Welcome to Litsy!

8-14-25:My 54th finished book of 2025!I loved this novel! Cate Kay starts as a young girl named Annie whose best friend Amanda is ready to run away to Hollywood in search of stardom with her once they graduate high school.One fateful day a near fatal accident cuts their plans dead and Annie finds herself without anyone in the world.She reinvents herself twice over and becomes a reclusive best selling author but she never stops missing her friend.

Excellent

I heard the author speak on a panel this year & she piqued my interest in her debut novel.

At first I was unsure of the structure & story but as I read I became more immersed in the lives of Cate Kay & those who played a part in it. I also think the unique structure (multiple POV, non-chronological timeline) worked really well and enhanced the story. I loved unraveling each piece of the puzzle as to who this dynamic woman was & what shaped her.

It wasn‘t bad but it didn‘t grab me. I enjoyed it when I picked it up but didn‘t find myself rushing to pick it up!

This story pulled me in from the beginning and never let go. It was another one where I had no idea the middle or end, and that‘s always a fun book experience. I‘m fascinated by this writing. There were several opportunities for tiffs based on poor choices by characters to take control of the story, but the author opted against that kind of conflict. And 👏 for the nod to Lawrence, Kansas - Rock Chalk!

I am happy to report I really liked this! It is written as though a memoir by mega-successful author Cate Kay, who has previously remained a mysterious figure known to almost no one. It focuses on the relationships she has with the women in her life, whether friendship or loves. I really like how it all came together at the end.

I thought this was a great debut! Seeing one women‘s life through the eyes of those who influenced her, those she influenced, and her own, we are drawn along on a heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting, story of love, loss, and expression. There is also a story within the story and I‘ve got to tell you, I wish I could read that book because it sounds amazing! Definitely recommend! 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

I thought this was entertaining if implausible and the character building was good but seemed a little unrealistic in the time it was set.

This is a well done debut ( fiction) novel. I can‘t wait to see what else she writes.
I went to the University of Kansas, so those references were fun! 💙❤️
The author played basketball at the University of Colorado and then played professional basketball for an Irish team. She then did sports journalism before writing this book.
Here‘s a Friends & Fiction interview with her

https://www.youtube.com/live/o_zqEYVP8cw?si=3mxlxBVuBHAKMtKD

This was an entertaining read, despite finding some of the behaviour by the characters to be somewhat unrealistic. I was surprised to find it described as a thriller, as I would say it is more a character driven tale of best friends, manipulation and romance. I particularly enjoyed the early friendship years. The book within a book and multiple POVs worked well and there were some nice humorous moments. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4/5 stars