All the Stars in the Heavens

A Novel

By: Adriana Trigiani

Narrated by: Blair Brown

New York Times Bestseller • USA Today Bestseller • Publishers Weekly Bestseller

People's Book of the Week

Annual Library of Virginia Literary Awards Nominee for Fiction

Adriana Trigiani, the New York Times bestselling author of the blockbuster epic The Shoemaker's Wife, returns with her biggest and boldest novel yet, a hypnotic tale based on a true story and filled with her signature elements: family ties, artistry, romance, and adventure. Born in the golden age of Hollywood, All the Stars in the Heavens captures the luster, drama, power, and secrets that could only thrive in the studio system—viewed through the lives of an unforgettable cast of players creating magic on the screen and behind the scenes.

In this spectacular saga as radiant, thrilling, and beguiling as Hollywood itself, Adriana Trigiani takes us back to Tinsel Town's golden age—an era as brutal as it was resplendent—and into the complex and glamorous world of a young actress hungry for fame and success. With meticulous, beautiful detail, Trigiani paints a rich, historical landscape of 1930s Los Angeles, where European and American artisans flocked to pursue the ultimate dream: to tell stories on the silver screen.

The movie business is booming in 1935 when twenty-one-year-old Loretta Young meets thirty-four-year-old Clark Gable on the set of The Call of the Wild. Though he's already married, Gable falls for the stunning and vivacious young actress instantly.

Far from the glittering lights of Hollywood, Sister Alda Ducci has been forced to leave her convent and begin a new journey that leads her to Loretta. Becoming Miss Young's secretary, the innocent and pious young Alda must navigate the wild terrain of Hollywood with fierce determination and a moral code that derives from her Italian roots. Over the course of decades, she and Loretta encounter scandal and adventure, choose love and passion, and forge an enduring bond of love and loyalty that will be put to the test when they eventually face the greatest obstacle of their lives.

Anchored by Trigiani's masterful storytelling that takes you on a worldwide ride of adventure from Hollywood to the shores of southern Italy, this mesmerizing epic is, at its heart, a luminous tale of the most cherished ties that bind. Brimming with larger-than-life characters both real and fictional—including stars Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy, David Niven, Hattie McDaniel and more—it is it is the unforgettable story of one of cinema's greatest love affairs during the golden age of American movie making.

Praise for All the Stars in the Heavens:

""Trigiani spins a tale of star-crossed lovers... A heartwarming tale of women's lives behind the movies."" - Kirkus Reviews

""A thoroughly entertaining tale that brings Hollywood's golden age alive."" -People

""A tinsel-trimmed treat for movie buffs and Trigiani fans alike."" -Library Journal

Soggy In The Middle

If you could sum up All the Stars in the Heavens in three words, what would they be?

A well know story of an illegitimate child of two movie stars, with a romantic spin. Slow story, with a great reader. No problems with the reader, just with the story!

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The character of Alda is more interesting then Loretta Young and Clark Gable. However, the character of Alda just disappears about half way into the story, and the focus is on Loretta. Loretta was just too good to be true, and I missed finding out more about Alda and husband, Luca.

Which character – as performed by Blair Brown – was your favorite?

Easily Alda! From a nunnery to Hollywood, she was the most interesting, and the most unpredictable. Loretta was " a saint" and Clark Gable " a womanizer." No news there.

If you could rename All the Stars in the Heavens, what would you call it?

Old Hollywood Story Retold.

Any additional comments?

Somewhat disappointed in this book. Tragiani wrote so well in the Valentina series, and this book can be read on Wickipedia. As I said, the character of Alda was fresh and engaging, but she goes away too early.

I loved this book!

I remember watching Loretta coming out the doors, watching with my sisters. I never knew the other stories. I’m sure the research was meticulous. Thank you again!

Loved it

Wonderful old Hollywood story from the perspective of the Hollywood stars and their friends I love the movies from the thirties and this really put personalization to the characters that I've always loved

A great tribute to Loretta Young.

A Hollywood story told with dignity and respect as only Adriana could do. She makes you feel her characters from the inside where it truly counts, not the superficial surface the changes with time. Another winner for a great author.

Very dissapointing

Would you try another book from Adriana Trigiani and/or Blair Brown?

I love Adriana Trigiani. this book was a dissapointment

Has All the Stars in the Heavens turned you off from other books in this genre?

I didn't like the fact it was biographical. I like more of a non fiction story.

Have you listened to any of Blair Brown’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to Blair Brown

Do you think All the Stars in the Heavens needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. The story was complete.