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Living Their Best Lives
Cinematic Destinies is a sweeping, heart-filled continuation of the love story between Ella and Finn Forrester. It moves the spotlight onto their adult children and explores the complexity of family ties and personal growth. What inspired the setup of your story?
It’s the third and final book in the trilogy, and honestly, I never intended there to be three books. Each one inspired the next. The second book, After the Red Carpet, sees Ella and Finn building a life together and starting a family in the shadow of Hollywood. I wanted to explore the lives of those three children when they were grown up. How would the public fascination with their parents’ love story affect them each and their love stories? Ella was always fascinated by what love might look like and feel like over a lifetime, so I also wanted to know how that unfolded for her and Finn. I could see it all so clearly it just flowed.
I loved how different each of the children are, how they each had their own story to tell. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Thank you so much. I truly loved writing each of them. Because each is different—their personality, their struggle, where they live—as a writer it was an incredibly fulfilling project. There was so much to explore. If I had to pick a favorite to write, it would be Georgia. I loved the way her story mirrored her mother’s from The Location Shoot. Writing about a film shoot in Iceland was also a lot of fun, although it did present challenges, essentially writing a story within a story. I really had to take my time getting that right.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Jean Mercier is a controversial filmmaker with a dystopian outlook. His films tackle the big questions of life. To him, artists are truthtellers, they shine a light in dark places, and sometimes they have to go dark so that others may see the light. Beauty has an underside and so sometimes it’s guardian is ugly. It keeps things honest. For all three books I’ve had a blast writing Jean. In Cinematic Destinies there’s a scene in the book in which Jean and Michael, the lead actor, discuss what the film is really about. I don’t want to spoil anything, but it was by far my favorite scene to write. I was laughing the whole time.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
Enjoying their lives, living to the fullest, and embracing the messiness of the good times and bad. To me, the book is really about what it means to live a life and to do so with passion and love. So I know the characters are well and are living their best lives. I think they’re spending time together too, which is always so much fun. When they’re together, they’re a riot and the genuine love they have for each other always comes through.
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Legendary actor Finn Forrester and his wife philosopher Ella Sinclair Forrester met on the location shoot for Jean Mercier’s film Celebration. The world has been captivated by their fairy-tale romance since Finn famously proposed on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. As the couple now prepares to celebrate their thirtieth wedding anniversary, they wonder if their children will ever find love.
Eldest daughter Betty is excelling in a medical residency program in New York City—and has convinced herself that distancing herself from emotions is the path to success. Youngest son Albert, a recent college graduate, is trying to find his footing in Boston as he struggles with his identity. Free-spirited Georgia, her mother’s spitting image and an actress following in her father’s footsteps, has been cast in Jean Mercier’s final film, mysteriously titled Beauty. When she arrives on set in Iceland and meets her costar, sparks fly. Is history repeating itself? How has growing up in the shadow of the world’s most iconic love story affected each of the Forrester children?
In this highly anticipated conclusion to The Location Shoot and After the Red Carpet, we see how Finn, Ella, and their children fulfill their cinematic destinies.
Cinematic Destinies
Patricia Leavy’s Cinematic Destinies is a sweeping, heart-filled continuation of the love story between Ella and Finn Forrester, moving the spotlight onto their adult children. Set around the filming of an enigmatic final movie by legendary director Jean Mercier, the novel follows the Forrester family—Georgia, the free-spirited actress; Betty, the driven but guarded medical resident; and Albert, the quiet artist navigating his identity—as they grapple with love, ambition, and the messy beauty of adulthood. Through interwoven perspectives, Leavy explores the complexity of family ties, personal growth, and the enduring echo of a great love story.
Reading this novel felt like sipping warm tea while eavesdropping on the emotional currents of an impossibly elegant yet relatable family. I was struck by how naturally Leavy captures everyday conversations and inner worries—especially those between parents and children. The writing is easygoing but never lazy. Leavy blends romanticism and realism without leaning too far into sentimentality. Ella and Finn’s marriage feels earned, not idealized. Their warmth is tangible. It’s the kind of relationship you root for without eye-rolling.
What really got me was how the story threads through each of the kids’ lives. Albert’s struggle to come out to his movie-star dad resonated with me. It’s so gently done but full of real emotion. Georgia’s breezy confidence masks a vulnerability that slowly creeps in. And Betty, her cool, collected exterior starts to crack, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see her soften. The writing never shouts; it hums. Sure, some dialogue borders on dreamy, and yes, these people are beautiful and talented and occasionally annoyingly wise, but I didn’t mind. I found myself nodding, even laughing, often.
If you’re a romantic with a brain and a heart, this is your jam. If you’ve ever questioned what “happily ever after” looks like when the credits roll, or if you want characters who talk about feelings without making you cringe, then yes—read this. It’s especially good for fans of ensemble stories, gentle family sagas, or character-driven romance. Me? I closed the book with a full heart and a goofy grin, happy to read yet another entry in the Red Carpet Romance series.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0DWNGNM1Z
Visible and Invisible Wounds
In Shooting Stars Above, a best-selling author and a federal agent, both burdened by past trauma, find a love that pulls from their emotional isolation. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
There’s a saying that “hurt people hurt people,” but sometimes that isn’t true. Sometimes people in pain are able to love others in extraordinary ways. That’s the core inspiration for the book. I wanted to write a love story between two people who have experienced tragedy and violence in different ways. A love story between people in pain and who harbor visible and invisible wounds. Yet, they are deeply kind, generous, and good people. When they find each other, they decide to love with everything they have. No games or toxicity of any kind. They see what the other has endured and choose to just love and accept each other completely. Really, it’s about the healing power of love and learning to balance darkness and light in our lives.
I enjoyed the romantic relationship between Tess and Jack. How did their relationship develop while you were writing? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it, or was it organic?
Thank you. I loved writing about their romance. I felt it in my soul, and they had my heart completely. It was organic. I actually wrote the novel in reverse. I wrote the last scene first and the first scene last. So, I knew where I wanted them to end up as a couple and individuals. I knew the character growth, and then I wrote the arc in reverse to get the reader there.
There is so much to be said about love in this book. What do you hope your readers take away from your story?
Healing is possible. Kindness matters. Generosity matters. Love is a verb. It’s something we do, and we should do it well. That includes loving ourselves.
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2 of The Celestial Bodies Romance series? Where will it take readers?
There are six books written to date and I honestly love each more than the one before. We’ll be releasing one each spring. Shooting Stars Above includes the first chapter of the next book, Twinkle of Doubt.Each novel takes place a year after the last and follows the same characters, although some fun new characters are introduced across the series too. Each series title explores love and a different theme. The first book is about love and healing. Other topics include doubt, intimacy, trust, commitment, and faith. While there are different kinds of critical events that happen in each book, really, none of the books are about external threats. The series is about the audio playing in our own heads. Twinkle of Doubt was especially fun to write, and I think is a good balance of lightheartedness and deep topics. Overall, it explores the nature of doubt. Readers will be introduced to the female president of the United States, whom Tess befriends. There’s a big gala, a death threat, and someone is held up at gunpoint, but the real danger is the audio in their own head. The book ends with an excerpt from one of Tess’s novels. Of everything I have ever written, the last line of that book, her book, are the words I most often hear in my head, sort of like a mantra when things get tough.
Author Links: Website | Shooting Stars Above | Simon & Schuster | Facebook | Instagram | X | GoodReads
Tess Lee is a world-famous novelist. Her inspirational books explore people’s innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel—but despite her extraordinary success, she’s been unable to find personal happiness. Jack Miller is a federal agent working in counterterrorism. After spending decades immersed in a violent world, a residue remains. He’s dedicated everything to his job, leaving nothing for himself.
The night Tess and Jack meet, their connection is palpable. She examines the scars on his body and says, “I’ve never seen anyone whose outsides match my insides.” The two embark on an epic love story, but old traumas soon rise to the surface as Jack struggles with the death of a loved one and Tess is forced to confront her childhood abuse. Can unconditional love help heal their invisible wounds? Together, will they be able to move from darkness to light?
Shooting Stars Above: A Celestial Bodies Romance
Shooting Stars Above, by Patricia Leavy, offers a heartfelt exploration of love, healing, and resilience through the lives of two deeply wounded individuals. Tess Lee, an internationally best-selling author, spends her life advocating for others, often at the expense of her own well-being. Jack Miller, a federal agent in counterterrorism, has sacrificed so much for his career that his personal life has taken a backseat, leaving him emotionally isolated. Both are burdened by trauma, grief, and a sense of cynicism that keeps them from fully embracing intimacy—until a chance encounter at a local bar changes everything. Their connection is immediate, igniting a love that pulls them out of their emotional isolation and into a restorative relationship that readers witness unfold.
Leavy, an award-winning novelist and fervent arts advocate, bypasses the usual romance tropes of slow-burn, will-they-won’t-they dynamics, diving straight into the heart of Tess and Jack’s deep and respectful bond. From the start, their relationship feels intense and genuine, offering both the characters and readers a sense of healing as past traumas surface and are addressed. The conflict in this novel doesn’t pit the lovers against each other but rather shows how their love strengthens as they confront the harsh realities of the world around them.
While the plot occasionally lurches forward with moments where characters reveal personal information in ways that feel slightly forced or unrealistic, this approach serves a purpose. These moments of rapid exposition make room for tender, intimate scenes that focus on the emotional depth of their connection. Leavy’s emphasis clearly lies in showcasing the process of falling in love while battling personal demons, allowing readers to experience the vulnerability and emotional weight Tess and Jack carry.
Though the story navigates difficult themes like grief and trauma, there’s no shortage of levity, largely supplied by Tess and Jack’s circle of caring, supportive friends. Their humor and warmth balance the heavier moments, adding a layer of comfort to the novel’s emotional landscape.
Shooting Stars Above is a heartwarming narrative that delves into love, loss, friendship, and the strength it takes to survive life’s challenges. Leavy offers a poignant reminder that even in a cruel, relentless world, love can be a healing force. For readers seeking a story that restores faith in humanity and shines a light on the beauty of connection, this novel is a must-read.
Pages: 224 | ASIN : B0CYJ76ZXK
Love, Romance, and Cinema
After The Red Carpet follows a Hollywood star and his fiancé as they work out what their new life together will look like while discovering who they are together while keeping their individual identities. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This novel is a sequel to The Location Shoot. Originally, that was intended to be a stand-alone book; however, I fell completely in love with Ella and Finn. There’s a scene in The Location Shoot in which Ella and Finn take a bubble bath and imagine the life they will build together. That was the inspiration for After the Red Carpet. I wanted to see if their fantasies came true.
There is a sense of love and innocence throughout the novel, grounding the characters and making them relatable and realistic. How were you able to capture those feelings and put them into words?
I see and hear Ella and Finn as if they’re in a film playing out in my mind. I feel the closeness between them in a visceral way. In fact, I wrote the original book in the series during the lockdown. It was an escape to someplace joyful and affectionate. I think because these characters have been such a happy emotional place for me to mentally visit, I’ve been able to translate that onto the page. Sometimes people can become so cynical. It’s easy for us to believe that people treat each other badly in relationships. It’s why so many romance novels feature toxic relationships full of love-hate, jealousy, and games. I let go of those ideas a long time ago. I believe people can and should treat each other well. Through Ella and Finn, I’m showing what that might look and feel like.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
These characters truly came from my imagination. Their experiences are very different from my own. That said, I’ve certainly fallen in love, built a life with another, and I’m a mother. I know that these things can feel like and look like. Perhaps some of that was woven into the tale.
Will there be a third book in The Red Carpet Romances series? If so, can you tell readers what the book will be about and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
Yes! I am very excited to share there is a third and final book in the series which is already written and will be out in September 2025. I don’t want to give away too much, but I will say the final book takes place 30 years after The Location Shoot. Not only will readers see how Ella and Finn’s romance evolved, but there are three other love stories intertwined into the narrative. Plus, the filming of Jean Mercier’s rumored final film set in an exotic location. The final book is absolutely delicious. It’s a real celebration of love, romance, and cinema.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebok | Website
After legendary Hollywood star Finn Forrester proposed to philosopher Ella Sinclair on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, the couple captivated the press and public with their real-life fairy tale. Now they vow to prioritize their romance and live an adventure of their own making. Ella moves into Finn’s Beverly Hills mansion and must adjust to his world. Finn, secretly afraid of losing Ella, is determined to make everything perfect for his betrothed. Meanwhile, Ella wants nothing more than to retain her own identity as they build their new life together. All the while, she is writing a philosophical treatise on love, exploring the question: when we love so deeply, where do we end and where does the other begin?
In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Location Shoot, will Ella and Finn finally live the life they’ve dreamed of? See how their epic romance unfolds, after the red carpet.
After the Red Carpet: A Novel
In Patricia Leavy’s contemporary romance novel After The Red Carpet, readers are introduced to Finn and Ella, whose relationship unfolds with a poignant blend of vulnerability and strength. From the tender moment Finn proposes, their journey is one of deepening trust and commitment, portrayed through beautifully crafted dialogues that capture the essence of their connection. Leavy deftly explores the dynamics of intimacy and partnership as their love story evolves, making each shared glance and touch a testament to their growing bond.
The narrative is rich with moments that celebrate both the trials and triumphs of love. Finn finds in Ella a partner and his soul’s counterpart, a beacon of light in his life’s challenges. Their romance is depicted as a continuous discovery of each other’s depths, where every kiss and caress reinforces the strength of their bond. Leavy’s writing shines in its ability to delve into the emotional intricacies of a relationship, offering readers a glimpse into the characters’ heartfelt explorations of trust, understanding, and mutual support. This novel is an inviting read for those who appreciate a story that reaches the heights of romantic idealism and savors the everyday moments that weave two lives together. Engaging and heartfelt, Leavy’s narrative promises to capture readers’ imaginations, leaving them reflective and satisfied.
Leavy’s portrayal of Finn and Ella’s journey in After The Red Carpet offers a resonant exploration of love’s complexities. This novel is a compelling choice for anyone drawn to stories of heartfelt connection and emotional growth. It’s a reflective and immersive experience that resonates long after the last page is turned.
Pages:232 | ISBN : 1647427509
A Daring Work Of Cinema
The Location Shoot follows a group of people brought together by a controversial filmmaker who, in the process of filming, look to answer the big questions of life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wrote this novel during the pandemic when we were in lockdown. At the time, we were all isolated. During difficult times, I always turn to the arts. So, I was thinking about isolation and the arts when an idea came to me: a novel about a group of artists living together somewhere remote while creating a daring work of cinema.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
It’s definitely a work of fiction that was based on my imagination, but there are always seeds of me in the books. For example, the filmmaker invites his friend Ella Sinclair to join them for the summer as they shoot the film in a remote location in Sweden. Ella is a philosopher and writes her books in artistic ways. There’s a bit of me there. I have a doctorate degree in sociology and my nonfiction works are creatively written. Like Ella, I’m also interested in asking the big questions. Like her love interest, movie star Finn Forrester, I’m definitely a romantic at heart. I identify in ways with Jean Mercier, the filmmaker too. He likes to push the envelope with his art. I relate to that.
What was the chosen theme of the novel, or did it develop organically as you were writing?
It was a completely organic process. I immediately became swept up in the story and worked on it seven days a week. I usually write my novels out of order, as a series of scenes, which I stitch together in the end. I began The Location Shoot with a scene at the inn in Sweden. The group is a couple weeks into shooting the film when Ella arrives and immediately enchants Finn. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what the themes of the book would be, but they began to reveal themselves. The pandemic was a time for reflection and introspection for many of us, and so the film the group is making became about the big questions of life. Ultimately, that led to an exploration of the meaning of life, what love is, and why love is everything.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
I loved writing Finn and Ella’s love story so much that I decided to continue with it. My next novel, After the Red Carpet, picks up where The Location Shoot ends. The novel follows Finn and Ella for the next five years as they build a life together. It’s a really romantic book about what it means to love someone and choose them every day. I think of it as a spin on a Cinderella story. After the Red Carpet comes out September 3, 2024. If readers are looking for a romantic escape before that, they may want to check out my last celebrity romance, Hollyland, which was also a feel-good read.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | GoodReads | Amazon
The Location Shoot: A Novel
The Location Shoot, penned by Patricia Leavy, is an enlightening exploration of art, philosophy, and life’s profound queries. Set against the backdrop of an intensive three-month film recording by the gifted French filmmaker Jean Mercier, the story unfolds primarily within the confines of a spacious, sunny-hued inn in Sweden, which hosts the entire film crew.
Leavy’s eloquent and evocative descriptions of the setting are deeply enchanting, leaving readers longing to experience these places, should they exist beyond the novel’s pages. The narrative’s charm isn’t solely defined by the romantic entanglement of a central couple but also by its well-sketched ensemble cast – Albie, Charlotte, Michael, and Willow – who each bring a unique and compelling spark to the story.
In the heart of the novel lies the tender romance between Finn Forrester, a renowned actor known for his sea-blue eyes and light-brown locks, and Gabriella – affectionately called Ella – Sinclair, an American philosopher defined by her bohemian spirit and captivating green eyes. Unlike many narratives where external factors pose the primary challenges, this novel excels in introspection, offering a contemplative view of individual responsibility and the healing of personal traumas.
Ella, despite her vibrant exterior, lays bare her vulnerability for readers. This level of candidness gives us insight into her character, leading to an understanding of her actions throughout the novel, albeit occasionally stirring feelings of frustration. Despite such emotions, the story reaches a fulfilling conclusion, brimming with a sense of humanity and personal transformation.
Leavy’s writing is generally light-hearted yet manages to impart a plethora of crucial life lessons. It highlights the fragility and intricacies of human existence and draws poetic analogies, such as equating the taste of blueberries to love. In closing, it’s my sincere wish for prospective readers to find themselves immersed in the pages of The Location Shoot, thereby inspiring them to produce exquisite art and ponder over the profundities of life.
Pages: 224 | ASIN : B0BQBM1BG9
LITERARY TITAN 