash. Desperate for him to wake up, Grace climbs to the top of the Hollywood Sign to make a wish for his recovery. She falls from the top of the ‘H’ and wakes up in 1953; everyone is calling her Alice. She learns that Alice is an up and coming movie star and recently went missing for a week. Where is the real Alice? How did Grace wind up in the past? How will she get home?
As Grace steps into Alice’s shoes she experiences the world of 50s Hollywood cinema. A modern woman in the 50s era, especially on a film set, was fun to experience. Grace meets Dalton, an aspiring young screenwriter of science fiction and in him finds an ally, or is he? Strange incidents begin to happen on set, and then another starlet goes missing. And why does Grace look so much like Alice?
‘When I Was Alice’ was a delightful treat to read. With a whimsical feeling, and a sweet touch of romance, I found myself entirely engaged. As a fan of old Hollywood cinema I was not disappointed with all the wonderful references. From the filming scenes with James Dean, to the party with an appearance by Joan Crawford, I throughly enjoyed my visit to 50s Hollywood. Jennifer Murgia created a fun immersive ‘Alice in Wonderland’ style mystery where the real discovery is Grace finding herself.
Thank you Jennifer Murgia for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
⚠️Content Warnings: None noted.
February 5, 2024
I'm a sucker for time travel stories, and this one hits on all cylinders: a dash of mystery, romance, intrigue, scandal, and a heroine you can root for. Peggy Sue Got Married meets The Wizard of Oz is how best to describe this fun, fast-paced, engaging novel. When Grace Brighton wishes "to go back and make things right" her wish takes a bizarre turn into 1953 Old Hollywood and into the body of rising star, Alice Montgomery. And to make matters worse, Alice's life is in danger. All Grace wants to do is get back home, but the deeper she gets involved in Alice's life, the harder it is to escape this new reality. Was it a dream (Wizard of Oz) or an actual adventure (Peggy Sue Got Married)? Well, you'll have to read it to its clever and satisfying ending to find out!
April 21, 2024
Read this in two days, really enjoyed it. I was honestly a little skeptical, but it was fun, fast moving, kept you guessing and had the element of time travel. I enjoyed Grace’s spunk, and the societal comparisons between 1953 and current times.
I received a free digital advance review copy; opinions are my own and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free digital advance review copy; opinions are my own and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 29, 2024
WHEN I WAS ALICE is a twisty time-slip thriller with Hitchcock overtones, drawing us in with its eerie vibe reminiscent of classic noir films like REBECCA.
In this intriguing Whodunnit, Murgia’s MC finds herself swept back to the glitzy days of Hollywood’s golden age— and quickly learns how tarnished that gold is.
Despite the thin veneer of glamour, we’re given a harrowing glimpse of what only Murgia’s character can see—the fear and sad truth behind the life of a fledgling starlet. All the while we’re engrossed in a gripping mystery— what really did happen to Alice?
An engaging and riveting read you won’t be able to put down!
In this intriguing Whodunnit, Murgia’s MC finds herself swept back to the glitzy days of Hollywood’s golden age— and quickly learns how tarnished that gold is.
Despite the thin veneer of glamour, we’re given a harrowing glimpse of what only Murgia’s character can see—the fear and sad truth behind the life of a fledgling starlet. All the while we’re engrossed in a gripping mystery— what really did happen to Alice?
An engaging and riveting read you won’t be able to put down!
June 14, 2024
As an LA resident who fell down a few different historical-celebrity rabbit holes last year (Elvis, Judy Garland), I was thrilled about the idea of this book. I requested and received an ARC.
I personally felt that the concept of "making a wish at the top of the sign" was a little naive and didn't seem realistic, but after spending more time with the narrator, it made more sense. I really didn't get her at all - everything she would do, I would do the opposite way. I felt that she took FAR too long to take her situation seriously. She would realize things several chapters after I'd realized them (not in a "mystery solved" way but in a "yes, those two events ARE connected" way).
I couldn't get into the story until about halfway through. It just felt like a bunch of moseying about and not taking anything seriously until she finally realized the danger she was in. It may just be personal taste, but it was definitely a challenge.
From about the 60% mark until the end, things moved quickly and suddenly - I really wished the action had been more spread out throughout the book because there was not one moment I was actually worried about the narrator except for one specific seconds-long scene towards the end.
Finally, if you're looking for romance, this is a HUGE SPOILER: you will be disappointed in the ending, despite how beautiful the story is in certain parts.
I personally felt that the concept of "making a wish at the top of the sign" was a little naive and didn't seem realistic, but after spending more time with the narrator, it made more sense. I really didn't get her at all - everything she would do, I would do the opposite way. I felt that she took FAR too long to take her situation seriously. She would realize things several chapters after I'd realized them (not in a "mystery solved" way but in a "yes, those two events ARE connected" way).
I couldn't get into the story until about halfway through. It just felt like a bunch of moseying about and not taking anything seriously until she finally realized the danger she was in. It may just be personal taste, but it was definitely a challenge.
From about the 60% mark until the end, things moved quickly and suddenly - I really wished the action had been more spread out throughout the book because there was not one moment I was actually worried about the narrator except for one specific seconds-long scene towards the end.
Finally, if you're looking for romance, this is a HUGE SPOILER: you will be disappointed in the ending, despite how beautiful the story is in certain parts.
March 15, 2024
The vibe of this book is time traveling back into old Hollywood in the 1950’s, but the main character didn’t just travel there we traveled there with her and lived it all. I saw every detail of this book played out in my brain as a movie. Every dress, every character, every stage prop, every single detail. There were heavy tones of a Twilight Zone episode, which was very cool and interesting, and something new I wasn’t expecting a book. Mix in murder, intrigue, car accidents, and a lost love waiting for each other somewhere between 1953 and now.
The detail of this book was amazing. I saw everything right before my eyes, and I am certain I was right there experiencing it alI. I loved that we went back into old hollywood, it was so very cool. The magic of that era and what it was like to be a star at that time, such a brilliant book idea. I loved the idea of this book, and I loved the story.
It’s an intriguing mystery, thriller with a tinge of a lost love story sprinkled somewhere in space in time.
The detail of this book was amazing. I saw everything right before my eyes, and I am certain I was right there experiencing it alI. I loved that we went back into old hollywood, it was so very cool. The magic of that era and what it was like to be a star at that time, such a brilliant book idea. I loved the idea of this book, and I loved the story.
It’s an intriguing mystery, thriller with a tinge of a lost love story sprinkled somewhere in space in time.
March 16, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book and devoured it in one sitting. The images and emotions were so captivating and vivid, I couldn't put it down.
When I Was Alice created such an immersive world of 1953 that I could imagine the tunes and vibes.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a gentle romance and bit of mystery with a dollop of sci-fi thrown in :)
I loved this book and devoured it in one sitting. The images and emotions were so captivating and vivid, I couldn't put it down.
When I Was Alice created such an immersive world of 1953 that I could imagine the tunes and vibes.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a gentle romance and bit of mystery with a dollop of sci-fi thrown in :)
March 11, 2024
I received an advanced copy of the book When I Was Alice and it was so incredibly good that I read it in one day. I honestly didn’t want it to end!!
I can't imagine waking up in a time where everything is so vastly different and where you don't know anyone but everyone knows you.
The mystery and intrigue kept me captivated until the last page. The characters were likable and hateable, I found myself getting anxious along with Grace, I wanted to skip ahead and see if my theory was correct (I didn’t!!), and I found myself truly disappointed that the book ended.
You will definitely not be sorry if you order this book, I truly could not put it down.
Thank you so very much for allowing me to be one of your advanced readers… now please hurry up and write another!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can't imagine waking up in a time where everything is so vastly different and where you don't know anyone but everyone knows you.
The mystery and intrigue kept me captivated until the last page. The characters were likable and hateable, I found myself getting anxious along with Grace, I wanted to skip ahead and see if my theory was correct (I didn’t!!), and I found myself truly disappointed that the book ended.
You will definitely not be sorry if you order this book, I truly could not put it down.
Thank you so very much for allowing me to be one of your advanced readers… now please hurry up and write another!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2024
THIS WAS SOOOO FREAKING GOOODDD!! I don’t have enough words to describe how amazing it was, yall definitely need to read this one!! (Full review coming soon)
March 9, 2024
FYI. This is a chick flick. But as a female, I was completely absorbed by and wrapped up in the main character. This does require a willingness to completely escape reality but both timelines grip those of us who are old enough to remember both. For anyone who has ever wanted to escape, the story brings hope that you may do so without losing yourself or those you love. I totally recommend reading this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 1, 2024
Wow, this story had me captivated from the beginning. Grace and her brother, Ryan, are close. And when he is lying comatose in a hospital after a traffic accident, Grace will do anything to bring him back. On a stormy night she risks everything to climb the hill to the famous Hollywood sign and scale the “H” to make a plea to the powers that be that he will be OK. As the storm rages around her she loses her grip and falls. And lands in the 1950s where she is mistaken for an up-and-coming starlet who went missing weeks earlier. As time goes on Grace learns more and more about the woman she is mistaken for and is convinced finding the truth about her disappearance will be her ticket back to her own time. A time travel mystery exploring family, ambition, trust, deceit, and the seedier side of life with a little romance thrown in, this one kept me engrossed until the very end. Recommended read. I received an advance reader copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2024
I want to thank BookSirens and Jennifer Murgia for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
What happens when a young lady climbs the Hollywood sign to make a wish and gets thrown into the past? She becomes a rising starlet, or at least looks just like her. And she finds herself embroiled in a mystery of who done it while filming a movie with the one and only James Dean. Grace just wants to get home to her family but she also wants to know what happened to Alice, the starlet whose place she seems to have taken. Will Grace solve the mystery? Who will help her along the way? And most of all, will she get back to her own time and see if her wish was granted?
Many years ago, I was a publicist for an author Name Jennifer Murgia. At the time, she would send me snippets and pieces of books she was working on. I remember reading a story about a young lady who traveled back in time. Who knew years later, I'd be reading the actual book as it's being published!
This was a fun book. I would say it's a mystery with some magical realism thrown in. I love the time travel idea but I also got an almost Wizard of Oz feeling with how the main character, Grace Brighton, was thrown back in time.
This book gives a look into how movies of the past had some shadiness behind them. How women were truly treated as objects and really had no say about the parts they would get or what they might need to do to actually get them.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns and mystery in this book. I loved that I really couldn't figure out the villains at first, though I had my thoughts. Murgia really knows how to make the characters seem suspect even when they may not even be! It was refreshing to have a who done it without knowing who did it until the end!
I enjoyed getting to know Grace. She was a bit naive but determined to really become self sufficient. Her experiences in the past help her become more confident and help her realize she needs to take charge of her own life and not worry about what others think she should be doing with her life. I would have liked to see a bit more interaction between her and her parents to really feel what she felt, rather than her telling us. Her interactions with Dalton were sweet. I liked the budding romance, as well.
Overall this was a fun read. What's not to like about a time travel mystery? The premise, the mystery, the starlets, the movies, the 1950s, all so much fun! If you're looking for a sweet quick time travel mystery read, open this one up and see what Murgia has created!
What happens when a young lady climbs the Hollywood sign to make a wish and gets thrown into the past? She becomes a rising starlet, or at least looks just like her. And she finds herself embroiled in a mystery of who done it while filming a movie with the one and only James Dean. Grace just wants to get home to her family but she also wants to know what happened to Alice, the starlet whose place she seems to have taken. Will Grace solve the mystery? Who will help her along the way? And most of all, will she get back to her own time and see if her wish was granted?
Many years ago, I was a publicist for an author Name Jennifer Murgia. At the time, she would send me snippets and pieces of books she was working on. I remember reading a story about a young lady who traveled back in time. Who knew years later, I'd be reading the actual book as it's being published!
This was a fun book. I would say it's a mystery with some magical realism thrown in. I love the time travel idea but I also got an almost Wizard of Oz feeling with how the main character, Grace Brighton, was thrown back in time.
This book gives a look into how movies of the past had some shadiness behind them. How women were truly treated as objects and really had no say about the parts they would get or what they might need to do to actually get them.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns and mystery in this book. I loved that I really couldn't figure out the villains at first, though I had my thoughts. Murgia really knows how to make the characters seem suspect even when they may not even be! It was refreshing to have a who done it without knowing who did it until the end!
I enjoyed getting to know Grace. She was a bit naive but determined to really become self sufficient. Her experiences in the past help her become more confident and help her realize she needs to take charge of her own life and not worry about what others think she should be doing with her life. I would have liked to see a bit more interaction between her and her parents to really feel what she felt, rather than her telling us. Her interactions with Dalton were sweet. I liked the budding romance, as well.
Overall this was a fun read. What's not to like about a time travel mystery? The premise, the mystery, the starlets, the movies, the 1950s, all so much fun! If you're looking for a sweet quick time travel mystery read, open this one up and see what Murgia has created!
April 26, 2024
When I Was Alice is a work of contemporary fiction by Jennifer Murgia. There are many elements of this book that I absolutely adore. You can find time travel, suspense, mystery, possibly murder but maybe not, and edge of your seat thrills. Set mostly against the backdrop of 1950s Hollywood, the glitz and glamor of that era stand in sharp contrast to the grimy underbelly of the movie making industry. Grace, a 21st-century girl who has grown up at the base of the infamous Hollywood sign in southern California, is searching for a place where she fits. Her brother Ryan, a film student for whom everything seems to have been easy, has cast a shadow over her life without meaning to, claiming the sunshine for himself. He is everything Grace feels she is not, talented, outgoing, carefree, and the center of their parents' world. When Ryan is left in a coma following a terrible car accident, Grace finds her world spinning out of control. In a sudden, panic, she flees to the famed sign that represents all of her brother's hopes and dreams. The fates seem to align, making it possible for Grace to reach the very top of the gigantic H, intent on making a wish for Ryan's recovery and the ability to fix...everything. The storm that made Grace's climb to the top possible suddenly seems determined to keep her from making it safely back to the ground. With increased violence, the winds and rain slam into her body, and Grace finds herself falling and falling. She returns to her senses in the harsh California sunshine, on the set of the type of Hollywood movie Ryan has forever been fascinated by. It's 1953, and everyone calls her Alice, the name of a young starlet who has been missing for several days and to whom Grace bears an extraordinarily striking resemblance. As Grace tries to find a way home, she feels a compulsion to find out all she can about who the real Alice is, why she, Grace, is suddenly living her life and what happened to cause Alice's disappearance. While Grace learns the lines necessary for the film in which she stars opposite a Hollywood legend (before he becomes a legend), she must also learn the lines necessary to pass for a young woman living seventy years in the past. She catches a 1950's style crush on a Foley artist and must piece together a Hitchcock style puzzle. Just when she thinks she has put that puzzle together, a new piece falls out of the box, and she finds herself questioning what the final picture is even supposed to be. With each shift in the dynamic, I popped more popcorn, leaned in, and followed the clues to the end, which left me grinning like a mad woman and applauding in appreciation.
June 30, 2024
This was a fun, fast moving story of time travel. Grace Brighton and her brother Ryan are close although she takes a back seat to his ambition. He is in grad school working on his final project -a film ala James Dean films (his idol), in which Grace has a starring role. However, Grace misses her "audition" because Ryan is in a car accident which leaves him comatose. She and her parents stay at his bedside constantly hoping and praying that he will recover, when Grace gets the idea of climbing the Hollywood sign and making a wish that he return to the life he planned. As Grace climbs the sign during a storm, she gets to the top of the H, and falls into 1953, where she becomes Alice Montgomery, a starlet who has recently gone missing when she is supposed to co-star with James Dean in a new film.
I loved the time travel aspect of this story and the realistic portrayal of 1953. The misogyny of the time and casting couches seemed to be SOP and unfortunately, there was only reference to it, not explicit scenes. Grace seemed to easily adapt to being Alice and I liked her enthusiasm, getting into the studio life and reading etiquette books on proper behavior. I can see this book being made into a film - the opportunity for the glamour of the 1950's is so rich.
I also liked the mystery that Grace and Dalton worked on and I thought that the tension toward the end was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. even though I am not usually a fan of scifi, this was a worthy effort and an enjoyable read - definitely a solid 4 *.
I received an advance review copy of this book from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the time travel aspect of this story and the realistic portrayal of 1953. The misogyny of the time and casting couches seemed to be SOP and unfortunately, there was only reference to it, not explicit scenes. Grace seemed to easily adapt to being Alice and I liked her enthusiasm, getting into the studio life and reading etiquette books on proper behavior. I can see this book being made into a film - the opportunity for the glamour of the 1950's is so rich.
I also liked the mystery that Grace and Dalton worked on and I thought that the tension toward the end was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. even though I am not usually a fan of scifi, this was a worthy effort and an enjoyable read - definitely a solid 4 *.
I received an advance review copy of this book from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2024
I thought this book was so good! It had me hooked from the first page. This book had it all for me - it was a historical fiction with sci-fi elements and mysteries that I didn’t predict, as well as a little bit of romance (but the romance was not the plot of the book! I believe that non-romance readers would still enjoy this). It’s not very long and could easily be read in a day if you have the time. It made me feel super nostalgic since I’ve always been enthralled with 1950s culture.
A summary, without spoiling anything: Grace, the FMC, has a very close relationship with her brother, Ryan. When an accident leaves him in a coma, she makes a wish for him to recover. With no idea how it actually happened, she wakes up in a Hollywood film studio in 1953. Everyone on the set believes she is the up-and-coming actress Alice Montgomery, who disappeared days before she arrived. She meets a man named Dalton who works in the studio. She and Dalton become friends, and she confides in him who she really is. Together they search for the way for her to get back to the modern day and help find the real Alice. Along the way, Grace uncovers secrets that Hollywood elites want to keep buried.
This book contains mentions of death, murder, sexual abuse/assault (not in graphic detail), so keep that in mind if you are not willing to read books with these triggers.
I received a digital advanced reader copy of this book to leave an honest review. It is being released in June of 2024. I definitely recommend it!
A summary, without spoiling anything: Grace, the FMC, has a very close relationship with her brother, Ryan. When an accident leaves him in a coma, she makes a wish for him to recover. With no idea how it actually happened, she wakes up in a Hollywood film studio in 1953. Everyone on the set believes she is the up-and-coming actress Alice Montgomery, who disappeared days before she arrived. She meets a man named Dalton who works in the studio. She and Dalton become friends, and she confides in him who she really is. Together they search for the way for her to get back to the modern day and help find the real Alice. Along the way, Grace uncovers secrets that Hollywood elites want to keep buried.
This book contains mentions of death, murder, sexual abuse/assault (not in graphic detail), so keep that in mind if you are not willing to read books with these triggers.
I received a digital advanced reader copy of this book to leave an honest review. It is being released in June of 2024. I definitely recommend it!
June 2, 2024
Oh boy oh boy oh boy! What’s not to love with a pinch of time travel and a mystery buried in the heart of the story? Grace Brighton, distraught over her older brother’s accident that puts him into a coma, decides the very best thing to do is to climb to the top of the ‘H’ of the Hollywood sign and make a wish. We all do stupid things for love! She figures this will be powerful enough as a last ditch effort given how he has ambitions to be a director and is obsessed with James Dean, but she slips and finds herself in 1953, with everyone believing she’s Alice Montgomery, a starlet who went missing.
I love the premise. I love time displaced people, and I loved the mystery of whether Alice was missing of her own volition, or dead, or had been murdered as well as the reasoning behind what, exactly, had sent Grace to the past in the first place. I cottoned on fairly quickly as to who was behind the incidents of the book, but even so, it was still tense to read, so kudos to the author for that. The hopeful ending was a nice, sweet touch as well, and I found the book to be an interesting, gripping read. The fact that “nothing really ever changes” with regards to the predatory business practices employed toward young actresses helped to ground the story and connect the two women in time.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the premise. I love time displaced people, and I loved the mystery of whether Alice was missing of her own volition, or dead, or had been murdered as well as the reasoning behind what, exactly, had sent Grace to the past in the first place. I cottoned on fairly quickly as to who was behind the incidents of the book, but even so, it was still tense to read, so kudos to the author for that. The hopeful ending was a nice, sweet touch as well, and I found the book to be an interesting, gripping read. The fact that “nothing really ever changes” with regards to the predatory business practices employed toward young actresses helped to ground the story and connect the two women in time.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 12, 2024
There are some stories that draw you in so much that you can’t put it down. The characters are so engaging, the story so suspenseful that you read until you find yourself at the end… and wanting more.
This book is just such a story. I had to make my mind slow down when reading, it hungered to know what was going to happen. The blurb about this book caught my interest right away and the book did not disappoint.
The author really taps into our emotions and family ties when the MC, Grace, feels lost and scared about her brother being in a coma after an accident- wanting to find a way to make things right when she feels so helpless. Then it drops us thru a time shift into the life of a rising star in the 1950’s- a time of wonder for those who lived during that time - or have only read about it. The story gives us insight into the backstage of the industry- and of things hidden. Add into all the suspense, we find a sweet budding romance that makes you smile. The author is masterful at bringing her story to the mind- like watching a film in your mind.
This is definitely a book to be on your to be read list- and the reread list too! Now that I have read and experienced it, I plan to go back and read it again, be able to absorb even more of the story.
This book is just such a story. I had to make my mind slow down when reading, it hungered to know what was going to happen. The blurb about this book caught my interest right away and the book did not disappoint.
The author really taps into our emotions and family ties when the MC, Grace, feels lost and scared about her brother being in a coma after an accident- wanting to find a way to make things right when she feels so helpless. Then it drops us thru a time shift into the life of a rising star in the 1950’s- a time of wonder for those who lived during that time - or have only read about it. The story gives us insight into the backstage of the industry- and of things hidden. Add into all the suspense, we find a sweet budding romance that makes you smile. The author is masterful at bringing her story to the mind- like watching a film in your mind.
This is definitely a book to be on your to be read list- and the reread list too! Now that I have read and experienced it, I plan to go back and read it again, be able to absorb even more of the story.
November 8, 2024
It's all about time travel, so get ready to check reality at the door when you crack this one open.
The setting is 1950's vintage Hollywood, and Murgia has dug in and done her homework. The glamor and hypocrisy/misogyny of the golden era emanates off the pages and you feel like you're there, living alongside James Dean and newcomer Alice Montgomery.
But Alice is actually Grace Brighton, from the crazy days of 2024, who was thrust back in time when she fell off the Hollywood sign (don't EVER try to climb this thing). Once you're settled in and agreeable to Grace being Alice and the year being 1953, you're good to go.
Except not everything in tinseltown is cool - new Alice suspects someone removed the real Alice (murder perhaps?) - and when another up and coming star disappears the action ratchets up a few notches.
Dialogue is good, setting is fantastic, narrative is sparse and concise, but the book lacks a knockout blow at the end as it feels drawn out and forced. Then there's the predictable (but entirely necessary) plot hinge to wrap things up.
Still, I enjoyed the trip back in time to when Hollywood was...perhaps a lot the same, just without all those streaming services to complicate things.
The setting is 1950's vintage Hollywood, and Murgia has dug in and done her homework. The glamor and hypocrisy/misogyny of the golden era emanates off the pages and you feel like you're there, living alongside James Dean and newcomer Alice Montgomery.
But Alice is actually Grace Brighton, from the crazy days of 2024, who was thrust back in time when she fell off the Hollywood sign (don't EVER try to climb this thing). Once you're settled in and agreeable to Grace being Alice and the year being 1953, you're good to go.
Except not everything in tinseltown is cool - new Alice suspects someone removed the real Alice (murder perhaps?) - and when another up and coming star disappears the action ratchets up a few notches.
Dialogue is good, setting is fantastic, narrative is sparse and concise, but the book lacks a knockout blow at the end as it feels drawn out and forced. Then there's the predictable (but entirely necessary) plot hinge to wrap things up.
Still, I enjoyed the trip back in time to when Hollywood was...perhaps a lot the same, just without all those streaming services to complicate things.
May 24, 2024
I am still reeling in amazement at how wonderful this book was! When I Was Alice is an exciting historical mystery and science fiction novel.
Grace Brighton has always lived in her brother Ryan’s shadow. When her brother is left comatose after a serious car accident, Grace climbs the top of the Hollywood sign during a storm to make a wish for his recovery. Incidentally, she is thrown back into time to 1953 to resume the life of a doppelgänger, actress Alice Montgomery who is starring in a movie with James Dean. While resuming the life of Alice, she pieces together clues to solve the mystery of Alice’s disappearance in hopes that she can also find her way back to her time period.
This book had the glamour of big Hollywood actors and actresses of old, paired with romance, mystery, and best of all —time travel. It is a unique plot, a true page turner. I knew within the first few chapters that the book would be a stellar read but had no idea how great of a ride the story would turn out to be.
If you are a fan of Natalie Griffin’s Twins in Time, you will enjoy this book.
Special thanks to the publisher and BookSirens for the ARC. My honest review is voluntary.
Grace Brighton has always lived in her brother Ryan’s shadow. When her brother is left comatose after a serious car accident, Grace climbs the top of the Hollywood sign during a storm to make a wish for his recovery. Incidentally, she is thrown back into time to 1953 to resume the life of a doppelgänger, actress Alice Montgomery who is starring in a movie with James Dean. While resuming the life of Alice, she pieces together clues to solve the mystery of Alice’s disappearance in hopes that she can also find her way back to her time period.
This book had the glamour of big Hollywood actors and actresses of old, paired with romance, mystery, and best of all —time travel. It is a unique plot, a true page turner. I knew within the first few chapters that the book would be a stellar read but had no idea how great of a ride the story would turn out to be.
If you are a fan of Natalie Griffin’s Twins in Time, you will enjoy this book.
Special thanks to the publisher and BookSirens for the ARC. My honest review is voluntary.
May 29, 2024
Thanks to Book Sirens and Jennifer Murgia for providing me with an advanced reader copy for free so that I might voluntarily review this book.
Grace Brighton climbs up the top of the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles to make an important wish but instead falls and, rendered unconscious, wakes up in 1953 where everyone believes that she is emerging film star, Alice Montgomery. Thus the story begins as Grace tried to navigate Alice’s world, lest she be accused of being behind Alice’s disappearance.
I’m a sucker for time travel novels and ‘When I was Alice’ did not disappoint me. With rich period detail and authentic dialogue, the author made me feel like I was really in 1950’s Hollywood. I loved the James Dean cameos and the Twilight Zone and Rod Sterling references.
The story was entertaining and the characters – at least the “good guys” – were likable, but I’d like to have gotten to know them better. I didn’t really feel invested in Grace, Alice, or Ryan so while the story entertained me, it didn’t move me. It felt a little breezy and superficial.
None-the-less, the book was enjoyable and I give it four stars for the great period feel and a good story.
Grace Brighton climbs up the top of the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles to make an important wish but instead falls and, rendered unconscious, wakes up in 1953 where everyone believes that she is emerging film star, Alice Montgomery. Thus the story begins as Grace tried to navigate Alice’s world, lest she be accused of being behind Alice’s disappearance.
I’m a sucker for time travel novels and ‘When I was Alice’ did not disappoint me. With rich period detail and authentic dialogue, the author made me feel like I was really in 1950’s Hollywood. I loved the James Dean cameos and the Twilight Zone and Rod Sterling references.
The story was entertaining and the characters – at least the “good guys” – were likable, but I’d like to have gotten to know them better. I didn’t really feel invested in Grace, Alice, or Ryan so while the story entertained me, it didn’t move me. It felt a little breezy and superficial.
None-the-less, the book was enjoyable and I give it four stars for the great period feel and a good story.
July 8, 2024
As Grace Brighton’s brother Ryan lies in a coma, she feels desperate to save him. In a wild act to do so, she climbs to the top of the Hollywood sign to make a wish….
And finds herself transported back to the early 1950s.
Somehow, Grace has found herself living the life of up-and-coming Hollywood star Alice Montgomery. To return to the present day and her life as Grace Brighton, she must figure out what went wrong in Alice’s life.
This story is an innocent and delightful blend of time-travel romance and mystery. Grace is well-intentioned and, despite her modern ways, innocent as a protagonist; she genuinely only wishes to save her brother while finding herself. She simply needs to find her way back to the present day.
While the story is mostly PG, there are elements in this book that foreshadow the Me Too movement; while unpleasant, it is interesting to experience how this impacts Grace in the novel. This adds depth to what could have been a fun yet very lighthearted mystery.
Overall, When I Was Alice is entertaining, and does a great job transporting the reader back to old Hollywood. It would be interesting to see what more lies ahead for Grace and her love interest Dalton; hopefully, author Jennifer Murgia has more in store for her.
And finds herself transported back to the early 1950s.
Somehow, Grace has found herself living the life of up-and-coming Hollywood star Alice Montgomery. To return to the present day and her life as Grace Brighton, she must figure out what went wrong in Alice’s life.
This story is an innocent and delightful blend of time-travel romance and mystery. Grace is well-intentioned and, despite her modern ways, innocent as a protagonist; she genuinely only wishes to save her brother while finding herself. She simply needs to find her way back to the present day.
While the story is mostly PG, there are elements in this book that foreshadow the Me Too movement; while unpleasant, it is interesting to experience how this impacts Grace in the novel. This adds depth to what could have been a fun yet very lighthearted mystery.
Overall, When I Was Alice is entertaining, and does a great job transporting the reader back to old Hollywood. It would be interesting to see what more lies ahead for Grace and her love interest Dalton; hopefully, author Jennifer Murgia has more in store for her.
July 2, 2024
Wow! I read this book in one day!
21 year old Grace Brighton is beside herself with worry for her brother as he lies in a coma after a car accident. One night in desperation she climbs the famous Hollywood sign to make a wish for his recovery. Grace, though, loses her footing and falls, only to wake up in 1953 Hollywood. She stumbles upon a movie lot and everyone believes she's Alice Montgomery, a rising star who disappeared just days earlier. Grace has no choice but to step into Alice’s shoes, but she soon learns that not everyone is happy to see her return and that something nefarious is going on the movie lot.
Fans of historical mysteries mixed with time travel should scoop this up. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the book as Grace unraveled a sinister side to the movie making business. I wasn’t sure who she should trust and there is a nail-biting scene towards the end. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but just know that you will find stellar writing, an intricate and captivating plot and a main character to root for. It is just so well done. 5 glowing stars!
21 year old Grace Brighton is beside herself with worry for her brother as he lies in a coma after a car accident. One night in desperation she climbs the famous Hollywood sign to make a wish for his recovery. Grace, though, loses her footing and falls, only to wake up in 1953 Hollywood. She stumbles upon a movie lot and everyone believes she's Alice Montgomery, a rising star who disappeared just days earlier. Grace has no choice but to step into Alice’s shoes, but she soon learns that not everyone is happy to see her return and that something nefarious is going on the movie lot.
Fans of historical mysteries mixed with time travel should scoop this up. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the book as Grace unraveled a sinister side to the movie making business. I wasn’t sure who she should trust and there is a nail-biting scene towards the end. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but just know that you will find stellar writing, an intricate and captivating plot and a main character to root for. It is just so well done. 5 glowing stars!
July 3, 2024
"When I Was Alice" hooked me with its back-of-the-jacket blurb. I liked the premise going in -- I'm a sucker for time travel -- and I thought the book delivered pretty solidly.
Any book that follows certain tropes, like virtually all time travel novels must, will be somewhat predictable. That said, the author found interesting ways to weave the tropes into the story in exciting and unexpected ways. Even when I was able to predict an outcome, the journey to reach it felt new and original.
I felt the ending dragged a little bit longer than it needed, but I'd also probably have wished for more resolution had the book ended a few chapters sooner.
I wish the author had gone into some of the mechanics of this version of time travel, but some of the characteristic hallmarks were there to keep that from being a sticking point.
Overall I really enjoyed the book; I'm excited to seek out some of the author's other work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Any book that follows certain tropes, like virtually all time travel novels must, will be somewhat predictable. That said, the author found interesting ways to weave the tropes into the story in exciting and unexpected ways. Even when I was able to predict an outcome, the journey to reach it felt new and original.
I felt the ending dragged a little bit longer than it needed, but I'd also probably have wished for more resolution had the book ended a few chapters sooner.
I wish the author had gone into some of the mechanics of this version of time travel, but some of the characteristic hallmarks were there to keep that from being a sticking point.
Overall I really enjoyed the book; I'm excited to seek out some of the author's other work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 5, 2024
I enjoyed this book immensely! I'm a huge fan of the "Golden Age" of Hollywood, so I eagerly picked up this book with great expectations. I was not disappointed. From the first page, the author reeled me in with writing that was atmospheric and moody, emerging me into the enticing premise of a contemporary young woman suddenly transported to 1950s Hollywood.
And Grace Brighton didn't just time travel. She became the starlet, Alice Montgomery, thrust not only into the actress's body, but all the issues that surrounded her: fame, romance, envy, desire, and danger. Early on, readers discovered the darker side of Hollywood when it became clear that someone was not a fan of the rising star. How Murgia stitched together a modern-day story with a nostalgic tale from decades earlier was masterful. The story had all the elements of a good read: intrigue, a bit of fantasy, and a touch of star-crossed romance. It was exciting, hopeful, and poignant all at once. I highly recommend for anyone who likes whimsical mysteries and excellent writing.
And Grace Brighton didn't just time travel. She became the starlet, Alice Montgomery, thrust not only into the actress's body, but all the issues that surrounded her: fame, romance, envy, desire, and danger. Early on, readers discovered the darker side of Hollywood when it became clear that someone was not a fan of the rising star. How Murgia stitched together a modern-day story with a nostalgic tale from decades earlier was masterful. The story had all the elements of a good read: intrigue, a bit of fantasy, and a touch of star-crossed romance. It was exciting, hopeful, and poignant all at once. I highly recommend for anyone who likes whimsical mysteries and excellent writing.
March 21, 2024
This book had me hooked almost right away.
I dont know where to begin. The characters were so well done that I felt as if I was right in front of them, seeing them, hearing them, watching them. The sense of place and time was absolutely spot on fantastic. I could just "see" everything around me in this story, like I was there.
The time travel aspect was so well done! It wasn't anything I'd ever encountered in a book before, the way one was gone and another stepped right into her place.
The mystery aspect was nicely done, too. There were quite a few people who could've been the perpetrator, but don't be fooled when you think you've figured it out.
And the ending was so poignant that I actually cried. I'm still hoping that, one day, they will both find the other again.
Kudos to the author. What a wonderful story. This will stick with me for a long time.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.
I dont know where to begin. The characters were so well done that I felt as if I was right in front of them, seeing them, hearing them, watching them. The sense of place and time was absolutely spot on fantastic. I could just "see" everything around me in this story, like I was there.
The time travel aspect was so well done! It wasn't anything I'd ever encountered in a book before, the way one was gone and another stepped right into her place.
The mystery aspect was nicely done, too. There were quite a few people who could've been the perpetrator, but don't be fooled when you think you've figured it out.
And the ending was so poignant that I actually cried. I'm still hoping that, one day, they will both find the other again.
Kudos to the author. What a wonderful story. This will stick with me for a long time.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.
April 9, 2024
This book had me hooked almost right away.
I dont know where to begin. The characters were so well done that I felt as if I was right in front of them, seeing them, hearing them, watching them. The sense of place and time was absolutely spot on fantastic. I could just "see" everything around me in this story, like I was there.
The time travel aspect was so well done! It wasn't anything I'd ever encountered in a book before, the way one was gone and another stepped right into her place.
The mystery aspect was nicely done, too. There were quite a few people who could've been the perpetrator, but don't be fooled when you think you've figured it out.
And the ending was so poignant that I actually cried. I'm still hoping that, one day, they will both find the other again.
Kudos to the author. What a wonderful story. This will stick with me for a long time.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.
I dont know where to begin. The characters were so well done that I felt as if I was right in front of them, seeing them, hearing them, watching them. The sense of place and time was absolutely spot on fantastic. I could just "see" everything around me in this story, like I was there.
The time travel aspect was so well done! It wasn't anything I'd ever encountered in a book before, the way one was gone and another stepped right into her place.
The mystery aspect was nicely done, too. There were quite a few people who could've been the perpetrator, but don't be fooled when you think you've figured it out.
And the ending was so poignant that I actually cried. I'm still hoping that, one day, they will both find the other again.
Kudos to the author. What a wonderful story. This will stick with me for a long time.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.
April 30, 2024
Grace Brighton’s brother, Ryan, was in an accident. Ryan wanted to be a Hollywood director and his dreams were crashing down. Grace had one wish, and that was for her brother to wake up and achieve his dream. So, she takes herself to the Hollywood sign on a stormy night and climbs up the H. She wants to make a plea to whoever or whatever is listening. She takes a tumble and wakes in in the 1950’s Hollywood, old school, beautiful glamor as Alice…. Alice Montgomery. A young, beautiful actress who is about to break onto the scene with James Dean and could be unstoppable and who happened to disappear a few days earlier.
Combining the magic of time travel, some romance, mystery and adventure made this a truly wonderful read. Everything and everyone, down to the most minute detail was so beautifully captured by Jennifer Murgia made it easy to travel with Grace/Alice. Read this all the way through to the very last word. You won’t regret it.
Combining the magic of time travel, some romance, mystery and adventure made this a truly wonderful read. Everything and everyone, down to the most minute detail was so beautifully captured by Jennifer Murgia made it easy to travel with Grace/Alice. Read this all the way through to the very last word. You won’t regret it.
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