Hollyweird: A Novel

(Paperback)

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Description

What happens when a seemingly ordinary woman with a passion for the arts falls in love with a Hollywood star known for his bachelor status and quick temper with the paparazzi Something extraordinary.

Dee Schwartz is a writer and arts researcher. Ryder Field is a famous actor descended from Hollywood royalty. On the night they meet outside a bar, their connection is palpable. Ryders motherlegendary actress Rebecca Field, half of Hollywoods golden couple when she diedwas kidnapped and murdered by a crazed fan in a shocking event that forever tarnished Tinseltown. Dees mother, too, died when she was young. Bonded by this loss, the two embark on a love story that explores their search for magicor gold dustin their lives. Everything changes, however, when Dee mysteriously disappears after an awards ceremony. Is history repeating itself Can there truly be a happily ever after in Hollywood

Set against the backdrop of contemporary Los Angeles, Hollylandis a poignant novel that moves fluidly between romance, humor, suspense, and joy.

Reviews

Featured on She Reads in "The Most Anticipated Romances of Spring 2023"
2022 Literary Titan Book Awards Silver Winner

This quick read will leave readers satisfied with the happy ending. The main characters will make readers believe in love. Fans of Colleen Hoover and Tessa Bailey will enjoy Hollyland.
Booklist

Some fun secondary characters, a well-drawn setting, and an exciting eleventh-hour kidnapping plot propel Leavys story. The author also offers rich details about Ryes Hollywood world and Dees opinions on art . . .
Kirkus Reviews

. . . Leavy weaves a lot of excitement, charm, and romance into this concise and highly engrossing novel . . . the action really ramps up in the latter section of the book to offer a superb climax filled with suspense. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Hollylandto fans of romance and womens fiction everywhere; you will not be disappointed.
Readers Favorite, 5-star review

Author Patricia Leavy does an excellent job of building up her characters in this enthralling romance novel . . . the story is alluring and enchanting. . . .Hollylandtakes the opposites attract trope to a new level by creating characters that are deep and compelling against an intriguing Hollywood backdrop. This will make a perfect feel-good beach read. . . . Hollylandis a novel that left me smiling.
Literary Titan, 4-star review

Hollylandis a treasure. I stayed up all night reading, unwilling to put it down. What I thought would be a chick-lit romp turned out to be a delightful, romantic, inspiring story I cant stop thinking about. This book is a love letter to art, creativity, and passion. The characters come alive on the page and leave you wanting more. Leavy is a genius.
Jessica Smartt Gullion, author of October Birds

Hollylandis a rip-roaring ride through hilarious, romantic, and sometimes downright mysterious ups and downs. With the right amount of awe, giggles, and laugh-out-loud moments, Hollyland shines. Whether you come for the comedy or the sexy and sweet romance, Dee and those she holds dear will wrap you up in a hug and tug on your emotions from cover to cover.
J. E. Sumerau, author of Scarecrow

Leavy has penned a whimsical and engaging adult fairy tale that explores the search for magic or gold dust in our lives. Hollylandis an endlessly entertaining romp down the yellow brick road as the characters search for passion in all forms. Romance meets comedy meets suspense, with oodles of inspiration thrown in for good measure. This book was so captivating that I read it in one sitting, and the ending was so satisfying, I wanted to read it again.
U. Melissa Anyiwo, editor of Gender Warriors

Hollylandis one of the best love stories Ive read. I could not put this book down. Leavy has crafted a riveting story about never settling in love or art. A light and surprisingly provocative book for smart and sassy readers. Absolutely brilliant.
Sandra L. Faulkner, award-winning author of Real Women Run

Leavy is a gifted author, and her voice in womens fiction is unmistakable. She brings her characteristic laser-like wit, sensitivity, and sense of optimism to this hilarious and deeply poignant tale about searching for love in Hollywood and what it truly means to live an extraordinary life. Hollylandis a romantic, fast-paced, lighthearted escape that will grab your heart and linger in surprising ways. A must-read, whether youre cozy at home, on the beach, or in your book club.
Laurel Richardson, award-winning author of Lone Twin

Leavy has drawn on her arts expertise and distinct voice in womens fiction to craft a spellbinding ode to the arts, creativity, and romance. The characters show us that love is possible after grief and that passion is everything. More than anything,Hollylandis an exuberant celebration of the arts that makes us question the distinctions between art and entertainment as we consider who the real movie stars are on the big screen of our lives.
Mary E. Weems, Cleveland Arts Prize Winner and author of Blackeyed

Leavy is a master at penning love stories that are so much more. She writes light, hope, and optimism in every corner. Hollylandis the novel weve been hoping Leavy, an acclaimed arts researcher, would write. Its a beautiful romance appropriate for anyone looking for joy, escape, and inspiration. Its also an important statement about the role of the arts in our lives.Every art educator and artist should read this book. Highly recommended!
Jessie Voigts, PhD, founder ofWanderingEducators

This writer knows how to weave a tale . . . What a fantastic book for your book club . . . Get to reading Hollylandright away because once you get your copy and start reading, youre not going to put it down until that final, deliciously satisfying page.
John Busbee, founder and producer ofThe Culture Buzz

Author Bio

Patricia Leavy, PhD, is an award-winning, best-selling author. She was formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Chairperson of Sociology & Criminology, and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College. She has published more than forty books; her work has been translated into many languages, and she has received more than forty book honors. She has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2018, she was honored by the National Womens Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice. Her website is www.patricialeavy.com.