A cute story, but the writing was underdeveloped. I could see some patrons enjoying this title for the historical aspects of it and the old-Hollywood glamour, but overall I was underwhelmed.

I’ve enjoyed all of Juliette Fay’s books and will continue to revisit this author time after time.

The story was likable, the characters eclectic along with their varied backstories. Atmospherically rich- you feel the 1920’s vibe, the energy of Hollywood's Golden Age, and the fascination with “flickers” matched with the evils of the industry similar to today's problematic issues and prejudices.

My only issue with this read - far too predictable and so much occurred in such a small timeframe leaving what could have been a dazzling plot noticeably underwhelming.

Sentimental yet enjoyable despite a few flaws.

Just couldn't get into it. Seemed interesting enough, but I kept putting it down.

Can't say I found anything particularly bad about it.

Received a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.

Very well written historical fiction based in the 1920s in Hollywood. I even learned some info, like about drug addictions with heroin back then. Personally, I didn’t like the nice neat ending, like with Millie’s character. Other than that it was good.

This one has been on my shelves for a long while now. I saw that it was recommended for fans of Rules of Civility which is one of my all time favorites and I'm so glad I picked it up!

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This book was well written and enjoyable. But it left nothing to be surprised about. Everything was so predictable … especially if you have read other books based on the early days of Hollywood. You will be exposed to the ugly parts of those years; for example, homophobia, drug abuse, taking advantage of the young women attempting to “break into the business,” etc.

The one thing that I did enjoy were the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I love when an author does that in a book. Oftentimes I learn something or it is just a quirky thought that applies to the book. Either way, it does add to the pleasure of a book for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Thank you so much for the copy. I tried to pick this one up but it did not work for me. Thank you for the opportunity to be an early reader.

Old Hollywood is a glittery and magical place in one’s imagination, and this book brought that to life beautifully. It was truly a character all on its own. The story is a fascinating narrative of young trying to find their way onto the big screen, and all the tough decisions that have to made. A wonderful story of an era not explored enough in historical fiction!

City of Flickering Light is an intriguing journey back to the Roaring Twenties and Old Hollywood. I loved this story of friends from different walks of life and their struggle to make it in the flickers. A must read for historical fiction fans!

A fascinating historical novel about the "golden era" of Hollywood, the 1920s. The characters are really interesting in their own motivations for going to Hollywood. It's an easy read and if you're a historical fiction fan you'll really like this book.

Thanks to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Told through the viewpoint of three very different people who make a decision to completely alter their lives, but jumping off a train and heading to Hollywood to fulfill dreams. Henry, Irene and Millie were in a traveling burlesque show and they leave quickly to try to make it on their own in the land of dreams. It is the 1920s in Hollywood and this time period makes things harder for almost everyone in one way or another; this book is a look into many different cultures and how being an other, as most were, made things harder.

The thing I loved most about this book was that not all three of them ended up acting. Through all three of them, the reader gets an inside look of other behind the scenes jobs in Hollywood, it made the book feel unique. To spoil just a bit, I liked seeing Henry enter the costuming department and Irene end up in the script department.

The interesting insight into an early #MeToo movement gave the book more depth and really made me think about the women and how they were treated when in regards to violence against women. In many books you see women oppressed just in general in relationships or on the job, but to see the early indications of these men taking advantage of women in this industry made this book a more interesting read.

If you’re looking for a novel set in the early days of Hollywood then this one is “the cat’s pajamas!” Three burlesque performers, Irene, Millie and Henry, jump off a train to escape the troupe and make their way to Hollywood. We then become immersed in their trials and tribulations, as well as their triumphs, in fulfilling their dreams. The setting feels authentic as do the restrictions of money, ethnicity and power the trio encounter. Despite misunderstandings the three remain friends and they learn a lot about each other as well as themselves. Thank you #netgalley for this ARC of #cityofflickeringlight to review.

I enjoyed the setting of this book, which seemed very authentic. I also felt an attachment to the characters. Overall, a very good read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I thought it was a well written, interesting and entertaining book.
I enjoyed the quotes that were given by famous people in show business before the start of each chapter.
I will definitely read another book by this author.

It felt a little like the author was checking off boxes as she sketched out the plot. Naive aspiring actress, check. Gay friend who falls into acting, check. Etc. Not a bad read but there are more engaging stories about the early days of Hollywood.

*ARC via netgalley*

Juliette Fay’s debut, City of Flickering Lights, hooked me in from the moment Millie, Irene, and Henry jumped off a moving train to escape the burlesque circuit life. The opening scenes were hilarious, and the good humor followed the fearless trio as they chased their Hollywood dreams and grew as friends and individuals.

Hollywood in the 1920s, serves as the backdrop of Millie, Irene and Henry’s story. We get a glimpse into the glitz, glam and underbelly of the silent film industry as the trio runs from their pasts and chases their dreams. In a story that spans only a year, the friends deal with everything from poverty, to stardom, pain, misogyny, rape, racism, drugs, murder, unwanted pregnancy, and sexual orientation.

I loved bits of every character, but Millie captured my whole heart. She was delightfully sweet, lovable, naïve, reckless, brave, and compassionate. The kind of friend everyone should have.

The book was well-researched, with many chapters featuring quotes from real life film characters, writers, and producers from the era. I also enjoyed the cameos of stars like Charlie Chaplin.

Four-star rating. Good, quick and fun read. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a historical novel that tells the tale of old, legendary Hollywood. This is a story of people really driving towards their dream and hopes of better lives.

Juliette Fay is one of my favorite authors, and I have read each of her books, starting with Shelter Me. I have enjoyed her contemporary fiction more so than her historical novels that feature vaudeville performers and Hollywood actors. That being said, it was nice to find out what happened to Gert Turner after The Tumbling Turner Sisters, but there seems to be so much more left to tell about each character's story in CoFL. The ending was tidy, not withstanding the challenges that lie ahead for Irene, Minnie and Henry.

Good story. Drew me in right away and kept me interested. I loved the main characters! They were so brave to jump off that train and take a chance on the unknown. 4 well-desrved stars!!