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The Last Secret of Lily Adams
The death of a legendary actress reveals a wealth of Hollywood secrets in a breathtaking novel about betrayal, rivalry, and the punishing brutality of fame.
One of the brightest stars of Hollywood’s golden age was Lily Adams, the beloved picture of all-American innocence. Why she suddenly vanished from the spotlight was a mystery even to those closest to her.
Upon Lily’s death seventy years later, her granddaughter, Carolyn Prior, struggles to understand a woman she loved but never really knew. Then, sifting through the memorabilia of a once-glamorous career, Carolyn comes across a letter from her grandmother. It’s the trembling admission of a secret life and a story that begins and ends with superstar Stella Lane, Lily’s archrival of the silver screen—a bombshell who was brutally murdered.
As Carolyn unearths her grandmother’s connection to the notorious unsolved slaying, her life collides with Lily’s in the most shocking ways. And with each stunning new revelation, Carolyn must decide how much she is willing to risk to unlock the truth.
One of the brightest stars of Hollywood’s golden age was Lily Adams, the beloved picture of all-American innocence. Why she suddenly vanished from the spotlight was a mystery even to those closest to her.
Upon Lily’s death seventy years later, her granddaughter, Carolyn Prior, struggles to understand a woman she loved but never really knew. Then, sifting through the memorabilia of a once-glamorous career, Carolyn comes across a letter from her grandmother. It’s the trembling admission of a secret life and a story that begins and ends with superstar Stella Lane, Lily’s archrival of the silver screen—a bombshell who was brutally murdered.
As Carolyn unearths her grandmother’s connection to the notorious unsolved slaying, her life collides with Lily’s in the most shocking ways. And with each stunning new revelation, Carolyn must decide how much she is willing to risk to unlock the truth.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2024
2175 people are currently reading
19250 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 464 reviews
June 30, 2024
Late 1940’s/early 50’s - Hollywoods Golden Age????
Actor Lily Adam’s is the girl next door and her career is going well whereas Stella Lane is the superstar. Why does Lily drop off the cinematic scene???
In the present day her granddaughter Carolyn is clearing out Lily’s California home after her death. What will her memorabilia reveal?
Having seen so many 4/5 star reviews for this novel, I begin with high hopes but the slow start especially in the modern timeline makes my heart sink! The mystery of Lily and Stella is interesting and I do enjoy this part of the book. There’s plenty of colour and lively scenes although I don’t think there’s anything especially new here. I could predict a couple of things especially the final twist which I could definitely see coming.
The biggest issue I have is with Carolyn’s timeline where things are very surface and underdeveloped especially the characterisation. I can’t see the point of introducing Carolyn’s cousin Kristy as she’s adds nothing. As for Carolyn, let’s just say she’d kill any buzz. There’s quite a bit of repetition and I’m never a fan of that. Yeah, got it. I should feel tension on several occasions but sadly, I don’t.
Overall, it’s a decent read and I do enjoy parts of it.
Kindle Unlimited
Actor Lily Adam’s is the girl next door and her career is going well whereas Stella Lane is the superstar. Why does Lily drop off the cinematic scene???
In the present day her granddaughter Carolyn is clearing out Lily’s California home after her death. What will her memorabilia reveal?
Having seen so many 4/5 star reviews for this novel, I begin with high hopes but the slow start especially in the modern timeline makes my heart sink! The mystery of Lily and Stella is interesting and I do enjoy this part of the book. There’s plenty of colour and lively scenes although I don’t think there’s anything especially new here. I could predict a couple of things especially the final twist which I could definitely see coming.
The biggest issue I have is with Carolyn’s timeline where things are very surface and underdeveloped especially the characterisation. I can’t see the point of introducing Carolyn’s cousin Kristy as she’s adds nothing. As for Carolyn, let’s just say she’d kill any buzz. There’s quite a bit of repetition and I’m never a fan of that. Yeah, got it. I should feel tension on several occasions but sadly, I don’t.
Overall, it’s a decent read and I do enjoy parts of it.
Kindle Unlimited
April 5, 2025
4.5 stars - rounded up to 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m really not quite sure what made me decide to request this book. I think it was the comparison to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid - which I absolutely adored - that really got my attention. I felt like I couldn’t pass this up!
I was pleasantly surprised by this debut! I loved both the past and present chapters with the alternating POV’s. You could tell this book was well researched. Although it is fiction, it almost felt like a true story. I think I expected most of what I learned about what goes on behind the scenes in the film industry during the Golden Age, but it was still a very entertaining read.
This is the kind of historical fiction that I love! Old Hollywood drama, a mystery to solve, some suspense, and an ending that totally surprised me!
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my copy to read and review.
I’m really not quite sure what made me decide to request this book. I think it was the comparison to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid - which I absolutely adored - that really got my attention. I felt like I couldn’t pass this up!
I was pleasantly surprised by this debut! I loved both the past and present chapters with the alternating POV’s. You could tell this book was well researched. Although it is fiction, it almost felt like a true story. I think I expected most of what I learned about what goes on behind the scenes in the film industry during the Golden Age, but it was still a very entertaining read.
This is the kind of historical fiction that I love! Old Hollywood drama, a mystery to solve, some suspense, and an ending that totally surprised me!
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my copy to read and review.
June 18, 2024
What a phenomenal debut by author Sara Blaydes. The last secret of Lily Adams is THE book to read for fans of The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo that you didn't know you needed. Why? Because this one ticks the Old Hollywood glamour vibe also ✔️, this one ticks the scandalous box also ✔️, this one provides a deeply human element to an all too realistic fictional actress also ✔️ but... what this one provides which Evelyn Hugo lacked (and this is not a criticism of that book I deeply love TJR's books) is a mystery and an insight into the deeper dark workings of Old Hollywood and how they made movies, how they treated their stars especially their actresses and the disturbing lengths they would go to control the narrative.
This is a dual POV timeline. We have Lily the Hollywood actress from the late 40s/early 50s and her Granddaughter Carolyn 70 yrs later in present day as she tries to uncover who Lily Adams was before she left Hollywood behind and why does "It all starts and ends with Stella Lane" the Marilyn Monroeesque actress who was found brutally murdered all those years ago.
The book is very well researched which will amuse fans of the Golden Age of the silver screen. Although the characters are fictitious they feel all too real, the struggles, anguish, hopes and dreams. The abuse, choices, desperation, loves and hate. This book has it all.
Warnings of: sexual abuse, rape, abortion, eating disorders, drugs and domestic violence.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to review this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is a dual POV timeline. We have Lily the Hollywood actress from the late 40s/early 50s and her Granddaughter Carolyn 70 yrs later in present day as she tries to uncover who Lily Adams was before she left Hollywood behind and why does "It all starts and ends with Stella Lane" the Marilyn Monroeesque actress who was found brutally murdered all those years ago.
The book is very well researched which will amuse fans of the Golden Age of the silver screen. Although the characters are fictitious they feel all too real, the struggles, anguish, hopes and dreams. The abuse, choices, desperation, loves and hate. This book has it all.
Warnings of: sexual abuse, rape, abortion, eating disorders, drugs and domestic violence.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to review this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 1, 2024
4 stars
Content warnings: eating disorders, drug abuse, sexual assault/harassment, physical violence, sexism, murder
A fascinating read about multiple generations of women as they deal with careers, romance, fame, fortune, family – and the obstacles in their way.
This was an excellent read. I found that it wasn't super predictable, and it took me until almost the end to guess what the twist was. The dual pov was implemented well. That's something that can be tricky at times. I found that I cared about both Lily's story in the past and Carolyn and Em's story in the present day.
Women are the focus of this novel, and I felt that they were written well. They were relatable characters who had their own distinct personalities and struggles. In the present day teenage Em has developed a cold shoulder toward Carolyn, her mother, as they navigate a divorce and the death of Lily, Carolyn's grandmother. In the past, Lily struggles to make it in Hollywood after losing both her parents and leaving her old life behind. Her story will collide with Stella Lane's, the greatest star of their generation.
I find myself hesitant to award 5 stars, although I can't quite articulate why I feel that way. Maybe it was the writing style? It wasn't bad, but it didn't quite stand out to me stylistically.
ARC provided by NetGalley
Content warnings: eating disorders, drug abuse, sexual assault/harassment, physical violence, sexism, murder
A fascinating read about multiple generations of women as they deal with careers, romance, fame, fortune, family – and the obstacles in their way.
This was an excellent read. I found that it wasn't super predictable, and it took me until almost the end to guess what the twist was. The dual pov was implemented well. That's something that can be tricky at times. I found that I cared about both Lily's story in the past and Carolyn and Em's story in the present day.
Women are the focus of this novel, and I felt that they were written well. They were relatable characters who had their own distinct personalities and struggles. In the present day teenage Em has developed a cold shoulder toward Carolyn, her mother, as they navigate a divorce and the death of Lily, Carolyn's grandmother. In the past, Lily struggles to make it in Hollywood after losing both her parents and leaving her old life behind. Her story will collide with Stella Lane's, the greatest star of their generation.
I find myself hesitant to award 5 stars, although I can't quite articulate why I feel that way. Maybe it was the writing style? It wasn't bad, but it didn't quite stand out to me stylistically.
ARC provided by NetGalley
March 9, 2024
Sara Blaydes has woven together this incredible tale that's part mystery, part family drama, and all-around amazing book! If you're into mysteries, historical fiction, and a sprinkle of old Hollywood glamour, this book is an absolute must-read!
Lily Adams, a shining star of Hollywood's golden age, mysteriously vanished from the spotlight, leaving behind unanswered questions. Seventy years later, her granddaughter Carolyn Prior discovers a letter revealing Lily's secret life intertwined with the murder of her rival, Stella Lane. As Carolyn delves deeper into her grandmother's past, her own life becomes entangled in shocking ways, forcing her to confront the truth at any cost.
I love books with dual timeline and it was managed perfectly in this book, One minute, you're chilling with Lily Adams, the Hollywood starlet from the 1940s, and the next, you're hanging out with her granddaughter, Carolyn, in present-day. And let me tell you, it's like getting sucked into this whirlwind of intrigue and secrets!
And speaking of secrets, I have to mention how this book tackles some serious issue. It shines a light on how women have been undervalued in, like, every industry, and it's impossible not to draw parallels to the whole Weinstein scandal. But through it all, you see these strong, resilient female characters who are just slaying!
I mean, Carolyn? She's this total boss babe who's trying to piece together her grandma's past while dealing with her own struggles. And then there's Lily, leaving clues behind like some kind of mystery-solving queen! It's like a treasure hunt mixed with a Hollywood blockbuster, and I am here for it!
The Last Secret of Lily Adams is the page-turner. It's got murder, mystery, old Hollywood glamour, family secrets, and just a touch of romance to keep things spicy. If you're looking for a book that'll make you think, feel, and maybe even gasp out loud a few times, then seriously, do yourself a favor and grab a copy ASAP!
Lily Adams, a shining star of Hollywood's golden age, mysteriously vanished from the spotlight, leaving behind unanswered questions. Seventy years later, her granddaughter Carolyn Prior discovers a letter revealing Lily's secret life intertwined with the murder of her rival, Stella Lane. As Carolyn delves deeper into her grandmother's past, her own life becomes entangled in shocking ways, forcing her to confront the truth at any cost.
I love books with dual timeline and it was managed perfectly in this book, One minute, you're chilling with Lily Adams, the Hollywood starlet from the 1940s, and the next, you're hanging out with her granddaughter, Carolyn, in present-day. And let me tell you, it's like getting sucked into this whirlwind of intrigue and secrets!
And speaking of secrets, I have to mention how this book tackles some serious issue. It shines a light on how women have been undervalued in, like, every industry, and it's impossible not to draw parallels to the whole Weinstein scandal. But through it all, you see these strong, resilient female characters who are just slaying!
I mean, Carolyn? She's this total boss babe who's trying to piece together her grandma's past while dealing with her own struggles. And then there's Lily, leaving clues behind like some kind of mystery-solving queen! It's like a treasure hunt mixed with a Hollywood blockbuster, and I am here for it!
The Last Secret of Lily Adams is the page-turner. It's got murder, mystery, old Hollywood glamour, family secrets, and just a touch of romance to keep things spicy. If you're looking for a book that'll make you think, feel, and maybe even gasp out loud a few times, then seriously, do yourself a favor and grab a copy ASAP!
March 5, 2024
This dual timeline story had a fairly engaging mystery and one fairly engaging protagonist (I found Lily a much more likable character than Carolyn). What it didn’t have was any real sense of the 1940s. A number of anachronisms pulled me out of the story. The most egregious was the author’s insistence on using Ms. for all the female characters in the ‘40s timeline. While a picky person might claim accurately that Ms. is an old title, short for Mistress, which was reclaimed by feminists, it was certainly NOT in common usage in the 1940s. All of these women would have been called Miss, and every time Ms. popped up it was like nails on my mental chalkboard. And I can’t see how a story could possibly be set between 1946-1951 without even a tangential mention of WWII.
May 28, 2024
I was sucked into this one right away! I loved both storylines from past and present. Carolyn is going to clean out her grandmother’s home who had recently passed and find pieces to display in a museum to showcase her grandma’s fabulous life as a movie star. Carolyn learns there was more to her grandma, Lily, that she could have ever expected, and in doing so, mends the bond with her daughter Em.
Lily’s plot was my favorite! I absolutely enjoyed learning about her life as a star! The behind the scenes antics of directors and actors are what I imagined but still fascinating and infuriating.
This is the type of historical fiction that I adore. A hint of mystery, nothing to do with war, all the while mixing facts into the fiction to learn a bit of history.
This one is out JUNE 4! Make sure to preorder your copy STAT!
Lily’s plot was my favorite! I absolutely enjoyed learning about her life as a star! The behind the scenes antics of directors and actors are what I imagined but still fascinating and infuriating.
This is the type of historical fiction that I adore. A hint of mystery, nothing to do with war, all the while mixing facts into the fiction to learn a bit of history.
This one is out JUNE 4! Make sure to preorder your copy STAT!
February 25, 2024
Enjoyable book about Old Hollywood, motherhood, friendship, & moving on. Carolyn is cleaning out her grandmother’s house when she stumbles upon items that suggest she had a secret. Told in dual timeline, Carolyn & her grandmother, Lily Adams. She was once a Hollywood “It Girl”, so what made her walk away from it all? I enjoyed Lily’s pov the best, but I’m a fan of the glamour of Old Hollywood. Writing was good, so I would check out this author’s next book.
June 4, 2024
If I could have read this ARC in one sitting, I would have. So much was I invested in the dual timeline, and the plot.
Through Lily Adam’s diary we are introduced to the Golden Age of Hollywood where women are controlled, owned and thin. Through Lily Adams we see the glamour, the champagne, and dinners; the diet pills, the sexual assaults and the male dominated culture that has to control everything.
Lily Adam’s story begins and ends with Stella Lane, the glamorous Hollywood Superstar who was brutally murdered.
This novel took me there – I was at the parties, I smelled the cigarettes, felt their starvation, and disliked their men intensely. The current timeline was enjoyable – the fractured mother-daughter relationship that was repaired, slowly, with the help of their Grandmother.
I am stopping short of giving this novel 5 stars as I keep them for book that really blow me away; whilst this did blow me away it stops short of being a five star read. There are gaps – its hard to keep it historically accurate – for instance there was very little reference to WW2 (or WW1), and only fleeting references to the Great Depression.
This is an enjoyable Hollywood Blockbuster of a novel which will stay with me for a long time, just like a classic black and white movie.
Through Lily Adam’s diary we are introduced to the Golden Age of Hollywood where women are controlled, owned and thin. Through Lily Adams we see the glamour, the champagne, and dinners; the diet pills, the sexual assaults and the male dominated culture that has to control everything.
Lily Adam’s story begins and ends with Stella Lane, the glamorous Hollywood Superstar who was brutally murdered.
This novel took me there – I was at the parties, I smelled the cigarettes, felt their starvation, and disliked their men intensely. The current timeline was enjoyable – the fractured mother-daughter relationship that was repaired, slowly, with the help of their Grandmother.
I am stopping short of giving this novel 5 stars as I keep them for book that really blow me away; whilst this did blow me away it stops short of being a five star read. There are gaps – its hard to keep it historically accurate – for instance there was very little reference to WW2 (or WW1), and only fleeting references to the Great Depression.
This is an enjoyable Hollywood Blockbuster of a novel which will stay with me for a long time, just like a classic black and white movie.
June 4, 2024
A moving, multi-generational, dual timeline historical fiction novel set in the glamorous world of early Hollywood and follows the journey of a rising star. In the present, Lily Adams's granddaughter and great-granddaughter are helping sort through her things for a museum exhibit after she's passed and discover a number of dark secrets she's been keeping for years. I loved the Hollywood setting, the Harvey Weinstein esque storyline and the strong friendship bonds in this book. Good on audio and perfect for fans of books like The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!
CW: domestic abuse, drug addiction
CW: domestic abuse, drug addiction
March 8, 2024
The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo lite with a touch of mystery.
this actually might be one of the best books I've read this entire year and i'm just so glad I picked this up. One of the reasons for that is tshoeh is one my favorite stories ever and I haven't read anything even remotely similar to that which was very disappointing ngl. now that I found this i was excited albeit a little skeptical. And while neither Stella nor lily are as remarkable and iconic as Evelyn Hugo, diving into their lives was really interesting. both the women were so similar in their roots yet so different after they branched out. women-centric books are charming in a way men-centric can never be, no offense. and what can I say about my guy jack, he was honestly the best, the only kinda of guy I'll ever settle for. the present day characters were also interesting and nuanced. while the teen daughter might come off as too dramatic but given her age it was understandable and sympathetic even. all in all the characterization was not complex but not dull either and the plot was a page turner too. for more than 2/3rd of the book I did not see the twist coming and even after that I was second guessing myself till the last page. A true on-the-edge-your-seat read.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHERS FOR THE E-ARC. ALL THOUGHTS EXPRESSED REGARDING THIS ARE MY OWN.
this actually might be one of the best books I've read this entire year and i'm just so glad I picked this up. One of the reasons for that is tshoeh is one my favorite stories ever and I haven't read anything even remotely similar to that which was very disappointing ngl. now that I found this i was excited albeit a little skeptical. And while neither Stella nor lily are as remarkable and iconic as Evelyn Hugo, diving into their lives was really interesting. both the women were so similar in their roots yet so different after they branched out. women-centric books are charming in a way men-centric can never be, no offense. and what can I say about my guy jack, he was honestly the best, the only kinda of guy I'll ever settle for. the present day characters were also interesting and nuanced. while the teen daughter might come off as too dramatic but given her age it was understandable and sympathetic even. all in all the characterization was not complex but not dull either and the plot was a page turner too. for more than 2/3rd of the book I did not see the twist coming and even after that I was second guessing myself till the last page. A true on-the-edge-your-seat read.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHERS FOR THE E-ARC. ALL THOUGHTS EXPRESSED REGARDING THIS ARE MY OWN.
July 16, 2025
This was a quick listen for me through the Kindle Unlimited- Audiobook included option.
This is the story of Caroline, a former dancer and newly divorced mother. She recently lost her Grandmother, the former Hollywood starlet "Lily Adams"
While Caroline and her teenage daughter work to empty out Lily's bungalow, they uncover a mystery.
Lily has hidden quiet a few secrets in her lifetime, and one might connect her to the unsolved murder of Hollywood Star Stella Lane.
Set over dual timelines, the mystery unfolds nicely and has few shocking revelations. While I would say this has "Evelyn Hugo" vibes, they story is much different in some ways.
Great as a pool or beachside read for the summer.
This is the story of Caroline, a former dancer and newly divorced mother. She recently lost her Grandmother, the former Hollywood starlet "Lily Adams"
While Caroline and her teenage daughter work to empty out Lily's bungalow, they uncover a mystery.
Lily has hidden quiet a few secrets in her lifetime, and one might connect her to the unsolved murder of Hollywood Star Stella Lane.
Set over dual timelines, the mystery unfolds nicely and has few shocking revelations. While I would say this has "Evelyn Hugo" vibes, they story is much different in some ways.
Great as a pool or beachside read for the summer.
May 17, 2024
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥: 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: 𝐈 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐎𝐍𝐄!! 𝐔𝐠𝐡. 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈’𝐦 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐠𝐨 (𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐭) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐬, 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐇 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐕𝐬, 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬, 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 (𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚), 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞. 𝐀𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐭—𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬!
𝐻𝓊𝑔𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝒮𝒶𝓇𝒶 𝐵𝓁𝒶𝓎𝒹𝑒𝓈, 𝐵𝓇𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒫𝓊𝒷𝓁𝒾𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔, & 𝒩𝑒𝓉𝒢𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝑅𝒞! 𝒜𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓅𝒾𝓃𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝑜𝓌𝓃.
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: 𝐈 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐎𝐍𝐄!! 𝐔𝐠𝐡. 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈’𝐦 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐠𝐨 (𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐭) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐬, 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐇 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐕𝐬, 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬, 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 (𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚), 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞. 𝐀𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐭—𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬!
𝐻𝓊𝑔𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝒮𝒶𝓇𝒶 𝐵𝓁𝒶𝓎𝒹𝑒𝓈, 𝐵𝓇𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒫𝓊𝒷𝓁𝒾𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔, & 𝒩𝑒𝓉𝒢𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝑅𝒞! 𝒜𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓅𝒾𝓃𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝑜𝓌𝓃.
September 21, 2024
The Last Secret of Lily Adams is a recently released historical fiction mystery! I saw this one available on KU read and listen (you get the audiobook if you download the ebook) and I instantly grabbed it. It’s told in dual timeline with present day and a tale from Hollywood’s Golden Age! I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait to see what else the author releases as this was their debut.
In present day we are following Carolyn and her teenage daughter. Recently divorced, Carolyn and her daughter are in California to clear out her beloved grandmother’s home. Her grandmother was Lily Adams, one of Hollywood’s Golden Age darlings. Lily left clear instructions in her will that there was to be no funeral and any item of historical value in her home be donated to the Golden Age Museum for an exhibit about her life. Carolyn finds her grandmother’s diary and a letter with it about a secret she kept for years and has to finally share,“My story begins and ends with Stella Lane.” Carolyn is shocked since Stella Lane was another famous actress of the Golden Age who was brutally murdered, and she had no idea her grandmother even knew her…
In the other chapters, we go back in time and follow Lily Adams’ life and career. She started out working as a lowly employee in the costume department of a movie studio, always dreaming she’d one day grace the screens. And then seeing that come to be and the complicated relationships that came with that life!
I really enjoyed this one! It was fast-paced and kept me intrigued. And of course coming with the audio for being on KU read and listen was definitely a win. I’m excited now to see what else this author writes in the future!
In present day we are following Carolyn and her teenage daughter. Recently divorced, Carolyn and her daughter are in California to clear out her beloved grandmother’s home. Her grandmother was Lily Adams, one of Hollywood’s Golden Age darlings. Lily left clear instructions in her will that there was to be no funeral and any item of historical value in her home be donated to the Golden Age Museum for an exhibit about her life. Carolyn finds her grandmother’s diary and a letter with it about a secret she kept for years and has to finally share,“My story begins and ends with Stella Lane.” Carolyn is shocked since Stella Lane was another famous actress of the Golden Age who was brutally murdered, and she had no idea her grandmother even knew her…
In the other chapters, we go back in time and follow Lily Adams’ life and career. She started out working as a lowly employee in the costume department of a movie studio, always dreaming she’d one day grace the screens. And then seeing that come to be and the complicated relationships that came with that life!
I really enjoyed this one! It was fast-paced and kept me intrigued. And of course coming with the audio for being on KU read and listen was definitely a win. I’m excited now to see what else this author writes in the future!
May 22, 2024
Finished reading: May 20th 2024
"My story begins and ends with Stella Lane. Soon you will understand what that means."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
June 4, 2024
The Last Secret of Lily Adams by Sara Blaydes and narrated by Erin Bennett & Soneela Nankani is a luscious historical fiction centred on the Golden Age of Hollywood, the social climate of the time, secrets, rivaly and the ultimate betrayal. Two actresses; the demure Lily Adams, the girl next door, and the glamorous Stella Lane are as different as they come
However, when Stella is brutally murdered, Lily disappears from the public, settling down back at home until her passing 7 decades later. Her granddaughter Carolyn and her daughter, travel to Lily's home, Carolyn fighting with the decision whether to move there permanently or sell up, when her daughter accidently unearths a mysterious photo in a book of Lily and a mysterious blonde (who they later discover is Stella)
One of my favourite scenes has ot be when mother and daughter sit down to stream old movies, Lily's being the stuff of nostalgia, while Stella's evoked all the pain and heartache of Carolyns divorce
The audiobook was outstanding, succinct and colourful. A real pleasure to listen to
Sara Blaydes creates a vision of old Hollywood and its dark underbelly while immersing the story in hometown warmth. A triumph
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing, the author Sara Blaydes and the narrators for a very enjoyable ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
However, when Stella is brutally murdered, Lily disappears from the public, settling down back at home until her passing 7 decades later. Her granddaughter Carolyn and her daughter, travel to Lily's home, Carolyn fighting with the decision whether to move there permanently or sell up, when her daughter accidently unearths a mysterious photo in a book of Lily and a mysterious blonde (who they later discover is Stella)
One of my favourite scenes has ot be when mother and daughter sit down to stream old movies, Lily's being the stuff of nostalgia, while Stella's evoked all the pain and heartache of Carolyns divorce
The audiobook was outstanding, succinct and colourful. A real pleasure to listen to
Sara Blaydes creates a vision of old Hollywood and its dark underbelly while immersing the story in hometown warmth. A triumph
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing, the author Sara Blaydes and the narrators for a very enjoyable ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
September 4, 2024
FABULOUS! i couldn’t put this book down, hence why i finished in 2 days. i loved the dual POV, the suspense, the plot twists, and the focus on strong, well developed female characters. it was a good insight into old hollywood, and how brutal things can be behind closed doors. if you watch bollywood, it was giving veer zaara + om shanti om (2 of my fav movies), so no surprise i loved it 🤠
October 7, 2024
I looooooved this!!! Reminded me of the stories of so many old Hollywood stars, devastating but also beautiful.
August 10, 2025
An incredibly readable and very gripping old Hollywood romp held back from a full 5 stars by some weaknesses in the writing. Since this is a debut I’m SO EXCITED to read whatever Sarah Blaydes publishes next.
May 15, 2024
This book!! Love, love, love!! This was so well written. There were two main storylines going on and both of them had me invested. The present day storyline of Caroline trying to find out the secrets of her grandmother and the story from the past told from Lily Adams POV. The ending got me!! I was shocked!
April 26, 2024
Lily Adams, once the epitome of Hollywood glamour, left it all behind without warning. Seventy years later, after her death, her granddaughter Carolyn Prior delves into Lily's past, uncovering secrets hidden within the glitz and glamor of her career. Was she connected to the unsolved murder of rival star Stella Lane? Carolyn's quest for truth becomes entwined with her grandmother's enigmatic life, forcing her to confront the depths of family secrets and the risks of unlocking the past.
This book pulled me in immediately, which I wasn’t expecting. The dual point of views had equal interest. I wanted to know what happened to Lily as she traverses the intense Hollywood scene, and I wanted to see Carolyn, in the present day, unravel the mystery. The book doesn’t shy away from the darker elements, with mentions of drug use, alcohol, misogyny, and the ties to crime bosses. While they are not overly detailed, some readers might find it difficult to read.
I thought the story was paced well. The details of the time, the grueling pace of filming a movie, all seemed accurate. I enjoyed the characters. And while I guessed the answer to the mystery early on, I was eager to keep reading and see how it played out.
Readers with an interest in historical fiction and old Hollywood will certainly enjoy this one. I received an advance copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
This book pulled me in immediately, which I wasn’t expecting. The dual point of views had equal interest. I wanted to know what happened to Lily as she traverses the intense Hollywood scene, and I wanted to see Carolyn, in the present day, unravel the mystery. The book doesn’t shy away from the darker elements, with mentions of drug use, alcohol, misogyny, and the ties to crime bosses. While they are not overly detailed, some readers might find it difficult to read.
I thought the story was paced well. The details of the time, the grueling pace of filming a movie, all seemed accurate. I enjoyed the characters. And while I guessed the answer to the mystery early on, I was eager to keep reading and see how it played out.
Readers with an interest in historical fiction and old Hollywood will certainly enjoy this one. I received an advance copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
February 25, 2024
Carolyn was the granddaughter of one of the brightest stars in Hollywood. At the height of her career, though, she left the industry and lived a quiet life. As Carolyn is going through a divorce, she brings her teenage daughter along to go through the memorabilia and rediscover memories from her youth. The more Carolyn goes through the ephemera of her grandma's life, she feels she knows her less. This book is told in alternating timelines, with Lily Adams and Carolyn telling the current and past tale.
Lily, though, made sure she left clues her grandaughter was bound to find as she carried out her grandma's wishes.
In the meantime she navigates the difficulty her teen daughter is going through, reconnecting with a neighbor who shared her childhood, and a cousin coming to help.
Add to all this a mystery: how was Lily Adams involved in the brutal murder of the other top star of the time period?
I loved this book!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Sara Blaydes, and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Lily, though, made sure she left clues her grandaughter was bound to find as she carried out her grandma's wishes.
In the meantime she navigates the difficulty her teen daughter is going through, reconnecting with a neighbor who shared her childhood, and a cousin coming to help.
Add to all this a mystery: how was Lily Adams involved in the brutal murder of the other top star of the time period?
I loved this book!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Sara Blaydes, and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 23, 2024
I loved this one . I loved Lily and learning about old Hollywood. It is sad that women are still devalued by men in many industries and that a woman’s value to often is based on physical appearance. This book makes you wonder who the characters were based on
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me revisiw the book
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me revisiw the book
June 14, 2024
Lily Adams was a silver screen star, but she sudden steps away from her glamorous Hollywood life at the height of her career. No one understood why, but upon her death bed many years later she leaves the cryptic message for her granddaughter Carolyn, “My story begins and ends with Stella Lane. Soon you will understand what that means.”
In this dual timeline novel, Carolyn and her teenage daughter Em try to figure out what Lily’s message really means. Stella Lane is Lily’s archenemy. In their digging they find out some shocking information that turns their world upside down.
Sara Blaydes does an excellent job weaving between two time periods. For those easily triggered, there is drug abuse, eating disorders, bullying, and domestic violence present in this novel. This quick read will suck you right in, and the ending will likely shock many. I loved all the old Hollywood costume descriptions—I had a motion picture running through my head as I read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and of course the author Sara Blaydes for the advanced copy of the book. The Last Secret of Lily Adams is out now! All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
In this dual timeline novel, Carolyn and her teenage daughter Em try to figure out what Lily’s message really means. Stella Lane is Lily’s archenemy. In their digging they find out some shocking information that turns their world upside down.
Sara Blaydes does an excellent job weaving between two time periods. For those easily triggered, there is drug abuse, eating disorders, bullying, and domestic violence present in this novel. This quick read will suck you right in, and the ending will likely shock many. I loved all the old Hollywood costume descriptions—I had a motion picture running through my head as I read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and of course the author Sara Blaydes for the advanced copy of the book. The Last Secret of Lily Adams is out now! All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
August 10, 2024
The plot twist(s) definitely took me off guard. I had an inkling of what was going to happen, but then that was revealed and I can't lie, I was taken back thoroughly.
I do think the writing style was not my favourite here, with it feeling more like it was just telling than showing. However, the story itself managed to save its rating and allowed me to let this slide.
The friendship built up with Lily and Stella was nice to witness, and it was an interesting (and dark) look into the world of Hollywood. I also found that this was similar to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and yet somehow still different enough (both are enjoyable reads). I was worried that I would find Carolyn's side of the story drab and boring, but to my surprise I found myself invested in her side as well (although her snooping on her daughter's phone annoyed me slightly, but I digress).
4.2/5. Just plot twist after plot twist in the end... like wow.
I do think the writing style was not my favourite here, with it feeling more like it was just telling than showing. However, the story itself managed to save its rating and allowed me to let this slide.
The friendship built up with Lily and Stella was nice to witness, and it was an interesting (and dark) look into the world of Hollywood. I also found that this was similar to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and yet somehow still different enough (both are enjoyable reads). I was worried that I would find Carolyn's side of the story drab and boring, but to my surprise I found myself invested in her side as well (although her snooping on her daughter's phone annoyed me slightly, but I digress).
4.2/5. Just plot twist after plot twist in the end... like wow.
July 14, 2024
4.5⭐️ Would highly recommend this book if you enjoyed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo! I was intrigued the whole time and wished it didn't end
July 29, 2024
Loved the unexpected twist. I’m happy it wasn’t too stereotypical and enjoyed the plot overall!!
August 29, 2024
If you loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this is a MUST read.
January 4, 2025
Wow! This was an amazing debut for Sara! I’m so ready for more! Such an easy read, that kept me glued to the pages all the way through!!!
March 12, 2025
Loved this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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