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Limelight
Claudette Fioré used to turn heads and break hearts. She relished the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle because she had what it money, youth, fame, and above all, beauty. But age has withered that beauty, and a crooked accountant has taken her wealth, leaving the proud widow penniless and alone.Armed with stubbornness and sarcasm, Claudette returns to her shabby little hometown and her estranged sister. Slowly, she makes friends. She begins to see her old life in a new light. For the first time, Claudette Fioré questions her own values and finds herself wondering if it's too late to change.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2009
22 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
430 books3,258 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 3, 2010
I am quickly becoming a fan of Melody Carlson. I have read this book and a teen book she has written and have already made a wish list of her books to be placed on my shelves at school.
In "Limelight" I found a book that could make my emotions ride the rollercoaster. It is the story of Claudette Fiore, an 82 year old former actress. After her husband passes away she finds that his accountant was paying himself instead of their taxes. The IRS does not look favorably on this and has therefore seized most of her assets, including her beautiful home in Beverly Hills. She sees everything as lost and hopeless and attempts suicide. Her step-son flies in to save the day. As a set designer he is used to making lists and working the lists to make magic happen. He sets Claudette down and the process begins. It is then she tells him she owns a home in Silverton, California. He thinks that is terrific. Even when she tells him about how poor she was growing up, he sees the silver lining in all of it. He drives her back to Silverton and turns her mother's former house into something she can feel comfortable and cozy in. She had always had servants around to do everything for her and without that help she as helpless as a baby. With the help of friends she had left behind when she fled Silverton, she manages to survive and actually thrive.
I loved Claudette. She was a snob at the beginning of the book. She trampled on people all of the time and her character made me angry. Then when I saw her situation I felt bad for her because I figured she wasn't going to make it. The problems she has after moving in to her house just cracked me up. The fact she didn't know how to go shopping for the simplest of items just blew me away. Her attempt at doing laundry made me roll on the floor. I knew by the time I had finished the book and I was laughing and crying that I would have to recommend this book to all of my friends. It was a real pleasure to read and review this book.
In "Limelight" I found a book that could make my emotions ride the rollercoaster. It is the story of Claudette Fiore, an 82 year old former actress. After her husband passes away she finds that his accountant was paying himself instead of their taxes. The IRS does not look favorably on this and has therefore seized most of her assets, including her beautiful home in Beverly Hills. She sees everything as lost and hopeless and attempts suicide. Her step-son flies in to save the day. As a set designer he is used to making lists and working the lists to make magic happen. He sets Claudette down and the process begins. It is then she tells him she owns a home in Silverton, California. He thinks that is terrific. Even when she tells him about how poor she was growing up, he sees the silver lining in all of it. He drives her back to Silverton and turns her mother's former house into something she can feel comfortable and cozy in. She had always had servants around to do everything for her and without that help she as helpless as a baby. With the help of friends she had left behind when she fled Silverton, she manages to survive and actually thrive.
I loved Claudette. She was a snob at the beginning of the book. She trampled on people all of the time and her character made me angry. Then when I saw her situation I felt bad for her because I figured she wasn't going to make it. The problems she has after moving in to her house just cracked me up. The fact she didn't know how to go shopping for the simplest of items just blew me away. Her attempt at doing laundry made me roll on the floor. I knew by the time I had finished the book and I was laughing and crying that I would have to recommend this book to all of my friends. It was a real pleasure to read and review this book.
November 6, 2009
What a unique book. This book is about a Hollywood has-been in her 80's that is suffering from a case of... if I can't have what I want, then I'd rather die! So she tries to... die that is. After a failed suicide attempt we meet Claudette Fiore in a mental hospital trying to figure out how she is going to leave when she has no where to go after a recent visit from the IRS, which is what led to attempt in the first place. She calls upon her step-son Michael for help and he comes to her rescue. Only one problem, with the Beverly Hills mansion sold for back taxes that leaves her with her mother's old house back home in a town that she swore she'd never go back to. Could death be worse than this? Claudette doesn't think so. Can Michael change her mind and help her see that her life isn't over yet?
What does she do to take care of herself and her new little bungalow without the staff that has waited on her hand and foot for the last 60 years? Heavens, Claudette doesn't know how to do the dishes, wash clothes or make a bed - how is she ever going to stay alive let alone clean? When people from her past start popping into her life how will she ever survive the humiliation?
Can you really teach an old dog new tricks? Come take a journey with Claudette and see.
I really enjoyed this book and seeing how the other half lives, and I don't mean the rich and famous, I mean the elderly! Good book coming from an author who writes a lot of young adult books, it was kind of nice seeing a different side.
What does she do to take care of herself and her new little bungalow without the staff that has waited on her hand and foot for the last 60 years? Heavens, Claudette doesn't know how to do the dishes, wash clothes or make a bed - how is she ever going to stay alive let alone clean? When people from her past start popping into her life how will she ever survive the humiliation?
Can you really teach an old dog new tricks? Come take a journey with Claudette and see.
I really enjoyed this book and seeing how the other half lives, and I don't mean the rich and famous, I mean the elderly! Good book coming from an author who writes a lot of young adult books, it was kind of nice seeing a different side.
January 12, 2018
I've never met an 82 year old who was ungrateful or manipulative, so I found this book interesting, even though Claudette's negative attitude irritated me at first. You'd think children who struggled in poverty would be appreciative later in life as a wealthy adult actress, so that confused me, but then I cheered as she began to grow, and learned to love people and appreciate her small town of Silverton.
June 18, 2023
This book was hard for me in a few different ways. I did not agree with some principles it stated. Claudette was frustrating for so long and I had high hopes of a grand redemption story. It was rushed at the end instead. Had a somewhat moving scene that had potential but was still lacking for me. The second half definitely got better but I would not read again or offer it to a friend to read without a few disclaimers. Not my favorite.
July 7, 2024
Limelight reminded me that it had been far too long since I had read one of Melody Carlson’s wonderful books. I love that this story features an octogenarian who has been forced to make a major change in her lifestyle. As difficult as it was to leave her extravagant life back in Hollywood and relocate to her small-town childhood home, Claudette Fiore’ finds that moving is her only realistic option.
The reader gets to know Claudette’s gay stepson who comes to Hollywood for a visit and ends up helping her get set up in Silverton, California. We meet her estranged sister, Violet, and other residents of the town. Needless to say, it is an adjustment to have neighbors who feel free to invite themselves over – even when she does not want company. However, those same neighbors rally around when they discover that she needs help.
Be prepared for a story of forging new friendships, forgiveness, and how faith can make a difference in life.
The reader gets to know Claudette’s gay stepson who comes to Hollywood for a visit and ends up helping her get set up in Silverton, California. We meet her estranged sister, Violet, and other residents of the town. Needless to say, it is an adjustment to have neighbors who feel free to invite themselves over – even when she does not want company. However, those same neighbors rally around when they discover that she needs help.
Be prepared for a story of forging new friendships, forgiveness, and how faith can make a difference in life.
November 3, 2009
Claudette Fiore was used to making men's heads turn. Married to Gavin Fiore, a Hollywood director, Claudette enjoyed the good life, expensive foreign vacations, 500 thread Egyptian sheet cotton sheets and a handful of servants to attend to her needs.
Suddenly at the age of 82, the glamorous life of Hollywood comes crashing down on Claudette as she is forced to learn the tasks of life, many of us perform routinely on a daily basis. As a widow, Claudette finds herself almost penniless due to her accountant's swindling.
What is a diva to do? Move back to her hometown in Northern California where she swore she would never return to.
Limelight is a quick, witty and enjoyable read. As an 82 year old Claudette does not have many endearing qualities. Used to being pampered she has difficulty adjusting to the lifestyles of the not so rich. Having spent most of her life in Hollywood Claudette is overly self conscious about her looks. By the end of the book, I found myself liking Claudette. Life in a small town makes her realize that at the end of the day all that is really important are the people that you surround yourself with.
The book has an assortment of quirky characters, Claudette's gay step-son-who works magic with her new home. His enthusiasm and appreciation of life is contagious. Bea, her nosy overly friendly neighbor has no fashion sense but will not be deterred by Claudette's snobbery. In her first week in town, Claudette meets the senior liaison lady, a fan of imitation handbags, an art dealer and a clerk from the hardware store.
Author Carlson, weaves together a fun story of life in a smaller town. She brings to life everyday events that we can all relate to, locking yourself out of your house and overflowing toilets. At times the book had me laughing out loud reminiscing about my own bad luck situations. The book also made me wonder what my life would be like at eighty-two.
Suddenly at the age of 82, the glamorous life of Hollywood comes crashing down on Claudette as she is forced to learn the tasks of life, many of us perform routinely on a daily basis. As a widow, Claudette finds herself almost penniless due to her accountant's swindling.
What is a diva to do? Move back to her hometown in Northern California where she swore she would never return to.
Limelight is a quick, witty and enjoyable read. As an 82 year old Claudette does not have many endearing qualities. Used to being pampered she has difficulty adjusting to the lifestyles of the not so rich. Having spent most of her life in Hollywood Claudette is overly self conscious about her looks. By the end of the book, I found myself liking Claudette. Life in a small town makes her realize that at the end of the day all that is really important are the people that you surround yourself with.
The book has an assortment of quirky characters, Claudette's gay step-son-who works magic with her new home. His enthusiasm and appreciation of life is contagious. Bea, her nosy overly friendly neighbor has no fashion sense but will not be deterred by Claudette's snobbery. In her first week in town, Claudette meets the senior liaison lady, a fan of imitation handbags, an art dealer and a clerk from the hardware store.
Author Carlson, weaves together a fun story of life in a smaller town. She brings to life everyday events that we can all relate to, locking yourself out of your house and overflowing toilets. At times the book had me laughing out loud reminiscing about my own bad luck situations. The book also made me wonder what my life would be like at eighty-two.
October 8, 2009
Claudette Fioré used to turn heads and break hearts. She relished the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle because she had what it takes: money, youth, fame, and above all, beauty. But age has withered that beauty, and a crooked accountant has taken her wealth, leaving the proud widow penniless and alone. Armed with stubbornness and sarcasm, Claudette returns to her shabby little hometown and her estranged sister. Slowly, she makes friends. She begins to see her old life in a new light. For the first time, Claudette Fioré questions her own values and finds herself wondering if it’s too late to change.
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed the nostalgia of this story. While Claudette is bemoaning her life now she reflects on the life she once led in Hollywood. Beauty and status once meant everything to her but was it real? This is a classic tale of finding out what's really important in life. It may have taken her 80 years and a tragic turn of events but Claudette has a revelation that maybe her life wasn't quite as perfect as she thought it was. While she may be stubborn she is also humorous and that makes her story even more interesting. Her snooty attitude is part of what got her through the tough times at home and in the hospital. While it provides a form of self preservation, she needs to look within herself to try to repair her relationship with her sister, renew her faith and get a fresh start in life.
These characters were quirky and often shallow but they are transforming and adapting to their changes. Their interactions are strained but evolving. The theme teaching a valuable lesson that it's never to late to try to make changes and find happiness. Taking control of your own life can be very empowering at any age.
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed the nostalgia of this story. While Claudette is bemoaning her life now she reflects on the life she once led in Hollywood. Beauty and status once meant everything to her but was it real? This is a classic tale of finding out what's really important in life. It may have taken her 80 years and a tragic turn of events but Claudette has a revelation that maybe her life wasn't quite as perfect as she thought it was. While she may be stubborn she is also humorous and that makes her story even more interesting. Her snooty attitude is part of what got her through the tough times at home and in the hospital. While it provides a form of self preservation, she needs to look within herself to try to repair her relationship with her sister, renew her faith and get a fresh start in life.
These characters were quirky and often shallow but they are transforming and adapting to their changes. Their interactions are strained but evolving. The theme teaching a valuable lesson that it's never to late to try to make changes and find happiness. Taking control of your own life can be very empowering at any age.
November 3, 2009
Limelight by Melody Carlson is an unusual and humorous book about a starting life all over again at 82. Claudette Fiore's life was one anyone would envy: wealth, fame, handsome movie director husband, beauty; the epitome of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, until her accountant paid himself instead of the IRS leaving her without a home or the kind of life she's lived for the last sixty years. At first, the news causes her to attempt suicide, but two weeks in a psychiatric facility has left her determined to live on her own again. With the help of her stepson, she returns to her hometown of Silverton, California to a house left to Claudette in her mother's will. Returning to the town she couldn't leave fast enough and the sister she hasn't spoken to in years will test her self-confidence, and she will have to find her new place in the world. Claudette's trials while trying to learn how to care for a home: washing clothes with dish detergent, starting a fire in the fireplace with a closed flue, and using her Crock-Pot as emergency bathroom facilities makes this book at times a laugh out loud riot. But there is also a powerful message about friendship and finding self worth outside of your gross income. Carlson is an outstanding author, her books for teens resonate strongly with the YA audience, but her voice in this book rings just as true. Claudette is a character I wouldn't mind visiting again!
October 27, 2009
Claudette Fiore' is one pampered, spoiled rich woman. Perhaps the better way is to say she was rich. A dishonest accountant, has avoided taxes on her husband's wealth and the IRS has stepped in and taken nearly everything. Not used to being destitute, and having everything she wants, Claudette is depressed, mean and hateful. If ever there was a main character you really wanted to dislike, and perhaps smack some sense into, it is definitely Claudette Fiore'.
Totally a me, type personality, she does not understand why her sister dislikes her. Why everyone thinks she is a snob. And she does not like having to leave Beverly Hills for her hometown of Silverton. Her stepson, graciously helps her set up her new home, and leaves her to settle in, with lists of how to do things, and things that need taken care of immediately.
Follow along as she blunders her way through. There are some hilariously funny and some very sad moments also. This book was awesome. I was thinking at the beginning, a book about a rich selfish woman, and then as I got into the book I was drawn in by how Melody Carlson worked out the character of Claudette. A book to read and share, group discussion questions at the end. 378 pages $US 13.99 4 stars.
This book was provided by Multnomah for review purposes only, no cash or payment was received for this review.
October 21, 2009
I feel this story had great potential. Melody Carlson did a fantastic job describing the difficulties that Claudette had fitting into small town life as a broke elderly woman after having spent most of her adult years a wealthy woman in Hollywood with a houseful of servants. The tensions grew, the difficulties mounted and then BAM!! It was all resolved in a very short time. The resolution was too quick, too short and too pat. It made this book go from being very good to just okay.
April 8, 2012
Claudette Fiore, a 80 year old Hollywood socialite, is learning to live a new life without her husband, fancy house and money. Her stepson, Michael, comes from Hawaii to help her move to her childhood home in northern California. Here she has some laugh out loud moments dealing with everyday household chores. She also has a sister not speaking to her. Is she too old to learn? or is she just old enough to mend fences?
378 pages
378 pages
March 21, 2013
I didn't realize at first how old Claudette was. I don't think I've ever really read a book where the mc was drastically different from me in age. It was most definitely interesting. I was worried I wouldn't be engaged because of the difference, but that was not the case. I find Carlson has a way of sucking me into a story and I always enjoy her books.
I would have liked a bit more in the ending, but the book is still very good and tells a complete story.
I would have liked a bit more in the ending, but the book is still very good and tells a complete story.
July 4, 2017
I chose this book at the library expecting it to be about a whiny, forty-something ex-actress. Instead, it's about a whiny, eighty-something ex-actress! It was totally hilarious in spots (especially the day that started with the furnace not working that turned into pure chaos), yet gut-wrenching thinking about what could happen to an older woman without a good support system.
November 13, 2009
Loved it...very entertaining. I haven't read something this original in awhile. Who would have thought that the main character of age 82 would be so interesting. It shows hope that we can all mature no matter what stage of the game we are in.
November 13, 2009
Loved this book! The author deals with serious topics (greed, arrogance, forgiveness, aging) but uses humor throughout the story. Talk about a quirky main character. Melody Carlson has written so many teen and adult fiction books. I haven't read one I didn't like!
October 3, 2011
Ok, grumpy, haughty 82 yr. old Claudette is finally making me understand her a little now that I've finished the book. But I have to say...if that life of wealth and ease make people like her then I'm glad for my little unwealthy but quite satisfying life :)
June 3, 2009
This book won't be released for several months, but I was privileged to read an advance copy. I'll post my review when the release date is closer, but for now: ADD IT TO YOUR TO-READ SHELF!
October 31, 2009
This is an entertaining light read. Very funny at times. I enjoyed the book.
July 16, 2010
Overall a good read. I was happy to see how it turned out in the end.
June 11, 2010
Very good book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I will buy it at some point.
March 12, 2018
Claudette Fiore', now in her 80s, once lived an incredibly privileged life, as a Hollywood actress and the wife of an even more famous movie director. She is a materialistic snob who has no idea how to operate a washing machine or even do her own grocery shopping because her "servants" do everything for her. Age has now robbed her of the physical beauty she once reveled in, and she loses her home and money through the dishonest dealings of her accountant. Her husband has died and, at 80 years of age, woefully helpless (although in excellent health), she is devastated by all of her losses (most especially her money and status) and wishes for death. Enter her charming stepson, who gently refuses to allow her to wallow, and helps her to make the transition from a life in Beverly Hills to her small hometown in Northern California. He doesn't linger long, though, and she is forced to learn to take care of herself for the first time. Her pitiful efforts to handle even the most trivial of life's challenges bring about sad/ hilarious situations that make the reader want to laugh and cry in the same breath. Although she feels her life is over, she is actually just beginning to really live. I loved the development of this story line and also the characters.
November 16, 2017
one word: DNF
No no NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!! This is s not for me, I just couldn't bear reading this. I was dragging my eyes to every line and i was yawning too much, that. is. not. okay. I wanted to read this book so bad! it made me sad just DNFing it. It was kept getting worse and worse, and people say read until your in the middle and it WILL get good, wel this book i can't do that, i can't. You know, when your friends complain and complain and it just gets A N N O Y I N G! Well, that was the case, here, this is not for me. Definitely not. i might pick this up, who knows, but for now, N O P E.
No no NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!! This is s not for me, I just couldn't bear reading this. I was dragging my eyes to every line and i was yawning too much, that. is. not. okay. I wanted to read this book so bad! it made me sad just DNFing it. It was kept getting worse and worse, and people say read until your in the middle and it WILL get good, wel this book i can't do that, i can't. You know, when your friends complain and complain and it just gets A N N O Y I N G! Well, that was the case, here, this is not for me. Definitely not. i might pick this up, who knows, but for now, N O P E.
July 4, 2019
At the beginning of the book, I really thought that I wasn’t going to like the main character. However, as the story continued her character growth intrigued me, and by the end I found I actually liked her a little bit.
The other aspect that I found really interesting about this book was that the main character was a different age than most of the books I’ve been reading lately. I feel like I don’t come across many books whose main characters fit her demographic. It was really interesting to read a book from a different age perspective.
The other aspect that I found really interesting about this book was that the main character was a different age than most of the books I’ve been reading lately. I feel like I don’t come across many books whose main characters fit her demographic. It was really interesting to read a book from a different age perspective.
September 24, 2018
This was an easy, light read. The synopsis of the book provided does a good job of outlining the story. I liked the character and her journey from a materialistic, rich woman to a woman of more valuable substance. I found the writing style distracting at times, but not so much that I didn't enjoy the story. To me, the ending felt rushed. Still an enjoyable read.
February 26, 2021
I loved it! Such a unique story . . . I did think the ending was a bit abrupt. There was a party scene near the end that we're told about but we didn't see, and that would have been a fun way to end the book. There were also two characters that I had hoped to see one more time. But other than a somewhat quick and abrupt ending, I loved the story and Claudette's gradual awakening.
October 27, 2018
The author spent 7/10 of the book convincing me that the main character (first person POV) was a selfish, spoiled human... and then everything was suddenly wrapped up with a nice bow. Unsatisfying and unrealistic.
August 8, 2022
I quite liked this book. That it was about an 82 year old was fun. Most of the book the main character was horrible. I would have liked a bit more about her transformation from that unlikeable character and I would have liked more about her relationship with her sister.
September 20, 2017
A nice mystery - I would read others by her.
March 20, 2018
Entertaining read about a former rich lady forced to live among the unwashed masses in her old age due to losing her money. A light read.
September 26, 2019
Did enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews