I loved this book from start to finish - complicated, interesting, and I loved the story within a story, which I typically don't like. ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first of Marie Bostwick's work that I've read - now I can't wait to read all of it. I was completely mesmerized by Evelyn Hugo - WHAT a great character! And I found myself pulling for Monique early on, and still cheering for her on the very last page of the book. loved it! This is a book I'll be sharing with friends and family.

I'm going to be honest and say that Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of my favorite authors nowadays, so when I was able to get my hands on a very early e-galley of her newest novel, I was quite happy. The good news is, this novel is just as good as her previous ones, and it was quite a compelling read.

Fan-freaking-tastic!!! The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is an absolute masterpiece!! I love when a book can completely captivate me to the point I literally forget the rest of world, and this gem did exactly that! Taylor Jenkins Reid stepped a little outside of her box for this book and what she came up with will blow you away!

I debated several ways to write this review, and I ultimately decided to not give details on the storyline because I don't want to spoil anything for you. I encourage everyone to read the synopsis and then dive into this fabulous novel. The plot was well thought out and the characters were fascinating, as I began nearing the end of the book, I truly didn't want it to end. Very, very rarely do I want to re-read a novel as soon as I finish (I am totally re-reading immediately after typing out this review)!! This book is hands down a 5+++ star novel and is at the very top of my 2017 favorites list!! I promise you will not regret 1-clicking this gem---it's THAT epic!!

Why did I love this book?
It is original and beautifully written
It speaks about LOVE in all its many manifestations
It totally engaged me as a reader
It is exceedingly topical
It takes the reader through women's history and that of the LGBTQ community
It brings depth to both Evelyn and her emanuensis, Monique
It has a very satisfying and meaningful ending

This is a novel that is so well done, that the reader finds it hard to believe it was not truly a memoir. When Monique is called to write the memoir of one of the screen greats, Evelyn Hugo, we are anxious to hear about her Seven husbands, rather we learn about the essential truth of her life, only tangentially connected to her marriages.

Reid brought me into Evelyn's world, the world of Hollywood, homophobia and the price of fame. Each character is examined with sufficient depth, but never with confusing details. It is a portrait of a woman and an era painted in rich colors.

Evelyn allows the reader to understand her actions and her feelings. We see her in love with spouse, friend, lover and child. Finally, we learn why Monique has been asked to write her memoir and this ties every part of the plot together with a giant bow.

Bringing this book to the beach, or snuggling up with it will bring the reader on an engaging journey into the life and emotions of a screen icon.