Announcing the Historical Hollywood Giveaway!

Like me, you're probably astonished that it's now September!  

Hollywood tales rank high among my fave fiction genres, as reader and writer, and within that subgenre I prefer biographical novels. I'm delighted to participate in this bestselling, award-winning multi-author giveaway of real-like stories about movie personalities of the past. Karen Essex, Heather Webb, and I are giving away these FOUR novels of Hollywood's Golden Age--the silver screen icons, scandals, and stardom--in one big prize pack.

I invite you to ENTER HERE.

These are the books included in the giveaway:

Run, Darling by Karen Essex. Three Sisters. One War. A Harrowing Escape. For decades, the gorgeous trio of Zsa Zsa, Eva, and Magda, with their Auntie Mame mother, dominated gossip columns, TV and movie screens, talk shows, and tabloids with their talent, clever quips, branded beauty products—and utter disregard for society’s rules. Run, Darling is that untold story.

Strangers in the Night by Heather Webb. In the golden age of Hollywood, two of the brightest stars would define—and defy—an era… As Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner ride the rollercoaster of success and failure, passion and anger, they both wonder if the next turn will be the end of their careers, and most devastating of all—the end of all they’ve shared.

Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr by Margaret Porter. Hollywood Beauty. Brilliant inventor. The incredible story of a remarkable and misunderstood woman. In Hollywood, Louis B. Mayer transforms an Austrian refugee into Hedy Lamarr, an icon of exotic glamour. Professional success clashes with Hedy’s personal life as marriage and motherhood compete with the demands of studio and stardom.

The Limits of Limelight by Margaret Porter. Hollywood turned Ginger Rogers into a star. What will it do for her cousin? A pretty teenager leaves Oklahoma for California at the invitation of her relatives, to try her luck in motion pictures. As Phyllis Fraser, she lands a contract with RKO and swiftly discovers that Depression-era Hollywood’s surface glamor and glitter obscure the ceaseless struggle of the hopeful starlet.

Best of luck to all who enter! 

Goodreads Giveaway: Sequins and Starlight

THE CONTEST HAS CONCLUDED.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 10 WINNERS--THEIR BOOKS HAVE BEEN SHIPPED.

Sequins and Starlight, my second contemporary novel and the follow-up to A Change of Location, will be released on May 6, 2025.

Readers in the USA can enter the Goodreads Giveaway to win 1 of 10 Advance Reader Copies. 

Best of luck to all participants!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Sequins and Starlight

by Margaret Porter

Giveaway ends April 10, 2025.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

If you'd like to know more, here's the book trailer:

"Porter writes in a clear and appealing manner that makes the complicated world of dance accessible and attractive . . . The complex relationships are engaging throughout, always keeping the reader hooked. A page-turning romance for those who adore the worlds of theater and dance." Kirkus Reviews

"Porter's juxtapositions of personalities and worlds are nothing short of exquisite . . . A compelling story . . . Immersive descriptions, strong characterization, and challenges." Midwest Book Review

"Another standing ovation for Margaret Porter! Anglophiles, theatre kids, and balletomanes everywhere will devour her delicious and delightful Sequins and Starlight." Leslie Carroll, author of Temporary Insanity

 Available as paperback and ebook. Pre-Order links.

 

Celebrating Women's Fiction Day: Multi-item Giveaway

 

Congratulations, Tara B.!

The randomly selected contest winner will receive, in addition to an Autographed copy of The Limits of Limelight, the The Limits of Limelight pillow, a bottle of the iconic and historic Sortilège perfume (worn by real-life heroine  Phyllis Fraser in the novel), an elegant white silk scarf like the ones Fred Astaire wore in films with Phyllis's first cousin Ginger Rogers, a Limits of Limelight acrylic 16-oz sippy “go” cup with straw, a spiral Garden of Allah hotel notebook (Phyllis and Ginger and Ginger's mother lived there in the early 1930s), a Garden of Allah shot glass, and miscellaneous book swag.

Thanks to everyone who entered by

subscribing to my newsletter 

or

following Author Margaret Porter on Instagram

or

emailing an answer to this question: Have you ever watched a Ginger Rogers-Fred Astaire movie? (be sure to include your name and email address. You won't be added to the mailing list but will only be contacted if you're the giveaway winner.)

or

Doing all three to be be entered twice!

Deadline for entry was: 

Saturday, June 11

What should I know about The Limits of Limelight?

     

It's my 14th novel, available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook.

Finalist, 2021 Chanticleer International Book Awards

BookTrib Selection, Women's History Month

     

     Pretty Oklahoma teenager Helen Nichols accepts an invitation from her cousin, rising movie actress Ginger Rogers, and her Aunt Lela, to try her luck in motion pictures. Her relatives, convinced that her looks and personality will ensure success, provide her with a new name and help her land a contract with RKO. As Phyllis Fraser, she swiftly discovers that Depression-era Hollywood’s surface glamor and glitter obscure the ceaseless struggle of the hopeful starlet.

     Lela Rogers, intensely devoted to her daughter and her niece, outwardly accepting of her stage mother label, is nonetheless determined to establish her reputation as screenwriter, stage director, and studio talent scout. For Phyllis, she’s an inspiring model of grit and persistence in an industry run by men.

     While Ginger soars to the heights of stardom in musicals with Fred Astaire, Phyllis is tempted by a career more fulfilling than the one she was thrust into. Should she continue working in films, or devote herself to the profession she’s dreamed about since childhood? Which choice might lead her to the lasting love that seems so elusive?

     “Based on a true story....A witty and meticulously researched treat.” ~ Kirkus Reviews

     “An engrossing glimpse into a bygone era and the forces affecting a young woman's evolution into her own abilities...vigorous and involving to the end. ~ Midwest Book Review

      “A captivating novel about Hollywood...a more realistic and multifaceted view of the era.” ~ Historical Novels Review (*Editors' Choice)

     “A lovely tribute to the larger-than-life celebrities of early Hollywood....a glitz and glamour novel that shines brighter the deeper you go.” ~ Independent Book Review

     “A time capsule of Hollywood's Golden Era...a captivating novel of Tinsel Town's perils and pitfalls, trade-offs and triumphs!” ~ Leslie Carroll, author of American Princess 

 What Is Women's Fiction Day?

 Women’s Fiction Day celebrates women’s fiction authors, novels, publishers, book sellers, and most importantly, readers who appreciate women’s fiction and the power of a great story. This year for Women’s Fiction Day, members across the country will hold book signings to engage and connect with readers. WFWA is working with its 1,800 members across the country and internationally to hold a day of book events both online and in person on June 8.

More info--and giveaways--available here: Women Fiction Writers Association

What Is Women's Fiction?

Women's fiction is a writing genre that includes layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character’s emotional journey. The stories can be contemporary or historical, and may have magical, mystery, thriller, romance, or other elements.