This book was phenomenal! I have been waiting to read this for months and I hate that I waited so long.

This dual timeline story telling was all consuming. I was reading and trying to figure things out for the whole book.

Vivian Stone was an ICON. She endured so much and came out on top. Hugh and his love. I was rooting for this man. Kit…..oh Kit. My heart hurt for him. Alcoholism is a real disease. Then Leo and Margot with the second chance romance. I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting.

Melissa’s story telling was perfection. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this story early!

The One and Only Vivian Stone is a story that felt like a warm, funny, and sometimes bittersweet dive into figuring out who you really are when life doesn’t go the way you planned. Vivian is such a relatable character. I loved how honest she was, even when she was messy or unsure of herself. Watching her navigate career struggles, complicated friendships, and the chaos of starting over felt real and refreshing. She wasn’t perfect, but that’s what made her easy to root for. I found myself genuinely caring about where she would land. The humor in the book balanced out the more emotional moments well. Some scenes made me laugh out loud and others that quietly stuck with me. O'Connor’s writing was smooth and conversational, which made it feel like I was hearing a story from a friend.

Fun and entertaining historical fiction/romance with dual timelines. I enjoyed this story and thought it was a quick read, liked the look into early Hollywood and television. Would recommend 3/3.5 stars. I want to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I have read a few books in the past couple of years focusing on on early female pioneers in film and TV so this wasn't new in that respect. I will always enjoy a dual story and liked how the main link between past and present was a set of cassette tapes telling a story. Vivian was a likeable character and i wish we got to see a bit more of Margot. Vivian's story give the reader a peek into the studio era and some of the early days of television. It managed to fit in peeks at the casting couch, doling out of drugs and general control that the studios had over their actors. Vivian's feelings of regrets linking the two stories did seem a bit extreme given the situation. This was a quick and enjoyable read even if I didn't learn any thing new about this era.

Pitched as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The One and Only Vivian Stone lives up to that promise.

This historical novel follows Vivian Mackenzie, an aspiring actress in Golden Age Hollywood, throughout her trials in work and in love. Though Vivian’s original passion is drama, she’s offered a contract as a comedic actress, taking the stage name Vivian Stone, and soon discovers her love for making audiences laugh. As her fame grows, she navigates her complicated romantic relationships with two very different men—her longtime friend, action star Hugh Fox, and her playboy co-star, heartthrob Kit Pierce.

The story also has a modern-day timeline following Margot Dubois, who—while cleaning out her recently deceased grandmother’s home—discovers eight cassette tapes with Vivian’s recordings. She enlists the help of her ex-boyfriend, Leo, to play the tapes, but how did Margot’s grandmother know a Hollywood celebrity like Vivian Stone? This question adds a bit of mystery to the tale. I wasn’t as invested in the Margot parts as I was in the Vivian parts, but I was interested to see what their connection would ultimately be. (And I did have a crackpot theory based on one throwaway comment at the beginning that, needless to say, did not turn out.)

I realized after I started reading that I had heard the opening pages discussed on a podcast years ago (the bit about the broken heel triggered my memory), so it’s safe to say the story left an impression on me. I was invested in Vivian’s story, going from a lovable underdog to a major Hollywood celebrity, and I rooted for her throughout the story.

I know not everyone likes love triangles, but I quite enjoyed how this one turned out and how Hugh and Kit were presented. Namely, how neither of them was villainized. One of my pet peeves is when one of the love interests does a complete heel turn to justify the protagonist choosing the other person. That was not the case here. Rather, Vivian comes to recognize that while her romantic relationship with one of the men didn’t work out, she still cares for him on a certain level. He made mistakes, and she’s no longer in love with him, but that doesn’t make him a bad person.

Ultimately, the ending of this book leaves you with the message that—while everybody makes mistakes—we’re all just people, trying to do the best we can.

Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa O'Connor, and Gallery Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

This was an incredible book. I couldn't put it down. I had to know things were going to unfold. I'm amazed this is a debut novel. It was executed with precision. I found both the past and present timelines to be interesting. We are following Margot, who is preparing her grandmother's house for sale after she passed away. While she is cleaning it out, she finds some cassette tapes that her grandmother saved, but she has no idea why. Margot and Leo, her friend, start listening to the tapes, and it quickly becomes apparent that they were recorded by Vivian Stone, the famous actress. Margot's grandmother has never mentioned knowing her. Together, they continue to listen to all eight tapes, unraveling the story of Vivian Stone that will be shocking. There are discussions of alcoholism, abuse, child loss, and sexual coercion. If you loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, then give this book a chance. I highly recommend it!

I just finished this book and I am blown away!
Margot returns to her grandmothers house to clean it out
and put it up for sale, she comes across a box of cassette tapes and letters… who has a cassette player these days? Turns out her old high school boyfriend runs a music shop, together they listen to the tapes which takes us to old Hollywood and how women were treated differently than men and how hard it was for them to make it into the business. We follow a few people from the beginning of their careers to them becoming mega superstars.
All the while Margot and Leo get closer and closer and old feelings begin to resurface.
we actually get two books in one and I absolutely loved this book, well this is a debut book for this author. I cannot wait to see what she does in the future. I am a huge fan already!

Many thanks to Gallery Books & NetGalley for the invitation to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

When Margot’s grandmother dies, she returns to her hometown & is tasked with getting her grandmother’s house ready to sell. She stumbles upon a number of casette tapes that has her intrigued. She solicits the help of her high school boyfriend to fix a casette recorder and they end up listening to them together. What they discover is a series of tapes recorded back in the early 1950’s by the then famous comedienne, Vivian Stone. The tapes tell of her hollywood experiences and what she went through to make a name for herself (in a male dominated industry, so you can only imagine some of the atrocities). It becomes Margot’s mission to figure out why her grandmother had these tapes. I found this debut novel to be very entertaining and I was totally invested in finding out the connection as well.

This gives major Evelyn Hugo vibes! I've never heard of this author but she is on my radar after reading this one. If you enjoy historical fiction you'll love this.

after her grandmother's death, Margot goes to clean out her house, she finds some cassette tapes. when she listens to them, they tell a story of her grandmother no one knew.

3.5 stars

There's two stories in one here. Failed writer Margot is in a bit of a rut with her life after her ex finds success as a literary star and promptly dumps her. While cleaning out her late grandmother Ginger's house she finds tapes featuring Hollywood actress Vivian Stone which brings her in contact with her audiophile first love Leo. Margot wants to know what the connection is between Vivian and Ginger. Through flashbacks via the tapes, we jump to 1950s Hollywood. Vivian Stone wants to be a dramatic actress, but to her chagrin, finds more success being a comedic actress like Lucille Ball. We learn about Vivian's loves, the quiet swoony Hugh and the more expansive Kit, plus her best friend Ruth.

I loved Vivian's tenacity battling the controlling studio system, the horrific misogyny and the casting couch. The problem I had was that the love triangle resolved itself way too easily after all the pain caused by Vivian. She kept stringing one along, loving him more but then pursed the other guy! Then she gets the other guy back because the writer suddenly makes the chosen guy the bad guy after no sign that he was that bad. Also I'd loved more of Margot's storyline because the resolution to her story arc was rushed, especially the second chance romance with Leo. I think the storyline needed to have a lot more present-day action, especially at the end in order for it to hit the emotional beat. Also, the connection between Vivian and Ginger? A huge letdown and honestly Vivian didn't owe Ginger eight tapes of explanation.

An enjoyable and fun trip in time that I read in one sitting.

Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

This debut was a complete and utter delight from start to finish! O'Connor is absolutely a new favourite author! I loved everything about this book, it is such a unique concept and I loved learning about Vivian and her story. Margot's own story was so relatable, and I loved getting to watch her story unfold alongside Vivian's.

The One and Only Vivian Stone is the story of an actress trying to make it in Hollywood, primarily in the 1950s, and a writer that discovers tapes she recorded years ago in the estate of her grandmother.

Vivian’s story that takes place in the earlier timeline of this dual timeline story is by far the more interesting and compelling one. There is a connection between the two women, but since most of Margot’s story revolves around reuniting with her first real love Leo, I would have been perfectly happy to have this be a single story focused around Vivian.

The far more interesting of the two characters, Vivian was raised by her mother after the pair left her alcoholic and controlling father. Determined to make it in Hollywood as a dramatic actress, she’s getting rejected left and right until a chance encounter while goofing off with an up and coming heartthrob gives her the chance to break into the business-as a comedienne.

Vivian has to take the chance of a past moment being exposed and dealing with a slimy studio executive to kick the door wide open. Along the way the reader will see the glamorous and shady side of Hollywood as Vivian tries to maintain her principles and her courage.

Not surprisingly she takes some lumps along the way, and being in love with two different men isn’t even one of them. She has undeniable chemistry with Hugh, who unwittingly helped her get her break, but falls for her costar Kit during the filming of a movie. The industry has its say in which one she should be with, but letting the other go isn’t so easy.

Throughout her career she will have to decide when she has to be willing to fight for herself against the dictates of the industry and the result is a fascinating woman with the savvy to succeed in a man’s world that still deals with the struggles and heartbreak that make her relatable. The story may not take all the turns the reader is expecting, but gives them the ones they may not have known they needed.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As someone who holds The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo close to my heart, I was both nervous and excited going into this one. But wow, it did not disappoint, and I am actually in awe that this was a debut! This book delivers all the Old Hollywood glamour, scandal, and emotion I hoped for, while still carving out something unique and fresh.

Vivian Stone is such a captivating character. She’s fierce, flawed, funny, and refuses to stay down no matter how many times life knocks her sideways. I was completely drawn into her story. She felt like someone you might’ve seen on a vintage movie poster, only with a real beating heart behind the fame. I especially appreciated how the book explores the darker side of classic Hollywood, like the studio control, the sexism, the sacrifice, and Vivian’s ability to keep pushing forward. She’s not perfect, and that’s what makes her unforgettable.

Margot, the modern day protagonist, was a great counterpart. Her journey is quieter but just as meaningful. Watching her grow through her connection to Vivian via those old cassette tapes was such a satisfying arc. And yes, the second chance romance with Leo was sweet and nostalgic in all the right ways. It added just enough warmth without overshadowing the rest of the story.

I also loved the structure of the book. The dual timelines, the transcripts, and the letters all made the story feel textured and intimate, like I was holding pieces of history in my hands. I didn’t want it to end.

If you’re a fan of vintage film, historical fiction, layered female characters, or stories that celebrate legacy and second chances, you’ll want this one on your radar. Easily one of my top reads of the year so far, and I’m already eager to see what Melissa O’Connor writes next. This was a beautiful, bittersweet debut full of heart. I am also not so secretly hoping this gets picked up for some sort of movie or television adaptation!

Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa O'Connor, and Gallery Books for the eARC of this book.

The One and Only Vivian Stone is an outstanding debut by Melissa O'Connor. As a lover of old movies, historical fiction and romance books- this was top tier reading for me! I savored every chapter and had to pace myself because while I was eager to see how Margot and Vivian were connected, I did not want it to end!

This felt like a fictional tale of a TCM documentary about I Love Lucy, along with some details that made me think of the harsh work environment that Judy Garland tolerated and led to major issues later in her life. However, surrounding the tragedies and Old Hollywood glamour is Vivian Stone. She doesn't give up she pivots. It was so refreshing to see a strong female character who, while imperfect, strived to do the right thing for herself and the people she loved most.

Another aspect of this novel is the second chance romance between Margot and her high school love Leo. Margot is also a great FMC, but has trouble keeping with things in order to avoid getting hurt. She learns from Vivian on the tapes and her growth through listening to the tapes and meeting Vivian is refreshing.

If you are a fan of romance and Old Hollywood or just love a great book that you can't put down, The One and Only Vivian Stone is a must read! Cannot wait to see what Melissa O'Connor writes next!

One of my top 5 books of 2025!

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for this ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley. It's told in the past and present day, but we don't find out how they are connected until the end. I enjoyed both stories greatly. The information about how movie studios treated their stars not just with sexual abuse allegations, but also by controlling who they could date, if they should have a baby or an abortion, and pressuring them to take stimulants for long days on the set makes me wonder why people still wanted to act at all. I guess some people think the price of fame is worth it, but is it in the end? Vivian is a standout star in many ways throughout the book.

This book is for young romantics who want to drift in and out of mysterious and loving relationships.

There are two timelines.

Margot, in the present time, arrived from Santa Barbara to Long Beach to get her grandmother’s house cleaned up and ready to sell. She found cassette tapes in a box and took them to a music store where her former high-school boyfriend was working. She knew he would be able to help her find out what was on the tapes.

Meanwhile, Vivian was a Hollywood movie star from the 1950s and had a couple of admirers: Kit and Hugh. Yet, it wasn’t easy when the producers were dictating how they wanted the relationships to evolve as it could be used to promote the shows.

The story was easy to read with all sorts of complex issues and characters that were described perfectly. However, most of the book followed Vivian’s amazing career. It made me feel like Margot’s job as a writer wasn’t as noteworthy. Plus, Vivian was on top of the world and Margot’s life appeared to be simple and ordinary. There was always the lingering question if men could be friends with women.

Sometimes stories leave you with mixed feelings and this was one of them. It would be an interesting discussion with book clubs. There’s a list of questions at the end.

My thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of July 22, 2025.

The One and Only Vivian Stone drops you straight into the golden age of Hollywood. The details are expansive, the background is engaging. And Vivian Stone is one of a kind. Part Lucille Ball, part Evelyn Hugo she guides us through her rise to fame and everything that came with it. While the modern day story was not as engaging as Vivian’s past, it’s a fun read especially for anyone with a sweet spot for that era in the entertainment industry.

This is a book review. The One and Only Vivian Stone by Melissa O’Connor is a warm, nostalgic, and beautifully layered debut that wrapped around me like a cozy blanket on a rainy afternoon. Thank you to Gallery Books for the gifted copy—what a treat to experience this story before its release.

There’s something quietly magical about a book that pulls you in from the first page—not with explosions or cliffhangers, but with characters who feel like people you’ve known all your life. That’s exactly what happened here. I was immediately taken with Margot DuBois, a woman in her thirties navigating grief, disappointment, and the ghosts of her past. When her beloved grandmother passes away, Margot returns home to clean out the family house, only to discover a box of unlabeled cassette tapes tucked away in the attic. It’s the kind of discovery that hints at secrets, and like any book lover, I was instantly intrigued.

With her old tape player busted, Margot reaches out to Leo—her high school sweetheart and first heartbreak. He agrees to fix the player, on one condition: he wants to listen to the tapes, too. What they find on them is completely unexpected—the voice of none other than Vivian Stone, a famous comedic actress from Hollywood’s golden age. Think Lucille Ball with a little extra edge, a little more grit, and a whole lot of heart.

Vivian’s story unfolds slowly across the tapes, and I hung on every word. Through her memories, we’re swept into smoky backlots, glamourous sets, and behind-the-scenes drama that’s as dazzling as it is heartbreaking. She tells of forbidden love, friendships that defy the odds, career highs and crushing lows. Her voice is sharp and funny, but also tender—full of things left unsaid and sacrifices made for the sake of dreams.

The novel moves back and forth between Vivian’s past and Margot’s present, and I was surprised by how well-balanced both timelines were. Often with dual timelines, one feels stronger than the other, but here they both offered something special. Margot’s journey is quieter, more introspective, but just as compelling. She’s grappling with loss, with stalled ambition, and with the lingering what-ifs of her past. Watching her rediscover her voice and her courage through Vivian’s story was truly moving.

And then there’s Leo. I really enjoyed the slow-burn second chance romance between Margot and Leo. It’s gentle and full of longing—the kind of love that’s taken time to soften and mature. Their shared history added emotional depth to their scenes, and I appreciated how their relationship developed in tandem with Margot’s personal growth. It’s a romance that doesn’t overshadow the story, but rather enhances it in all the right ways.

What makes this book feel especially cozy and immersive is its format. O’Connor includes transcripts of the tapes, old letters, articles, and even small illustrations at the beginning of each chapter. It gives the book a scrapbook feel, like we’re gently peeling back layers of a forgotten life, one artifact at a time. I loved that—it made the reading experience feel tactile and personal, like I was part of the mystery.

There are heavier themes woven throughout the book, particularly in Vivian’s timeline. O’Connor doesn’t shy away from exploring the sexism and exploitation that women faced in 1950s Hollywood. But she balances it with warmth, humor, and moments of genuine connection. Vivian’s friendship with Ruth—an unforgettable character in her own right—is one of the beating hearts of the book. Their bond felt real and grounding, a reminder that behind every strong woman is often another woman cheering her on.

The mystery at the center of the novel—why the tapes are in Margot’s grandmother’s attic, and what Vivian’s connection is to Margot’s family—is handled delicately and reveals itself at just the right pace. I did see part of the twist coming, but that didn’t make it any less satisfying. If anything, it made me appreciate the emotional payoff even more.

My only wish is that we had just a bit more time with Margot and Leo near the end. Their arc wrapped up a little more quickly than I expected, and I would have happily read another few chapters of them navigating their future. But that’s more a compliment than a complaint—when a story is this enjoyable, you never really want it to end.

Melissa O’Connor’s writing is warm, immersive, and brimming with heart. She captures not just the atmosphere of old Hollywood, but the quieter truths of modern life—the weight of grief, the sting of regret, and the courage it takes to begin again. The One and Only Vivian Stone is a story about love, legacy, and the unexpected ways the past can shape the present. It’s also about the women who came before us, the stories they left behind, and the power of finally listening.

If you loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & the Six, or even just have a soft spot for vintage nostalgia and heartfelt second chances, this one should be at the top of your list. I can absolutely see this being turned into a limited series—it reads like one in the best possible way.

A beautiful, bittersweet, and deeply comforting read. I’ll be thinking about Vivian, Margot, and Ruth for a long time.

Thank you to @Netgalley for the ARC of The One and Only Vivian Stone by Melissa O’Connor. All opinions are my own.

Margot’s Gram recently passed away and she is back to clean out her house. She finds a letter with some mysterious cassette tapes in the attic- what a mystery! She needs help repairing her cassette player, which brings her to Leo, who broke her heart 20 years ago. She makes a deal to let him listen to the tapes with her. However, the voice doesn’t belong to her Gram, or her mom. It’s Vivian Stone, legend of comedy (think Lucille Ball). The tapes hold her story, and it is a good one. But why was it in their attic?

This is a visually appealing book. I love the drawings above the chapter titles, how they vary for the different storylines, and how they change. A drawing of a cassette introduces each new tape, and it just begs to be colored in. I love the letters, texts and articles, and the then and now timeline. Of course I adore romance, and this book has that as well.

I spent a lot of time thinking about the actresses of the past and what they most likely had to go through to be in the business. I daydreamed about the #metoo movement instead happening back then and being solved long ago.

Words we should bring back: “blockhead”, “swell” as an adjective, and calling a movie “a picture”.

Have you seen the 1978 video of Lucille Ball getting after a host named David by repeating “will you take your hands off her” after he kept touching the audience members? Look it up! What did she know?

This publishes July 22, 2025 and I recommend it!

4/5 stars
Off page love scenes
Location: Long Beach, CA