Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely?

By Sarah McCoy

An Intriguing and Thought-Provoking Story

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SUMMARY

Lori Lovely was a highly successful young actress who suddenly abandoned the fame and fortune of Hollywood to enter a cloistered convent in Connecticut in 1969. In 1990, Lori’s niece, Lu Tibbot, decides to write her college senior thesis about her Aunt Lori's life. Lu visits the Benedictine convent to interview her aunt, now the head Abbess. Lori, despite many requests over the years, has never spoken to the press about her reasons for choosing to take her vows. But now she is ready to share everything with her niece, if Lu is willing to listen to the whole story.

REVIEW

Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely is a historical fiction novel inspired by the life of a real actress. It explores themes of fame, love, and vocation, and highlights the contrast between the contemplative monastic life and Hollywood's superficiality.

I can’t stop talking about this book. I was riveted from the first chapter. It is creatively told from two different points of view in dual timelines. Author Sarah McCoy’s writing captures an intriguing and thought-provoking story.

Three main characters drive the story. Lori Lovely, known as Lucille Hickey to her family; Lu Tibbot, Lori’s niece; and Lucus Wesley, Lori’s famous co-star in the Romeo and Juliet musical and her on-again, off-again love interest. All three characters are well-developed.

Listeners will enjoy the audiobook performance of WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LORI LOVELY.  The fabulous narrators were Cassandra Campbell, Helen Laser, and Stephanie Németh-Parker.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Publisher    William Morrow

Published   September 2, 2025

Narrated    Cassandra Campbell, Helen Laser, Stephanie Németh-Parker

Review       www.bluestockingreviews.com