Atria, Jan 2004, 25.00
ISBN: 074345779X
In 1984 Hollywood, agent Philip “Philly” Lam forces his movie star younger brother Ricky “Platinum Boy” to give up the drugs and booze or their partnership would end. Philly worries what will become of Ricky so he forced the ultimatum of a detox for probably ninety plus days or his sibling is on his own.
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Fifteen years later, Ricky is a matinee idol to millions and worth much more due to Philly's wise investments. His only regret is that the relationship with his brother never returned to that of family as Philly has treated him from the day of the as a client only. Though the older brother would love to give his younger sibling a hug he fears the results of back slipping. When Philly dies in an accident a stunned, Ricky leaves Hollywood to take over as manager of the CROWN JEWEL, the family resort on Antigua. Ricky begins to unravel Philly's secret life, starts relationships with his adult sons, and falls in love with Philly's widow whom Ricky once stalked. Still he wonders about his revered big brother falling off the pedestal.
The most steadfast fans of Fern Michaels will want to read her latest glitter, CROWN JEWEL, though the novel will not attain the status of the title on the author's Vegas-Kentucky-Texas résumé. The story line focuses on family relationships, but the star is one dimensional until the very end when he completes a transformation while his sister-in-law seems less developed than he is. The best character is Philly, but for the most part he is seen in a look back manner. This novel is for Michaelsites only.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner
