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Far from the A-List
Not yet published
Expected 9 Dec 25In this fresh, propulsive take on fame in the tabloid era of the ’00s, a former child star struggles to figure out who she is beyond the characters she's played—on television and in relationships.
Former child star Michaela Turner is ready for her next big role—she just doesn’t know what it is yet. As someone whose days were once filled with bright lights, never-ending rehearsals, and adoring fans from around the world, Michaela now struggles to define herself beyond the glitz and glamour of her past.
She tries hard to stay out of the tabloids, but fading into the background isn’t quite as easy as it sounds. Not when her manipulative momager, Caroline, is dead set on launching her daughter’s big comeback, no matter how many old wounds it tears open. And especially not when Michaela’s attempts at “normal” relationships fail spectacularly at every turn, from the toxic ex she can’t seem to escape to the nice guy she wishes she could see a future with.
As her mother’s demands grow more draining and her love life takes hit after hit, she learns a few hard truths about the significance of self-worth and the beauty of letting go. Now, with her ex-boyfriend-turned-best-friend Josh as her only support, Michaela is ready to rebuild herself, one misstep at a time. And maybe, if she’s lucky, after all these years of pretending, she’ll finally have the chance to discover who she really is.
Former child star Michaela Turner is ready for her next big role—she just doesn’t know what it is yet. As someone whose days were once filled with bright lights, never-ending rehearsals, and adoring fans from around the world, Michaela now struggles to define herself beyond the glitz and glamour of her past.
She tries hard to stay out of the tabloids, but fading into the background isn’t quite as easy as it sounds. Not when her manipulative momager, Caroline, is dead set on launching her daughter’s big comeback, no matter how many old wounds it tears open. And especially not when Michaela’s attempts at “normal” relationships fail spectacularly at every turn, from the toxic ex she can’t seem to escape to the nice guy she wishes she could see a future with.
As her mother’s demands grow more draining and her love life takes hit after hit, she learns a few hard truths about the significance of self-worth and the beauty of letting go. Now, with her ex-boyfriend-turned-best-friend Josh as her only support, Michaela is ready to rebuild herself, one misstep at a time. And maybe, if she’s lucky, after all these years of pretending, she’ll finally have the chance to discover who she really is.
- GenresFiction
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication December 9, 2025
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 7, 2025
Michaela is a 20 yr old former child star of the 00’s. After being in the spotlight most of her life, she feels like she doesn't know who she really is as a person. She's been around bad influences and is hitting rock bottom. She needs to find her future ... .and where she goes from here. I haven't read a book like this before. The plot was fresh and interesting. Michaela was a flawed, quirky character. But I couldn't help but like her and root for her to make the right decisions. I loved the nostalgia the references to the 2000’s brought. I loved the writing, and it's a very entertaining and fun read.
Thank you to the publisher, netgalley and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, netgalley and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
October 3, 2025
Entertaining story and impressive debut! Review coming soon.
October 9, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!
For anyone who feels stuck, this is a great book. Even though most of us aren't child TV stars, I still think the idea of feeling stuck between one life and what happens next is real. I liked following the main character and I had so much compassion for the people she surrounded herself with and had no idea how to get out of it. I liked watching her take these very small steps towards figuring out who she really is. I thought the book was super realistic, and a very good message about how important it is to figure out who you are. Even if it takes a long time!
For anyone who feels stuck, this is a great book. Even though most of us aren't child TV stars, I still think the idea of feeling stuck between one life and what happens next is real. I liked following the main character and I had so much compassion for the people she surrounded herself with and had no idea how to get out of it. I liked watching her take these very small steps towards figuring out who she really is. I thought the book was super realistic, and a very good message about how important it is to figure out who you are. Even if it takes a long time!
November 23, 2025
Michaela Turner, once beloved as a child star for her role as Daisy Breyer on Breyer's Town, a sitcom still airing in reruns. She's now 27-years-old but to the public, she's still Daisy. Her acting career ended with the show, and instead of pursuing a new path, she has become a party girl, making a living off her celebrity status by appearing at the trendiest clubs. Her only true friend is Josh, who is struggling to shed this image as the popular lead in a former boy band. Ex-boyfriend Deacon, a former member of a band who has started a solo career, comes back into Michaela's life. He misses his former muse, but he is also engaged. When Michaela meets a nice man in a bookstore, she questions if she can ever lead a normal life. The sudden return of her estranged mother Caroline adds further chaos for Michaela.
In an impressive debut, author Stephanie Burns's Far From the A-List looks at our celebrity culture. Growing up in front of millions of people can be challenging, especially with a self-absorbed mother. Despite making many errors in judgement in her adult life, Michaela is a character to root for as tries to figure out who she is and how to live her best life. It's an entertaining coming-of-age story with heart and humor.
Many thanks to MIRA | Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advance.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
In an impressive debut, author Stephanie Burns's Far From the A-List looks at our celebrity culture. Growing up in front of millions of people can be challenging, especially with a self-absorbed mother. Despite making many errors in judgement in her adult life, Michaela is a character to root for as tries to figure out who she is and how to live her best life. It's an entertaining coming-of-age story with heart and humor.
Many thanks to MIRA | Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advance.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
October 15, 2025
Far From the A-List begins with an all-too familiar picture of a former-child-star-turned-20-something-party-girl -- and then turns every trope on its head by packing a surprisingly emotional punch. Stephanie Burns writes her main character with an unflinching yet sympathetic eye, capturing the complicated reality of a young woman trying to move on from a public image she can't escape, trying to grow up when the world still sees her as a kid on their TV screens every night, and trying to break a cycle of bad decisions when no one ever taught her how to make better ones. Far From the A-List is an assured, well-written debut that left me looking forward to whatever Burns writes next.
May 31, 2025
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“Far From the A-List” is by Stephanie Burns. This book follows former child star Michaela Turner, known to many as Daisy due to the role she played on TV for a number of years. Michaela is very recognizable and while proud of her role, hasn’t done much since then. Her best friend is Josh, another former child star though he was part of a boy band. Michaela has an on-again/off-again relationship with Deacon, a member of what was a band and now he’s going solo. This book mainly focuses on Michaela - and her issues of “what am I going to be when I grow up, but how do I learn as a grown-up the things I should’ve learned when I was younger.” In very many ways, this reminded me of Taylor Swift’s song “You Belong To Me.” One of the people is always there, cheering her on, trying to be in her corner, and Michaela is aware of it but instead of realizing it, keeps self-destructing her relationships. For a while, Michaela dates a person with a stable job and who doesn’t know who she played and it seemed like she might have a mature grown-up steady relationship. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happened. In many ways, it was rather sad to see Michaela make the same mistakes again and again, but it was nice to see in the end that she got a clue-by-four and, hopefully, will continue in the positive direction she’s going … though maybe some help from someone will also help her. An enjoyable book overall.
“Far From the A-List” is by Stephanie Burns. This book follows former child star Michaela Turner, known to many as Daisy due to the role she played on TV for a number of years. Michaela is very recognizable and while proud of her role, hasn’t done much since then. Her best friend is Josh, another former child star though he was part of a boy band. Michaela has an on-again/off-again relationship with Deacon, a member of what was a band and now he’s going solo. This book mainly focuses on Michaela - and her issues of “what am I going to be when I grow up, but how do I learn as a grown-up the things I should’ve learned when I was younger.” In very many ways, this reminded me of Taylor Swift’s song “You Belong To Me.” One of the people is always there, cheering her on, trying to be in her corner, and Michaela is aware of it but instead of realizing it, keeps self-destructing her relationships. For a while, Michaela dates a person with a stable job and who doesn’t know who she played and it seemed like she might have a mature grown-up steady relationship. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happened. In many ways, it was rather sad to see Michaela make the same mistakes again and again, but it was nice to see in the end that she got a clue-by-four and, hopefully, will continue in the positive direction she’s going … though maybe some help from someone will also help her. An enjoyable book overall.
August 18, 2025
Who here has watched The Office and remembers when Karen’s in her interview at corporate and Jan blazes in, furious about how she’s being fired? Karen’s line, “That was some serious, hard-core self-destruction” pretty much sums up my feelings about the actions of this book’s protagonist. It’s almost hard to read at times when you see how terrible Michaela’s choices are and continue to be, but the author kept me rooting for her in spite of her faults. I needed to know how and when she would find her way through!
I loved the premise of this novel—I mean, who doesn’t want to read about the struggles and foibles of a former child actor? I think many of us “normal people” find some twisted satisfaction when we hear a celebrity has screwed up, because we think, “hey, they’re wealthy and successful, but at least they ___” (can’t keep a relationship, aren’t in demand anymore, fill in the blank with any other failure). So that’s part of what this protagonist is dealing with: the feeling of not knowing where she fits in the world anymore now that she’s no longer acting. So she flails—and fails—a LOT. People have let her down in the past and she doesn’t always deal with that in healthy ways.
Overall, it’s a really entertaining read and one that made me think about purpose and how people see one another. Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA for the chance to read an early e-version!
November 18, 2025
Michaela Turner is a former child star, known for her role as Daisy on a TV show she starred on as a kid. Even though she's 27 now, she still gets mistaken for her character when she's out, including her iconic catchphrase "Holy Cannoli!". But at 27, Michaela is figuring out who she wants to be. She left the acting life behind, tried college, and is stuck in a rut. Her best friend Josh is a former boy band member who is also trying to figure out what he wants to do after a failed attempt at a solo career. Then there's her toxic ex, who keeps coming back into her life even though he's engaged. She meets Ben, a normal guy at the bookstore, but can't seem to get herself to open up to him either. Worst of all is her toxic mother, who has always had her own agenda for Michaela based on how she can benefit from her career. She tries to push Michaela back down the acting path, but Michaela isn't sure she wants to go down that road again.
This book is perfect for anyone who is or has ever felt stuck in life and trying to find their path. I found Michaela to be relatable, not as a former child star, but as someone who's trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to do. We see the way she navigates her toxic mother, trying to find her voice, but also struggling with her past. I really enjoyed this book and thank you to Stephanie Burns, Mira Books, The Hive, and NetGalley for my e-arc!
This book is perfect for anyone who is or has ever felt stuck in life and trying to find their path. I found Michaela to be relatable, not as a former child star, but as someone who's trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to do. We see the way she navigates her toxic mother, trying to find her voice, but also struggling with her past. I really enjoyed this book and thank you to Stephanie Burns, Mira Books, The Hive, and NetGalley for my e-arc!
November 21, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.
🎧 Book Review 🎧 If you are raising children, you are aware of the overwhelming struggles of influencers and YouTubers in their everyday life. You want to just say no to social media and preserve their youth as long as possible. While this is not a new concept, it has become all-consuming. Once upon a time, the media only had childhood stars to exploit and steal their childhood joy from. Stephanie Burns brings the nostalgia of familiar comfy television shows and tabloids that so many of us grew up with in her absolutely riveting debut novel.
Michaela Turner still has not recovered from her days as a childhood actor on a popular television show, managed by her mother, deprived of typical experiences, and now a directionless twenty-seven year old. She’s never had a “normal” relationship but at least her rockstar ex-boyfriend Josh has turned into her best friend and only ally. Michaela is a beautifully written, complicated, and authentically flawed character that readers will empathize with. There is nothing more challenging than breaking down your walls and breaking free from toxic ties with people from your past but Michaela is doing her best. Far From the A-List is one emotionally heartfelt (albeit messy) journey of self-discovery.
🎧 Book Review 🎧 If you are raising children, you are aware of the overwhelming struggles of influencers and YouTubers in their everyday life. You want to just say no to social media and preserve their youth as long as possible. While this is not a new concept, it has become all-consuming. Once upon a time, the media only had childhood stars to exploit and steal their childhood joy from. Stephanie Burns brings the nostalgia of familiar comfy television shows and tabloids that so many of us grew up with in her absolutely riveting debut novel.
Michaela Turner still has not recovered from her days as a childhood actor on a popular television show, managed by her mother, deprived of typical experiences, and now a directionless twenty-seven year old. She’s never had a “normal” relationship but at least her rockstar ex-boyfriend Josh has turned into her best friend and only ally. Michaela is a beautifully written, complicated, and authentically flawed character that readers will empathize with. There is nothing more challenging than breaking down your walls and breaking free from toxic ties with people from your past but Michaela is doing her best. Far From the A-List is one emotionally heartfelt (albeit messy) journey of self-discovery.
September 15, 2025
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Mira for an early read. What a ride! This is a deep dive into the stumbling, searching late twenties of Michaela Turner, a former child star whose mother abandoned her once she grew up and was no longer an adorable TV-worthy income source.
Now paid to go clubbing and be seen in designer clothing, Michaela is at a loss for how to find her footing as an adult--who would that even be? With so many distractions, rotten influences (and influencers), Michaela has many layers to sort out before she gets down to who she really is and what life can look like when the camera stops rolling.
A must read for any fans of late 90's and early 2000's nostalgia, those who were hooked on the Disney channel and follow the after lives of its former child stars. If you loved Jeannette McCurdy's memoir, I'm Glad My Mom Died, here's a fictional tale that might be an accompaniment!
Now paid to go clubbing and be seen in designer clothing, Michaela is at a loss for how to find her footing as an adult--who would that even be? With so many distractions, rotten influences (and influencers), Michaela has many layers to sort out before she gets down to who she really is and what life can look like when the camera stops rolling.
A must read for any fans of late 90's and early 2000's nostalgia, those who were hooked on the Disney channel and follow the after lives of its former child stars. If you loved Jeannette McCurdy's memoir, I'm Glad My Mom Died, here's a fictional tale that might be an accompaniment!
September 16, 2025
A book for Taylor Jenkins Reid fans and anyone who was obsessed with the Gilmore Girls like I was. Child stars, they're just like us, sort of. They grow up and try to leave their past behind but, really how can they? They were loved best when in front of the camera, frozen in childhood. This wonderfully written book by debut author Stephanie Burns does a deep dive into the life of a woman the world collectively wants to keep as a child but instead, she has the gall to grow up and become a woman.
It's funny, heart breaking, deeply felt, and an all around great read. It's what you want to read after you've something else that wasn't quite right. It will help you fall in love with reading again.
Thank you for Netgally for allowing me to read this before publication date.
It's funny, heart breaking, deeply felt, and an all around great read. It's what you want to read after you've something else that wasn't quite right. It will help you fall in love with reading again.
Thank you for Netgally for allowing me to read this before publication date.
September 19, 2025
Michaela peaked years ago. A former child star who the world has never seen as anything but the beloved character she played on tv. Having cobbled together a life after Hollywood was done with her she is doing fine. But as things in her life start to fall apart she realizes she is maybe a bit less fine then she thought.
This was a good read. Michaela has spent her life maintaining an image and when that image no longer works she has to confront herself and the things she has never dealt with. She is an incredibly flawed character which is what makes her interesting and makes you want to keep reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mira Books for letting me have an advanced copy of Far From the A List for review. Look for it December 9, 2025
This was a good read. Michaela has spent her life maintaining an image and when that image no longer works she has to confront herself and the things she has never dealt with. She is an incredibly flawed character which is what makes her interesting and makes you want to keep reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mira Books for letting me have an advanced copy of Far From the A List for review. Look for it December 9, 2025
July 12, 2025
What a fabulous debut! Burns is a deft hand at taking readers back to the early days of the 2000s where popstars and former children stars splashed across all the tabloids, most often times not for good reason so there's a real nostalgia kick in there for those of us who grew up in this era. Far from the A List is an rare peek behind that glamorous curtain, where not all that shines and sparkles is actually true. Burns blends these ups and downs in a real but warm way, keeping the characters grounded in their struggles but also their hopes in forging new paths.
July 30, 2025
Wow, I couldn't put down this novel. At its simplest form, it’s a story about a child star (I kept picturing Michelle Tanner or Punky Brewster) who is now in her mid-to-late 20s and trying to figure out what to do with her life. But the novel is so much more layered and deep that that. Michaela is someone who is messy, lost, broken, mistreated. Someone who is stuck like glue in unhealthy patterns yet convinces herself it's as good as it's going to get. It’s a story of a woman struggling but who finds her way out. Wholly entertaining, this is novel I highly recommend!
August 4, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book.
It wasn’t what i expected. The depiction of the effects of fame was really we done. Michaela is a character that can be difficult to love since she makes bad choices and knows it. She’s definitely not a good friend. But as the story progresses, there’s a lot of growth which I enjoyed seeing. She’s finally able to deal with her dysfunctional romantic relationships and her mother. Overall, it was a great book.
It wasn’t what i expected. The depiction of the effects of fame was really we done. Michaela is a character that can be difficult to love since she makes bad choices and knows it. She’s definitely not a good friend. But as the story progresses, there’s a lot of growth which I enjoyed seeing. She’s finally able to deal with her dysfunctional romantic relationships and her mother. Overall, it was a great book.
November 12, 2025
Stephanie Burns’s debut, Far from the A-List, is a delicious read—a where are they now story with too many LOL moments to count. But don’t let your guard down; you’ll soon find yourself holding back tears, thinking about the famous little girl Michaela Turner never asked to be, and the woman she became because of it. You will root for this former child star to find her true North Star and have a blast doing it!
November 17, 2025
Great debut novel Stephanie! I truly enjoyed this book. I definitely felt like I was on the edge of my seat most of the time trying to figure out what Michaela would do next. She truly is a flawed character and at times its hard to not yell at her in my head for being dumb, but that's what made it feel so real! If you love a story about what happens to child stars after the deals stop coming in, you should pick this one up!
May 18, 2025
loved this story of a girl trying to figure out her life after being a young tv star with her friendship with josh and seeing her toxic ex boyfriend and dealing with her marriage minded mom going onto her 4th marriage and maybe making a comeback or trying to have a normal life with ben. she gets around and figures her life out somewhat. love her relationship with josh. thanks edelweiss
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
A fun premise. A bright spot in the story is Michaela's friendship with another former child star, Josh. I did not end up connecting to the (many) characters and the pacing of the story felt off at times. I think readers interested in self-discovery dramas and explorations of how fame can impact a person may enjoy.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.
July 25, 2025
A delightful book peppered with poignant insights about self-growth and love, and a main character I couldn't help but root for, FAR FROM THE A-LIST is an accomplished debut. I'm already looking forward to reading Stephanie Burns' next!
November 17, 2025
3.5 stars
See my full review of this title on my blog: Books Under the Blanket (with a flashlight): https://booksundertheblanket.com/why-...
Live on Nov 23, 2025
See my full review of this title on my blog: Books Under the Blanket (with a flashlight): https://booksundertheblanket.com/why-...
Live on Nov 23, 2025
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews