Welcome to my stop for this sweet historical romance, The Memoir of Johnny Devine! Check out my review, an excerpt, and enter the giveaway below...
The Memoir of Johnny Devine
by Camille Eide
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 279 Pages
December 1st 2015 by Ashberry Lane PublishingPaperback & ebook, 279 Pages
Summary
RT Book Reviews (rare) 5 goldstar Top Pick, a Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee (of 5), and the December 2015 Seal of Excellence winner, which makes it a Book of the Year Nominee (1 of 12 out of thousands reviewed)
Love can’t rewrite the pages of one’s past, but it can cover a multitude of sins---one page at a time.
In 1953, desperation forces young war widow Eliza Saunderson to take a job writing the memoir of ex-Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Devine. Rumor has it Johnny can seduce anything in a skirt quicker than he can hail a cab. But now the notorious womanizer claims he’s been born again. Eliza soon finds herself falling for the humble, grace-filled man John has become—a man who shows no sign of returning her feelings. No sign, that is, until she discovers something John never meant for her to see.
When Eliza’s articles on minority oppression land her on McCarthy’s Communist hit list, John and Eliza become entangled in an investigation that threatens both his book and her future. To clear her name, Eliza must solve a family mystery. Plus, she needs to convince John that real love—not the Hollywood illusion—can forgive a sordid past. Just when the hope of love becomes reality, a troubling discovery confirms Eliza’s worst fears. Like the happy façade many Americans cling to, had it all been empty lies? Is there a love she can truly believe in?
In 1953, desperation forces young war widow Eliza Saunderson to take a job writing the memoir of ex-Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Devine. Rumor has it Johnny can seduce anything in a skirt quicker than he can hail a cab. But now the notorious womanizer claims he’s been born again. Eliza soon finds herself falling for the humble, grace-filled man John has become—a man who shows no sign of returning her feelings. No sign, that is, until she discovers something John never meant for her to see.
When Eliza’s articles on minority oppression land her on McCarthy’s Communist hit list, John and Eliza become entangled in an investigation that threatens both his book and her future. To clear her name, Eliza must solve a family mystery. Plus, she needs to convince John that real love—not the Hollywood illusion—can forgive a sordid past. Just when the hope of love becomes reality, a troubling discovery confirms Eliza’s worst fears. Like the happy façade many Americans cling to, had it all been empty lies? Is there a love she can truly believe in?
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My Review
THE MEMOIR OF JOHNNY DEVINE was such a uniquely wonderful story. The setting and characters were full and well described. The historical atmosphere was marvelously done. The way the romance built and the friendships forged were all lovely even when parts were heartbreaking. The inspirational elements were woven through and felt natural. An inspirational historical romance well worth the read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
I loved Eliza even when I wanted to shake her a little. She earned my respect as she seeks to stand up against injustices in such a turbulent political time. Add to that her toughness and work ethic to support herself and do a job well done. She was tenacious, intelligent, spirited, but also had such heart. I also rather adored John who has made so many mistakes that he feels can never be forgiven and yet is seeking that forgiveness and to bless the lives of others as he has been blessed in changing his life. I loved his strength, charm, and how he really sees Eliza. Then there was his staff and all the personality and love they brought.
I felt so immersed in this time in history from the descriptions, yes, but mostly from living it with Eliza as her life, situation, and thoughts are shared, and as she faces several obstacles. I also could picture John and the old Hollywood. I never felt information was dumped or too many details were shared. The story and plot flowed smoothly from the first page to the end.
This was such an enjoyable story! One I highly recommend. A new author to add to my automatically-read list.
Content: Some innuendo and violence, but considered clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from a tour host for the purposes of review, which did not affect my review in any way.
I loved Eliza even when I wanted to shake her a little. She earned my respect as she seeks to stand up against injustices in such a turbulent political time. Add to that her toughness and work ethic to support herself and do a job well done. She was tenacious, intelligent, spirited, but also had such heart. I also rather adored John who has made so many mistakes that he feels can never be forgiven and yet is seeking that forgiveness and to bless the lives of others as he has been blessed in changing his life. I loved his strength, charm, and how he really sees Eliza. Then there was his staff and all the personality and love they brought.
I felt so immersed in this time in history from the descriptions, yes, but mostly from living it with Eliza as her life, situation, and thoughts are shared, and as she faces several obstacles. I also could picture John and the old Hollywood. I never felt information was dumped or too many details were shared. The story and plot flowed smoothly from the first page to the end.
This was such an enjoyable story! One I highly recommend. A new author to add to my automatically-read list.
Content: Some innuendo and violence, but considered clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from a tour host for the purposes of review, which did not affect my review in any way.
Excerpt
The thunking sound grew louder until a
tall, dark-haired man in charcoal tweed slacks, a crisp white shirt, and a tie
appeared in the parlor doorway.
Eliza gasped in spite of herself and
stood, almost too numb to move. Millie was right—there were probably few who
wouldn’t recognize Hollywood’s legendary Johnny Devine. He leaned on a cane,
but straightened to a full six-foot-plus when his gaze found Eliza.
Her heart thudded. The silver screen had
not done his looks full justice.
“Mr. John,” Millie said from her post.
“This is Mrs. Saunderson.”
“How do you do?” Johnny Devine asked in
that trademark voice that made far too many sensible women swoon. He eyed Eliza
carefully, waiting.
Still numb, Eliza couldn’t answer.
Millie’s description of her employer as
“famous” was an understatement. Notorious
was more accurate. Louella Parsons’s Hollywood gossip column had been the first
to dub him “Devilishly Devine.” From all accounts, Johnny Devine was extremely
fond of women—young or old, rich or poor, married or single, loose or chaste.
Rumor had it he could seduce anything in a skirt quicker than he could hail a
cab.
Johnny turned to Millie, and the old woman
gave him a single nod. He returned his attention to Eliza and studied her for a
painfully long moment.
“Mrs. Saunderson,” he said finally. “Won’t
you please be seated?”
Reminding herself to breathe, Eliza found
her seat. He’s just a man. Just a regular
man.
While Millie held her place, Johnny Devine
went to the fireplace and lowered himself onto a chair, squeezing his cane in a
white-knuckled grip. He drew a deep breath and faced Eliza.
Then he smiled.
Oh …
my … stars … On screen, that smile
was a heart stopper. But in person? It could melt the stockings right off a girl.
“I’m writing a book,” he said. “A memoir,
actually. It’s under contract with a New York publishing house, Covenant Press.
I have the first three chapters here—”
He began to rise, but Millie tut-tutted at him and retrieved a manila
envelope from the fireplace mantel. She tottered over and handed it to Eliza.
Memoir? Eliza stared at the tan packet on her lap, wishing
she didn’t have to touch it.
“After going over those first few
chapters,” he said, pointing at the envelope, “my publisher suggested I hire a
typist with strong editorial skills. You can see his marks for yourself. He
likes the content, but wants me to find someone who can do the edits on those
chapters and get the project back on schedule by sorting out any other …
grammatical issues that arise as I write the rest.”
Eliza stared at the envelope, thoughts
whirling. The last thing she wanted was to read three hundred pages of him
boasting about his dressing room adventures, much less fix the grammar. But the
pay was so unbelievably good.
And yet there was also the issue of
working with him. In his home.
Eliza stole a glance at him. He was surely
older than he’d been in his last picture that she’d seen, but every bit as
attractive. In fact, he was more handsome than a man had a right to be.
She stiffened. Of course, this was a man
whose good looks, breathtaking smile, and smooth charm had gotten him anything and
anyone he wanted. However, she wouldn’t be duped by a
sweet-talking liar, no matter how handsome. She’d learned that lesson all too
well, thanks to Ralph. “I have extensive editing experience and am confident I
can do the work.”
“Tell me about your qualifications,”
Johnny said, his deep voice businesslike.
“I have a bachelor’s degree in English.”
Eliza resisted the urge to lift her chin. Though she’d worked hard to earn it,
the degree had done her little good. “With a minor in Journalism.”
Wincing, Johnny Devine shifted slightly in
his seat. “Impressive. And your experience?”
“During the war, I worked in the steno
pool at McClellan Air Force Base. Since then, I’ve worked as a freelance
editor, writer, typist, and stenographer.” Not steadily enough to make a decent
living, but that wasn’t any of his business. Those good-paying base jobs had
been given to men returning after the war, leaving Eliza, and many women like
her, jobless.
“Excellent,” Johnny said. “Do you have any
questions for me?”
“Yes.” Why hadn’t she inherited Papa’s
forthright-sounding voice like Betty had instead of Mama’s soft tone? She sat
up straighter to bolster her nerve. “Do you intend for us to work alone?”
He frowned. “Alone?” But just as quickly
as it appeared, his frown dissolved. He turned and stared out the window, his
lips pressed tight. “No. I should have mentioned that at the start. Millie is
here every day of the week. And my handyman, Duncan McBride, lives on the
property, so he’s always around.”
Millie chuckled. “Well, where else he
gonna go? That ol’ leprechaun older than me.”
Swell. Two ancient domestic workers were
Eliza’s only guarantee against unwanted attentions. But at least their presence
meant she and Mr. Devilishly Devine wouldn’t be completely alone. And she’d be
nuts to pass up the money. Betty would sermonize about the man’s reputation,
but Eliza was a grown woman. She could manage the consequences of her own
decisions just fine.
Johnny’s gaze was on the hooked rug at his
feet and would not meet hers.
She had better not regret this. “Very
well, I would like to be considered for the job. But if you intend to hire me,
I need to make one thing clear.”
“And that is?” Johnny asked.
Eliza forced her voice steady, because
what she was about to say stretched every one of her nerves taut. “Any funny
business and I quit. On the spot.”
Millie’s face bunched up in confusion. “Funny business? What in the world
kinda—”
“It’s all right, Millie,” Johnny said
quietly.
Eliza lifted her chin and waited, heart
racing.
“You will not be insulted in this house,”
he said. “You have my word.”
She studied him, heart hammering. “Your
word?”
“Yes.” Slowly, Johnny Devine looked up and
met her eyes. “Though it may be of little worth to you, I am a man of my word.”
For now, she had no choice but to take him
at that word.
For whatever it
was worth.
About the Author
Camille Eide writes romantic, inspirational dramas about love, faith, and family. She lives in Oregon with her husband and is a mom, grammy, bass guitarist, and a fan of muscle cars, tender romance, oldies Rock, and Peanut M&Ms.
Tour Schedule
February 8--By The Book
February 9--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance | Anna Weaver Hurtt, Inspirational Author
February 10--The Power of Words | Mel's Shelves
February 11--Katie's Clean Book Collection
February 12--Singing Librarian Books | Wishful Endings
February 13--The Artist Librarian | Red Headed Book Lady
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