the setup…
Alice Scott is an aspiring biographer currently working for a publication in Los Angeles. She’s landed the interview of a lifetime…Margaret Ives, heiress to the Ives media empire who was once known as the Tabloid Princess and hasn’t been seen in two decades. When Alice arrives at Margaret’s home in Little Crescent Island, she’s surprised to see her competition leaving. It’s Pulitzer Prize winning Hayden Anderson. But that’s not the biggest surprise. Margaret wants both of them to work with her for a month and then she’ll decide who will write her story.
the heart of the story…
I just adored Alice’s optimism and sunny approach to life. Even though she and Hayden were competing, Alice was still determined to make the taciturn (but gorgeous) man be her friend and of course she won that round. I really liked the composition of the book, transitioning between Alice’s time with Hayden and her sessions with Margaret. I was equally fascinated with Margaret’s rich and storied life, including the generation of Ives as they were a part of who she became. It was made even more compelling as Alice connected some of these stories with her own family experiences.
the narration…
I’m a big fan of Julia Whelan and she is the ideal choice to tell this kind of story. Whelan made a complicated history and complex story come alive so vividly.
the bottom line…
I love layers, especially in a romance so this was like book manna from heaven, equally invested in Alice and Hayden’s developing relationship and Margaret’s life story. There was always a sense that the woman was holding back and my instincts were right. I didn’t want it to end but richly rewarded when it did. This might just be my favorite of the Henry stories.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 22, 2025
- Narrator: Julia Whelan
- Audio Length: 12 hours, 2 minutes
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
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Blue Mood Café 
Sounds good!
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I had a good time!
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High praise! I definitely can’t wait to get a copy. xx
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I think you’ll enjoy!
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I haven’t loved the Emily Henry books I’ve read before but I’m very tempted by this one. Especially with Julia Whelan as narrator!
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I must admit I’m a big fan of the author but this is a little different from the others. It just might work for you, Joanne💜
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Wonderful review, Jo! Julia Whelan is the perfect narrator for EmHen’s books!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 She’s such a great storyteller.
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Found a favorite. So happy you loved this one, Jo!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 There are some really relevant themes here that our current generation of fame seekers might find insightful.
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It got all the hearts from me. A must read author narrator combo too.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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I’m loving this combo, Anne💜
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I think you enjoyed it more than I did Jonetta. Great review.
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Thanks, Jodie💜 I believe I did as Margaret’s story hooked me as well.
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Excellent review, Jo. I am also on a long list for this audiobook, but after reading your review, I may use one of my audible credits for this one. I enjoy dual timeline stories, especially if both timelines are interesting.
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Thank you, Carla💜 It would be worth the wait as your library may cough up more copies.
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