Land of Dreams

A Novel

By: Gian Sardar

Narrated by: Rachel L. Jacobs

In the 1930s, scandal, secret loves, and murder shatter a woman’s Hollywood dream in a gripping novel by the USA Today bestselling author of When the World Goes Quiet.

It’s 1933, and though the country is stuck in the Great Depression, movies are the ultimate escape. But Hollywood is skilled at selling lies, and nothing is as it seems.

Frankie Donnelly is scrappy, smart, and ambitious. Her knack for spinning any story into stellar publicity has made her an invaluable “fixer” at RCO Studios, where she works under the tutelage of powerful Nico Marconi. Frankie’s latest fix is the upcoming marriage of Hollywood royals Jack Sawyer and June Finney, and millions of fans can’t wait to see their favorite silver-screen lovers tie the knot. But Frankie knows the truth: The marriage is an artful cover for Jack and June’s darkest secrets.

When a shocking murder occurs, allegiances fracture, the tabloids go wild, and a devastated public is left reeling. Frankie uncovers new layers of scandal and deception and is forced to choose which Hollywood player to protect and who to destroy. Now, more than ever, the country needs a happy ending—but at what cost?

©2026 Gian Sardar (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Readers will love this trip back in time to Hollywood’s golden age.”—Booklist

“Gian Sardar weaves a mesmerizing tale of romance, mystery, and ambition set against the glittering yet treacherous backdrop of 1930s Hollywood. The protagonist, Frankie is young and determined, and her innocence and drive propel her into a world brimming with scandal, deception, and betrayal. Sardar masterfully maintains a thread of suspense throughout, the mystery simmering beneath the surface as Frankie navigates the allure and peril of her surroundings. Balancing the darker realities of ambition with a tender, hopeful romance, Sardar’s lyrical and elegant prose creates a story as haunting as it is beautiful—a thought-provoking read that will captivate fans of multiple genres.”—Patricia Sands, bestselling author of the Love in Provence series

“Set against the glittering backdrop of Hollywood’s golden age, Land of Dreams delivers a dazzling story of ambition, betrayal, and redemption. When young PR fixer Frankie Donnelly sets out to uncover the truth behind a shocking death, she’s drawn into a web of secrets that test her courage—and lead her to unexpected healing. I was captivated from start to finish.”—Christine Nolfi, bestselling author of The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves

Not for me

The love story, didn’t make sense. The main character and the hottest actor. Why did they love each other? Why was it even a thought to blow up a life to be together? I need background and details. And for the life of me, could the main character be any more self obsessed?

4.5 Stars

Nicely done book with a mix of historical fiction, murder mystery, romance, and old Hollywood art the time of Prohibition and the Great Depression. Throw in the 1933 Long Beach earthquake, the pre actor's union era of studios owning their stars and you have the correct ingredients for a great story. They have all been well assembled into a very tasty cake and nicely read in the audio version.

Decent historical fiction mystery

Set in the 1930s, this mystery follows Frankie, a young woman determined to break into the film industry. She secures a position working for Nico and quickly proves herself to be ambitious and driven, unafraid to pursue her goals. However, when an unexpected situation arises, Frankie is faced with a difficult decision that challenges both her character and her aspirations. Overall, it is an engaging mystery that captures the intrigue and atmosphere of the era.

One Upon a Time in La La Land...

I am a sucker for historical fiction; especially during the early 20th Century. I also love a good mystery. Story was good but I expected the reasoning to be a little more advanced for the crime; it felt like a bit of a let down. I definitely will read more from this author!

Boring

A good story, but I couldn’t wait for this book to be over with. It was way too dragged out.