THE ONE AND ONLY VIVIAN STONE by Melissa O’Connor is an entertaining and emotional story with a bit of mystery, romance and old Hollywood glamour. In the present day, Margot DuBois is a thirty-something failed writer who has returned to her hometown to prepare her grandmother’s house for a quick sale after her death. While cleaning out the attic. Margot finds a box of unlabeled cassette tapes and a damaged tape player. Determined to learn what’s on the tapes, Margot enlists the help of her first love, Leo, even though they haven’t connected in years. He agrees to fix the tape player, if he can listen to the tapes along with her. They are both shocked when the voice on the tapes is that of legendary comedy star, Vivian Stone. How did Margot’s grandmother get these tapes? On the tapes, Vivian recounts the details of her rise to fame, her forbidden love for one of Hollywood’s leading actors and her relationship with her costar husband. As Vivian’s story is revealed, Margot and Leo also explore the relationship they once had and what led to their devastating break-up. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to learn how Margot and Vivian were connected and was not disappointed by the outcome. The characters were engaging and wonderfully-developed. I really enjoyed this captivating book and highly recommend it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

Melissa O'Connor's debut, The One and Only Vivian Stone, is delightful and enchanting and comedic in all the best ways. Melissa effortlessly weaves two storylines together and I found myself unable to put this book down until all the pieces fell into place. This is a stunning debut and a must-read if you love Taylor Jenkins Reid's books!

After the death of Margot's grandmother, Margot returns to her grandmother's home in order to get it ready for the market. While cleaning out the attic, she finds a set of cassette tapes and a broken cassette tape player. Her curiosity gets the best of her and she takes the broken player to the local music shop where she runs into no other than her first love and heartbreak, Leo. Together, they listen to the tapes and we learn about the life of Vivian Stone.

I found myself becoming very invested in Vivian's life. She didn't have an easy upbringing and faced many struggles and outright abuse in her rise in Hollywood. Melissa did a wonderful job balancing the darker elements in this book with well-placed comedic moments. I loved Vivian's friendships with Ruth and Hugh and her eventual relationship with Hugh. Vivian was always there for Ruth, a somewhat sheltered woman, and vice versa. And Hugh--that man needs to be in the dictionary next to "yearning" because he was smitten with Vivian from their very first meeting and still loved her all those years later. I also loved seeing the reconnection between Leo and Margot. Second-chance romances are one of my favorite tropes and Melissa's take on it was done with such subtly that it made the ending all that much sweeter.

Thank you to Gallery Books for the e-ARC! I cannot wait to see what Melissa writes next!

I quite enjoyed this! I love a dual timeline historical fiction looking at the life of an impressive woman paving her own way & navigating what it means to be a woman in this world.

I felt like the reveal maybe wasn't as impactful as I would have hoped... the whole "you might not like me when you hear the end of the story" thing felt a bit contrived; I personally didn't think that what Vivian did was all that bad.

The authorial voice felt humorous and witty and I absolutely love that style.

This is such a lovely story. I love books like this that give us a possible glimpse at the stars we see on the big screen. This book didn’t disappoint. Vivian is a stunning character who knows what she wants in life, but when life throws her a curve ball and says you should be in comedy movies, she isn’t quite sure if it will work. The more she does it though she realizes this is truly what she is meant to do. Along the way she falls in love and together they make a dynamic duo on and off the screen or so it seems. This book is just lovely. Readers are going to be enchanted and swept off their feet at this lovely story.
Thank you so much to Gallery Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

After her grandmother's death Margot returns to the house she grew up in to prepare to sell it.  While cleaning, she comes across a collection of cassette tapes from 50-60s star Vivian Stone reveling her life story.  She ends up listening with Leo, her childhood boyfriend who is helping her fix the cassette player and tapes (because who has a cassette player today?).  While Vivian reveals her secrets, Margot is still confused as to why she has left these to Margot's grandmother, the reason could change her life.

My Review I generally have a hard time getting into a book but this one grabbed me as soon as I began; I started with the amazing audio and it pulled me in immediately and I really enjoyed the multiple narrators).  I love a good old Hollywood tale and this one reminded me a little of Lucille Ball (slap stick comedy, entry into the early days of television, a best friend), who I adore and admire.  I loved both timelines equally (that doesn't always happen) and could not put this one down.  I can't believe this is a debut and I will be waiting eagerly for the author's next book.

4.25

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC to review

Margot DuBois returns to Long Beach, California, after the death of her grandmother. Faced with a mortgage neither she nor her mother can handle, she begins clearing out her childhood home to prepare it for sale. Margot's dream of being a writer has stalled. She has lost confidence in her writing, especially after her now-ex-boyfriend Ben, also a writer, published a bestselling book. While sorting through items in the attic, Margot finds a shoebox containing a love letter and cassette tapes. She visits her childhood boyfriend Leo, who runs his family's music store, and he agrees to help her listen to them with a working tape player, on the condition that he can listen too. It soon becomes evident that the tapes were made by the beloved comedian Vivian Stone, who rose to fame in the 1950s. The recordings reveal the history of Vivian's career and personal journey, but they also contain shocking stories about the Hollywood studio's treatment of its contracted artists. Margot and Leo are captivated by Vivian's story. But what is the connection to Margot's grandmother?

Melissa O'Connor has hit it out of the park with her debut, The One and Only Vivian Stone. If you're a fan of Old Hollywood tales, prepare to be completely immersed in the life of Vivian Stone, who yearns to be a dramatic actress but finds her true calling in comedy. While the darker aspects of the studio system have been explored before, Vivian's experiences and those of the people around her bring a fresh poignancy to the story. This is the tale of a strong, determined woman who takes control of her life. Comparisons to the legendary Lucille Ball are inevitable, but this is uniquely Vivian's story. Modern-day Margot is also a woman to root for, with O'Connor skillfully building anticipation before revealing the connection between the two women. Don't miss this bittersweet, unforgettable book.

4.5 stars.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this debut novel. This gripping story follows a contemporary woman who discovers vintage cassette tapes, uncovering the captivating life of a starlet from Hollywood’s golden age. The dual timelines are seamlessly woven, offering a powerful exploration of the sacrifices women made in classic Hollywood. A standout debut—I’ll be eagerly looking out for this author’s next book.

The One and Only Vivian Stone is a delightful read. Vivian Stone is a comedienne in old Hollywood. Margot Dubois hadn’t heard of her, but in cleaning out her grandmother’s home after her death, Margot finds a shoebox of cassette tapes recorded by Vivian. It’s a bit of a mystery. How is Margot’s grandmother connected to Vivian? Why are the tapes there?

The story alternates between Vivian’s life and Margot’s, as Margot listens to the tapes and learns all about Vivian—a true trailblazer of an actress. We spend a little less time with Margot, but enough to be privy to her own love story that unfolds alongside listening to the cassettes.

The One and Only Vivian Stone is easy reading, with a few sad bumps along the way, that makes you feel good overall. A good amount of romance. A little bit of mystery. And overall good times. Recommended.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Favorite quote:

“Every scar, every imperfection, is a reminder. Not of how damaged we are but that we’ve lived.”

This was a dazzling and emotional dual timeline historical fiction that swept me away from the very first page. Set against the glittering backdrop of old Hollywood, the story explores the life of Vivian Stone, a fierce and groundbreaking actress who refuses to let the era’s limitations define her. Flashing forward to the present day, we follow Margot, a writer piecing together Vivian’s legacy, and in doing so, begins to find her own purpose and truth.

What sets this novel apart is its captivating character work. Vivian has the bold charisma and charm of a screen legend, with shades of Lucille Ball’s comedic brilliance and emotional depth. While the book is being compared to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I found Vivian Stone to have its own unique sparkle. Margot’s journey intertwines beautifully with Vivian’s, and both women felt fully fleshed out, complex, and deeply relatable. The shifting timelines never felt disjointed—instead, they enriched each other, revealing secrets, strength, and resilience.

This story truly has it all: romance, family drama, historical richness, and an undercurrent of mystery that kept me emotionally hooked. I was thoroughly invested in both timelines and all the supporting characters. It’s a love letter to ambitious women, untold stories, and the golden age of film. Whether you’re here for the Hollywood glam, the heart tugging emotion, or the slow burn uncovering of a life well lived, you’ll find something to love in this unforgettable read.

What a debut! While this book is being compared to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I would also say that if you enjoyed The Favorites and Daisy Jones and the Six, I think you'll definitely enjoy this.

The story is told between two timelines, present day as Margot uncovers cassette tapes when cleaning out her grandmother's house, and the 1950s when Vivian recounts her life in that decade on the tapes about breaking into Hollywood and where her life went after she got a studio contract. Margot's grandmother's name was Ginger, so she can't stop listening to the tapes as she tries to piece together how her grandmother and Vivian, who went on to become one of Hollywood's largest comedic stars, are connected.

It was so easy to get drawn into this story and I could not put it down. Just like Margot, I was eager to know how Vivian and Ginger were connected and after each tape came to an end, I loved that I was still not sure where the story was going. While Vivian is a fictional star, I truly felt like I was transplanted to Hollywood in the 50s with how Melissa wrote her point of view. You want to hug Vivian as she goes to audition after audition waiting for her big break only to be told no, and then when she finally gets her chance, is told to go on diet pills to lose weight, faces sexism in the industry, and when she writes her first comedy script, has to let her husband take the credit because no one believes a woman could write something so funny. This will easily be one of my favorites of the year and I can't wait to see what Melissa writes next!

I received an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from NetGalley.com and the publisher in return for a fair review. As an author myself, my favorite topic to write about is Hollywood history--especially during the silent and golden eras. Even though this book takes place during the 1950s, I was still intrigued by the story line. I believe this novel could have used a stringent edit. There were many extraneous words and scenes that could have been deleted, still leaving the story intact. I am not a fan of the dual timelines, but this time it kind of worked as the author tied it all up neatly in the end. I did not care for the main character, actress Vivian Stone. She and her gang had very little depth and all were self-centered. Stone should have been a little smarter than she was. The story starts in the present with a young girl, Margot who is clearing out recently deceased grandmother's house. She comes across these mysterious tapes and calls upon an old flame to help her. Of course, their relationship is rekindled--pretty standard stuff. I was disappointed in the story, the characters, and the lack of editing. Just not my cup of tea.

First thank you to galley books and NetGalley for an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars

Synopsis: Margret is cleaning out her grandmothers house when she finds a set of tapes. She finds a friend to help her listen to those tapes and surprised to hear a famous actress on the tapes. Why would her grandmother have these tapes and what does it mean?

What I liked: I love old Hollywood stories and this delivered that vibe. I really liked that Vivian’s story was not the same as Evelyn Hugo story but still similar. Vivian was just as strong and did take care and charge. I also loved the side characters and their stories. Kits story really touched me too

This book started off a bit slow for me, but about halfway through I really got into it. By the end, I absolutely loved it—especially the glamorous old Hollywood vibes! I was super impressed with the writing, especially since it’s the author’s first book. I’d definitely recommend it and can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this debut novel. I enjoyed reading it, and I thought it was a good novelization of Hollywood in the 1950s. I think that dual timeline books have been overdone, and I don't think it added much to this book to have the contemporary part of the story. I think the author did a great job bringing the characters to life and depicting what life was like for actors and actresses during this time period. It kept my interest, and I flew through the book. I would be happy to read another book by this author.

I was an absolute fiend while reading this book. I’ve been a big kick with old Hollywood starlet books and this one hit all the marks.

I enjoy seeing the story of Vivian Stone play out and at no point did I see where the story was going. The writing was engaging and the story absolutely capture my heart in every way. I also enjoyed the parallel story between Leo and Margot reconnecting. There is nothing like a double second change romance double feature ( which I would consider Vivian and Hug’s story a semi second chance romance as well)

I truly have no complaints about this one other than I wish it was longer. I would have loved to see the story play out at a slower pace as it did feel like it wrapped up pretty easy. I’m not sure what exactly it wasn’t that didn’t feel satisfied in the way it ended but it felt
Quicker than I needed it to be.

Other than that, it was a heartfelt story of love and life and I enjoyed myself.

Thanks so much to the publisher, Gallery, and the author for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

This is a well-written novel, but it’s not for me. The tone is a little sad, and I need something more upbeat.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Oh, friends, I think this may be the case that not every book is for everyone.

Margot stumbles on a box of tapes while cleaning out her grandmother’s attic. With the help of her childhood friend turned first love, she soon discovers the tapes are a confessional of sorts about the life of 1950s actress Vivian Stone.

Dual timeline and POV, we are learning Margot and Leo’s story, as well as Vivian’s, and eventually how the two intersect.

I requested this arc after seeing comparisons made to Evelyn Hugo and Marvelous Mrs Maisel. Let me tell you, those are some big shoes to fill.

It bums me out that this did not fill them.

It pulls back the curtain, of sorts, on the Hollywood industry in the 1950s. Coercive sex for roles, the control and fixation on the size of women, addiction, publicity relationships. It took on heavy topics!

And usually this is where you win me over. The problem? It all felt shallow. We were told what was happening, but I failed to FEEL any of it. It felt like a strange mix of a gritty storyline told very innocently.

If I want a lighter feel to a story, I also need lighter topics.

I don’t think this will be a miss for everyone. There are plenty of people who aren’t nearly as masochistic in their reading as I can be. Hard topics need to gut me, and this did not.

This story consists of two different timelines. Margot finds cassette tapes in her grandmother’s home and begins listening to them with an old friend. Margot quickly learns that the cassette tapes are recorded by an Old Hollywood actress, Vivian, who is sharing her story! Margot begins listening to the tapes to try and figure out why these tapes are in her grandmother’s attic.
I recommend this book, and I enjoyed the exploration of working in Old Hollywood as a woman as well as various topics of friendship, alcoholism, etc.
However, the character development of one character in particular reduced my rating to a 4 star as I felt this character changed abruptly and began acting in ways that were inconsistent with his personality/character already established prior in the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and will definitely keep my eye out for future releases from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery books for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Story #1 in the book is Margot getting the house of her recently deceased grandmother ready for sale which also means dealing with her past. In going through the avalanche of items, she comes across a box with cassette tapes, but doesn't have a working tape player. She gets in touch with Leo, her first love from high school days, to fix the player. They are surprised to learn that the tapes belong to Vivian Stone. Enter Story #2: Vivian Stone. The tapes tell the tale of Vivian's career amidst the controlling atmosphere of Hollywood. At the story's climax, the two stories merge in quite an unexpected fashion. What an intriguing and spellbinding story!

I enjoyed this one but there were parts of it that missed the mark for me. I really enjoyed Vivian’s storyline. I love stories of old Hollywood and enjoyed the “me too” aspects this book brought to light. I’m not a huge fan of love triangles typically but this one didn’t bother me because both men were good men.

Kit’s alcoholism was a tough storyline as someone who has personal experience with this in my family. While parts of it rang true, it didn’t come across as authentic is the experience itself is. Kit and Vivian’s reaction to his addiction seemed very surface level. It isn’t something that you forget and move on from after an incident. Maybe this won’t be a sticking point for those without a personal connection. But it was difficult for me to get past.

The current day storyline fell flat for me. It seemed like a vehicle for Vivian’s storyline and really didn’t add much to the book. I didn’t really feel connected to Margot and Leo and felt like they were only there to listen to Vivian’s story. I think the book would have been stronger if we just had Vivian’s story.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and would recommend it to people. I think they were just a few things on a personal level that didn’t click with me.(3.5)