Time/Steps [Kindle Edition]

Charlotte Vale-Allen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Allen ( Promises , Destinies) has written a Hollywood saga of a legendary actress, Beatrice Crane, and her two lifelong loves, Bobby Bradley and Hank Donovan. Determined to be a dancer, Bea gets her start at 14 on Broadway and moves on to Hollywood musicals, teaming up with fellow hoofer Bradley. At the peak of their popularity Bea is savagely beaten by a jealous actor. Unable to dance again, she marries director Donovan, who is devoted to her despite his homosexuality. Donovan pushes her into dramatic roles, which open a new Oscar-winning career for her. Allen's attempt to evoke the Hollywood atmosphere of the 1930s and 1940s is a bit heavy-handed, but the book picks up power in the last half as Bea deals with an increasingly estranged daughter who writes a Mommie Dearest- type memoir. Sure to be popular. Marcia L. Perry, Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, Mass.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

It was the Great Depression, a time of breadlines and of terrible, widespread poverty. But it was also a time when the movies--particularly musicals--were a source of comfort and refuge and entertainment for millions.

It was a time when a gifted young dancer could get her start on Broadway and wind up a movie star. Beatrice Crane is that dancer, that movie star. And this is the story of her life, in the best black-and-white cinematic tradition.

Beatrice Crane and Bobby Bradley were Hollywood's greatest dance team--until the events of one horrific night changed both their personal and private lives forever. It's a journey through the Golden Age of Hollywood--the magic, the bright lights, and the shining stars of the American dream factory.

Editorial Review
From Library Journal
Allen ( Promises , Destinies) has written a Hollywood saga of a legendary actress, Beatrice Crane, and her two lifelong loves, Bobby Bradley and Hank Donovan. Determined to be a dancer, Bea gets her start at 14 on Broadway and moves on to Hollywood musicals, teaming up with fellow hoofer Bradley. At the peak of their popularity Bea is savagely beaten by a jealous actor. Unable to dance again, she marries director Donovan, who is devoted to her despite his homosexuality. Donovan pushes her into dramatic roles, which open a new Oscar-winning career for her. Allen's attempt to evoke the Hollywood atmosphere of the 1930s and 1940s is a bit heavy-handed, but the book picks up power in the last half as Bea deals with an increasingly estranged daughter who writes a Mommie Dearest- type memoir. Sure to be popular. Marcia L. Perry, Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, Mass.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 963 KB
• Publisher: Island Nation Press LLC; 3 edition (May 7, 2009)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00292BUWO
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #339,784 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

More About the Author

Charlotte Vale-Allen was born in Toronto and lived in England from 1961 to 1964 where she worked as a television actress and singer. She returned to Toronto briefly, performing as a singer until she emigrated to the US in 1966. She sold her first novel Love Life in 1974. Prior to this book's publication she contracted to do a series of paperback originals, with the result that in 1976 three of her books appeared in print. Her autobiography, the acclaimed Daddy's Girl, was actually the first book she wrote but it wasn't until 1980, after she'd gained success as a novelist, that the groundbreaking book was finally published. One of Canada's most successful novelists, with over seven million copies sold of her 39 books, Ms. Allen's work has been published in all English-speaking countries, in Braille, and have been translated into more than 20 languages. The mother of an adult daughter and grandmother of twins, since 1970 she has made her home in Connecticut.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another brilliant book by Charlotte Vale Allen, May 15, 2001

By 

Renee Allen (Cincinnati - USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Time/Steps (Paperback)

From a small girl, Beatrice Crain is one smart cookie. She has the gift to dance, and dance she does! She proved herself and went on to become a professional dancer and even made movies. Her dancing partner, Bobby Bradley is also a good dancer, but has a bit of a struggle finding himself in the beginning. This book is definitely about love, finding it and keeping it. I don't think Charlotte Vale Allen has written a bad book, at least none that I've found.

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless, May 29, 2010

By 

Suzie "Suzie" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Time/Steps (Kindle Edition)

I've had this book in my library for over 20 years. It is the one book that I come back to, year after year, when I have some free time at the beach or while on vacation. Ms. Vale-Allen's attention to detail in describing the world of Beatrice Crane is outstanding. Even though I've read this book countless times, I still take pleasure in re-visiting the characters and their relationships. It's a great work of fiction with life lessons embedded throughout the story. If you want to escape into a world of spotlights and glamor, and learn something on the way, please pick up this book. You will not regret it.