Title: Angels Survive
Author: Stacy Newton
Publisher: Litfire Publishing
ISBN: 978-1640459991
Pages: 132
Genre: Fiction / Romance / Mystery
Reviewed by: Jake Bishop
Hollywood Book Review
Stacy Newton’s novel Angels Survive is a bit of a twist on a couple of classic scenarios. In the 1930’s film, 42nd Street, which was also brought to the Broadway stage in the 1980’s, a young ingénue who is only a stand-in, gets to go on for the star and becomes a star in her own right. In A Star is Born, which encompasses the Janet Gaynor, Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand, and most recently Lady Gaga versions, a young female performer eclipses her somewhat older celebrity male mate to become an even bigger star. Author Stacy Newton’s plot turns the young female into a writer, the male into a producer, and she even goes on to add an extra element of suspense with a surprise ending.
Dian is a young college girl in Houston, Texas, supplementing her income by writing (in her own terms) “trashy novels.” But what she really longs to be is a Hollywood screenwriter. Imagine her surprise when she and her roommate (an aspiring model) get invited to a fancy party that’s going to be attended by Chris, a famous—make than infamous—Hollywood producer. She’s what’s referred to by some as a “goody two-shoes.” He’s known as a “Hollywood bad boy.” Before you know it, he’s invited her to bring herself and her screenplay to La La Land for a big meeting.
One thing leads to another and eventually Dian’s defying the wishes of her family’s spiritual advisor (who’s convinced Chris is leading her down the garden path to hell and damnation) and taking up with the producer. She’s convinced she can handle his advances and still achieve her writing goals. He’s determined to take advantage of her talent and more, if she’s willing. Eventually, the two wind up on the trail to matrimony, but forces are at work to throw the proverbial monkey wrench into their plans. Is it fate apparently interceding? Or is it something more sinister?
Newton is an energetic writer who moves her plot along at a fevered pace. She injects her principal characters with traits and behaviors that easily establish their particular personalities. Supporting players are given enough detail to make their contributions to the story critical. More precise attention to editing and less hurried transitions would have improved the overall quality of writing. Still, readers attracted to the types of stories outlined in the initial paragraph of this review will likely find this an entertaining page-turner.