Such a beautifully written novel. I cherished the evenings I spent with this author’s latest offering, falling in love with Valerie (Scarlett) and the year she spent in Alaska. The descriptions were breathtaking! I felt like I was truly there at times. An exquisitely nuanced back and forth narrative which is easy to follow and endearing characters. Can’t recommend highly enough.

I've been meaning to read this local author for a while now because her books all sound so intriguing and her covers are excellent. I so enjoy a historical fiction book told in alternating timelines like this one. I was also so drawn to the title of this book when I saw it on @netgalley and loved it when I came up on the title in the book (a secret bookworm thrill, right?)
Overall, there were aspects of this story I really enjoyed and it was interesting to learn about a little-known (to me!) part of history. It was clearly well researched. It was also wonderful to read about real places in the Annapolis Valley about an hour from where I live where we've been - that never ceases to bring me a bit of joy since so few books are set around here. I found parts of the book to be a bit awkwardly paced and some of the character interactions a bit stilted, and there was a theme throughout that isn't my favourite (I can put it in the comments) but I'm still very open to reading other works by this author. I did enjoy the way the ending came about but I didn't quite connect to the characters on an emotional level, unfortunately.

Mystery, suspense, and second chances!

Told with dual timelines, A Storm of Infinite Beauty is the story of two women, separated by more than 50 years, coming to terms with their lives after suffering tremendous losses. In the 1963-4 timeline, young, unmarried Valerie McCarthy, known later by her screen name as Scarlett Fontaine, is sent from her home in Wolfville, Nova Scotia to Valdez, Alaska, by her father when she reveals she is eight weeks pregnant. She and the baby's father had split up during an argument before her delicate condition was discovered, and she is shipped off before she can tell him the news. Valerie is dumped off in rural Alaska at a tourist lodge where she is to work for her room and board and await the birth of her child, out of sight of the people in her hometown. Her father has decided she'll give the child up for adoption and then return home with a clean slate, no one the wiser. She's alone and heartsick but, thankfully, finds the support she needs to heal and determine her own future at the Wilderness Lodge.

In the 2017-8 storyline, Gwen Hollingsworth is grieving the loss of her first child two years earlier and the subsequent defection of her husband, Eric, for a considerably younger woman. When Peter Miller reveals that Scarlett Fontaine, believed to have never married or had children, may have gone to Alaska and had a baby there before achieving her film success, she's naturally drawn into the mystery, wanting to discover what happened for better or worse.

Gwen and Peter make a great team and a wonderful couple. He regrets his previous career and is earnest about creating an accurate and truthful portrayal of this much-loved star. He hits all the right notes for me as a thoughtful and considerate partner for Gwen, even as Eric comes back into the picture, remorseful over his prior actions.

The story is supported by wonderful secondary characters: the warm and wise Maud and Blaine Wilson, Valerie's coworker and fellow expectant mother, Angie Brown, and the unpredictable Jeremy Mikhailov. But if there was ever a character I wanted to slap up the side of the head, it is Angie's husband, Joe, and the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, as they say. I was taken completely by surprise by the actions of Joe's parents.

The Alaskan setting is captivating and atmospheric; the Wilderness Lodge is a place of warmth and safety. The background events that occurred in Valdez on March 27, 1964, give the story a feeling of a ticking time bomb, the suspense and tension building as the action edges closer and closer to what is revealed in the prologue. The author kindly includes the titles of some resource materials for readers who want to read further about the events of that day.

While both women's storylines are heartbreaking, Valerie's had already been written, and we are uncovering the past. Gwen's, however, was yet to be determined, and I was on pins and needles as I waited to learn her decisions. I couldn't put the book down until I knew.

I recommend A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY to readers of women's fiction, historical fiction, and even romantic suspense.

This book was a great read. Between the historical aspect of the earthquake of 1964 and the fictional life of a famous person, it was fun to read both parts. I love how the book went back and forth between now and 1964. You learn all about what happened to Scarlett and the biggest earthquake in US history. Gwen also finds herself during this time of exploring what happened to Scarlett. This book made me want to read more about the earthquake.

Earth Shattering Quakes Both Real And Metaphorical. This is an intriguing dual timeline tale that takes us through deep family secrets... and the 1964 Anchorage Alaska earthquake - still, 60 yrs later, one of the strongest ever recorded (since 1930) - that may or may not have helped hide some of them. It is a strong tale of privacy, pain, the desire to live the life of one's choosing... and of normal people with the potential to be superstar celebrities... and superstar celebrities who just want to be normal people. It is a story of thinking you know a particular family member as well as anyone possibly can... and suddenly finding a revelation that you never saw coming. It is a tale that will make you feel like you are actively in the coastal woods of Nova Scotia... and the wilds of coastal Alaska. It is a tale that brings you front and center to the chaos of being in the midst of one of the strongest earthquakes humanity has ever actively recorded... and a tale that brings you front and center to the chaos of finding out that those you thought you knew best, you hardly actually knew at all. It is truly an excellent tale, and it is truly superbly told. Very much recommended.

4.5⭐️

This dual-timeline historical fiction novel tells the story of Hollywood legend Scarlett Fontaine’s “lost year” secretly spent in Alaska, when one of the most severe earthquakes in recorded history occurred, and, in the second timeline, her descendant Gwen uncovers information about this lost year as she works through her own kind of grief over a lost baby and marriage.

This is a beautifully written novel and I was fully engaged in the story from start to finish. If I were to change one thing, it would be to add a bit more of the earthquake story- both during and in the aftermath- but that is perhaps more for my own curiosity and may or may not have added to/ detracted from the story that was told here.

Thank you Julianne MacLean, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

A well written and emotional story that came as a bit of surprise. There's family secrets, lies, and a second chance, Thanks to netgalley for the arc. A very good read.

Outstanding! Julianne MacLean will sweep you away with her phenomenal story telling. This book is about love, tragedy, second chances, mystery and fantastic characters. I cried, laughed and could not put this book down. Her beautiful description of the scenery and destruction of an earthquake left me breathless. Again, this story is beautiful, poignant and inspiring. Absolutely one of my favorites.

I received an ARC for my honest opinion and I highly recommend this book to read.

I flew through this book! The narration is split between Gwen and Scarlett, and I especially loved Scarlett's story and her relationships. All the vivid details about Alaska were great, too. The book also has a historical fiction aspect which added a lot to the story, and the events covered were really interesting and tragic. Some of the dialogue felt a little forced, and the romance was missing something, but over all I really enjoyed this compelling story.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was suspenseful, action-packed and kept me reading. I was quickly caught up in the story and didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

As curator of a museum totally dedicated to Scarlett’s life, Gwen Hollingsworth thought she had the whole story until Peter Miller came to see her and said he had found some information that she spent time in Alaska. Peter is writing a book about Scarlett’s life and requested help from Gwen. Gwen is the only living relative of Scarlett and inherited her fortune. This put these two on an adventure to learn if there were missing years and what happened during that time. This story played two roles. One was Valerie (who played Scarlett) during that time as well as learning from those that lived through that time that could possibly fill in the gaps. It was an emotional story to say the least but one that keeps you enthralled throughout.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.

4.25stars-- A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY by Julianne Maclean is a stand alone story line of women’s fiction focusing on two timelines, two women, two pregnancies, and a family history ripe in fame, secrets and lies.

Told from omniscient third person perspectives and dual times lines 1963-64, and 2017, A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY focuses on Hollywood legend Scarlett Fontaine aka Valerie McCarthy in the year before her life changed in the blink of an eye.

In 2017, former photojournalist turned author Peter Miller is hoping to write the biography of the late award winning, Hollywood legend Scarlett Fontaine, and his search for the truth brings him to Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada where the Scarlett Fontaine Museum is located and housed in a large Victorian mansion. Meeting curator and Scarlett Fontaine descendant Gwen Hollingsworth sets into motion a journey to Alaska where Gwen and Peter will uncover the heart breaking story and beginnings of the woman the world would come to know as Scarlett Fontaine.

In 1963-64, the reader is ‘told’ the story of Valerie McCarthy as she is banished, by her family to Alaska, where she will never come to terms with a perceived betrayal, accepting of the present, and a new direction in life going forward. A secret pregnancy, the Great Alaskan earthquake of 1964, and the death of 139 lives forces Valerie to take on a new role, a new life, and the personification of someone who has it all.

A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY is a dramatic, heart breaking, emotional and tragic story of betrayal, unrequited love, dysfunctional family behavior, loss and acceptance set against the real world earthquake and ensuing tsunamis in Alaska in 1964. The premise is edgy, haunting and real; the characters are desperate and impassioned. A STORM OF INFINITE BEAUTY is a journey; a trek into the past focusing on loss, love and taking back control.



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B&N (Sandy_thereadingcafe) posted

From the book blurb:
Scarlett Fontaine is a true Hollywood legend—a singer, actress, and beloved fashion icon. But Scarlett dies tragically at just thirty-six years old, leaving behind no children. Or so the story goes…

Gwen Hollingsworth is the curator at a museum dedicated to Scarlett’s life. She’s also sole heir to Scarlett’s fortune as a descendant of the star. But all is not well in Gwen’s world. She’s dealing with a messy marital separation and is struggling to move forward. So when Peter Miller, a biographer and photojournalist, comes to the museum with shocking claims about Scarlett—a life of exile in Alaska, a baby born in secret—Gwen’s whole world is turned upside down.Again.

Determined to uncover the truth, Gwen and Peter set out for Alaska together but soon find themselves on a path toward something far deeper and more meaningful than either of them ever expected.

My thoughts:
I love the beautiful setting and unique plot to this story and the dual timelines gave it more depth. I was fascinated by the story in the 1960s more than the present timeline however and the romance felt a bit flat and awkward. Overall a pretty good read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Storm of Infinite Beauty is Julianne Maclean’s latest novel and I loved it from start to finish. I have read other books by this author and I love her writing style. This is a romance and mystery intertwined and it will pull at your heartstrings. It is told in dual timelines and perspectives. The characters are very well developed, scarred, beautiful and brave. One of timelines and perspectives is told around the earthquake of Alaska in 1964. Ms. Maclean writes with such vividness that let my imagination take off. She pulls you in and makes you feel apart of the story. The beauty in this book is beyond belief. I loved every page. I highly recommend you read this book by this very talented author. She never disappoints.

Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union and Julianne Maclean for the honor of reading this very beautiful story. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
#netgalley. #lakeunion #juliannemaclean. #astormofinfinitebeauty. #arc

This book offers a masterfully woven dual time line story. Julianne MacLean has an amazing talent to bring out the emotions of her characters in such a way that the reader can relate to them. This story of love and family should go on every readers list.

Another wonderful book by Ms MacLean

I am a big fan of Julianne MacLean and especially her more recent books. A Storm of Infinite Beauty lives up to her reputation, lush landscapes, complex plot, heartbreak, romance, big characters; what's not to love. I read this book in about 24 hours, it kept distracting me from my work and enticing me in again. Highly recommended!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

I read this book as ARC reader.

This story is about Gwen who runs the Scarlette Fontaine museum. Scarlette had a tragic loss in Alaska in 1960s. Gwen is dealing with her tragic loss 2017. The 2 timelines are many years apart but both women are so strong & determined to move forward.

A Storm of Infinite Beauty is a beautifully written dual timeline novel set in 1964 and 2017. The story takes the reader on an Alaskan journey via Valerie, an unwed and pregnant teenager who is sent from her home in Nova Scotia to live in Valdez, Alaska. Eventually, Valerie flees Alaska for Hollywood where she takes the name Scarlett Fontaine.

Gwen is Valerie/Scarlett’s distant relative and runs a museum in honor of Scarlett and is approached by Peter, a photojournalist with what he believes is a photo of Scarlett. The photo kicks off Gwen and Peter’s sojourn into Valerie/Scarlett’s life in Valdez.

The story takes the reader back to 1964 where we get a front-row seat to Valerie/Scarlett’s life in Alaska. We learn that Gwen and Valerie share a similar loss and how each woman comes to terms with her loss.

I did at times struggle to like Gwen and felt the ending was a bit too contrived, though there is a surprise about Valerie that wraps up her story line nicely.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own. #NetGalley #AStormofinfiniteBeauty

Hollywood icon, Scarlett, dies in Switzerland at a young age, leaving no children. Gwen, cousin and resident expert in charge of running a museum in Scarlett’s family home in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Enter Peter, paparazzi turned biographer, who believes he’s found a secret in Scarlett’s past. Together they work in trying to find out if this secret is true. Thru this process, Gwen heal from her own tragedy and heartbreak, and she’ll learn more than she ever felt possible.

Maclean takes us to the beautiful state of Alaska, with its frozen beauty and warm hearted people, and the horrific earthquake that took place in the early 1960’s. From the first page to the satisfying ending, I found it hard to put down. Dual time line from the 1960s and 2017. The story is fast paced enough to keep the reader engaged and wondering how the two will intersect. Characters are well developed, situations and circumstances are appropriate for the times. Her beautifully descriptive narrative takes us on a journey of love, loss, heartbreak and grief. Secrets are uncovered. I’ve read and enjoyed quite a few books by this author, and this one didn’t disappoint.

Thanks to Lake Union and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest review.

Immersive, emotional, and vivid!

A Storm of Infinite Beauty is set in Valdez, Alaska and Wolfville, Nova Scotia, in both 1964 and 2017, and is told from two different perspectives; Gwen, a young woman who spends her days running a museum dedicated to Scarlett Fontaine until a biographer shares some intriguing information that sees her travelling to Alaska to unravel the secrets surrounding one year of her late, legendary family member’s life, and Valerie/Scarlet, a young girl whose life is changed forever after she spends a year of heartache, loss, and tragedy in Valdez before heading to LA to follow her dream of becoming an actress/songwriter.

The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are resilient, brave, and scarred. And the plot is a moving tale about life, loss, family, secrets, desperation, friendship, survival, grief, marital discord, and the devastation of the Great Alaskan earthquake.

Overall, A Storm of Infinite Beauty is a heartfelt, sentimental, affecting read by MacLean that does a lovely job of interweaving historical facts and compelling fiction into an insightful, heart-tugging tale that is atmospheric and highly absorbing.