The Hollywood Runaway

by Alexandra Weston

A BRAND NEW historical novella from Alexandra Weston, author of The Hollywood Governess. Liverpool, September 1932.

Miner's daughter Olivia Swift believed her future was a steady husband, a home, and a family of her own one day. But when a shocking secret shatters her wedding plans, Olivia makes a desperate, irreversible choice. With a one-way ticket to America, she abandons everything familiar for a terrifying unknown.

Far from England and her family, Olivia is adrift in a strange new world, the promise of excitement overshadowed by a growing dread. Can this runaway forge a new life from the ashes of her old one, or will her American dream remain just out of reach?

A reckless journey of escape...or a chance to start living again?

A gripping new historical novel from a wonderful new voice. Perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins-Reid, Wendy Holden and Allison Pataki.

Genres: Historical Fiction

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2025

Reviews

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

i am impressed how Great a story you can tell in only 131 pages. it rekindled my love for novellas and short stories. thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hollywood Runaway is an impressively delivered and fully formed story packed into such a small space of 90 pages. I have read a few complete novels by Alexandra Weston and enjoyed them but this novella manages to impress even more with its limited space to tell a comprehensive, moving story. Due to its length, it is a quick read but I was deeply engrossed in the plot and character development of Olivia Swift, a miner’s daughter, who is an exceptional singer. She has dreams of having a better life that has been promised to her by a businessman who swept her off her feet. But this man isn’t what he seems and when certain news is delivered to her that sends her into shock, she must make a quick and painful decision that will affect her future. The title gives away her next step, but her escape on a ship to America from England, brings her so much more than she can imagine. The story focuses heavily on her journey over with lots of thoughts and flashbacks of what led her to this predicament. So we get a meaty version of her life as it was, as it is and even a glimpse of her future at the end.

I really enjoyed meeting Olivia and imagining her singing as there are some wonderful performances well described in the novel of her stage appearances. A man she meets on the ship and other people who become friends with her, offer the encouragement she needs. They provide positive reinforcement that fuel her courage towards a new and better life where she learns to forgive herself and be free to love again. When truth and honesty are released in her heart, she becomes a triumphant woman fulfilling her purpose and dreams. There are very real moments of fear, though, but through kindness and encouragement from friends who truly love her, she is on the road to healing: giving her strength to climb above the trials along the way. This is an uplifting story set in the 1930s of second chances that I certainly recommend for lovers of fine historical fiction with emotional depth. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

[kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you netgalley, alexandra weston, and boldwood books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! i was surprised by how much i enjoyed this one - especially considering it’s only a little over 100 pages. the author packs a lot into these pages and creates a heartwarming and entertaining story.

this one follows olivia swift as she leaves liverpool in the 1930’s to go to america. she’s had a hard time in england and is worried her past will follow her across the ocean. while on the ship, she meets some people who quickly become friends, with one possibly becoming more… weston is a talented writer and truly made me feel as if i were on the ship with them. i rooted for olivia and **spoilers* i’m so glad she got her happy ending.

overall, i loved this one, and highly recommend it for historical fiction fans. i can’t wait to see what weston comes out with next!

[Lori Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

It’s 1930. Olivia is a nightclub singer from Liverpool thinking she found the love of her life. Unfortunately, she finds out that things are not exactly as they seem and she quickly boards a ship bound for NYC. She meets people on the ship who become friends and help her find her way.

This is a short story, can easily be read in one sitting. I enjoyed the setting and descriptive writing about how the average class traveled and the friendships made. These characters are well written, highlighting their determination looking to start over and live a life they have dreamed of. As the cover portrays, I expected the story to be more of Olivia’s fame and the glamour of old Hollywood. Unfortunately, there is only a brief glimpse of this. Overall this is a book of hope, resilience and friendship. If you are a reader, or knows one who enjoys clean, hopeful books, this one is for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice quick story. I liked the main characters and the promise of a new beginning. It has a nice romance that will leave you wanting more.

[Jennifer Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Hollywood Runaway
Author: Alexandra Weston
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Olivia Swift makes a rash decision to leave England on the first liner she can get a ticket on. Why? She found out her “fiancé” not only bends the law, but he’s also married with two sons. While sailing to America, she meets Frank and Nora and slowly reveals her story to them.

Takeaways:
1. Olivia is a character in The Hollywood Governess (which I haven’t read yet) and earned her own novella. What started as a dream to sing on stage eventually turns into a golden opportunity in Hollywood. You can see the metamorphosis of her character as the story progresses.
2. It’s nice to read a historical fiction book that isn’t a dual timeline! There are flashbacks as Olivia tells her story, but only back short periods of time.
3. There is a lot of story in the novella and Weston does a fantastic pacing job. There isn’t unnecessary fluff to fill the pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be republished on August 29, 2025.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram @boldbookclub @alex_l_weston #thehollywoodrunaway

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of The Hollywood Runaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for facilitating!

Alexandra Weston’s historical romance debut, The Hollywood Governess, was one of my favourite reads of 2024 – so I was incredibly excited to be picked to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of her new standalone novella.

Though it’s a shorter read, The Hollywood Runaway packs a lot into just over 100 pages. Thematically, it covers some of the same ground as The Hollywood Governess. Classism is a consistent running theme – as a former club singer who ends up on the SS Ocean Empress in a spur-of-the-moment decision, Olivia feels out of place even being near the first class passengers. “A pretty face only gets you so far,” she laments. “I’ve seen enough of this country to know that no matter what I do, I’ll always be a miner’s daughter.”

Her one goal in boarding the ship – in her almost-wedding dress – is to get away from her fiancé.

Jimmy Johnson, a possessive, hard-drinking gambler, never appears in the present timeline, but Weston skillfully uses flashbacks to unravel the toxicity of their relationship. I liked how this showed that though Olivia has escaped her past physically, she keeps getting pulled back into it mentally.

Weston doesn’t say outright that Jimmy abused Olivia. In fact, when they first meet, Olivia falls for him instantly, recounting how “…even though I’d been singing in clubs since I was fourteen, I blushed like a schoolgirl.” But the heady rush soon gives way to Jimmy’s true nature – bribing police, insisting Olivia give up work when they marry, and never letting her visit her former band leader, who’s in prison for tax offences. Needing his money to help her ailing mother, Olivia attempts to look the other way, focusing on how “Jimmy, for all his faults, was a generous man.” She clearly wants to do the right thing – calling out Jimmy for fixing a match – but is rebuffed, with him saying, “What’s right is looking nice for your man.” Olivia is caught in a moral bind until a shocking revelation gives her clarity, but the psychological damage reverberates throughout.

Despite Swift wanting to keep her head down and get to New York without any fuss, a misunderstanding from the ship staff leads to a chance meeting with aspiring architect Francis “Frank” McManaman. Instead of judging her, this Scot simply listens as she tells her story. The pair bond over their similar upbringings, but Olivia is reluctant to take things further despite the mutual attraction. “I’m sworn off men,” she states, “Especially decent ones like Frank. He deserves so much better than a girl like me.” In the face of this, Frank doesn’t try to rescue Olivia from her trauma or push her beyond what she’s ready for. Instead, he respects the journey she’s on, and offers her the support she needs – as a friend. It’s incredibly refreshing to see in a romantic hero, and makes the pair’s happy ending even more satisfying.

Fittingly, it’s Frank – and her energetic cabin mate, Nora Corrigan – who slowly help Olivia rebuild her self-belief. Though the trio have various adventures together (and could’ve had many more!), Frank and Nora don’t exist to ‘fix’ Olivia. Instead, they help her see that she still has self-worth, as a singer and a human being. “I took the gamble of my life when I got on this ship,” Olivia muses, “throwing everything I knew away in a bid for freedom. Not just from Jimmy but from the person I’d become when I was with him. Meeting these wonderful, kind people has given me back to myself.”

The Hollywood Runaway is another sumptuous portrait of the 1930s – but like The Hollywood Governess, it’s also much more. Even with its low page count, this novella is a poignant story of resilience, and how healing can begin in the most unexpected places.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review.

I didn’t expect a 1930s nightclub singer to steal my heart, but The Hollywood Runaway did just that. Alexandra Weston gives us Olivia Swift, a woman on the brink of collapse who chooses reinvention over ruin. It’s a novella, but it packs the emotional punch of a full-length novel, with grit, glamour, and a quiet kind of hope.

🎬 Plot Summary Set in 1937, the story opens with Olivia Swift fleeing Liverpool after a devastating betrayal by her fiancé, Jimmy. Once dazzled by his charm, Olivia now sees the truth and it’s enough to send her running. She boards a steamship to New York, leaving behind her singing career, her family, and the wreckage of a toxic relationship.

As the ship crosses the Atlantic, Olivia reflects on the choices that led her here. Through flashbacks, we see her rise as a performer and the slow erosion of her confidence under Jimmy’s control. Onboard, she begins to reclaim her voice literally and figuratively. A chance encounter with a kind architect sparks something tender, and by the time she reaches America, Olivia is no longer running. She’s ready to begin.

🌟 What I Loved Olivia’s Voice: Her narration is sharp, honest, and tinged with vulnerability. She’s not perfect, but she’s real and her emotional journey felt authentic.

The Ship as Sanctuary: The ocean voyage becomes a space for healing. Weston uses the setting beautifully to mirror Olivia’s internal transformation.

Compact but Powerful: At under 100 pages, this novella doesn’t waste a word. Every scene adds emotional weight, and the ending offers just enough closure to feel earned.

Themes of Escape and Reinvention: This is a story about leaving behind what breaks you and choosing something better even if it’s uncertain.

💌 Final Thoughts The Hollywood Runaway is a quietly fierce novella about a woman who refuses to be defined by her past. It’s perfect for fans of historical fiction with emotional depth and strong female leads. If you love stories of survival, self-discovery, and second chances, this one’s worth your time.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Weston has captured the essence of change and challenge in The Hollywood Runaway with nightclub singer Olivia Swift, a woman who found herself having to flee her former life, terrified that if she is caught, she is in very serious trouble.
The SS Ocean Princess is boarding the last passengers ready to cross the vast ocean to America to begin a new and hopefully prosperous life. Olivia, dressed in a beautiful white lace dress, wide brimmed hat with white lace trim with a suitcase in each hand, is standing in the line.
This was to have been her wedding day, instead she is told Jimmy, the love of her life, is married with young children. Jimmy is a man who wants what he wants and makes sure he gets it; he wants her, but she does not want the lies and deception any longer.
Making the decision to disappear Olivia is terrified he will come looking for her as she has a roll of his money found under her bed, having rolled under there last time he was in her flat, and she has kept it.
Eventually she begins to relax as the ship moves further away from her old life and when she is given the opportunity to sing with a hastily convened jazz band on the ship she agrees to do so, enjoying being back on stage once again, her ability and reputation as a singer already well known to the passengers.
Reaching New York, she parts company with Frank McManaman who she met onboard, a man on his way to becoming a great architect but joins forces with Nora Corrigan, an incorrigible optimist and one who has family in New York.
Time passes, each of them becoming successful with Olivia discovered as star potential while singing with the Pip Brooks band in New York. She is offered a plum role in a movie which she accepts which helps her begin the journey back to Frank; the man who cared deeply for her but had his own pathway to travel.
The Hollywood Runaway is a heartwarming and a delightful novella perfect for a quick read when time is pressing but you simply must have a little escapism in your life.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this fun new historical fiction novel, readers follow miner’s daughter Olivia Swift after her wedding plans are shattered by a shocking secret and the stable future she had envisioned is no longer an option. Taking her chance with a one-way ticket from Liverpool to America, Olivia decides to abandon the familiar for the unknown and must brave the excitement and dread that comes with a dramatic life change. As she discovers 1932 America for the first time, Olivia must see if she can forge a new life and future out of her American dream, and readers will follow along with her fascinating journey. Short but packed with details, readers will love the emotional intensity in the novel and Olivia’s complicated decision-making process. Her relationships to other characters and growth over the course of the novel are particularly interesting and add some fun stakes to the book. The historical setting is really detailed and immerses readers in the narrative, and the added historical elements really help build out Olivia’s character. With themes and emotions that modern readers will recognize and sympathize with, readers will love this fascinating new historical fiction novel from Alexandra Weston and its excellent cast of characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Linda S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hollywood Runaway tells the story of Olivia, a British singer living in the UK in the 1930s. Olivia is planning to marry Jimmy - a flashy bookie and businessman who is not only controlling, destroying her self confidence, but also involved in many unlawful activities. On the day she was supposed to get married, she flees the UK and gets on a ship to NYC to start a new life. On board the ship, she meets two people she becomes close to - Frank, who is planning to travel to California to become an architect, and Nora, who has family in NYC and plans to work at Macy's. Will Jimmy follow Olivia? Will Frank become more than a good friend? And most importantly, will Olivia succeed as a singer in NYC? I felt that the ending was just too short and almost choppy - one minute they are landing in NY and the next chapter is five years later. I would have loved to have been able to read about what all three of them did in those five years. All in all, though, the story did have the happy ending I love so much. These are likable charaters - perhaps the author can write a longer sequel? Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia, a twenty-one-year-old miners daughter living in Liverpool boards a one-way ferry to New York to get away from Jimmy. She dreams of beginning a new life as a jazz singer. On board she meets Frank, who’s heading to LA to pursue his dreams of being an architect and Nora, who’s heading to America to conquer the fashion world. Between looking over her shoulder everywhere she goes to the nightmares that torment her, Olivia longs to escape the notorious Jimmy and his criminal dealings.

You feel sympathy for Olivia’s character instantly. From leaving her childhood home in Ashington in search of better things to settling for Jimmy’s charms, you just want to give her a hug. Frank, the gentleman with a big heart is just what she needed. It was comforting to know she had friends by her side when they hit America.

This book was a short, well-written story set in the 1930’s. It was an easy read focusing on the importance of true friendship and the bravery required to start fresh. The ending rounded off the book perfectly. I think this book could have been a full-length novel, there was more that could have been added. I’d be very interested in reading more from this author.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Hollywood Runaway is a short and heartfelt read set in the 1930s, following Olivia Swift, a nightclub singer from Liverpool whose life is upended by a devastating secret. She flees to America on the SS Ocean Empress, where she meets kind strangers who help her find her footing again.

The writing is smooth and the historical setting feels authentic, especially the descriptions of ship life and the camaraderie among passengers. I liked Olivia as a character and appreciated her determination to start over.

However, I went into this book expecting more of her journey into Hollywood—her career, her rise to stardom, the glamour and challenges of the entertainment world. Instead, most of the novella focuses on her past and her emotional recovery, with only a brief glimpse of her future success in the epilogue. I wanted more of the Hollywood sparkle!

It’s still an uplifting story of resilience and friendship, but for me, the heart of the premise—her Hollywood career—was over far too quickly. Readers looking for a gentle, hopeful escape will enjoy it, but those wanting the full showbiz arc might be left wishing for more.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hollywood Runaway
By Alexandra Weston

This captivating novella, set in the vibrant 1930s, follows the tumultuous life of Olivia Swift, a talented nightclub singer hailing from Liverpool. Her world is turned upside down when she is forced to confront a devastating secret that threatens to unravel her dreams.

On a fateful day, Olivia boards the SS Ocean Princess, clutching two heavy suitcases in each hand. She is resplendent in a stunning white lace dress that flows elegantly with each step, complemented by a wide-brimmed hat adorned with delicate white lace trim. This moment marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey, filled with hope and trepidation.

Though Olivia is determined to keep a low profile and reach New York without drawing attention to herself, a misunderstanding with the ship's staff leads her to an unexpected encounter. She finds herself face-to-face with Francis “Frank” McManaman, an aspiring architect with dreams as grand as the skyline he hopes to shape. This chance meeting sets off a chain of events that will forever alter their lives and intertwine their fates in ways they could never have imagined.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia is fleeing from her fiancé on their wedding day, terrified about what he will do to her if he finds her. Spotting a poster gives her what may be her escape toute – a ship is leaving Liverpool today, bound for New York. The slow shuffle up the embarkation stairway is torture for her as she constantly scans the crowds for Jimmy or any of his henchmen. Once on board she breathes a sigh of relief and locks her cabin door.

Due to a name error her cabin companion turns out to be a man! Frank, being a true gentleman deals with it, and they become friends as does Nora, her next cabin companion. Over the voyage Olivia’s story is gradually revealed and she starts to regain her confidence. But she still has one dark secret that she is too ashamed to reveal to them whilst she struggles to find a way to put it right.

Another enjoyable book by this author.

Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an ARC for my honest review.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“The Hollywood Runaway” is a historical fiction novella by Alexandra Weston. Continuing her “golden age of Hollywood” theme, Ms. Weston once again revisits those days - this time with a singer (Olivia) escaping her fiancé and sailing from the UK to America to make a new life. On the boat, Olivia meets Frank and Nora and, over the course of four days, her story is told to them via flashbacks - but not a dual-timeline. I was impressed that so much information can be conveyed in such few pages. I felt that this book could’ve been longer, but in its bite-sized chunk, Ms. Weston did a very good job. There’s not a lot about Hollywood in this story - other than the beginning and the ending, but it does provide good background in case Ms. Weston wishes to revisit Olivia’s story one day.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing and loving Alexandra Weston's 'The Hollywood Governess', I jumped at the chance to read and review this new novella which details the backstory of one of side characters, Olivia Swift, in the aforementioned book and her escape from England to chasing her dreams in New York. I really loved this and was amazed at how Weston crammed so much detail into such a short number of pages. Her writing is incredibly transporting and the plot was interesting - I especially liked the flashback/forward between chapters as we discovered more about Olivia's story. The side characters shine here too and characterisation on the whole is wonderful. Overall, I would recommend this and Weston's other books to readers who enjoy historical fiction written in an accurate and vivid way, as well as those who like character driven plots.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a narrow escape from an ill fated marriage night club singer, Olivia Swift makes a hasty decision to leave Liverpool on a one way ticket to America. Gradually over the 5 day voyage we learn more about Olivia, the fiancé she left behind and her growing friendship with two of her fellow passengers.

This is an ideal summery sort of read and coming in at just 131 pages, it’s great escapism for a sunny afternoon by the pool or in the garden. The author captures the excitement of a long sea voyage and introduces us to the unpredictable world of the night club singer in 1930s. Olivia, and her friends, are all off to make a fresh start in a new world and this heady excitement is captured really well.

Small, but perfectly formed, The Hollywood Runaway compliments the other books in this enjoyable golden age of Hollywood series by this talented writer of historical fiction.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. This short book/ long story was an enjoyable, easy, breezy read, perfect for a summer day. The story of Olivia Swift, a young aspiring singer living in Liverpool in the 1930’s, who hits a crisis and abruptly leaves on a ship to sail to New York was a quick paced story that shows the goodness of people helping each other in times of need and a heartwarming outcome that made this story have a resounding happy ending. I have read two previous books by this author and Ms Weston s quickly becoming one of my new favorite authors to read. I would recommend this story to anyone looking for a quick read that has enjoyable characters, and is well written.

[Rosies.Reading.Paradise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering this was a novella just over 100 pages long, the story was well developed and didn't feel rushed or lacking. The characters are engaging and I was invested in the story from the start. 4.25 stars 🌟

I liked how the prologue and epilogue gave snapshots into future events which let you know what happened in the perfect way without having to write it all in minute detail. It left you to think up what happened between times which was a nice touch.

This was my first time reading anything by this author and I enjoyed the writing style. I will be reading more from Alexandra Weston in future.

Thanks to NetGalley, Alexandra Weston and Boldwood Books for an eARC of this book, I enjoyed reading it amd writing this honest review.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a quick and easy read then the Hollywood Runaway by Alexandra Weston is the book for you! I will say is that I was quite impressed with the plot and the characters in general. I will say that I will need to invest more time in this authors books.
This charming novella takes place in Liverpool in the 1930's and focuses on a young lady named Olivia. Now Olivia believes she has everything a girl could hope for but shortly before her wedding she discovers a shocking secret that ruins her plans. Needing an escape she goes on the trip of a lifetime to America. Will she accomplish what she is looking for.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of courage, emotion and immersive storytelling in this short historical fiction that charts Oliva's journey from Liverpool to New York, which facilitates her self-realisation. Oliva's tale is a poignant one, with her guilt over past choices spoiling her chance of future happiness. I like the way she grows from her past experiences and achieves something worthwhile. There are illuminating flashbacks to her previous life, and the ending is satisfying. I enjoyed the storytelling, the setting on an ocean liner, and the way Olivia manages to turn her life around with the help of friends, hard work, and a bit of luck.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Margo Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella starts with a lot of energy as Olivia, a 1930s nightclub singer from Liverpool, rushes to escape a dodgy fiancé-from-hell by buying a last-minute steamship ticket to New York. It's written from Olivia's point of view, and I liked her voice which is sparky and sometimes a bit sardonic (especially about her awful ex). Once on board ship, she makes friends and has an exciting new life ahead - if she can find a way to let go of past baggage and regain her self-respect.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For what this was (a novella) I loved it. Weston always creates such interesting characters that you want to root for.

I liked that it was in the same world as the Hollywood Governess because that's my favorite Weston book. But it was too short, and I wanted more! more of Olivia and Nora in NYC! More of her story on how she made it to LA! More of her and Frank's reuniting / beginning to their relationship! More of her working with Aidan! This easily could have been a full novel!

But I will wait patiently for her next one.

[R Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping romance. A nightclub singer runs away from a gangster on the day of her wedding and is consumed by guilt and fear as she has stolen a large sum of money from him. She boards an ocean liner to the USA and meets two friends who teach he4 once again that normall6 people are decent, thoughtful humans. The leads character is great, feisty and principled ye5 vulnerable. There is an Hea which makes for a satisfying read. The big shame was that the book was short, I was left wanting more!

[Euge Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for this historical fiction novella about the voyage of Olivia from Liverpool to New York in the 1930’s. In the six days that the trip took to arrive at its destination, Olivia encounters Frank, an aspiring architect who is heading to Los Angeles. Olivia’s cabin-mate, Nora completes the trio of friends that became intimate, telling stories about their past and how they end up on the SS Ocean Empress.
The author through her narrative fulfills the characters intentions to become someone else in the new world.
Love it! I will definitely check the author’s other books.

[Tammy Buchli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becausethis novel is so short, it is much longer on romance than on history. My preference in a historical romance is the opposite - I want more history than romance, That said, in spite of the book's length, Weston did manage to pack a lot of the feeling of the 1930s into it. I would't mind reading a more expanded version of this story.

[Andrea A · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Net Galley, Boldwood and the personal invitation I received to review this arc.

Runaway bride. That is what she is when she leaves her wedding to Jimmy Johnson, steals his money to care for her Mom, boards a ship to the US, meets Frank and Nora, and becomes a singer in a band to entertain 3rd class passengers.

Sweet story. Quick and easy novella to read.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story about a singer who decides on the spur of the moment to move to the US from England. While Olivia was a fascinating character, it moved slower than I would have liked, and I was never really drawn to it. The ending was heartwarming, though, and it does give a compelling look at what life was like at that time.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[JXR · Rating 4 out of 5]

surprisingly really fun and sweet novella with a great plotting and some interesting characters. would recommend. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.