Stars Over Sunset Boulevard

This is the second novel that I have read by Susan Meissner. Her use of two parallel stories, one in the present and a second in the past which are linked together by some physical object creates a mystery-like novel that adds to our knowledge of historical events through connection to the present.

Once again, my experience was very good after an early period of wondering what was happening. It seems like it takes a while to understand what the story is actually about. As the novel progresses however, Meissner’s excellent research gives us insight into the historical event. In the case of this novel, the event was the making of the movie “Gone With the Wind.”

I learned a great deal about the environment, people and details of the making of this movie. The author develops the characters in the novel in great depth and often helps give us insights into our own lives and the way that we interact with others in our lives. She gives us models of good relationships, deceptive relationships and true friendships. Many of these characteristics can easily be applied to our own lives.

Ann Marie Lee did an exceptional job of narrating, using different voices for each of the characters in the novel and adding a depth that is sometimes lacking in other audio books.

I was given a free audio version of this book for my agreement to review it but this has not influenced my personal impressions of the book.

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard, by Susan Meissner, is an interesting story for those of us who loved Gone With the Wind. Behind the scenes of the David Selznick movie come alive through two main characters, secretaries Violet Mayfield and Audrey Duvall (who is also an aspiring actress.) The story deals with their friendship, climb from painful pasts, and mutual hunger for success.

I must say I enjoyed Ms. Meissner’s book/audio Secrets of a Charmed Life, more than I did this story. The characters in Charmed Life were more likeable and easy to relate to. Stars Over Sunset Boulevard’s Violet and Audrey fell a little flat for me. I didn’t particularly like them in the beginning (although that changed somewhat the further I read/listened.)

"The streetcar lurched forward toward the foothills and the Hollywoodland sign as the first two stars of the night sky pierced the lavender horizon." (Excerpt)

I feel the audiobook is probably more intriguing than the book, due to the excellent narrator. The diverse accents she used for the different character voices made each more believable and intriguing. Otherwise, I feel some of the lengthy narration would have lost me if I were reading it for myself.

"They walked back to the table and Violet realized Bert didn’t want just any company while listening for some unexplainable nightingale. He wanted Audrey’s." (Excerpt)

Audio Narration: Stars Over Sunset Boulevard is told in third person, narrated by Ann Marie Less. She does an exquisite job of narration, making the story come alive. Her inflection is clear and concise, and she expresses the differing accents magnificently.

Audio Production Quality: The production quality of this audio book is clear, with no distracting background music, static, or skips.

Overall Opinion: This is a good story with unique characters and perspectives. It leaves me wanting a bit more though. Because of the narration, I stayed with the story, but much of the information didn’t seem to move the story forward, or keep me “glued” so to speak. I struggled between 3 and 4 stars – but ultimately—because of the superb narration—I rate it 4.


Publisher: christianaudio
Audio Length: 10:59 hours
Pages (printed length): 400
First Line: A brilliant California sun bathed Violet Mayfield in indulgent light as she neared the soaring palm tree and the woman seated on a bench underneath it.


4 Stars


I received a Review Copy from christianaudio.

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard is an engaging fictional tale set in old Hollywood. While connected to the film industry, the film history portion is more peripheral to the narrative. At its core, Stars is a story about true love. Yes, there's a romantic component, but it's actually quite small. This is really a story about the power of grace and unconditional love that is the foundation of many types of relationships.

Meissner's book does a beautiful job of weaving a potent tale of people becoming a family. I found myself wanting to find excuses to do chores and activities so I could continue listening to the audiobook (Ann Marie Lee's narration and acting is superb) because I cared about the characters. The situations were complex enough to be realistic, not oversimplifying or whitewashing difficult situations or emotions. Meissner was able to naturally validate a wide range of emotional reactions and behaviors while clearly noting the short-term and long-term consequences. Grace finds its way in, but without minimizing or removing those consequences.

Ultimately, Stars Over Sunset Boulevard is engaging, well-narrated story that conveys the power and beauty of grace in building familial relationships in midst the highs and lows of life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”