The Year of Living Famously |
Reviews

"Plenty of women wonder what it would be like to be married to a movie star, but designer Kyra Felis finds out when she marries Irish actor Declan McKenna. When Kyra meets Declan in Las Vegas, he is on the cusp of stardom. The two have a whirlwind courtship, and Declan proposes after a few months. Kyra is reluctant to leave New York for L.A., but her love for Declan wins out. At first, it's just a matter of adjusting to the culture and attending a premiere here and there, but then Normandy is released to rave reviews and an eager, vast audience, and its star, Declan, and, by default, Kyra are launched into superstardom. Everyone wants to interview Declan, and the paparazzi follow the couple everywhere. Declan's success helps to launch Kyra's clothing line, but she is not sure she can deal with life in the spotlight. Caldwell's snazzy, gripping third novel gives readers an exciting taste of life in the fast lane, exposing the truth behind the fairy tale."
-Booklist

"To sit down and write a book about the pitfalls of achieving sudden fame in Hollywood is bold for a born-and-bred Chicago girl, but local author Laura Caldwell, who just published her third novel, is quite adept at pushing the "What would happen if?" button. Her last book, A Clean Slate, pursued the question, "What would happen if one were to mysteriously lose her memory of the past five months, and suddenly have the option to start anew?" Her newest, The Year of Living Famously, posits, "What would happen if an aspiring young fashion designer were to unwittingly fall into the limelight by marrying an Irish It-Boy actor?" Close your eyes. Imagine Colin Farrell as the lead. OK, now open your eyes and read--we promise it will be as fast and fun as reading US Weekly. Only better, because, thanks to the talented Caldwell, you'll actually like the people you're reading about."
-CS Magazine

"Chicagoan Laura Caldwell plumbs the downside of overnight celebrity in her latest chick-lit offering."
-Chicago Magazine

"An entertaining tale...The novel shows a dark side to the world of glamour and celebrity."
-Northwest Herald Online

"Sharply observed, fresh, and compelling, The Year of Living Famously is a captivating look into the cult of celebrity."
-Author, Leslie Stella

"A stylish, sassy novel that shows the dark side that haunts the world of glamour and glitz. Lauren Caldwell paints a sensitive picture of two ordinary lives thrown into turmoil by the pressures of fame. If you've ever thought you want to live the life of the rich and famous - think again!"
-New York Times best-selling author, Carole Matthews

"Hollywood power players, paparazzi and overzealous fans - Laura Caldwell takes readers inside the precarious world of celebrity with a captivating story about the cost of following your dreams and the high price of fame."
-Author, Jennifer O'Connell

"The latest fashion-related fable..."
-USA Weekend

"With a realistic heroine and plenty of celebrity topics (such as award shows), Caldwell's third Red Dress Ink novel is sure to please celebraholics and chick lit fans alike."
-Romantic Times

"Through the eyes of Caldwell's narrator Kyra Felis, an average thirtysomething who happens to fall into a relationship with a celebrity, you'll get a real taste of what it's like to swim in the fishbowl of fame. By the book's end, chances are you won't be so ready to propose to George Clooney, Ben Affleck or Tom Cruise. But you'll be rooting for Kyra to somehow figure out how to get back to living a normal life without losing the man she loves."
-The Daily Buzz morning show (which selected The Year of Living Famously as their Chick-Lit Pick of the Month)

"By turn funny, charming, scary, and completely entertaining, I really think that this is one of the finest chick lit books I have ever read...a thoughtfully written story with an ending that will have you cheering, 'You go, girl!'"
-The Beacher Weekly Newspaper

"Ever wonder what it would be like to be married to a famous movie star? Do you think you'd be able to handle the constant attention, media circus and fame that comes along with it? No matter what your answers to those questions are, you will enjoy Laura Caldwell's novel The Year of Living Famously. In this novel she explores the ups and downs of having a famous husband... Will Kyra be able to handle this? Will her sudden sudden fame help, or destroy, her budding design business? Find out by reading this well-written, absorbing novel. I've come to expect that any novel by Laura Caldwell will be well-written, out of the ordinary, unusual story lines that are ultimately satisfying. The Year of Living Famously is no exception - I adored it. The characterization is excellent; the story moves right along and is riveting."
-chicklitbooks.com

"The Year of Living Famously surprised even this reader. Let's face it -- I'll probably never marry George Clooney, but I can now sympathize with his various significant others, and, even though I may be totally in love (why won't he return my calls??), I can sort of empathize with Kyra's plight of putting up with paparazzi 24/7, lots of backstabbing, and even the agony of deciding which dress to wear to the Oscars. For a change of pace, pick up The Year of Living Famously. You'll never look at the red carpet the same again."
-Romance Reviews Today