I knew by reading the description that this book would be perfect for me and oh how right I was. We have two time periods, the modern time has Margot and her pal, Leo. Margot discovered some cassettes in her grandmother's house and she wanted to listen to them. Leo had the tape player. I liked Leo and Margot.

Back to the story, the tapes were made by an actress Vivian Stone and Margot wants to listen to determine how Vivian's tapes ended up in her grandmother's home.

The past timeline shows Vivian trying to get ahead and be a famous actress. There were sensitive subjects back then that happened in real life to actresses, but still had for us to stomach here in 2025. This timeline had me wishing Vivian were someone I could study and go watch her movies. She was great!

The two timelines merge in a lovely way. I won't spoil anything, but it was nice how the author put a beautiful bow on this story, making it a lovely present.

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed the nostalgia that I felt with this book. Told in dual timelines, Margot comes across cassette tapes in her recently deceased Gram’s house. These tapes are from the early 1950’s and recorded by a famous TV actress that time. We are transported back to Vivian Stone’s rise to Hollywood fame. This novel deals with the power that the studios had on its contracted stars, not only their professional lives but their personal lives as well. I definitely recommend this debut from Melissa O’Connor and look forward to her future work.
Many thanks to the publisher Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster for this gifted book.

The One and Only Vivian Stone is a historical novel told in two timelines. In present day, Margot DuBois is working long hours going through her grandmother's house to ready it for sale. She discovers some cassette tapes there but doesn't have a way to play them. She takes them to her first love boyfriend, Leo, to get help playing the old tapes. They play them together and discover the story of Vivian Stone. Vivian was a famous TV comedian in the 1950's (similar to Lucille Ball) and she tells her life story on the tapes. The mystery - how is she connected to Margot's grandmother, and why are the tapes in her house?

I wanted to read this book because I love historical fiction. The 1950's TV setting was very appealing, since I love classic TV.

This was such an engrossing read! I sailed through it because I read long stretches at a time. I liked Margot's story but found Vivian's story fascinating. She starts with her career at MGM and then leads into her work in the early days of TV. She has two long romances during this time period, and I was pulling for her to work things out with the man who was so obviously perfect for her! Some of the stories of how women were treated in the entertainment industry were so unfair and awful, but there is also a lot of warmth and good, old fashioned storytelling in this novel.

I would recommend The One and Only Vivian Stone for anyone interested in old time Hollywood and especially the early days of television. It is a wonderful, unique read for historical fiction fans!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

While in the process of cleaning out her grandmothers house, Margot finds a series of cassette tapes. She reconnects with an ex boyfriend and together they listen, one by one to the tapes. Vivian Stone, star of screen and TV, is telling her life story. What connection does Vivian have with Margot’s grandmother?

When I saw this likened to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I knew I had to read it. With a dual timeline of old Hollywood and current time, this book hooked me from the first page. I became immersed in Vivian’s journey to become a dramatic actress. When that door seemed closed to her, she took another one and owned it. The author delves into controlling studio execs, misogyny, love, loss, friendships and forgiveness. The merger of the two stories was flawless. While this book focuses on Vivian’s story, I totally enjoyed Margot’s dedication to her family, and her reconnection with Leo. This was such an enjoyable debut novel. I look forward to this author’s next book!

Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

THE ONE AND ONLY VIVIAN STONE by Melissa O’Connor is a wonderful debut. The dual timeline is used effectively, with Vivian’s story unfolding through a series of discovered audiotapes. The characters are complex and flawed, which makes them feel authentic. The novel also shines a light on the abuse and exploitation in old Hollywood, a topic that sadly still feels relevant today. This is a smart, heartfelt read with depth and emotional weight.

For fans of I Love Lucy, and I liked it even more than The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are entirely my own.

A great debut novel from Melissa O’Connor.
I really enjoyed the ‘tape’ chapters about Vivian’s life. They were detailed and engaging, with strong characters and storylines. The ‘Now’ section felt a little flat to me. Margot and Leo were two dimensional and lacking in enough backstory to make them interesting. Their purpose seemed to be to help move Vivian’s story along. I would have liked to read more about Margot’s upbringing, to have more descriptors of her relationship with her gram.
Vivian was the true standout of this novel.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this wonderful book. I did not want it to end.
Quick synopsis: When Margot finds 8 cassette tapes in her late grandmother’s house, she solicits the help of her first love and heartbreak, Leo’s, help to repair an old cassette player to be able to play them. In return, he asks to listen to the tapes with her. How surprised they are to hear the voice of a 1950’s Hollywood star reminiscing about her life. While Margot and Leo are trying to figure out why her grandmother would have those tapes and what her connection to Vivian Stone was, they recollect their own past and mourn missed opportunities.
Verdict: Two story- and timelines, now and then, that are beautifully woven together, characters that you can’t help but fall in love with and a fantastic writing style made this book one my favorites of the year so far. The author was able to catch the atmosphere of Old Hollywood (before the Me-Too movement) perfectly and it was gripping to read about the lives of actors back then and how difficult it was for women to make it in an industry controlled by men. The main character gives some Lucille Ball vibes and most of her dialogue is hilarious and on the point. This book is also about family, friendship, loyalty and second chances. Vivian Stone made good and also bad decisions but she lived her dream and made her own luck. I’m definitely a huge fan of hers.
I truly and honestly enjoyed this book and what a fabulous and unforgettable debut it is by Melissa O’Connor. Full of emotions, wit and suspense, I highly, highly recommend it. I can’t wait for whatever the author writes next. 5⭐️
Thank you Netgalley, @GalleryBooks and @moconnorwrites for gifting me an advance copy. The above is my honest review and own opinion.

This book gave Evelyn Hugo vibes. Told in two timelines . It follows a Hollywood actress who is rising to fame and a young woman who going through who grandmothers things and comes across these tapes that tell the story of Vivian stokes life . I really enjoyed the writing style and felt like I could hear Vivian stone narrating her life and how she rose to the top . I loved trying to piece together the story of her life . Very descriptive writing by the author which allowed for me to really envision Old Hollywood. That’s how you know the author has a wonderful way with words. Beautiful debut novel!

If you want a memorable read this, is it. Days after finishing the book I could not get it out of my mind.

Margot DuBois finds seven out of eight damaged tapes while getting her recently deceased grandma’s house ready for sale. What follows is a dual storyline involving the tape recordings by Vivian Stone telling her love story from the past meanwhile Margot and Leo try to solve the tape mystery in the present day while reacquainting themselves after many years apart.

This story describes actors and actresses lives in the past whose lives were controlled by the movie industry if they wanted to continue acting. Love that was not allowed unless it was approved, relationships forced for the good of the studio and film imagine and deep heartbreak.

The ending made me cry for lost love, secrets that existed till the present day, and a new love story.

I give it 5 STARS for the deep emotions, love stories, and stellar presentation.

I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley. This is a great book about the ups and downs of hollywood told through two timelines. When Margot's grandma dies and she is getting the house ready to sell, she finds 7 of 8 tapes by a famous actress named Vivian Stone. She wonders why her grandma has these tapes. She goes to the local music store and has her old high school boyfriend fix a tape recorder so she can listen to them. He agrees to do if she will let him listen to them with her. She agrees. Switching back and forth between the stories on the tapes and present day, we learn why her grandma has them.

This was an entertaining read that I finished in a few hours.
A well written story that kept me hooked from the very beginning.
The characters draw you in and keeps you flipping the pages.
They are realistic and very well developed.
I really enjoyed the writing style. I found myself hooked, turning the pages.

In the current timeline of this book, Margot has returned to her childhood home to clear out her grandmother’s belongings to sell the house. When she uncovers some mysterious cassette tapes, she is forced to ask her former boyfriend, Leo for help with making the tapes playable and he agrees only if he can listen to the tapes with her.
The second timeline, supposedly what is recorded on the tapes tells the story of Vivian Stone, an aspiring starlet and comedienne whose story unfolds during the 1950s in Hollywood. Margot is perplexed about Vivian’s connection to her grandmother and begins to solve the mystery while rekindling her relationship with Leo.
Margot and Leo’s story is certainly secondary to Vivian’s and I would consider it cheesy and unnecessary if the author didn’t do a good job bringing the stories together in the end. Vivian’s journey to fame is certainly more interesting, both inspiring and heartbreaking at times. As a result of the “me too” movement, we know that what young female performers had to endure during this timeframe is accurate in terms of what Vivian went through. I couldn’t help but admire Vivian’s strong character and how she fought back harder when met with adversity. I found some of the “50s Hollywood” dialogue to be cheesy and cliche but overall, I enjoyed the story and the unraveling of the mystery. And I guess happy endings all around, however unrealistic were an added bonus.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

I loved living in the glamorous, old Hollywood world of Vivian Stone in the pages of this captivating debut novel. When thirty-something Margo DuBois returns to the home of her beloved deceased grandmother, her goal was to clean out the lifetime of belongings and get the house ready for sale. But when Margo discovers a box of letters signed by Vivian along with recorded tapes in Vivian’s voice, she is determined to find out why they were in her grandmother’s possession and what connection did Vivian have to her grandmother. With the help of Margo’s high school love, the two embark on an emotional mission to learn the truth.

Written in a dual timeline format from the point of views of Vivian and Margo, this story was charming and seductive. For those of you familiar with the male heartthrobs of old Hollywood movies and the antics of Lucille Ball on TV, this story will delight you as you “hear” the tapes left behind by Vivian recounting her life and secrets.

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read a digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The One and Only Vivian Stone is a spectacular debut for Melissa O'Connor. Stone definitely lives up to its comparison to Evelyn Hugo, but this story has its own twists and surprises that make it unique. With dual timelines set in the present and in mid-century Hollywood, the story stars both Margot and Vivian; the majority of the story takes place from Vivian's POV, but Margot's involvement is necessary to jump into the past. Although the two women are very different, both shine in their roles and provide the readers with different aspects of success and a happy life. I did like Margot's story, but I preferred Vivian's tale, and I couldn't stop reading to find out how things would end for her. I figured out the connection between Vivian and Margot before the reveal, but that didn't stop it from being impactful, and although I was initially annoyed with Margot's attitude towards Vivian in the wake of the reveal, I'm glad things took a turn for the better. The ending felt a little abrupt, but I liked how it all wrapped up. With a stunning leading lady, optimism, true love, and lots of laughs, The One and Only Vivian Stone shines as bright as a Hollywood star.

Does the era of big Hollywood studios, the glamour, the glitz and the stars, amaze you? Well be prepared to be amazed by this book! Very well researched, very well written this book puts all the Hollywood dirt on the table. From shady agents to mega stars, this book has it all and touches on them in the most intimate way! Delving into the way old Hollywood was and how the actors and actresses not only worked together but lived together, this book shows you up front and personal how all things that glitter doesn’t always last and how the dullest fake can outshine them all. With everything Hollywood this book goes into studio life, being on set, agents asking for benefits to further actresses’ careers, and all the repercussions if they did not comply. It will make you understand why the “me too” movement began and bring you into the living room of every star you ever thought you knew. At once pragmatic and endearing, this book pulls out all the stops and shows you everything that Hollywood really was. The question is: Are you ready to bring your idols down to earth? This book will not only do that, but it will bring the whole Hollywood lifestyle crashing down around you so be prepared to step out of the thought that you know what it was all about. You are getting a real look at the REAL Hollywood, and you might have to give up your preconceived notions of what Hollywood is like. Are you up for the challenge?

The One and Only Vivian Stone was a very enjoyable read. The book alternated between present day and the 1950s. Margot finds some hidden tapes in her late Grandmother’s home and proceeds to listen to them with her old high school friend, Leo. The tapes tell Vivian’s story. Some of the story reminded me of the late Lucy Ball and husband Desi Arnez. There’s a mix of historical fiction, especially in regard to how the movie studios controlled your life and how the studio heads treated women.
Definitely a book worth reading.

Thank you to the publisher for my eARC!

I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked from the first few chapters. It was a great blend of historical fiction, mystery, and romance. I think readers who love the following will love it:

-Women ahead of their time
-Historical Fiction
-"It's always been you" trope
-Dual timelines

The book does have some heavier content so readers should be careful and do their research if certain triggers are upsetting.

Between listening to Vivian recount everything from her forbidden love for Hollywood’s leading actor, to working under a misogynistic exec, to her chemistry with her costar-turned-husband on TV, Margot and Leo fall down a memory lane of their own. Margot is inspired by Vivian’s tenacity and courage to keep fighting for the life she wants, but everything changes when Vivian reveals a secret tied to her past in this moving exploration of how it’s never too late to start over.

This is told in two different timelines, present day and Vivian’s past. I loved the way the author incorporated tapes to tell Vivian’s story. This made her past come to life and kept the story so intriguing. It definitely made the anticipation mount for the reader!

Then there is Margot. I will say, I was not a fan at first. I can’t quite put my finger on it. I felt a bit detached from her. But as the story moves along, she became a favorite.

I enjoyed this family mystery! The dual timelines, secrets and the hunt for the truth made for a good read!

Need a good family drama with secrets…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

Margot DuBois prepares to sell her late grandmother’s house quickly so she can go back to her predictable life in Santa Barbara when she finds a box of unlabeled cassette tapes. Unable to use the damaged tape player, she calls in a favor from Leo, her first love, and they listen to these tapes together. They are of comedic legend Vivian Stone. Why are they where, what is the connection to her grandmother?
Saaid to be The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel but I think also a dash of Lucy and Desi. I read this book in one day because I was unable to put it down. It has mystery, Hollywood, lots of love and friendships.
Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advance review copy. #TheOneandOnlyVivianStone #NetGalley

My thanks to Net Galley, the personal invitation i received; and Gallery for allowing me to review this arc.

I really enjoyed this book.. I can see the Evelyn Hugo vibe. Instead of a famous celebrity relaying a life story to a reporter, we have a famous celebrity relaying her life story through cassette tapes found in the belongings of Margot DuBois ' grandmother s belongings she is clearing out with her former love Leo.

I also liked the I Love Lucy feel with when Kit and Vivian were working on their show.

2 timelines with Margot in the present and Vivian in the past that come together.