After World War II, writer and war widow Eliza Saunderson lands a job helping a former silver screen sensation, Johnny Devine, write his memoir. Despite John's claim that he's a changed man of faith, Eliza has qualms about his history as a womanizer. But that issue pales in comparison to the threat they face when Eliza's articles about social oppression and John's Hollywood connections land them both on Senator Joseph McCarthy's communist hit list in The Memoir of Johnny Devine by author Camille Eide.

Ever interrupt your regularly scheduled reading for a book you've gotta try, like, right now? Yeah. I put my schedule on hold when I found this novel. And taking nothing away from the muted and intriguing silhouette approach of the newer cover, it's the older cover with the bright marquee, the vintage typewriter, and the rose that got me in the mood for this historical fiction read.

I'll admit that the story's pacing and the timing of events didn't always work for me, and sometimes the style felt more basic than what I was expecting. Also, I never fully got into the romance. Though I appreciate serious characters, a romance in particular isn't so compelling to me if one or both parties seem down or sorry much of the time without more to balance them out. Whether it's by way of humor or wit, or seeing how they liven right up while engrossed in their talent, purpose, pleasure, or what have you, I just like to see a little more from romantic characters to keep their downbeats from becoming redundant.

However, the overall setting and themes kept me interested, especially the Red Scare elements. And a heroine who writes to combat racial and gender-based injustices—while wearing glasses, no less? Count me in as a fan of that.

I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. ( )

5-stars is what I give The Memoir of Johnny Devine! I suppose this book could be termed an historical romance, but it is definitely so much more. With glimpses into the life of old Hollywood, a 1950s setting full of the unease of the McCarthy investigations, a woman living with disappointment and betrayal and an unlikely messenger of hope, Camille Eide has written a thought-provoking and touching novel I can Highly Recommend.

Retired film star Johnny Devine is writing his memoir. Instead of a tell-all from the notorious playboy of Hollywood, John wants to impart a message of hope to his readers. Eliza Saunderson, disillusioned and alone is hired to help whip the manuscript into a coherent whole. The two form an unlikely partnership and perhaps a second chance at a new life.

The Memoir of Johnny Devine has many strengths. The novel has a strong sense of time and place and revealed an America I have paid little attention to. World War II is in the past, but the threat of communism seems all too real. Mistrust, betrayal and fear were very real emotions for those who came under the magnifying glass of the House Un-American Activities Committee. The Hollywood studio system and race relations are also examined. Eide’s characters are also strongly written — no stereotypes here. Eliza is a woman moved by the injustices she sees among women and minorities. John’s former life haunts him despite His relationship with God. Their relationship develops slowly and realistically, and the reader cannot help but hope that their differences can be overcome. Perhaps the strongest element of the novel is its message of hope. God’s grace and forgiveness in the face of extreme shame and guilt is beautifully exemplified in John’s changed life. And that change makes its mark on Eliza. She learns that God’s call to submit never means a surrender to oppression.

An unusual love story filled with God’s grace and mercy, The Memoir of Johnny Devine is perfect for readers looking for a fresh and unique voice.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Singing Librarian Tours for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )