Absolutely insane story about Bethany Joy Lenz’s time in a religious cult that lasted longer than One Tree Hill’s screen time history. Haley has always been one of my favorite fictional characters, and to read a story like this gives me a newfound respect for Lenz and what she had to endure throughout that whole time. Looks like it’s time for another One Tree Hill rewatch…

I find it hard to rate memoirs as it’s a picture of someone’s life. So I usually rate them on how well they are written and keep my attention. This book dives into Bethany Joy Lenz’s life as she was in a cult for 10 years while on a very popular TV show. She talks about how she first came to be a part of this cult and how it affected her life during those 10 years. It was very eye-opening into how cults work. And how you can be so gaslit and not even realize it.

I loved her on One Tree Hill and this was a very interesting read, a glimpse into what she went through during that period in time. I hope it helps others who find themselves in similar situations.

This was VERY interesting! I have heard bits and pieces about her life in a cult, but she gave a ton of details that I hadn’t heard before. I don’t agree with a lot of her political views, but I still really enjoyed hearing about her life!

This is just crazy to me! The manipulation and control that this “cult” had over her was almost unbelievable. What they took from her financially and emotionally is disgusting.10 years of being taken advantage of, but still living her life out in the world is shocking! Horrible that it was done under the guise of religion. I hope that she has now found some peace. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader’s copy.

Bethany Joy Lenz was cast in a star role in the show One Tree Hill. As the show became more and more popular, no one knew that she was living a secret double life in a cult.

I think I would have really loved this one if I was familiar with One Tree Hill. I loved all the parts that discussed acting and being on set. I definitely want to watch the show now. The cult aspect was fascinating but the religious aspect was heavy for me. I know that was the point of the cult but it was so cringy for me. This is a difficult read but in the end Joy makes out.

“I had never felt further from healthy and happy or further from god. It was hell.”

Dinner for Vampires comes out 10/22.

Dinner for Vampires made my TBR list when its publication was first announced. I was excited to receive an ARC. Bethany Joy Lenz did not disappoint. I finished her memoir in just under two days. As a teenager when One Tree Hill originally aired, there was so much I identified with in the popular culture she described. It was interesting to read how someone who seemingly had a "normal" life could get brainwashed into a cult. Lenz's memoir should appeal to a variety of wheelhouses: cults, leaving fundamentalist religions, OTH fans, the Me Too Movement, and fans of Hilarie Burton Morgan's memoir.

Outstanding. 5 of 5 glowing stars.
What a tense and vulnerable look inside Bethany Joy Lenz’s life! Her voice seems to shine through with authenticity and dry, dark humor.
My one criticism - if you can call it that, it’s really more of a selfish wish - is that I wanted it to be longer. Would have loved more detail about navigating through life after leaving the cult.

A plus for the title and cover and a story about cults, you know I am in. I didn't watch One Tree Hill and wasn't familiar with Bethany Joy Lenz prior to reading this story. I was impressed by her continued faith despite everything that has happened to her and her explanation of how she got wrapped up in a cult for 10 years and losing over $2M. Parts are pretty upsetting but sometimes the pacing wasn't may favorite.

Overall a solid debut.

3.5 stars but rounding down to 3.

Thank you Netgalley & Simon & Schuster for the advanced reader copy.

I never watched One Tree Hill, but Bethany Joy Lenz is always a fun lead in the Hallmark holiday romances movies. To think that she's lived through such a harrowing experience and has come out stronger on the other side makes her even more impressive as an actress. Even if you're not familiar with her work, you'll be hooked by her story and rooting for her all the way.

First off, I was about the HUGEST Danny and Michelle fan (Guiding Light) during my high school years. I was obsessed with tuning in every day at 3 pm and it wasn't quite the same once Lenz left. So, when this new memoir came out from Bethany Joy Lenz, I knew I wanted to read it. It did not disappoint. Lenz has such a natural way of writing, her voice really shines through as well as her humor. I love how brave and authentic she is telling her story and the story is indeed a very compelling one. It held my attention throughout even though I knew she got out of the cult and divorced her husband. I hope writing this story was cathartic for her and that she can continue to put this past behind her. I also think it alerts other people to make sure they are making sure their Christian community is accountable to God but also a church structure, not one man. I'm glad she realized afterwards how worried her co workers were not out of malice, but love for her because of the very special person she is, inside and out. Thanks, BJL for sharing your story and your courage!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Simon and Schuster for the ARC.

I read this book because I loved One Tree Hill. It's crazy to think how powerful acting is. I had no idea the struggles of belonging Joy had vs her Haily character on OTH. She just wanted a close group of friends with similar beliefs. I can't believe people (Les) could do this to people. It's crazy how a cult can start and you have no idea you are wrapped in it. I felt the book was well written. You got a sense of how Joy really felt as a child and how much she needed to connect with someone and to feel loved for being herself. It felt like you were just sitting down and talking with her as a friend. Thank you Simon & Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the advanced copy of this book. I had never watched One Tree Hill but I love a good memoir so when I was given the opportunity to read this book I jumped at the chance. Joy Lenz was one of the main characters on the CW’s show One Tree Hill, but the entirety of her time on the show she was in a religious cult from the Pacific Northwest. Lenz has a humorous and honest tone about what she experienced. It didn’t rely heavily on her time on the show, but the story wove through her personal life before, during, and after the show. I really enjoyed how she was able to reflect on her life and pinpoint the reasons why she fell into a cult.

A brave memoir and a cautionary tale. I did not watch One Tree Hill so Lenz was "new to me" but wow what a journey-more a trek-she had to get there. And then the Big House Family. The cult took so much from her but only material things. She's gained her wisdom the hard way. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Terrific thoughtful and thought provoking read.

Calling all One Tree Hill fans … One Haley James Scott just dropped a memoir (kind of). Bethany Joy Lenz, who portrayed Haley James Scott in the cult classic TV show wrote a book about being on the cult TV show while also finding herself as member of an actual religious cult.

This was WILD. I started reading it on my plane ride to Las Vegas for a work trip and by the time I landed for my layover, I was 50% done. I finished it on the ride back. can’t really recall the last time I blew through a memoir with such vigor, but something about the religious cult blending with tidbits of information about one of my favorite shows had me flipping pages like my life depended on it.

Bethany Joy Lenz has such a fascinating story and I loved learning more about her path to Tree Hill and her time on a TV show that is so beloved. When someone portrays an iconic, recognizable character it’s easy to conflate the character with the real person. Here, it’s interesting to see the ways in which Lenz’s experience off the show informed her character (e.g., refusing to portray things at odds with her religious beliefs — I wonder, though it’s not explicitly said, if this is why Haley won’t have ~relations~ before marriage or if that was already in the script).

I felt a pit in my stomach reading the ways in which Lenz’s “Family” manipulated her and stole from her both financially and emotionally. I also appreciated her reflections on how the religious cult complicated or eroded her relationships with other stars of One Tree Hill. If you’re a fan of the show, and even if you’re not, I highly recommend this memoir. Seriously, I couldn’t put it down.

Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz is an honest memoir about how she broke into Hollywood, all while a cult almost broke her. These pages are filled with stories about growing up, following dreams, and finding independence. But are you really independent when every thought and decision is controlled by the people you look up to the most?

This is a book that you won't want to put it down until you reach the end. You'll cringe a lot along the way, but you'll be satisfied in the end. It's a reminder of how it's never too late in life to find your way!

Wow. Just wow! The things we never know about the Hollywood stars we come to love through our TV screens. I have always been a OTH fan, but not to the depths of going to conventions and being in chat forums with other fans. My friends and I used to love watching it as teens. I rewatched the series right before Joy, Hilaire, & Sophia started their podcast. The Christmas Secret is one of my favorite Hallmark Christmas movies.

This book was equally heartbreaking and frustrating. It will make you angry that there are people out there who prey on the weak and vulnerable. I had to remind myself multiple times that anyone can be manipulated and brainwashed like Joy was and be taken advantage of in the same way. They don't call those type people master manipulators for no reason.

It's so infuriating to know people use God and the Bible to cause so much harm to others for their own benefit. Not all "Christians" are the same and intend to cause irreparable harm to people.

I'm thankful Joy & Rosie came away physically unharmed. I can't imagine how much worse this could have been or what would have come next in the "family" for Joy. I wish them all the happiness in the world! They deserve it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow .. she’s been thru a lot! Really enjoyed hearing her story and what all she’s been thru !

She worked SO hard to get where she is ! Love her strength

I would like to preface this by warning other readers that this book is 95% BJL’s memoir/dealings with a cult and 5% one tree hill.
Marketing aside, dinner for vampires, is a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

Lenz writes in tremendous detail about her thought process and believes as she navigates her twenties in a small cult. Her writing submerges you, almost like a diary entry being written with the wisdom of hindsight, as her personality shines through the story.
The things that occur to her will infuriate you and make you reflect.
I would defiantly recommend to those who enjoy learning about cults but more to those who have been in any sort of high demand group and may want a cathartic read.


Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster, for an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been a longtime fan of One Tree Hill, and it has always been a comfort show for me. Reading about what Bethany Joy Lenz was going through while filming her iconic role as Haley was mind-blowing. I can’t imagine spending ten years trapped in a cult. Lenz does an incredible job of sharing her story, and she strikes a remarkable balance—being open about her experiences without portraying herself as a victim. Her candid account feels authentic, and I hope it raises awareness and helps others who may be vulnerable to falling into similar situations.