I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I found the subject matter really interesting. The book was well written and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book.

This is a biographical novel of Phyllis Fraser. I had never heard of her before so I was interested in learning about her. I have to say that I could not connect to Phyllis’s story. I found her cousin, Ginger Rogers to be more interesting than her. I wished this novel was about Ginger Rogers instead. The story was also very slow. Still, I recommend this fans of Old Hollywood. This novel is perfect for fans of Platinum Doll, The Girl with the White Glove, and Marlene!

Fascinating, evocative account of the Golden Age of Hollywood, right from when the sign said "Hollywoodland". This is a fictionalised biography of Phyllis Fraser, GInger ROgers' cousin, but also a fascinating person in her own right. It's practically non-fiction, given the wealth of research done by the writer, outlined in her acknowledgements section. Told through the eyes of someone who was on the sidelines, and who was fortunate enough to not be financially dependent on her Hollywood career, this is a compelling look at the movie industry, devoid of any glamour, and more devoted to focussing on the hard work, graft, and sometimes sheer good luck necessary to make it. I love the movies set in this time period, so this book was perfect for me-a great behind-the-scenes look at the effort involved to craft a perfect Fred AStaire dance number. It could have touched upon the racism and the quite unlevel playing field, which it does very lightly, and I've docked it one star for that. An excellent tribute, otherwise, for the ones who didn't quite make it, but are still an integral part of Hollywood.

Oklahoma, 1931

Helen Brown Nichols was the eldest child living in Oklahoma with her family, the cousin of the not-yet-famous Ginger Rogers. Helen’s aunt, Ginger’s mother, Lela, is determined to get the beauty out of Oklahoma and into moving pictures. So, Lela convinces her sister to allow her to take Helen with her to Hollywood to make her a star. This is the beginning of the much-acclaimed novel, The Limits of Limelight, by Margaret Porter.

Helen’s mother has signed a limited power of attorney to her sister, so Lela will act as agent and guardian to Helen while she is in Hollywood. This is the Golden Age of Hollywood, but it seemed to me to be a time when studios used and abused their players and then spit them out. It was the Great Depression when the heart of America suffered tremendously, but all was glitz and glam in Hollywood—at least for those who could find work.

We follow Helen as she becomes known as Phyllis Fraser, and as she signs on with RKO and Ginger Rogers as she rises to stardom. It is evident that Ms. Porter did extensive research for this novel and included never-before-known information about Phyllis and Ginger. I love reading about Hollywood’s Golden Age and the inside stories of some of those beloved stars of that time.

Both Phyllis and Ginger were such strong female characters, as was Ginger’s mother, Lela, and I absolutely loved how they stood up for themselves in such a patriarchal business and society. These three women were not to be pushed around, and they truly inspired me.

There was also heartache as September became a month filled with tragedy and death. One death in particular impacted both Phyllis and Ginger for a lifetime, each reacting differently to this calamity.

As Ginger’s star rises, Phyllis finds a new passion and a new man in a new town, leaving the bright lights of Hollywood behind. I loved Phyllis’ pluck and determination to change professions when one doesn’t seem to be working. She doesn’t wallow; she finds a new passion—one she was exceptionally good at!

There were some grammatical issues and one pronounced formatting issue in the book that was quite distracting, but I’m hoping those were fixed before the book was released to the public. I also had problems with the changing perspectives—from omniscient to first-person—in the same section. It was quite jarring and took me out of the story. Had Ms. Porter instead stayed in the omniscient perspective rather than switching to a first-person narrative, it would have made for a more fluid story. A good editor should have fixed this.

However, I was fully engaged from beginning to end, waiting to see how Phyllis’s story would turn out. I would also go on Wikipedia to look up characters I didn’t know to familiarize myself a little more with those players as I was reading about them. I found that awfully fun to do, even if it did slow down my reading somewhat.

Despite the editorial issues, I enjoyed The Limits of Limelight thoroughly and recommend it to anyone who loves the Golden Age of Hollywood or historical fiction in general. Ms. Porter did a stellar job with research, and I loved all the little tidbits learned about the characters we know and love.

Helen Nichols accepts her cousin, raising star Ginger Roger's invitation to come out to Hollywood to pursue acting. When she gets there she acquires a stage name, Phyllis Fraser, and quickly discovers the glamour of Hollywood obscures the difficulties inherent in succeeding in Hollywood. As her cousin rises in fame, Phillis garners some success, but is the screen really where she wants to be or should she pursue her own childhood dream.
This book is an early Hollywood movie buff's dream. It is filled with early Hollywood characters, locations and facts. But it feels like all of that information was more important than the characters. I couldn't connect with any of the character's personally and since I am not an early Hollywood fan girl it just didn't pull me in. If Hollywood history is fascinating to you, I think this book will really appeal to you.

In Margaret Porter's latest biographical novel, she shines the spotlight on Helen Brown Nichols, better known as Phyllis Fraser, actress and writer.

Phyllis, as a teenager in the 1930s, leaves Oklahoma City for Hollywood where her aunt, Lela, and cousin, Ginger Rogers, oversee her introduction into the very competitive world of the big screen.
She has a modicum of success working with future stars, such as Boris Karloff and John Wayne, but most of her scenes end up on the cutting room floor.

Phyllis befriends many of the other starlets, including Peg Entwhistle and Mary Blackford, whose lives end tragically. She also meets Katherine Hepburn, John Payne, and a host of others who became famous during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

While Phyllis enjoys the Hollywood lifestyle, she is not too disheartened when her acting career stalls. Writing has always been a passion and eventually, she says goodbye to Hollywood for New York, where marriage and a career in publishing await.

The Limits of Limelight is an interesting read about the many challenges facing those pursuing an acting career in Hollywood and the relationship between Phyllis and her aunt and cousin.

There are many famous names flitting through the pages as expected given the setting of the novel. To some, this may be off-putting, but I had no issue with it. Many of the names were familiar to me having grown up when films from that era were regularly shown on television. I had a lot of fun putting faces to those names I knew but couldn't quite place and discovering the films in which they starred.

I liked Phyllis. She seemed levelheaded and not easily swayed by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. She went on to have a stable private life, as well as a successful professional one.

The Limits of Limelight will appeal to those curious about the early years of Hollywood and the life of a lesser-known celebrity.

The Limits of Limelight is a story of old time Hollywood. Pretty young Oklahoma teenager Helen Nichols visits her aunt and her cousin, Ginger Rogers, in Hollywood. She soon finds herself renamed Phyllis Fraser and pursuing a movie career in the 1930's under her Aunt Lela's watchful eye. As she deliberates between an acting or writing career, she has several short-lived romances, and meets a number of famous Hollywood friends.

I wanted to read this novel because I love classic Hollywood and the Ginger Rogers mention in the book blurb was intriguing. I love the old game show What's My Line? and have always especially enjoyed Bennett Cerf on that show. I also sell vintage children's books, and love finding, researching, and selling old Random House editions including Dr. Seuss books. I had no idea when I picked this book up that Phyllis Fraser was the wife of Bennett Cerf - and was part of the publication of the early Random House I Can Read books.

I absolutely loved this book and am already recommending it to friends who love old movies. It gives a rare behind the scenes glimpse of Hollywood in the 1930's. I loved, thanks to the book, visiting the Garden of Allah where Ginger Rogers, her mother, and Phyllis lived. This famous apartment building had a fountain full of goldfish and famous (and soon-to-be-famous) Hollywood names lounging around the swimming pool. Phyllis also becomes friends with the ill-fated Peg Entwhistle, who committed suicide by jumping off the Hollywood sign. Her other famous friends include Anne Shirley, John Payne, Betty Furness, and a young Katherine Hepburn.

The novel spans from 1931 - 1947. The chapters were relatively short but pithy and full of anecdotes and vividly drawn scenes that moved the storyline along. The author does an exceptional job at capturing another time and place - and what a time and place it was!

I highly recommend The Limits of Limelight for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and especially for anyone interested in old movies and Hollywood in the 1930's.

THE LIMITS OF LIMELIGHT By Margaret Porter
Historical fiction
412 pages

In this amazing author's new book we meet Helen Nichols, Ginger Roger's cousin. Helen lives in a small town in Oklahoma but when a visit from Ginger and her mother prompt a stardom journey for Helen, her life is changed forever. Once in Holly wood Helen becomes Phyllis Frazier. A national sensation in Hollywood's old days.

I never even knew Ginger Roger's had a famous cousin but Phyllis's story was darling to read!!!!!!!! Ms Porter is an amazing storyteller at historical fiction. Fictionalizing celebrity lives but at the same time being able to keep facts is what I love about her books. I highly recommend this book

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderful historical novel. I loved the characters and the book held my interest the entire time.

I think this could have been an exciting book to read but it just couldn't keep my interest. Was very slow and plodding. I'm sure others will enjoy however.

Pretty Oklahoma teenager Helen Nichols accepts an invitation from her cousin, rising movie actress Ginger Rogers, and her Aunt Lela, to try her luck in motion pictures. Her relatives, convinced that her looks and personality will ensure success, provide her with a new name and help her land a contract with RKO. As Phyllis Fraser, she swiftly discovers that Depression-era Hollywood’s surface glamour and glitter obscure the ceaseless struggle of the hopeful starlet.

Lela Rogers, intensely devoted to her daughter and her niece, outwardly accepting of her stage mother label, is nonetheless determined to establish her reputation as screenwriter, stage director, and studio talent scout. For Phyllis, she’s an inspiring model of grit and persistence in an industry run by men.

While Ginger soars to the heights of stardom in musicals with Fred Astaire, Phyllis is tempted by a career more fulfilling than the one she was thrust into. Should she continue working in films, or devote herself to the profession she’s dreamed about since childhood? Which choice might lead her to the lasting love that seems so elusive?
A lovely story

A very informative account of the life of Phyllis Fraser, an actress and writer from Hollywood’s Holden Era, this book gives a detailed account of Phyllis’ cousin, Ginger Rogers, and many other film stars. While an interesting read, it was just slow paced. I found myself skimming some chapters.

The premise of this historical fiction book grabbed me- set in Hollywood in the early days of "talkies", Ginger Rogers' cousin Helen aims to follow in her relatives footsteps. Under Ginger and her mother's care, Helen is renamed Phyllis Frasier, and starts her life in CA. With guest appearances by many famous names (and some surprises), Phyllis has to decide if acting is for her or if just wanted a bigger life that her Oklahoma roots.
I really liked a lot of this book. I enjoyed the storyline and characters and all the Hollywood tie ins and elements of the time period. However, this book could really use a punch up. Some of the sentences are just boring, almost like a history text book. It really makes the language choppy and disjointed. Keep the storyline, smooth out the writing.
If you enjoy old Hollywood or a character who goes on a journey, this book could be for you.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

Thank you to Gallica Press and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book! The opinions expressed are my own.
I really liked this book. This is the story of Oklahoma teen-ager Helen Nichols. She was just an ordinary teen-ager, except she was the cousin of movie star Ginger Rogers. Her aunt was Lela Rogers, who was also a famous playwright and talent scout With Ginger and Lela's help, Helen has the chance to experience Hollywood and star in several movies (small parts). Even though Helen did not become a big star, she led a fascinating life. This story was interesting to me because I love learning about the movies and the old studio system. The author did a brilliant job of bringing all of the characters to life as well as adding all of the details about Hollywood and movie making.. Very enjoyable read! Highly recommend!

Margaret Porter has done an impressive job of assembling the cast of her novel of the Golden Age of Hollywood: Ginger Rogers and her mother Lela, Peg Entwhistle, Mary Blackford, Katherine Hepburn, and so many more! There are some great descriptions that made me go back and check out some of the old movies mentioned in the book.

Sadly, though, I’m not sure that readers who don’t already know who these characters are will be able to keep them straight. Much of the characterization was supplied by what I already knew about them rather than from this novel. Phyllis Fraser, the purported protagonist, is an enigma to me still. I learned a lot about her, but I don’t know her any better now than I would have from a wiki article. Things happen to Phyllis, but she is not much of an actor on her own behalf except for an ambition to write.

There were often things that came up that a commentary or reaction from Phyllis would have been helpful. She reacts a bit to the Christian Science of Lela Rogers, saying she relied more on doctors than prayers, but it comes off as an intellectual rather than an emotional reaction. She has no reaction to Lela’s hatred of Roosevelt, labor, socialists and communists—some reaction would have been nice.

The book is more than a historical re-enactment, but not by much. However, I did enjoy the exposure to a little known actress, although her life after the book seems more interesting than her Hollywood years that the book covers.
(review to be published on 10/1)

I'm so sorry to say that while this book held my interest enough to finish, the writing didn't invest me emotionally in the characters. Instead, the narrative felt stilted and forced. And the writing seemed fixated on telling us unnecessary details.

I found some of the name-dropping interesting, especially when the movies got a little more towards the 1940s and the author's pages at the end of the book were fascinating. I love hearing how Ms. Porter researched this book. However, this was the only redeeming value for me.

I know that this book is a bit fictional (the conversations at the very least), But the rest was biographical. If this is true, and I've no reason to doubt this, Ginger Rogers and her Mother, Lela was selfish and spoiled. But I suppose that was the era and the manner in which these women grew up.

There was so much tragedy in this novel.

At any rate, if you like fictional biographies of old-time stars, I think you will like this book much more than I did. On that note, I do recommend this book to those who loved Ginger Rogers-this book was so very much about her, really.

*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley.

Loved every page. Great writing style. Recommend for a book club for women of all ages and races. Thanks for the opportunity to read this.

Welcome to 1930 Hollywood! All the greats are there: Humphrey Bogart, Katherine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers…
But before we get to Hollywood, we start off in Oklahoma, where Helen Nichols lives with her family. That is, at least, until her cousin, Ginger Rogers, and aunt, bring her out to Hollywood to start in the movie business.
While Ginger is already a rising start thanks to her manager mum Lela, Helen – now Phyllis Fraser – is nowhere near the big screen. She lives with her cousin and aunt, meets a lot of movie people, makes friends with other aspiring actresses, but only gets smaller roles with limited success. Hollywood is not as easy as it looks!
The book is based on a true story, including one of the first fun fact and well-researched detail of how Ginger Rogers got her name and shines a light on an interesting era in Hollywood.
We follow Ginger Rogers through the story of Phyllis, reading about all the stars of the time, their dreams and ideas as well as the production companies, some of which are still famous today.
In comparison, Phyllis’ life away from Hollywood is less exciting and it feels like it’s taking away from the focus of Ginger and Hollywood life.
True to the real story, Phyllis eventually moves to New York to follow her real passion and even there we meet some interesting personalities of the time.
Overall, the beauty of the book is not the plot of the story but rather getting to know a famous era and seeing historic characters come to life.

Do you know Phyllis Fraser? What about the name Virginia McMath? Perhaps the name Ginger Rogers is one you can put your finger on. In a refreshing new book, Margaret Porter offers a glimpse into the glamourous early days of Hollywood. As entertainment shifted to movies, people from all over the country moved to sunny California to make their fortunes. Some were one hit wonders, others immense hits. Still others floated quietly underneath the glitz and glamour of the headliners while never making themselves truly noted among the throng. Porter gives us a story that showcases how stars evolved their careers from vaudeville, to Broadway and eventually, to movies. In this story, Porter focuses on Helen Nichols and Virginia McMath, a.k.a. Ginger Rogers, who were cousins. Ginger and her mother Lela invite Helen to join them in California to make her a movie star. Under the stage name Phyllis Fraser, Helen takes advantage of the connections she has through her famous cousin and forges her own path. This book simultaneously tracks the lives of each woman as their careers lead them on different journeys. While not a page turner, this book was a wonderful read.
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.

If you are a classic movie fan, this book is definitely one to read! "The Limits of Limelight" focuses on the golden age of Hollywood as Ginger Rogers is moving up the ranks to movie stardom. Her mother, Lela, is the mother in charge and is as clever as she is smart. Ginger and Lela decide to take their niece and cousin, Helen, back to Hollywood with them after a visit to Oklahoma City. Helen is lovely. sixteen, and Lela also has plans for her to catapult to stardom like Ginger. Being a classic movie fan myself, I was familiar with every movie star mentioned. I could visualize each one. Margaret Porter has written a wonderful book and I highly recommend it! Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC.