I loved this book! The main character was everything, and I loved this author! I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free ARC in exchange for my review.

When I first started on this book, I had trouble getting into the story, and making sense of the book being set in the 1990's. But as I continued to read, I got to know Charity's character more and wanted to see what happens next. I do wish there were more details about her relationships, for clarity's sake. But it was an enjoyable book overall.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 Recommend it to anyone who remembers the 1990's and want a fun rom-com.

Thanks to NetGalley and Spark Press for the advanced reader copy.

Charity is a bubbly, fun, ambitious character, and I enjoyed the setting of being in the movie business in the 90'2 (her pager made me laugh out loud!). I wanted to like this novel, but each chapter felt like it was an island divorced from the things that happened before it. For example, we get the traumatic experience of Charity going to surprise her boyfriend and finding him not only in bed with another woman but finding out that he told that woman he and Charity had broken up several months earlier. The only inkling we get that this event had any impact on her is that we hear that she returned to the motel the movie production is staying at and cried through the night, but none of her actions (or thoughts/feelings) suggested that anything bad had happened to her. I need my books to be more cohesive, so this was a no for me.

Charity Trickett is Not So Glamorous is a smart, funny, and refreshingly original novel that takes readers deep into the heart of 1990s Hollywood, where ambition runs high and the industry is cut throat. The story follows Charity, a determined director’s assistant with dreams of becoming a screenwriter and producer, as she navigates the male-dominated film world with hard work, humor, and a close circle of successful, supportive friends.

I’m usually hesitant to want my favorite books adapted for the screen, but I couldn’t help imagining how perfect this story would be as a TV series. It has all the charm, drama, and wit that would make it a binge-worthy hit.

Charity Trickett is Not So Glamorous hits shelves on 6/10, make sure it’s at the top of your TBR. You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks you NetGalley and SparkPress for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Charity Trickett is your average girl in to 90s who moves to LA to pursue her dreams of writing and hopefully getting her script turned into a movie. The premise of the book was nice but I'm still left with questions after finishing the book. I kept waiting for something to happen and when it did I was underwhelmed. The "forbidden romance" aspect was cute, I wish there was more of that. All in all, this was a very simple read. It didn't take much effort to remember characters, it was just very easy. Charity is a very relatable character and I thought a lot of the book was extremely realistic which I appreciated.

An effervescent tale of trying to make it in Hollywood, Charity Trickett herself is delightful in the Bridget Jones mould (albeit with her shit together slightly more than poor old Bridge), but her mishaps entrench into the Hollywood system circa the 1990s with mixed results. Fluffy and bright, it's a charming summer read, aided with a deeply likeable heroine and a lightness of touch from Stringer's characterisation.

Charity Trickett Is Not So Glamorous was such a fun, chaotic read—in the best way. It’s got humor, heart, and a perfectly imperfect main character trying to chase big dreams in 1990s Hollywood. I loved how real and messy it all felt, and even though things go sideways for Charity more than once, you can’t help but root for her the entire time.

It gave Bridget Jones meets The Devil Wears Prada vibes, but with a behind-the-scenes film industry twist. Christine Stringer’s writing makes you feel like you’re right there with Charity—awkward moments, wild detours, and all. I had so much fun with this one and now I need more stories like it.

My First ARC and it was so perfect. I really loved this book especially since I am a millennial and love all things 90s. I saw some of myself in Charity and that's what had me cheering her on the whole way. This was my first women fic where the plot wasn't solely based on a romance and honestly it was a breath of fresh air. Don't get me wrong I love a good romance and spicy scenes but seeing her find her LA family and stand up for herself to a bunch of toxic people was really validating. She also had a really IDF attitude about a lot of things that I honestly wish I had sometimes. Definitely consider picking this one up when it its shelves on June 10th, you wont be disappointed.

Thank you Charity, for showing us not all the things in life have to be glamorous and perfect.

I just finished a great book. Charity Trickety is Not So Glamorous by Christine Stringer is available next month. Pick it up! You won’t regret it.

Charity Trickett is determined to make her mark in Los Angeles after being hired as an assistant at a movie studio. Set in the heart of 1990s LA and based on a true story, the novel follows Charity as she navigates the glitzy-but-not-always-glamorous world of Hollywood or at times Hollyweird. With a voice that's witty and vulnerable, Charity invites readers into her rollercoaster of a life, filled with laugh-out-loud misadventures, pop culture moments, and the kind of growing pains anyone who’s ever felt out of place in a big city will recognize.

It was an absolute delight from start to finish. I loved that it was written in the 90s. Every pop culture reference gave me a hit of nostalgia, and I couldn't help but grin at the fashion, music, and cultural callbacks. Even better, knowing it was based on a true story made Charity’s wild ride through Los Angeles feel that much more real.

Personally, this book hit even closer to home because I worked in Century City during that timeframe. I recognized so many of the places Charity frequented and it truly felt like time-traveling back to a version of LA I remember so well. There were even a few laugh-out-loud moments that I found incredibly relatable.

Charity is a character you root for, cringe with, and ultimately adore. Her story is messy, charming, and endlessly entertaining. I can see this book being turned into a rom com movie!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for such a fun and nostalgic read.

Charity Trickett Is Not So Glamorous is a fun, heartwarming, and refreshingly original story that offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Hollywood through the eyes of an ambitious production assistant. I haven’t read many (if any!) books centered on production assistants, so the premise instantly intrigued me—and Christine Stringer delivered.

Charity Trickett is a well-rounded and likable protagonist. She’s a young woman who moves to LA to assist the director of the biggest blockbuster film of the year. While the job is far from glamorous, she throws herself into it with determination and charm, quickly finding herself rubbing elbows with A-listers and soaking in the highs (and plenty of lows) of the entertainment industry. From a jealous office frenemy who seems dead set on sabotaging her, to a major accusation that threatens to derail everything she’s worked for, Charity’s journey is packed with drama, humor, and heart.

Beyond the Hollywood glitz, Charity is also an aspiring screenwriter with a killer script and no way to fund it—yet. When everything seems to fall apart, she’s forced to ask herself: is it time to go home, or will the stars finally align?

This book felt like the perfect blend of light-hearted escapism and emotional stakes, much like an Emily Henry novel. If you enjoy stories about smart, driven women navigating love, ambition, and a few unexpected twists, you’ll love following Charity’s LA escapades.

This was ok. Nothing to special or fantastic about it.

The pop culture references, especially the chapter titles were fun.

Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for the ARC. Publication date is June 10, 2025.

Charity Trickett Is Not So Glamorous by Christine Stringer is a sharp, engaging debut that pulls you straight into the heart of 1990s Los Angeles.

The story follows Charity Trickett, an aspiring screenwriter trying to make it in Hollywood. She quickly learns that life in LA is far from glamorous—and that success often comes at a personal cost. It’s a world where everyone is out for themselves, and nothing is quite what it seems.

I was immediately hooked by the voice and atmosphere. The 90s-inspired chapter titles were so clever, and the LA references brought the setting to life in such a fun, nostalgic way. One of my favorite parts of the book was the cast of characters—each one so unique and distinct. I loved how different they were from one another, and how they helped shape Charity’s journey in unexpected ways.

This book kept me guessing right up until the end. It was fast-paced, full of twists, and emotionally grounded in all the right places. A solid four-star read for me!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy.

Oh Charity Trickett how I came to love you so.

Charity is young, ambitious, dedicated, hardworking and loyal. Anywhere else, she’s a woman to be celebrated and has all the attributes to succeed. But Hollywood isn’t anywhere.

This story although fiction, is based on true events of the author’s experience as an assistant at MGM. It adds another level of curiosity and realism to the characters and events.

I laughed.
I loved.
I cried.
I hated.
I cheered.
I want to give Charity a hug.

Excellent character and story, and I’m hopeful the author will give us more Charity, Kai, Vivey, Daniel and Blake. I also need to see some karma for a few.

PS: They say don’t judge a book by its cover - don’t judge this book by the first 10%. Keep reading.
I’m embarrassed to say I was so pulled into this story, at one point I had to remind myself I was not actually in Hollywood.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and SparkPress for the e-ARC!

This book was an unexpected delight. Completely hooked from the few chapters. I was all in—laughing, cringing, and cheering for Charity as she navigated one disaster after another. There’s a perfect mix of comedy and commentary, touching on ambition, industry double standards, and the chaos of trying to keep it all together.

The pop culture references were spot on and knowing parts of the story were inspired by the author’s own life added a whole new layer of depth. It’s one of those books I could see myself rereading. It was a bit chaotic—in the best way.

Only complaint? Reading it on the NetGalley Shelf app felt like an eye exam. The font was so tiny I thought I’d need binoculars. But squinting aside, this one was worth it.

🎥 ARC BOOk REVIEW 🎥

PUB DATE: June 9th 2025

My Rating : ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ 💫 3.5 “Fresh “ Stars

Be prepared to be transported back in time , where Hollywood would was full of life and be taken behind the scenes of how and where the movies are birthed !

Charity Trickett is Not So Glamorous was the perfect little palate cleanser I was needing .

It was humorous and heart felt at times and loved the movie references spread throughout the pages .

Being a movie buff I really appreciated the insight the author shared with us, all the way to the beginning of how and where the movie comes from .

Inspired by true events the author takes on a nostalgic ride though L.A.

All the glitz and glam and ..well the not so glamorous at times , even Hollywood has its snakes 🐍 and sabotage lives and breathes around every corner .

So crank the CD player , and grab your popcorn as we follow Charity on her screen writing journey and the friends and foes that play a big part in her life and things get very heated and a FBI investigation that could lead her in jail 👀

If you like fun banter and an eager , visionary and focused stories with a little of heart on the side , then give this one a go! 🍿

Thank you NetGalley , Sparkpress & Christine Stringer for this fun ARC🙌🏼

You can't always judge a book by the first few chapters. When I started reading this book, I felt bombarded by a bunch of characters with crazy names including Charity, Pup, Casper. Saffron and Blake Anthony. I read Bridget Jones and chick-lit 25+ years ago, and thought I may have outgrown this genre.

I'm so glad I stuck with it because all of the characters grew on me, despite their crazy names. At first impression. I was afraid the main character was a "charity case" but nothing could be further from the truth. She is a strong. Loveable, hardworking and loyal aspiring writer with a good head on her shoulders.

So many of the characters are so likeable especially Vivvy, Kai, Saul, Steve, Jack, Blake....

Having worked in film publicity and PR, as well as loving Hollywood, red carpets and glamour (who doesn't?!?). This book is a fun and entertaining summer read.

The book takes place in the 1990s so there's cell phones, but no social media or GPS. The titles are references to 90s pop culture and at the end of the book the author explains the references!!!!

This book had me laughing out loud at times. Very Bridgette Joans vibes. If you like that you will like this. It was sweet and playful.

Funny, insightful and realistic all rolled into one entertaining read. Behind the scenes Hollywood from a different perspective with chapter titles that reflect the industry. Christine Stinger shares her knowledge of this hidden world with talent and characters that show depth.

This book was funny, quirky, and light-hearted. The book is a fast-paced read, and the transitions are quick, which kept my interest piqued throughout. I had no knowledge of Hollywood and the film industry culture, but this book demonstrated how the challenges of Hollywood are addressed with quick, witty humor.

I enjoyed the book's 90s setting. I liked seeing the main character grow throughout the story. I would totally read another book if there were a sequel. The author does a great job of continually evolving the plot and conveying humor.