Cinematic Destinies

A Novel

Romance - Contemporary
256 Pages
Reviewed on 04/07/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Cinematic Destinies by Patricia Leavy follows Georgia, Albert, and Betty, three siblings in the throes of their careers and juggling relationships, while their parents, Finn and Ella, prepare to renew their wedding vows. Georgia, an actress like her parents, develops a deep connection with Roo while filming in Iceland, but commitment proves problematic. Albert, an aspiring animator, fears coming out to his family and has a push-and-pull away relationship with Ryan. Betty, a dedicated doctor, wrestles with her feelings for Khalil as she prioritizes work over personal life. Meanwhile, Finn and Ella look back on their family’s journey and rekindle their bond. The story shifts between all of their lives as each works to figure life out, culminating in some surprising decisions and solidifying others.

Going into Cinematic Destinies by Patricia Leavy, I did not know that this is the third book in a trilogy, but I was so happy to find that it reads perfectly as a standalone. That said, I've been hooked enough to the Forrester family to go back and read what I've missed. Leavy's writing style is steady and comfortable. There's a calmness to it that is unique, even when addressing the most complicated and legitimate fears. As readers, we get such a great sense of Finn and Ella and who they are as parents and people that there's an underlying reassurance that everything will be fine in the end. Georgia's storyline was the one I most looked forward to when it popped up again on the page. I mean, there is no downside to a literary visit to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Leavy makes it absolutely heavenly and it felt like I was right there. Overall, the writing, the characters, the little nods of sizzle, and the brilliant family dynamic make this book a winner. Very highly recommended.

K.C. Finn

Cinematic Destinies by Patricia Leavy is a heartwarming contemporary romance that explores love, family, and self-discovery. The story centers on the Forrester family—legendary actor Finn Forrester, his philosopher wife, Ella, and their three adult children. As the couple celebrates their thirtieth wedding anniversary, their children grapple with their own romantic struggles. Betty, a focused medical resident, guards her heart; Albert, unsure of his identity, searches for his place in the world; and Georgia, an actress like her father, finds herself falling for her co-star while filming a new movie. With parallel love stories and family bonds at its core, the novel offers a moving portrayal of generational love and self-fulfillment.

Author Patricia Leavy has an easy, confident style to her writing that just invites you to read more and more, and her lyrical prose captures the magic and vulnerability of love across generations on every page of this lovely story. I thought that the family dynamics were authentically presented with dialogue that felt like it was taken straight out of real life, and this made it so emotionally resonant and relatable as you're getting to know Finn and Ella. Even when the elements of Hollywood glamour come in, the family struggles create a captivating contrast because you're still seeing the real people under the surface at every moment. The drama is well-paced to offer some real heart-wrenching moments as the children grow up and change. but there's a hopeful and uplifting tone that makes for a feel-good, satisfying read. Overall, Cinematic Destinies is a highly recommended novel that I feel fans of family sagas and emotive, character-led dramas will enjoy.

Pikasho Deka

Patricia Leavy wraps up her much-acclaimed contemporary romance trilogy with Cinematic Destinies. Hollywood movie star Finn Forrester and his beautiful wife, Ella Sinclair, a philosopher, have been happily married for the last thirty years. Each of their three children has chosen a different path in life. Betty is in a medical residency program in New York. Despite her parents' blissful marriage, she doesn't believe in happy endings and is oblivious to the affections of her coworker, Khalil. Albert has just graduated from art school and is in love, but is reluctant to come out in front of his father. Georgia has adopted her mother's bohemian outlook on life. She is the new heroine of Jean Mercier's latest and probably last movie called "Beauty." After Georgia arrives in Iceland for the shoot, she is swept off her feet by her co-star, Rupert Reed.

Patricia Leavy, once again, delivers a feel-good tale of love, romance, and family. Cinematic Destinies is a fitting culmination of the stories of the Forresters and filmmaker Jean Mercier and his crew. There is a feeling of warmth and hope in Leavy's stories, and this book is no exception. The new generation of Forresters are all as likable as their parents and will charm their way into the hearts of readers in no time. Betty, Albert, and Georgia all have distinct personalities and choose different ways to live their lives. However, each of them shares their parents' kind-hearted nature and deep, inherent desire to love and be loved. I also enjoyed Jean Mercier's friendship with Michael Hennessey at the latter stage of their careers. Overall, it's a fantastic ending to a riveting contemporary romance/drama trilogy.