In 1935, with Hollywood in the midst of the Great Depression, and the Women’s Decency League railing against working women, female director Vivien Howard struggles to convince studio executive Weston Holmes that she is the best director to make a Civil War movie. When a publicity mishap results in a marriage of convenience, Vivien and Weston must learn to overcome their differences to finish the film and find their Hollywood ending.
In 1935, Vivien Howard is the only female director at Lion Studios. She has a string of hits and a passion for her latest project, the Civil War love story Storm of the South.
Weston Holmes is the handsome partner of Holmes International, the parent company of Lion Studios. Averse to risk and focused on the bottom line, he's worried that audiences won't accept an epic war picture directed by a young woman.
With Hollywood in the midst of the Great Depression, and the Women's Decency League railing against working women, Vivien struggles to convince Weston that she is the best director to make this movie. When a publicity mishap lands them in a staged marriage of convenience, Vivien and Weston must learn to overcome their differences to finish the film and find their Hollywood ending.
If you love the fast-paced and witty dialogue of Laura Willig's The Other Daughter, or Beatriz Williams' and Natalie Meg Evans' captivating depiction of glamorous and bygone eras, then you will love Studio Relations.
"Lee continues to captivate. Book two in her Business of Marriage series is another great marriage of convenience. There's tension, turmoil and drama on every page. Riveting." - 4 Stars RT Book Reviews on A Too Convenient Marriage
"Lee takes readers on an uncomplicated, but sexy romp..." - RT Book Reviews on
A Debt Paid in Marriage
"Lee's novel hits the sweet spot." - RT Book Reviews on Engagement of Convenience
Professional Reviews
Historical Novel Society
"The dilemma of being a woman director in 1935 is not lost on Vivien Howard, who dresses like Hepburn but whose life lacks the romantic hijinks of a George Cukor film. Vivien has an emotionally unchallenging relationship with a bit part actor, and she hopes that this latest film project will catapult him to professional success. A box office hit is crucial, so the studio brings in Weston Holmes to keep Vivien on target, even at the point of sacrificing her artistic vision. As their personal and professional lives begin to entwine, Vivien and Weston are forced into an unthinkable compromise. Can Vivien become the leading lady in her own story or is she slated to remain behind the camera?
If readers look closely, they may find real-life parallels to the film industry, notably the similarity between the main actors to Hollywood darlings Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland, the studio brands, and the title of the film to a certain other Civil War-era love story. The book's shorter format length and cover styling compliment the retro feel. Lee's work is an homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood..."
Tralee, Ireland. September 1948.
An arrogant, and highly agitated, priest arrives home after 40 years.
Days later he's dead. Suicide? Or did his past catch up with him?
Based on the memoirs of a Pearl Harbor survivor. Letters from two pen pals take the reader on a journey into the past, a past where nightmares came true, and when hatred reigned.
Tralee, Ireland. September 1948.
An arrogant, and highly agitated, priest arrives home after 40 years.
Days later he's dead. Suicide? Or did his past catch up with him?
