THE MAKING OF A FILM, A FRIENDSHIP AND A FATAL ATTRACTION!
What would happen if you were pulled into a twisted Cinderella love story with Marilyn Monroe as your fairy godmother? Plenty.
Imagine this: Penny Parker, a curvy dime-store cashier, longs for a best girlfriend. When she wins a contest, she gets one: Marilyn Monroe. She’ll be the on-set assistant to the iconic star for eight precious days during the filming of Some Like It Hot in 1958. Penny’s black-and-white life turns Technicolor as she becomes part of Marilyn’s world of smoldering secrets, sinister strangers and jaw-dropping bombshells.
A TINSELTOWN TEMPTRESS AND A SMALL-TOWN SPINSTER… The emotional whirlwind uncovers Penny’s confusing attraction to childhood buddy, Frankie Holland. And in what could be a happily ever after moment, Hollywood’s smartest dumb blonde steps in to play fairy godmother to her newfound—and unlikely—Cinderella.
…UNCOVER THE TRUE MEANING OF FRIENDSHIP! Penny sneaks Marilyn out of the famed Hotel del Coronado near San Diego and into the real world. With the help of old friends and new—and a ghost or two—Penny discovers there’s a ruthless killer on the loose who has Marilyn in the crosshairs. Together, Penny and Marilyn discover how hearts can sometimes see what eyes cannot.
Pure movie magic that’s as entertaining as a three-martini lunch with the gals, My Friend Marilyn intertwines history and myth to tell a tale of acceptance, friendship and love.
Christopher Lentz is the acclaimed author of Opening Doors (biography, 2019), My Friend Marilyn (historical fiction, 2018) and The Blossom Trilogy (historical romance). His books are about hope, second chances and outcasts overcoming obstacles. But most of all, they are about how love changes everything.
Lentz made his mark as a corporate-marketing executive before becoming a full-time storyteller.
When asked to offer a dozen things people should know about him, Lentz says he: 1) Is an author who gave Marilyn Monroe a second chance 2) Kissed the love of his life atop the Eiffel Tower 3) Lives in a haunted Victorian house 4) Earned a paycheck dressing up as Winnie the Pooh at Disneyland 5) Stands in awe of lightening, thunder and the from-scratch chocolate cake his wife whips up 6) Was born on the 6th of July, but he is a firecracker just the same 7) Loves a book that reads like a movie 8) Climbed the Great Wall of China…yes, climbed, one does not just walk on it 9) Snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef 10) Firmly believes it is not hoarding if your stuff is cool 11) Survived acupuncture, cupping (which is nothing like spooning) and a spinal tap 12) Discovered that a second chapter in life is the sweetest one
This book was a gift and I wasn't sure I would like it. It is not exactly my kind of read. I'm a King, Hamilton, Robb, Gerritsen, Brown reader. Things dark, suspenseful, and usually a bit tragic.
Well, I decided to give this "sweet" book a chance. While I didn't love that it was written like a film script describing the scene I was reading or leaving, I found I was able to respect where that was coming from. What I found most appealing was Penny. There was so much about her that I could relate to. She gave the stories timeline a more contemporary feel because she was so relatable. We've all had struggles in our lives and Penny was no different. I found myself, slowly, unable to put my book down. There were numerous occasions that had me so frustrated because I wasn't getting the answers I wanted fast enough. Believe me, this is a good thing. I like books that force me to return again and again to find out what is coming next.
Marilyn was a better version then I expected. She was troubled, but kind and in need of a friend and quirky. I liked her. She became what I would have wanted the real Marilyn to be like. The whole story was warm and gentle and what few villains are in it were hateful enough for me to want to boo, or hit them, every time they reared their ugly heads (and mouths). I hated them because the author made them into characters we have all experienced somewhere in our lives.
This is a great read that makes me want more from this author. Well done Mr. Lentz. I will now be reading the Blossom Trilogy. I hope I will have the same wonderful things to share when I'm done with them. I give this book my average, everyday readers, THUMBS UP.
“My Friend Marilyn” by Christopher Lentz mixes old Hollywood glamor with romantic suspense. The book is set in the fall on 1958 and the Hotel del Coronado during the on-location shooting of the film “Some Like It Hot” starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemon. Fact, fiction, and legend combine to make a captivating story. I enjoyed this book even though it was totally different from my usual reading choices.
The story is a first person narrative by Penny Parker, a local young woman who won the opportunity to meet Marilyn and assist her during her during the filming. She gives readers a unique perspective on the people, the problems, the filming, and the mystery. The book retains the film feel as every chapter fades in with the setting and time, and fades out at the end. Penny shares her excitement, her hesitation, her insecurities, and most of all her devotion to Marilyn. The cast includes not only the actual celebrity members of the film cast but also many diverse supporting characters who fill in the suspense and romance of the story. All are amusing, complex, and sometimes deceptive. Penny, herself, has some personal issues that she faces, and she finds strength, support, and encouragement from Marilyn’s experiences and struggles.
Lentz shows readers some of the darker side of Hollywood as well. Tensions can run high on a high-budget film shoot. “Those bad boys love to play with fire and, sadly, they’ve not learned their lesson after all these years.” Moreover, not everyone is content and accommodating. “ ‘No. Actually, things haven’t changed much at all.’ Marilyn drew her voice down to a whisper. ‘It’s pretty much still a rich man’s meat market. I’m not sure how long Marilyn Monroe can take it. Know what I mean?’ ”
Naturally, the paparazzi and news media always spice things up. “The headline seared my eyes. ‘EXCLUSIVE: INSIDE MARILYN’S BEDROOM’ The smaller headline tucked under it didn’t help my cause. ‘Dime Store Cashier Penny Parker wins more than she bargained for the contest.’ ” The storyline proceeds at a casual yet appropriate pace over the month-long location filming with several twists, turns, and unexpected changes.
Readers will find “My Friend Marilyn” easy to read as well as enthralling, entertaining, and surprising. Since the Hotel del Coronado and its stories live on, the epilogue jumps to 2018. When a writer visits the Coronado in search of a story idea, readers acquire updates on a few of the main characters. “Penny’s eyes followed his. ‘Nice view, huh? Hasn’t changed much, not really. Now sit back. We’ve got some bombshells to discuss.’ ” Of course, readers already know all about those bombshells.
My Friend Marilyn / by Christopher Lentz May 2018 ISBN #: 978-0996293624
Once in while a book comes along that, like a gift, renews one’s confidence that good things do happen to ordinary people.
My Friend Marilyn by Christopher Lentz is that gift.
But wait! Don’t pass it by thinking it’s all about the Hollywood actress.
This is the heart-warming, tender, hopeful story of Penny Parker. By her estimation: overweight, unattractive, not at all elegant, and working a dead-end job at the local five-and-dime store. The only thing on the horizon she can see is an Oreo cookie. And a night out means the Pine-Sol smelling linoleum floor of the bowling alley trying to beat the Sledgehammer team.
But life, like a fairy godmother, has a way of changing things; as Penny would say, “for-e-ver.”
Unbeknownst to Penny, a co-worker enters her in a contest. The prize? Personal assistant to Marilyn Monroe during the 1958 filming of Some Like It Hot!
Humorous and hopeful, the everyday girl wins big. Penny learns what friendship really is and that, “love changes everything.”
My Friend Marilyn proves that dreams and fairy tales really do come true.
This reader hopes that Christopher Lentz will never run out of dreams or stories.
Movie buffs will love the rich memorabilia and historical information in the Epilogue!
I loved this book. It was sweet. The author seems happy and I like the first person. How does a guy write first person women so well? But also, I had a sense of Marilyn Monroe that I didn’t know was real, but seemed plausible. She, too, was sweet. Troubled, but sweet.
The setting of the Del Coronado was brilliant, and the movie, “Some Like It Hot” as the backdrop was lots of fun. Spoiler alert: Happy Ending. :) That’s all I’m going to say. Ha Ha.
This was a light, entertaining book. Summer reading, yes. But Winter would work, Fall, and Spring too. I can’t wait for Chris’s next novels at more historic, iconic hotels.
This book was such a joy to read! Enjoyable and relatable characters (particularly Penny and Trudy), a creative and engaging storyline, and a warmth that emanates from each page are just a few wonderful things about this book.
If you are looking for a light and entertaining story, this book is for you!
The summary promises a bit of nostalgia, paranormal, a story of friendship and a setting in the renowned San Diego resort Del Mar. Not surprisingly, Christopher Lentz definitely delivers a one-two punch of period accurate takes on foods, phrases and the meaning of true friendship.
This novel is actually two stories in one. The first centers on a character so many of us can relate to -the heroine of the story, Penelope (Penny), who as a 'curvy' woman doesn't quite fit the ideal of the time. Seemingly picked on by peers and ostracized by her overbearing father, Penny finds solace in food. Through the twists and turns of this cute page-turner, Penny learns to dismiss the dolts, stand up to her father and see food for the 'comfort' crutch it has become. The second focuses on finding friendship and romance with an unlikely fair Godmother (Marilyn Monroe), a ghost or two, and an evil nemesis who eventually gets the ripping end they so deserve.
Won this book as a Goodreads giveaway. While it took a while to receive (COVID caused), the package arrived with a personal note from the author. Such a sweet touch and definitely a book that will stay in the library! Thank you, Christopher and Goodreads!
This novel was entertaining and the main character was so lovable! The author did agreat job of giving Penny (the main character) a strong voice. I didn't give five stars for personal preference: I felt the story was a tad bit predictable but I still enjoyed the story very much. It was a quick, entertaining read and I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction looking for an entertaining novel.
Christopher Lentz did an amazing job of transporting the reader back in time. I felt like I just hopped into a Delorean and arrived in 1958. He was able to illustrate this era through the language, scenery and clothing choices. Also, he depicted the 50’s culture so flawlessly that I never felt like anything was forced or didn’t belong in the book. Even the characters names were true to the time period, for example, Penny, Trudy and of course, Marilyn. Speaking of the characters, each one was phenomenal. Lentz created relatable and believable individuals which enormous personalities. Penny was by far my favorite. She was witty, humorous, crude and big-hearted. Then there was Marilyn. Her character came to life on every page. She felt natural, real and just like I imagined she would have been while alive.
What I loved most about this book was the author’s writing style. He was very descriptive and amusing from the opening act until it was a wrap. For example, “The bell rang and the cash drawer jumped out at me. It always made me jerk, like when the Pop Goes the Weasel song of one of those hand-crank jack-in-the-boxes is over.” There were also a few times where I was so engulfed in the story that I noticed I was scrunching my nose in disgust or screaming, “ew,” as if what was happening in the book was occurring right next to me. For instance, “An ear that was so hairy it could’ve been mistaken for an arm pit on the side of his head.” This style of writing kept me engaged and invoked a multitude of reactions.
By the conclusion, I realized three things. First, this is one of the most unpredictable stories that I have ever read, and I mean that in a good way. There were many surprising plot twists and the ending was absolutely brilliant. I could not imagine a better way to wrap up this story. Second, there were a couple of lessons mentioned throughout the book that I believe every reader can relate to. The lessons were: that life is unexpected and that unlike in the movies, life isn’t perfect and sometimes can be messy and complicated but is totally worth it. Third, that this book was professionally edited and I did not jot down a single error.
I won My Friend Marilyn on a goodreads giveaway. I would have to say I was very unsure of this book when I first started, but as the story went on I just had to keep reading. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Kirkus Reviews: “An entertaining fantasy. Lentz offers a well-judged blend of romance, wish fulfillment, glamor, suspense, and the paranormal. It’s fun…” OnlineBookClub: “An incredible story and a brilliant plot. His ability to paint scenes and events with words made me feel like I was watching a movie. It deserves a perfect score.” 5-Star Amazon reader review: “This is more than a beach read, baby…It’s a voluptuous, romping delight!” 5-Star Goodreads review: “This was a light, entertaining book. Summer reading, yes. But Winter would work, Fall, and Spring too.” 5-Star Amazon reader review: “The story comes alive like a 3D movie.” 5-Star Amazon reader review: “I was so surprised to still get junior high school girl goosebumps at 66 years old. This book told a heartfelt story blended so well sometimes I wasn’t certain fact from fiction. I really loved the unexpected ending which doesn’t happen often enough.” 5-Star Goodreads review: “The author seems happy and I like the first-person (voice). How does a guy write first-person women so well?”
My thoughts: This book poses an intriguing what-if question: What would happen if you were pulled into a twisted Cinderella love story with Marilyn Monroe as your fairy godmother? The answer: Plenty.
I describe the novel as "Bridesmaids" meets "Some Like It Hot," with a Melissa McCarthy-ish character who's having the time of her life, but with someone ending up dead.
This is a classic fish-out-of-water story that's part Hollywood fantasy, part romance, part ghost story and wholly unforgettable. Marilyn Monroe was seen by many, but known by few, and that mystique continues. Considering today’s discussions about body-image and body-shaming, I wanted to explore what might have happened if an outwardly confident plus-size girl is befriended by the most beautiful woman on the planet—who, by the way, had major confidence and body-image issues.
"My Friend Marilyn" intertwines history and myth to tell a tale of acceptance, friendship and love. It’s the first novel in the new Great American Destination Series which offers historical-fiction books set at locations readers can visit today.
Ever wanted to know what Melissa McCarthy would be like as a small town girl meeting Marilyn Monroe? Me too and Christopher Lentz did not disappoint. Penny Parker is a vivacious, joyful lead and a pleasure to read as we go through the ups and downs of the time she spent with the one and only Marilyn Monroe. An excellent book for an excellent character and lots of lovely representation for plus-sized women without the shame.