Overview

From the New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places—soon to be a Netflix film starring Elle Fanning—comes the story of a fearless and spirited World War II pilot who boldly sets her sights on movie stardom.   In 1945, Velva Jean Hart is a bona fide war heroine. After a newsreel films her triumphant return to America, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer promises to make her a star. They give her a new life story and a brand new name. As “Kit Rogers,” she navigates the movie sets, recording sessions, parties, staged romances, and occasional backstabbing that accompany her newfound fame. She also navigates real-life romance, finding herself caught between a charismatic young writer and a sexy and enigmatic musician from her past. But when one of her best friends dies mysteriously and the most powerful studio in the world launches a cover-up, Velva Jean goes in search of the truth—risking her own life, as well as her heart, in the process.   Set during Hollywood’s Golden Age and peopled with a cast of unforgettable characters, American Blonde will mesmerize readers of The Chaperone as well as fans of the Velva Jean series.

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Reviews

EARLY PRAISE FOR AMERICAN BLONDE Jennifer Niven is a stunning talent. Like Elmore Leonard, she's such a sneaky good writer that you might not notice what she's up to. On one level, American Blonde is a crackling thriller that will keep you up all night until the pieces of the plot come together. At the same time, it's an elegantly written, impressively researched novel that makes idealism, heroism, and a romantic era come to life. Either way, it's a total knockout. --Jonathan Eig, New York Times bestselling author of Get Capone, Luckiest Man, and Opening Day PRAISE FOR BECOMING CLEMENTINE A spirited tale of courage, honor and loyalty. Jennifer Niven succeeds in not only illuminating an important and little-known role played by women during the war, but creating an unforgettable and heartfelt story that will resonate with readers far and wide. --Pam Jenoff, author of The Diplomat's Wife PRAISE FOR VELVA JEAN LEARNS TO FLY Featured on Los Angeles Magazine's To Read list for August 2011 Named the September Read of the Month by the Southern Literary Review An endearing portrait of a young woman with a big heart-- Velva Jean Learns to Fly illuminates the power of going after a dream and the courage it takes to never let go. --Beth Hoffman, bestselling author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt Besides creating a gutsy heroine, who, despite the repressive times, never becomes bitter, Niven's writing shines overall. Cheers to Niven, Velva Jean, and the two further books of her remarkable story to come in 2012 and 2013. -- Booklist, starred review A very special World War II novel.... Jennifer Niven's ongoing portrayal of this totally engaging young woman set within a stunning vision of the American South during WWII is a major achievement. The explorations of the Nashville music industry and the WASP initiative are rich in evocative detail. -- Southern Literary Review

Praise for Jennifer Niven and Her Novels A stunning talent. Like Elmore Leonard, [Niven]'s such a sneaky good writer that you might not notice what she's up to. On one level, American Blonde is a crackling thriller that will keep you up all night until the pieces of the plot come together. At the same time, it's an elegantly written, impressively researched novel that makes idealism, heroism, and a romantic era come to life. Either way, it's a total knockout. -Jonathan Eig, New York Times bestselling author of Get Capone, Luckiest Man, and Opening Day Fans will relish this latest installment in the adventures of Velva Jean. - Booklist Utterly enthralling from the first page to the last, thanks to the magic of Jennifer Niven's lovely writing, and the riveting drama of her character's quest for her dreams and for herself. - Rosemary Harris, Tony-and-Emmy Award-winning actress Captures perfectly the artificiality of Hollywood and the iron grip of the studio system in the 1940s. -Historical Novel Society Every moment sparkles with wit, excitement, and historical accuracy. -North Valley Magazine Wonderfully constructed, with an amazingly shocking end showing the story to be a great thriller as well as a work of romance and historical fiction. Highly recommended. -Crystal Book Review A spunky, modern heroine with a knock-out voice. -Reading Lark Mixes golden age drama with a touch of noir mystery. -ARe Cafe It's an exciting book that paints a vivid picture of the movie industry of the time...Velva Jean is a brave, smart and loyal woman. -Bookworm is my Totem If you're a fan of Hollywood's Golden Age there's plenty for you here [with a] murder mystery . . . good enough to hold your interest even if you're not fascinated by the machinations of the studio system. -Verity Reads Books

<b>Author of the <i>New York Times </i>bestsellers<i>All the Bright Places </i>and <i>Holding Up the Universe</i></b> A stunning talent. Like Elmore Leonard, [Niven]'s such a sneaky good writer that you might not notice what she's up to. On one level, <i>American Blonde</i>is a crackling thriller that will keep you up all night until the pieces of the plot come together. At the same time, it's an elegantly written, impressively researched novel that makes idealism, heroism, and a romantic era come to life. Either way, it's a total knockout. <b><b> Jonathan Eig, </b><i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of <i>Get Capone, Luckiest Man</i>, and <i>Opening Day</i></b> Fans will relish this latest installment in the adventures of Velva Jean. <i><b> Booklist</b></i> Utterly enthralling from the first page to the last, thanks to the magic of Jennifer Niven's lovely writing, and the riveting drama of her character's quest for her dreams and for herself. <b> Rosemary Harris, Tony-and-Emmy Award-winning actress</b> Captures perfectly the artificiality of Hollywood and the iron grip of the studio system in the 1940s. <i><b> Historical Novel Society</b></i> Every moment sparkles with wit, excitement, and historical accuracy. <i><b> North Valley Magazine</b></i> Wonderfully constructed, with an amazingly shocking end showing the story to be a great thriller as well as a work of romance and historical fiction. Highly recommended. <b> Crystal Book Review</b> A spunky, modern heroine with a knock-out voice. <b> Reading Lark</b> Mixes golden age drama with a touch of noir mystery. <b> ARe Cafe</b> It s an exciting book that paints a vivid picture of the movie industry of the time . . . Velva Jean is a brave, smart and loyal woman. Bookworm is my Totem If you re a fan of Hollywood s Golden Age there s plenty for you here [with a] murder mystery . . . good enough to hold your interest even if you re not fascinated by the machinations of the studio system. <b> Verity Reads Books</b><b>PRAISE FOR <i>BECOMING CLEMENTINE</i> </b> A spirited tale of courage, honor and loyalty. Jennifer Niven succeeds in not only illuminating an important and little-known role played by women during the war, but creating an unforgettable and heartfelt story that will resonate with readers far and wide. <b> Pam Jenoff, author of<i>The Diplomat s Wife</i></b> <b>PRAISE FOR <i>VELVA JEAN LEARNS TO FLY</i> </b><b>Featured on<i>Los Angeles Magazine's</i> To Read list for August 2011Named the September Read of the Month by the<i>Southern Literary Review</i></b> An endearing portrait of a young woman with a big heart <i>Velva Jean Learns to Fly</i>illuminates the power of going after a dream and the courage it takes to never let go. <b> Beth Hoffman, bestselling author of<i>Saving CeeCee Honeycutt</i></b> Besides creating a gutsy heroine, who, despite the repressive times, never becomes bitter, Niven's writing shines overall. Cheers to Niven, Velva Jean, and the two further books of her remarkable story to come in 2012 and 2013. <b> <i>Booklist, </i>starred review</b> A very special World War II novel . Jennifer Niven s ongoing portrayal of this totally engaging young woman set within a stunning vision of the American South during WWII is a major achievement. The explorations of the Nashville music industry and the WASP initiative are rich in evocative detail. <b> <i>Southern Literary Review</i></b> <b>PRAISE FOR <i>VELVA JEAN LEARNS TO DRIVE</i> </b><b>An August 2009 Indie Next PickA Summer 2010 Indie Next Reader's Group Top Ten PickA Costco Pick (Pennie's Book Pick of the Month for August 2009)</b> A touching read, funny and wise, like a crazy blend of Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, a less morose Flannery O Connor, and maybe a shot of Hank Williams . . . Niven makes some memorable moonspun magic in her rich fiction debut. <b> <i>Publishers Weekly, </i>starred review</b> A fluid storyteller. <b> <i>Wall Street Journal</i></b> Spirited. <b> <i>Parade</i></b>

PRAISE FOR AMERICAN BLONDE Jennifer Niven is a stunning talent. Like Elmore Leonard, she's such a sneaky good writer that you might not notice what she's up to. On one level, American Blonde is a crackling thriller that will keep you up all night until the pieces of the plot come together. At the same time, it's an elegantly written, impressively researched novel that makes idealism, heroism, and a romantic era come to life. Either way, it's a total knockout. Jonathan Eig, New York Times bestselling author of Get Capone, Luckiest Man, and Opening Day Fans will relish this latest installment in the adventures of Velva Jean. Booklist American Blonde is utterly enthralling from the first page to the last, thanks to the magic of Jennifer Niven's lovely writing, and the riveting drama of her character's quest for her dreams and for herself. Rosemary Harris, Tony Award-winning, Emmy Award-winning actress Niven captures perfectly the artificiality of Hollywood and the iron grip of the studio system in the 1940s. Historical Novel Society Every moment of American Blonde sparkles with wit, excitement, and historical accuracy. North Valley Magazine American Blonde: A Novel is wonderfully constructed, with an amazingly shocking end showing the story to be a great thriller as well as a work of romance and historical fiction. Highly recommended. Crystal Book Review Velva Jean is a spunky, modern heroine with a knock-out voice. Reading Lark American Blonde mixes golden age drama with a touch of noir mystery. ARe Cafe It s an exciting book that paints a vivid picture of the movie industry of the time . . . Velva Jean is a brave, smart and loyal woman. Bookworm is my Totem If you re a fan of Hollywood s Golden Age there s plenty for you here [with a] murder mystery . . . good enough to hold your interest even if you re not fascinated by the machinations of the studio system. Verity Reads BooksPRAISE FOR BECOMING CLEMENTINE A spirited tale of courage, honor and loyalty. Jennifer Niven succeeds in not only illuminating an important and little-known role played by women during the war, but creating an unforgettable and heartfelt story that will resonate with readers far and wide. Pam Jenoff, author of The Diplomat s Wife PRAISE FOR VELVA JEAN LEARNS TO FLY Featured on Los Angeles Magazine's To Read list for August 2011Named the September Read of the Month by the Southern Literary Review An endearing portrait of a young woman with a big heart Velva Jean Learns to Fly illuminates the power of going after a dream and the courage it takes to never let go. Beth Hoffman, bestselling author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt Besides creating a gutsy heroine, who, despite the repressive times, never becomes bitter, Niven's writing shines overall. Cheers to Niven, Velva Jean, and the two further books of her remarkable story to come in 2012 and 2013. Booklist, starred review A very special World War II novel . Jennifer Niven s ongoing portrayal of this totally engaging young woman set within a stunning vision of the American South during WWII is a major achievement. The explorations of the Nashville music industry and the WASP initiative are rich in evocative detail. Southern Literary Review PRAISE FOR VELVA JEAN LEARNS TO DRIVE An August 2009 Indie Next PickA Summer 2010 Indie Next Reader's Group Top Ten PickA Costco Pick (Pennie's Book Pick of the Month for August 2009) A touching read, funny and wise, like a crazy blend of Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, a less morose Flannery O Connor, and maybe a shot of Hank Williams . . . Niven makes some memorable moonspun magic in her rich fiction debut. Publishers Weekly, starred review A fluid storyteller. Wall Street Journal Spirited. Parade

Author Information

Jennifer Niven is the New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places and Holding Up the Universe, as well as the popular Velva Jean series. She is also the author of several non-fiction books, including Ada Blackjack, The Aqua-Net Diaries, and The Ice Master, which was named a top non-fiction book by Entertainment Weekly. Her New York Times bestseller All the Bright Places is soon to be a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning. Although she grew up in Indiana, she now lives with her fiancé and literary cats in Los Angeles, which remains her favorite place to wander.

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