Slightly cheesy in story, but interesting enough to keep reading.

I found the twists to be a bit predictable but still enjoyable. The narration was just OK.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy the narrator of this book. I definitely plan to read the print version of the book though because the story was captivating. I could see Julia Whelan doing a better job at this story. Don’t let my review discourage you from getting this book though! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review an advanced copy of the audiobook!


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This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

I enjoyed this audiobook set in the 40’s and the 70’s and told by mother Aster and daughter Lissy.

Aster is a model in New York who wins a fashion contest to work with Fernando in Beverly Hills. Unfortunately he doesn’t have the money to take her on as a designer but does want her as a body double for Lauren Bacall.

Lissy dreams of working in broadway and pushes herself to keep auditioning.

Lissy doesn’t know that her father is alive and not dead like her mother has told her. Things don’t go well when daughter finds out. I enjoyed the glamour and the twists and turns the story puts the reader through.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Stars

If you love stories set in the golden age of Hollywood, 1970's Broadway and you are a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reed, I think you will enjoy this one! It features a duel storyline, a big family secret, a little bit of romance and a strong family bond.

The narration was spot on, I think it fit the story really well. I will definitely be on the lookout for this narrator in the future.

I am still a bit confused about the title of the book. The story to me, was more about Lissy vs Aster. I really liked the story as a whole, it just wasn't what I was expecting when I first read the title of the book.

Thank you NetGalley for sending me this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars
I received an audiobook copy for review. I struggled to finish this book and would recommend reading over listening as I felt the narration was a weird mix of flatness and overacting. That being said, if you’re looking for the glamour of post-WW2 Hollywood with all of the secrets and intrigue of the rich and famous, this will be right up your alley!

Loved this novel!

Such a mix of old Hollywood glamour, secrets and loss.

Aster Kelly was a beautiful woman who wanted to be in Hollywood, but not on camera. Enthralled with the fashion industry, she modeled and had sights on learning design as well.

Aster gets swept up in a steamy romance with a powerful producer, and must choose between her relationship with him, and their future, and saving a man who she loves very dearly because of his friendship.

It gave me the same wonderful feeling of reading Taylor Jenkins' "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" with the bonus of an alternative POV from a younger striving actress, in a current timeline.

One of the best books I've read this year.

When the decisions you make to protect your chosen family have repercussions that ripple through the lives of our children. Aster Kelly is a model and fledgling fashion designer at the height of Hollywood's golden age. Twenty five years later her daughter Lissy stands on the precipice of Broadway fame. Can long held secrets threaten to derail her career ? A moving tale of ambition and heartbreak.

I thought this was a fun, summer read. I enjoyed the story, and to be honest, the twist at the end did surprise me. - which doesn’t happen very often!

I thought the characters were sweet, and the plot moved quickly enough. However, I thought the narration was terrible. The voice actor took herself way, too seriously, and unfortunately, that led to the audiobook sounding like a melodramatic soap opera. It was very amateurish.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinions.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an audio arc in exchange for an honest review.

In the Golden Age of Hollywood Aster Kelly has crossed the country with hopes of becoming a fashion designer. On her last interview she meets with Fernando Tivoli a designer solidifying a contract to dress Hollywood's biggest stars (Bogie, Bacall and Hayworth) but he casts Aster as a body double for Bacall instead of a designer. When he lands the studio contract Aster not only seals a deal with Fernando to become his protégé she captures the eye of the studio head. Aster and Fernando become fast friends as their romantic relationships begin to unravel Aster makes a decision that will change their lives forever. Fast forward 25 years and Aster's daughter Lissy is the hit of Broadway and unaware of her mother's Hollywood history as the monumental secrets emerge Lissy will never look at her mother the same way.

For starters, I am a massive fan of 1940s Hollywood and the stars of the era so I was very excited to pick up a new work set in that era. That sadly was where my excitement ended, this is a very clichéd and boring look at the history of the studio system; with flat unoriginal characters. The twists and action were not surprising with the plot moving very slowly. The author is trying to shove today narrative into the history of the past trope with generic pandering results. This whole story is a massive pass for me. I had the audio version read by Emily Beresford who was painful to listen to. I was not a fan of any part of this which was very disappointing.

Aster Kelly has won a very prestigious design contest. She leaves New York to be an apprentice for the famous Fernando Tivoli. She falls for all the glamour of old Hollywood. And Fernando falls for an up and coming Hollywood star, Christopher Page. But, life is very difficult for these two because of the stigma of their relationship. When Aster finds herself pregnant, these three devise a plan.

This story is told in two different time periods. One is Aster at a young age and the other is her daughter, Lissy as she struggles to be a Broadway star. And then the secrets start to come out! I loved Aster, Fernando, Christopher and Lissy. These four are amazing and their tale will keep you consumed for hours!

This story captured me from start to finish. I listened to it in one day. And no, I did not see the twist coming. And you will have to read this to find out. And believe me, there are quite a few twists and turns!

I enjoyed another book by this author, Leaving Coy Hill. So, y’all check both of these out! I am definitely putting Katherine A. Sherbrooke on my “lookout list”!

The narrator, Emily Beresford, is one of my new favorites. She was Aster for me!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Need a good tale with fabulous characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

This is an interesting look at the 1940s Hollywood lifestyle and the effects that the unrealistic expectations and prejudice of the time had on a family. We have Aster Kelly, a young woman who wants to be a fashion designer and no real interest in the whole Hollywood lifestyle. She meets Fernando, an up and coming designer, who takes her under his wing as she becomes a fashion body double for Lauren Bacall. Though really she just models the clothes Fernando designs for events like a living mannequin basically. The first big event they go to they meet 2 people that will change their lives. One is the head of a studio who will impregnate Aster, and the other is a dashing young actor who will fall in love with Fernando. Of course in the era of Judy Garland going back to work 2 weeks post partum, and studios owning actors these two things are not good. These folks make some tough choices to survive the madness of Hollywood. Their story is played out in sections of split by Aster's daughter's views.

From my blog: Always With a Book

When this was sent to me, I was immediately drawn to the cover. It is just so beautiful and I knew it would be something I had to read and I’m so glad I did…I really enjoyed this one!

This book brings to life the old Hollywood glamour and glitz along with Broadway fashion and fame. Told using a dual narrative, I found myself equally drawn to both timelines, which isn’t always the case when it comes to dual times lines. A lot of times, I’m drawn more to one than the other, but here I was equally invested in both Aster and Lissy’s stories. I loved seeing how their lives played out, knowing that secrets were involved that impacted both their lives.

I think the reason I am drawn to these types of stories every once in a while, is because there is no way I could live this type of life. But it’s so fascinating getting a glimpse into the life of someone who does. This one gives us that and so much more. I was captivated from start to finish. The very real scenarios that play out and the daunting quick decisions that need to be made that have lasting repercussions for all involved. This one had some surprising twists that kept me on my toes, but even more than that, it was the heart that was woven into these characters.

I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it to anyone who loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or enjoys stories about old Hollywood.


Audio thoughts: I alternated between the print and audio on this one. I thought the narrator, Emily Beresford, did a great job bringing the story to life and I found myself listening/or reading whenever I had the chance because I was so engaged in the story.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an Advanced Listening Copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was not the book for me. It is 100% on me for not carefully reading the synopsis, but I really dislike dual timelines and I don't think it really added to the story.

I was super excited to get this one on audio, but honestly it was just a bit underwhelming if I’m being honest.

This was a fun historical fiction on the glitz and glamor of old Hollywood. Following the life of an want to be fashion designer and the choices she makes. If you are wanting a fun easy historical fiction this is a good read to deep a toe in the old world.

Thank you NetGalley for this audiobook.

This is not the type of book I’m typically interested in reading but I took a chance on the basis of Taylor Jenkins Reid suggesting it on Instagram. And I truly am glad I listened to that suggestion. The Secret Life of Aster Kelly took me by surprise in so many ways. Heartwarming, creative, original, and overall entertaining, I would recommend this book wholeheartedly. This wonderful story dives into the choices we make in love, in parenting, and in becoming/showing the world who we truly are.

3.5 stars

The Golden Age of Hollywood seemed to so many a glamorous, gorgeous, time when beauty, fashion, and love reigned. Aster Kelly, winner of a fashion award heads to Beverly Hills and the supposed apprenticeship to the well know Fernando Tivoli, as he diligently works to partner with Galaxy Studios. The apprenticeship disappears but before her dreams of fame do as well, Fernando offers her a modeling job, a position she had held at home in her former job. Things happen and Aster is draw into a world where appearances are not what really goes on as the spotlight is on actors and actresses.

She meets and becomes involves with Mr. Sawyer, the head of Galaxy and his newest star Christopher Page. Secrets emerge and Aster finds herself making a decision she never thought she would have made.

Jump ahead to 1975, when Aster's daughter, Lissy, grown to adulthood, is looking to break into showbiz. She is unaware of who her real father is and that secret threatens to break the strong bond she has with her mother.

In this book, we enter the world of both Hollywood and Broadway. It may look alluring to many, but the backstory is far from that. Recommended for those who are drawn to the glitz and glamour but are also aware of the background of the industry and how to get ahead.

Thanks you to Katherine A. Sherbrooke,Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the ability to listen to this story which published this June.

The Hidden Life of Aster Kelly, written by Katherine A. Sherbrooke and narrated by Emily Beresford, is a fascinating romp through 1940s Hollywood and 1970s Broadway. Ambition, glamour, forbidden love, heartbreak, success, secrets—THLOAK has it all!! I absolutely loved Aster and her daughter, Lissy. Highly recommend!!!

I loved this story which takes place in the 1940's. Aster Kelly wanted to become a famous dress designer. She has been offered an apprenticeship with a well-known designer named Fernando in Beverly Hills. There was one hiccup - the designer did not have an apprenticeship. And that's when the fun begins. I enjoyed everything about this book - the friendships, the design detail, and the name-dropping of the famous stars. The book has 2 POV's which I enjoyed very much. Can't wait for Katherine Sherbrooke's next book.