SYNOPSIS: Ever wished you could make-over your life? Make-up artist Stella is an expert at helping other people change their image, but when it comes to transforming herself, she doesn’t even know where to start. So when glamorous Hollywood actress Marina Ray summons her a movie set in California, Stella can’t resist the chance to start afresh – it is the land of sunshine and opportunity after all! But does Marina have an ulterior motive? What is the secret that both women are hiding about the nautical (but nice) men in their lives? And what will it take to really make both of their California dreams come true? As they immerse themselves in the decadence and history of Hearst Castle one thing is certain – there’s a whole lot of kissing and making-up to be done!

THEMES: Transforming Your Life + Old Hollywood + Hearst Castle + My Dog Bodie

LOCATIONS: London + LA + San Ysidro Ranch + Hearst Castle, California

OPENING LINES: Every morning, before I even open my eyes, I make the same wish: please let this be the day that something happens… I no longer wish for specific things, like lottery win or an unexpected transfer to Rio de Janeiro because the truth is I would settle for an internal shift, like when a train jolts and the passengers stumble a little before they find their footing again. Something – anything – to get me back on the same track as my life…

BELINDA SAYS: I was rather bitter about the Navy when I wrote this book as they had whisked my (now-husband) Jonathan away to fight pirates in Somalia! But it was a wonderful distraction stepping back in time to Hollywood’s heyday for the research and I got to spend a week down the road from Hearst Castle in a holiday let with the Hearst zebras grazing at the bottom of the garden! (Sending Bodie bananas!)