Fans of Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo are in for a treat with this delightful debut from Melissa O'Connor. In the wake of her grandmother's death, Margot stumbles across an old shoebox full of cassette tapes and a love note. She turns to her high school ex, Leo, to clean up the tapes and find a working cassette player. Together, they listen to the tapes and find the self-recorded story of a Hollywood icon's rise to fame.

Much of the book is told from the perspective of comedy legend Vivian Stone, a Lucille Ball kind of character who longed to be a dramatic actor but stumbled into a career in comedy. Vivian vividly recounts the struggles of actors vs. studios in the golden age of Hollywood, and it feels both sad and honest. The power imbalances, fake/forced relationships, and the supportive friendship with her roommate feel just as relevant now as they would have been back then.

I wasn't over the top enthralled with Margot and Leo; I was much more invested in what would happen to Vivian, Hugh, and Kit. (I stayed up to 1:30 a.m. to finish this book!) I found the ending quite satisfying, and would love to read more from Melissa O'Connor! I could see this being a good fit for fans of Emily Hentry's A Great Big Beautiful Life and Taylor Jenkin's Malibu Rising, too.

Thank you Galley Books for my copy! All thoughts are my own.

I feel like there was a bit of fate and kismet with this book. I saw it on NetGalley and immedley requested it based on the synopsis. Then I was scrolling after dinner and discovered a local bookstore was holding an event to celebrate the book…because the author is local to me! It was so exciting and so I was even more excited to read it. It was a fun reading experience and I look forward to more from this debut author!

Synopsis:

“After her grandmother’s death, thirty-something Margot DuBois prepares to sell the house quickly so she can go back to her predictable life in Santa Barbara. There, no one knows she used to write and how not succeeding wrecked her confidence. While cleaning out the attic, she comes across eight unlabeled cassette tapes. Unable to use the damaged tape player, she calls in a favor from Leo—her first love and first epic heartbreak—and they strike a deal: he’ll fix the player if he can hear what’s on the tapes. When they manage to listen, the two are shocked to hear the voice of comedic legend Vivian Stone. Why did she record these tapes and how did Margot’s grandmother get them?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.” —NetGalley

What I Liked:

The Structure—As a big fan of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I’ll always look for other books that feel the same. This did, but spent even less time in the “present” so it really felt like Vivian’s story.

The Behind the Scenes Look at Hollywood—As an actor, I’m always fascinated by this and love it so much!

Pacing—It moved very well and kept me reading, wanting to know what happened next.

What Didn’t Work for Me:

Twist Ending—I didn’t love the twist…I get why it had to happen and it definitely surprised me and kept me guessing. I guess I personally just felt icky about it, but it’s a me problem not a book problem.

Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 4/5

Content Warnings:

pregnancy, pregnancy loss, alcoholism, sexual harassment

𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨

𝑅𝒾𝒸𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝓌𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒽𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁 𝒻𝒾𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒹𝑒𝒷𝓊𝓉

After her grandmother’s death, thirty-something Margot DuBois prepares to sell the house quickly so she can go back to her predictable life in Santa Barbara. There, no one knows she used to write and how not succeeding wrecked her confidence. While cleaning out the attic, she comes across eight unlabeled cassette tapes. Unable to use the damaged tape player, she calls in a favor from Leo—her first love and first epic heartbreak—and they strike a deal: he’ll fix the player if he can hear what’s on the tapes. When they manage to listen, the two are shocked to hear the voice of comedic legend Vivian Stone. Why did she record these tapes and how did Margot’s grandmother get them?

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.

I was hooked by the dual POV/dual timeline of this novel enjoying Margot’s story as much as Vivian’s as she listened to the tapes and unraveled the truth behind their story. Vivian’s story was reminiscent of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but still remained an original story of its own with deeper nuance on the seedy, sexist and misogynistic underbelly of Hollywood during the time- Vivian excelled as a comedic actress and I enjoyed her indomitable spirit. Margot’s story was equally rich and I found myself hoping she would have a happy ending. This is a great historical fiction and women’s fiction addition that you should pick up immediately.

Thank you Melissa O’Connor @moconnorwrites and @gallerybooks for allowing me to read this exceptionally well done debut. I look forward to reading more novels by this author soon.

QOTD in comments⬇️

#booksta #theoneandonlyvivianstone #bookreviews #summerreading #newbooks

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. I loved how this was in the vein of Evelyn Hugo and I feel I'll always love old Hollywood tales.

I enjoy books about "old Hollywood" and strong women. This book has that combination and pulled me in from the start. Vivian is a likable character who faces her struggles head-on.

I liked the way this story was told in the present day, with the discovery of the tapes and then the tapes themselves, which is Vivian's story. The back and forth kept the story interesting and moving forward. I thought the characters were well-developed and seemed realistic, which made the story fun to read.

I liked this author's writing style. She maintained a steady pace in the storytelling and made me feel as if I were in the time of the story with her descriptions. I thought the little pictures of the shoes at the beginning of the chapters and the pictures of the cassette tapes added to the story. Just gave it that extra touch of detail that made the book special.

I think this is a story that fans of historical fiction will enjoy. Also, fans of Hollywood stories would enjoy this book as well. A well-written story!

This was a very entertaining and light summer read. I loved the background story about Hollywood and the way the big movie companies worked. It mentions many stars from the period and brought to mind comediennes like Lucille Ball, which may have inspired some of the story lines. The dual timeline was only partly effective for me. I wanted to read more about the past and was fully engrossed in Vivienne’s life, less so in the current period with Margot. The ending was a little predictable but it still made for a satisfying book.

Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

4.25 stars
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in this enchanting novel about estranged lovers reconnecting over mysterious tapes found in an attic and the old Hollywood secret hidden within them."

The One And Only Vivian Stone is an incredible debut revolving around the Golden Age of Hollywood. I was equally interested in both timelines: the life of 1950s actress Vivian Stone on tapes she recorded that are listened to by Margot DuBois in present day. The character development is flawless, and the intertwining of both timelines seamless. I was invested in all of the characters and loved all of them thanks to understanding all of their motives and emotions so clearly. Although many characters are movie stars, they all have the same challenges and dreams as anyone else. I loved this and can't wait for Melissa O'Connor's next book! Highly recommend!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Melissa O'Connor for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

#TheOneAndOnlyVivianStone #MelissaOConnor #GalleryBooks #NetGalley #ARCreview #bookreview #BestBooks #bookrecommendations #bestbooks #HistoricalFiction #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #booklover #bookstagram #bookinfluencer #bookclub #NetGalleyReviewer

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.