Review & Giveaway: The Limits of Limelight by Margaret Porter

The Limits of Limelight by Margaret Porter

Publication Date: September 14, 2021

Gallica Press

Paperback & eBook; 412 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pretty Oklahoma teenager Helen Nichols accepts an invitation from her cousin, rising movie actress Ginger Rogers, and her Aunt Lela, to try her luck in motion pictures. Her relatives, convinced that her looks and personality will ensure success, provide her with a new name and help her land a contract with RKO. As Phyllis Fraser, she swiftly discovers that Depression-era Hollywood’s surface glamour and glitter obscure the ceaseless struggle of the hopeful starlet.

Lela Rogers, intensely devoted to her daughter and her niece, outwardly accepting of her stage mother label, is nonetheless determined to establish her reputation as screenwriter, stage director, and studio talent scout. For Phyllis, she’s an inspiring model of grit and persistence in an industry run by men.

While Ginger soars to the heights of stardom in musicals with Fred Astaire, Phyllis is tempted by a career more fulfilling than the one she was thrust into. Should she continue working in films, or devote herself to the profession she’s dreamed about since childhood? And which choice might lead her to the lasting love that seems so elusive?

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Praise

"An engrossing glimpse into a bygone era and the forces affecting a young woman's evolution into her own abilities and adulthood . . . vigorous and involving to the end." ~ Midwest Book Review

"A witty and meticulously researched treat." ~ Kirkus Reviews

"A biographical novel as bright as the Golden Era . . . A lovely tribute to the larger-than-life celebrities of early Hollywood . . . a glitz and glamour novel that shines brighter the deeper you go." ~ Independent Book Review

"A time capsule of Hollywood's Golden Era . . . a captivating novel of Tinsel Town's perils and pitfalls, trade-offs and triumphs!" ~ Leslie Carroll, author of American Princess

"Porter's elegant, warm and well-researched novel is a joy to read! Perfect for lovers of historical fiction and tales of remarkable women. 5 of 5 Stars." ~ Literary Redhead, Goodreads

Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have a confession to make and it may get me kicked out of the Historical Fiction community but...I have never seen an old Black and White movie! I know, I know! How is that possible?! Well, I can tell you that I will be rectifying that very soon now that I read The Limits of Limelight by Margaret Porter!

Hmm....which movie should I try first? Any suggestions?

The Limits of Limelight brings the glamour of Old Hollywood to life and features Phyllis, the cousin of Ginger Rogers as she tries to make it big in film in the 1930s. However, she soon learns that it's not all glitz and fun but also a lot of hard work and heartache.

The main stars of the day are also featured which was fun! Now I don't know a lot of the actors and actresses mentioned other than Katherine Hepburn and Fred Astaire but I will definitely be looking them up now. The Limits of Limelight opened up a whole new sub-genre for me and I will be on the lookout for more historicals centered around old Hollywood. It's a fascinating time to read about for sure!

Margaret did a wonderful job bringing this time to life and I highly recommend this book, especially to those that love old movies!

About the Author

MARGARET PORTER is the author of more than a dozen works of historical fiction, including The Limits of Limelight (September 2021) and the award-winning Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr. Her critically acclaimed novels have been translated into several foreign languages. Other writing credits include nonfiction, newspaper and magazine articles, and poetry. She studied British history in the U.K. and afterwards worked professionally in theatre, film and television. Margaret and her husband live in New England with their dog, dividing their time between a book-filled house in a small city and a waterfront cottage located on one of the region’s largest lakes. When not writing, she keeps busy reading, tending her extensive rose gardens, or playing the mandolin.

More information is available on her website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, September 20
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Tuesday, September 21
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Wednesday, September 22
Review at Rachelle Loves Books
Excerpt at Books, Ramblings, and Tea

Thursday, September 23
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read

Friday, September 24
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Saturday, September 25
Review at A Darn Good Read

Monday, September 27
Review at Rajiv's Reviews
Review at Booking With Janelle

Tuesday, September 28
Review at With A Book In Our Hands

Wednesday, September 29
Guest Post at Jorie Loves A Story

Thursday, September 30
Interview + Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Friday, October 1
Feature at Bibliostatic
Review at Niki Loves to Read

Monday, October 4
Review at Novels Alive
Review at Jorie Loves A Story

Tuesday, October 5
Review at Little But Fierce Book Diary

Wednesday, October 6
Review at Passages to the Past
Review at The Enchanted Shelf

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away some fabulous prizes!

Grand Prize Winner:

Choice of an autographed paperback or an ebook or an audiobook, plus an acrylic 16-oz sippy “go” cup with straw.

2nd and 3rd Prize Winners:

Choice of an autographed paperback or an ebook or an audiobook.

Runners-up (5):

Reproduction vintage Ginger Rogers & Fred Astaire postcard, plus author-autographed bookplate.

The giveaway is open internationally and ends on October 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Limits of Limelight