A Night In With Audrey Hepburn: A Dreamy Escape or Rom-Com Cliché?

Calling all hopeless romantics and Audrey Hepburn enthusiasts! If you’ve ever dreamt of curling up on the couch with the iconic actress, sharing popcorn and girl talk, then Lucy Holliday’s “A Night In With Audrey Hepburn” might just be your next literary escape. But before you grab your copy and a face mask, let’s delve into this whimsical novel and see if it lives up to the magic of Hepburn’s signature style.

The Premise: Escapism with a Side of Self-Discovery

Libby Lomax, our protagonist, is a struggling actress whose career is about as glamorous as a day-old bagel. Drowning her sorrows in reruns of classic films, she stumbles upon the ultimate fantasy – Audrey Hepburn herself, materialized on her living room couch! Yes, this is where the fantastical element kicks in.

A Fairy Godmother in a Givenchy Gown

Audrey, looking as radiant as ever in her little black dress and signature pearls, becomes Libby’s unlikely mentor. With a sprinkle of Hollywood magic and a dash of tough love, Audrey helps Libby navigate the treacherous waters of love, career, and self-doubt.

A Rom-Com Trope Extravaganza

The plot unfolds like a classic romantic comedy. There’s the love triangle with the brooding bad boy and the charming but clueless leading man. We have the supportive best friend, the wacky family dynamics, and of course, the career struggles that miraculously find a solution by the end.

A Celebration of Hepburn’s Legacy

One of the book’s strengths is its loving homage to Audrey Hepburn. Holliday captures the essence of Hepburn’s elegance, wit, and determination. Fans will delight in the references to her iconic films and her dedication to humanitarian causes.

Does the Magic Fizzle Out?

While the premise is undeniably charming, the story sometimes falls into predictable rom-com territory. The dialogue can be a bit cliché at times, and the characters, while likeable, lack the depth to truly resonate. The ending, while satisfyingly happy, feels a bit rushed.

Parting Thoughts

A few more things that I noted down, listing them here because it wasn’t enough to have it’s own dedicated section.

1. Too many f-bombs. The language got stronger by each page. Also, while the tone was witty overall, there were no LOL moments for me. I didn’t laugh my sleepers off, I’m saying.
2. It was a love-triangle of sorts, and the narrative was a striking balance between Dillon and Oliver but I am on team Oliver. Sadly, that didn’t work out. Oops! Spoiler alert, I guess?
3. The buzzer went on for a third time, twice, on two consecutive pages so a little bit of proofreading was needed. I can understand myself making the same mistake.
4. I felt that too many things were packed into this.
   1. Oliver and his cooking 
   2. Audrey Hepburn hallucinations, obvio
   3. Libby’s awful mum and sister, but thankfully sister had a little bit of redemption
   4. Her father, who suddenly became a crucial plot point in  the book
   5. Rhea and her shenanigans with yoga instructor, argh
   6. Dave the creep 

Overall, “A Night In With Audrey Hepburn” is a light and fluffy read, perfect for a lazy afternoon with a cup of tea. It’s a delightful celebration of a beloved icon and a reminder to believe in yourself and your dreams. However, if you’re looking for a novel with a complex plot and nuanced characters, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Verdict: A Sweet Escape with Room for Improvement

Here are some additional points to consider:

• Who would enjoy this book? Fans of romantic comedies, chick lit, and Audrey Hepburn will find plenty to love.
• Who might find it predictable? Readers who prefer more literary fiction with deeper themes might find the plot formulaic.
• Is it a standalone novel? Yes, “A Night In With Audrey Hepburn” is a self-contained story, although it’s the first book in a series featuring Libby Lomax.

So, should you read it?

If you’re looking for a feel-good escape with a touch of Hollywood glamour, then this book might be the perfect addition to your bookshelf. Just remember, it’s a light and breezy read, not a literary masterpiece. But hey, sometimes a little escapism with Audrey Hepburn is just what the doctor ordered.