The Last Lady of the Silver Screen

by Deanna Lynn Sletten

The streets of old Hollywood are paved with glitter and gold, secrets and lies. What’s real, and what’s imagined? Only those who lived it know the truth.


1934 – Young Kathleen Carver dreams of becoming a movie star despite her father’s warnings that she wouldn't want that life. As she grows, she becomes more determined and her strong personality and independent soul won’t let her give up. After college, she stays out east and works in the theater. Then her big break comes—Hollywood is calling—and she goes home to California to become the star she always knew she’d be. But there are bumps along the highway to stardom, heartbreak, losses, and scandals. And secrets—so many secrets to keep.


Today – Kathleen Carver hates publicity. Despite having been an actress of both stage and screen since the mid-1940s, she’s always despised the way newspapers and tabloids distorted stories about her private life. Her life had been unconventional for a single woman of her generation, making her an easy target for rumors. But now, at ninety-eight years old, she’s published her autobiography for personal reasons, and she hates that she had to do it. Additionally, she’s agreed to do several interviews for a documentary on a streaming channel, and it feels like torture sharing bits and pieces of her life with the world. But she has her reasons, and the public will never learn from her the true secrets she’s kept locked inside no matter how hard they try. Because old Hollywood had big secrets, and she refuses to betray her friends, or herself.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2024

About the author

Deanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MRS. WINCHESTER'S BIOGRAPHER, THE ONES WE LEAVE BEHIND, THE WOMEN OF GREAT HERON LAKE, MAGGIE'S TURN, THE LAKE HARRIET SERIES, and several other titles. She writes compelling historical fiction, heartwarming women's fiction, romance novels, and murder mysteries. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.

Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.

Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:

Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten

Reviews

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing to say except this was a wonderful book 📖 😊 👏.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: THE LAST LADY OF THE SILVER SCREEN
AUTHOR: Deanna Lynn Sletten
PUB DATE: 05.28.2024

The streets of old Hollywood are paved with glitter and gold, secrets and lies. What’s real, and what’s imagined? Only those who lived it know the truth.

THOUGHTS:

I love the silver screen, old Hollywood, and the secrets hidden beneath the glitz and glam. Sletten may be a new author to me but is quickly becoming an author to watch whose backlist is incredible. Reimagined and loosely based from Hepburn and Tracey’s heartbreaking love affair, The Last Lady of the Silver Screen captured my heart as a lover of movies from that period. I thought the writing was convincing and quite compelling, that I was flipping through those pages wanting to read more until the unexpected ending. A well written historical fiction that is as glorious as is entertaining.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweeping, immersive tale of old Hollywood reveals the love story of fictional actors Kathleen Carver and Gordon Quinn, and the many secrets that threatened to destroy their lives.

The gorgeous cover shows Kath in her acting glory, gown glittering, lights shining bright around her. But as we learn, the glitter hides truths she tries to keep from the public eye. Now at 98, she agrees to write her autobiography and be interviewed for a documentary to earn money to pay taxes on her beloved Malibu home.

This gracefully penned tale has many elements in common with the real love story of actors Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. He was a married man who would not divorce his wife, and an alcoholic to boot. She was madly in love with him, even though he could never fully be hers.

I was absolutely gripped by this addictive story, and histfic fans of old Hollywood will be too. Highly recommended!

Thanks to author Deanna Lynn Sletten for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit of a mixed bag for me, but I ultimately liked it enough to award it 3 stars. I picked up this book because of the perceived similarities to Evelyn Hugo. Unfortunately, a day after starting this book, my hold for TJR's Atmosphere came through from the library, and I pivoted. I couldn't help but compare TJR's writing to this after returning. It's light enough as a summer read, but why were the characters all so similarly named? The main character is Kath, her sister is Kat, and her mother is Catherine. Similarly, her bother is Graham, her brother in law is Grant, and her longtime partner is Gordon. A little diversity in naming would have gone a long way. Also kind of weird that Kath idolizes Katherine Hepburn (who exists in the world of the book along with many other real stars) and lives a life throughout the book that is nearly identical to Katherine's across MANY beats. Those were my biggest gripes, but I thought the story itself was fine and am a sucker for an old Hollywood setting.

[marilyn foutes · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story was stolen from Hepburn and Tracey!

Thinly veiled off Hepburn story. Not sure how this got published. Won't trust this author again. Consider something original next time.

[Lily White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good except for the main characters being named Kat, Kath, Catherine, Carolyn; Grant, Graham, Gordon

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two facts. I love historical fiction and Deanna Lynn Sletten is at the top of my must-read authors, it doesn't matter what she writes. I absolutely love it when she releases a new historical fiction story. I just know it's going to be interesting and educational. The Last Lady of the Silver Screen did not disappoint!

Kathleen Carver lived the beautiful life of the movie world, but also lived with secrets. The story is told is dual timelines, the past when she was young and in demand in the movie world, and the present when she is near the end of her life, sharing her story in her upcoming autobiography, as well as holding an in-depth interview. She has her reasons for sharing her private life now but no one will learn all of the secrets. Some things cannot be shared.

I was dropped into the magical days of the movie world of the 1940's with this story, where all the actors and actresses were beautiful, glamourous people and huge stars in the entertainment world. It was a glorious time to be alive. I absolutely loved reading about the movie world of the 40's and loved seeing all the movie star's names mentioned in the story. I love old movies and this story was a reminder to me of all of those great people from the past.

The Last Lady of the Silver Screen is a beautifully written story about an amazing time, with an interesting character who lived through a lot. I devoured this story when I started it and loved every second I was in that world. I came to care deeply about Kathleen and admired everything she lived though. I loved all the references to the old movies and movie stars. I think I'll go watch an old movie now.

Seriously though, if you are an old movie buff, you are going to love this story. And even is you aren't into that thing, you'll still love it for the fabulous storyline and characters. I highly recommend The Last Lady of the Silver Screen. Don't miss it!

[Jess Bunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the back and forward between times and the insight into old Hollywood - it felt exciting and the stories were being told felt like they could've been very real. Loved all the different characters and felt for each one. A lot of loss but didn't feel too heavy. Appreciated the negative portrayal and mistrust of the media, very important to raise nowadays. Overall, a lovely story of an imagined but wonderful life of a (fictional) icon.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic story!
Two fictional Hollywood characters and their love affair, in a world of glamour and fame. It’s so well written and developed that it felt like I was reading about real-life characters. I loved every page.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗢𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻
by Deanna Lynn Sletten - Author released May 28, 2024.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE books about Hollywood especially in the 1940s-1960s so I read this in one sitting.

The book has ninety eight year old Hollywood star, Kathleen Carver, sitting down for a documentary on her life based on the autobiography of her book that is just coming out. Kathleen needs the money for upkeep on her family beach home and has no desire to share any personal or Hollywood secrets.

The book goes back and forth from the present all through the timeline of Kathleen’s career. There are lots of real life famous people mentioned like Cary Grant and Rock Hudson.

This such a great blend of movie life and Kathleen’s personal life. Kathleen is a fictional composite of many of the Hollywood actresses of that time and I couldn’t get enough of this entertaining read.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, clearly an Evelyn Hugo rip off. I loved the first third, the middle third had the author repeating themselves so much that I had to make sure I wasn’t rereading the pages. The last third was great until the ultra saccharine ending. If goodreads allowed half stars, it’d be 2.5

[Anna Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

I loved how this was writing and all the actor and actresses names that were in here was awesome. It was a very beautifully written story.

[Maureen Seitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminded me a lot of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I really enjoyed this and all books of this genre. I always love reading about old Hollywood. I liked how truth was interspersed throughout this, with mentions of Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant, etc. I admired the strength and independence of Kath. Would definitely read more from this author.

[Alanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just couldn’t get into this book. I love old Hollywood and its history, and was excited to read this book based on its great reviews. But I felt the writing was a bit juvenile; it lacked polish and the dialogue often bordered on rambling. I made it about 1/4 of the way through and just couldn’t stay engaged enough to finish it. The premise is great; I just didn’t see any of the excellent writing other reviews praised.

[Carol Cooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was lacking on character development. The name dropping of Hollywood Stars did nothing to add to the story. The interview portion of the book could have been left out because that was the least enjoyable part of the novel. Missed opportunity for a great idea…

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These old Hollywood stories are so interesting and I also loved the dual time line. Kathleen Carver lived a glamorous life in the lights of the silver screen, but it wasn't easy and secrets were not easily kept. Looking back on her life Kath was far from perfect but she had a good childhood, her dream of becoming an actress came true and she has lived a long life. Putting it all in a biography was hard, dredging up many memories, good and bad. She agrees to an interview and has made it clear that nothing outside of her book will be commented on, but this interviewer is adamant in trying to get her to spill or admit truth to rumors from those dates. As he goes through the various points in her life, we get to see the good, the bad, the ugly and the hurt of Kath. But the secrets and rumors that may or may not have been true she is determined to take those to her grave. I really loved this story! I loved Kathleen and her family and you felt her hurt and heartaches and struggles through the decades. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast and easy read. I loved following Kathleen (Kath) Carver as she recounted her days as a Hollywood star.

The story is told through Kath, who gave an exclusive interview at the age of ninety-eight and in a flashback timeline that walks us through many events in her childhood and her Hollywood career, including many family and friends.

Several famous actors and icons from the Golden Age of Hollywood are named (Rock Hudson, Marilyn Monroe, Howard Hughes, etc.), as Kath ran with a circle of an elite group of people. Kath dressed somewhat differently and remained single and childless. Thus, she became a target for rumors. But Hollywood was full of secrets, and Kath was determined to keep hers.


Starring a great leading lady, this is full of family drama, secrets, and scandals, which captures that old Hollywood magic.

3.5⭐️

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @deannalynnsletten
for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Gwendalyn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎬🎭🎬🎭🎬🎭🎬

📖⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📖

𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄: The Last Lady of the Silver Screen
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: Deanna Lynn Sletten
𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑: Indie Author
𝐏𝐔𝐁 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: ⁣ May 28, 2024
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: Historical Fiction

{𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒}

The streets of old Hollywood are paved with glitter and gold, secrets and lies. What’s real, and what’s imagined? Only those who lived it know the truth.

The Last Lady of the Silver Screen by Deanna Lynn Sletten is a dazzling look into Kathleen Carver life. The story weaves from past to present, from young Kathleen Carver rise to Hollywood stardom to her wanting to set the record straight. Giving voice to her intimate secrets. Deanna Lynn Sletten skillful narrative, readers will feel completely immersed. The author paints an exquisite picture of old Hollywood gone by days. A fascinating page turner of book, the morally gray characters fully fleshed out and believable. A compelling historical fiction that I highly recommend!

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an interesting read following the life of Kathleen Carter, a famous silver screen actress. She's giving the interview of a lifetime about her life and I enjoyed her feisty personality that was still there at age 98. She has a lot of secrets of her own and also about Old Hollywood, but she doesn't want to give any of them away or betray her old friends. It's told in two timelines, the present and the years past leading up to the present, and she led a fascinating life. It was fun to learn more about the lifestyle of the Hollywood greats in that time period. It is a fictional story, but includes a lot of recognizable names.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there any better time in Hollywood history than the 40's? Glitter and glitz galore and a certain poise and glamour abound. At 98 years old, Kathleen needs money for the upkeep of her home. She is a private person but agrees to her autobiography - but don't expect any personal or scantilizing secrets. I'm a huge fan of dual timelines and love the way the author bounced from Kathleen's current day through the timeline of her career. Cary Grant and Rock Hudson are mentioned but who do you think Kathleen is based on? You'll have to read to find out. You won't be sorry, I promise.

I let an older friend of mine read this book - I asked what she thought. She was so tongued tied, it went something like this, "Oh, and this book, oh, oh, oh my, oh it was, oh my, it was so good."

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a fan of historical fiction and I love old Hollywood so I was very excited to read this book and it turned out to be a great book.
This was a one sitting read for me. I got so involved in Kathleen’s story. She agrees to do an interview at the age of ninety-eight to discuss her book and career as a silver screen actress. She has many secrets and doesn’t want to talk about anything outside the book. There are probing questions and rumors raised and we get a glimpse of her acting career and a few cameos of real life stars in her story. Told in dual timeline this is a quick fluid read. Loved the drama and secrets behind the scenes.

[Marion Marchetto · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enticing story that hearkens back to the golden age of Hollywood. A Hollywood when secrets and scandals were swept into the closet. Kathleen Carver, the last lady of the silver screen, is ninety-eight years old and just published her autobiography. She's always been a private person, keeping her secrets to herself. But now she is being interviewed by a smarmy reporter looking to dig up scandals that may or may not have been attached to her.

This was an interesting story that kept me coming back for more. About two thirds into the book, Kathleen's scandalous past becomes evident to the reader. Fairly predictable. The writing is good, the story is good, just missing the WOW factor.

[Jill Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an easy and quick beach, or just want to relax read. Nothing heavy. Nothing shocking. Just a fun story about a very interesting main character Kathleen Carver.
There is a lot of name dropping, of stars from the 40's, 50's and 60's, to add realism to the story, but nothing new or juicy is shared about these real stars. They just help beef up the story a bit.
My one pet peeve in this book is names that are almost the same. You have the main character Kath and her younger sister Kat. This can get a bit confusing, especially with a light read like this.
All in all this book is a fun way to spend a lazy weekend on a summer say.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t say that I am familiar with the movies during this timeframe, but I always find it interesting how the industry has evolved so I love learning more about this period. I loved the dual timeline and how they complimented one another. While Kath was a fictional character it was nice seeing some of the experiences actresses of this time went through and the mention of real actors. I was immersed by Kath’s personal life and the lengths she went to keep her life private from the press. The emotion kept building as the years past and secrets revealed. It was well balanced between the drama and some heart-felt moments.

Thank you @deannalynnsletten @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy

[Cathy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

great as usual

Another great story by this amazing author. All her stories are heartfelt, memorable and full of love. This is a story about 98 year old actress that made it during the Silver Screen era in Hollywood. Several of the greats of this era are mentioned. Although this actress is fictional, Ms Sletten has put her with the greats of the 40s, 50s and 60s. Absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. If you like old movies and real actors, this is a must read.

[Teresa Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed this book. I did not understand however how a parent could condemn one child for homosexuality but embrace and condone another child for adultery. It made no sense. I was not sympathetic to the 20 year affair at all adultery is adultery regardless of how you slice and dice it. I do recommend this book, especially to those who are into old Hollywood, it was quite enjoyable.

[Marianne Lopapa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review:

I absolutely loved the book ...The behind the scenes of " Old Hollywood" & the great cast of actresses and actor's ....It was a beautifully woven story of a by gone era ...The main character loved her profession and her family & her one true love....Her greatest secret she shared at the end of her life to give her peace....Thank- you for an entertaining book ....M.L.😊🌹

[Star · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

I was excited to read this book based on the synopsis but felt that it fell flat. I enjoyed the real life people mixed in with our fictional characters and did get emotional at the end. With that being said, I felt like there was no big reveal at the end, the main character wasn't overly interesting, and I only finished the book because I had committed so much time to it already.

[Julianna Mauga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book

I loved this book! I could actually picture this movie star from her early years to the end. Although the main character is fictional, the story definitely comes across as realistic. If you enjoy reading about movie stars of the Golden era, you'll enjoy this book, I promise!

[Clancy Kress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads like an historical novel

Great read about a famous movie star who spanned more than a half century. Going back in time, then bringing us back to present day, a story unravels about a star hobnob being with all the famous stars that we have all grown up hearing about. Hard book to put down.