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Divine Vintage #2
Divinely Dramatic
Vintage fashionista Marcy Alexander reluctantly agrees to costume a period-era play and ends up with more drama than one girl can handle. While revitalizing her squelched artistic desires, she must harness her aura-reading ability to untangle a ghostly mystery from 1966. Gorgeous-but-gruff director Mike Figueroa flares with irritated crimson whenever they interact. His goal is to produce the best show possible to thwart his betting / prank-driven buddies. The fill-in, kooky costumer provides more hindrance than help as they’re drawn to and annoyed by each other. Dogged by a persistent ghost and an ailing mom urging her to pursue her dream career, will Marcy solve the mystery from the past before she figures out the riddles of her own heart?
344 pages, Paperback
Published February 5, 2024
6 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Sandra L. Young
3 books117 followersSandra L. Young's love of vintage fashion inspired her to write her debut novel, Divine Vintage, followed by Divinely Dramatic in February 2024 and The Ghostly Diva in May '24. She’s gathered an impressive collection spanning the late 1800s to 1980s, wearing pieces onstage through years of performing in community theater. She also sports it out on the town for special occasions. To round out her love of the arts, Sandra sings with a trio, a praise band, and at karaoke nights. She draws from these experiences in her writing, as well as her work focus in communications and nonprofit management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 5, 2024
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young is a fun ghostly romance tale. It is a fast-paced story that combines romance, mystery and paranormal elements. This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Marcy is a little eclectic, a talented artist and a vintage fashionista who loves vintage clothing and a good mystery. She has just discovered she has a talent of seeing auras and with-it ghostly friends. At the last minute she and her friends from Divinely Vintage find themselves caught up in a years old mystery for a local theatre group and hopefully send its visitor on her way.
With a little mother daughter angst, a ghostly encounter, a theatre, amateur thespians, vintage clothing and a few manly confusions along the way Divinely Dramatic should not be missed.
This fun tale is filled with unexpected twists, clothes from different periods and a cast of characters that bring the story to life and keep the reader engrossed in the story.
I look forward to what comes next.
Marcy is a little eclectic, a talented artist and a vintage fashionista who loves vintage clothing and a good mystery. She has just discovered she has a talent of seeing auras and with-it ghostly friends. At the last minute she and her friends from Divinely Vintage find themselves caught up in a years old mystery for a local theatre group and hopefully send its visitor on her way.
With a little mother daughter angst, a ghostly encounter, a theatre, amateur thespians, vintage clothing and a few manly confusions along the way Divinely Dramatic should not be missed.
This fun tale is filled with unexpected twists, clothes from different periods and a cast of characters that bring the story to life and keep the reader engrossed in the story.
I look forward to what comes next.
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January 31, 2024Sandra Young again draws on her background in vintage clothing--this time adding her experience in community theater--to provide a second helping of mystery and romance laced with the paranormal. This time Marcy, Tess's young assistant at the Divine Vintage shop, takes center stage when her best friend asks her to fill in as costumer for a production of "The Importance of Being Earnest." She's soon having to navigate mysterious lights in the costume storage loft, the grumpy but attractive director's moods, and the unfolding story of a horrible death that had occurred fifty years earlier during the theater's previous production of "Earnest." Fans of Divine Vintage will delight in this charming return to northern Indiana's Michigan City area, and readers new to the series will have no trouble settling right in for this sweet and fun tale of theater, ghosts, and a gradual but sexy romance.
February 5, 2024
Romance with a little ghost mystery mixed in with some community theater and costumes. What’s not to love?
Marcy’s the main character in this follow up to #DivineVintage, which I also loved! Like the first book, this one offered a cast of characters that are enjoyable while Young incorporates her love of vintage fashion in a unique way. Another great read by the divine #SandraLYoung!
Thank you, Sandra Young, for my #gifted advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
Marcy’s the main character in this follow up to #DivineVintage, which I also loved! Like the first book, this one offered a cast of characters that are enjoyable while Young incorporates her love of vintage fashion in a unique way. Another great read by the divine #SandraLYoung!
Thank you, Sandra Young, for my #gifted advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
March 4, 2024
Divinely Dramatic is the 2nd book in the Divine Vintage series by Sandra L. Young. The focus shifts to Marcy, the young assistant in Divine Vintage boutique who was a secondary character in the first book. This book can be read alone, but you will have a broader understanding of the skills displayed in this story if you have read the first book, Divine Vintage.
As well as working two jobs and looking after her infirm mother, Marcy agrees to help with the costumes of a period-era play in the local community theatre as a favour to her friend Justine.
Ever since she helped her friend (and boss) Tess solve a century-old supernatural murder mystery a couple of years ago, Marcy has been able to see auras although she is not always sure that she interprets them correctly.
Whilst sorting out the costumes for the play, she sees a pulsing white light which leads to her and Tess investigating a 50-year-old mysterious death of an actress who died on opening night in the very play they were now producing.
As well as everything else, the lead actress fails to arrive at rehearsals, leading to Marcy filling in, and then being offered the role by the attractive but grumpy director Mike, who only took on the directing job because he lost a bet with his mates. He is determined to have a successful show to show them up.
Life becomes complicated with the attraction between Marcy and Mike because Mike has a beautiful but difficult girlfriend, and Marcy starts dating her co-star.
Will Marcy be able to pull it all together to solve the mystery, put on a successful show, get her life together and get the man?!
I really enjoyed this book. It seemed to be more modern than the first book and had a faster pace. I love Marcy and her eclectic fashion sense and discovering that Mike was a kind and generous soul under the gruff exterior. It was lovely to touch on characters from the first book to see how their life has progressed, but Marcy was definitely the focus of this book, along with the vintage fashions.
As well as working two jobs and looking after her infirm mother, Marcy agrees to help with the costumes of a period-era play in the local community theatre as a favour to her friend Justine.
Ever since she helped her friend (and boss) Tess solve a century-old supernatural murder mystery a couple of years ago, Marcy has been able to see auras although she is not always sure that she interprets them correctly.
Whilst sorting out the costumes for the play, she sees a pulsing white light which leads to her and Tess investigating a 50-year-old mysterious death of an actress who died on opening night in the very play they were now producing.
As well as everything else, the lead actress fails to arrive at rehearsals, leading to Marcy filling in, and then being offered the role by the attractive but grumpy director Mike, who only took on the directing job because he lost a bet with his mates. He is determined to have a successful show to show them up.
Life becomes complicated with the attraction between Marcy and Mike because Mike has a beautiful but difficult girlfriend, and Marcy starts dating her co-star.
Will Marcy be able to pull it all together to solve the mystery, put on a successful show, get her life together and get the man?!
I really enjoyed this book. It seemed to be more modern than the first book and had a faster pace. I love Marcy and her eclectic fashion sense and discovering that Mike was a kind and generous soul under the gruff exterior. It was lovely to touch on characters from the first book to see how their life has progressed, but Marcy was definitely the focus of this book, along with the vintage fashions.
February 11, 2024
An entertaining fast-paced read with everything you could want in a woman’s fiction novel. Theatrical backdrop with a protagonist suddenly thrown into much more than she’d bargained for - doing the costumes for for The Importance of Being Earnest, suddenly taking on the main role of Cecily, and finding something spectral in the costume loft. There’s mystery, a little sizzle in the romance department, and a sudden twist in the middle. What more could you ask for?
February 5, 2024
A wonderful addition to the Divine Vintage series
I thoroughly enjoyed Divine Vintage, the first novel in Sandra L Young’s Divine Vintage world and Young’s background in vintage clothing and community theater shine in Divinely Dramatic. Grumpy plus Sunshine plus Theater equaled a really fun read. As I said before, well done, Sandra - I’ll happily read whatever you write next!
I thoroughly enjoyed Divine Vintage, the first novel in Sandra L Young’s Divine Vintage world and Young’s background in vintage clothing and community theater shine in Divinely Dramatic. Grumpy plus Sunshine plus Theater equaled a really fun read. As I said before, well done, Sandra - I’ll happily read whatever you write next!
February 5, 2024
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young is a highly entertaining novel which cleverly combines romance, mystery, and paranormal elements. This fast-paced novel features an aura-reading, fill-in costume designer and the gruff director of a theatrical production. Along the way there are strange lights, unexplainable noises, frightening creatures and a fifty-year-old mystery. It was fun, exciting, and surprising as secrets are revealed. The romantic element was equally engaging as Marcy and Mike sort through their feelings for each other as well as for other people in their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed reading a story set in the theatre, a very fun angle for a theater nerd such as myself!
April 15, 2024
4 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
I’m happy to be a part of Kate Rock Book Tours tour of this book published by Wild Road Press. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. This grumpy-sunshine romance with a supernatural ghostly mystery is set in the perfect location – an old community theater building.
Vintage fashionista Marcy Alexander agrees to costume a period-era play to help a friend out and finds herself not only in charge of picking out the costumes, but with a starring role in the play. While looking for costumes in the attic of the building, her ability to read auras is tested when she sees a bright light that appears to seeking her help. Along with her friends and co-workers, who also have paranormal abilities, Marcy seeks to solve the mystery of the “cursed” play, as well as deal with her feelings for the grumpy play director.
Marcy is a great character with a fun fashion sense that I wish I had the guts to wear. She is peppy and joyful with a warm, caring heart. She put off obtaining the additional education she needs to land her dream job to take care of her mom. Despite her instant attraction to the director, Mike, she keeps it business only because he has a girlfriend. For his part, Mike brushes away his attraction to Marcy by acting even grumpier and looking for ways to find fault with her. Of course, you know the walls will eventually crumble between the two – and I’m loving having a front row seat for it.
I’ve read about 60% of the book and look forward to seeing how the mystery is solved and how Mike and Marcy get together.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kate Rock Book Tours and the author. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
I’m happy to be a part of Kate Rock Book Tours tour of this book published by Wild Road Press. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. This grumpy-sunshine romance with a supernatural ghostly mystery is set in the perfect location – an old community theater building.
Vintage fashionista Marcy Alexander agrees to costume a period-era play to help a friend out and finds herself not only in charge of picking out the costumes, but with a starring role in the play. While looking for costumes in the attic of the building, her ability to read auras is tested when she sees a bright light that appears to seeking her help. Along with her friends and co-workers, who also have paranormal abilities, Marcy seeks to solve the mystery of the “cursed” play, as well as deal with her feelings for the grumpy play director.
Marcy is a great character with a fun fashion sense that I wish I had the guts to wear. She is peppy and joyful with a warm, caring heart. She put off obtaining the additional education she needs to land her dream job to take care of her mom. Despite her instant attraction to the director, Mike, she keeps it business only because he has a girlfriend. For his part, Mike brushes away his attraction to Marcy by acting even grumpier and looking for ways to find fault with her. Of course, you know the walls will eventually crumble between the two – and I’m loving having a front row seat for it.
I’ve read about 60% of the book and look forward to seeing how the mystery is solved and how Mike and Marcy get together.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kate Rock Book Tours and the author. All opinions are my own.
February 26, 2024
Just a little haunting that’s all, or is it? Divinely Dramatic has a lot going on. And I enjoyed what the author was presenting but it did get confusing at times. Giving the read characters with so much depth that are also gifted. Gifted in a way that they have a special ability. Reading auras, connecting with the unknown, ect. Reading this book was a happy accident and I’m glad I took the chance.
Marcy has been given an opportunity that could go very right or all kinds of wrong. She’s been drafted by her friend to costume a play in her absence. What she wasn’t expecting was a floating white aura and a possible connection to a 50 year curse that she’s determined to figure out sooner rather than later. However once she’s cast in the play in the very role of the person who died she’s determined to come to a conclusion.
Mike lost a bet. Now he has to direct a play not of his choosing. He's going to do everything in his power to make it successful. However, between Marcy throwing off his senses and unusual happenings around the theater, will he succeed? There’s also the matter of his girlfriend. Art imitating life. It’s hitting rather close to home, meaning their presence and the entity living through similar experiences.
The author gave the reader an interesting adventure. One with laughter, happiness, sadness, and love. I look forward to checking out more books in the future.
Marcy has been given an opportunity that could go very right or all kinds of wrong. She’s been drafted by her friend to costume a play in her absence. What she wasn’t expecting was a floating white aura and a possible connection to a 50 year curse that she’s determined to figure out sooner rather than later. However once she’s cast in the play in the very role of the person who died she’s determined to come to a conclusion.
Mike lost a bet. Now he has to direct a play not of his choosing. He's going to do everything in his power to make it successful. However, between Marcy throwing off his senses and unusual happenings around the theater, will he succeed? There’s also the matter of his girlfriend. Art imitating life. It’s hitting rather close to home, meaning their presence and the entity living through similar experiences.
The author gave the reader an interesting adventure. One with laughter, happiness, sadness, and love. I look forward to checking out more books in the future.
February 4, 2024
I have read the first book in this pararanormal mystery series that also has a dash of romance, but you can DIVINELY DRAMATIC as a stand alone or DIVINELY DRAMATIC first and book one, DIVINE VINTAGE, later.
One of the secondary characters in the first book DIVINE VINTAGE, Marcy, is the main character in DIVINELY DRAMATIC.
Marcy is helping out with costumes at a local production of “The Importance of being Earnest”. She ends up also taking on a major acting part as well as helping construct the backgrounds.
Marcy can read auras. When she sees a white unattached aura in the costume attic and then hears about a mysterious death that occurred in 1966 during the same play run, she feels compelled to investigate. With help from her coworkers at Divine Vintage that have their own set of special skills, the aura’s past comes to life.
I enjoyed the depth of Marcy’s character because she is dealing with some family issues. There is also a bit of grumpy/sunshine and semi enemies to lovers tropes between Marcy and the play’s director, Mike.
My favorite part of the book was the 1966 mystery and the way it was written in the book.
I’m very much looking forward to Book 3 in this series whenever it comes out!
One of the secondary characters in the first book DIVINE VINTAGE, Marcy, is the main character in DIVINELY DRAMATIC.
Marcy is helping out with costumes at a local production of “The Importance of being Earnest”. She ends up also taking on a major acting part as well as helping construct the backgrounds.
Marcy can read auras. When she sees a white unattached aura in the costume attic and then hears about a mysterious death that occurred in 1966 during the same play run, she feels compelled to investigate. With help from her coworkers at Divine Vintage that have their own set of special skills, the aura’s past comes to life.
I enjoyed the depth of Marcy’s character because she is dealing with some family issues. There is also a bit of grumpy/sunshine and semi enemies to lovers tropes between Marcy and the play’s director, Mike.
My favorite part of the book was the 1966 mystery and the way it was written in the book.
I’m very much looking forward to Book 3 in this series whenever it comes out!
February 11, 2024
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young is the second book in the Divine Vintage series. While this is the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. In this book we follow Marcy Alexander who is Tess’s assistant from the first book. Marcy finds herself in a ghostly mystery when she sees an unattached aura while doing a costuming gig. Marcy is used to seeing the auras of the living but not of ghosts. Of course, Marcy is in for a ride when she finds herself in a ghostly mystery. We also meet Mike, the director of the play that Marcy is costuming. They find themselves a bit at odds but of course, that changes. I enjoyed this story. I loved the first book so much and I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about a change in the main character but Marcy was just as lovely as a main character as she was as a side character. The story was just as engaging as the first book. The chemistry between Mike and Marcy was great and the romance was sweet and just right. Ms Young writes ghost stories so well. I am always drawn into the world of her stories. I adore the characters. The writing is absolutely lovely. Please do yourself a favor and read this book and then go read Divine Vintage if you haven’t yet.
February 4, 2024
If you enjoy romance with a touch of the paranormal, along with a time-traveling mystery, you'll have fun reading Divinely Dramatic. Drawing on the author's love for vintage fashion and amateur theater, this book is second in a series but can easily be read as a standalone.
Marcy, the main character in this one, is a talented artist who has recently learned that she sees auras. She's also a connoisseur of costumes and vintage fashion. She thought she'd volunteered to help her friend put together the costumes for an amateur production of The Importance of Being Earnest, when the friend drops out and Marcy is left in charge.
The same play was performed in this theatre fifty years ago, when the lead actress died in a mysterious tragedy during the production. To resolve the mystery, Marcy needs to draw on help from her friends with complimentary divination skills: seeing scenes from the past, and seeing actual ghosts. Meanwhile, she is attracted to both the director and the lead actor in the play, and misunderstandings and confusion ensue.
The book is a fun and entertaining romp; a great sequel to Divine Vintage, the first in the series.
Marcy, the main character in this one, is a talented artist who has recently learned that she sees auras. She's also a connoisseur of costumes and vintage fashion. She thought she'd volunteered to help her friend put together the costumes for an amateur production of The Importance of Being Earnest, when the friend drops out and Marcy is left in charge.
The same play was performed in this theatre fifty years ago, when the lead actress died in a mysterious tragedy during the production. To resolve the mystery, Marcy needs to draw on help from her friends with complimentary divination skills: seeing scenes from the past, and seeing actual ghosts. Meanwhile, she is attracted to both the director and the lead actor in the play, and misunderstandings and confusion ensue.
The book is a fun and entertaining romp; a great sequel to Divine Vintage, the first in the series.
February 10, 2024
An enjoyable and engaging historical romance with a ghostly twist. Having read and enjoyed book one in this series I was looking forward to this book and I was not disappointed. I was hooked from page one and was kept happily turning the pages by the ghostly mystery storyline. Marcy Alexander is a vintage fashionista who reluctantly agrees to do the costumes for a period-era play. However, she was not expecting all the drama, or having to harness her aura-reading ability to solve a ghostly mystery from 1966.
Then there is the director Mike who is gorgeous but gruff, and who’s aura flares crimson, meaning he’s irritated whenever they talk. He’s determined to produce a great show despite his prank-driven friends. As well as all this Marcy has an ailing Mum who is urging her to pursue her dream career and she has a very persistent ghost to deal with. The descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life making me feel fully immersed in the story. I found Marcy very likeable and relatable and enjoyed her developing romance with director Mike. The ghostly element along with the 1966 murder mystery kept me gripped throughout.
Then there is the director Mike who is gorgeous but gruff, and who’s aura flares crimson, meaning he’s irritated whenever they talk. He’s determined to produce a great show despite his prank-driven friends. As well as all this Marcy has an ailing Mum who is urging her to pursue her dream career and she has a very persistent ghost to deal with. The descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life making me feel fully immersed in the story. I found Marcy very likeable and relatable and enjoyed her developing romance with director Mike. The ghostly element along with the 1966 murder mystery kept me gripped throughout.
March 2, 2024
4.5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Divinely Dramatic is Book 2 in the Divine Vintage series and this story could be read as a standalone I still highly recommend reading this series from the beginning. I was eagerly anticipating this release and I enjoyed this book very much...with spirits, puzzling occurrences, ghosts, mystery, romance and intrigue. What can possibly happen helping out at a local theatre when you are needed...
Marcy Alexander is recruited to help as a costumer at a local theatre production, things do not go off as planned. Being on the director Mike's not so good side off the bat, Marcy is trying to do what she can. As Marcy navigates her abilities with auras, her friend Tess, who has other special abilities, also helps out when there is a secret that happened at the theatre long ago..what could have possibly happened? With everything coming to full circle, Marcy must navigate on helping out with production, solve a mystery...can there be sparks between her and Mike as well...
Definitely read and find out. This was a fun read and I highly recommend this book.
Divinely Dramatic is Book 2 in the Divine Vintage series and this story could be read as a standalone I still highly recommend reading this series from the beginning. I was eagerly anticipating this release and I enjoyed this book very much...with spirits, puzzling occurrences, ghosts, mystery, romance and intrigue. What can possibly happen helping out at a local theatre when you are needed...
Marcy Alexander is recruited to help as a costumer at a local theatre production, things do not go off as planned. Being on the director Mike's not so good side off the bat, Marcy is trying to do what she can. As Marcy navigates her abilities with auras, her friend Tess, who has other special abilities, also helps out when there is a secret that happened at the theatre long ago..what could have possibly happened? With everything coming to full circle, Marcy must navigate on helping out with production, solve a mystery...can there be sparks between her and Mike as well...
Definitely read and find out. This was a fun read and I highly recommend this book.
February 9, 2024
The great follow up to Divine Vintage and I can’t say enough wonderful things, bravo Ms. Sandra!
Marcy, who also works at Divine Vintage with her boss Tess (we met in Divine Vintage), has agreed to be the costumer on a play by Oscar Wilde. She may have bitten off more than she can chew when she begins to see an aura in the attic of the theater. Ultimately she gets cast as the leading lady and things get even more ghostly. Can she juggle being a costumer, actress and retail assistant or has she put too much on her plate?
I really loved this follow up! It gave me everything I want in a good read. Romance, paranormal, suspense and a great deal of character development. It had a nice pace and ultimately I could have finished much quicker but, I enjoyed taking my time. Very well done, a definite must read! Five stars for this paranormal romance reading gift!
Marcy, who also works at Divine Vintage with her boss Tess (we met in Divine Vintage), has agreed to be the costumer on a play by Oscar Wilde. She may have bitten off more than she can chew when she begins to see an aura in the attic of the theater. Ultimately she gets cast as the leading lady and things get even more ghostly. Can she juggle being a costumer, actress and retail assistant or has she put too much on her plate?
I really loved this follow up! It gave me everything I want in a good read. Romance, paranormal, suspense and a great deal of character development. It had a nice pace and ultimately I could have finished much quicker but, I enjoyed taking my time. Very well done, a definite must read! Five stars for this paranormal romance reading gift!
February 19, 2024
Divinely Dramatic
Sandra Young
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Romance, a cozy, 50-year-old mystery, ghosts, auras, a little bit of drama, secrets and theater, What’s not to love?!
Marcy, the FMC loves her vintage clothes, hence the cover. She has the ability to see arrows and ghost. I could not imagine that! But she makes it work, and uses her ability to help solve the mystery.
This book was fast-paced, and very entertaining. Each character was very likable and helped bring the story to life. We cannot forget Mike, the MMC, he’s the play Director, he’s the grumpy to Marcy sunshine. Their relationship grew and you could not help but root for them both.
Such a fun, romantic ghost story with an incredible twist!
Sandra Young
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Romance, a cozy, 50-year-old mystery, ghosts, auras, a little bit of drama, secrets and theater, What’s not to love?!
Marcy, the FMC loves her vintage clothes, hence the cover. She has the ability to see arrows and ghost. I could not imagine that! But she makes it work, and uses her ability to help solve the mystery.
This book was fast-paced, and very entertaining. Each character was very likable and helped bring the story to life. We cannot forget Mike, the MMC, he’s the play Director, he’s the grumpy to Marcy sunshine. Their relationship grew and you could not help but root for them both.
Such a fun, romantic ghost story with an incredible twist!
February 7, 2024
Marcy Alexander has agreed to help her friend with the costumes for a play that she is doing. She ends up not only reading lines for a lady that never showed up to rehearsals, but ends up being cast in that leas role. What exactly has she gotten herself into? A ghost known as Ellen shows up with a mystery for Marcy to solve. Ellen herself was the leading lady of the very play Marcy got sucked into 50 years prior and mysteriously disappeared. Will Marcy be able to solve Ellen's mystery and help her to rest peacefully? Or will it be her final curtain? This was a good sequel to Divinely Vintage and can be read as a stand alone. It was entertaining and kept me turning the pages.
February 3, 2024
Another wonderful book by Sandra Young. The second book in the saga of characters from Divine Vintage (Book 1), but involving main character Marcy. Again, I really enjoyed this book. The connection between Marcy and Mike was interesting and I enjoyed the layers that built throughout the story. I also loved the costuming and theater component of the book. Yet again, the paranormal component only added to the fantastic story. So many interesting mini stories within the overall story of Marcy Anderson. I would definitely be in favor of more books with these characters.
March 1, 2024
This story is fun and kept me at the edge of my seat wondering how Marcy was going to handle everything thrown at her! Marcy is a costume designer for a particular play set in the 60s and encounters obstacles at every turn. The well-developed characters’ interactions with each other weave the story together dramatically. Paranormal, romance, intrigue - a little bit of something for everyone. It is a book that I dove into and barely came up for air. It was done way too fast! I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to get my hands on another from this author!
January 29, 2024
Such a fun follow-up to Divine Vintage, another novel I loved.
Marcy, who is working multiple jobs while she helps her ill mother, fills in for a friend as costume designer for a community theatre production. The sudden departure of an actress means she must step into the leading lady role. She can overlook the fact that Mike, the sexy but gruff director isn't completely convinced. While Marcy is excited about the challenge, she also possesses an eerie sixth sense that allows her to view the auras of people around her - and spirits who have unfinished business. To her dismay, the theatre houses one of these lost souls.
This fun tale blends women's fiction, romance, mystery and a hint of the supernatural, and is a thoroughly engaging read.
Thanks to the publisher for my ARC, all thoughts are my own.
Marcy, who is working multiple jobs while she helps her ill mother, fills in for a friend as costume designer for a community theatre production. The sudden departure of an actress means she must step into the leading lady role. She can overlook the fact that Mike, the sexy but gruff director isn't completely convinced. While Marcy is excited about the challenge, she also possesses an eerie sixth sense that allows her to view the auras of people around her - and spirits who have unfinished business. To her dismay, the theatre houses one of these lost souls.
This fun tale blends women's fiction, romance, mystery and a hint of the supernatural, and is a thoroughly engaging read.
Thanks to the publisher for my ARC, all thoughts are my own.
February 8, 2024
The local community theater group is putting on a play. Vintage clothing is a key component to the success of the show. The characters from Divine Vintage are featured here, but this is certainly a stand-alone novel. There is romance, as well as a fifty-year-old mystery. Family values, and the value of family, are both explored. The main character learns to take a chance on herself.
February 29, 2024
This is the sequel to Divinely Vintage. After reading the first one, I just had to read this one. It did not disappoint! I really enjoyed the theater scene and the characters. There is a good balance of romance and paranormal. It's a perfect rainy day book!
March 13, 2024
If you've ever been involved in community theater, love vintage clothing, or enjoy stories with a light touch of the paranormal, Divinely Dramatic is for you! When vintage fashionista Marcy Alexander is called upon to costume her town's 50th anniversary production of The Importance of Being Earnest, she isn't expecting to encounter the troubled spirit of an actress in the theater's attic. Nor is she expecting to fall for the play's gruff director, Mike Figueroa. But the simmering attraction between Marcy and Mike soon becomes undeniable--leading to some very steamy moments of tension. Divinely Dramatic is a lighthearted, low-stress read with lovable characters and intrigue as Marcy and her friends strive to uncover the secrets of the theater's past and give closure to those affected by a tragedy that occurred fifty years before. This was my first Sandra L. Young novel, but it won't be my last! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
February 12, 2024
Sandra Young has done it again! Fun, romance and intrigue! She paints a wonderful picture of the setting and develops the characters so that you love them, dislike them and then love them again! I look forward to book #3!
March 8, 2024
Divinely Dramatic was a great addition to the Divine Vintage series!
Marcy Alexander is a woman of many artistic talents. She has been tasked to costume the cast of a play. Her friend, Justine, was supposed to do it, and she asked Marcy to fill in for her. She jumps at the chance, but the grumpy director, Mike Figueroa, isn’t so sure she has what it takes. Even though their first meeting isn’t the best, there is some definite chemistry below the surface. She thinks he is too gruff, and he thinks she is a bit on the weird side. As they come to spend more time together, they realize first impressions of someone aren't always accurate. Too bad Mike has a girlfriend, and when Marcy gets the female lead, they decide to keep things professional. Despite their good intentions, it’s getting more difficult to not cross that line. To compound that issue, Marcy can read auras, and she finds that there is a ghostly mystery she has to solve.
The plot of the book flowed well. There was equal attention given to the budding romance between Marcy and Mike and the ghostly mystery of Ellen. I enjoyed seeing Tess and her hubby again. I love the relationship between the three friends and how they each rely on one another to solve their ghostly mysteries. The romance was more of a slow burn between Marcy and Mike. There is no cheating in the book.
Marcy was a great character! She was a tremendously talented and creative person. She was a great artist, a vintage fashionista, and a baker! I loved her dedication to her ailing mother. She was just a great person who I would want as a friend myself.
Mike was also a great character! I liked that Sandra Young gave him a voice as well. I couldn’t understand why he had the girlfriend he did. She was so opposite from him. He had such a wonderful heart, and he was pretty talented as well.
Like the first novel, this was a perfect blend of historical fiction, mystery, paranormal, and romance. Not many writers could blend all of those components, but Young did a great job of doing just that! I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.
Marcy Alexander is a woman of many artistic talents. She has been tasked to costume the cast of a play. Her friend, Justine, was supposed to do it, and she asked Marcy to fill in for her. She jumps at the chance, but the grumpy director, Mike Figueroa, isn’t so sure she has what it takes. Even though their first meeting isn’t the best, there is some definite chemistry below the surface. She thinks he is too gruff, and he thinks she is a bit on the weird side. As they come to spend more time together, they realize first impressions of someone aren't always accurate. Too bad Mike has a girlfriend, and when Marcy gets the female lead, they decide to keep things professional. Despite their good intentions, it’s getting more difficult to not cross that line. To compound that issue, Marcy can read auras, and she finds that there is a ghostly mystery she has to solve.
The plot of the book flowed well. There was equal attention given to the budding romance between Marcy and Mike and the ghostly mystery of Ellen. I enjoyed seeing Tess and her hubby again. I love the relationship between the three friends and how they each rely on one another to solve their ghostly mysteries. The romance was more of a slow burn between Marcy and Mike. There is no cheating in the book.
Marcy was a great character! She was a tremendously talented and creative person. She was a great artist, a vintage fashionista, and a baker! I loved her dedication to her ailing mother. She was just a great person who I would want as a friend myself.
Mike was also a great character! I liked that Sandra Young gave him a voice as well. I couldn’t understand why he had the girlfriend he did. She was so opposite from him. He had such a wonderful heart, and he was pretty talented as well.
Like the first novel, this was a perfect blend of historical fiction, mystery, paranormal, and romance. Not many writers could blend all of those components, but Young did a great job of doing just that! I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.
February 6, 2024
4.5 stars
Marcy is called in to help out her friend Justine as a costume designer for an upcoming production of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" when Justine is called away to other duties. Marcy shows up and the director comes across as very brash and condescending after Marcy was told that he was a big teddy bear and very sweet. First impressions matter! As Marcy is attending rehearsals to gather the needed information to fit everyone for costumes, she suddenly finds herself reading lines for the female star of the show. The actress casted for this part has never shown up for any rehearsals and no one knows where she is or if she's ok. Marcy fits in great with the cast and soon finds herself not only as the costume designer but also as a lead actress.
There are some very strange occurrences in the costume loft. Weird flashes of lights, sounds of chains rattling, and bats just to name a few things. Marcy is able to see auras and along with her friend, Tess, they are able to see into the supernatural world. Marcy and Tess "meet" Ellen, the original female lead from 50 years ago who mysteriously died during the production of the show. Can Marcy and Tess figure out this mystery and put Ellen to rest?
This book is very enjoyable, as was the first book in this series. This book can be read as a stand alone but why would you want to miss out on all the fun of vintage dresses and historical sightings? I'm hoping there will be more stories in this series to come!
Marcy is called in to help out her friend Justine as a costume designer for an upcoming production of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" when Justine is called away to other duties. Marcy shows up and the director comes across as very brash and condescending after Marcy was told that he was a big teddy bear and very sweet. First impressions matter! As Marcy is attending rehearsals to gather the needed information to fit everyone for costumes, she suddenly finds herself reading lines for the female star of the show. The actress casted for this part has never shown up for any rehearsals and no one knows where she is or if she's ok. Marcy fits in great with the cast and soon finds herself not only as the costume designer but also as a lead actress.
There are some very strange occurrences in the costume loft. Weird flashes of lights, sounds of chains rattling, and bats just to name a few things. Marcy is able to see auras and along with her friend, Tess, they are able to see into the supernatural world. Marcy and Tess "meet" Ellen, the original female lead from 50 years ago who mysteriously died during the production of the show. Can Marcy and Tess figure out this mystery and put Ellen to rest?
This book is very enjoyable, as was the first book in this series. This book can be read as a stand alone but why would you want to miss out on all the fun of vintage dresses and historical sightings? I'm hoping there will be more stories in this series to come!
February 7, 2024
💫It was such a delight to read Divinely Dramatic, book #2 in the Divine Vintage series by Sandra L. Young. This book is a wonderful mix of grumpy/sunshine romance, paranormal, and mystery - set against the backdrop of the community theater’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest.” For a theatre geek like me - it was such fun to be back in the throes of putting on a play! It was a cozy mystery with love and a 50-year old mystery.
💫Synopsis💫
🎭Marcy is an artist and part-time worker in her friend Tess’s (from the first book!) Divine Vintage boutique. Tess can see the past lives of the owners of the vintage clothing in her store by just touching them. Marcy sees auras - she can tell what someone is feeling by the colors surrounding them. When she sees the bright white aura in the costume room at a local theater production she is working at - the mystery begins!
💕Oh and throw in a handsome, yet grumpy director (Mike) - who is only directing the play because of a lost bet (his aura is crimson) who is constantly at odds with Marcy; Mike’s jealous girlfriend, a 50-year-old mystery, and mysterious happenings - and you’ve got a really fun read!
💫My Take💫
This was so well written! Sandra Young’s love of theater and vintage clothing has been written into an engaging and fun cozy read. I fell right into the mystery, the love story AND the paranormal - all woven in so well! And - don’t you just LOVE the cover???
💕Thank you Sandra for an e-arc of your book! I can’t wait for the third in the series!
🤗If you haven’t read her books - please do - you will be happy you did!
💫Synopsis💫
🎭Marcy is an artist and part-time worker in her friend Tess’s (from the first book!) Divine Vintage boutique. Tess can see the past lives of the owners of the vintage clothing in her store by just touching them. Marcy sees auras - she can tell what someone is feeling by the colors surrounding them. When she sees the bright white aura in the costume room at a local theater production she is working at - the mystery begins!
💕Oh and throw in a handsome, yet grumpy director (Mike) - who is only directing the play because of a lost bet (his aura is crimson) who is constantly at odds with Marcy; Mike’s jealous girlfriend, a 50-year-old mystery, and mysterious happenings - and you’ve got a really fun read!
💫My Take💫
This was so well written! Sandra Young’s love of theater and vintage clothing has been written into an engaging and fun cozy read. I fell right into the mystery, the love story AND the paranormal - all woven in so well! And - don’t you just LOVE the cover???
💕Thank you Sandra for an e-arc of your book! I can’t wait for the third in the series!
🤗If you haven’t read her books - please do - you will be happy you did!
February 11, 2024
Divinely Dramatic is the second book in the Divine Vintage Series. It is a cozy mystery with paranormal elements, drama, suspense, mystery, intrigue, vintage clothing, and romance. I was so excited to read this book after having read book one, Divine Vintage, and I was not disappointed. This time around we follow the (mis)adventures of Marcy as she reluctantly agrees to lend a hand as a costumer to a local theatre group. Things start off on the wrong foot for her immediately with the Play Director, Mike, as she inadvertently seems to have gotten on his bad side without even trying. As if that is not bad enough, Marcy finds herself confronted with a glowing white orb in the loft of the theatre where the costumes are stored. She is unnerved and spooked by the white light but finds herself wanting to know more about it, so she enlists the help of her friend Tess. Although Marcy has become more in tune with her abilities to see a person’s aura, it is Tess that can connect with the spirit world through vintage clothing. Together, Marcy and Tess begin to unlock the secrets of a gruesome death that took place in the theatre in 1966. I loved the characters in this story, especially Marcy with her eclectic clothing style and easy-going attitude. Although she was fun-loving, she also had a firecracker spirit that she revealed when someone, such as Mike, pushed her buttons. I loved that Tess could sense spirits and see visions through the touch of vintage clothing and thought it was a unique and special gift to have. I cannot wait for the next book!
February 28, 2024
This is the second book of the ‘Divine Vintage series’ but can be read as a stand alone. The first book was mainly about Tess while this one is about Marcy.
Marcy took on a job for her friend to costume a period-era play. Upon arrival, she is met with reluctance from the director, Mike. Marcy has a talent for reading auras and his aura was always red with annoyance around her. On top of that, the first time she enters the area where she will be working, she sees what can only be described as a ghostly aura. She enlists help from Tess, who has the gift of visions from clothing and they set off to try and discover who passed away and how.
The lead role of the play is suddenly open and it’s up to Marcy to fill that role. Being the artist she is, no way can she pass up this opportunity. So now she has three tasks at hand, plus there seems to be some electricity between Mike and Marcy even though they are opposites. Even though he technically has a girlfriend, it doesn’t stop the confusing feelings coming from both ends.
Will Marcy be able to complete her original job, steal the show, help the ghost, AND get the man?
I enjoyed the first book of this series which was actually the debut novel but I found the speech a little stiff in some areas. This book was written much better speech wise. Again the author was able to make vintage fashion exciting and mysterious with a splash or romance. The main characters have unique abilities which makes it much more intriguing to read.
Marcy took on a job for her friend to costume a period-era play. Upon arrival, she is met with reluctance from the director, Mike. Marcy has a talent for reading auras and his aura was always red with annoyance around her. On top of that, the first time she enters the area where she will be working, she sees what can only be described as a ghostly aura. She enlists help from Tess, who has the gift of visions from clothing and they set off to try and discover who passed away and how.
The lead role of the play is suddenly open and it’s up to Marcy to fill that role. Being the artist she is, no way can she pass up this opportunity. So now she has three tasks at hand, plus there seems to be some electricity between Mike and Marcy even though they are opposites. Even though he technically has a girlfriend, it doesn’t stop the confusing feelings coming from both ends.
Will Marcy be able to complete her original job, steal the show, help the ghost, AND get the man?
I enjoyed the first book of this series which was actually the debut novel but I found the speech a little stiff in some areas. This book was written much better speech wise. Again the author was able to make vintage fashion exciting and mysterious with a splash or romance. The main characters have unique abilities which makes it much more intriguing to read.
February 15, 2024
Thank you @katerockbooktours, for a spot on tour and a #gifted book.
This book offers so much: fashion design, community theater, ghosts, mystery, and romance.
Marcy Alexander is a vintage fashionista who can also read auras. She has agreed to help costume an Oscar Wilde play, which happens to have a director who is a gorgeous grump with a crimson-red aura that flares when he interacts with Marcy.
Not only are Marcy and director Mike trying hard not to strangle each other (resist each other, wink wink), but Marcy somehow finds herself reading lines for the lead in the play. The cast members are a fun bunch and pranksters, too, so there’s never a dull moment.
As if Marcy didn’t have enough on her plate, with the play, her mom being ill and red aura Mike, she discovers a ghost in the costume attic. The ghost’s death is linked to a production of the play in 1966; she needs help solving the mystery to be at peace – one more thing for Marcy to tackle.
This was a highly entertaining, cozy paranormal mystery with a side of romance. It was easy to like these characters and get lost in the story. While I did not read the first book, I didn’t feel lost at all. I can’t wait to see what Book Three might have in store.
This book offers so much: fashion design, community theater, ghosts, mystery, and romance.
Marcy Alexander is a vintage fashionista who can also read auras. She has agreed to help costume an Oscar Wilde play, which happens to have a director who is a gorgeous grump with a crimson-red aura that flares when he interacts with Marcy.
Not only are Marcy and director Mike trying hard not to strangle each other (resist each other, wink wink), but Marcy somehow finds herself reading lines for the lead in the play. The cast members are a fun bunch and pranksters, too, so there’s never a dull moment.
As if Marcy didn’t have enough on her plate, with the play, her mom being ill and red aura Mike, she discovers a ghost in the costume attic. The ghost’s death is linked to a production of the play in 1966; she needs help solving the mystery to be at peace – one more thing for Marcy to tackle.
This was a highly entertaining, cozy paranormal mystery with a side of romance. It was easy to like these characters and get lost in the story. While I did not read the first book, I didn’t feel lost at all. I can’t wait to see what Book Three might have in store.
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