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A Golden Life
It’s 1938, and twenty-five-year-old secretary Frances Healey is ready for a fresh start. Hoping to forget her painful past, she takes a job working for Hollywood producer Lawrence Merrill. She quickly becomes absorbed in VistaGlen Studios’ biggest project: a movie about Kitty Ridley, the legendary stage actress who disappeared from the public eye in 1895. The movie will be the making of Belinda Vail, a beautiful ingenue hungry for a breakout role (who also happens to be Mr. Merrill’s love interest).
But the real Miss Ridley has other ideas. Now ninety years old, she writes a scathing letter insisting the studio halt production of the film. Hoping to change her mind, Frances and Mr. Merrill embark on a trip to find the actress—only to land in a Victorian farmhouse in the Napa Valley. But as she learns the truth of Miss Ridley’s life, Frances finds herself confronting the very past she’s been trying to forget. And with the arrival of the ambitious Belinda, loyalties will be tested, bonds will be forged, and Frances will learn where true happiness lies. Set in Hollywood and the sun-drenched Napa countryside, A Golden Life explores friendship, forgiveness, and the power of honoring your own story.
But the real Miss Ridley has other ideas. Now ninety years old, she writes a scathing letter insisting the studio halt production of the film. Hoping to change her mind, Frances and Mr. Merrill embark on a trip to find the actress—only to land in a Victorian farmhouse in the Napa Valley. But as she learns the truth of Miss Ridley’s life, Frances finds herself confronting the very past she’s been trying to forget. And with the arrival of the ambitious Belinda, loyalties will be tested, bonds will be forged, and Frances will learn where true happiness lies. Set in Hollywood and the sun-drenched Napa countryside, A Golden Life explores friendship, forgiveness, and the power of honoring your own story.
344 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2024
116 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Ginny Kubitz Moyer
10 books45 followersGinny Kubitz Moyer is an author of historical fiction. Her novel A Golden Life was named one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Indie Books of 2024, and her debut novel The Seeing Garden won Silver in the 2023 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards for historical fiction. She has also written several books on women's spirituality. Ginny lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she gardens, walks her rescue dog, and constantly searches for more bookshelf space.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 1, 2024
An absolutely glorious golden-age Hollywood novel! I couldn't put it down!
After reading Ginny Moyer's The Seeing Garden, I didn't think she could top the originality of story, interesting characters and beautiful writing. But, she certainly did!
I was completely immersed in this 1930s California-based historical romance from start to finish. Both Frances and Lawrence are true-to-life and extremely likeable characters. I looked forward to learning every new tidbit about their lives, especially Frances' flashbacks and her mysterious history.
Though I've never been hugely interested in the old Hollywood scene, A Golden Life really changed that for me. I became engrossed in the drama and every day details of the movie-making world. A must read for anyone who enjoys a tender, riveting, exciting and thoughtful story about love and family, as well as the difficult choices women had to make during this period of time.
Bravo to Ginny Kubitz Moyer! Her next novel can't come fast enough for me. This is an absolute gem and shining light in the historical romance genre!
After reading Ginny Moyer's The Seeing Garden, I didn't think she could top the originality of story, interesting characters and beautiful writing. But, she certainly did!
I was completely immersed in this 1930s California-based historical romance from start to finish. Both Frances and Lawrence are true-to-life and extremely likeable characters. I looked forward to learning every new tidbit about their lives, especially Frances' flashbacks and her mysterious history.
Though I've never been hugely interested in the old Hollywood scene, A Golden Life really changed that for me. I became engrossed in the drama and every day details of the movie-making world. A must read for anyone who enjoys a tender, riveting, exciting and thoughtful story about love and family, as well as the difficult choices women had to make during this period of time.
Bravo to Ginny Kubitz Moyer! Her next novel can't come fast enough for me. This is an absolute gem and shining light in the historical romance genre!
December 5, 2024
4.25⭐
Fascinating story set in the 1930's, the golden age in movies, focused on the lives of several women seen through the perspective of Frances Healy. Frances is 25 and has just become the secretary to a unit producer at a movie studio. There her boss plans to produce a movie based on the life a child star from the California Gold Rush Era when the woman whose story it is objects. As her story unfolds, so does Frances's. Weaving between the stories, in a leisurely and contemplative manner, shows the depth and richness of their lives without any triteness. An entrancing read. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review,
Fascinating story set in the 1930's, the golden age in movies, focused on the lives of several women seen through the perspective of Frances Healy. Frances is 25 and has just become the secretary to a unit producer at a movie studio. There her boss plans to produce a movie based on the life a child star from the California Gold Rush Era when the woman whose story it is objects. As her story unfolds, so does Frances's. Weaving between the stories, in a leisurely and contemplative manner, shows the depth and richness of their lives without any triteness. An entrancing read. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review,
June 6, 2024
Our heroine Frances has many secrets--some hers and some she must keep for others. In hiding secrets, she finds there can be heartbreak, rumors, and drama. As she gets to better know the people for whom she shows so much discretion and care, she learns about herself as well.
It's a story of the interplay between love and trust. What I enjoyed most when I turned the final page is Moyer's message about trusting in oneself.
It's a story of the interplay between love and trust. What I enjoyed most when I turned the final page is Moyer's message about trusting in oneself.
October 25, 2024
What a wonderful story, I was completely engaged since chapter one and read it in one sitting. I loved the characters, I loved the setting and the writing was beautiful. A powerful and hearthwarming story that captured my heart.
It was simply captivating.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and @shewritespress for this tour invite.
𝗔 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 released September 24, 2024.
It was simply captivating.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and @shewritespress for this tour invite.
𝗔 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 released September 24, 2024.
January 20, 2026
It's the 1930's and the setting is California-specifically Hollywood, San Francisco and Napa. Frances Healey, who's twenty-five years old, is dealing with a painful past. Because of what has occurred in her life, Frances' plans have changed. She has just started a job working as a secretary for Lawrence Merrill, a Hollywood film producer for VistaGlen Studios.
Another character is Belinda Vail, a beautiful ingenue, who desperately wants a chance at a break out role. There's also Kitty Ridley, a ninety year old former actress that VistaGlen Studios is asking to approve the script of her life story.
Last but not least there's Sally, Lawrence's thirteen year old daughter, whose behavior is somewhat distressing. There's been a tragedy in their lives, and they are both trying to deal with it.
I liked the dialogue because it revealed much about each person, especially their past, and it helped move the plot along. It's a moving story about friendship, honoring your life, learning to put the past in the past, and finding forgiveness for yourself and others. I was surprised by the ending.
Another character is Belinda Vail, a beautiful ingenue, who desperately wants a chance at a break out role. There's also Kitty Ridley, a ninety year old former actress that VistaGlen Studios is asking to approve the script of her life story.
Last but not least there's Sally, Lawrence's thirteen year old daughter, whose behavior is somewhat distressing. There's been a tragedy in their lives, and they are both trying to deal with it.
I liked the dialogue because it revealed much about each person, especially their past, and it helped move the plot along. It's a moving story about friendship, honoring your life, learning to put the past in the past, and finding forgiveness for yourself and others. I was surprised by the ending.
October 24, 2025
This was so good! I picked this up thinking it was a lighter read but it tackled some heavier subjects in a balanced way. Enjoyed the writing too - will be reading more from the author.
October 21, 2025
This author has such a wonderful way of drawing you in with atmosphere and historical ambience. I love that about her books! This story starts somewhat slowly, the main character mostly an observer not a participator, but then once the story moves along, she becomes the object of the action and you can't help but root for her!
December 21, 2024
Set in the pre WWII era where the main characters are involved in Hollywood’s filmmaking industry, Moyer’s A Golden Life draws readers into the politics and atmosphere of film production at that time. I admired the way Moyer structured the plot, seamlessly weaving events from the past into the narrative, as well as how she evokes landscape and details of the built environment to make scenes come alive. I especially enjoyed the variety in the personalities and different perspectives of Moyer’s characters, in addition to the way Moyer revealed the way characters’ responses to events in earlier parts of their lives affected their later behavior.
The main character, Frances, is a thoughtful, centered young woman, who is clear about what matters to her. I appreciated the way Moyer places her in challenging situations and has her make difficult choices in order to stay true to her inner values and create a life she wants to live.
The character Miss Ridley's stubborn determination to define her own story was a delight to read. I also loved the way Moyer depicted the warm generosity and kindness the Ventimiglia family. Additionally, it was heartening to see how Moyer’s character Lawrence, though a powerful figure in his field, is also a good listener and gentle man who grows in understanding and compassion as the novel progresses.
Moyer’s A Golden Life is an historical fiction book with a love story, but it’s also more than that. The novel depicts challenges all people face when trying to understand what most matters to them as they work to create lives that are nurturing to both themselves and as well as to others. I loved this book and wanted to read it straight through. If you’re looking for a book to reaffirm your belief in people’s ability to forgive others of past wrongs, affirm their true selves in the midst of adversity, and go on to create nurturing relationships, this is a book you will want to read.
I hope many others will find and read this book. I will be recommending it highly to readers I know.
The main character, Frances, is a thoughtful, centered young woman, who is clear about what matters to her. I appreciated the way Moyer places her in challenging situations and has her make difficult choices in order to stay true to her inner values and create a life she wants to live.
The character Miss Ridley's stubborn determination to define her own story was a delight to read. I also loved the way Moyer depicted the warm generosity and kindness the Ventimiglia family. Additionally, it was heartening to see how Moyer’s character Lawrence, though a powerful figure in his field, is also a good listener and gentle man who grows in understanding and compassion as the novel progresses.
Moyer’s A Golden Life is an historical fiction book with a love story, but it’s also more than that. The novel depicts challenges all people face when trying to understand what most matters to them as they work to create lives that are nurturing to both themselves and as well as to others. I loved this book and wanted to read it straight through. If you’re looking for a book to reaffirm your belief in people’s ability to forgive others of past wrongs, affirm their true selves in the midst of adversity, and go on to create nurturing relationships, this is a book you will want to read.
I hope many others will find and read this book. I will be recommending it highly to readers I know.
January 15, 2025
My first historical fiction of 2025 was a resounding success. From 1930s Hollywood, through Southern California and into Napa and San Francisco, this fast-paced narrative had me finishing it in two days.
When Frances Healey is hired as secretary to movie producer Lawrence Merrill, her competence, discretion and poise are obvious. When Kitty Ridley, the subject of an important studio production bawks at the script in the way her life is portrayed and the actress signed to play her is adamant that the film be made, Frances and Lawrence trek to the northern California wine country to win her support.
As the days go by, the panorama of the life of this cantankerous 90-year old woman is revealed beginning with the Gold Rush where she started acting as a young girl, to the theater and finally to her marriage in France. Both Frances and Lawrence come to respect Kitty and understand her when she refuses to accept the script, which can never do justice to her real life.
More than Kitty has secrets, though, as the main characters reveal their past bit by bit adding to the page turning atmosphere of "what is going to happen next."
A bonus for me is the sentimentality evoked of a book set in California full of familiar landmarks, areas of the state I often visit and the early studio system that was part of the tales of my childhood as the granddaughter of an assistant director.
A wonderful page turner of bygone days that will have you wondering if there is a part 2!
When Frances Healey is hired as secretary to movie producer Lawrence Merrill, her competence, discretion and poise are obvious. When Kitty Ridley, the subject of an important studio production bawks at the script in the way her life is portrayed and the actress signed to play her is adamant that the film be made, Frances and Lawrence trek to the northern California wine country to win her support.
As the days go by, the panorama of the life of this cantankerous 90-year old woman is revealed beginning with the Gold Rush where she started acting as a young girl, to the theater and finally to her marriage in France. Both Frances and Lawrence come to respect Kitty and understand her when she refuses to accept the script, which can never do justice to her real life.
More than Kitty has secrets, though, as the main characters reveal their past bit by bit adding to the page turning atmosphere of "what is going to happen next."
A bonus for me is the sentimentality evoked of a book set in California full of familiar landmarks, areas of the state I often visit and the early studio system that was part of the tales of my childhood as the granddaughter of an assistant director.
A wonderful page turner of bygone days that will have you wondering if there is a part 2!
November 21, 2024
4 stars
The Golden Age in Hollywood is the new go-to for historical fiction as of late. There have been a slew of releases in the past year occurring during this magical time period but A Golden Life has been my favorite. Frances is a secretary to a top executive in a Hollywood movie studio while they are in development for a film about the life of Kitty Ridley. The author created such a vivid and memorable character that I actually thought she may have existed during the Gold Rush so I did a Google search. We receive a junior version of a masterclass on movie-making in the Golden Age and we have Kitty Ridley tell her story of fame during the Gold Rush, living in Paris, marrying an aristocrat as well as her life in Napa. Frances has her own story and painful secrets she has carried around and run from for long enough and there are multiple parallels between the two women. Both of their tales unfold in a parallel. I was invested by chapter two. If I had to change anything it would be that the Napa days could have been shortened by about 25 pages but this is a thoroughly enjoyable read and in the end, I came away having learned something. The author’s notes at the end are a must-read.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Golden Age in Hollywood is the new go-to for historical fiction as of late. There have been a slew of releases in the past year occurring during this magical time period but A Golden Life has been my favorite. Frances is a secretary to a top executive in a Hollywood movie studio while they are in development for a film about the life of Kitty Ridley. The author created such a vivid and memorable character that I actually thought she may have existed during the Gold Rush so I did a Google search. We receive a junior version of a masterclass on movie-making in the Golden Age and we have Kitty Ridley tell her story of fame during the Gold Rush, living in Paris, marrying an aristocrat as well as her life in Napa. Frances has her own story and painful secrets she has carried around and run from for long enough and there are multiple parallels between the two women. Both of their tales unfold in a parallel. I was invested by chapter two. If I had to change anything it would be that the Napa days could have been shortened by about 25 pages but this is a thoroughly enjoyable read and in the end, I came away having learned something. The author’s notes at the end are a must-read.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2024
I just flew through this book about the glamorous (and NOT SO glamorous) look at the Golden Age of Hollywood through one of its stars. (Though the character of Kitty is fictional, parts of her story are drawn from a real Golden Age Hollywood girl).
Frances becomes a secretary to the head of a studio, Lawrence. He's dating Belinda who will star in a movie of Kitty but once the real Kitty gets wind of the screenplay of her life- she writes a letter to have them stop it. So Frances and Lawrence head to where she lives to try and change her mind.
Kitty is wonderful. She is a 90 year old woman who has physical pains of course but her mind is still super sharp. I loved that she recognized in Frances another woman whose past isn't fully told and people have wrong ideas about them, so she feels comfortable in telling her true story to Frances. I really liked Frances and Lawrence too. They are so kind and gentle with Kitty. Lawrence is an upstanding man who doesn't act like other men in Hollywood in power which was refreshing. I really liked that Lawrence finally found a way to connect and really see his daughter Sally.
Frances becomes a secretary to the head of a studio, Lawrence. He's dating Belinda who will star in a movie of Kitty but once the real Kitty gets wind of the screenplay of her life- she writes a letter to have them stop it. So Frances and Lawrence head to where she lives to try and change her mind.
Kitty is wonderful. She is a 90 year old woman who has physical pains of course but her mind is still super sharp. I loved that she recognized in Frances another woman whose past isn't fully told and people have wrong ideas about them, so she feels comfortable in telling her true story to Frances. I really liked Frances and Lawrence too. They are so kind and gentle with Kitty. Lawrence is an upstanding man who doesn't act like other men in Hollywood in power which was refreshing. I really liked that Lawrence finally found a way to connect and really see his daughter Sally.
October 6, 2024
This story is full of great characters! I loved Sally, Frances and of course, Miss Ridley!
Miss Ridley is a 90 year old woman and she takes no prisoners. She doesn’t care who you are, she is the boss. Miss Ridley started performing at a very young age and Frances’ boss, Lawerence, is wanting to do a film about her life. Needless to say, Miss Ridley expresses her wishes!
Frances has had her share of life’s misfortunes and she is someone you root for. And believe me, she works hard. She is a good girl who has made some bad choices but she does not let it stop her!
Then there is Sally. Sally broke my heart. I just wanted to come through the pages and hug her. She is Lawerence’s daughter and he really does not know what he is doing and Sally gets hurt on more than one occasion.
These are just a few of the great characters in this novel. As this story unfolds, the author creates a world you will not soon forget. This tale is full of emotion, strength and fortitude and you do not want to miss it!
Need a tale about Old Hollywood…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel for a honest review.
Miss Ridley is a 90 year old woman and she takes no prisoners. She doesn’t care who you are, she is the boss. Miss Ridley started performing at a very young age and Frances’ boss, Lawerence, is wanting to do a film about her life. Needless to say, Miss Ridley expresses her wishes!
Frances has had her share of life’s misfortunes and she is someone you root for. And believe me, she works hard. She is a good girl who has made some bad choices but she does not let it stop her!
Then there is Sally. Sally broke my heart. I just wanted to come through the pages and hug her. She is Lawerence’s daughter and he really does not know what he is doing and Sally gets hurt on more than one occasion.
These are just a few of the great characters in this novel. As this story unfolds, the author creates a world you will not soon forget. This tale is full of emotion, strength and fortitude and you do not want to miss it!
Need a tale about Old Hollywood…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel for a honest review.
October 1, 2024
This historical fiction has so many aspects that I love. It’s set in 1938 during the Golden Age of Hollywood and also set in Napa. It’s got secrets and romance that aren’t part of the big screen.
It’s got a main character, Frances Healey, who is efficient at her job as a secretary to a movie producer even though she hides her past.
The Studio where Frances works wants to make a movie based on the life of Kitty Ridley who was an infamous performer during the Gold Rush. Kitty is now 90 years old and doesn’t want her story (which she says is being told incorrectly) made for the screen.
Frances accompanies her boss, Lawrence to a farm in Napa to try to get Kitty to agree to give her blessing to make the movie.
I recommend this book for those that love their historical fiction with the added bonus of an abundance of complex characters.
It’s got a main character, Frances Healey, who is efficient at her job as a secretary to a movie producer even though she hides her past.
The Studio where Frances works wants to make a movie based on the life of Kitty Ridley who was an infamous performer during the Gold Rush. Kitty is now 90 years old and doesn’t want her story (which she says is being told incorrectly) made for the screen.
Frances accompanies her boss, Lawrence to a farm in Napa to try to get Kitty to agree to give her blessing to make the movie.
I recommend this book for those that love their historical fiction with the added bonus of an abundance of complex characters.
May 3, 2024
Step into the late 1930’s epicenter of Hollywood’s Golden Age, with producer’s secretary, Frances Healey. She keeps her head down, her chin up, and has a way of drawing people out… while deftly sidestepping conversations that delve into her own past.
Although set mostly in Tinseltown, Frances and her new acquaintances are anything but shallow, keeping a host of feelings just below the surface until they are ready to reveal their true selves. Moyer touches on larger life issues, including women’s limited choices and stereotypes, and how society came to expect relationships to emulate the glittery romance Hollywood cinema created. Un-putdownable!
Although set mostly in Tinseltown, Frances and her new acquaintances are anything but shallow, keeping a host of feelings just below the surface until they are ready to reveal their true selves. Moyer touches on larger life issues, including women’s limited choices and stereotypes, and how society came to expect relationships to emulate the glittery romance Hollywood cinema created. Un-putdownable!
November 4, 2024
I love the old Hollywood Golden Age era and if you’re a fan of this era you’d enjoy it too. And if you like a story within a story then it’s a given.
Not only do we get behind the scenes moviemaking which intrigues me but also the secrets that are kept.. This story revolves around Frances, a secretary to a movie producer. The studio wants to make a movie about the life of Kitty Ridley a famous actress from back in the day who is now 90 years old. Frances and Lawrence travel to Napa to interview Kitty and get her blessing. The story telling is rich, full of entertaining storylines and characters.
Not only do we get behind the scenes moviemaking which intrigues me but also the secrets that are kept.. This story revolves around Frances, a secretary to a movie producer. The studio wants to make a movie about the life of Kitty Ridley a famous actress from back in the day who is now 90 years old. Frances and Lawrence travel to Napa to interview Kitty and get her blessing. The story telling is rich, full of entertaining storylines and characters.
November 5, 2024
I absolutely adored this book!
Set in 1930s Hollywood, it follows Frances, a 25 year old secretary for a successful movie producer, Lawrence. Before long, the two find themselves on a road trip to Napa Valley on a quest to convince the former acting legend, Kitty Ridley, to allow the studio to make a movie about her life. Throughout their journey, Frances looks back at her life, painful as it is, for the very first time.
This book had me engaged from the beginning to the end. I read it in one sitting as i just couldn't get enough and absolutely had to find out what happened next. An absolutely charming book about coming to terms with the past and finding hope in the present.
Set in 1930s Hollywood, it follows Frances, a 25 year old secretary for a successful movie producer, Lawrence. Before long, the two find themselves on a road trip to Napa Valley on a quest to convince the former acting legend, Kitty Ridley, to allow the studio to make a movie about her life. Throughout their journey, Frances looks back at her life, painful as it is, for the very first time.
This book had me engaged from the beginning to the end. I read it in one sitting as i just couldn't get enough and absolutely had to find out what happened next. An absolutely charming book about coming to terms with the past and finding hope in the present.
December 4, 2024
A Golden Life was a book that I couldn't put down, especially once I read about halfway through it. Then I was sad that it was finished and I couldn't keep reading.
Ginny Kubitz Moyer writes beautifully, and in a way that seems to reflect how people actually spoke in the historical times in which her novels are set. Her characters are human and multi-dimensional: you can see both their good sides and their flaws.
I enjoyed the journey through 1930's Hollywood and the drive up the coast and into Napa. As a former San Franciscan, I also appreciated the familiar (and meaningful to me) landmarks that appeared in the story.
Ginny Kubitz Moyer writes beautifully, and in a way that seems to reflect how people actually spoke in the historical times in which her novels are set. Her characters are human and multi-dimensional: you can see both their good sides and their flaws.
I enjoyed the journey through 1930's Hollywood and the drive up the coast and into Napa. As a former San Franciscan, I also appreciated the familiar (and meaningful to me) landmarks that appeared in the story.
October 11, 2024
I haven't read many books about the Golden Age of Hollywood and I found this one to be utterly enchanting. Full of real life experiences and emotions this fictional story embraces the truth of an era and also its secrets. I adored Lawrence and Frances and the steadiness of their characters as they shared life lessons and learned what was important to each of them and followed their hearts. This captivating novel gave me all the feels and I enjoyed every moment in it.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review .
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review .
October 26, 2024
This was a great historical fiction. I loved the characters, the mystery behind their past, and the small drama that came with trying to make the film. I loved the conversations Frances had with both Kitty and Sally. She was easy to connect to and people open up to her. Kitty did not care about their tight schedule, and I loved what came of it. The time spent in Napa was my favorite setting of the book and I liked how the secrets of Frances’s past were revealed.
Thank you @moyerginny @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @moyerginny @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
September 25, 2024
Fun fast easy read about Hollywood in the 1930’s. At its core it’s a story of falling in love but the plot around it is very compelling. I’d like how they incorporated a key characters past by having her tell her own story rather than turning this into a two time zone tale. Definitely recommend this one and I look forward to future books from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 17, 2024
I love reading about Old Hollywood and devoured this book. I liked Frances from the very beginning and enjoyed reading about her life as a young woman who was determined to make her own way. She had such a wonderful way with people and I was eager to learn the story of her past. I especially loved her kindness toward Sally. The part of the story that took place in the Napa area was an added bonus for me. I definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
February 25, 2025
A Golden Life is the perfect combination of rich historical detail, realistic characters who jump off the page, a compelling plot, and unraveling mystery. Thoroughly immersive, it pulls you in and makes you want to stay, in large part because there's a fundamental goodness in the characters and their world that's both reassuring and refreshing. Ginny Kubitz Moyer has crafted the ultimate feel-good novel--a substantive and meaningful story that still feels like an escape.
May 7, 2024
A Golden Life masterfully captures the golden age of Hollywood, where charismatic Frances Healey battles gender bias behind the scenes. The prose glimmers with tension and mystery, revealing the raw ambition and resilience that define a young, headstrong woman's journey through early adulthood. It's a luminous tale that lingers, like the echo of applause after the final curtain falls.
October 20, 2024
“The Golden Life” is historical fiction about the Golden Age of Hollywood. In it we have a secretary with a past, an aging starlet, a studio producer, and a reclusive legend. The characters and their pasts were all carefully drawn and their arcs clear. 4.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy. .
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy. .
April 1, 2025
What a great read. Well written and holds your interest from the first page to the last. It's a truly enjoyable book and I highly recommend it.
September 9, 2024
The 1930s were considered the Golden Age in Hollywood. Movie studios were the kings with stars and starlets trying to gain fame and everyone else dreaming about how wonderful life must be in Hollywood. Everyone went to the movies and knew all about their favorite stars and envied the lives that they must be leading. A Golden Life takes the readers back to this golden age and the life of one woman who was part of it in her job as a secretary to a major producer.
Frances is looking for a fresh start after some rocky times in her past. Trying to start over takes her to Hollywood where she gets a job as secretary to a major Hollywood producer Lawrence Merrill. As his secretary, she is privy to many Hollywood secrets and sees many of the stars of the day. The main project being worked on at the studio is a movie about Kitty Ridley, a star who was legendary in her day but then disappeared from the public eye in 1895. She was still remembered and there were a lot of rumors about her but no one knew where she was or if she was even alive. A beautiful ingénue is thrilled to be chosen to play Kitty and has great hopes that it will make her be seen as more than the girl next door. However, when the 90 year old Kitty Ridley finds out about the movie, she sends a scathing letter to the studio that they must stop plans to make a movie of her life. Hoping to change her mind, Lawrence Merrilll and his secretary Frances, take a road trip to the Napa Valley to try to change her mind and allow them to make the movie. Will they be successful or will the movie be stopped?
I really enjoyed this look at Hollywood in the 1930s. Frances was a very complex character - she was trying to hide her past but it still affected her present and how she related to people - especially men. She was a very complex character who needed to learn to not only accept her past but to forgive herself and learn to live her life in the present. My absolute favorite character was Kitty Ridley. She was 90 years old and was still sharp with a great memory of her younger days. She spoke her truth and didn't really worry about what other people thought about her.
This was an interesting and well researched novel. If you enjoy well written historical fiction set during the 1930s, you don't want to miss this one.
Frances is looking for a fresh start after some rocky times in her past. Trying to start over takes her to Hollywood where she gets a job as secretary to a major Hollywood producer Lawrence Merrill. As his secretary, she is privy to many Hollywood secrets and sees many of the stars of the day. The main project being worked on at the studio is a movie about Kitty Ridley, a star who was legendary in her day but then disappeared from the public eye in 1895. She was still remembered and there were a lot of rumors about her but no one knew where she was or if she was even alive. A beautiful ingénue is thrilled to be chosen to play Kitty and has great hopes that it will make her be seen as more than the girl next door. However, when the 90 year old Kitty Ridley finds out about the movie, she sends a scathing letter to the studio that they must stop plans to make a movie of her life. Hoping to change her mind, Lawrence Merrilll and his secretary Frances, take a road trip to the Napa Valley to try to change her mind and allow them to make the movie. Will they be successful or will the movie be stopped?
I really enjoyed this look at Hollywood in the 1930s. Frances was a very complex character - she was trying to hide her past but it still affected her present and how she related to people - especially men. She was a very complex character who needed to learn to not only accept her past but to forgive herself and learn to live her life in the present. My absolute favorite character was Kitty Ridley. She was 90 years old and was still sharp with a great memory of her younger days. She spoke her truth and didn't really worry about what other people thought about her.
This was an interesting and well researched novel. If you enjoy well written historical fiction set during the 1930s, you don't want to miss this one.
October 6, 2024
Frances felt a little thrill shoot along her veins: the thrill of the fresh start, of the possible….
Get ready to immerse yourself in the glamorous yet complicated world of 1930s Hollywood, where the allure of fame often masks deeper struggles. Frances Healey, a secretary for the prominent movie mogul Lawrence Merrill, grapples with her troubled past while navigating the vibrant yet treacherous film industry.
Set against the backdrop of Hollywood's Golden Age, I felt Moyer captured the sparkle,glitz and glam of the era, and brought to life not only the movie-making process but also the people behind the glamour. Frances is seeking a fresh start after rocky times. Her journey reveals the complexity of her inner life, shaped by her past and her relationships. Moyer deftly explores themes of self-acceptance and forgiveness, as Frances learns to reconcile her history with her present.
The story takes an intriguing turn when Lawrence and Frances embark on a road trip to Napa Valley in an attempt to persuade the reclusive former actress Kitty Ridley to allow a film about her life. Kitty’s character adds depth to the story, highlighting the tension between public perception and personal reality.
I felt that Moyer’s attention to detail vividly brought the California setting and the characters to life, and made the era feel authentic. It made me fall in love with the golden era all the more,as I could picture myself immersed in the setting she provided.The novel not only serves as a captivating look into the behind-the-scenes of Hollywood but also delves into the emotional complexities of its characters.
A Golden Life is more than just a historical fiction piece; it’s a beautiful exploration of resilience and the courage to confront one's past. With its nuanced characters and richly drawn setting, I felt that Moyer’s novel was a beautiful story that resonated well beyond its glamorous façade.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the glamorous yet complicated world of 1930s Hollywood, where the allure of fame often masks deeper struggles. Frances Healey, a secretary for the prominent movie mogul Lawrence Merrill, grapples with her troubled past while navigating the vibrant yet treacherous film industry.
Set against the backdrop of Hollywood's Golden Age, I felt Moyer captured the sparkle,glitz and glam of the era, and brought to life not only the movie-making process but also the people behind the glamour. Frances is seeking a fresh start after rocky times. Her journey reveals the complexity of her inner life, shaped by her past and her relationships. Moyer deftly explores themes of self-acceptance and forgiveness, as Frances learns to reconcile her history with her present.
The story takes an intriguing turn when Lawrence and Frances embark on a road trip to Napa Valley in an attempt to persuade the reclusive former actress Kitty Ridley to allow a film about her life. Kitty’s character adds depth to the story, highlighting the tension between public perception and personal reality.
I felt that Moyer’s attention to detail vividly brought the California setting and the characters to life, and made the era feel authentic. It made me fall in love with the golden era all the more,as I could picture myself immersed in the setting she provided.The novel not only serves as a captivating look into the behind-the-scenes of Hollywood but also delves into the emotional complexities of its characters.
A Golden Life is more than just a historical fiction piece; it’s a beautiful exploration of resilience and the courage to confront one's past. With its nuanced characters and richly drawn setting, I felt that Moyer’s novel was a beautiful story that resonated well beyond its glamorous façade.
November 3, 2024
I love that Ginny Moyer sets her historical fiction in California, often choosing underrepresented settings and perspectives. Her first novel, The Seeing Garden, takes place in 1910 on a lavish rural estate south of San Francisco, inspired by those built by the railroad and mining barons of the era. It was a delight to immerse myself in a bygone world that would eventually be inherited by the tech moguls of Silicon Valley.
In The Golden Life, Moyer introduces us to the Golden Age of Hollywood in 1938. The story is told through the point of view of Francis Healy, a sensible 25-year-old who leaves her quiet life to become the secretary to a studio head. Slowly, we learn that beneath her poised exterior, she harbors a vulnerable secret that she tries to protect by keeping others at an emotional distance.
The narrative is exceptionally well-researched, with rich, believable, and immersive details. The book is a page-turner, and I found myself staying up too late to read just one more chapter. I often get pulled out of a book by anachronisms in language or social mores, but Moyer’s dialogue feels authentic to the time and the weight of societal expectations on women is palpably present.
While this story is a romance, the relationships between the women are equally significant. Francis develops a new friendship with her outgoing roommate, mentors her boss’s challenging teenage daughter, and forges a precious bond with Miss Ridley, a 90-year-old former child star who mysteriously vanished after her glamorous, wild years as a sex symbol. This story explores who owns our narratives and who has the right to tell them, as well as who and how to trust.
I've heard a rumor that Moyer's next book might take place in California during the 1950s, and I can’t wait!
In The Golden Life, Moyer introduces us to the Golden Age of Hollywood in 1938. The story is told through the point of view of Francis Healy, a sensible 25-year-old who leaves her quiet life to become the secretary to a studio head. Slowly, we learn that beneath her poised exterior, she harbors a vulnerable secret that she tries to protect by keeping others at an emotional distance.
The narrative is exceptionally well-researched, with rich, believable, and immersive details. The book is a page-turner, and I found myself staying up too late to read just one more chapter. I often get pulled out of a book by anachronisms in language or social mores, but Moyer’s dialogue feels authentic to the time and the weight of societal expectations on women is palpably present.
While this story is a romance, the relationships between the women are equally significant. Francis develops a new friendship with her outgoing roommate, mentors her boss’s challenging teenage daughter, and forges a precious bond with Miss Ridley, a 90-year-old former child star who mysteriously vanished after her glamorous, wild years as a sex symbol. This story explores who owns our narratives and who has the right to tell them, as well as who and how to trust.
I've heard a rumor that Moyer's next book might take place in California during the 1950s, and I can’t wait!
December 10, 2024
I was more than halfway into A Golden Life (which I devoured in two days, with breaks for only the most non-negotiable demands of being an adult in the world) before I realized why I was so captivated by the book: its combination of meticulous historical research, fully realized, multi-dimensional characters, and skillful plotting that keeps the story humming along. The result? That bittersweet feeling when a really great book ends and you feel happy for having read it and also deeply sad because you no longer get to spend time with characters who feel like real people. I want a sequel!!!
A Golden Life is set in California in 1938, and this is where the meticulous research comes in. Ginny Kubitz Moyer evokes the clothes, the hats, the smoking, the commissaries, the movie sets, the rolling hills of Napa Valley, San Francisco's North Beach, the supper clubs and gilded movie theaters of Hollywood's golden era so beautifully, with such a sure hand and a touch of wry humor, that her world springs to vivid life. (A sample headline in a movie magazine: "Handsome, Strong, and Able: The Many Charms of Clark Gable!").
There's an ambitious young star who will stop at nothing to get the part she wants, a producer with a wayward daughter, a young woman with a secret, and a reclusive legend of the stage and silent films who may or many not want another moment in the spotlight. But above all, there's the sense of being fully immersed in a world where, for all its very real flaws, there is true kindness, and humor, and camaraderie, and something new to discover around every corner. An absolutely perfect escape—highly, highly recommend.
A Golden Life is set in California in 1938, and this is where the meticulous research comes in. Ginny Kubitz Moyer evokes the clothes, the hats, the smoking, the commissaries, the movie sets, the rolling hills of Napa Valley, San Francisco's North Beach, the supper clubs and gilded movie theaters of Hollywood's golden era so beautifully, with such a sure hand and a touch of wry humor, that her world springs to vivid life. (A sample headline in a movie magazine: "Handsome, Strong, and Able: The Many Charms of Clark Gable!").
There's an ambitious young star who will stop at nothing to get the part she wants, a producer with a wayward daughter, a young woman with a secret, and a reclusive legend of the stage and silent films who may or many not want another moment in the spotlight. But above all, there's the sense of being fully immersed in a world where, for all its very real flaws, there is true kindness, and humor, and camaraderie, and something new to discover around every corner. An absolutely perfect escape—highly, highly recommend.
September 17, 2024
It's 1938 and Frances Healey has landed a new job as the secretary to movie producer Lawrence Merrill at VistaGlen Studios in Hollywood. Frances quickly proves to be an immediate asset to Lawrence by assisting with his daily work needs and helping the young widower with his difficult 13-year-old daughter Sally and his actress girlfriend Belinda Vail, who is eager to move from her current ingenue roles to more substantial parts. The perfect opportunity arises with an exciting movie based on the life of Kitty Ridley, a colorful performer who started during the Gold Rush years, became a celebrated stage actress, and then disappeared. However, plans for the movie are disrupted when Kitty, now 90 years old, contacts Lawrence declaring that the book they based their movie on was a pack of lies and their plans for the film must be canceled. Lawrence and Frances travel to Napa Valley to meet with Kitty, who has no desire to see them.
If you are a fan of books about the Golden Age of Hollywood, you're sure to enjoy A Golden Life by Ginny Kubitz Moyer. Not only is it a well-done story about movie making, it's also a tale of smart, ambitious women striving to succeed during this era. Frances, who harbors her own secrets, joins the other memorable characters in a compelling historical novel rich in vividly detailed settings that make the period come to life.
Many thanks to She Writes Press for the opportunity to read this engaging book before its release.
4.5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
If you are a fan of books about the Golden Age of Hollywood, you're sure to enjoy A Golden Life by Ginny Kubitz Moyer. Not only is it a well-done story about movie making, it's also a tale of smart, ambitious women striving to succeed during this era. Frances, who harbors her own secrets, joins the other memorable characters in a compelling historical novel rich in vividly detailed settings that make the period come to life.
Many thanks to She Writes Press for the opportunity to read this engaging book before its release.
4.5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
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