I received this book from the publisher, Grand Central Publishing.

An island in the Caribbean is the site for a new movie. Two of Hollywood’s well-known stars are slated to headline. These two stars are also former spouses. Could the script rekindle romance between them? The story of their time together is told by the woman director, Taylor, the star, Stella, and her assistant, Felicity. Each person provides an invaluable piece of the story. As filming begins, a social media star arrives. Her desire to be completely transparent with her followers means that she will be filming and sharing constantly. Actors are not accustomed to this. Will people who are used to letting their hair down once the camera shuts off be able to live with this?

The director, Taylor, was dismissed from the production company her father owned. According to industry insiders, she had an affair with a married co-worker and embezzled money. She is grateful for the opportunity to work on this film and prove her ability away from her father. The main female lead, Stella, has been through the highs and lows of fame. She was loved for her early roles. She fell in love with her co-star Cole and they were married only a short time. After the divorce, she spiraled downward and spent several stints in rehab. Acting with her former spouse could be terrific or sink her again. She recently met a young woman who impressed her with her strong will and attitude. Stella hired Felicity to be her personal assistant. Felicity is efficient and helps keep Stella from trouble. All three of these women arrive at this gorgeous tropical paradise.

As I read the first pages of this book, I immediately thought this would be a good beach book. As the characters and the plot develop, I realized that Katherine St. John had much more planned. There is darkness in this story. Power has been abused, no one has had to face the consequences of their previous actions. While you think that you have it figured out and the author certainly leads you into thinking so, completely different elements emerge. Once the story is blown open, how will it come back together?

Katherine St. John knows how to tell a story. She takes the reader by the hand and shows us all the elements. We believe we understand, then she leans down and yanks the rug out from under us! I LOVE it! Who wants predictable? She takes a good story and makes it great. What a fun book!

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻/5

Additional Thoughts: As a kid it’s fun to think about being famous. Movie star, athlete, model, etc. are all jobs that can lead to fame. This is superficial and although we hear rumors of poor behavior, it’s rarely seen. Amanda Bynes and Britney Spears both struggled with fame and needed help after they spiraled out of control. The #MeToo movement showed how many used their power to take advantage of people. While it is important to show this and not sweep it under the rug, we also need to be cognizant of unethical people making false accusations.

I am saw my first computer in college. To think that the thing I hold in my hand has more power than the computer I first saw is amazing. I love being able to get an answer to a question without having to find a dictionary or library. With this wealth of information, is there too much? What about people that over share? Do people really find it interesting to watch someone play a game? Social influencers show us what they eat, wear, cook, shop for. What are they providing us? There are good elements to social media and hopefully we can find a way to encourage these.