Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely?: The True Story of a Starlet's Shocking Choice to Leave Hollywood for a Convent

by Sarah McCoy

In 1969 twenty-three-year-old starlet Lori Lovely, the apple of Hollywood’s eye, shocks the world by ditching a promising film career to take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as a Benedictine nun. Gossip columnists and scandal sheets can’t get enough of the story. Why would a successful starlet take the veil? Was she hiding from someone? Did it have anything to do with the tragic death of her costar, heartthrob singer Lucas Wesley?

In 1990 Lu Tibbott is under the gun to complete her senior thesis in modern American history. Instead of spending weeks in dusty archives, Lu decides to dig into a true twentieth-century mystery and write about her aunt Lori, now the Mother Abbess at a cloistered convent in rural New England. Biographers, bloggers, and media types have long speculated about her aunt’s sudden departure from Hollywood. Mother Lori, however, has refused all requests for interviews—until Lu arrives at the abbey with a tape recorder in hand. To her delight, Mother Lori announces she’s finally ready to talk...but only if Lu is truly ready to listen.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Adult Fiction

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

SARAH McCOY is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of eight books. Her work has been featured in Newsweek, Lit Hub, Huffington Post, Read It Forward, and other publications. She hosted the NPR WSNC Radio program “Bookmarked with Sarah McCoy” and is the founder of The McCoy Grant. Sarah taught English writing at Old Dominion University and at the University of Texas at El Paso. She lives with her husband Doc B, dog Gilly, and cat Tutu in North Carolina.

Connect with Sarah on Instagram at @SarahMMcCoy, on her Facebook Fan Page, Goodreads, or via www.sarahmccoy.com.

Reviews

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lori was a well known Starlet in the Glory Days of Hollywood. She had made it as an Actress in the 1960’s. Yet, she leaves it all behind to become a Nun. There has always been much talk and gossip about why she did this. Her co-star Lucas Wesley died at just 25 in a tragic car crash. Could this possibly be the reason?

Always, intrigued about Nuns, it’s a Different Life and Wonder how one choses this life after being a Star. So, in 1990, her niece Lu Tibbott needs to finish her senior thesis and decides to finally find out the whole story of her Aunt Lori’s life.

The story is much more complicated than she expected and that complexity made this such an excellent book. Life is about making difficult decisions, but ultimately doing what feels right. The book really captures her life and is filled with heartbreak, but also joy and peace.

Absolutely, recommend. This is my first book by Sarah McCoy. Love that she did so much Research, it really shines through. Also, love that Sarah is now living in North Carolina where I also live.

I am really Excited. Just checked Sarah McCoy’s page and she is co-sponsoring Bookmarks 20th Annual Books and Authors Festival from 9/26-9/28 in Winston-Salem. There are many Top Authors Coming. This Really Want to Go To! 🩵📚🩷

Thank You William Morrow, Sarah McCoy, and NetGalley for a copy of this book. I always leave reviews of books I read.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published September 2, 2025.

3 stars

In 1969, 23 year old starlet Lori Lovely (what a terrible stage name. I winced when she and whomever came up with it.) gave Hollywood a big shock when she swore off its glitz and glamour to take her vows as a Benedictine nun. Why would an up and coming actress who had already had one role for the ages do such a thing? Was she on the run? Unlucky in love?

In 1990, Lu Tibbott is being forced to complete her college senior thesis in modern American history and decides to write about her Aunt Lori, now the Mother Abbess at a cloistered convert in rural Connecticut. Lori has always refused interviews but she can’t say no to her niece and she’s finally ready to reveal all.

Obviously this book is heavily based on the life of Delores Hart, to whom it is dedicated and in reading the afterward the reader learns that the author had a lengthy, multi-year correspondence with Hart and became very close to her, so my guess is that if you want the story in a fictionalized form, this is the book to read (however, I THINK Hart either wrote or collaborated on a non-fiction book, so, you know, if you want truth…). In addition, parts of this book also draw from the real life experiences of actress Olivia Hussey, who starred in “Romeo and Juliet.”

Also, if this book interests you, let me toot the horn of….myself and suggest that you not read any other synopsis of this book, maybe including the one here on GR and possibly on the back of the book, because the one that accompanied the ARC gave away a major spoiler that I would just as soon not have known, and there was absolutely no reason to disclose it. So, you are to read nothing about this book in advance other than my non-spoilering review! Just like your mama told you, keep yourself pure!

The book itself was fine. Someone in the middle of it called it something like “wholesome” and that’s a pretty good description. This description pre-dates me, but it is what I image the Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland movies were like. Good ol’ family entertainment, then no one ever has sex! Yay! No, really, I liked it fine.

[OutlawPoet · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF

I did not finish this, though it was fine. Just...fine.

Gorgeous cover and I enjoyed the vintage vibes. But nothing much really happened. I kept waiting for the tumultuous and shocking things promised in the description and I eventually gave up waiting.

It's a nice and wholesome fictional biography and Lori really was Lovely and that was about it.

May revisit in the future, but it's not for my present mood.

*ARC via Publisher

[Anna (Literaria Luminaria) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a well-written, wonderful, heartbreaking story. I... have no words. I loved it.

[Mitzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a highly engaging read! It's a dual narration story from the late 1960's when a character named Lori Lovely makes a sudden departure from a successful start in Hollywood to become a nun and then to the 1990's when Lu Tibbots is trying to complete her thesis during her final year in college. Lu finally decides to interview her aunt Lori to determine the mystery behind her sudden departure from Hollywood. Prior to this point in time, Lori has refused all interviews. The story was inspired by Mother Dolores Hart who starred in a film with Elvis prior to becoming a Benedictine nun. Interestingly enough, the author had a 10-year pen pal relationship with Mother Dolores Hart and then got to meet her when Hart was about 80 years old. The story is not taken purely from Dolores Hart's life, however. It is also based on the lives of 3 other unnamed actresses who became nuns as well. Fascinating piece of historical fiction!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novel. Lori Lovely has had a fascinating life. This one made me laugh, cry and wonder what her life was like. I loved the mention of Longaberger Baskets & Pottery as I sold these products for 10 years.

Fame, fortune and all that goes with it can be a lot to handle for anyone. Can Lori find the peace she has been wanting after a tragedy? Filled with wonder, tragedy and family dynamics that make this one a MUST read! Thank you Sarah for sharing your book with Beyond the Pages. I have pre-ordered my copy.

[Tammy Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

A niece who needs to finish her thesis in order to graduate interviews her aunt, a former star who turned nun. That’s about it. She relays a typical story of a young girl who was searching for fame and found it wasn’t what it’s cracked up to be once she had it. There was a “surprise” that wasn’t much of a shock to me as I had figured it out very early on. This isn’t a terrible book but it didn’t bring anything new to the table either.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book. I love historical fiction set in old Hollywood. Lori Lovely is such an intriguing character. You find out right away where she ends up but not necessarily how. Her niece, Lu comes to the Abbey where she is the Mother Superior and interviews her about her life. Lori’s story unfolds through flashbacks. It is a sad and heartbreaking story and it’s written so well. I definitely shed tears over this one.

[Ashlyn Chaffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced ARC!

A beautifully tragic story that completely pulled me in—I ate this book up. Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely? gave me loose Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes, with its emotional depth, layered storytelling, and a touch of old Hollywood glamor-meets-tragedy.

The dual timeline—bouncing between past and present—was handled so well. It never felt confusing or forced, and it added to the suspense in the best way. I will say, I wasn’t a fan of how the “tape recording” sections were styled; they pulled me out of the story just a bit. But honestly, it didn’t take away from how much I loved the book overall.

I suspected the ending early on but kept second-guessing myself the entire time, which made the payoff even more satisfying. The story explores so many rich themes: love, loss, identity, and understanding. I do wish the whole “T” situation had a more solid resolution instead of just fading out, but that’s really my only critique.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a heartfelt and thought-provoking read. It’s one of those stories that lingers with you after you turn the last page.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the cover of this so I was excited to read it. It has old Hollywood vibes and I loved it. This was a heartbreaking look into a young girl’s rise to fame. She was thrust into the limelight and maybe trusted the wrong people but also met some amazing people who changed her life. I really enjoyed hearing Lori’s story and how she ended up giving up all the fame. This is loosely based on a true story which I didn’t realize until I finished the book. That makes this all the more sad but also heartwarming .

[Michelle’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this a lot! This is based on a true story and I dig it. I was a little worried it would be really religious but it’s definitely not.

[Meagan]

I’ve read seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo before

[Meghan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Happened to Lori Lovely is quite a lovely novel that was unexpected and not my normal read. The description states this story to be a mystery, and while I can understand the title poses as a question to be solved, the 'mystery' element is not what carries this book through from beginning to end. I feel this is more of a women's fiction with religious and historical fiction undertones.
Told by two strong feminine POVs, this beautifully written story follows a niece and aunt trying to navigate their place in the world at 2 different points of time in this world.
At the heart of this novel, Sarah McCoy explores family, faith, and what it is like for young women taking the leap to be their own and make their choices in a world that's not ready to let go. This story had me hooked from the beginning. I was invested in knowing what happen to Lori Lovely and how would her story end, while it was truly only beginning.

Thank you HaperPerennial for the #gifted copy of What Happened to Lori Lovely? in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Dallas Strawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah McCoy's transports you to the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood as a young Carolina girl makes her path to quickly become Hollywood's brightest star; and then suddenly...at the age of 24, mysteriously escapes to live the life of a nun in a convent. With "Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" vibes, Lori Lovely has famously never given an interview about her past and why she chose to leave behind the stars of Hollywood; until her niece comes to visit her at the Abbey with a tape recorder in hand, writing her college thesis; and all of Lori Lovely's secrets come to light. The ending of this book absolutely wrecked me- I thought it was beautifully told.

A fascinating homage to the troubles hidden behind the lights of Hollywood, and the secrets that stars keep from the public eye, McCoy's novel is a page turning historical mystery with hints of romance that will keep you up late at night to find out just exactly WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LORI LOVELY....

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marilla of Green Gables was one of my favorite books of 2019 by McCoy, so I knew I wanted to check this one out. I was not disappointed. Her ease of story-telling and keeping the flow of the narrative and characters was excellent. This is not a twisty, bombshell plot but a tale of what happened to a Hollywood star who disappeared from that scene at seemingly the height of her career. I thought the dual timeline was handled well and there was never an issue keeping up with the back and forth changes.
I'm looking forward to more by McCoy and am ready to finally settle down with The Baker's Daughter. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this ARC. All opinions are mine.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely? is inspired by several real-life starlet stories. I enjoyed it as a quick read, but it lacked some level of depth for me. Obviously I would have loved much more time in her decision to become a nun. Toward the end it was just--RCIA! Vows! I'm the abbess now!--and it didn't begin to answer how a Southern Baptist girl became a Benedictine.

I must read too many books because I saw the plot twist coming miles away. Haha. This particular plot twist is one I've caught onto several times and it hasn't been a wrong instinct yet. I feel like McCoy milked Vatican II a little too much with Lucy having the baby and immediately going through RCIA and the novitiate. It got too unbelievable for me.

Content warnings: car accident, sexual assault, drug use

[Edens Book Den · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn in by the cover, but Lori’s story is what truly captured me…not because it’s full of shocking twists, but because of the way it blends real history with imagined lives in a way that feels almost personal. She walked away from the spotlight of Hollywood to embrace a completely different path (that of a nun) and that choice alone made me want to know more.

Reading this felt less like flipping through a traditional novel and more like listening to people swap memories, each piece adding another shade to Lori’s life. It isn’t flashy or sensational, it’s intricately layered with moments of glamour, heartbreak, and faith intertwining. The dual timelines give you both the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the quieter contemplations decades later, almost like you’re walking alongside Lori and those who knew her, seeing how her past shaped the present.

Yes, you might guess where the story is headed, but that didn’t take away from the experience for me. It felt like uncovering an old keepsake box-predictable in the sense that you know what you’ll find, yet still filled with surprises in the small details and emotions it evokes. I found myself thinking not just about Lori, but about the choices people make when they step away from the expected, and the ripples those choices leave in their families and friends.

This book felt like traveling with Lori, carrying her triumphs, losses, and secrets beside her. It’s a story that lets you glimpse an era long past while also reminding you that every life holds mysteries, even when we think we already know the ending. This is my first by this author and I can’t wait to read more of her books!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Crystal W | Coleys.Table.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you William Morrow for my gifted copy** Wow. 4.25 stars - rounding up. The tears I had reading this was not what I would’ve expected when I first started reading this book. This book definitely gives vintage, old Hollywood vibes and I’ve always been a fan of older movies. The fact that this book is actually loosely based off a prior actress in real life blew my mind. I enjoyed this book so much and loved the many emotions it brought.

[Bubba Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Temporary review while I process this one:
I gasped. I cried - both the ugly kind and the happy kind. I read this book in one sitting. Certain moments resonated with me on such a deep level I’m still trying to find the words. Right now, I’m firmly in the book hangover phase, but one thing is clear: this is going straight into my all-time favorites pile.

Also worth noting: there are strong religious themes throughout the book. I’m not religious - not even a little - and yet I was completely captivated. It honestly felt like I went to church…and surprisingly, I loved it.

[Sherrie Howey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori Lively was an actress in the 1960’s whose first film was immensely successful. She was destined for a long career when she suddenly became a nun. Her niece Lu needs to write a thesis in order to graduate and decides to write about her aunt. The story is told in dual timelines and I was captivated from the beginning. It is such a compelling story and I loved it. I loved the author’s book “ Mustique Island” and gave that 5 stars and this book is equally deserving of 5 stars. Definitely read this book!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to William Morrow for the advanced copy of this book. I’m a longtime lover of Sarah McCoy‘s books and this book does not disappoint. There are at minimum two main stories going on in this book. The first is a young 18-year-old woman who isn’t sure of her future when she follows her heart and goes on a casting call. She is thrust into a movie role and at the same time, she changes her name and becomes somewhat of a movie, darling. Fast forward close to 30 years and that young actress is now a nun, living a very private, not quite cloistered life with her religious sisters And we learn about her niece Lu, who is working on her college thesis in history and it is about the life of her aunt Lori Lovely.
In chapters written as if the memories are coming to Lori we learn all about her adventures her first movie going to drama school in London being cast in a major film, traveling the world finding love and finding heartbreak. We also learn how Lori is saved by a faith that she really didn’t know existed . Lori also has an amazingly close relationship with her sister, and that relationship in an opportunity that her sister takes her on changes her life. While Lou is listening to the stories, she is learning so much about her aunt and about herself and a little bit of her heart is opened to the peacefulness that is available at the retreat where she is spending her time with the sisters
I absolutely love this book while the book is not specifically the story of Sister Dolores Hart, who is an actress in the 1960s and was in movies with Elvis Presley and also in the infamous Where the Boys Are,It is a nod to young actresses of that era.

I urge you to pick up this book. I loved every page of it and didn’t really want it to end. What a beautiful beautiful story.

[Diane OLeary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fictionalized novel based on the life of Dolores Hart, a superb actress who retired from acting in the early 1960's to join a convent. Although Sarah McCoy has mainly used Dolores Hart's background the story is also comprised of episodes from the lives of Ava Gardner (Lori Lovely's Hollywood discovery is exactly like Ava's) and Olivia Hussey (Lori Lovely played Juliet in a 60's film on Romeo and Juliet as Olivia did). Lori Lovely has a thriving film career in the mid to late 1960's and a bittersweet romance with Lucas, based on Dolores Hart's real life relationship with Elvis Presley. Lori leaves her career behind to join a convent and decades later her niece Lu arrives at the abbey to hear Lori's true story for her college thesis. This is very entertaining tale of love, secrets, sacrifice and ambition. 4.5 stars.

[Stella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Based heavily on the life of Delores Hart, Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely is the story of one of Hollywood's biggest young stars who shocked the entertainment world by entering a convent and becoming a Benedictine nun.

Lori Lovely was the star of the celebrated Romeo and Juliet The Musical alongside superstar Lucas Wesley. It was instant success and fame for the small-town North Carolina girl. Now, in an effort to help her beloved niece, Mother Abbess (Lori) has agreed to tell her story.

----
Beside the clear line to Delores Hart, there's hints of Olivia Hussey, Elvis, James Dean and other old Hollywood greats. It's a fairly tame look at the dangers of Hollywood. A few mentions of sleeping pills, references to sex, etc. Nothing scandalous in any real way. But....it's also fairly predictable.

I mean, the 'twist' was obvious from the very beginning, however, the world that Lori shared with her niece was full and vibrant.

If you like Taylor Jenkins Reid, this is of that ilk so read away.

Thanks to NetGalley and the pulishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Monique Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I wanted to love this book — the premise is super intriguing: a glamorous 60s starlet who suddenly becomes a nun? Count me in. But somewhere along the way, the story just started dragging. It jumps between timelines and tries to build mystery, but the pacing felt off and I found myself getting bored more often than not.

Lu’s research and interviews had potential, but the back-and-forth didn’t always keep me hooked. It’s not a bad book — the writing is solid and there are definitely emotional moments — but overall, it didn’t quite live up to the drama and depth I was hoping for.

[Stacie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise is enticing: a 1960s starlet who vanishes from Hollywood and resurfaces as a Catholic nun. I went in expecting a thorny, transformative spiritual arc—something that wrestles with faith, fame, and identity. What I got instead felt smaller: Lori reads less like a woman led by conviction and more like a naive girl retreating into routine and order because the world and responsibility is too much.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK!!!! Pub date: 9/2. The celebs. The movie sets. The Italian countryside. The 60's. The 90's.The juxtaposition between a Southern Baptist turned Catholic. The secrets. The love. The sex. The drugs. The lies. The reveals. The heartache. ALL OF IT. I did not want this book to end. 😭 I already miss Lovely and Lucas. This is a MUST READ.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happened to Lori Love: Sally McCoy
The first chapter sends Lu Tibbott under strict time constraints to complete her thesis in modern history or not graduate as her professor insisted she write her thesis about something or someone she knows. The second second is the most is she’ll dig into the archives and write about her Aunt Lori now the Mother Abbess at at a cloistered convent in rural New England. Decision made she drove over 600 miles to the convent and here is where it begins.
We begin in 1964 as her aunt begins her journey before she’s born and we learn how she came to live with her sister and husband in East Harlem working in their photography studio and creating create head shots and more. Adding her portrait to the wall helped but Lori wanted more. A stranger came barging into the studio made all false claims that he could make her a star, she managed to take one of the head shots and send it to Paramount Studio and she meets Ginny. The audition to dance in one if their movies as she was accepted. Told her sister Marie and Bill pact no parents.
Then it’s amazing she gets the part but Ginny has bigger ideas for both of them. Will they advance into bigger places to dance and even more.
Back to 1990 and her aunt at the Abbess to tell it more in her own words.
We meet her as Lu finds her way and then a macaw that the abbess has died not fly but is lived. Her friend Ginny from the past is a famous star and dies her aunt know her as she begins to reflect more on her past.
The past lets us meet Lori as she climbs the ladder of success with her friend Ginny. Getting cast in a huge show from Paramount Studio and then sent for by Mrs. Crawford told she got the part of Juliet. Lucas Wesley was keen after meeting her and but there were rules that needed to be followed regarding her curriculum and that ICA has a student who earned the lead. Then finding Ginny where was she and told her family her version of church. Then told her sister and Bill who were thrilled for her. Changed her name to Lori Lovely from Lucy. Her parents were thrilled especially her dad. Then Ginny got a role in a dance ensemble and secrets shared.
Then Ginny is hurt and Lori begins filming in the directors villa and the scenes and wardrobe are created and the tension rises but somehow she and Lucas are well suited and the scenes are fine to perfection will this lead to more than friendship? The scenes are well defined and then we go back to the present 1990.
Taking about the candles they make and about recreational drugs as Aunt Lori shared a commutation from the past. Lu has to watch her words and pages 133/135 illuminates it more. Chapter 13 the Marquee and her aunts changing her name to Lori Lovely and she and Lucas has scenes but does he use drugs and more?
Chapters 14-16 the scenes get intense.
Then back to 1990 and Lori shares newspaper stories and memory about a wedding that aunt Lori
Is decked out but Lu is imagining she’s somewhere else. Paragraphs 2 and 3 page 168.
Meeting Tony and Nico invited all cast to his home then chapter 18 what odd things did Lori see. Then the revelation comes as we read the chat between Lu and Lori pages 192-194.
Then read chapters 19-22 then Women’s retreat where her life changes. Then the women’s retreat and callings part 7 and where it all changed and then where is Ginny? But first she films Murder on the Nile and learning Ginny is now Jennifer Cockburn. She’s married now and aunt Lori and Ginny found each other years later as a nun. Will Lori talk to Sadie?Page 258 read the interview. Plus more pages 259-260.
Then the unthinkable as Lori learns that her last boyfriend or date left her something what will
She do?
Then the things needed and then the death of Lucas. Chapter 29 and the police involved car accident and Lucas is gone. Who will take her unborn child? You won’t believe who! Who’s to blame and why her recriminations? Read chapter 30 and you will smile as who has her child. Page 311 what happened to Lori Lovely ?
Now hear the truth and who was Lu’s parents ?
An unexpected and surprise ending and a thesis learn the fate of her thesis and more. Told in two voices and engages you till the end. The answer to the title you need to read for yourself.
Fran Lewis just reviews

[Alexis Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that needs to be on everyone’s TBR.

What Happened to Lori Lovely was everything I was hoping for, expecting and so much more. The story of a Hollywood starlet turned Nun grabbed my attention. This book is about family, found family/friends, life, womanhood and of course love. The love Lori had with each step of her life and telling her story through her niece Lu.

I liked the dual timeline with bouncing from Lori’s past and her present. I love the choice of having the person finally telling her story being her niece that clearly loves and admires her so much. I didn’t realize it till the last 25% of the book - she was there to hear a part of her story as well. At least a confirmation on something.

For the entirety of the story we’re all wondering “Why did Lori Lovely leave Hollywood to become a nun? And was it due to her friend and former co-stars death” and when that question is finally answered I audibly gasped. Now I did “figure it out” at 85%. It’s clear due to a specific part in the book. And then reading the part of Lucas and his death - OH GOD….that was heartbreaking .

This story is told in a way where you feel like you’re audience member listening to this story that Lori is telling. And as a new character is introduced and you get to know them, you fall in love with them at the same time that Lori does. Her family. Her friends. They feel like they are your family and friends too. God I loved this story so so so much.

It a favorite of 2025 for sure. I recommend it highly. Lit. fiction and “Family Fiction” are not normally a genre type that I reach for (and this almost read like a memoir) but I am so happy that I did with this one! Thank you for the ARC NetGalley and Sarah McCoy. I will be buying this when it comes out - grab a copy on September 2nd

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of this book; all thoughts are my own.

📖 Book Review 📖 Fun fact: Once upon a time in the 1950s, our bonus seventh family member was a cloistered nun. And while she left the convent decades ago, she has kept her vows and felt adventurous enough to join our loud and rambunctious big family in her 80’s. Her stories are not mine to share but they are fascinating and it’s a true blessing to be able to live in a multigenerational home with so many rich experiences to talk about. Luckily for readers everywhere, Sarah McCoy brings her own novel based on a true story of a young Hollywood star who left the spotlight to devote her life to God.

Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely? is a captivating tale of one woman’s journey from the red carpet to vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. As Lu Tibbot contemplates her senior thesis for college in 1990, the alluring mystery of her aunt’s legacy looms in her mind. Could she interview the now Mother Abbess and finally learn the story held closely to her heart? Beautifully layered through the lens of two generations of women bonded by more than just lineage, this powerful novel spans decades and explores the journey of self discovery. And while we ultimately walk our own path in life, our experiences are enriched when we take the time to listen to the stories of others. Through her seamless writing that evokes the spirit of the golden era of glitz and glamor, Sarah McCoy inspires readers to choose the course that brings inner joy and peace.

[Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you William Morrow Books for my #gifted copy of Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely? #williammorrow #williammorrowbooks #WhateverHappenedToLoriLovely #SarahMcCoy

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲?
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐌𝐜𝐂𝐨𝐲
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

I have found a new favorite in Sarah McCoy! This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last! I loved this book! I was drawn to this book by the cover but I was hooked by the first page and I could not put this one down! It was the perfect blend of history and mystery and it kept me intrigued the entire time! I love how this book was written in the dual timeline format and I felt like McCoy did a beautiful job painting a picture of what life was like for Lori Lovely and all the glitz and glam that Hollywood had to offer. Throughout the entire book, I felt like the scenes were so vivid and I felt like McCoy did such an amazing job writing such detailed scenes. While this book had some difficult themes, I thought they were explored and handled so well. I love books that keep me guessing the entire time, and this was one of them! If you have not yet read a book my McCoy, make this one your first!

❤️History x Mystery
❤️Dual Timeline
❤️Old Hollywood Glam
❤️Family Secrets
❤️Based on a True Story