Hollyland

A Novel

by Patricia Leavy

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Pub Date Apr 04 2023 | Archive Date Mar 23 2023

Romance | Women's Fiction

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Description

What happens when a seemingly ordinary woman with a passion for the arts falls in love with a Hollywood star known for his bachelor status and quick temper with the paparazzi? Something extraordinary.

Dee Schwartz is a writer and arts researcher. Ryder Field is a famous actor descended from Hollywood royalty. On the night they meet outside a bar, their connection is palpable. Ryder’s mother—legendary actress Rebecca Field, half of Hollywood’s golden couple when she died—was kidnapped and murdered by a crazed fan in a shocking event that forever tarnished Tinseltown. Dee’s mother, too, died when she was young. Bonded by this loss, the two embark on a love story that explores their search for magic—or “gold dust”—in their lives. Everything changes, however, when Dee mysteriously disappears after an awards ceremony. Is history repeating itself? Can there truly be a happily ever after in Hollywood?

Set against the backdrop of contemporary Los Angeles, Hollyland is a poignant novel that moves fluidly between romance, humor, suspense, and joy.

Advance Praise

“Some fun secondary characters, a well-drawn setting, and an exciting eleventh-hour kidnapping plot propel Leavy’s story. The author also offers rich details about Rye’s Hollywood world and Dee’s opinions on art . . .”

—Kirkus Reviews

“. . . Leavy weaves a lot of excitement, charm, and romance into this concise and highly engrossing novel . . . the action really ramps up in the latter section of the book to offer a superb climax filled with suspense. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Hollyland to fans of romance and women’s fiction everywhere; you will not be disappointed.”

—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“Author Patricia Leavy does an excellent job of building up her characters in this enthralling romance novel . . . the story is alluring and enchanting. . . . Hollyland takes the opposites attract trope to a new level by creating characters that are deep and compelling against an intriguing Hollywood backdrop. This will make a perfect feel-good beach read. . . . Hollyland is a novel that left me smiling.”

—Literary Titan, 4-star review

“Hollyland is a treasure. I stayed up all night reading, unwilling to put it down. What I thought would be a chick-lit romp turned out to be a delightful, romantic, inspiring story I can’t stop thinking about. This book is a love letter to art, creativity, and passion. The characters come alive on the page and leave you wanting more. Leavy is a genius.”

—Jessica Smartt Gullion, author of October Birds

“Hollyland is a rip-roaring ride through hilarious, romantic, and sometimes downright mysterious ups and downs. With the right amount of awe, giggles, and laugh-out-loud moments, Hollyweird shines. Whether you come for the comedy or the sexy and sweet romance, Dee and those she holds dear will wrap you up in a hug and tug on your emotions from cover to cover.”

—J. E. Sumerau, author of Scarecrow

“Leavy has penned a whimsical and engaging adult fairy tale that explores the search for magic or gold dust in our lives. Hollyland is an endlessly entertaining romp down the yellow brick road as the characters search for passion in all forms. Romance meets comedy meets suspense, with oodles of inspiration thrown in for good measure. This book was so captivating that I read it in one sitting, and the ending was so satisfying, I wanted to read it again.”

—U. Melissa Anyiwo, editor of Gender Warriors

“Hollyland is one of the best love stories I’ve read. I could not put this book down. Leavy has crafted a riveting story about never settling in love or art. A light and surprisingly provocative book for smart and sassy readers. Absolutely brilliant.”

—Sandra L. Faulkner, award-winning author of Real Women Run

“Leavy is a gifted author, and her voice in women’s fiction is unmistakable. She brings her characteristic laser-like wit, sensitivity, and sense of optimism to this hilarious and deeply poignant tale about searching for love in Hollywood and what it truly means to live an extraordinary life. Hollyland is a romantic, fast-paced, lighthearted escape that will grab your heart and linger in surprising ways. A must-read, whether you’re cozy at home, on the beach, or in your book club.”

—Laurel Richardson, award-winning author of Lone Twin

“Leavy has drawn on her arts expertise and distinct voice in women’s fiction to craft a spellbinding ode to the arts, creativity, and romance. The characters show us that love is possible after grief and that passion is everything. More than anything, Hollyland is an exuberant celebration of the arts that makes us question the distinctions between art and entertainment as we consider who the real movie stars are on the big screen of our lives.”

—Mary E. Weems, Cleveland Arts Prize Winner and author of Blackeyed

“Leavy is a master at penning love stories that are so much more. She writes light, hope, and optimism in every corner. Hollyland is the novel we’ve been hoping Leavy, an acclaimed arts researcher, would write. It’s a beautiful romance appropriate for anyone looking for joy, escape, and inspiration. It’s also an important statement about the role of the arts in our lives. Every art educator and artist should read this book. Highly recommended!”

—Jessie Voigts, PhD, founder of Wandering Educators