Falling Star
L.A. news anchor Dempsey's first novel is set in a world familiar to her: the cutthroat arena of television news. Natalie Daniels, the prime-time anchor for KXLA, is on the verge of her fortieth birthday, which places her position as one of L.A.'s most visible news anchors in jeopardy. Tony Scoppio, the new news director, is preoccupied with the bottom line and is looking to cut corners wherever he can, and he focuses on Natalie's sizable salary. Tony is also concerned about Natalie's age and is considering replacing her with a younger candidate. To make matters worse, Natalie's former protegee and current rival, Kelly, sees this as the perfect opportunity for the advancement she craves and begins angling for Natalie's position. When Natalie makes an on-camera error and goes to extremes to get an interview, Tony demotes her and gives the conniving Kelly the coveted anchor spot. Distraught, Natalie begins searching for a new job, but opportunities are mysteriously scarce. Natalie has to decide whether to stay at KXLA and accept her reduced position or leave the station she has become attached to. Dishy and fun--in other words, perfect summer fare.Kristine HuntleyCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved