Introduction

REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK!

“This story swept me away with its big dreams, love, and unexpected twists.” —Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club January ’25 Pick)

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins in this electric, voice-driven debut novel about an elusive bestselling author who decides to finally confess her true identity after years of hiding from her past.

Cate Kay knows how to craft a story. As the creator of a bestselling book trilogy that struck box office gold as a film series, she’s one of the most successful authors of her generation. The thing is, Cate Kay doesn’t really exist. She’s never attended author events or granted any interviews. Her real identity had been a closely guarded secret, until now.

As a young adult, she and her best friend Amanda dreamed of escaping their difficult homes and moving to California to become movie stars. But the day before their grand adventure, a tragedy shattered their dreams and Cate has been on the run ever since, taking on different names and charting a new future. But after a shocking revelation, Cate understands that returning home is the only way she’ll be a whole person again.

Editorial Review

No Editorial Review Currently Available

Excerpt

No Excerpt Currently Available

Discussion Questions

From Book Club Chat - Added by Pauline

1. Let’s first talk about the title. What were the key moments in each of the ‘three’ lives for Cate (aka Annie)?

2. The book is written as a memoir, with several different perspectives. What were your thoughts on this writing style?

3. What did you think about the friendship between Annie and Amanda? Why was it important for the reader to learn so much about their relationship?

4. In what ways was there a power imbalance between the two? When did Annie start to pull away from Amanda?

5. Amanda experiences a tragic and terrifying fall. After calling for help, Annie runs away from Amanda and the town. Let’s talk about why Annie made this decision. Why didn’t she stay with Amanda? How would have life been different if she had stayed?

6. Annie eventually meets Sidney, an aspiring attorney. In many ways, it’s another power imbalance relationship as Sidney takes advantage of Annie’s emotional state, and even lies to her about Amanda’s fate. What was your overall impression of Sidney?

7. Why do you think Annie never questioned any of Sidney’s motivations? Why did Annie take so long to return home?
8. Why did Annie channel her past into a novel?

9. Prior to filming the movie adaptation, Annie is invited to the house of the actress (Ryan) who will portray one of the main characters on film. Why did Annie agree to come to Ryan’s house?

10. Do you feel Annie and Ryan are a good match? Why or why not?

11. We eventually read the aftermath of Amanda, her injuries and how her life changed for good. Are you surprised she eventually forgave Annie for leaving?

12. Annie makes her way back home and reunites with Amanda. Did you want to read more about their reunion?

13. Now that Annie has finally come clean to the world about her identity and past, what’s next for her? Do you think her and Ryan are in it for the long haul?

Suggested by Members

by lizblair (see profile) 04/19/25

Weblinks

There are no web links at this time.

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 1 of 1 members.

by lizblair (see profile) 04/19/25

Member Reviews

Rate this book