SOLVED. Romance Novel from 10+ years ago involving WWII and Acting. [s]

[Jacki]

What I can remember about it:

Girl, young, is either a prostitute or in an unfortunate circumstance, is with an Italian (either named Umberto, or is from Umbria), somehow slashes his face.

Remember London, Paris, during WWII, possibly stage acting.

Ends with either her or her boyfriend/husband being an actress/actor making big Hollywood movies. Scene on a ship filming a period peice in Mexico. Italian man with the scar ends up being a financial backer/producer; threatens to reveal her past life/blackmail.

I am pretty positive it was not Danielle Steel. Any helpw ould be greatly appreciated. Both my Mom and I are both trying to remember the name to no avail.

[Jacki]

I remember at some point, early in the book I believe, she has to deal with rations in either Paris or London and someone teaches her that in stead of getting stockings to draw the line down the back of her leg with kohl.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Jacki, are you still looking for this book? Any idea when it was published, do you remember what the cover looked like?

[Jacki]

I feel like it was either red or green and may of had some kind of necklace strand or jewel on it, or I could be thinking of a completely different book.

I am still searching for it.


I remember so many pieces of it, but seemingly not enough to actually place the book.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Still looking?

[Jacki]

Still looking, this book is my nemesis.

[Jacki]

I'm still looking for this book. I now remember that when the umberto character tries to pass himself off as a different person he goes by Hubert. I still would really love to find this book.

[Jacki]

Still looking for this book. Now pretty sure that the girl was named Inez or Ines.

[Jacki]

Holy poop... FOUND IT! Joan Collins LOVE, DESIRE & HATE.

[Kris]

Congrats! Thanks for the update, Jacki. Here's the link - Love And Desire And Hate by Joan Collins.