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Quite honestly I did not like this book. I found it difficult to get into. I found the main character whinney and spoiled. She couldn't even wash her own hands without someone handing her a towel in her previous life. I would not recommend this book.
The only redemming part of the book was her step son, who came from Hawaii to help her move from Hollywood to settle into her family home in N. California.

AT FIRST I DID NOT LIKE IT. JUST A STORY ABOUT A OLD LADY. BUT IT DID NOT TAKE LONG AN I COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN.

Melody Carlson is well known for creating spirited, spunky characters who persist beyond their dismal circumstances and find unique ways of solving problems and bettering their situations. In her newest novel, LIMELIGHT, she offers her countless fans a thoroughly delightful escape into the fictional world of a former jet-set actress named Claudette Fioré.

In her early 80s, Claudette is one miserable widow who decided to take her future into her own hands and kill herself. The story opens in a "home" where Claudette is convalescing, or, in other words, where doctors and nurses are keeping a close eye on her. As her beautiful mansion in Beverly Hills has been taken from her due to an unscrupulous accountant and years of back taxes, Claudette's current living situation is nothing like the opulent lifestyle to which she had grown accustomed as the wife to famed Hollywood director Gavin Fioré. Having taken for granted all the perks that go along with money and power, Claudette is completely terrorized by the mere thought of living a "normal" life sans housekeepers, cook and chauffeur.

Gavin's son Michael (who is close in age to Claudette) resides in Hawaii with his lover, Richard, but arrives in gentlemanly style to remove Claudette from the "home" and help her get acclimated into real life. Michael, similarly used to the same pampered existence as Claudette, tries his level best to caress positive emotions out of her. He gallantly leads Claudette by the hand to her storage unit where they tag the valuables to be transported to the house in Silverton that belonged to her deceased mother. Without any other option, the old modest homestead is Claudette's only hope.

Traveling in her Jaguar, Claudette barely makes the trip to Silverton where Michael sets up housekeeping for his stepmother. Having succeeded in settling Claudette in, Michael returns home to Hawaii, leaving her to figure out minor tasks that most adults (and even children) take for granted. It is one comical scene after another as Claudette discovers novel ways of eating, drinking, bathing and staying warm. Having never had to lift a finger, she struggles to put away her groceries in an orderly manner and has to prep herself to tackle doing the dishes. From antic to antic, Claudette somehow survives the "common" life and even finds little victories to celebrate.

But there are more weighty considerations to contemplate than simple survival. Claudette's estranged younger sister, Violet, also lives in Silverton, and when the two meet and greet, fireworks spark a whole history of resentment and unforgiveness. With no friends to speak of, Claudette's quiet hours force her to reminisce about the past and consider her own part in the painful distance between herself and Violet. Circumstances of the most hilarious type fall like dominos around Claudette's feet, and she eventually does business with the past, present and future.

Melody Carlson's tale is chock-full of fun, laughter and ongoing internal commentary by Claudette, which will leave readers longing for a sequel to this lovable (though acidic) elderly character's foibles and follies.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

I swear, there is no one that can write like Melody Carlson. Each of her books have been totally distinct and unique and just simply written wonderfully. This book is no exception. We're taken this time to the story of a former It Girl from the Golden Age of Hollywood who's suddenly found herself to be old, lonely and not knowing how to live life for herself. Claudette has to adapt from living a life with servants and staff doing everything for her to having to figure out even the simplest life skill on her own. It's a moving journey for both Claudette and the reader as she has to move back to her childhood home and rediscover life.

There are parts of the book that are just hilarious yet at the same time I felt bad for laughing at Claudette's expense. I really liked how she was willing to do all these things albeit grudgingly and didn't use her age as an excuse. It really makes one think how we take all these things for granted, such as knowing how to use a washing machine or knowing that towels can be washed. To see her change throughout the book was a real eye opener that I totally enjoyed.

Something I found very interesting about this book was that there was a character who is gay, has been gay for years, and stays gay throughout the book. His lifestyle is not described in any fashion other than stating that he is gay and that he has a partner. No statements are made derogatory towards him and he is treated with respect from other characters. By the end of the book, there are hints that he has begun to go to a church that accepts him for who he is and he is interesting in knowing more about God, the Bible and church. One other thing I did find hilarious was the phrase "sex toy" being used. I honestly think that's the first time I've read that in a Christian fiction book ever!

This book REALLY makes you think, not only about about how you view life, but how your life changes when you get older and when you need to learn to stop being so prideful and accept help. Claudia's story is a wonderful read, full of humor, happiness, tears and hurt. This book is one of the best I've read this year and one that everyone should read. VERY HIGHLY recommended.