Hollywood, California and London, England – Present Day

Paige Carson is acting in a movie with heartthrob Jackson Rolfe. At first, she is excited about her role, but why is Jackson sabotaging her every move? Why doesn’t he like her? Paige soon finds out that because Jackson is a super star, he can do whatever he wants, and he might want her in his bed, but he certainly has no respect for her, and does not want her in his movie. When Jackson burps in her face during a love scene, Page walks off of the set, and when he sends her a huge cactus, she is steaming. She calls Gaby, her best friend, to commiserate with her.

Paige worries about her career -- at twenty-nine-years old, she is being passed over for younger actresses. Image is everything in Hollywood, a make-believe world with little substance. Paige is lonely; she would like to meet a man and have a serious relationship, but she has discarded a few good guys because of being a star. She is used to always living in the spotlight, used to being taken care of and waited on. Her life always hinges on getting the next movie contract. When she gets an offer to go to London to do a Shakespearean play, she decides to go for it, against her agent’s advice.

She rents part of a home in London from Ed Hawkshead who works with his good friend, Maddy, making documentaries. Ed has no use for flighty, spoiled Hollywood actresses, so tries to stay out of Paige’s way. Paige works hard on the play, hoping for success. Will she find what she is looking for in London?

A HOLLYWOOD ENDING is a well written, easy to read story that will keep readers turning the pages. Although Page is somewhat shallow, she is good hearted, needing someone to care for her, and is finally beginning to mature at twenty-nine years old. She is likeable, afraid of her future. Maybe London will be what she needs to jump-start her career. Ed is a serious minded man who wants to make meaningful documentaries. The first half of the book takes place in Hollywood, the second half, in London. The story gives readers a taste of the glitz of Hollywood.

This is a very enjoyable, entertaining book, sometimes humorous and always poignant and absorbing. If you enjoy contemporary stories, you won’t want to miss this one -- you will enjoy it from beginning to end. Put A HOLLYWOOD ENDING on your spring reading list; you won’t regret it. I know that I will be looking for more books written by this talented author.

Marilyn Heyman