Now That I've Found You by Kristina Forest

 

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I'm back with another book review. You might remember my interview with Kristina Forest earlier this year where we talked about her experiencing writing this book, Old Black Hollywood, and NYC. 

This was the perfect way to wind down after a heavier read. I enjoyed Kristina Forest's debut I Wanna Be Where You Are last summer and I think I loved this one even more. Set in NYC this story follows a young actress Evie Jones who has just graduated high school and got the role of her dreams leading a major movie. Evie has always dreamed in following in her grandmother's footsteps and becoming a big star. And with her parents being famous in their own right for their documentaries she has a big legacy to live up to. But unfortunately a jealous frenemy sabotages her and she's blacklisted. Now Evie is left scrambling to try and salvage the pieces of her career. And she's hoping her grandmother famed actress Evelyn Conaway will help her do so. The problem is Evelyn Conaway turned her back on Hollywood awhile back and isn't interested in a return. 

So Evie shows up on her Gigi's doorstep intent on making sure they both attend the ceremony for a prestigious Lifetime achievement award that the academy has decided to bestow upon her. But her Gigi is different from the last time they were together. And she's suspicious of this young musician named Milo who has moved in and pretty much become a member of the family. Is he using her grandmother? And before Evie can get her grandmother on board with her plans to revive her career they get into a big argument. The next morning Gigi has disappeared with a vague note saying she'll return.

Evie and Milo trek around the city meeting up with close old friends of her's as they try to figure out where she would've gone.  They attend a charity art gala, a movie premiere party, and the performance that could be the big break that Milo's band needs. 

I liked that as the days go by Evie has to reflect on the things she really wants. Why is she so obsessed with comparing herself to her parents and grandmother?

Evelyn Conaway reminds me of the likes of Eartha Kitt, Lena Horne, and Diahann Carroll she's  sophisticated and glamorous. I enjoyed not only seeing and hearing about her from Evie's perspective but also's Milo's as well. I really liked how she took him in and brought him into her circle during a time when he really needed support. And I also like how she gives Evie sound advice about knowing who she is outside of the fancy career she wants to have. You can see her longing to reconnect with her distant granddaughter.

It's a classic teen rom-com sure to make you feel good. And I liked seeing two Black teens fall in love without trauma threatening to tear them apart. They have their obstacles to overcome but it doesn't feel like the whole world is against them ready to see them fail. 

Thank You, Kristina Forest for sending me an advanced copy of this charming book!