Claudette Fioré used to turn heads and break hearts. She relished the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle because she had what it takes: money, yo...
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Jul 03, 2010
Sandra
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I am quickly becoming a fan of Melody Carlson. I have read this book and a teen book she has written and have already made a wish list of her books to be placed on my shelves at school.
In "Limelight" I found a book that could make my emotions ride the rollercoaster. It is the story of Claudette Fiore, an 82 year old former actress. After her husband passes away she finds that his accountant was paying himself instead of their taxes. The IRS does not look favorably on this a More...
In "Limelight" I found a book that could make my emotions ride the rollercoaster. It is the story of Claudette Fiore, an 82 year old former actress. After her husband passes away she finds that his accountant was paying himself instead of their taxes. The IRS does not look favorably on this a More...
Apr 28, 2010
Cafelilybookreviews
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Former film star Claudette Fiore’ finds herself in unfamiliar territory when she’s released from a psychiatric hospital only to discover that she’s lost her Beverly Hills home and most of her money due to a dishonest accountant hired by her late husband.
Having lived a life of extreme luxury, she’s at a complete loss on how to start over. At the urging of her step-son Michael, she heads back to her family home in Silverton, California which she inherited from her mother. U More...
Nov 05, 2009
Janna
rated it: 
What a unique book. This book is about a Hollywood has-been in her 80's that is suffering from a case of... if I can't have what I want, then I'd rather die! So she tries to... die that is. After a failed suicide attempt we meet Claudette Fiore in a mental hospital trying to figure out how she is going to leave when she has no where to go after a recent visit from the IRS, which is what led to attempt in the first place. She calls upon her step-son Michael for help and he comes to her rescue. On
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Nov 02, 2009
Chocolate & Croissants
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Claudette Fiore was used to making men's heads turn. Married to Gavin Fiore, a Hollywood director, Claudette enjoyed the good life, expensive foreign vacations, 500 thread Egyptian sheet cotton sheets and a handful of servants to attend to her needs.
Suddenly at the age of 82, the glamorous life of Hollywood comes crashing down on Claudette as she is forced to learn the tasks of life, many of us perform routinely on a daily basis. As a widow, Claudette finds herself almost penniless More...
Suddenly at the age of 82, the glamorous life of Hollywood comes crashing down on Claudette as she is forced to learn the tasks of life, many of us perform routinely on a daily basis. As a widow, Claudette finds herself almost penniless More...
Oct 27, 2009
Cindy
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Claudette Fiore' is one pampered, spoiled rich woman. Perhaps the better way is to say she was rich. A dishonest accountant, has avoided taxes on her husband's wealth and the IRS has stepped in and taken nearly everything. Not used to being destitute, and having everything she wants, Claudette is depressed, mean and hateful. If ever there was a main character you really wanted to dislike, and perhaps smack some sense into, it is definitely Claudette Fiore'.
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Dec 04, 2009
Sara
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What a disappointment, I recommend this book for anyone seeking a sadness that can only be fixed by a double-dose of paxil and a year of therapy. I'd read the description and thought that I'd enjoy the tale of a once rich and fabulous gal who is coming of age. The main character is in her 80s, a bit late to be coming of age-- but that is not the problem. The problem is that the main character is a snobby, snotty, stubborn hot-mess with no personality. She has no friends and her husband has left
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Nov 02, 2009
Clockstein
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Limelight by Melody Carlson is an unusual and humorous book about a starting life all over again at 82. Claudette Fiore's life was one anyone would envy: wealth, fame, handsome movie director husband, beauty; the epitome of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, until her accountant paid himself instead of the IRS leaving her without a home or the kind of life she's lived for the last sixty years. At first, the news causes her to attempt suicide, but two weeks in a psychiatric facility has left her
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Jan 09, 2010
Destiny
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i was asked to read this by the editor but it's a horible and unintersting book it's about a woman who goes bankrupt and has to move back to sivilterton where she once grew up i don't like this story because the main character is eighty two years old and she really doesn't know how to fend for herself and that sort of gives the typical sterotype of women can't do anything but cook and clean except she couldn't even do that although she did use to be an actress so i guess that counts but overall
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Jan 16, 2010
Wrighty
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Claudette Fioré used to turn heads and break hearts. She relished the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle because she had what it takes: money, youth, fame, and above all, beauty. But age has withered that beauty, and a crooked accountant has taken her wealth, leaving the proud widow penniless and alone. Armed with stubbornness and sarcasm, Claudette returns to her shabby little hometown and her estranged sister. Slowly, she makes friends. She begins to see her old life in a new light. For the first t
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Dec 31, 2011
Melissa
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Melody Carlson has always been one of my favorite authors. She didn't disappoint me with this novel. She showed through this novel that one is never too old to change their life and money and fame don't buy happiness. The characters were real and though some of the topics covred were touchy, the author handled them with grace. I especially appreciate the delicate way she handled the issue of gays in church.
No matter how stuck in our ways we are, if we're open to Him, God will fin More...
No matter how stuck in our ways we are, if we're open to Him, God will fin More...
Oct 20, 2009
Renee
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I feel this story had great potential. Melody Carlson did a fantastic job describing the difficulties that Claudette had fitting into small town life as a broke elderly woman after having spent most of her adult years a wealthy woman in Hollywood with a houseful of servants. The tensions grew, the difficulties mounted and then BAM!! It was all resolved in a very short time. The resolution was too quick, too short and too pat. It made this book go from being very good to just okay.
May 12, 2010
Sally
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Claudette Fiore is an interesting character. She definitely comes across as a bit of snob, but underneath you can sense her helplessness and almost pity her. She realises she's a fish out of water. gasping for air. Time and technology has overtaken her, so while she might recall how things used to be done by her mother and others it's no good to her now.
The story is not overtly Christian fiction. There isn't much of a Christian message in it at all, not that I could see anyway. But i More...
The story is not overtly Christian fiction. There isn't much of a Christian message in it at all, not that I could see anyway. But i More...
Feb 22, 2010
Sara
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I really enjoyed this book! I am currently so tired of reading about whiny 24 year olds who don't know if they want a man or not. This story was so different and refreshing. This story is about Claudette Fiore, an aged Hollywood actress who has lost her fortune. The main character is deceivingly one-demensional at first, but as we learn more about her - we begin to understand her better and better.
Apr 03, 2011
Dani
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I'm a pretty big Melody Carlson fan. And this book was against the norm, in my opinion, on how she approached her main character and her coming to know God. Which isn't a bad thing. I just wasn't as sucked into this novel as I normally am with her other ones.
I am curious to know though if she based Silverton, CA on Silverton, OR. Or if there really is a Silverton, CA and I never knew about it.
I am curious to know though if she based Silverton, CA on Silverton, OR. Or if there really is a Silverton, CA and I never knew about it.
Jun 06, 2011
Jodi
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This was a quick read. The main character was righ and had a great life. She ended up in a mental health hospital after a failed suicide as attempt. She learns she is broke and has to start over. She is quirky and has a quick whit. It is a funny book about getting older, moving on and getting on with life. It was a cute book.
Nov 13, 2009
Nanette
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Loved this book! The author deals with serious topics (greed, arrogance, forgiveness, aging) but uses humor throughout the story. Talk about a quirky main character. Melody Carlson has written so many teen and adult fiction books. I haven't read one I didn't like!
Nov 13, 2009
Carol
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Loved it...very entertaining. I haven't read something this original in awhile. Who would have thought that the main character of age 82 would be so interesting. It shows hope that we can all mature no matter what stage of the game we are in.
Jan 16, 2010
Kara
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Interesting story about a woman in her eighties discovering how to be happy when things have drastically changed for her. Very different from things I normally read, but surprisingly enjoyable.
Jun 03, 2009
Virginia
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This book won't be released for several months, but I was privileged to read an advance copy. I'll post my review when the release date is closer, but for now: ADD IT TO YOUR TO-READ SHELF!
Oct 03, 2011
Heidi
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Ok, grumpy, haughty 82 yr. old Claudette is finally making me understand her a little now that I've finished the book. But I have to say...if that life of wealth and ease make people like her then I'm glad for my little unwealthy but quite satisfying life :)
Oct 30, 2009
Giselle
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A wonderful, entertaining and inspirational story that deeply scrutinizes religious beliefs and personal values through strong characters. Although the main character (Claudette) in many ways was utterly unlikable. The story line is basically a second chance at family. A tale of great potential, would definitely recommend.
Jun 11, 2010
Jools
rated it:
Very good book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I will buy it at some point.
Sep 28, 2011
I will probably attempt to finish this eventually, because I have heard good things about Melody Carlson. However, there's a good chance I might not: the characters and story just didn't do a good job of pulling me in, and I think the main reason for this is that it never successfully got me to suspend my disbelief. I had to roll my eyes at the celebrity name-dropping which seemed just that, and which did nothing to get me to believe that eighty year old main character was once a Hollywood star
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Oct 15, 2009
Amy
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The second half of the book was better than the first. I had a hard time buying into the characters in the beginning. The storyline and characters seemed to flow better in the second half. It was a nice & pleasant read overall.
Oct 30, 2009
John
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This is an entertaining light read. Very funny at times. I enjoyed the book.
Jan 23, 2010
Laura
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The main character really irriated me. She's 80 years old and can't do anything for herself and is extremely self centered. Grow up, already. I can not imagine being like her and I hope I continue to live in a way that I hold myself accountable and use common sense.
By the end the author tried to turn the character around, but even then I didn't like her too much.
By the end the author tried to turn the character around, but even then I didn't like her too much.
Jan 08, 2011
Tricia
rated it:
I couldn't get into this one, so I didn't even finish barely got thru the first couple chapters. It's surprising because I normally enjoy Melody Carlson's books. It could just be my mood, so I may try it again later.
