Blog Tour: Limelight by Melody Carlson

Summary:
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.


Author:
Melody Carlson has published over ninety books for adults, children, and teens, with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards, including the Gold Medallion and the RITA Award.

"Chris, my husband of 29 years, and I live in a cabin in the woods near the beautiful Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. Our two sons are grown and we're the proud grandparents of a beautiful granddaughter.

Both boys live nearby and we see a lot of them. We've converted their old 'bunkhouse' into a writing studio for me and a guest area/billiards room for friends and family who are always welcome. We recently gave my writing studio (still suffering from its past as a teenage boy's bedroom with carpeting the color of mud) a facelift. Now it's all mine and quite divine, which is great since I spend a lot of time up here."

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for a review copy of this book.

How to purchase
Author's website