Cinematic Destinies, page 1
PRAISE FOR
CINEMATIC DESTINIES
“Leavy’s prose is fluid, warm, and often poetic, capturing both the beauty of everyday moments and the emotional complexity of her characters’ inner lives . . . A gentle, heartfelt story of the messy beauty of becoming.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Cinematic Destinies is a stunning and poignant celebration of romance, the magic of movies, and life itself. The exotic Icelandic film set, well-drawn characters, and smart writing make this book impossible to put down. Leavy is a gifted writer who weaves beauty and hopefulness into each of her tales. This is a gorgeous novel.”
—Laurel Richardson, author of Lone Twin
“Emotionally charged, beautifully written, and deeply satisfying, this is a book you don’t want to miss.”
—Jessica Smartt Gullion, author of October Birds
“Cinematic Destinies is a gorgeous celebration of love, art, and the true meaning of life. The characters will live in my heart forever. They remind us how art inspires life and life inspires art. This novel is a cozy love letter to love itself and a testament to all the beauty to be found by simply living to the fullest. I absolutely loved this book! Highly recommended!”
—Jessie Voigts, PhD, founder of Wandering Educators
“A tour de force! Cinematic Destinies is a romantic masterpiece. This book was so captivating that I read it in one sitting and cried happy tears for the last several chapters. I literally could not speak for hours. It was just so beautiful and emotionally satisfying.”
—U. Melissa Anyiwo, editor of Gender Warriors
“This light-hearted new novel returns us to the story of Finn Forrester and Ella. We glimpse what ‘happily ever after’ has looked like in action for these two. How delightful to see this cozy family embracing vulnerability more courageously as their children mature—and accepting that sometimes a little trial and error imparts the best lesson of all!”
—Alexandra Nowakowski, coauthor of Other People’s Oysters
“This novel will pull at heartstrings, open tear ducts, and produce laughs all at once!”
—J. E. Sumerau, 2021 George Garrett Fiction Prize winning author of Transmission
“Leavy’s riveting story of what happens in the happily-ever-after shows us how the legacy of love and art are the greatest gift. We see how love can be complicated and messy but taking a chance on the one that makes your heart soar, especially when it frightens you, is an act that sheds light in the darkest places. I loved this book.”
—Sandra L. Faulkner, author of Poetic Inquiry: Craft, Method and Practice
PRAISE FOR
AFTER THE RED CARPET
“A fun read from start to finish . . . a welcome and unreservedly recommended addition to the personal reading lists of dedicated romance fans.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Leavy’s writing shines in its ability to delve into the emotional intricacies of a relationship, offering readers a glimpse into the characters’ heartfelt explorations of trust, understanding, and mutual support. This novel is an inviting read for those who appreciate a story that reaches the heights of romantic idealism and savors the everyday moments that weave two lives together.”
—Literary Titan, 5-star review
“After the Red Carpet is a modern masterpiece and a perfect romance narrative from the more literary side of the book world.”
—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review
“Overall, the book is a frothy, sunny read.”
—Kirkus Reviews
PRAISE FOR
THE LOCATION SHOOT
“Each character is more charming than the next . . . the intellectual discussions throughout the book prove fresh and engaging and will keep the pages turning. A quick-witted depiction of moviemaking best suited for contemplative romantics.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Patricia Leavy’s The Location Shoot is hard to put down. . . . Leavy is a master storyteller, skillfully weaving together a narrative that keeps us engaged from start to finish. . . . Ultimately, it’s a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of love, relationships, and self-discovery. Highly recommended!”
—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review
“The narrative’s charm isn’t solely defined by the romantic entanglement of a central couple but also by its well-sketched ensemble cast.”
—Literary Titan, 5-star review
“A tour de force! Much more than a romance, this novel celebrates the romance of life itself. Leavy’s voice in fiction is singular. She brings her laser-like wit, intelligence, and hopefulness to this enchanting and truly unforgettable love story.”
—Laurel Richardson, author of Lone Twin
PRAISE FOR
SHOOTING STARS ABOVE
“Patricia Leavy crafts a riveting narrative that shows the healing power of love and how it helps wounded souls become whole once again.”
—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review
“The strongest book I’ve ever read . . . It gave me hope and made me remember why all kinds of love are worth fighting for.”
—The Book Revue, 5-star review
PRAISE FOR
HOLLYLAND
“This quick read will leave readers satisfied with the happy ending. The main characters will make readers believe in love. Fans of Colleen Hoover and Tessa Bailey will enjoy Hollyland.”
—Booklist
“Written with the kind of eloquence associated with award winning literary fiction . . . An impressively poignant, laudably original, and thoroughly entertaining novel that moves fluidly between romance, humor, suspense, and joy, Hollyland is one of those stories that will linger in the mind and memory long after the book itself has been finished and set back upon the shelf . . . highly recommended.”
—Midwest Book Review
Copyright © 2025 Patricia Leavy
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, except for brief quotations in reviews, educational works, or other uses permitted by copyright law.
Published in 2025 by
She Writes Press, an imprint of The Stable Book Group
32 Court Street, Suite 2109
Brooklyn, NY 11201
https://shewritespress.com
Library of Congress Control Number: 2025909813
ISBN: 978-1-64742-948-5
eISBN: 978-1-64742-949-2
Interior Designer: Tabitha Lahr
Printed in the United States
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
No part of this publication may be used to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) models. The publisher and author reserve all rights related to the use of this content in machine learning.
All company and product names mentioned in this book may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. They are used for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation.
In memory of Mr. Barry Shuman
PROLOGUE
May 25
Entertainment News Report
French filmmaker Jean Mercier’s impending retirement has sent shock waves through the film industry. Known for tackling daring subjects with his avant-garde approach to cinema, the controversial filmmaker has long been considered one of the few true artists of contemporary film. Although retirement seems inevitable at the age of 89, many in the industry thought he’d die with a director’s clapboard in his hands, a joke the eccentric artist has often made himself. The announcement comes one week before shooting is scheduled to begin on what we now know will be his final film. Mercier famously films in remote locations, living in seclusion with his lead actors in rented homes and inns. The award winner is known for curating unexpected casts, and his choices this time are sure to create a buzz.
Leading the cast is American actor Michael Hennesey, 69, who became widely known for his Emmy-winning role on Desperation and Despair before becoming a formidable presence on the silver screen. Hennesey previously appeared in Mercier’s acclaimed film Celebration thirty years ago. This is the first time the pair has reunited professionally.
British actor of stage and screen Rupert Reed, 29, is also set to star in the project. Reed is the son of playwright George Reed and actress Charlotte Reed. Charlotte Reed also starred in Mercier’s film Celebration.
Finally, up-and-coming American actress Georgia Sinclair Forrester, 25, will appear in the unnamed film. Forrester is the middle child of Hollywood movie star Finn Forrester and provocative philosopher Gabriella Sinclair Forrester. Georgia is the only of the pair’s children to follow in her father’s footsteps. Eldest daughter Betty, 28, is in a medical residency program in New York, and their son Albert, 22, recently graduated from Boston University with an art degree. Fans will recall that Forrester and Sinclair met on the set of Celebration, for which Forrester won the Oscar. One of the most enduring marriages in Hollywood, the world has been captivated by their fairy-tale romance since Forrester proposed to Sinclair on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.
So, it appears that Mercier is creating a family affair of sorts for his final picture. Is it nostalgia? Genius casting? Publicity? An attempt to reclai
m the magic of his glory days? The world will be waiting to see.
CHAPTER 1
“Ella, where are you?” Finn called.
“Georgia’s room.”
Finn bounded upstairs and found Ella standing in a flowing yellow sundress, arranging a bouquet of colorful wildflowers. He came up behind her, slipped one hand around her waist, and moved her long spiral curls over before planting a delicate kiss on her shoulder. “Hi, love,” he whispered. “Those are pretty.”
“Wildflowers for Georgia, white roses for Betty, and daisies for our sweet Albert,” she said. “I know it’s only a long weekend, but I’m so excited they’re all coming. We’re hardly together as a family anymore. They’ll all be busy over the summer, and who knows when we’ll be together again. So, I wanted to make things special.”
“Come here,” he said, turning her to face him. “You always make everything special.” He ran his finger along her hairline and kissed her softly.
“I worry about them, you know,” she said.
“Why, love? They’re all fine.”
“Betty works such long hours. Seems she’s always at the hospital and she only ever mentions one friend. I don’t think she dates at all. Must be lonely in New York City on her own.” Ella stopped and shook her head. “When she was little, she always looked out for her siblings and other younger children. Now she spends all her time taking care of others, and I worry about who will take care of her.”
“She used to be such a romantic at heart. Don’t you remember how obsessed she was with fairy-tale movies and stories? She’d refuse to leave the house without her wand and tiara.”
“And the princess dresses. Heavens, she would throw a fit if I wouldn’t let her wear one. And now . . .”
“Now?” Finn asked.
“It’s like she’s lost that part of herself, her romantic nature. She’s become so serious. All work and no play.”
“Medical school was a huge undertaking. Now she’s dealing with the demands of her residency, but eventually she’ll make time for other things,” he assured her.
“Finn, do you really think life just waits for us? Love is inconvenient. It doesn’t oblige our schedules. It requires an open heart and I’m just not sure if . . .”
“Hey,” he whispered, stroking her cheek. “She’ll find her way.”
“I worry about Albert too. My shy, quiet, gentle Albert. He must get lonely, all the way on the other side of the country. We’ve always been so close, but lately when we FaceTime, I can’t tell if he’s happy. I look into his soft blue eyes and . . .” She trailed off.
“He’s just a late bloomer. I know you were hoping he’d move back home after school, but going to Boston was good for him. The animation classes he’s taking this summer along with his art degree will open a lot of doors. It’s good for him to explore different ways to use his talent. More importantly, he’s finding out who he is.”
“I hope so.” She glanced over at the vase. “Then there’s our little wildflower, Georgia. She spends her life flitting from one place to the next, no roots, no real home base, one casual lover after the other.”
“Sounds like someone I know, my bohemian bride,” he said with a chuckle.
“Don’t start with that.”
“Ella, you and Georgia have always been so much alike. It’s why you’re at odds sometimes. She inherited your sense of humor, free spirit, wanderlust. The universe was damn clear because she’s even your spitting image.”
“Don’t blame me. You’re the actor. She’s following in your footsteps.”
“Baby, she’s just adventurous. That comes from you. It’s one of the things I fell in love with. Remember in the beginning how afraid you were of truly giving yourself to me? You were terrified I’d try to tame you, when all I wanted in the world was to love you.” Finn took her face in both his hands and leaned his forehead against hers, lingering for a long intimate moment. He pulled back and kissed her passionately, weaving his fingers into her hair. “That’s still all I want, to love you,” he whispered, nibbling on her earlobe.
Ella wrapped her arms around him and softly said, “Love me right now. Take me to our room.”
BETTY WALKED INTO THE RESIDENTS’ LOUNGE, chugging a bottle of water.
“Hey, you’re still here?” Khalil asked, sitting up from the bench he was sprawled out on.
“The delivery took forever. I felt sorry for the mother. But when she held her newborn, she seemed to forget all about the labor,” Betty replied, tossing her empty bottle in the recycling bin and opening her locker.
“Best part of OB-GYN, right? We get to be a part of a lot of happy endings,” he said.
She smiled. “Or happy beginnings, really. What are you still doing here? Didn’t your shift end hours ago?”
“Oh, uh, just thought I’d stick around a bit,” he stammered.
“Suit yourself,” she said with a shrug.
Khalil watched as Betty stretched her arms, extending her tall, lean frame. She pulled the scrunchie out of her hair, releasing wavy blonde locks down to the middle of her back, and took a small roller suitcase out of her locker.
“You must be looking forward to seeing your family,” he remarked.
She nodded. “My folks have been asking us to visit for so long. I feel bad because I do miss them, but you know what our lives are like. No time for anything.”
“Yeah, we’ve really got to find a way to have a life,” he muttered.
“Georgia’s probably gonna be going on and on about her next film and whatever rando she’s been sleeping with. She dates guys for like five minutes. Honestly, I don’t see the point. I’d rather just be at home soaking in a warm bath doing a crossword.” Khalil took a breath like he was going to respond, but she continued, “So, do you have big plans this weekend? Finally going to catch a Broadway play?”
He shook his head. “Doing a double. Figured without you here to kick my ass in Scrabble and overindulge on international takeout, I might as well get in the extra hours.”
She smiled and started toward the door, wheeling her suitcase behind her.
“You’re leaving straight from here?” he asked.
“Uh-huh. I brought my stuff just in case. Figured I might not have time to go home,” she replied.
“Don’t you want to change into street clothes?”
“No time,” Betty said. “My dad sent his jet, and I’m already barely going to make the departure time. We’re stopping in Boston on the way to LA to pick up my brother, so I can’t be late.”
“Well, if anyone can rock blue scrubs and black clogs, it’s you,” Khalil said.
She laughed. “It wouldn’t faze them, they’re used to me, but I’ll change on the jet.”
“Have a nice weekend.”
“You too.”
“Betty,” he called, before she made it out the door. She turned to face him and raised her eyebrows. “When you get back, Scrabble and takeout? We could try that new Indian place.”
“Sure,” she replied. “Sounds great. Bye.”
“Bye.”
ALBERT SCOOPED UP HIS NOTEBOOKS AND colored pencils and stuck them in his laptop bag.
“Don’t forget your headphones. For the plane,” Ryan said, gesturing to the table.
“Thanks,” Albert replied, sticking the headphones in the side pouch of his suitcase. “Listen, I gotta go. My ride’s outside.”
“Wait,” Ryan said.
“My sister is pretty uptight. She’ll be upset if I’m late for the flight.”
“Please,” he said, grazing Albert’s hand and looking straight into his blue eyes. “Just sit with me for a minute. I’m sorry about last night and . . .”
“I really can’t be late,” Albert muttered, averting his gaze.
Ryan sighed. He extended his hand and implored, “Please, just give me a minute.”
Albert reluctantly sat on the couch but kept his hands in his lap.
“What I said last night came out all wrong. I didn’t mean it to sound like an ultimatum. But you’ve always said you’re really close with your parents. Your mother already knows, and you said she completely accepts you. If you’d only tell your father then . . .”
“You don’t understand.”
