Any Given Moment

This is by far a bigger book than many volumes which have more pages to them. The author was once an editor, and here her keen eye is turned toward the publishing and media conglomerates which dominate the daily news. You will have fun guessing the alter egos of the main characters, although some of them are obviously composites of several bigger-than-life celebrities. This is a 90's story, for certain.Jet setting from England to New York to Hollywood, the story involves a now elderly couple, Henry and Dorothy Hillings, literary agents from a time when talent was carefully nurtured until it was ready for prime time, and personal friendships were as important as the professional alliance. As they approach their golden years, they reach a gentleman's agreement to ease out over time, along with an old friend, the head of a media packaging firm, ICA. Unfortunately, during a hostile takeover, the old friend is manuevered out in favor of a young shark, Creighton Berns.Doe suffers a heart attack when their office is padlocked, and while she is kept away from the action, many of their clients--both young and old--who have benefitted from the agency through the years come together in New York. Their intent is to wage war against ICA, even though several of them also have ties to the octopus-like ICA.Some of the old-time writers are almost caricatures of the type, while newer media stars are so meticulously delineated that they fairly jump off the page. The city of New York is pictured so lovingly that it almost becomes a character in its own right.The end, when it comes, will have you cheering the indomitable spirit of that grand old lady, Doe Hillings, who unearths the secret behind the takeover, and carefully engineers a takeover of her own. Her five most able lieutenants, author/historian Elizabeth Robinson; conservative radio personality Montgomery Grant Smith; movie star Georgiana Hamilton-Ayres; one-time author now movie producer David Aussenhoff; and brand-new author Patty Kleczak, each have their own secrets but nevertheless are able to successfully follow Doe's instructions and rout the bad guys.I liked this book so much that I was immediately off to my library for the author's previous books.

After reading Van Wormer's first two novels, I enjoyed "Benedict Canyon," but it was nice to meet up with Alexandra, Cassy, and Jessica again in "Any Given Moment." Especially Alexandra, whose love life was left hanging at the conclusion of "West End!" Also, it introduces the reader to Georgiana, who reappears in the author's latest novel, "Talk." Interesting insights into the world of publishing also appear.

The story takes us from the city out to Watermill, in the Hamptons. Everyone is in the publishing field, but the story has many more interesting points. I enjoyed this book and it was had to put down. Coming from the Hamptons myself I can relate, and can picture just where it takes place. You have to read this heart warming story, I know you will love it and go back for more of Laura Van Wormer's books.

Van Wormer's most appealing characters (Cassie, head of a cable news network and Alexandra Waring, star news anchor) also appear in West End and Riverside Drive. A nice touch, appreciated by this loyal reader! This books gives a behind-the-scenes look at ethics in the worlds of publishing, television and Hollywood. The good guys win, of course, in this well-told tale.