Stories shape us — the ones we inherit, the ones we chase, and the ones we spend a lifetime trying to rewrite. This month’s reads from our Tomato reviewers all circle that truth in wildly different ways: a forgotten Hollywood star whose real life was far more complicated than her fame; a young woman whose kidnapping becomes the catalyst for political and personal awakening; and a legendary performer whose memoir promises the kind of honesty only a life fully lived can offer. Together, they remind us that behind every public image is a private story waiting to be understood.

 A Deeply Human Story, Beautifully Written

Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely? By Sarah McCoy is an emotionally layered novel that looks past the glamour of Hollywood.  It examines the cost of fame and who then will tell the story after that person is no longer in the spotlight.  This novel is a page-turning mystery while deeply exploring the identity, memory and the stories we inherit.

The story is about Lori Lovely, once America’s sweetheart from a hit 1960’s sitcom now forgotten.  Lovely suddenly abandoned fame to join a Benedictine convent.  Through multiple perspectives and timelines, McCoy uncovers the myth of Lori’s “perfect life”.  As the narrative unfolds, readers are encouraged to reconsider how easily we accept tidy explanations or complicated lives.

McCoy uses this surprising choice to explore themes of identity, purpose, and the cost of reinvention.  In 1990, Lori’s niece Lu Tibbott decides she wants to uncover the truth behind her aunt’s transformation for a college thesis.  Her interviews with Lori-now an abbess unfold the story piece by piece and I found it to be fascinating.

In this book McCoy has beautifully written about spiritual longing and personal fulfillment.  Lori’s journey is shown not as an escape but as a courageous pursuit of inner peace.  She writes with such deep compassion for her character’s flaws, making the story deeply human. This book asks hard questions about how women survive or don’t after being reduced to a headline.  I really loved this book and highly recommend it.  It is a five-star read.  Once again you have written another fabulous book Sarah McCoy.   GET THE BOOK.

~Francene Katzen, Richmond, VA, an advocate for parents of children with addictions

A Sophisticated Tale of Sexual and Political Awakening

The Bombshell, a debut novel by Darrow Farr, tells a sophisticated tale of sexual and political awakening set in 1993 Corsica. The 17-year-old protagonist, Séverine, is the pampered French American daughter of a politician, testing the boundaries of budding womanhood. Heady, reckless, and spoiled, she is snatched off her bike one night by a militant trio fighting for Corsican independence and held for a large ransom.

Her abductors drive her to a secluded cottage deep in the scrublands and lock her in a closet. Séverine’s wealthy parents promptly pay up in exchange for Séverine’s safe return, but France’s interior minister, presidential hopeful Bernard Jonnart, refuses to negotiate the release of a political prisoner which is the other part of the deal.

After a weeklong stalemate, the young men debate killing Séverine, but instead relocate her to a sparsely furnished outbuilding while they plot their next move. It soon becomes clear, however, that her abductors, Tittu, Petru, and Bruno, are not seasoned guerrillas but new revolutionaries. Out of boredom and attempting to gain favor, Séverine begins discussing political philosophy with teacher Bruno, foraging with ecology student Tittu, and cooking with chef Petru.

Camaraderie develops, and—deciding she wants “stardom, her future, now”—Séverine joins Soffiu di Libertà, using her beauty, charisma, and sex appeal to garner press, while also pushing the cell in an increasingly radical direction.

Farr deftly balances a knowledgeable perspective on colonialism and revolution with relatable human moments. The fully fleshed characters develop increasingly thorny interpersonal relationships, adding dramatic tension and realism. With good sensory detail, you feel like you’re on Corsica, living right alongside everyone. Mentions of food, clothing, weather, and more wrap you nicely into the story. The narrative feels well-researched with historical and political facts without being teachy.

I loved the way the book ends with a lingering look at life after the inevitable climax.  A surprise to me, there is a second part/epilogue in the last 100 pages of the book that provides a satisfying closure while still leaving characters’ futures open for interesting interpretation.  GET THE BOOK.

~Joan Pagano, New York, New York…owner, Joan Pagano Fitness

Bold, Messy, Glamorous, Painful, And Deeply Human

I can’t wait to read Lisa Minelli’s latest memoir, Kids, Wait ’Til You Hear This. Everything I’ve seen so far suggests it’s exactly the kind of story I love — honest, funny, a little messy, and told with the unmistakable voice of someone who’s lived a big, complicated life. Minelli doesn’t just share memories; she shares meaning. And that’s what draws me in. I want the behind‑the‑scenes stories, yes, but even more, I want the perspective — the wisdom, the humor, the hard‑earned clarity.

If the early praise is any indication, Kids, Wait ’Til You Hear This is exactly that — a memoir that’s funny, tender, messy, human, and deeply generous. A reminder that the stories we pass down aren’t just entertainment; they’re legacy. And I’m ready for every page. GET THE BOOK.

~Cheryl Benton, New York, aka “the Head Tomato