The One and Only Vivian Stone - by Melissa O'Connor (Paperback)

About the Book

"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in this enchanting novel about estranged lovers reconnecting over mysterious tapes found in an attic and the old Hollywood secret hidden within them. After her grandmother's death, thirty-something Margot DuBois prepares to sell the house quickly so she can go back to her predictable life in Santa Barbara. There, no one knows she used to write and how not succeeding wrecked her confidence. While cleaning out the attic, she comes across eight unlabeled cassette tapes. Unable to use the damaged tape player, she calls in a favor from Leo--her first love and first epic heartbreak--and they strike a deal: he'll fix the player if he can hear what's on the tapes. When they manage to listen, the two are shocked to hear the voice of comedic legend Vivian Stone. Why did she record these tapes and how did Margot's grandmother get them? Between listening to Vivian recount everything from her forbidden love for Hollywood's leading actor, to working under a misogynistic exec, to her chemistry with her costar-turned-husband on TV, Margot and Leo fall down a memory lane of their own. Margot is inspired by Vivian's tenacity and courage to keep fighting for the life she wants, but everything changes when Vivian reveals a secret tied to her past in this moving exploration of how it's never too late to start over."--

Book Synopsis

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in this enchanting novel about estranged lovers reconnecting over mysterious tapes found in an attic and the old Hollywood secret hidden within them.

After her grandmother's death, thirty-something Margot DuBois prepares to sell the house quickly so she can go back to her predictable life in Santa Barbara. There, no one knows she used to write and how not succeeding wrecked her confidence. While cleaning out the attic, she comes across eight unlabeled cassette tapes. Unable to use the damaged tape player, she calls in a favor from Leo--her first love and first epic heartbreak--and they strike a deal: he'll fix the player if he can hear what's on the tapes. When they manage to listen, the two are shocked to hear the voice of comedic legend Vivian Stone. Why did she record these tapes and how did Margot's grandmother get them?

Between listening to Vivian recount everything from her forbidden love for Hollywood's leading actor, to working under a misogynistic exec, to her chemistry with her costar-turned-husband on TV, Margot and Leo fall down a memory lane of their own. Margot is inspired by Vivian's tenacity and courage to keep fighting for the life she wants, but everything changes when Vivian reveals a secret tied to her past in this moving exploration of how it's never too late to start over.

Review Quotes

"Vivian Stone is intriguing, sparkling with wit, and suspenseful in all the right places."--- Abby Jimenez, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer

"A perfect read for fans of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Lessons in Chemistry. I was completely transported to the glitz and glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Melissa O'Connor is a rising star and I am a fan for life!"----Kate Robb, author of This Spells Love

"Captivating and enthralling, O'Connor charms in this sparkling debut. With all the humor of I Love Lucy combined with the dark side of Old Hollywood, THE ONE AND ONLY VIVIAN STONE is an absolute gem."----Alexandra Kiley, author of Kilt Trip

"Gorgeously written, and with the kind of pacing that makes reading it as easy as breathing, this took me on an emotional journey that echoed for weeks afterward. I inhaled it in less than a day and can't wait to see what Melissa O'Connor does next."----Shaylin Gandhi, author of When We Had Forever

"I invite any reader to step inside the world of THE ONE AND ONLY VIVIAN STONE, but be warned: you'll have a hard time stepping back out. O'Connor's epic and gripping debut puts us at the center of the ripped-from-the-1950s-headlines life of Vivian Stone, from her origins as a struggling actress facing impossible choices to her coronation as America's Sweetheart. This book has everything I could want in a sweeping novel--drama, friendship, love, humor, and a deep dedication to telling stories that show full, complex people pursuing their dreams with their hearts wide open. I loved this book!"----Sarah T. Dubb, author of BIRDING WITH BENEFITS

"Immersive, vivid, and wistfully nostalgic, THE ONE AND ONLY VIVIAN STONE is a poignantly beautiful story of the span of connection. Like THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO before it, this book transports readers back to the best and worst parts of Hollywood's golden era."

----Neely Tubati Alexander, author of LOVE BUZZ and IN A NOT SO PERFECT WORLD

"Melissa O'Connor brings the charming Vivian Stone to life with her beautiful writing and insightful characterization. Take a journey through past and present as you get lost in the glamour and pitfalls of old Hollywood, where romance, heartbreak, secrets, and The One and Only Vivian Stone herself, will sweep you off your feet."----Nisha J. Tuli, international bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

"O'Connor brings a rich world to life through Vivian's distinct voice, along with vivid descriptions of the characters and the era's fashions...Recommend to fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid."-- "-- Library Journal"

"O'Connor bursts onto the scene with her compelling debut, a captivating blend of romance and mystery that will keep readers eagerly turning pages."-- "-- Booklist "

O Connor brings a rich world to life through Vivian s distinct voice, along with vivid descriptions of the characters and the era s fashions...Recommend to fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid.

About the Author

Melissa O'Connor became obsessed with stories involving family secrets, betrayal, and forbidden love after being given a box of used V.C. Andrews books at age ten. She lives in Buffalo, New York, where she can usually be found cheering on her kids' hockey teams and sneaking words on the page between games. The One and Only Vivian Stone is her debut novel.