Seamlessly, she pours the foundation for the entire story within one intro. Many authors do this and cluster up the first paragraph alone but not this author.
Starlet's Run
She has somehow managed to direct the flow of the book so that in the free sample alone you have an understanding of where this book is going to take you. Her writing is elegant and easy to read while holding deep concepts and intellectual del The author wastes no time in her creation of an emotional bond between you and the main character. Her writing is elegant and easy to read while holding deep concepts and intellectual delvings that stir many of us. Right away I got a sense of the main character while she gazed at a man-made landscape that is both beautiful and repulsive to her for reasons she elaborates on.
As John Keats so eloquently stated, "Truth is beauty and beauty is truth, that's all ye know and all ye need to know. You will follow the main character as she searches for truth, and whether or not she finds beauty in it or whether she finds it at all will remain to be seen as you read.
As I stated before, I emphasize the elegant writing style that the author employs and she effectively in my opinion creates an emotional attachment between the reader and main character. Wonderful editing and a smooth read. This story will make you think on your own life and choices, it will hopefully find you in your youth where you can take something out of this and apply it to your own life. A book that can give someone such a gift as a morally fortitude-filled thought so many times over is something to treasure and share.
I will surely be sharing this. I would love to see such a book in my son's library. Sep 09, Gayle Pace rated it really liked it. You don't get the character background if you don't.
The Starlet: A Novel
It's hard for me to connect if I don't have that background. I did read them out of sequence, although I wouldn't recommend it. I love first loves, even if sometimes they are just "puppy love". Those first loves can make you strong or unsure of yourself. A lot of romances are based on those first loves. I found myself rooting for Lia as she grew strong in character facing her health issues.
I wanted her to get out of the bad influence that Hollywood was having on her life and her relationship with Manuel. Through the struggles the two of them find a happy medium that satisfied them both. It seems like Lia's relationships have a knot in them. The situation, whatever it may be, needs to be solved for that knot to untie. I liked the fact that Lia was not just tied to Manuel.
She had friends and a life outside of him. Such as the trouble young girls can get into in a big place such as Hollywood. Lia is not overly religious but is very spiritual.. I believe this book is for everyone no matter if you believe or not. I do believe that Ms. Hanna has a writing style all of her own. It was a little hard getting used to it at first. Keep reading and you'll be surprised at the ending.
Try to read the books in sequence. It will make for a better understanding of what is happening. Harris from Literary Quill for this unbiased review. This is a review from a Hollywood insider of Starlet's Run, located on Amazon: I wish I could have read the Starlet Series when I was a much younger adult. It would have saved me a few hard lessons I had to learn-mostly about standing up for myself instead of self victimizing myself and not falling into the trap of woe-is-me-I'm-a-victim-l-can't-do-anything-to-help-myself, so I'll-just-sit-here-and-wallow.
I love these books because they don't aggrandize the circumstantial experiences of the heroine, but she takes life in stride, even while she maybe crushed and saddened, she triumphs and finds joy and love- and not just because she finds a prince charming and her life is perfect. Rather, she finds life is not perfect, but it is worth living, imperfections and all, and she finds her strength not in the love from others, but in the love she gives herself.
Hanna writes without preaching, teaches without telling, and offers a wonderful accessible message in a page turning format. Love it- none of the "little women" I know are old enough yet to read this, but when they are, I know what I am getting them for Christmas! Jan 08, MustHaveMocha rated it it was amazing.
Here are some reviews on Amazon for coming-of-age fiction Starlet's Run: We get to see what makes them all tick and discover their strengths and weaknesses as Liana lowers the shield she put around herself to survive being a teen actress. I cried a lot on this heartfelt journey and realized that I n Here are some reviews on Amazon for coming-of-age fiction Starlet's Run: I cried a lot on this heartfelt journey and realized that I need to keep looking forward and let go of past hurts.
This book deals with the less-addressed next question, "What now? I love how this book delves into these reality checks, and I think any young person in a serious romantic relationship could relate. I am completely enamored with this series It is so refreshing to have the main character carry such strong values. Hanna masterfully weaves the Five Stages of Grief into a heartfelt tale of personal growth, acceptance, and understanding.
May 19, Lifeisgood rated it it was amazing. The actress, Lia Marie, has a tumor removed and goes to Montana with Manuel and her dad to recover. She is trying to figure out what is best for her and for Manuel. Not only did I understand myself better but I self-reflected on what I expected of celebrities and people struggling through hardship. This is one of the few novels that forces introspection. I received the series in exchange for an honest review of each novel. I closed my blog for health reasons but will honor reviewing this exciting series.
Jun 20, Koya. First off I want to say that because this is the second book in the series I felt as though I was missing a huge piece of the story. Even though this could stand alone as the author said I just couldn't get past that. Starlet's Run is a good book. Its a page turner but not because its extremely steamy or mysterious but because it is a good story with great characters.
While Carla developed the characters well you could still tell Liana Marie Michaels is discovering who she is and Manuel is findi First off I want to say that because this is the second book in the series I felt as though I was missing a huge piece of the story. While Carla developed the characters well you could still tell Liana Marie Michaels is discovering who she is and Manuel is finding who he is.
There is a lot of soul searching, a lot of finding one's true heart in the material world that Lia has come to know. I encourage you all to read this book and find what you liked about it, I know I loved certain aspects. May 20, Ariella rated it it was amazing Shelves: It left off right where book 1 ended. Marie had brain surgery. I had brain surgery when I was 10 but I had to be awake for it so I understand Marie fears for having brain surgery.
I love how Manny and Marie are fighting for their relationship. Manny wants her to stop acting but she doesn't. Marie has a hard descison for true love or quit acting for good. I love how the author writes this series. I can't wait to start book 3 in the series. View all 5 comments. Apr 12, Greg Lose rated it it was amazing. Was not disappointed - the story picks up right where the first book leaves off and takes us on a new journey with all the familiar characters plus a few new one. Eagerly waiting on the next installment! Mar 25, Melissa rated it really liked it Shelves: I won this book through a GR Giveaway.
This is the second book in the series. I liked this book a lot more than the first. It had more depth in it and kept me interested to the point I didn't want to put it down. I'm definitely going to keep up with this series. May 31, The Book rated it it was amazing. Jan 11, Amy-louise rated it it was amazing.
May 23, Connie Nordmark rated it it was amazing. Great 2nd book in the series. Nov 21, Christina rated it it was amazing. Starlet's Run is a great book that looks at what happens to teens after the excitement of falling in love. Can't wait to read book 3. Jun 01, Selina Liaw rated it liked it. This is because it is my first time to stumble on books on a celebrity's life, especially one who is becoming an adult.
When I started with 47 Starlet's Web, I love the starting. However, as I continued reading, I find that the writing style has changed and there's no I love the characters but I find the main character very whiny. It seems like the whole story is being deliberately lengthen. I kinda got bored in the middle.
The good thing about Starlet's Web is I got to experience the 'celebrity lifestyle' which I have absolutely no idea whether its true or not.
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Other than that, its okay. After finishing book 1, I did not feel satisfied with the ending so I decided to give another try by reading book 2, Starlet's Run. Apparently, book 2 can be read as a stand alone series but I find it ridiculous. There's a lot of elements in book 2 which are really connected to book 1. The main character is still being whiny and there's a lot of jealousy going on. The main highlight of Starlet's Run is when the main character has cancer due to a 'special' drug that her mom gave her.
I know it sounds terrible when I said it like that but you gotta read the story to find out the whole story. I don't wanna put it here because they are spoilers. However, I still find the book kinda boring. I love the theme, covers and all but I believe with better editing, it'll be a great read! Since I've finished Book 2, I was thinking, "What the heck. And I gotta say, Book 3 is so much better than the previous books.
I'm so glad I endured book 1 and 2 because this reminds me of life. Life is torturous I'm not talking about the book! I love the twist in book 3 and I gotta say, its a damn surprise. Apr 13, Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws rated it liked it. Things have taken a turn for the worse in some ways as Liana is sick and needs surgery. At the same time, she is struggling with her personal and professional life.
And then there are threats on her life from outside forces. How does she cope with it all? Liana continues to be that girl we fell for in the first book. Her strength is her power. Seeing her trying to balance her work, health and personal life makes you want to tell her that things are eventually going to work out. Her relationship with Manuel is in the forefront in this book. In fact, there are moments when I felt their relationship to be outright dysfunctional.
Liana and Manuel did not really work for me. I quite enjoyed the exchange between Liana and Pierre. However, the drama feels too weary at times. Jun 23, Jessica Zelkovich rated it it was ok. I need to start off saying I received this book for reviewing purposes and was told it could be a stand alone because technically it is the second book in a series.
starlets web the starlet 1 carla j hanna
Even though I was leery of such a statement, I accepted reading the book. There were numerous times I felt like I was missing a huge chunk of the story because of not reading this author's first book. Perhaps I would have accepted the lead's strong connection without so much doubt, or her "my man" nickname which seemed beyond corny. I am older than the author's target audience but I love to read a good plot regardless of genre and yes there were aspects that were enjoyable in this book.
However, I think the author is either new at writing or needs an editor who can liven up the pace for young readers her target. I did not find this book a page turner. The dialogue felt awkward. There were times what was going to be said was summed first then the character would deliver the line. It was work reading this book. Certainly not a stand alone but I didn't connect with the characters enough or the writing style to merit wanting to read the first one or the third installment either. Jul 03, Za-za rated it liked it.
First, I'd like to start out by thanking the author for giving me this book to read and review. I love books that have to do with acting and romance, so this was a big plus for me. The main character, Liana, was in love and engaged to her childhood friend, Manuel. Personally, I didn't really like them together - I absolutely despise saying that, but bear with me - because he didn't understand the outdoorsy side of Lia. There were other times when he just seemed too perfect, too unreal, and I di First, I'd like to start out by thanking the author for giving me this book to read and review.
There were other times when he just seemed too perfect, too unreal, and I didn't like how they were so eager to settle down and get married with kids right out of high school. This book, however, was enjoyable to read, and I loved how the story of the mare was incorporated. I haven't read the first book before this one, but I followed the story easily enough, but there were some times when I was a bit confused.
All in all, it was a good book, and I don't regret having read it. I loved 6 and Evan, and the emails exchanged between Lia and 6 were cute. You should definitely try this book out! Jun 29, Laura Smith rated it it was ok. ARC received for honest review Having not read the 1st in the series I assumed, because it stated that this could be read as a stand alone book, that this wouldn't be an issue. As soon as I started the book I immediately felt that there was soooo much missing in my understanding of the characters, that this book was really a continuation of their story.
I read the first few chapters but felt that there was to much unknown for me to get into and enjoy the story. I do intend to buy the 1st ARC received for honest review Having not read the 1st in the series I assumed, because it stated that this could be read as a stand alone book, that this wouldn't be an issue. I do intend to buy the 1st book at some point, but it's not high on my list of 'to buy' just now I will come back to this book, but it won't be within the 3 weeks provided for review feedback.
I've rated this 2 stars based on the fact that this is not a stand alone book so immediately I was at a loss and had no connection with characters. I will update this review in due course! I really don't know where to start with this review. I was given this book by the author for a honest review? I knew this book was the second in a series and I also thought that it had good stand alone quailty.
I found myself lost and asking "what" most of the time.
The back-story was just not there in this book. Huge pieces of the story were missing for me, it might have been different if I would have read book one. I just could not connect with this story or the characters so th I really don't know where to start with this review. I just could not connect with this story or the characters so this went in the DNF did not finnish pile.
I would have loved to like this book beacuse the title is great and the synopsis had promise, the delivery however, failed due to lack of back-story. I assume id you read the first book it might go better. But I am rating this book on the promise that this book would be a great stand alone story.
Jul 05, Delpha rated it liked it. First off I received a copy of this book for Free for an honest review. I would like to thank the author very much for allowing me to review the book. Overall good concept but read number 1 first! I had a very hard time catching up or catching on with the story. I should have read book number 1, because I do not recommend this as a stand alone book at all.
I feel if you do not read number 1, you are not going to emotionally connect with these characters which to me is a critical issue. I liked t First off I received a copy of this book for Free for an honest review. I liked the story well enough, but it seemed at times disorganized or choppy.
Perhaps it is the writing style, perhaps it is the editing not really sure. I love meeting young characters who are madly in love. That first love that is all consuming is what so many great stories are about, but I think the life she has lived in Hollywood has forced them to move too quickly.
It can be read as a stand alone book. I entered to receive the book because I read some reviews and the blurb and I liked what I was reading but I was disappointed I did not like this or enjoy book. I couldn't connect with the characters. I wasn't drawn into the book. There was a lot of repetition and unnecessary details. The dialogue and arrangement could have been better. It all seemed too disjointed. There were some good parts though. It's kind of the same storyline. Hanna lived in Santa Monica, CA where her children played with the children of celebrities.
She mingled with plenty of nannies and a few good celebrity moms. Jun 13, Danielle rated it really liked it Shelves: Straight from the pages of a news stand tabloid comes the story of Mercy Talbot, a young actress plagued by stardom and an inherent ability to act. Not only that, but her bo Straight from the pages of a news stand tabloid comes the story of Mercy Talbot, a young actress plagued by stardom and an inherent ability to act.
Could she possibly end in the same tragic state? Starlet was one of those rather fun, quick reads that you enjoy in an afternoon with a cold drink. The characters are entertaining, the plot moves at a quick pace and there is a bit of mystery and romance that keep things exciting. Mercy is a Hollywood starlet. She was a chameleon, able to change into character, on and off the set, with the bat of an eyelash.
Though, no matter her acting ability, her mother was able to lock down any potential with the same eyelash batting as Mercy. Each had their motives, but both were fantastic from beginning to end. In addition to Mercy, Juliette Grayson, aide to the stars at a famous hotel in Hollywood, is just as intriguing. From that point forward, Juliette had no choice but to assist Mercy in whatever way she could. Not only because she felt compelled to, but because much of her own personal livelihood was at stake now as well.
Once I had an inkling of what was happening I could hardly help myself from putting it the book down and happily I finished the book in a single reading. Unfortunately for me, though the story carried well and was extremely entertaining, I did have one major problem with the writing. It seemed to me that the point of view was constantly shifting from one person to another or from first to third person. It became quite difficult to tell who was speaking and for whom the story was affecting at times. Until I was able to get a grasp on this constant shifting at least a hundred pages or so , I had a hard time feeling absolutely connected to the story, though not impossible.
Though I had one qualm with Starlet I still found the book to be incredibly delightful and an enjoyable read. With the perfect balance of character development, mystery, glamour and excitement it was a fabulous afternoon read. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, for a small taste of what goes on behind the scenes and an added mystery for excitement.
Juliette is on a much needed vacation after her ex-husband was murdered and her most recent fling was with a movie star, secretly battling cancer in the hotel where she worked. Juliette, who has dealt with Mercy a number of times in the states, takes the drug filled star to the amazing property that she and her cousin share, complete with villas and a mini castle. Getting Mercy off the fountain was probably one of the most drama inducing decisions Juliette will ever make.
This decision will put her on set of a movie, in the middle of a huge drug investigation, in the face of another possible murder and deciding between the arms of the hot-to-trot cancer fighting actor and her boss. Upfront, I am going to say the books that The Starlet most reminded me of are the books written by Chuck Palahniuk. There are some of his I love, others I hate, but they are all so crazy. The Starlet follows in those footsteps. There is another crazy twist, murder, sex story around the corner and to me, it was definitely not what I expected.
For that fact, I give props to Mary McNamara. This is one of those cases. Underneath all of the drama and drugs and death, this book does tell a good story of a woman who has been fighting getting over the death of her parents for over a decade. Juliette will not talk about the death with anyone, including her cousin, who also lost his parents during the tragic train accident. Mercy, through all of her drug problems and show-stopping antics, is just a teenager, doing the one thing she is good at. Juliette may be hard-headed, but she has a huge heart.
This has gotten her in trouble, with her cheating ex, but she means well and all she wants is to help this troubled, young star. Gabe may have a rocky past that was riddled with cocaine, but now he is extremely level-headed and straight forward. And finally, oh my Devlin. He always has the answers, even a sea away and is there in a second when he believes his girl, Juliette, is in trouble.
I give The Starlet 3 bookmarks.
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It was just Meh for me. May 01, Maddy rated it really liked it Shelves: Mercy Talbot is a young starlet who seems to be cut of the same cloth. As the book opens, she is climbing a fountain in Rome in a drug addled state and dives in to the water. Fortunately for her, Juliette Greyson, head of public relations for a hotel in California, witnesses what is happening and pulls her out of the fountain. Juliette is on vacation in Italy and staying at an estate that has been owned by her family for many years. The estate is run by her cousin, Gabe, who is co-owner with Juliette and is dedicated to its preservation.
It seems only natural to Juliette that she should get Mercy out of the limelight, so she brings her to Ceretta. When the producers of the movie that Mercy is filming arrive on the scene, they are taken by the location and rent it, which helps solve some of the money woes. And shortly after the production is set up, two people are murdered. But then I found myself hooked—the book had a surprising depth to it.
Mercy is a very complex character. One minute, she is abusing drugs and higher than a kite; the next, she is thoughtful and shows a startling intelligence. However, the book is actually more about Juliette and the demons that she is fighting. She, too, had been a heavy drug user but has overcome her addictions. However, she has never come to terms with the death of her parents and has a tendency to enter into toxic relationships with men.
McNamara provided a fascinating look at how a film set works. Her insider knowledge of the industry added an extra dimension to the book. The dynamics of all the players on the film set and at the estate are what makes the book work. Jun 22, Lillie rated it liked it Shelves: Review Mercy Talbot is almost like every other child Hollywood star.
By the time she reaches the tender age of twenty-three, she's done the drug thing, the sex thing, and even the rehab thing. It's a good thing that Juliette Grayson is there to save Mercy from certain embarras Review Mercy Talbot is almost like every other child Hollywood star. It's a good thing that Juliette Grayson is there to save Mercy from certain embarrassment, and sure career suicide. Juliette knows about the gritty side of Hollywood.
She's on the inside, herself. One of the people that hide the drug addictions, the overdoses, and spins even the most horrific tales for the press. But, this was supposed to be her vacation. Juliette now has to juggle her own worries about the estate that she shares with her cousin, with the irrepressible spirit of both Mercy Talbot, and her enabling mother.
And, then Michael O'Conner is thrown into the mix, as if Juliette wasn't already off her stride. Heaven help them all, when her georgeous Italian villa is invaded by Mercy's movie crew. Being on location gives a whole new meaning to the word, drama! I started this book at the beginning of a ten hour trip from Philadelphia, to Seattle. I had always intended to read just a little, then get some sleep on the long plane ride. Mary McNamara's voice is reminiscent of the type of book that might result from a Sarah Dessen and Susan Elizabeth Phillips partnership.
At times, funny and light-hearted, at other times introspective and thoughtful, I was really pulled in by this novel. It really is the perfect vacation read. May 30, Amber rated it liked it Recommends it for: Anyone wanting to read about the dark side of Hollywood. I was barely ten pages into this book when the thought crossed my mind that I might not want to finish it.
I know it was early in the book, but I felt like I just would not get through the entire thing. But I had made a sort of vow to myself to finish every book I read from now on, whether I like it or not. So I kept going. And then the story began to flow better and slowly began to reel me in.
The premise hits close to present-day Hollywood. As a writer for the LA Times, Mary McNamara is famili I was barely ten pages into this book when the thought crossed my mind that I might not want to finish it. All of the main characters are fictionalized, but actors such as the destructive and currently jailed Lindsay Lohan are mentioned throughout. There are so many different elements to the story that keep the reader thinking and interested.
The horrific life of drugs, sex, and murder on set contrasts with a Renaissance mystery about a contessa and a secret fresco given to her by Giotto that is said to be hidden on the property. This tug between corrupt Hollywood life and serene Tuscan life even contrasts and parallels with the premise of the movie being made, which tells both a modern and a historical story. All in all, this turned out to be a fascinating and suspenseful read that hits close to the home of Hollywood and which should probably be read by troubled stars as a warning and lesson.
The original review is here. Jun 27, Jennifer rated it liked it Shelves: The reader is introduced to Mercy Talbot, born Tiffany Dawn, a name her mother promptly changed when the family moved to Los Angeles. By the young age of 23, Mercy had been famous for twelve years and in that time had done more than enough destructive things to keep the paparazzi constantly busy. Juliette Greyson is in Italy on a long overdue vacation when she sees Mercy climbing the statue in the fountain on the Piazza Cordova, clearly under the influence of several substances. Will Juliette, a Hollywood insider, be able to finally offer the advice, help and mentoring this young, desperate starlet needs or will Mercy self destruct?
I was drawn in to the story, which surprised me a bit, as I watch few movies and care very little about Hollywood. McNamara has an infectious writing style which makes the reader not only care about her characters, but makes the reader want to know more about them and their circumstances. The Starlet is filled with exciting characters, mystery, high drama, romance, intrigue and a lot of detail regarding the making of a Hollywood movie.
The Starlet kept me mesmerised, entertained and quite thankful I never wanted to be famous. I believe The Starlet would make for an excellent and unforgettable summer read.
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Jun 17, Laura de Leon rated it really liked it Shelves: This is a perfect vacation read. I just spent an afternoon enjoying it. The Starlet works because of the story-- not the plot, not the characters, not the writing although all of those things contribute to the success of the book but how they come together to tell a story. None of the characters are completely lovable, although Juliette and her cousin Gabriel are mostly easy to sympathize with.
The fun is in deciding which of the other characters to love, to hate, to pity, and to see how many of This is a perfect vacation read. The fun is in deciding which of the other characters to love, to hate, to pity, and to see how many of those you can do simultaneously. This book manages to be entertaining while simultaneously not trivializing the impact that drugs can have on a person's life. I think this works because the writing was so good. The serious side of this book comes from the dealing with drugs mentioned above.
Mercy the Starlet is out of control in her use of them, Juliette and Gabriel have managed to get past that in their own lives. Various other characters use and abuse drugs as well. The lighthearted side comes from the craziness of life on a movie set, particularly when the movie is behind schedule and being rewritten scene by scene.