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The Blackwoods
From Boston Globe/Horn Book Award–winning author Brandy Colbert comes the story of four generations of a Hollywood family—an unforgettable tale of ambition, fame, struggle, loss, and love in America.
The Blackwoods. Everyone knows their name.
Blossom Blackwood burst onto the silver screen in 1962, and in the decades that followed, she would become one of the most celebrated actors of our time—and the matriarch of the most famous Black family in Hollywood. To her great-granddaughters, Hollis and Ardith, she has always just been Bebe. And when she passes away, it changes everything.
Hollis Blackwood was never interested in fame. Still, she’s surrounded by it, whether at home with her family or at the prestigious Dupree Academy among Los Angeles’ elite. When private photos of Hollis are leaked in the wake of Blossom’s death, she is thrust into the spotlight she’s long avoided—and finds that trust may be a luxury even she can’t afford.
Ardith Blackwood has always lived in the public eye. A television star since childhood, she was perhaps closer with Blossom than anyone—especially after Ardith’s mother died in a drug overdose. Ever since, she has worked to be everything her family, her church, and the public want her to be. But as a family secret comes to light and the pressures from all sides begin to mount, she wonders what is left beneath the face she shows the world.
Weaving together the narratives of Hollis, Ardith, and Blossom, award-winning author Brandy Colbert tells an unforgettable story set in an America where everything is personal, and nothing is private.
The Blackwoods. Everyone knows their name.
Blossom Blackwood burst onto the silver screen in 1962, and in the decades that followed, she would become one of the most celebrated actors of our time—and the matriarch of the most famous Black family in Hollywood. To her great-granddaughters, Hollis and Ardith, she has always just been Bebe. And when she passes away, it changes everything.
Hollis Blackwood was never interested in fame. Still, she’s surrounded by it, whether at home with her family or at the prestigious Dupree Academy among Los Angeles’ elite. When private photos of Hollis are leaked in the wake of Blossom’s death, she is thrust into the spotlight she’s long avoided—and finds that trust may be a luxury even she can’t afford.
Ardith Blackwood has always lived in the public eye. A television star since childhood, she was perhaps closer with Blossom than anyone—especially after Ardith’s mother died in a drug overdose. Ever since, she has worked to be everything her family, her church, and the public want her to be. But as a family secret comes to light and the pressures from all sides begin to mount, she wonders what is left beneath the face she shows the world.
Weaving together the narratives of Hollis, Ardith, and Blossom, award-winning author Brandy Colbert tells an unforgettable story set in an America where everything is personal, and nothing is private.
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First published October 3, 2023
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About the author
Brandy Colbert
26 books1,243 followersBrandy Colbert was born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks. She lives and writes in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
January 1, 2024
this could have been something fun and satirical, in the realms of Curtis Sittenfeld & Kevin Kwan, but it ended up being, tonally and plot-wise, too close to those kinds of teen movies churned out by netflix. the lack of 'solid' bond between the two central characters was very much the biggest letdown. i was hoping for more female solidarity, or a more female-oriented plot, but both the present and past timelines seem to focus on the fl's romantic relationships. the cousins, whose story takes place in the 'now', happen to have romances with these two super supportive and sensitive guys who were almost interchangeable. the cousins themselves lacked personalities and where mostly defied by their actor/student status. they are both given hurdles to overcome but said hurdles are handled in a disappointingly vanilla way. and i also found it funny that much of their stories seemed so pro-nepo baby. in that only once does one of them get a 'dressing' down by another character (his words to the main were very much on the lines of 'check-your' privilege), but other than that the story seems to just emphasise how hard it is for these two girls, focusing mostly on the invasion of privacy and so on. i just found the author's depiction of the entertainment industry and of acting very clichèd and simplistic and i wish she could have committed to a scathing, satirical tone, rather than settling for this corny portrayal of fame and everything that comes with it. the dual timeline was very much unnecessary as the sections taking place in the past lacked depth. if this book happens to be on your tbr shelf i recommend you check some more positive reviews out.
May 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this book’s exploration of what it’s like to be a black woman in Hollywood. It shows the sacrifices they have to make and how difficult it is for women to chase their dreams while fighting against societal pressures.
It was so nice to see the legacy of a black family and the solidarity amongst the Blackwoods.
Through the different generations, we get to see how much progress we’ve made, but still see how black people in Hollywood face more scrutiny and challenges.
Blossom’s story stood out to me the most. She was such a strong, driven, and vulnerable character.
I do wish it explored more of the topics it introduced and went deeper with the characters. It stays pretty surface level but as a YA story, it does a good job at what it sets out to do and I enjoyed reading each character’s journey.
It was so nice to see the legacy of a black family and the solidarity amongst the Blackwoods.
Through the different generations, we get to see how much progress we’ve made, but still see how black people in Hollywood face more scrutiny and challenges.
Blossom’s story stood out to me the most. She was such a strong, driven, and vulnerable character.
I do wish it explored more of the topics it introduced and went deeper with the characters. It stays pretty surface level but as a YA story, it does a good job at what it sets out to do and I enjoyed reading each character’s journey.
October 26, 2023
Love love LOVED this book. Perfection.
Thank you Balzar + Bray for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I LOVED this book. It was such a surprise! It didn’t read as stereotypical YA (which I love) and i think that people of all ages will enjoy this multigenerational story of a legendary Hollywood family. If you are a fan of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I think you’ll enjoy this book. It is not the same at all, but it explores similar themes of fame and what you’re willing to do for success, while also adding in the difficulties of being a Black person in entertainment in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Synopsis:
“The Blackwoods. Everyone knows their name.
Blossom Blackwood burst onto the silver screen in 1962, and in the decades that followed, she would become one of the most celebrated actors of our time—and the matriarch of the most famous Black family in Hollywood. To her great-granddaughters, Hollis and Ardith, she has always just been Bebe. And when she passes away, it changes everything.
Hollis Blackwood was never interested in fame. Still, she’s surrounded by it, whether at home with her family or at the prestigious Dupree Academy among Los Angeles’ elite. When private photos of Hollis are leaked in the wake of Blossom’s death, she is thrust into the spotlight she’s long avoided—and finds that trust may be a luxury even she can’t afford.
Ardith Blackwood has always lived in the public eye. A television star since childhood, she was perhaps closer with Blossom than anyone—especially after Ardith’s mother died in a drug overdose. Ever since, she has worked to be everything her family, her church, and the public want her to be. But as a family secret comes to light and the pressures from all sides begin to mount, she wonders what is left beneath the face she shows the world.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Now and Then Timelines—I thought the timelines worked so well and truly enjoyed this book so much. I loved Hollis and Ardith so much. I loved their relationship as cousins but also their individual stories as well.
The Hollywood History—I love the golden age of Hollywood and Broadway so I LOVED that I got to have the perspective of a Black actress and then later, her family. It was so good.
The Writing—Honestly, I totally forgot this book was YA while reading it. It has the Hollywood glamour of books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and celebrity memoirs. I found it so juicy and delicious and didn’t feel dry like historical fiction at all.
What Didn’t Work:
Wanted a Bit More From the “Now” Timelines—I almost wish this was a series and that we could move through history with this family. I felt like we spent more time in the past with Blossom, but as the matriarch, that did make sense. But I wanted more from Hollis and Ardith too!
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: 0/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
loss of a parent, death of a family member, revenge porn
Thank you Balzar + Bray for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I LOVED this book. It was such a surprise! It didn’t read as stereotypical YA (which I love) and i think that people of all ages will enjoy this multigenerational story of a legendary Hollywood family. If you are a fan of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I think you’ll enjoy this book. It is not the same at all, but it explores similar themes of fame and what you’re willing to do for success, while also adding in the difficulties of being a Black person in entertainment in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Synopsis:
“The Blackwoods. Everyone knows their name.
Blossom Blackwood burst onto the silver screen in 1962, and in the decades that followed, she would become one of the most celebrated actors of our time—and the matriarch of the most famous Black family in Hollywood. To her great-granddaughters, Hollis and Ardith, she has always just been Bebe. And when she passes away, it changes everything.
Hollis Blackwood was never interested in fame. Still, she’s surrounded by it, whether at home with her family or at the prestigious Dupree Academy among Los Angeles’ elite. When private photos of Hollis are leaked in the wake of Blossom’s death, she is thrust into the spotlight she’s long avoided—and finds that trust may be a luxury even she can’t afford.
Ardith Blackwood has always lived in the public eye. A television star since childhood, she was perhaps closer with Blossom than anyone—especially after Ardith’s mother died in a drug overdose. Ever since, she has worked to be everything her family, her church, and the public want her to be. But as a family secret comes to light and the pressures from all sides begin to mount, she wonders what is left beneath the face she shows the world.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Now and Then Timelines—I thought the timelines worked so well and truly enjoyed this book so much. I loved Hollis and Ardith so much. I loved their relationship as cousins but also their individual stories as well.
The Hollywood History—I love the golden age of Hollywood and Broadway so I LOVED that I got to have the perspective of a Black actress and then later, her family. It was so good.
The Writing—Honestly, I totally forgot this book was YA while reading it. It has the Hollywood glamour of books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and celebrity memoirs. I found it so juicy and delicious and didn’t feel dry like historical fiction at all.
What Didn’t Work:
Wanted a Bit More From the “Now” Timelines—I almost wish this was a series and that we could move through history with this family. I felt like we spent more time in the past with Blossom, but as the matriarch, that did make sense. But I wanted more from Hollis and Ardith too!
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: 0/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
loss of a parent, death of a family member, revenge porn
September 25, 2023
The Blackwoods have been in Hollywood for decades, and acting even before that. Success has always come with a price, but there's no denying that they've made it. But when Blossom, the matriarch of the family, passes away, the family comes up against answers to long-asked questions—and some new questions as well.
Colbert couldn't write a bad book if she tried, and I don't think I even read the description before I shelved this as to-read. She describes the book as her "ode to Black Hollywood", and the book fills a niche that I hadn't given enough thought to before now—I've read my fair share of YA Hollywood books featuring (thin, rich) white heroines, but far, far fewer featuring BIPOC heroines or paying tribute to the ones who paved the way.
The Blackwoods slips back and forth between generations of women, from Blossom's mother, Flossie, to Hollis and Ardith, two of the younger generation. What I love most is that many of the climactic moments come relatively early in the book, leaving the characters to handle the fallout throughout the rest of the book. Also, because the book follows multiple characters, the big moments they each have are allowed to be parts of their story (and the family story) rather than taking over the narrative completely. I won't go into detail, but a number of things go down throughout the book that could be a book's main conflict, and I loved the sense that the book wasn't willing to limit the story to any one of those things. Readers may also like Martha Southgate's Third Girl from the Left, which (if I remember correctly; it's been a while) takes a grittier look at Black Hollywood, especially blaxploitation films.
If you struggle with the intro, I'd suggest carrying on to see if the next chapters fit better. I don't love either the intro chapter or the final chapter, neither of which feels as present and natural as the rest of the book.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
Colbert couldn't write a bad book if she tried, and I don't think I even read the description before I shelved this as to-read. She describes the book as her "ode to Black Hollywood", and the book fills a niche that I hadn't given enough thought to before now—I've read my fair share of YA Hollywood books featuring (thin, rich) white heroines, but far, far fewer featuring BIPOC heroines or paying tribute to the ones who paved the way.
The Blackwoods slips back and forth between generations of women, from Blossom's mother, Flossie, to Hollis and Ardith, two of the younger generation. What I love most is that many of the climactic moments come relatively early in the book, leaving the characters to handle the fallout throughout the rest of the book. Also, because the book follows multiple characters, the big moments they each have are allowed to be parts of their story (and the family story) rather than taking over the narrative completely. I won't go into detail, but a number of things go down throughout the book that could be a book's main conflict, and I loved the sense that the book wasn't willing to limit the story to any one of those things. Readers may also like Martha Southgate's Third Girl from the Left, which (if I remember correctly; it's been a while) takes a grittier look at Black Hollywood, especially blaxploitation films.
If you struggle with the intro, I'd suggest carrying on to see if the next chapters fit better. I don't love either the intro chapter or the final chapter, neither of which feels as present and natural as the rest of the book.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
December 6, 2023
This was beautifully written and very good in a general sense. Even though it was annoying to read about, I appreciated the multigenerational pattern of Blackwood women falling for and sympathizing with godawful men. I did think Hollis' story felt thin compared to Ardith and Blossom's, and I wonder if it was even needed.
May 16, 2024
There's nothing inherently wrong with this book, but boy did I find it incredibly dull. Had I not been listening to this one on audio, it's very likely I would've DNFed, because I just felt like nothing whatsoever happened. This is a generational-type book, focusing on the family matriarch, Blossom, in the 1950s, and then moving forward to present-day with her great-granddaughters, Hollis and Ardith. The problem was that none of the stories or characters were all that interesting. The book pretends that there's some great secret that's going to be revealed, but when that actually happened I literally said "that's it?" which is far from a ringing endorsement. I think this could've been amazing, but for me, it just wasn't.
Want to read
November 8, 2020“A multigenerational story about a Black Hollywood family told from four POVs that opens with the death of Blossom Blackwood, celebrated actress and matriarch. As her three teenage great-grandchildren help prepare for the estate sale, they examine the cost of ambition, the importance of family, and the rewards of trusting one’s heart.” (Coming Fall 2022)
August 24, 2025
2.5 Stars
I really wanted to love this story because it's made of things that I love in stories - generational stories, Black women, and Black Hollywood. However, I never quite connected with the stories of the four women and often found myself confused on who was who. I think this book has all the write ingredients to be a better story but for me, this just didn't land and I was often bored and had to force myself to finish it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really wanted to love this story because it's made of things that I love in stories - generational stories, Black women, and Black Hollywood. However, I never quite connected with the stories of the four women and often found myself confused on who was who. I think this book has all the write ingredients to be a better story but for me, this just didn't land and I was often bored and had to force myself to finish it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 23, 2023
4.5 stars
Brandy Colbert has done it AGAIN. I really can't get enough of this author, and she just keeps reminding of why that's the case with every new read: this one included!
In this most recent novel, Colbert focuses on five generations of the Blackwood family, who build a Hollywood dynasty from their humble roots. Readers are treated to information about all of the Blackwoods, but there are several who get extra special focus here: Blossom, whose death brings her family together at the start of the novel, and two of her great-grandchildren, Ardith and Hollis. Between their chapters, readers also learn about specific incidents, relationships, locations, and career moves in other sections. This is not a linearly organized novel, and for me, this really added to the appeal. Like any good family-centered work, readers learn quite a bit about each character not only in the chapters that focus on them specifically but also from other family members' insights and interactions. Especially for a YA audience, the structural and organizational elements really add to the quick pacing and ample opportunities to synthesize.
I connected with many of these characters, regardless of their ages or time periods, which is another testament to Colbert's skill. Admittedly, there is a lot going on in this novel: individual struggles and triumphs, some modern issues with technology and celebrity, racism, questions about what it means to be family, choices/challenges particular to women...the list goes on. Because there is so much happening, the plot doesn't reveal the same strong unification that folks used to reading YA might be more accustomed to, but these themes and motifs do carry the novel forward to a satisfying conclusion.
I started this novel a huge fan of Colbert, and I am an even bigger fan upon conclusion. Of course, I'll be recommending this enthusiastically to students and pals alike.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Balzer+Bray for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Brandy Colbert has done it AGAIN. I really can't get enough of this author, and she just keeps reminding of why that's the case with every new read: this one included!
In this most recent novel, Colbert focuses on five generations of the Blackwood family, who build a Hollywood dynasty from their humble roots. Readers are treated to information about all of the Blackwoods, but there are several who get extra special focus here: Blossom, whose death brings her family together at the start of the novel, and two of her great-grandchildren, Ardith and Hollis. Between their chapters, readers also learn about specific incidents, relationships, locations, and career moves in other sections. This is not a linearly organized novel, and for me, this really added to the appeal. Like any good family-centered work, readers learn quite a bit about each character not only in the chapters that focus on them specifically but also from other family members' insights and interactions. Especially for a YA audience, the structural and organizational elements really add to the quick pacing and ample opportunities to synthesize.
I connected with many of these characters, regardless of their ages or time periods, which is another testament to Colbert's skill. Admittedly, there is a lot going on in this novel: individual struggles and triumphs, some modern issues with technology and celebrity, racism, questions about what it means to be family, choices/challenges particular to women...the list goes on. Because there is so much happening, the plot doesn't reveal the same strong unification that folks used to reading YA might be more accustomed to, but these themes and motifs do carry the novel forward to a satisfying conclusion.
I started this novel a huge fan of Colbert, and I am an even bigger fan upon conclusion. Of course, I'll be recommending this enthusiastically to students and pals alike.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Balzer+Bray for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
October 26, 2023
Enjoyed the exploration of Black Hollywood and family through the Blackwoods. I really love Blossom and her resiliency even when the odds were attacked against her. I thought the dual timeline and multiple POV kept things interesting but I must say Blossoms sorry kept me reading more than anything else.
November 30, 2023
3.5⭐️ The Blackwoods was about a Black family’s life in the Hollywood spotlight. It started with the family’s matriarch, Blossom, and her entry and rise to hollywood fame in the 1960s and spanned to present day with her granddaughter who did not choose the lifestyle but were thrust into it.
The story reminded me of “Did You Hear About Kitty Karr”. Both stories of Black Hollywood, past and present. I really enjoyed the "past" sections focused on Blossom's entry into acting back with the odds stacked against her. There were some choices she made that I felt were pretty selfish in her quest to be an actress.
The "present" sections focused on her granddaughters who have been thrust in the spotlight just for bearing the family name. They are each dealing with the negative side of being a "celebrity" in some way. I only remember one of the girls’ storylines with the photos, so maybe their storylines were too much alike to stand out to me? Sorry it’s been a couple weeks between me finishing the book and writing this review.
I felt like I would’ve enjoyed the story more if there was more of the relationship between Blossom and her granddaughters. The story went back and forth from mature, adult historical fiction to youthful present Maybe this would’ve been better if not so YA because I didn’t get the sense that the story got into the meat of things as it could have. Just my opinion.
The narration was ok!!
The story reminded me of “Did You Hear About Kitty Karr”. Both stories of Black Hollywood, past and present. I really enjoyed the "past" sections focused on Blossom's entry into acting back with the odds stacked against her. There were some choices she made that I felt were pretty selfish in her quest to be an actress.
The "present" sections focused on her granddaughters who have been thrust in the spotlight just for bearing the family name. They are each dealing with the negative side of being a "celebrity" in some way. I only remember one of the girls’ storylines with the photos, so maybe their storylines were too much alike to stand out to me? Sorry it’s been a couple weeks between me finishing the book and writing this review.
I felt like I would’ve enjoyed the story more if there was more of the relationship between Blossom and her granddaughters. The story went back and forth from mature, adult historical fiction to youthful present Maybe this would’ve been better if not so YA because I didn’t get the sense that the story got into the meat of things as it could have. Just my opinion.
The narration was ok!!
November 1, 2023
This was a layered, multigenerational YA family story about the Blackwoods, a wealthy African American family of actresses. Alternating POVs and timelines from their recently deceased matriarch Blossom (aka 'Bebe"), and her two granddaughters, Hollis and Ardith, who have followed in her groundbreaking footsteps.
I really enjoyed the historical aspects of Blossom's life as a young Black woman trying to break into early Hollywood and the contrasting challenges she had versus what her grandaughters faced coming from a much more privileged background in modern America with the price of fame and love living in the spotlight.
This was good on audio and perfect for fans of books like The Black kids by Christina Hammonds Reed or Reel by Kennedy Ryan. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! Also it can't go without saying that the cover for this book is just sooo striking and fierce!
CW: alcoholic parent with drug addiction (off page overdose)
I really enjoyed the historical aspects of Blossom's life as a young Black woman trying to break into early Hollywood and the contrasting challenges she had versus what her grandaughters faced coming from a much more privileged background in modern America with the price of fame and love living in the spotlight.
This was good on audio and perfect for fans of books like The Black kids by Christina Hammonds Reed or Reel by Kennedy Ryan. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! Also it can't go without saying that the cover for this book is just sooo striking and fierce!
CW: alcoholic parent with drug addiction (off page overdose)
November 16, 2024
This was a captivating ode to black Hollywood.
The BLACKWOODS explores the legacy left by a strong black woman, Blossom Blackwood, so that her great granddaughters can have agency and choice in their own lives. Blossom dreams of being an actor, but choices are limited when she's growing up. Despite her struggles, she prevails, raising her son, Abe, with the help of her mother and sister, and becoming a well-known actress. Abe eventually becomes a famous actor as well, and now Blossom's granddaughter Ardith is in the acting business too. Spread out among the family are others in Hollywood via lawyers, producers, etc.
This is a story about women told by women--Blossom, Ardith, and the other granddaughter, Hollis. Hollis prefers a more private life--hard when you're a Blackwood--and even more difficult when photos of her are leaked by the press.
I loved the stories about Blossom's past, even though they highlighted so well the racism she experienced on her quest to become an actress. She's a tough and spirited woman, and her character shone through the pages.
Present-day is a bit more lackluster. It takes some time for Ardith and Hollis to become as fully-realized as Blossom. The story is fascinating, though, and draws you into the creative Blackwood clan, their trials, tribulations, and successes. It's a very good look at motherhood and family and the legacy one leaves behind.
The BLACKWOODS explores the legacy left by a strong black woman, Blossom Blackwood, so that her great granddaughters can have agency and choice in their own lives. Blossom dreams of being an actor, but choices are limited when she's growing up. Despite her struggles, she prevails, raising her son, Abe, with the help of her mother and sister, and becoming a well-known actress. Abe eventually becomes a famous actor as well, and now Blossom's granddaughter Ardith is in the acting business too. Spread out among the family are others in Hollywood via lawyers, producers, etc.
This is a story about women told by women--Blossom, Ardith, and the other granddaughter, Hollis. Hollis prefers a more private life--hard when you're a Blackwood--and even more difficult when photos of her are leaked by the press.
I loved the stories about Blossom's past, even though they highlighted so well the racism she experienced on her quest to become an actress. She's a tough and spirited woman, and her character shone through the pages.
Present-day is a bit more lackluster. It takes some time for Ardith and Hollis to become as fully-realized as Blossom. The story is fascinating, though, and draws you into the creative Blackwood clan, their trials, tribulations, and successes. It's a very good look at motherhood and family and the legacy one leaves behind.
February 22, 2025
The Blackwoods
I Picked Up This Book Because: BKS Book Club February pick
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 2/18/25 - 2/21/25
Rating: 3.75 Stars
Narrator(s): Alaska Jackson
The Characters:
Blossom Blackwood: Modern matriarch who’s death kicked off the story.
Ardith Blackwood: 17 year old up and coming actress
Hollis Blackwood: 17 year old high school student trying to stay out of the family spotlight.
Abe, Taffy, Abe’s Three sons, Kimberly Ford (Hollis’ mother)
The Story:
I liked this book. I like learning about people's lives but that's all this book was. Them living. Two minor scandals but nothing jaw dropping or shocking happened.
*I will likely have more thoughts after book club tomorrow
I Picked Up This Book Because: BKS Book Club February pick
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 2/18/25 - 2/21/25
Rating: 3.75 Stars
Narrator(s): Alaska Jackson
The Characters:
Blossom Blackwood: Modern matriarch who’s death kicked off the story.
Ardith Blackwood: 17 year old up and coming actress
Hollis Blackwood: 17 year old high school student trying to stay out of the family spotlight.
Abe, Taffy, Abe’s Three sons, Kimberly Ford (Hollis’ mother)
The Story:
I liked this book. I like learning about people's lives but that's all this book was. Them living. Two minor scandals but nothing jaw dropping or shocking happened.
*I will likely have more thoughts after book club tomorrow
July 9, 2024
Eh. I was entertained but this just wasn’t a favorite for me; it fell flat a bit. And frankly I wasn’t attached to any of the characters. I wished it didn’t feel so pro-nepo baby in the modern day chapters too lol. I do not think that was intentional honestly; it was just that we were in the rich character’s POV who did not want to be called a nepo baby...except that rude or not, Orlando SO had a point. Blossom knowingly dating (discreetly) a married dude also annoyed me. I had zero sympathy for the cheating. I mean, the dude was an asshole for his still-prejudiced behavior, and he’s the one with the wife, so he is a shit human.
I really wish I had liked this more. I don’t know. I suppose I’m just being picky.
I really wish I had liked this more. I don’t know. I suppose I’m just being picky.
December 20, 2023
Round up to 3.5 stars.
July 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this but when I went to review it I wanted to double-check that it was marketed as YA because I think this could have worked better as an adult novel. I think the intergenerational aspects would be more compelling to older readers. But still, the characters are compelling and the history (thinly fictionalized) of Black Hollywood is interesting, so I do think teens with an interest in film/TV would still get a lot out of this.
March 17, 2024
This was a beautiful tale of three different women within the Blackwood family. We followed the matriarch, Blossom, and her love affair and rise to fame...and her two great-granddaughters, Hollis and Ardith. Hollis and Ardith are very different characters, one wanting to hide from the fame of her family name and the other basking in it and continuing on the legacy through her own acting talents. I really enjoyed reading their individual stories, but also how they intertwined. I liked the twist of who is related to them through Blossom's first love (whom she kept hidden from the family her entire life), which is slowly revealed to us throughout the novel.
If you are a fan of drama filled, Hollywood themed, family centered novels, with a little love thrown in...then I recommend picking this one up.
If you are a fan of drama filled, Hollywood themed, family centered novels, with a little love thrown in...then I recommend picking this one up.
November 20, 2023
This is an outstanding book! I really enjoyed how the author told the story in alternating timelines. I was able to feel more connected to the characters reading the book this way. I have often wondered how children who grew up not knowing one parent or one side of the family would feel at discovering that long-lost family later in their life, The book also does an excellent job at discussing some trials that families deal with growing up in the spotlight of Hollywood. It has to be hard having every aspect of your life examined like under a magnifying glass. I love family drama books such as this one because, on some level, we can all relate to something that a character is going through. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I will definitely be recommending this book to my reading circle and any book clubs that need an excellent book to read,
October 9, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Who doesn’t know the Blackwood name? This family name has been solidified in Hollywood for 5 generations. After Blossom Blackwood’s passing her secret has come to out leaving her grandchildren Ardith and Hollis to deal with it. Not to mention the drama they have going on with their own lives. From grief of losing family members to pictures being leaked, the Blackwoods have a lot on their plate. I enjoyed both Ardith and Hollis’s stories. This was my first read from this author and I enjoyed it.
Thank you HarperCollins Children's Books, Balzer + Bray and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Who doesn’t know the Blackwood name? This family name has been solidified in Hollywood for 5 generations. After Blossom Blackwood’s passing her secret has come to out leaving her grandchildren Ardith and Hollis to deal with it. Not to mention the drama they have going on with their own lives. From grief of losing family members to pictures being leaked, the Blackwoods have a lot on their plate. I enjoyed both Ardith and Hollis’s stories. This was my first read from this author and I enjoyed it.
Thank you HarperCollins Children's Books, Balzer + Bray and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2024
An enjoyable family saga story of Black Hollywood. Colbert touches on serious issues such as addiction, mental health, and the struggles that many women face in having to choose between family and career. The story is told via 3 perspectives that were developed well, however, the plot does move quite slowly.
February 29, 2024
3.5/5 Stars, but I'm rounding up because I truly enjoyed this multigenerational story of a Hollywood family. But it did really drag in certain parts and honestly, I really wish the whole book had been about Bebe. The modern parts weren't half as interesting to me as the Old Hollywood sections of the book.
January 26, 2024
I can tell that Colbert did her research on Black Hollywood. I really enjoyed this book! I loved reading about Blossom's past. I don't get why she hid Abe's father, but people do what's best for them ig.
July 14, 2024
The cover art made me think this was not going to be a quality work, just something flashy and fun. But it had so much depth and all around good story telling. Can we get a Hollis + Dwayne spinoff....?
November 2, 2023
RTC!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me an e-ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me an e-ARC.
February 21, 2024
This book was kind of the YA version of “Did you Hear about Kitty Karr,” and it was okay but I felt like the multiple perspectives didn’t quite pull the whole story together like it should have.
March 23, 2024
4.5 🌟
It was slow going for me at first. But once i got into it, i was INTO it. I enjoyed it. It was touching. I could see this as a movie to be honest.Good soup.
It was slow going for me at first. But once i got into it, i was INTO it. I enjoyed it. It was touching. I could see this as a movie to be honest.Good soup.
April 10, 2024
This book was outstanding, loved every bit of it!
October 12, 2023
Really liked reading this story about a black Hollywood dynasty of a family! The trials and tribulations and how chasing your dreams can get you far, but also what it can cost you. I loved how it spanned generations. I would definitely read more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
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