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Glimpses of Paradise: A Novel
Two high school kids in small town Nebraska have their dreams. Zee, a minister's daughter, wants to be a movie star. Doyle, the son of a wealthy lawyer, is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and practice law. But World War I explodes and changes everyone’s plans. When Doyle ends up on the battlefields of France, though he performs ably, he comes out disillusioned. Rejecting his parents' pleas to return to school, he finds himself in Los Angeles on the bottom rung of society. Unknown to him, Zee Miller is also in L. A., having run away from her father and the religion of her youth. But when Doyle gets back into law, and Zee is arrested for murder, their lives will intersect again, in a way that may shatter them both.
416 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2005
278 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
James Scott Bell
132 books1,036 followersJim is a former trial lawyer who now writes and speaks full time. He is the bestselling author of Try Dying, No Legal Grounds, Presumed Guilty, Glimpses of Paradise, Breach of Promise and several other thrillers. He is a winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Inspirational Fiction, and was a fiction columnist for Writers Digest magazine. He has written two books in the Writers' Digest series, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure and Revision & Self-Editing.
Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.
Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan
Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.
Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
October 4, 2016
Suitable for ages: 18+
Oh my goodness. My eyes are still smarting and my throat aching (melodramatic sounding or not that is the truth)! From the first word in I had no idea how this book would turn out and all through the book I had no guesses. Seriously, it is not a cliche story. It is so much better and real and horrible and sad and wonderful than most books I read! I'm not sure if I can even write this review.
Zee Miller, daughter to a Baptist minister, and Doyle Lawrence, son to a lawyer, want something exciting out of life. Zee dreams of becoming a movie star, and Doyle dreams of writing poetry, not becoming a lawyer like his father. From there their life seems set. I really expected for Zee's father to be the "bad guy" as so many writers do of fathers, but he was not. And Doyle...Wow!
I'll admit that I never really truly liked Zee. I wanted to shake or yell at her. As it neared the end my grief for her lifestyle overflowed and that one scene....Oh my!! Let me just say that although I never loved her, she is an amazing character and shows what happens to someone who turns their back on God....but also a picture of what God CAN do in a life like hers!
But Doyle...I had so much hope in him. All that hope came to pass in one scene when he finally accepted God's salvation. I dearly love his character, and who he married and how everything came together was wonderful. Not what you think will happen at the beginning!
There is a strong salvation message in this. At first the story felt a little frivolous as it was shown through Doyle and Zee's eyes as teenagers, but once R.A. Torrey was brought in I saw hope for the story. Amazing!
The historical nature of this book is great. The Great War plays part in it, and several real people, actors, lawyers, etc. are all scattered through this book. The author has done a superb job of revealing true life in fiction.
I knocked one star off of this for one main reason, besides the fact that I abhor the cover ;) Zee's lifestyle is shown throughout the book. A lot more could have been shown, but a couple scenes were still a little uncomfortable for me. Two in particular when a man takes advantage of a girl. It ends right before anything else is said, but you sort of get the idea. Also, a girl gets pregnant out of wedlock. There were several scenes with drinking and smoking, including minor characters getting drunk. I understand the author tried to show the sinfulness in Hollywood (even back in "the good ole days"!) and of how without God men is most miserable, but I think a few scenes could have been left out. For all those reasons I would not recommend this book for ages 18 and under.
From the first page I had such a hard time putting this book down. The style of writing and the characters were fabulous. Even minor characters had great personalities. A fabulous read full of God's redemption, even in the lives of the most wicked people!
Oh my goodness. My eyes are still smarting and my throat aching (melodramatic sounding or not that is the truth)! From the first word in I had no idea how this book would turn out and all through the book I had no guesses. Seriously, it is not a cliche story. It is so much better and real and horrible and sad and wonderful than most books I read! I'm not sure if I can even write this review.
Zee Miller, daughter to a Baptist minister, and Doyle Lawrence, son to a lawyer, want something exciting out of life. Zee dreams of becoming a movie star, and Doyle dreams of writing poetry, not becoming a lawyer like his father. From there their life seems set. I really expected for Zee's father to be the "bad guy" as so many writers do of fathers, but he was not. And Doyle...Wow!
I'll admit that I never really truly liked Zee. I wanted to shake or yell at her. As it neared the end my grief for her lifestyle overflowed and that one scene....Oh my!! Let me just say that although I never loved her, she is an amazing character and shows what happens to someone who turns their back on God....but also a picture of what God CAN do in a life like hers!
But Doyle...I had so much hope in him. All that hope came to pass in one scene when he finally accepted God's salvation. I dearly love his character, and who he married and how everything came together was wonderful. Not what you think will happen at the beginning!
There is a strong salvation message in this. At first the story felt a little frivolous as it was shown through Doyle and Zee's eyes as teenagers, but once R.A. Torrey was brought in I saw hope for the story. Amazing!
The historical nature of this book is great. The Great War plays part in it, and several real people, actors, lawyers, etc. are all scattered through this book. The author has done a superb job of revealing true life in fiction.
I knocked one star off of this for one main reason, besides the fact that I abhor the cover ;) Zee's lifestyle is shown throughout the book. A lot more could have been shown, but a couple scenes were still a little uncomfortable for me. Two in particular when a man takes advantage of a girl. It ends right before anything else is said, but you sort of get the idea. Also, a girl gets pregnant out of wedlock. There were several scenes with drinking and smoking, including minor characters getting drunk. I understand the author tried to show the sinfulness in Hollywood (even back in "the good ole days"!) and of how without God men is most miserable, but I think a few scenes could have been left out. For all those reasons I would not recommend this book for ages 18 and under.
From the first page I had such a hard time putting this book down. The style of writing and the characters were fabulous. Even minor characters had great personalities. A fabulous read full of God's redemption, even in the lives of the most wicked people!
September 30, 2018
I picked this up for research purposes as it depicts early 1920s Hollywood. I had not noticed that it was published by Bethany House, but the Christian theme was so evident as I read that I stopped to check who published it.
The main characters are well-rounded to a point, and the book defies the initial romantic set-up. Doyle Lawrence is the darling of his small town in Nebraska. He loves poetry, but his lawyer father shoves him toward Yale and his destiny in the law. Zee Miller is the darling of Doyle's eye, the daughter of a grim, controlling preacher. She's all passion and verve, determined to escape and become a Hollywood star. The first quarter of the book is very predictable. Their families forbid them from seeing each other; Doyle goes to university, hates it, and dodges obligations by going to war, which leaves him an angry, broken hobo in the following years. Zee, being the bad role model, falls in with actors, gets raped, carries a child out of wedlock, but eventually makes it to Hollywood and engages in a ruthless climb to the top.
Zee's characterization bugged me more and more as the book went on because I felt so bludgeoned over the head with the moral message. "If you're a woman is ambitious! Who defies your abusive father! Who is creative! Well, you're gonna get raped and fall in with gangsters and crooks and you'll get yours." And it didn't have to go that heavy-handed. That's the real tragedy here. Zee is a sympathetic character to cheer for from the start, and as it went on, she became such a stereotypical Hollywood Bad Girl. This is a modern book, but this characterization was quite the thing during the 1920s as churches rallied in favor of censorship; I already read a horrible book by Edgar Rice Burroughs that did much the same thing, but focused on drug use and perversion in Hollywood.
Zee's not the only one who falls into a type. Her friend Molly never feels like more than a prop. Many of the people in Hollywood are blatantly based on real people--which is fine--but nothing fresh is done with them. Meanwhile, Lawrence's eventual redemption has a note of realism to it, but he comes full circle in a cloyingly pleasant way. The ending has several big surprises that I won't spoil.
For my research needs, I did make some notes. His research on Los Angeles in the era was evident, though he doesn't go as deep into Hollywood and the movie industry of the time. Overall, though, I was left frustrated by the lack of nuance when it came to the message and how most of the characters developed.
The main characters are well-rounded to a point, and the book defies the initial romantic set-up. Doyle Lawrence is the darling of his small town in Nebraska. He loves poetry, but his lawyer father shoves him toward Yale and his destiny in the law. Zee Miller is the darling of Doyle's eye, the daughter of a grim, controlling preacher. She's all passion and verve, determined to escape and become a Hollywood star. The first quarter of the book is very predictable. Their families forbid them from seeing each other; Doyle goes to university, hates it, and dodges obligations by going to war, which leaves him an angry, broken hobo in the following years. Zee, being the bad role model, falls in with actors, gets raped, carries a child out of wedlock, but eventually makes it to Hollywood and engages in a ruthless climb to the top.
Zee's characterization bugged me more and more as the book went on because I felt so bludgeoned over the head with the moral message. "If you're a woman is ambitious! Who defies your abusive father! Who is creative! Well, you're gonna get raped and fall in with gangsters and crooks and you'll get yours." And it didn't have to go that heavy-handed. That's the real tragedy here. Zee is a sympathetic character to cheer for from the start, and as it went on, she became such a stereotypical Hollywood Bad Girl. This is a modern book, but this characterization was quite the thing during the 1920s as churches rallied in favor of censorship; I already read a horrible book by Edgar Rice Burroughs that did much the same thing, but focused on drug use and perversion in Hollywood.
Zee's not the only one who falls into a type. Her friend Molly never feels like more than a prop. Many of the people in Hollywood are blatantly based on real people--which is fine--but nothing fresh is done with them. Meanwhile, Lawrence's eventual redemption has a note of realism to it, but he comes full circle in a cloyingly pleasant way. The ending has several big surprises that I won't spoil.
For my research needs, I did make some notes. His research on Los Angeles in the era was evident, though he doesn't go as deep into Hollywood and the movie industry of the time. Overall, though, I was left frustrated by the lack of nuance when it came to the message and how most of the characters developed.
July 25, 2018
Must Read. Entertaining, Can't Put Down!
This is an amazing book. I enjoyed every page. A great book for teens to adult, male or female. There is action, suspense, love, heartache, redemption and more. Great job, Mr. Bell!
This is an amazing book. I enjoyed every page. A great book for teens to adult, male or female. There is action, suspense, love, heartache, redemption and more. Great job, Mr. Bell!
February 4, 2015
Zenith, Nebraska. June 1916. A postage stamp costs two cents. Woodrow Wilson is President. The Great War looms in Europe. And the lives of two young people are about to change forever.
Doyle Lawrence is 17 years old, his life already mapped out for him: attend Princeton, learn to be a gentleman, then join his wealthy father's law practice. "And the Miller girl," the elder Lawrence admonishes Doyle one evening, "is not someone you should be seen with."
Zee Miller's father is a strict Baptist preacher whose belief in the evil of motion pictures butts heads with Zee's burning desire to become an actress. When her father finds her copy of Picture Progress, the magazine published by Paramount Studios, he forbids her to read the material or to entertain her foolish notions one moment longer. But the acting bug has bitten Zee harder than her father imagines, and life in small-town Zenith soon becomes a strangling chain around young Zee's neck. "When Joan of Arc was tied to the stake, Zee saw herself in that role. Not only that, she saw herself as Joan of Zenith. She would burn up here into ashes."
At the end-of-the-year high school dance, Doyle asks Zee to marry him, but Zee refuses. Not because she doesn't love Doyle. She does. But she doesn't want to hold him back, and she can't give up her Hollywood dream either--the dream no one else, not even Doyle, believes in. Someday, she will show the world.
When the U.S. declares war on Germany, Doyle drops out of Princeton to enlist and is soon shipped off to Europe. He returns home months later no longer a boy on the verge of great things. He's a broken man whose innocence died on the battlefield. Zee's innocence has also died, but in a different kind of battle. They both eventually find themselves in the City of Angels, each unaware of the other. She's in L.A. to become a movie star, Doyle simply to survive. How far will Zee go in her quest for stardom? Will she find a way to redeem her life even as Doyle falls in love with her best friend?
I don't read historical novels often, but Glimpses of Paradise held my interest on every page. The scenes clip along at break-neck speed, and historical facts are seamlessly entwined into the story. It's hard to guess who's a real historic figure and who's fictional; they all feel real. With its speakeasies, thugs, and ruthless opportunists who try to ruin Doyle and his friends, Roaring 20s Los Angeles stands up and breathes in this story.
For those familiar with James Scott Bell's contemporary legal thrillers, don't think he's ditched his signature courtroom drama in this one. There's plenty of legal action, it just doesn't take center stage until later in the novel when Zee is accused of murder. Readers of Jim's previous historical series will also be pleasantly surprised at the re-appearance of beloved character Kit Shannon (one of Jim's personal favorites), who plays a small but satisfying role in Glimpses of Paradise.
Particularly intriguing is the inclusion of real historical figure R.A. Torrey, an evangelist who won his first convert after hearing Dwight L. Moody preach in 1878. Slower scenes in Torrey's point-of-view are interspersed throughout the book, detailing his struggle to defend his Christian beliefs against the watered down theology of his day, and it's Torrey's influence that first challenges Doyle's notions about the things of God.
Glimpses of Paradise has it all. War. Romance. Suspense. History. Overall, it's an extremely satisfying read from one of fiction's masters.
Doyle Lawrence is 17 years old, his life already mapped out for him: attend Princeton, learn to be a gentleman, then join his wealthy father's law practice. "And the Miller girl," the elder Lawrence admonishes Doyle one evening, "is not someone you should be seen with."
Zee Miller's father is a strict Baptist preacher whose belief in the evil of motion pictures butts heads with Zee's burning desire to become an actress. When her father finds her copy of Picture Progress, the magazine published by Paramount Studios, he forbids her to read the material or to entertain her foolish notions one moment longer. But the acting bug has bitten Zee harder than her father imagines, and life in small-town Zenith soon becomes a strangling chain around young Zee's neck. "When Joan of Arc was tied to the stake, Zee saw herself in that role. Not only that, she saw herself as Joan of Zenith. She would burn up here into ashes."
At the end-of-the-year high school dance, Doyle asks Zee to marry him, but Zee refuses. Not because she doesn't love Doyle. She does. But she doesn't want to hold him back, and she can't give up her Hollywood dream either--the dream no one else, not even Doyle, believes in. Someday, she will show the world.
When the U.S. declares war on Germany, Doyle drops out of Princeton to enlist and is soon shipped off to Europe. He returns home months later no longer a boy on the verge of great things. He's a broken man whose innocence died on the battlefield. Zee's innocence has also died, but in a different kind of battle. They both eventually find themselves in the City of Angels, each unaware of the other. She's in L.A. to become a movie star, Doyle simply to survive. How far will Zee go in her quest for stardom? Will she find a way to redeem her life even as Doyle falls in love with her best friend?
I don't read historical novels often, but Glimpses of Paradise held my interest on every page. The scenes clip along at break-neck speed, and historical facts are seamlessly entwined into the story. It's hard to guess who's a real historic figure and who's fictional; they all feel real. With its speakeasies, thugs, and ruthless opportunists who try to ruin Doyle and his friends, Roaring 20s Los Angeles stands up and breathes in this story.
For those familiar with James Scott Bell's contemporary legal thrillers, don't think he's ditched his signature courtroom drama in this one. There's plenty of legal action, it just doesn't take center stage until later in the novel when Zee is accused of murder. Readers of Jim's previous historical series will also be pleasantly surprised at the re-appearance of beloved character Kit Shannon (one of Jim's personal favorites), who plays a small but satisfying role in Glimpses of Paradise.
Particularly intriguing is the inclusion of real historical figure R.A. Torrey, an evangelist who won his first convert after hearing Dwight L. Moody preach in 1878. Slower scenes in Torrey's point-of-view are interspersed throughout the book, detailing his struggle to defend his Christian beliefs against the watered down theology of his day, and it's Torrey's influence that first challenges Doyle's notions about the things of God.
Glimpses of Paradise has it all. War. Romance. Suspense. History. Overall, it's an extremely satisfying read from one of fiction's masters.
January 22, 2016
We first meet the main characters in Glimpses of Paradise, 17 year-old Doyle Lawrence (athlete and poet) and 16 year-old Zenobia (Zee) Miller (want-to-be movie star), in the spring of 1916 in Zenith, Nebraska. Doyle, fascinated by the unpredictable and colorful Zee, tells his brother later that evening that he'll marry Zee someday despite what their lawyer father will say. For her part, though Zee senses his attraction, she wants only to be in the movies.
Their ways soon part. Doyle enlists in the army and goes off to war. Zee runs away from her straight-laced preacher father to chase her dream.
This historical tale by James Scott Bell (first published in 2005) explores many aspects of the years from 1916 to 1925—the war itself, the fate of returning soldiers, the rise of Hollywood's popularity, and its seamy underside. Concurrent with these secular movements is a spiritual stream personified by the historical preacher R. A. Torrey (a preacher and Bible teacher who helped found Biola University). His sermons and writings play not a little part in determining Doyle's and Zee's fates.
I thoroughly enjoyed this substantial novel. I've read many of James Scott Bell's books on the writing craft and it is interesting to see how he puts his advice into practice. His characters are complex and believable. His facility in describing action contrasts, in this book, with quiet moments like the one war-damaged Doyle experiences on returning home after combat:
What I appreciate most about this book, though, is its unequivocal Christian message, not only as explained by Dr. Torrey but lived out in the choices and destinies of his characters.
If you like fat, informative, and interesting Christian historicals, try this tome of Americana. It won't disappoint.
Their ways soon part. Doyle enlists in the army and goes off to war. Zee runs away from her straight-laced preacher father to chase her dream.
This historical tale by James Scott Bell (first published in 2005) explores many aspects of the years from 1916 to 1925—the war itself, the fate of returning soldiers, the rise of Hollywood's popularity, and its seamy underside. Concurrent with these secular movements is a spiritual stream personified by the historical preacher R. A. Torrey (a preacher and Bible teacher who helped found Biola University). His sermons and writings play not a little part in determining Doyle's and Zee's fates.
I thoroughly enjoyed this substantial novel. I've read many of James Scott Bell's books on the writing craft and it is interesting to see how he puts his advice into practice. His characters are complex and believable. His facility in describing action contrasts, in this book, with quiet moments like the one war-damaged Doyle experiences on returning home after combat:
He found himself fixated on one brown leaf cloning to a branch. It looked stubborn, alone, like a solitary prayer unheard" - Kindle Location 1553.
What I appreciate most about this book, though, is its unequivocal Christian message, not only as explained by Dr. Torrey but lived out in the choices and destinies of his characters.
If you like fat, informative, and interesting Christian historicals, try this tome of Americana. It won't disappoint.
January 22, 2011
I loved, loved, loved this book. I love James Scott Bell books, but this was my favorite. It was set in 1920's california and the main character was a young woman who set out to make it big in the new and growing film industry. Like many of us, she does not make the best choices, but she has to live with the choices she makes. I am am not giving it away, but I really loved this book.
February 5, 2019
This is a Christian book. The heart of it does not make sense in any other context. There is plenty of preaching and the gospel is well explained.
There is a romance in this book, but it is not like most romance novels. The book has much more to do with crime and the struggle of the protagonists in a criminal world.
I am irritated with the synopsis of this book because it gives away part of the plot which doesn't occur until the last part of the book. I think that took away some of the impact. I think the story had surprises and also some predictable things.
The protagonists are naive and spoiled. One of them grows through the story. One of them does not. DEFINITE SPOILER
This book contains interesting history of the 1920's in Los Angeles. The author says he researched it and I assume that all but the stories of the fictional protagonists and a few of the other fictional characters is accurate. R.A. Torrey is real and so was his Fundamentalist preaching and teaching. It was a pivotal time for Christianity in America.
To me, one repeated sub-theme is ironic. The idea that movies were corrupting for Christians could also be applied to novels, especially certain types like Romance novels. (As I said, this is not a typical Romance novel.)
I loved one statement by Torrey. I have no idea is he actually said it, but I think it should be a principle accepted by more Christians. "I'm not legislating for the world. If it were in my power to pass a law that there should be no more gambling halls, no more theaters, no more movies, I would not pass it. I would not believe it." I wonder how many more things JSB was thinking about when he wrote that using just those 3 examples. Christians can't make unbelievers stop sinning by passing laws. It is who and what they are. It is what we are, or at least were. By trying to legislate morality, Christians become Pharisees. They become self-righteous. They misrepresent Jesus.
Mature themes: there is no description of sex, but there is a rape implied which results in a child, murder, suicide and beatings.
There is a romance in this book, but it is not like most romance novels. The book has much more to do with crime and the struggle of the protagonists in a criminal world.
I am irritated with the synopsis of this book because it gives away part of the plot which doesn't occur until the last part of the book. I think that took away some of the impact. I think the story had surprises and also some predictable things.
The protagonists are naive and spoiled. One of them grows through the story. One of them does not. DEFINITE SPOILER
This book contains interesting history of the 1920's in Los Angeles. The author says he researched it and I assume that all but the stories of the fictional protagonists and a few of the other fictional characters is accurate. R.A. Torrey is real and so was his Fundamentalist preaching and teaching. It was a pivotal time for Christianity in America.
To me, one repeated sub-theme is ironic. The idea that movies were corrupting for Christians could also be applied to novels, especially certain types like Romance novels. (As I said, this is not a typical Romance novel.)
I loved one statement by Torrey. I have no idea is he actually said it, but I think it should be a principle accepted by more Christians. "I'm not legislating for the world. If it were in my power to pass a law that there should be no more gambling halls, no more theaters, no more movies, I would not pass it. I would not believe it." I wonder how many more things JSB was thinking about when he wrote that using just those 3 examples. Christians can't make unbelievers stop sinning by passing laws. It is who and what they are. It is what we are, or at least were. By trying to legislate morality, Christians become Pharisees. They become self-righteous. They misrepresent Jesus.
Mature themes: there is no description of sex, but there is a rape implied which results in a child, murder, suicide and beatings.
October 11, 2021
This book was the most intriguing book I've read in a long time. I loved how he showed that the self-drive and ambition to be a Hollywood star happened through a series of compromises so great that the path didn't lead to happiness. He didn't glamorize alcohol, that's for sure. I loved the part about R.A. Torrey and the stand he took on inerrancy of Scripture, the necessity of coming to God in salvation and allowing Him to lead one's life. I was so impressed to see this strong statement by Torrey: "Faith will not grow without obedience to Christ. The more closely we follow Him the more our faith will grow." In fact, that could be the theme of the book.
The book was well written and kept me turning pages. I didn't love the ending, but by the time he got there, it was really the only ending possible. I had a hard time liking Zee who seemed to only make bad choices. But the book had a lot to say and said it well. Some would have called this book "preachy" but I loved that it took a strong stand on some really important things.
The book was well written and kept me turning pages. I didn't love the ending, but by the time he got there, it was really the only ending possible. I had a hard time liking Zee who seemed to only make bad choices. But the book had a lot to say and said it well. Some would have called this book "preachy" but I loved that it took a strong stand on some really important things.
November 30, 2019
Two high school kids in Nebraska dream. Zee, a minister's daughter, wants to be a movie star. Doyle, a lawyer's son, wants to practice law. World War I explodes. Doyle lands on the battlefields of France then comes home and moves to LA. Zee Miller is also in LA charged with murder. Their lives intersect again in a way that could shatter them both.
I love seeing the power of the Bible in action. It changes people, even those whose past is tainted. This is a love story between more than two people. A cord of three is the perfect bond. When God is involved, miracles happen.
I enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down, as I read it in two sittings, all in one day. I'll long remember the characters and the plot. The surprise ending brought everything together.
I love seeing the power of the Bible in action. It changes people, even those whose past is tainted. This is a love story between more than two people. A cord of three is the perfect bond. When God is involved, miracles happen.
I enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down, as I read it in two sittings, all in one day. I'll long remember the characters and the plot. The surprise ending brought everything together.
April 30, 2018
Sweeping 20s novel
Set in the glamor of early Hollywood, all the way from the plains of Nebraska, this sweeping tale of fame and fortune will keep the reader ensnared and unable to put the book down. The characters are believable and the storyline takes the reader into the seamy underbelly of bootleggers, protection rackets, and organized crime during the Roaring Twenties. We also see the glamour of Hollywood's early starlets and the cutthroat tactics of rising stardom. It's a long book but it reads fast. Dont miss it.
Set in the glamor of early Hollywood, all the way from the plains of Nebraska, this sweeping tale of fame and fortune will keep the reader ensnared and unable to put the book down. The characters are believable and the storyline takes the reader into the seamy underbelly of bootleggers, protection rackets, and organized crime during the Roaring Twenties. We also see the glamour of Hollywood's early starlets and the cutthroat tactics of rising stardom. It's a long book but it reads fast. Dont miss it.
May 4, 2023
Beauty is Only Skin Deep
The chronicles of ZEE are quite twisted as she takes the reins of her dreams and is determined to succeed in spite of all the pitfalls in her way. As you make the journey with her you laugh, cry and get very angry in her stead. In spite of her challenges she never gives up, constantly taking a stand for her rights and often taken down for her choices. She believes she will succeed with the exception she will stand up for people she loves at whatever cost to her. A very compelling tale of love, seeking success at all costs.
The chronicles of ZEE are quite twisted as she takes the reins of her dreams and is determined to succeed in spite of all the pitfalls in her way. As you make the journey with her you laugh, cry and get very angry in her stead. In spite of her challenges she never gives up, constantly taking a stand for her rights and often taken down for her choices. She believes she will succeed with the exception she will stand up for people she loves at whatever cost to her. A very compelling tale of love, seeking success at all costs.
April 27, 2023
Very interesting! The only thing I question is his Armenian biblical theology. This is the second book I have read by this author that criticizes the reformed theological viewpoint about God’s elect, which is biblical. If man chooses Christ for salvation he is doing something to merit his salvation. However, my disagreement with this point will not keep me from reading his books as he is one of my favorite authors.
April 11, 2018
Interesting!
This is my first time reading this author. There was a whole lot going on. It had some real interesting moments in the battlefield. Also preacher's daughter, See ran away to Hollywood to become a star. Thugs. Speakeasys. Bribes. Murders. And yes, some good people. Quite a read!
This is my first time reading this author. There was a whole lot going on. It had some real interesting moments in the battlefield. Also preacher's daughter, See ran away to Hollywood to become a star. Thugs. Speakeasys. Bribes. Murders. And yes, some good people. Quite a read!
June 18, 2021
Excellent story!
A great portrayal of an era. Storylines expertly woven together, reading almost like biography. Early Los Angeles history, during prohibition and silent movie period. Crime bosses and speakeasies, bums and preachers. I love how the sermons of Pastor RA Torrey were an integral part of the story. And great fulfilling ending! Great easy read!
A great portrayal of an era. Storylines expertly woven together, reading almost like biography. Early Los Angeles history, during prohibition and silent movie period. Crime bosses and speakeasies, bums and preachers. I love how the sermons of Pastor RA Torrey were an integral part of the story. And great fulfilling ending! Great easy read!
August 26, 2022
A friend lent this to me to get my opinion on it. When the moralizing started getting heavy-handed, I read the back cover and noticed it was published by Bethany House. Then the Bible-quoting began. It was clear at this point that the ambitious woman would suffer and the meek one would inherit, well, everything!
April 10, 2018
Outstanding historical novel of 1915-1925 times. The array of characters is fascinating. I feel as if I lived through WWI and the following years in Hollywood's early days. Must read more James Scott Bell!
April 29, 2018
Wonderful book
Well developed character in a detailed story of two high school friends and their life after school. I have only 4 stars because this was a little slow to me in places. I definitely enjoyed this book and would read more of this author
Well developed character in a detailed story of two high school friends and their life after school. I have only 4 stars because this was a little slow to me in places. I definitely enjoyed this book and would read more of this author
May 9, 2018
Riveting.
I couldn’t put this book down. This is the longest book of James Scott Bell, but it was so real, and the characters were very well-developed. I loved the depth that this author put into the story, and I learned a lot about World War 1 as well.
I couldn’t put this book down. This is the longest book of James Scott Bell, but it was so real, and the characters were very well-developed. I loved the depth that this author put into the story, and I learned a lot about World War 1 as well.
August 11, 2018
Enjoyed the legal parts of the book. Didn't really enjoy the Hollywood side of the story but I'm sure that is what it is like in the film industry. Great ending to the story - Doyle and Molly adopt Isabel and return home to Zenith for him to practice law.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2018
Dreams, suspense, romance, mystery and happy ever after.
I tried comparing notes, I was rooting for the characters, praying with them. Telling them what to do. And getting angry with the bullys.
I tried comparing notes, I was rooting for the characters, praying with them. Telling them what to do. And getting angry with the bullys.
December 31, 2018
Read the first book from this author. I was pleasantly surprised at this suspenseful story very well done. I listened to the audio book. I am now a fan of Mr. James Scott Bell and have bought some of his books, especially on writing and will continue to do so.
November 21, 2019
Ocean Claims
I enjoyed the characters, the historical references, and use of scripture. There were a couple of points when I expected more than promised by an author of this caliber, however.
I enjoyed the characters, the historical references, and use of scripture. There were a couple of points when I expected more than promised by an author of this caliber, however.
June 29, 2020
When Selfishness and God Collide
A young woman driven by her dream sells out to the glimmer of fame and fortune only to lose what really was the treasure which was intended for her.
A young woman driven by her dream sells out to the glimmer of fame and fortune only to lose what really was the treasure which was intended for her.
May 10, 2021
I did a fair bit of skimming on this one— and once I got towards the end, I felt that I had perhaps read this novel before. Book got pretty preachy toward the end and everyone got their just desserts. Wrapped up in a bow.
October 29, 2024
Book club selection. Flat story telling writing style. Like a reporter. Lacked in depth character development. Would have stopped reading if not a book club selection. However, the ending of the story redeemed the book and gave it some color and style.
June 17, 2017
I absolutely loved this story!
November 3, 2017
This was a nice clean book. It was really long. Rated G
November 16, 2018
Extremely well plotted
A well researched book about trying to find oneself. The main characters are intriguing and the setting believable. Loved it!
A well researched book about trying to find oneself. The main characters are intriguing and the setting believable. Loved it!
February 13, 2019
Had a slow start but then became a page turner.
March 13, 2019
Worth. The read
Great book with lots of twists and turns. Continual surprises and drama. A great book and worth reading. I couldn't put it down.
Great book with lots of twists and turns. Continual surprises and drama. A great book and worth reading. I couldn't put it down.
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