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The Girl Made of Stars
***Five-Star read from Reader's Choice Awards 2025
***Bronze Medal winner from Reader's Choice Awards 2025
***Wind Dancer Films Winner 2025
"... I am serious when I say this is the best book I've read this year..." ~ Amazon Reviewer
Lola Grayson had it all.
In 1934, Lola was on top of the world. Dubbed "The Siren" by MGM, she was a protégé of Louis B. Mayer, the original talkie sex symbol before the rise of stars like Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow. But like Harlow, Lola Grayson had a dominant stage mother and bad health that struggled to meet the demand of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Exploited, pushed, primped, and promoted as MGM's biggest star, Lola Grayson made one fatal mistake - falling in love with fellow MGM star Robert Taggart. Together, they were the golden couple that audiences demanded to see. But Lola wanted what every young woman at the time wanted - a husband and a family. For a major star, that was a death sentence.
Lola Grayson's death rocked the world.
In the present day, Joey Cabot is a novelist with a struggling career. In a stroke of fate, she purchases Lola Grayson and Robert Taggart's former home in Los Angeles. It was a secret love nest they kept hidden from the world, but what comes out of the old walls is a secret no one wanted to see the light of day. Something so explosive that it could lay Hollywood history wide-open. In discovering that secret, Joey sees the salvation of her career, but it soon becomes apparent that Joey isn't working for her salvation, but for Lola's.
Old Hollywood glamour and tragedy brings together two lost souls in this masterpiece fictional tale of one woman's death... and one woman's life.
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
***Bronze Medal winner from Reader's Choice Awards 2025
***Wind Dancer Films Winner 2025
"... I am serious when I say this is the best book I've read this year..." ~ Amazon Reviewer
Lola Grayson had it all.
In 1934, Lola was on top of the world. Dubbed "The Siren" by MGM, she was a protégé of Louis B. Mayer, the original talkie sex symbol before the rise of stars like Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow. But like Harlow, Lola Grayson had a dominant stage mother and bad health that struggled to meet the demand of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Exploited, pushed, primped, and promoted as MGM's biggest star, Lola Grayson made one fatal mistake - falling in love with fellow MGM star Robert Taggart. Together, they were the golden couple that audiences demanded to see. But Lola wanted what every young woman at the time wanted - a husband and a family. For a major star, that was a death sentence.
Lola Grayson's death rocked the world.
In the present day, Joey Cabot is a novelist with a struggling career. In a stroke of fate, she purchases Lola Grayson and Robert Taggart's former home in Los Angeles. It was a secret love nest they kept hidden from the world, but what comes out of the old walls is a secret no one wanted to see the light of day. Something so explosive that it could lay Hollywood history wide-open. In discovering that secret, Joey sees the salvation of her career, but it soon becomes apparent that Joey isn't working for her salvation, but for Lola's.
Old Hollywood glamour and tragedy brings together two lost souls in this masterpiece fictional tale of one woman's death... and one woman's life.
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2025
471 people are currently reading
2703 people want to read
About the author
K.E. Le Veque
1 book14 followersK. E. Le Veque is the Historical Fiction pen name for Kathryn Le Veque , a 30+ time USA Today Bestselling author known for her historical romance novels. Le Veque's novels are celebrated for their richly detailed historical contexts, vivid characters, and dramatic plots.
Kathryn has written over 150 books, many of which have appeared on various bestseller lists. Her works are popular among fans of historical romance and medieval fiction. Kathryn's achievements as both a self-published and traditionally published author have demonstrated her ability to connect with readers and build a loyal fan base, showcasing her talent and business acumen.
In addition to her writing, Le Veque is also a publisher, running her own publishing house, Dragonblade Publishing, which focuses on historical romance.
source: Amazon
Kathryn has written over 150 books, many of which have appeared on various bestseller lists. Her works are popular among fans of historical romance and medieval fiction. Kathryn's achievements as both a self-published and traditionally published author have demonstrated her ability to connect with readers and build a loyal fan base, showcasing her talent and business acumen.
In addition to her writing, Le Veque is also a publisher, running her own publishing house, Dragonblade Publishing, which focuses on historical romance.
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
March 23, 2025
The Girl Made of Stars by K E Le Veque
Historical fiction. Multiple timelines.
Part 1. Joey Cabot buys the house she believes belonged to Lola Grayson and Robert Taggart back in the 1930’s. She searches through records hoping to find proof and be able to write a book about The Siren of MGM.
Part 2. The last year of Lola Grayson’s known life. The Golden Age of Hollywood. A determined stage mother, a fiancé, famous friends, contract requirements and bad health.
Part 3. Joey’s discoveries and what she’s does with those facts.
I struggled with the story in the first part trying to keep the three men straight (her brother, her boyfriend, her research assistant) and remembering Joey is the woman who bought the house. One I picked it up again and got to the core of the story and Lola’s life, I was enraptured and finished the rest of it quickly.
Lots of tears here.
Lola struggles but is determined to keep her baby when everyone else just wants to get rid of the problem. They all have their own agenda.
The health things we know now that weren’t a concern in the 30’s are just a little shocking to read.
And more tears. Full circle though. And glad I read this. It’s powerful. And again, I’m grateful and happy to be in the “now” age.
Family is important but not always healthy.
I was gifted a copy of this from NetGalley.
4.5
Historical fiction. Multiple timelines.
Part 1. Joey Cabot buys the house she believes belonged to Lola Grayson and Robert Taggart back in the 1930’s. She searches through records hoping to find proof and be able to write a book about The Siren of MGM.
Part 2. The last year of Lola Grayson’s known life. The Golden Age of Hollywood. A determined stage mother, a fiancé, famous friends, contract requirements and bad health.
Part 3. Joey’s discoveries and what she’s does with those facts.
I struggled with the story in the first part trying to keep the three men straight (her brother, her boyfriend, her research assistant) and remembering Joey is the woman who bought the house. One I picked it up again and got to the core of the story and Lola’s life, I was enraptured and finished the rest of it quickly.
Lots of tears here.
Lola struggles but is determined to keep her baby when everyone else just wants to get rid of the problem. They all have their own agenda.
The health things we know now that weren’t a concern in the 30’s are just a little shocking to read.
And more tears. Full circle though. And glad I read this. It’s powerful. And again, I’m grateful and happy to be in the “now” age.
Family is important but not always healthy.
I was gifted a copy of this from NetGalley.
4.5
December 23, 2024
thank you netgalley, k.e. le veque, and dragonblade publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! i originally requested this one because of the gorgeous cover, but I’m glad that i did, because i ended up really enjoying it.
this book is told in three parts and goes back and forth between the past and the present. in the past, it follows actress lola grayson and her struggles in hollywood in the 1930’s. in present day, joey cabot buys lola’s house that she lived in with her lover, robert taggart, and she begins to unravel the mystery that is lola. there are a lot of twists in this one and the plot definitely went in a way i didn’t expect, but i really enjoyed it.
i read this one in one day because i couldn’t put it down! i thought that it was a little slow at first, but it really picked up in part two. i love that more and more books about hollywood are coming out and i hope that more continue to in the future. this one definitely gives off similar vibes to “the seven husbands of evelyn hugo” which is one of my favorite books. if you like that one, give this one a chance when it comes out!
this book is told in three parts and goes back and forth between the past and the present. in the past, it follows actress lola grayson and her struggles in hollywood in the 1930’s. in present day, joey cabot buys lola’s house that she lived in with her lover, robert taggart, and she begins to unravel the mystery that is lola. there are a lot of twists in this one and the plot definitely went in a way i didn’t expect, but i really enjoyed it.
i read this one in one day because i couldn’t put it down! i thought that it was a little slow at first, but it really picked up in part two. i love that more and more books about hollywood are coming out and i hope that more continue to in the future. this one definitely gives off similar vibes to “the seven husbands of evelyn hugo” which is one of my favorite books. if you like that one, give this one a chance when it comes out!
February 10, 2025
I love stories (fact or fiction) about old Hollywood. Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Myrna Loy and Spencer Tracy have supporting roles. But, the star of the story is Lola Grayson. I just loved her. If her character didn't touch your heart, then you must be dead. I really enjoyed this book.
February 28, 2025
The stunning cover picture of 'The Girl Made of Stars' picture belies a dark and tragic story.
Lola Grayson is a fictional character but her story is one that echoes the tragic stories of many real life actors/actresses/performers who suffered, and are still suffering, a similar or far worse treatment/fate by becoming a pawn in the hands of powerful and greedy media moguls, politicians, producers, directors, corporate heads, even fellow actors and parents.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Dragonblade Publishing and the author K. E. Le Veque for the digital ARC of the book.
Lola Grayson is a fictional character but her story is one that echoes the tragic stories of many real life actors/actresses/performers who suffered, and are still suffering, a similar or far worse treatment/fate by becoming a pawn in the hands of powerful and greedy media moguls, politicians, producers, directors, corporate heads, even fellow actors and parents.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Dragonblade Publishing and the author K. E. Le Veque for the digital ARC of the book.
December 24, 2024
This book took me on a fantastic journey through the life of a Hollywood Starlet! We begin with Joey, researching Lola Grayson and how she met her end at the peak of her career. Lola's nickname was the Siren, and she was at the top of Hollywood's most sexy starlets. Every man wanted her, and every woman craved to be like her, yet she suddenly passed away, and her death took everyone by surprise. In the present day, Joey decides to research her life and write a fictional story about her last 6 months. While digging into her life, she discovers the real Hollywood and finally brings Lola's story to light.
I truly loved meeting all the different characters and seeing how their stories intertwined. Learning about the young starlet's challenging life and all she endured brought tears to my eyes. If you want to dive into what it meant to be a Hollywood actress during the 1930s, look no further!
I truly loved meeting all the different characters and seeing how their stories intertwined. Learning about the young starlet's challenging life and all she endured brought tears to my eyes. If you want to dive into what it meant to be a Hollywood actress during the 1930s, look no further!
September 25, 2025
This story was so intriguing! Once I started uncovering the past of Lola Grayson and Robert Taggart I was hooked. Hollywood in the 1930’s yes sign me up! Did i sorta predict the story yes but still absolutely loved every second. Maybe i like historical fiction because this was a beautiful tragedy that I just couldn’t wait to read more about! The characters felt so real and you really feel for Lola the more you uncover about her life. *chefs kiss*
December 13, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, K.E. Le Veque, and Dragonblade Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of A Girl Made of Stars
I read mostly memoirs and historical fiction. Lately, “Old Hollywood” has taken over the WW2 spot and every time I turn around there is a new release about some former fallen starlet. Often, it’s an author-created character (as it is in this case) but not always.
I’m tempted to round up to 3.5 stars and may do after I process a bit (decided against it and stand by my 3 stars). Dual timeline with some parallel conflicts. For lack of a better word, as I was reading it, I kept thinking that it was “cheesy” and overly predictable and some aspects were completely unrealistic. Sure, it’s historical “fiction” but plausible would have resulted in a higher rating from me.
This book is certainty worth a read if you enjoy historical fiction and especially if Old Hollywood appeals to you.
I read mostly memoirs and historical fiction. Lately, “Old Hollywood” has taken over the WW2 spot and every time I turn around there is a new release about some former fallen starlet. Often, it’s an author-created character (as it is in this case) but not always.
I’m tempted to round up to 3.5 stars and may do after I process a bit (decided against it and stand by my 3 stars). Dual timeline with some parallel conflicts. For lack of a better word, as I was reading it, I kept thinking that it was “cheesy” and overly predictable and some aspects were completely unrealistic. Sure, it’s historical “fiction” but plausible would have resulted in a higher rating from me.
This book is certainty worth a read if you enjoy historical fiction and especially if Old Hollywood appeals to you.
January 1, 2025
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
The Girl Made of Stars by K.E. Le Veque is a third person multi-POV mixed historical and contemporary set in the modern day and the Golden Age of Hollywood. Joey is a romance genre author who got big on WWII romance, but recent narrative decisions have tanked her career. Her next project is a book about Lola Greyson, a Hollywood starlet who died tragically young and left behind her partner, Robert Taggert. When Joey buys Lola’s house to help inspire her, she finds a lot more information on Lola than she planned on.
The biggest theme in Lola’s chapters is a theme that will probably resonate with a lot of readers: the choice on whether or not to have a child and bodily autonomy. In the twenty-first century, this conversation is often framed around the right to abortion as so many lawmakers try to take that right away. Here, Lola wants to have a child very badly, but her mother, her bosses, and even her own significant other are convinced that it’s not the right move and try to pressure her into terminating her pregnancy. Robert even offers to have a child in three years because the world of Hollywood back then, especially for a sex icon, wouldn’t have been forgiving of her being a mother. Lola, however, will not bend even at the risk of her own health and career, a risk she knows she’s making and she’s willing to take it.
I haven’t done enough research into the norms of Hollywood and whether or not women really couldn’t be a wife and mother and a star at the same time in 1935, but I do buy that since some studios were quite controlling of their stars, that there would be producers who would try to control whether or not their stars procreated. With the lenses of modern day capitalism and sexism, it’s not hard to see how executives would view it as a bad business decision for a woman who sells herself on being a fantasy to suddenly become a mother. Lola has a right to bodily autonomy and most of the most powerful people around her are constantly telling her that she doesn’t.
A theme weaves together Lola and Joey is the toxic relationship that exists between them and their mothers and how it’s related to fame. Lola is pushed into Hollywood by her mother’s own dreams of stardom and it has led to Lola giving up her bodily autonomy in more ways than one. Joey’s mother has passed on but she was obsessed with Joey’s career in terms of money and what it could do for her. I’m so glad that in the wake of I’m Glad My Mom Died that we have more and more books talking about toxic femininity and mothers who only love their children as long as they benefit from that child.
Content warning for mentions of sexual assault and pregnancy
I would recommend this to fans of books about Old Hollywood that also discuss heavier themes and those looking for a novel exploring women’s rights to bodily autonomy
The Girl Made of Stars by K.E. Le Veque is a third person multi-POV mixed historical and contemporary set in the modern day and the Golden Age of Hollywood. Joey is a romance genre author who got big on WWII romance, but recent narrative decisions have tanked her career. Her next project is a book about Lola Greyson, a Hollywood starlet who died tragically young and left behind her partner, Robert Taggert. When Joey buys Lola’s house to help inspire her, she finds a lot more information on Lola than she planned on.
The biggest theme in Lola’s chapters is a theme that will probably resonate with a lot of readers: the choice on whether or not to have a child and bodily autonomy. In the twenty-first century, this conversation is often framed around the right to abortion as so many lawmakers try to take that right away. Here, Lola wants to have a child very badly, but her mother, her bosses, and even her own significant other are convinced that it’s not the right move and try to pressure her into terminating her pregnancy. Robert even offers to have a child in three years because the world of Hollywood back then, especially for a sex icon, wouldn’t have been forgiving of her being a mother. Lola, however, will not bend even at the risk of her own health and career, a risk she knows she’s making and she’s willing to take it.
I haven’t done enough research into the norms of Hollywood and whether or not women really couldn’t be a wife and mother and a star at the same time in 1935, but I do buy that since some studios were quite controlling of their stars, that there would be producers who would try to control whether or not their stars procreated. With the lenses of modern day capitalism and sexism, it’s not hard to see how executives would view it as a bad business decision for a woman who sells herself on being a fantasy to suddenly become a mother. Lola has a right to bodily autonomy and most of the most powerful people around her are constantly telling her that she doesn’t.
A theme weaves together Lola and Joey is the toxic relationship that exists between them and their mothers and how it’s related to fame. Lola is pushed into Hollywood by her mother’s own dreams of stardom and it has led to Lola giving up her bodily autonomy in more ways than one. Joey’s mother has passed on but she was obsessed with Joey’s career in terms of money and what it could do for her. I’m so glad that in the wake of I’m Glad My Mom Died that we have more and more books talking about toxic femininity and mothers who only love their children as long as they benefit from that child.
Content warning for mentions of sexual assault and pregnancy
I would recommend this to fans of books about Old Hollywood that also discuss heavier themes and those looking for a novel exploring women’s rights to bodily autonomy
January 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book! I’m glad I was able to finish the ARC just in time for its release.
Overall: 3.5 stars
The Girl Made of Stars tells the haunting story of Hollywood siren Lola Grayson, a star who shined brightly but was consumed by the industry that created her. Dubbed "The Siren," Lola was MGM's biggest name before the rise of Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow. But beneath the glitz and glamour, the novel exposes the dark underbelly of the Golden Age of Hollywood—its rampant exploitation, control over its stars, and the deep scars left behind.
Told in a dual timeline, the novel follows present-day novelist Joey Cabot, who, purchase and moves into the secret love nest once shared by Lola and fellow star Robert Taggart. As Joey digs deeper into Lola’s past, aided by the son of one of Lola’s maids, Dr Jackson, who met and loved Lola when he was a child, she uncovers shocking secrets. The novel doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the industry, tackling themes of sexual violence, power dynamics, and complicity in abuse. In doing so, it draws unsettling parallels to real-life stars like Marilyn Monroe, making Lola’s story feel all too believable.
Le Veque does a great job evoking Old Hollywood, weaving in well-known figures like Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, and Mayer (the one and only), adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative. However, there are a few elements that feel underdeveloped. Things are mentioned like her past controversy involving a Nazi-sympathizer protagonist are mentioned but never fully explored. Likewise, her friend Diesal’s disregard for a woman’s privacy in the name of historical preservation becomes a pattern later in the book, but it feels like it could have been better examined. Her unresolved issues with her mother also get brushed aside by the end of it.
The novel raises many questions about morality, agency, and justice. Joey’s relentless pursuit of the truth is compelling, but at times, it feels like a therapist might have been a simpler route to closure. Additionally, the reveal of Diana Kuhn’s identity feels fairly predictable, which somewhat lessens the impact of the mystery. Every so often, I felt like some of the language could have been cleaned up just a bit more; like this book would have benefitted from being untouched for a month or two and then re-read and edited.
That said, the book excels in its ability to immerse readers in the tragedy of Lola’s life. It’s a gripping read that highlights both the allure and cruelty of classic Hollywood.
Overall: 3.5 stars
The Girl Made of Stars tells the haunting story of Hollywood siren Lola Grayson, a star who shined brightly but was consumed by the industry that created her. Dubbed "The Siren," Lola was MGM's biggest name before the rise of Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow. But beneath the glitz and glamour, the novel exposes the dark underbelly of the Golden Age of Hollywood—its rampant exploitation, control over its stars, and the deep scars left behind.
Told in a dual timeline, the novel follows present-day novelist Joey Cabot, who, purchase and moves into the secret love nest once shared by Lola and fellow star Robert Taggart. As Joey digs deeper into Lola’s past, aided by the son of one of Lola’s maids, Dr Jackson, who met and loved Lola when he was a child, she uncovers shocking secrets. The novel doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the industry, tackling themes of sexual violence, power dynamics, and complicity in abuse. In doing so, it draws unsettling parallels to real-life stars like Marilyn Monroe, making Lola’s story feel all too believable.
Le Veque does a great job evoking Old Hollywood, weaving in well-known figures like Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, and Mayer (the one and only), adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative. However, there are a few elements that feel underdeveloped. Things are mentioned like her past controversy involving a Nazi-sympathizer protagonist are mentioned but never fully explored. Likewise, her friend Diesal’s disregard for a woman’s privacy in the name of historical preservation becomes a pattern later in the book, but it feels like it could have been better examined. Her unresolved issues with her mother also get brushed aside by the end of it.
The novel raises many questions about morality, agency, and justice. Joey’s relentless pursuit of the truth is compelling, but at times, it feels like a therapist might have been a simpler route to closure. Additionally, the reveal of Diana Kuhn’s identity feels fairly predictable, which somewhat lessens the impact of the mystery. Every so often, I felt like some of the language could have been cleaned up just a bit more; like this book would have benefitted from being untouched for a month or two and then re-read and edited.
That said, the book excels in its ability to immerse readers in the tragedy of Lola’s life. It’s a gripping read that highlights both the allure and cruelty of classic Hollywood.
June 5, 2025
Book Review: The Girl Made of Stars by K.E. Le Veque
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently finished The Girl Made of Stars by K.E. Le Veque, and I have to say, it was a captivating read that earned a solid four stars from me. The story masterfully weaves together the glitz and glamor of 1930s Hollywood with a modern-day mystery, creating an engaging narrative that kept me turning pages.
The novel centers around Lola Grayson, a dazzling MGM starlet in 1934, famously known as "The Siren." She was groomed and promoted by the legendary Louis B. Mayer to be the studio’s shining sex symbol before icons like Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow took over. But Lola's rise to fame came at a steep price: a demanding stage mother, fragile health, and the impossible expectations of the Golden Age film industry. Amidst all this pressure, Lola made a fateful choice—falling in love with fellow MGM actor Robert Taggart. Together, they were Hollywood’s golden couple, adored by fans yet constrained by the era’s rigid social norms. Lola’s yearning for a normal life with a husband and family clashed tragically with her public image, ultimately leading to her untimely death that shook the entertainment world.
Fast forward to the present day, we meet Joey Cabot, a novelist struggling to find her breakthrough. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she buys Lola and Robert’s old Los Angeles home, a secret sanctuary during their clandestine romance. As Joey uncovers long-buried secrets within the house's walls, she stumbles upon revelations that could rewrite Hollywood history — and possibly revive her own fading career. Through this journey, the story beautifully explores how Lola's legacy continues to impact those who come after her.
One of the highlights for me was the nostalgic dive into old Hollywood. The book features cameos from legends like Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy, and Carole Lombard, which added a delightful authenticity and charm. Yet, despite the star-studded backdrop, Lola Grayson is undoubtedly the heart of the story. I found her character deeply compelling—her struggles, dreams, and vulnerabilities brought a poignant depth that resonated with me throughout the book.
Overall, The Girl Made of Stars is a touching blend of glamour and tragedy that connects two women across time through shared pain and hope. It’s the kind of novel that old Hollywood fans will especially appreciate, but anyone who loves a well-crafted story about love, loss, and redemption will find much to enjoy here. I highly recommend it!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently finished The Girl Made of Stars by K.E. Le Veque, and I have to say, it was a captivating read that earned a solid four stars from me. The story masterfully weaves together the glitz and glamor of 1930s Hollywood with a modern-day mystery, creating an engaging narrative that kept me turning pages.
The novel centers around Lola Grayson, a dazzling MGM starlet in 1934, famously known as "The Siren." She was groomed and promoted by the legendary Louis B. Mayer to be the studio’s shining sex symbol before icons like Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow took over. But Lola's rise to fame came at a steep price: a demanding stage mother, fragile health, and the impossible expectations of the Golden Age film industry. Amidst all this pressure, Lola made a fateful choice—falling in love with fellow MGM actor Robert Taggart. Together, they were Hollywood’s golden couple, adored by fans yet constrained by the era’s rigid social norms. Lola’s yearning for a normal life with a husband and family clashed tragically with her public image, ultimately leading to her untimely death that shook the entertainment world.
Fast forward to the present day, we meet Joey Cabot, a novelist struggling to find her breakthrough. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she buys Lola and Robert’s old Los Angeles home, a secret sanctuary during their clandestine romance. As Joey uncovers long-buried secrets within the house's walls, she stumbles upon revelations that could rewrite Hollywood history — and possibly revive her own fading career. Through this journey, the story beautifully explores how Lola's legacy continues to impact those who come after her.
One of the highlights for me was the nostalgic dive into old Hollywood. The book features cameos from legends like Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy, and Carole Lombard, which added a delightful authenticity and charm. Yet, despite the star-studded backdrop, Lola Grayson is undoubtedly the heart of the story. I found her character deeply compelling—her struggles, dreams, and vulnerabilities brought a poignant depth that resonated with me throughout the book.
Overall, The Girl Made of Stars is a touching blend of glamour and tragedy that connects two women across time through shared pain and hope. It’s the kind of novel that old Hollywood fans will especially appreciate, but anyone who loves a well-crafted story about love, loss, and redemption will find much to enjoy here. I highly recommend it!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
January 23, 2025
Author Kathryn Le Veque crafts an intriguing tale about Classic Hollywood, when silent films transition into talkies during the 1930's in her novel The Girl Made of Stars. Le Veque draws parallels between modern day historical romance writer Joey Cabot and Post-Prohibition Hollywood bombshell Lola Grayson, a pseudo name for Nellie Jane Hermengeld. Both women are described as having spent their lives dealing with an overbearing mother, an absent father, and a determination to excel in their chosen professions.
Le Veque's fictionalized account of Grayson's last six months of her life and Cabot's search to discover what Grayson's employer, MGM, had done to their star actress holds the reader's attention, incorporating twists and turns that shock and awe. The use of dialogue is very effective in reeling the reader into the tale, though, moving through the scenes is sketchy, almost like these parts in the story still need to be worked out through more drafts.
Moving the story from modern day to Classic Hollywood and then back to modern day makes the pace easy for the reader to grasp the narration. Entirely set in the West Adams District, southwest of Los Angeles, California, the point of view of the narration shifts between the characters, causing the reader to learn about several personalities.
The audience is introduced to Cabot's family and then to Grayson's family. Their common denominator becomes Cabot buying Grayson's old house in West Adams, named Dulces Suenos, translated to mean sweet dreams. Le Veque works in the motif of sweet dreams into the story very well.
Cabot aims to write a historical biopic of Grayson's life. What Cabot discovers is Grayson's life was bittersweet, as Grayson wanted to keep her baby with her fiancé, fellow actor Robert Taggert. This resulted in Grayson fighting against the world to keep her child. Fighting Taggert, Louis B. Mayer at MGM, and her own mother, who all wanted her to have an abortion until she has a stroke and doomed to live in a vegetative state.
Le Veque touches on themes of mother-daughter relationships, achieving self-actualization, exercising one's independent thinking, and defending women's reproductive rights in that women have a right to have a child of their own. The tale is a unique approach to blending modern day with historical periods, and Le Veque has found an approach that works well for readers.
Le Veque's fictionalized account of Grayson's last six months of her life and Cabot's search to discover what Grayson's employer, MGM, had done to their star actress holds the reader's attention, incorporating twists and turns that shock and awe. The use of dialogue is very effective in reeling the reader into the tale, though, moving through the scenes is sketchy, almost like these parts in the story still need to be worked out through more drafts.
Moving the story from modern day to Classic Hollywood and then back to modern day makes the pace easy for the reader to grasp the narration. Entirely set in the West Adams District, southwest of Los Angeles, California, the point of view of the narration shifts between the characters, causing the reader to learn about several personalities.
The audience is introduced to Cabot's family and then to Grayson's family. Their common denominator becomes Cabot buying Grayson's old house in West Adams, named Dulces Suenos, translated to mean sweet dreams. Le Veque works in the motif of sweet dreams into the story very well.
Cabot aims to write a historical biopic of Grayson's life. What Cabot discovers is Grayson's life was bittersweet, as Grayson wanted to keep her baby with her fiancé, fellow actor Robert Taggert. This resulted in Grayson fighting against the world to keep her child. Fighting Taggert, Louis B. Mayer at MGM, and her own mother, who all wanted her to have an abortion until she has a stroke and doomed to live in a vegetative state.
Le Veque touches on themes of mother-daughter relationships, achieving self-actualization, exercising one's independent thinking, and defending women's reproductive rights in that women have a right to have a child of their own. The tale is a unique approach to blending modern day with historical periods, and Le Veque has found an approach that works well for readers.
January 10, 2025
4 stars
The glitz and glamour of Old Hollywood is turned on its head in this poignant novel about a fictional movie star and her struggles to create a normal life for herself and her fiancé, both of whom are glorified cogs in the MGM movie-making machine. Lola Grayson's star had a meteoric rise in the Golden-Age Hollywood firmament, but as a young woman she is painfully aware of what her career means - and how little her actual happiness means - to the producers, agents, and her nightmare of a stage mother. She suffers at their hands and shockingly passes away in 1936, fondly remembered by everyone as "the girl made of stars" who was gone far too soon. Eightyish years later, Joey Cabot is a veteran novelist who wants to try her hand at writing Lola's story - she's always been drawn to the starlet's tragic story and early demise. Joey sinks all her money into the house she recently discovered was the secret love nest of Lola and her fiancé Robert Taggert, and as she slowly moves through the extensive renovations she uncovers things that send her tumbling down the proverbial rabbit hole, proving there was SO much more to Lola's story than anyone could possibly know...
This was a beautifully crafted story, a fictionalised account of a young movie star who just wanted to have it all - career, love, home, family. What's so wrong with that? I definitely saw parallels between this book and "The Seven Wives of Evelyn Hugo" in terms of the darkness in Old Hollywood. While it did veer a little overly sentimental in certain spots, overall the pacing works here, the characters are quite well-rounded, and the story hits its stride very nicely in the section that goes back to Lola's life in 1935-36 and what happened during that fateful time. I felt like the last section with Joey reconciling all she's learned and deciding what to do about the story was great, but the final ending felt a little too long; it honestly could've been about 5-10 pages shorter and more concise in the telling of the aftermath. But all in all I'd say this novel is a bittersweet love story well worth the read!
Thanks to NetGalley, author K. E. Le Veque, and Dragonblade Publishing for giving me access to a digital ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.
The glitz and glamour of Old Hollywood is turned on its head in this poignant novel about a fictional movie star and her struggles to create a normal life for herself and her fiancé, both of whom are glorified cogs in the MGM movie-making machine. Lola Grayson's star had a meteoric rise in the Golden-Age Hollywood firmament, but as a young woman she is painfully aware of what her career means - and how little her actual happiness means - to the producers, agents, and her nightmare of a stage mother. She suffers at their hands and shockingly passes away in 1936, fondly remembered by everyone as "the girl made of stars" who was gone far too soon. Eightyish years later, Joey Cabot is a veteran novelist who wants to try her hand at writing Lola's story - she's always been drawn to the starlet's tragic story and early demise. Joey sinks all her money into the house she recently discovered was the secret love nest of Lola and her fiancé Robert Taggert, and as she slowly moves through the extensive renovations she uncovers things that send her tumbling down the proverbial rabbit hole, proving there was SO much more to Lola's story than anyone could possibly know...
This was a beautifully crafted story, a fictionalised account of a young movie star who just wanted to have it all - career, love, home, family. What's so wrong with that? I definitely saw parallels between this book and "The Seven Wives of Evelyn Hugo" in terms of the darkness in Old Hollywood. While it did veer a little overly sentimental in certain spots, overall the pacing works here, the characters are quite well-rounded, and the story hits its stride very nicely in the section that goes back to Lola's life in 1935-36 and what happened during that fateful time. I felt like the last section with Joey reconciling all she's learned and deciding what to do about the story was great, but the final ending felt a little too long; it honestly could've been about 5-10 pages shorter and more concise in the telling of the aftermath. But all in all I'd say this novel is a bittersweet love story well worth the read!
Thanks to NetGalley, author K. E. Le Veque, and Dragonblade Publishing for giving me access to a digital ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.
November 19, 2024
https://llibrarygirlsguidetobooks.com/
On a dreary Saturday I began reading this book about a stunning siren of the Golden Age of Hollywood, a tragic love story with a secret that was kept for more than eighty years and I almost finished it in one day!
Present Day: Joey Cabot is a successful writer whose last book didn’t sell very well. She is hoping that the new novel she is writing about the tragic last months of Hollywood legend, Lola Grayson, will put her back on top. Joey even manages to buy the California house that Lola and her lover, Robert Taggert, kept as their hidden love nest. The house is in disrepair and as walls are removed and plumbing updated, Joey finds a secret space with a safe. Inside the safe are documents related to Lola’s life. There is also an empty ring box and another box that contains a beautiful ruby and diamond brooch. What happened to the ring and why was this beautiful brooch left behind when Robert sold the house after Lola’s death? Joey’s obsession grows as she opens more boxes with things from Lola’s life. There are so many unexplained documents in these boxes and when she meets someone who was close to Lola, the story of her tragic life really begins to unfold.
Los Angeles, 1934: Lola Grayson is the biggest star at MGM. She rose to stardom the hard way through the casting couch with an insufferable stage mother and now she is owned by the studio. Her life isn’t her own as the studio dictates what she will do and with whom, what movies she will make and if she crosses the studio she will be in big trouble. Lola has always been medically frail and as her health worsens she wants to give up Hollywood, marry Robert and have children but the studio and he mother won’t allow it. When Lola tragically dies at the age of 26, the world is in morning and MGM has lost its biggest star.
As Joey hears about the life of Lola she realizes that she must write a book about the real Lola and not the one that Louis B. Mayer manufactured. The Girl Made of Stars brought the Golden Age of Hollywood and the studio system alive and cameo appearances by Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Spencer Tracy, Joan Crawford, Myrna Loy and Marion Davies added to the story.
I loved this book and had to keep reading it until I learned more about the secrets in Lola Grayson’s life.
Thanks to Dragonblade Publishing Inc and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy. It will be published on January 29, 2025.
On a dreary Saturday I began reading this book about a stunning siren of the Golden Age of Hollywood, a tragic love story with a secret that was kept for more than eighty years and I almost finished it in one day!
Present Day: Joey Cabot is a successful writer whose last book didn’t sell very well. She is hoping that the new novel she is writing about the tragic last months of Hollywood legend, Lola Grayson, will put her back on top. Joey even manages to buy the California house that Lola and her lover, Robert Taggert, kept as their hidden love nest. The house is in disrepair and as walls are removed and plumbing updated, Joey finds a secret space with a safe. Inside the safe are documents related to Lola’s life. There is also an empty ring box and another box that contains a beautiful ruby and diamond brooch. What happened to the ring and why was this beautiful brooch left behind when Robert sold the house after Lola’s death? Joey’s obsession grows as she opens more boxes with things from Lola’s life. There are so many unexplained documents in these boxes and when she meets someone who was close to Lola, the story of her tragic life really begins to unfold.
Los Angeles, 1934: Lola Grayson is the biggest star at MGM. She rose to stardom the hard way through the casting couch with an insufferable stage mother and now she is owned by the studio. Her life isn’t her own as the studio dictates what she will do and with whom, what movies she will make and if she crosses the studio she will be in big trouble. Lola has always been medically frail and as her health worsens she wants to give up Hollywood, marry Robert and have children but the studio and he mother won’t allow it. When Lola tragically dies at the age of 26, the world is in morning and MGM has lost its biggest star.
As Joey hears about the life of Lola she realizes that she must write a book about the real Lola and not the one that Louis B. Mayer manufactured. The Girl Made of Stars brought the Golden Age of Hollywood and the studio system alive and cameo appearances by Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Spencer Tracy, Joan Crawford, Myrna Loy and Marion Davies added to the story.
I loved this book and had to keep reading it until I learned more about the secrets in Lola Grayson’s life.
Thanks to Dragonblade Publishing Inc and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy. It will be published on January 29, 2025.
December 7, 2024
All that glitters isn't always gold.
The then Hollywood stars were a sort of myth bearers: like deities, they seemed to exist at a level above of mortals carrying the ‘divine forces of good, evil, lust and redemption’ (Cashmore 2006: 251). They lived lives of such magnificence, such splendour, such sublime beauty that they seemed unreachable, from a greater planet. And authentically, they were. The stunning ‘unattainability’ was coined as ‘fetishization’ by Laura Mulvey in her essay “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema”. They used to revive themselves away from the public eye and astonished their fans with rare appearances, and cautiously maintained the silvery images. Every image reminded of a dream world, one that was at once remote, yet touchable, distant yet close.
Accusations of sexual assault in the American film industry go back to 1921, and during the last decades, they have gained strength due to the accusations against producers, directors, actors, and related publicists.Louis B. Mayer has been accused of sexual abuse.The personality of abusers in show business also has atypical behaviours, such as pressuring actresses and models to attend castings or sign contracts in unusual places such as hotel rooms or private rooms. After the abuse, they resort to blackmail or a direct threat to silence the victim.
Many sexual abusers use persuasion, deception, or pressure, rather than physical violence or force, to subdue their victims. They often have authoritative relationships with their victims.In the case of child sexual abuse, the rapist would be opportunistic, taking advantage of the carelessness of the parents and, in this case, of their desire to venture into the media.
In the performing arts, the term stage mother sometimes has a negative connotation, suggesting that the individual is prone to obnoxiously demanding special treatment for her child, or suggesting that the individual has placed inappropriate pressure on her child to succeed, perhaps for reasons of vicariously living out her own dreams through the child.Entitled and grandiose demands have sometimes led to reportedly veiled threats from a stage parent.
The then Hollywood stars were a sort of myth bearers: like deities, they seemed to exist at a level above of mortals carrying the ‘divine forces of good, evil, lust and redemption’ (Cashmore 2006: 251). They lived lives of such magnificence, such splendour, such sublime beauty that they seemed unreachable, from a greater planet. And authentically, they were. The stunning ‘unattainability’ was coined as ‘fetishization’ by Laura Mulvey in her essay “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema”. They used to revive themselves away from the public eye and astonished their fans with rare appearances, and cautiously maintained the silvery images. Every image reminded of a dream world, one that was at once remote, yet touchable, distant yet close.
Accusations of sexual assault in the American film industry go back to 1921, and during the last decades, they have gained strength due to the accusations against producers, directors, actors, and related publicists.Louis B. Mayer has been accused of sexual abuse.The personality of abusers in show business also has atypical behaviours, such as pressuring actresses and models to attend castings or sign contracts in unusual places such as hotel rooms or private rooms. After the abuse, they resort to blackmail or a direct threat to silence the victim.
Many sexual abusers use persuasion, deception, or pressure, rather than physical violence or force, to subdue their victims. They often have authoritative relationships with their victims.In the case of child sexual abuse, the rapist would be opportunistic, taking advantage of the carelessness of the parents and, in this case, of their desire to venture into the media.
In the performing arts, the term stage mother sometimes has a negative connotation, suggesting that the individual is prone to obnoxiously demanding special treatment for her child, or suggesting that the individual has placed inappropriate pressure on her child to succeed, perhaps for reasons of vicariously living out her own dreams through the child.Entitled and grandiose demands have sometimes led to reportedly veiled threats from a stage parent.
November 24, 2024
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBjTqi9ss... for my review on booksta <3
Thank you to Netgalley, K.E. Le Veque, Dragonblade Publishing for the opportunity to read this book! <3
In 1934, Lola Grayson was the biggest Hollywood star. In 1935, she died, but her secrets survived.
Her life was apparently perfect, but she was far from happy: the movie industry saw her as a money machine and nothing else, and so did her mother.
“MGM controlled Lola’s looks, her hair, her weight, her homes, her money, her friends, and her personal life. Lola Grayson wasn’t just a star. She was a commodity. (...) Lola Grayson no longer belonged to herself. She belonged to everyone else. She was every man’s fantasy and every woman’s ideal.”
The only place where she felt like herself is Dulces Suenos, the house she secretly bought with Robert, her lover.
Joey Cabot, a novelist, is navigating the grief of her mother’s death and their troubled relationship. She feels close to Lola, and she wants to discover more about her story and tell the truth in a book: she was not only a sex symbol, but a woman with dreams and hopes, exploited by the movie industry.
“I’m going to reconstruct the last six months of Lola’s life. (...) I don’t want to dramatize her. (...) I only want to humanize her. She was a living, breathing woman, and I believe that she was much more than what people saw on the screen. She has a real story and I want to tell it because I feel like her life was cut way too short. I want to show the world a side of Lola that no one knew, and I want to do it the right way.”
When Joey buys Dulces Suenos and finds documents and papers in the house’s safe, everything changes, and Lola’s secrets start to come out again…
“Yes, Reid, I need this house badly enough. I need it for Lola and for me, for the girls with mothers who took advantage of them, for the girls who were always trying to make those mothers proud.”
I was so excited to start this book, mostly because I love everything related to Old Hollywood, and the plot reminded me of one of my favourite books, The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo. If you liked that one, definitely give a chance to The girl made of stars!
The book has three sections: Joey’s, Lola’s, Joey & Lola’s. I found Joey’s first part to be a bit slow, but by Lola’s part I was completely glued to the pages, and the last section is definitely my favourite.
I loved seeing Lola’s life from her point of view and not the public’s, it really shows the harsh truths of what it was like to be a movie star, being deprived of basic rights such as choosing how to live and what to do with one’s body. It was so easy to emphasise with her character, a woman that’s following someone else’s dream and has to give up on her life to do so.
The characters felt relatable and real, especially in Lola’s part, as I feel that’s when the characters are described in more depth.
I liked Joey too, she was driven and ambitious, determined to make the world remember Lola for something more than a sex symbol; she put herself in a very challenging position, giving up all her savings to buy Dulces Suenos in order to understand her idol’s life better.
The setting alternated between the present day and the ‘30s, although I would have liked to have some details more about the parties Lola attended and what the world looked like back then. I think there were fewer descriptions about that, as it focused more on the psychology of the characters. Overall, it was not given much attention through the book, it felt flat, which is a shame, cause the ‘30s and ‘40s would have been an amazing background if given more space!
K.E. Le Veque’s style is easy to read, I read most of the book in one sitting, it flows effortlessly and so does the plot: as I said before, the first part was the one I liked less, but nevertheless it was fast-paced and it did its right job, moving the reader closer to the main character’s story. It had the best ending this story could ask for, it was moving, sweet and nostalgic. I loved the way everything tied up beautifully at the end!
Overall I really enjoyed this book, it was such an emotional read but at the same time it wasn’t hard to get into, which I really appreciated!
What didn’t convince me completely, as I said before, was the lack of depth in the setting’s description and the writing style. I would have loved it if the book was a bit longer but focused on those aspects too.
I definitely recommend it to you, especially if you’re fascinated by historical fiction, Old Hollywood and its secrets!
Thank you to Netgalley, K.E. Le Veque, Dragonblade Publishing for the opportunity to read this book! <3
In 1934, Lola Grayson was the biggest Hollywood star. In 1935, she died, but her secrets survived.
Her life was apparently perfect, but she was far from happy: the movie industry saw her as a money machine and nothing else, and so did her mother.
“MGM controlled Lola’s looks, her hair, her weight, her homes, her money, her friends, and her personal life. Lola Grayson wasn’t just a star. She was a commodity. (...) Lola Grayson no longer belonged to herself. She belonged to everyone else. She was every man’s fantasy and every woman’s ideal.”
The only place where she felt like herself is Dulces Suenos, the house she secretly bought with Robert, her lover.
Joey Cabot, a novelist, is navigating the grief of her mother’s death and their troubled relationship. She feels close to Lola, and she wants to discover more about her story and tell the truth in a book: she was not only a sex symbol, but a woman with dreams and hopes, exploited by the movie industry.
“I’m going to reconstruct the last six months of Lola’s life. (...) I don’t want to dramatize her. (...) I only want to humanize her. She was a living, breathing woman, and I believe that she was much more than what people saw on the screen. She has a real story and I want to tell it because I feel like her life was cut way too short. I want to show the world a side of Lola that no one knew, and I want to do it the right way.”
When Joey buys Dulces Suenos and finds documents and papers in the house’s safe, everything changes, and Lola’s secrets start to come out again…
“Yes, Reid, I need this house badly enough. I need it for Lola and for me, for the girls with mothers who took advantage of them, for the girls who were always trying to make those mothers proud.”
I was so excited to start this book, mostly because I love everything related to Old Hollywood, and the plot reminded me of one of my favourite books, The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo. If you liked that one, definitely give a chance to The girl made of stars!
The book has three sections: Joey’s, Lola’s, Joey & Lola’s. I found Joey’s first part to be a bit slow, but by Lola’s part I was completely glued to the pages, and the last section is definitely my favourite.
I loved seeing Lola’s life from her point of view and not the public’s, it really shows the harsh truths of what it was like to be a movie star, being deprived of basic rights such as choosing how to live and what to do with one’s body. It was so easy to emphasise with her character, a woman that’s following someone else’s dream and has to give up on her life to do so.
The characters felt relatable and real, especially in Lola’s part, as I feel that’s when the characters are described in more depth.
I liked Joey too, she was driven and ambitious, determined to make the world remember Lola for something more than a sex symbol; she put herself in a very challenging position, giving up all her savings to buy Dulces Suenos in order to understand her idol’s life better.
The setting alternated between the present day and the ‘30s, although I would have liked to have some details more about the parties Lola attended and what the world looked like back then. I think there were fewer descriptions about that, as it focused more on the psychology of the characters. Overall, it was not given much attention through the book, it felt flat, which is a shame, cause the ‘30s and ‘40s would have been an amazing background if given more space!
K.E. Le Veque’s style is easy to read, I read most of the book in one sitting, it flows effortlessly and so does the plot: as I said before, the first part was the one I liked less, but nevertheless it was fast-paced and it did its right job, moving the reader closer to the main character’s story. It had the best ending this story could ask for, it was moving, sweet and nostalgic. I loved the way everything tied up beautifully at the end!
Overall I really enjoyed this book, it was such an emotional read but at the same time it wasn’t hard to get into, which I really appreciated!
What didn’t convince me completely, as I said before, was the lack of depth in the setting’s description and the writing style. I would have loved it if the book was a bit longer but focused on those aspects too.
I definitely recommend it to you, especially if you’re fascinated by historical fiction, Old Hollywood and its secrets!
January 29, 2025
Two women’s lives intersect in a way no one expected, least of all Lola and Joey. Dark secrets of the Golden Age of Hollywood will be revealed, and the fallout could be deadly or miraculous.
Lola was on the top of MGM’s list of stars, the first siren of the screen, but then tragedy struck. Her mysterious death in 1936 rocked Hollywood. Almost a century later, author Joey Cabot is obsessed with all things Lola Grayson. She even bought the secret love nest of Lola and her lover Robert. She investigates Lola’s life and what happened that fateful day. When Joey discovers the truth of Lola’s death, she knows she has a mission. Tell Lola’s story and free both of them from what has controlled them all these years.
The Girl Made of Stars is a breathtaking historical fiction and one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’ve been a lover of the Golden Age of Hollywood ever since I was fifteen. I know the dark seedy side of Hollywood through my own research. This book brings a stellar behind the scenes look at Hollywood through the eyes of Lola and Robert. I commend the intense research the author did on this book. Once I started reading, the story and its characters dug their claws into me. I dreamt about it for several days. It’s still with me now.
If you love historical fiction with flawless world-building, immersive narration with emotions oozing from every page, and characters that leave their mark on you, read The Girl Made of Stars. I can’t say enough about how brilliant The Girl Made of Stars is.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Lola was on the top of MGM’s list of stars, the first siren of the screen, but then tragedy struck. Her mysterious death in 1936 rocked Hollywood. Almost a century later, author Joey Cabot is obsessed with all things Lola Grayson. She even bought the secret love nest of Lola and her lover Robert. She investigates Lola’s life and what happened that fateful day. When Joey discovers the truth of Lola’s death, she knows she has a mission. Tell Lola’s story and free both of them from what has controlled them all these years.
The Girl Made of Stars is a breathtaking historical fiction and one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’ve been a lover of the Golden Age of Hollywood ever since I was fifteen. I know the dark seedy side of Hollywood through my own research. This book brings a stellar behind the scenes look at Hollywood through the eyes of Lola and Robert. I commend the intense research the author did on this book. Once I started reading, the story and its characters dug their claws into me. I dreamt about it for several days. It’s still with me now.
If you love historical fiction with flawless world-building, immersive narration with emotions oozing from every page, and characters that leave their mark on you, read The Girl Made of Stars. I can’t say enough about how brilliant The Girl Made of Stars is.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
February 15, 2025
Joey writes historical fiction books. She loves using actual history to make her stories feel real. Her current project is about the love nest and secret relationship of two of the biggest Hollywood stars of the 1930s. Will her research give her inspiration to write a great fiction book or will this books forever change her life?
This book is written in three sections. Part one is the setup and introduction. Part two is the story of the history of Lola and her house. Part three brings it all together and gives the big emotional payoff. I thought part one was a little boring but I could see how the author needed to get all of the major players in place and set up the mysteries of the house. The second part makes Lola come to life. The author creates a character that is a wildly successful actress while also being a victim of the acting system of the 1930s. I wanted to punch Lola’s mother in the mouth for pushing her daughter into that world! The author does a great job showing how Lola is sad on one hand and determined to find happiness on the other hand. Once readers reach the third part, the author has created a complex world. I was so invested that I cried. More than once! I thought the ending was very fulfilling and happy.
This is a story that takes place in California. Joey has big plans for the house and the book based on Lola’s life. I was so happy that the author gave some twists and turns to make the book more exciting. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a romance that is also women’s fiction and historical fiction. I will read more from this author in the future.
This book is written in three sections. Part one is the setup and introduction. Part two is the story of the history of Lola and her house. Part three brings it all together and gives the big emotional payoff. I thought part one was a little boring but I could see how the author needed to get all of the major players in place and set up the mysteries of the house. The second part makes Lola come to life. The author creates a character that is a wildly successful actress while also being a victim of the acting system of the 1930s. I wanted to punch Lola’s mother in the mouth for pushing her daughter into that world! The author does a great job showing how Lola is sad on one hand and determined to find happiness on the other hand. Once readers reach the third part, the author has created a complex world. I was so invested that I cried. More than once! I thought the ending was very fulfilling and happy.
This is a story that takes place in California. Joey has big plans for the house and the book based on Lola’s life. I was so happy that the author gave some twists and turns to make the book more exciting. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a romance that is also women’s fiction and historical fiction. I will read more from this author in the future.
December 31, 2024
The Girl Made of Stars is a dual timeline, historical fiction set in present day and 1930s Hollywood. Which for the moment seems to be having a bit of a hey day and I seem to have read good few dramas set in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Joey, the present-day character is writing a novel on the glamorous star Lola Grace; focusing on how she was manipulated and controlled by her mother and pushed into the Hollywood Casting Couch. Joey believes that as she also had a controlling mother her childhood had many parallels with Lola’s hence her interest in the starlet.
What comes out in the 1930s timeline is a horrific account of how people were controlled by the Studios; abused and sexually abused with all aspects of the star’s life, relationships, hair colour and right to reproduce owned by the studios. This is not news having read many such novels/memoirs and books about this age, but it still made for some uncomfortable reading.
Despite the recounting this novel for me seemed a bit like a Hallmark recount of the Hollywood Glamour Age. Clarke Cable calls everyone kid. Everything gets wrapped up and there is barely a bad word or swearword said.
I did enjoy reading The Girl Made of Stars and was interested to the see that the author is a prolific writer and will be looking up her other novel. For lovers of historical fiction and dual timelines this should be on your Christmas list. And if Hallmark did make this into a movie I would definitely watch it.
Joey, the present-day character is writing a novel on the glamorous star Lola Grace; focusing on how she was manipulated and controlled by her mother and pushed into the Hollywood Casting Couch. Joey believes that as she also had a controlling mother her childhood had many parallels with Lola’s hence her interest in the starlet.
What comes out in the 1930s timeline is a horrific account of how people were controlled by the Studios; abused and sexually abused with all aspects of the star’s life, relationships, hair colour and right to reproduce owned by the studios. This is not news having read many such novels/memoirs and books about this age, but it still made for some uncomfortable reading.
Despite the recounting this novel for me seemed a bit like a Hallmark recount of the Hollywood Glamour Age. Clarke Cable calls everyone kid. Everything gets wrapped up and there is barely a bad word or swearword said.
I did enjoy reading The Girl Made of Stars and was interested to the see that the author is a prolific writer and will be looking up her other novel. For lovers of historical fiction and dual timelines this should be on your Christmas list. And if Hallmark did make this into a movie I would definitely watch it.
February 28, 2025
In 1934, Lola Grayson was on top of the world. She quite literally had it all.
We are told this story in three different parts, going back and forth between the past and current day (AKA, present day.) In the past, Lola is seen struggling in Hollywood in the 1930's. She made probably the biggest mistake falling for the MGM star, Robert Taggart. Lola wanted what most every woman wanted at that time, which was a family. She wanted a husband and children....However, that was a death sentence for a major star.
Now, in the present day, we are introduced to Joey Cabot who buys Lola’s old house that she had lived in with her lover, Robert Taggart. Along the way, Joey starts to unravel everything we have yet to find out about Lola. She is a novelist who is struggling and thinks that she might be able to figure out what her and Robert hid from the entire world.
The novel tells us all about the harsh realities of the movie-industry. Showing us themes of of sexual violence, power dynamics, and complicity in abuse. I couldn't help but think about Marilyn Monroe, who was an absolute icon (& really still is, even in today's time and age.) Marilyn Monroe suffered a lot, just like Lola and Joey did.
This definitely lined up with showing us how classic Hollywood is and how actors/actresses can still be timeless, even after their death.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of this eARC! I can't wait to read more from this author.
We are told this story in three different parts, going back and forth between the past and current day (AKA, present day.) In the past, Lola is seen struggling in Hollywood in the 1930's. She made probably the biggest mistake falling for the MGM star, Robert Taggart. Lola wanted what most every woman wanted at that time, which was a family. She wanted a husband and children....However, that was a death sentence for a major star.
Now, in the present day, we are introduced to Joey Cabot who buys Lola’s old house that she had lived in with her lover, Robert Taggart. Along the way, Joey starts to unravel everything we have yet to find out about Lola. She is a novelist who is struggling and thinks that she might be able to figure out what her and Robert hid from the entire world.
The novel tells us all about the harsh realities of the movie-industry. Showing us themes of of sexual violence, power dynamics, and complicity in abuse. I couldn't help but think about Marilyn Monroe, who was an absolute icon (& really still is, even in today's time and age.) Marilyn Monroe suffered a lot, just like Lola and Joey did.
This definitely lined up with showing us how classic Hollywood is and how actors/actresses can still be timeless, even after their death.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of this eARC! I can't wait to read more from this author.
December 25, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC of this book.
This was my first time reading this author and what an introduction it was. This isn’t my usual type of book but something about the premise just called out to me. The Girl Made of Stars tells the story of two different women who share similar struggles; Lola a siren of the silver screen in the golden age of Hollywood and Joey a writer of historical romance struggling with a career that is floundering. This was a 4 stars read for me (4.5 in a world that allows for half stars) but I wouldn’t say anything that stopped it from being 5 stars should stop you from reading this amazing story. My biggest issues are just the slow start I struggled getting into it for the first few chapters; a few random injected statements / character thoughts that seemed out of place like it was either meant to be fleshed out further or should have been deleted in editing. I liked the way the author set up the switching between times as blocks rather then switching frequently as it served the story better. Part one you learn about Joey and how she got interested in the life of Lola. Part two you finally get to hear from Lola and learn her truth. Part three is back to the present where Joey is dealing with what she uncovered and how to move forward.
This was my first time reading this author and what an introduction it was. This isn’t my usual type of book but something about the premise just called out to me. The Girl Made of Stars tells the story of two different women who share similar struggles; Lola a siren of the silver screen in the golden age of Hollywood and Joey a writer of historical romance struggling with a career that is floundering. This was a 4 stars read for me (4.5 in a world that allows for half stars) but I wouldn’t say anything that stopped it from being 5 stars should stop you from reading this amazing story. My biggest issues are just the slow start I struggled getting into it for the first few chapters; a few random injected statements / character thoughts that seemed out of place like it was either meant to be fleshed out further or should have been deleted in editing. I liked the way the author set up the switching between times as blocks rather then switching frequently as it served the story better. Part one you learn about Joey and how she got interested in the life of Lola. Part two you finally get to hear from Lola and learn her truth. Part three is back to the present where Joey is dealing with what she uncovered and how to move forward.
January 1, 2025
This is my first experience with Ms Le Veque, & I consider it my favorite book of the year! Only problem is what year; I got my advanced reader's Copy in fall 2024, read it close to New Year's Eve, & it isn't being published until late January 2025!
Really tremendous writing. I chose to read this because I enjoy the fictional early Hollywood genre. But this was so much more! I'm a senior male, & I was crying through around 1/2 the book (us old guys aren't supposed to do that....) There are a number of fictionalized versions of real people in here. She doesn't say who inspired her female protagonist, but in the author's notes, she HINTS at Jean Harlow; though I suspect the inspiration wasn't Harlow. She does write excellent characters.
I can't say enough regarding how good this was. If you are an old movie fan, a romance fan, &/or a drama fan, buy it, read it, & enjoy it!
I am serious when I say this is the best book I've read this year. I'm not normally a romance fan (which is what she normally writes), so I'm not sure what I'd like to sample next. If you are reading this review on a site that allows comments, I would appreciate suggestions! Per the author's notes. she has written over books.100
I received an Advanced Reader's copy at no charge, and am writing an honest review.
Really tremendous writing. I chose to read this because I enjoy the fictional early Hollywood genre. But this was so much more! I'm a senior male, & I was crying through around 1/2 the book (us old guys aren't supposed to do that....) There are a number of fictionalized versions of real people in here. She doesn't say who inspired her female protagonist, but in the author's notes, she HINTS at Jean Harlow; though I suspect the inspiration wasn't Harlow. She does write excellent characters.
I can't say enough regarding how good this was. If you are an old movie fan, a romance fan, &/or a drama fan, buy it, read it, & enjoy it!
I am serious when I say this is the best book I've read this year. I'm not normally a romance fan (which is what she normally writes), so I'm not sure what I'd like to sample next. If you are reading this review on a site that allows comments, I would appreciate suggestions! Per the author's notes. she has written over books.100
I received an Advanced Reader's copy at no charge, and am writing an honest review.
January 30, 2025
Love a story about old Hollywood? This new release from K.E. Le Veque is just what you are looking for.
In the present, an author named Joey Cabot is immersing herself in researching all things Lola Grayson. She finds a house in Los Angelos that once belonged to Lola Grayson and her fiance Robert Taggart. A safe is discovered in a closet and contains a treasure trove -- eventually leading Joey to the connection the former owner had to the deceased screen siren.
Le Veque divides the narrative into three parts:
1) Joey 2) Lola and 3) Joey and Lola
It took a bit for me to become invested in the story, but once I reached Part Two I was fully engaged. Then Part Three really brings things full circle. In Part One, Joey meets a neighbor named Annie who remembered Lola and Robert and I had hoped to learn more about their conversations. Part Two is a reminder that being famous in old Hollywood was not always as golden as it looked. Readers who loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo might also enjoy this one.
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
In the present, an author named Joey Cabot is immersing herself in researching all things Lola Grayson. She finds a house in Los Angelos that once belonged to Lola Grayson and her fiance Robert Taggart. A safe is discovered in a closet and contains a treasure trove -- eventually leading Joey to the connection the former owner had to the deceased screen siren.
Le Veque divides the narrative into three parts:
1) Joey 2) Lola and 3) Joey and Lola
It took a bit for me to become invested in the story, but once I reached Part Two I was fully engaged. Then Part Three really brings things full circle. In Part One, Joey meets a neighbor named Annie who remembered Lola and Robert and I had hoped to learn more about their conversations. Part Two is a reminder that being famous in old Hollywood was not always as golden as it looked. Readers who loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo might also enjoy this one.
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2025
In this fascinating new dual timeline historical fiction novel, readers discover Lola Grayson, a protege of Louis B. Mayer and one of the top actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood, but her tragic death shook the industry in the 1930s. Now in the present day, fate has come for novelist Joey Cabot, as she was able to purchase Lola Grayson’s former home in Los Angeles. Planning on restoring it and using it as inspiration for her new book project about Lola, a secret safe in the wall might just change the direction of Joey’s book and what everyone knows about Lola Grayson. Complex, immersive, and full of incredible historical details, the novel’s balance between multiple stories and timelines really brings the drama and intensity of the Golden Age of Hollywood to life. With its great and complicated characters, readers will love the emotional storyline and the mystery of Lola Grayson, while the immersive historical details really bring the era to life. Exciting, entertaining, and very interesting, the book really highlights the perils and complications of Old Hollywood stardom and the balance of information and respect in writing about public figures, as Joey must learn in this fantastic new historical fiction read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the advance copy.
January 21, 2025
In 1934, Lola was on top of the world. Dubbed "The Siren" by MGM, she was a protégé of Louis B. Mayer. Lola had a dominant stage mother and bad health that struggled to meet the demand of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Exploited, pushed, primped, and promoted as MGM's biggest star, Lola Grayson made one fatal mistake - falling in love with fellow MGM star Robert Taggart. In the present day, Joey Cabot is a novelist with a struggling career. In a stroke of fate, she purchases Lola Grayson and Robert Taggart's former home in Los Angeles. It was a secret love nest they kept hidden from the world, but what comes out of the old walls is a secret no one wanted to see the light of day.
A very well written book that is a mix of past & present. It’s not my usual gene but I was drawn to it by the blurb & of course the author – I’m so glad I read it, heart breaking at times & my heart bled for Lola who was controlled by the studio & her mother. An emotional read, so have hankies on hand. The characters have depth & the pace is good. I liked both Lola & Joey & loved how the more Joey discovered the more she had to write Lola’s story
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
A very well written book that is a mix of past & present. It’s not my usual gene but I was drawn to it by the blurb & of course the author – I’m so glad I read it, heart breaking at times & my heart bled for Lola who was controlled by the studio & her mother. An emotional read, so have hankies on hand. The characters have depth & the pace is good. I liked both Lola & Joey & loved how the more Joey discovered the more she had to write Lola’s story
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
February 5, 2025
Lola And Joey Were Connected By The Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Girl Made Of Stars , K. E. Le Veque It Does Not Matter What First Name Or Initials Miss Le Veque Puts Before Her Story Or What Genre She Writes They All Have Her Gifted Style ! When You Read Them You Just know You Will Be Captivated !
This Totally Emotionally Heart-Wrenching Tale Brought Me To Tears More Than Once ! It is Not Just About The Famous Actress And Her Story , But A Relatable One About a Mother And Daughter Relationship And Trying To Prove Something ! Somehow She Always Has You Connecting, Caring , And. Not Forgetting About The Characters ! Always Waiting For The Next Book That She Will Dazzle Us With !
Joey Cabot was a Novelist .She was obsessed with the Mystery of The Actress Lola Greyson and The Actor Robert Taggart . So much so the she purchased there Secret Love Nest . Hoping to give Her Inspiration to finding out what really Happened to
Lola ? She is on a Mission ! Leaving No Stones Unturned ! Stopping At Nothing Till She Gets The Answers ! There Are Many Surprising Moments , Shocking Ones , Heartbreaking Ones , And Thinkable Ones To Make You Question !
Amazing Story ! A Reading Experience ! Touching ! Somethings I Am Still Thinking About !
The Girl Made Of Stars , K. E. Le Veque It Does Not Matter What First Name Or Initials Miss Le Veque Puts Before Her Story Or What Genre She Writes They All Have Her Gifted Style ! When You Read Them You Just know You Will Be Captivated !
This Totally Emotionally Heart-Wrenching Tale Brought Me To Tears More Than Once ! It is Not Just About The Famous Actress And Her Story , But A Relatable One About a Mother And Daughter Relationship And Trying To Prove Something ! Somehow She Always Has You Connecting, Caring , And. Not Forgetting About The Characters ! Always Waiting For The Next Book That She Will Dazzle Us With !
Joey Cabot was a Novelist .She was obsessed with the Mystery of The Actress Lola Greyson and The Actor Robert Taggart . So much so the she purchased there Secret Love Nest . Hoping to give Her Inspiration to finding out what really Happened to
Lola ? She is on a Mission ! Leaving No Stones Unturned ! Stopping At Nothing Till She Gets The Answers ! There Are Many Surprising Moments , Shocking Ones , Heartbreaking Ones , And Thinkable Ones To Make You Question !
Amazing Story ! A Reading Experience ! Touching ! Somethings I Am Still Thinking About !
August 24, 2024
3 stars ✨
Thank you to Netgalley, K.E. Le Veque, and Dragonblade Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
If you love historical fiction with a Hollywood setting, you will enjoy this book.
Set in a dual timeline, we see the current star in Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s Lola Grayson, and Joey Cabot, a novelist who bought Lola’s home. Watching Lola’s journey in Hollywood and experiencing what her life was like including how the studios controlled majority of her life and in her death was one of the most interesting parts of the novel. It was truly my favourite part of the book to look inside how Hollywood at the time worked, and in some ways how it works in modern times. The concept as well that our other main character Joey, wants to learn more and discover about Lola’s life was one of those parts as a reader where you are learning alongside with the character about another person’s life was a thrill as well.
If liked stories like 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo… you might want to pick this one up.
February 11, 2025
The Girl Made of Stars, by K.E. Le Veque, is a dual timeline story that will take the reader back to the 1930's when the studios controlled every aspect of a star's life Not only was she "owned" by L.B. Mayer, but she was the daughter of a very domineering stage mother. who also controlled Lola and lived off her earnings. Wanting a normal life, with a husband, a home and children, she had to fight the system. Her dreams were shut down, even with her fiancé Joey is a modern World War II fiction writer whose last two books were not equal to her talent. It was then she decided to write about the life of Lola Grayson. She bought the star's home where she found documents of a hidden life, uncovering the true story of Lola Grayson. Within the story there is a cast of characters that we all know...Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Myrna Loy and more. It was interesting to read what goes on beyond the glamour of Hollywood. .I read this book in one day finding it difficult to put down. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2025
This is the first Goodreads giveaway that I was lucky enough to win. For me, it’s a strong 3.5– I loved the telling of Lola’s story. If that was the whole book it would have been a 4/5 star review for me. I also loved the storyline with the elderly Dr. Jackson, and his character overall. The Joey character was poorly developed, in my opinion. Her feelings and choices were big and intense, but the character didn’t have the groundwork for me to really care about her. I was not invested in her arc, and felt like her little crew that was along for the ride with her (2 brothers and a fiancé) was contrived and hard to buy into. I am a big fan of the “found family” trope, and I did like that component very much. I just didn’t like “the evolution of Joey Catherine Cabot” because I didn’t see an evolution take place. There was a lot of telling— sweeping declarations where other people commented on her change… but the reader did not have a clear window into it at all. I remember being told in writing classes to “show, don’t tell,” and everything regarding Joey was just expository. Lola’s story was rich, engaging, well-paced, and I was emotionally invested to the very end with her.
April 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and the dual timelines that told the story were perfectly done so as not to spoil anything but still keep the reader engaged. The characters are interesting and I really loved the look into old Hollywood and how it really highlighted what a man’s world it really was/is. Having real well known actors play a part in the storyline was an unexpected addition but well done. It is obvious the author researched these people to try to make their portrayal as accurate as possible. The main character is most likely a combination of several well known actresses of the day and I loved her gumption, to use a word from that time. While she didn’t have much off screen it’s clear on screen she knew who she was. The pity you feel for her loss of control to everyone in her circle is only outshined by the love you feel for her reluctance to give in when she truly believes in something. Beautiful and well done story and I will definitely be on the look out for more from this author!
November 3, 2025
Not impressed
The author states in the authors note "rather than write a fictional account of Harlow’s life—because I don’t want to speculate on a life that has already been documented and, to a larger extent, exploited, I created an amalgam of those abused and subjugated women as the main female character in this tale." Yet it reads very much like a fictional version of Jean Harlow's rather than an amalgam. There is nothing original or unique about Lola.
The plot twist in part 2 is predictable from part 1.
There are quite a few editing errors such repeated or wrong words. The modern day parts especially read as amateurish.
The author made.the bizarre decision to say Mother Ethel was a Jehovah's Witness, but everything she does is the complete opposite to how they behave! Was this decision made out of ignorance or prejudice (or both)?
Joey's idea of writing the truth about Lola is to get revenge for her. But Joey has no idea what Lola wants and is using her the same as everyone else for her own ends. To heal her own wounds and make money.
It's unbelievable that Rose's son would tell an author he had just met the true story that he hadn't told anyone else! There is no time to get to know each other and build trust.
The author states in the authors note "rather than write a fictional account of Harlow’s life—because I don’t want to speculate on a life that has already been documented and, to a larger extent, exploited, I created an amalgam of those abused and subjugated women as the main female character in this tale." Yet it reads very much like a fictional version of Jean Harlow's rather than an amalgam. There is nothing original or unique about Lola.
The plot twist in part 2 is predictable from part 1.
There are quite a few editing errors such repeated or wrong words. The modern day parts especially read as amateurish.
The author made.the bizarre decision to say Mother Ethel was a Jehovah's Witness, but everything she does is the complete opposite to how they behave! Was this decision made out of ignorance or prejudice (or both)?
Joey's idea of writing the truth about Lola is to get revenge for her. But Joey has no idea what Lola wants and is using her the same as everyone else for her own ends. To heal her own wounds and make money.
It's unbelievable that Rose's son would tell an author he had just met the true story that he hadn't told anyone else! There is no time to get to know each other and build trust.
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