The Star Society
- Judith D Collins
- Dec 6
- 14 min read
Updated: Dec 6
By: Gabriella Saab
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
ISBN: 9781400351305
Publisher: Harper Muse
Publication Date: 01/06/2026
Format: Paperback & audio
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC) (ALC)
Uncover the captivating tale of two extraordinary sisters in The Star Society, a thrilling historical novel that transports readers from the shadows of the Dutch Resistance to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Inspired by the indomitable spirit of Audrey Hepburn, this gripping story follows Ada and Ingrid as they reunite after World War II, embarking on a journey of justice, survival, and secrets amid the backdrop of the Red Scare in Hollywood.
A new name, a new country, and a coveted title as Hollywood's newest rising star: by 1946, actress Ada Worthington-Fox has discarded the life she left in war-torn Arnhem, where she worked for the Dutch resistance before Gestapo imprisonment prompted her to flee after release. But that life is thrust back into the spotlight when Ingrid--the sister she believed dead--shows up on her doorstep.
Politically-minded Ingrid escaped the Nazi invasion of Arnhem and fled to Washington, D.C., where she became a private investigator. Now, she has been sent to root out communist influences in Hollywood. Her target: Ada Worthington-Fox, the sister she long thought lost to her. Ingrid must hide her true purpose as she shields Ada from sneaky reporters, damaging rumors, and increasing threats, all while fighting to uncover which side her sister is truly on before Ingrid's efforts to help her are too late.
Yet, Ada has her own mission: locating the Gestapo agent who terrorized her hometown and bringing him to justice. But delving into her past would risk alerting the press to a life too personal to expose. As the rising fear of communism threatens everyone, she turns to her sister, believing Ingrid's ties to Washington may be her only hope for success.
But the connections between Ada's elusive Nazi and Ingrid's communist witch hunt might be stronger than they realize. Both sisters share the darkest secret of all, one that risks their very lives if ever exposed. As they come closer to identifying Ada's target and as Ingrid's investigation intensifies, they will need to decide what is more important: justice or safety, keeping silent or taking a stand, and, above all, if their loyalty to one another is worth risking the post-war lives they've fought to build.
About the Author
Gabriella Saab is an acclaimed author of historical fiction. Her first two novels, The Last Checkmate and Daughters of Victory, have been published in multiple languages and various countries. She graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor of business administration in marketing and lives in her hometown in Alabama.
Connect with her online at gabriellasaab.com Instagram: @gabriellasaab_; Facebook: @GabriellaSaabAuthor; X: @GabriellaSaab_
Exceptional Authors.
Standout Books. Elevator Talk.
Behind the Book & the Author
INTRIGUING QUESTIONS. INQUIRING READERS WANT TO KNOW
Welcome to the January 2026 edition of #LitLiftMiniAuthorChats, a delightful segment of the #AuthorElevatorSeries! We are thrilled to have with us the distinguished historical author, Gabriella Saab, who will be sharing insights about her dazzling new novel, THE STAR SOCIETY, set to release on January 6, 2026. This stunning book will be available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audio formats (narrated by the award-winning Saskia Maarleveld), by Harper Muse.
Embark on this exciting elevator ride with us as we explore the fascinating world of Gabriella’s writing and delve deeper into her latest masterpiece.
A warm welcome to you, Gabriella!
Behind the Book
Q. Give us your best ELEVATOR PITCH for THE STAR SOCIETY.
GS: THE STAR SOCIETY tells the story of Ada and Ingrid, twin sisters who are separated by war until their lives collide again, uniting them on a journey of justice, survival, and secrets amid the backdrop of the Red Scare in Hollywood.
Q. DESCRIBE your novel in three words.
GS: Glamorous, heartfelt, Hitchcockian!
Q. TOPICS: Name 1-3 topics or themes addressed in the novel?
GS:
Sisterhood: The theme of sisterhood is central to the story. Ada and Ingrid are twins who have always been loyal to one another, yet their bond is tested in ways it has never been before and ways they never imagined.
The Red Scare in Hollywood: The Red Scare’s impact on the entertainment industry is not something I knew much about prior to writing this novel, so it was fascinating to learn more. I learned so much by exploring the topic from both sides: a woman thought to be subversive, and a woman investigating the allegations.
Silence: The issue of silence comes up frequently in the story, which takes place in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands and in Red Scare Hollywood. In both places, fear, paranoia, and mistrust were prevalent, which led me to wonder how people in those times might react to the circumstances and what their reactions might cost them. Is it better to keep your opinions quiet or speak up? Can being silent protect others or yourself? Can being silent hurt others or yourself? Can the answer differ depending on the situation? These are the types of questions and moral complexities I wanted to explore through this novel.
Q. SETTING: Place, timeline (s), season, where the book is set and why selected.
GS: This book was partially inspired by Audrey Hepburn, therefore the setting is inspired by her life. During World War II, she grew up in the Netherlands, then after the war, she became a Hollywood star. Thus my setting is Nazi-occupied Arnhem from 1940-1943 and postwar Hollywood from 1946-1948. The story covers all seasons, but most of it takes place in Hollywood, which tends to have more moderate temperatures, so most of the seasons feel springy and summery.
Q. DID YOU KNOW? Name 3-5 things that readers may, (or may not know) about your book, or not included in the book.
GS:
I hid countless Audrey Hepburn-inspired Easter eggs in these pages—some true to the real woman, others inspired by characters she played. Audrey’s favorite dessert, notes from the perfume she wore, a special something influenced by a real story about her and a costar (I discuss in more detail in my author’s note), some of my favorite touches from her characters, and so many more! I wanted to make Ada her own person so she didn’t feel like a carbon copy of Audrey, but I also wanted to add those elements as a way to pay tribute to my inspiration and leave a fun little treasure hunt for the readers who might recognize some of those characteristics.
A fictional gossip column is featured in the story and some articles are scattered throughout, and I think those were my favorite parts to write. I got the idea because a real columnist, Hedda Hopper, was very well-known at the time, so I wanted to do my take on someone like her to enhance the Hollywood feel through gossip, rumors, and tabloids. My columnist is insufferably nosy and absolutely shameless, and her articles are full of obnoxious nicknames, alliteration, and maybe one or two grains of truth somewhere amid her rambling—basically, I made them as annoying and fun and entertaining as I possibly could, haha!
For my writing process, I’m a plotter, which means I do a lot of work upfront before I start writing the story. I do all my research, exercises to develop character, plot, and all the story elements, then I put everything together into a chapter outline. Things change as I draft—because writing the story helps me get to know it in an even deeper way—and I always do follow-up research, but this process definitely saves me some drafts and makes the writing so much easier for me. It also makes editing easier, because I can go back to my outline, move and change whatever needs adjusting, and get back to work. It’s like a road map: I see every direction, every turn, how I’m getting from start to finish—and even if I turn in another direction, the map updates my route, so I always get to where I’m going.
My character, Ada, has a Yorkshire Terrier because Audrey Hepburn had a Yorkie (that’s one of my Easter eggs!), and I have a Yorkie, too! Yes, I got her because Audrey had one, and her name is Holly Golightly after Audrey’s character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Can you tell I’m a huge Audrey Hepburn fan?
Some of my favorite scenes to write were Ada’s Star Society parties because they’re glamorous and over-the-top, and I got to feature some real celebrities, but then there are little moments of tension and paranoia as the Red Scare gains traction. It made for a fun, interesting dynamic to contrast the carefree nature of these events with the growing understanding that even the most innocent of interactions might be misconstrued and turned into a cause for doubt and suspicion.
Behind the Author
Q. DID YOU KNOW? Name 3-5 things that readers may, (or may not know) about YOU, the author.
GS:
When most of us were little kids and we were asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” the answer was probably not what we ended up becoming as adults. For me, it is! When I was about six years old, I wrote my first story and decided I wanted to be an author when I grew up, and I never grew out of that dream. I’m so grateful it came true.
I love to travel, and when I do, I’ll have moments of relaxation, of course, but for the most part, I like to do and see as much as I can. I usually research my destination and develop an itinerary of must-dos, places to go, and restaurants to try, leaving some open space for flexibility since the unexpected and unplanned can sometimes be the best part of a trip, but planning ahead helps me take full advantage of my time while I have the opportunity. I want to book the earliest flight into my destination and the latest flight home, walk around, eat at nice restaurants, go to museums, find hidden gems that make me feel like a local, anything and everything to make the most of my trip! I can rest when I get home!
Growing up, I was such a picky eater, and I didn’t really grow out of that until high school. Now I absolutely love to cook, bake, go to restaurants, and make cocktails, and I’ll try anything. Whenever I have an accomplishment worth celebrating, that’s usually my excuse to take myself out to a fancy dinner.
I was a ballet dancer for about 13 years, and Audrey Hepburn actually wanted to be a ballerina before she turned to acting, so in THE STAR SOCIETY, Ada is a ballerina before she becomes an actress. I had so much fun using my own knowledge and experiences from ballet to inform those elements in the story – I still love ballet so much!
I absolutely love audiobooks! I’m forever in awe of how skilled audiobook narrators are, and they truly have the power to elevate a story. Since audiobooks are typically my preferred format for fiction, I often find myself thinking about the people who will be listening to my own books, and I’m so fortunate to have Saskia Maarleveld narrating THE STAR SOCIETY. She’s so incredibly talented, and I was a huge fan of hers long before I became an author, so to see her name attached to my work is surreal!
Q. BOOK REC: A book you would recommend.
GS: Too many to name! But for those interested in more stories about Hollywood and celebrities, I highly recommend CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS by Eliza Knight and Denny S. Bryce, which is about the real friendship between Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald. It was wonderfully written, and the audiobook, narrated by Caroline Hewitt and Karen Chilton, is excellent!
Q. ELEVATOR: If you were stuck in an elevator with someone, who would you want it to be? (celebrity, influence, author-dead or alive).
GS: Is Audrey Hepburn too obvious of an answer, considering the inspiration for this book? Haha! Other than Audrey, I would love to be in an elevator with my grandfather. He passed away in 2019 right before I signed with my literary agent, but he was so invested in my aspirations to become an author and so supportive of me. Even though he hasn’t been here to see my books on shelves, I’ve felt him with me every step of the way along this journey, and I wish I could give him a hug.
Q. UPCOMING: Currently working on, or upcoming project?
GS: My next novel, THE SURVIVORS GUILD, releases on September 1st, 2026— just like THE STAR SOCIETY!—is set in 1912 New York. The story is about two women traveling on the Titanic—Marguerite Ashby, a wealthy American socialite engaged to a British earl, and Nabiha “Bea” Nohra, a Lebanese immigrant traveling to America to find work. When the ship wrecks, the women survive together and find themselves caring for a baby boy who is not claimed by any of the survivors, so they form a charity to help survivors and locate the baby’s family while Marguerite begins to question her engagement, Bea tries to earn enough money to move the rest of her family to America, and both women fact the expectations, judgments, and hardships of New York society. It’s different from anything else I’ve written, and I’m half Lebanese, so it’s been so wonderful to explore that side of my heritage through this fictional story inspired by true events. I can’t wait to share it with readers!
What do you hope readers take away from THE STAR SOCIETY?
GS: Most of all, I hope readers come away from the book eager to learn more about the real history that inspired it, and I hope they find the story to be an emotional and entertaining tale featuring strong female characters, as that is my goal for all my books. This book is so special to me, and I can’t wait for it to find its readers!
What a captivating experience! A heartfelt thank you to Gabriella for sharing her time and insights with us during this fascinating interview. I can only imagine how proud Audrey Hepburn would be. We are eagerly anticipating your upcoming book, THE SURVIVORS GUILD, set to release in 2026; it sounds absolutely divine!
Praise
'A gripping dual-timeline of espionage, sisterhood, and life in the shadows left behind by war. THE STAR SOCIETY follows sisters Ada and Ingrid from their life in Holland with the Dutch Resistance to the dazzling glitz of Hollywood as they continue their fight for justice. Gabriella Saab writes unforgettable heroines who are as clever as they are brave.'
-- Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of THE BOOKLOVER’S LIBRARY
'Gabriella Saab's THE STAR SOCIETY is a gripping, emotionally charged journey from the war-torn streets of Europe to the high-stakes glamour of post-war Hollywood. With razor-sharp tension and unforgettable characters, Saab explores the haunting legacy of the Dutch Resistance, the perilous rise of communism in Tinseltown, and the unbreakable bond between two sisters shaped by secrets. I was swept away by Ada's evolution from dancer and resister to rising screen star, and by Ingrid's impossible choice between duty and loyalty. This novel is a dazzling portrait of sacrifice, survival, and the dangerous price of reinvention.'
-- Eliza Knight, USA TODAY bestselling author of CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN
'The Star Society sparkles with glamour, intrigue, and subterfuge. Beautifully written, expertly plotted, and richly atmospheric, Gabriella Saab's latest novel is an absolute gem. I loved how the story captures both the allure of Old Hollywood and the lingering darkness of war. Be sure to add this one to your list!'
-- Sara Ackerman, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Codebreaker’s Secret
'The Star Society is ambitious in scope, yet emotionally intimate. A story of sisterly love, the bond between the sisters stretched but never quite broken as they live through the horrors of war-torn Holland, then are transported in very different ways to the glamour of Hollywood in the shadow of the Red Scare. This novel has everything--secrets and intrigue, danger and high stakes, heartbreak and love, all set against a fascinating backdrop of post-war America. I loved it!'
-- Louise Fein, international bestselling author
'The Star Society has it all: the glamour and romance of Old Hollywood, riveting post-war espionage, and a heart-wrenching, nuanced examination of sisterhood. Dazzling, thrilling, and unforgettable.'
-- Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne, authors of The Antiquity Affair and The Starlets
My Review
Renowned author Gabriella Saab, celebrated for her mesmerizing historical fiction, unveils her latest dazzling masterpiece, THE STAR SOCIETY.
Drawing inspiration from the indomitable spirit of Audrey Hepburn, this enthralling narrative unfolds the poignant tale of twin sisters who find themselves reunited in the vibrant yet turbulent landscape of post-World War II Hollywood.
As they navigate a world of glittering allure of fame and the shadowy depths of past traumas, their gripping journey is one of survival, buried secrets, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Each sister embarks on her own intertwining mission, challenging the darkness of their history while contending with the pervasive paranoia of the Red Scare.
In this richly woven saga, the sisters must confront not only their personal demons but also the societal upheavals of their time, making for a riveting exploration of resilience, identity, sisterhood, and the unwavering bonds of family.
About...
THE STAR SOCIETY follows the dual timelines and converging missions of two Dutch sisters, Ada and Ingrid, in the aftermath of WWII.
Inspired by Audrey Hepburn's life with a focus on themes of survival, justice, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood amid the Red Scare in Hollywood.
Characters:
Ada Worthington-Fox: A former Dutch Resistance member who, after imprisonment by the Gestapo, assumes a new identity and becomes a rising actress in post-war Hollywood.
Ingrid: Ada's politically-minded twin sister, who flees to Washington, D.C. during the war and becomes a private investigator.
The twins reunite in 1946 Hollywood after years of separation, each having believed the other dead.
Ada has reinvented herself as a rising Hollywood star to escape her past as a member of the Dutch Resistance in Arnhem, which included a traumatic Gestapo imprisonment.
Ingrid, who fled to Washington D.C. and became a private investigator, arrives in Hollywood with a secret assignment to root out communist influences, and her primary target is her own sister, Ada, who has become a rising actress under the name Ada Worthington-Fox.
Ada becomes a part of a secret group of friends called "The Star Society," which is named by a gossip columnist who covers their exclusive parties. Both sisters share a dark secret from their time in the war that, if exposed, could destroy their new lives.
As the plot unfolds, the two sisters must navigate the political and social pressures of the Red Scare era while trying to uncover the truth and trust one another, while also fighting corruption.
My Reflections...
THE STAR SOCIETY is a masterfully crafted work of historical novel that immerses readers in a meticulously researched world, emotionally gripping, brimming with intricately layered characters and vibrant settings. Heartbreaking, an utterly riveting tale of courage, loss, and overcoming impossible odds,
Gabriella Saab cleverly spins a creative retelling that is not only filled with rich historical detail but also interspersed with glamour, danger, intrigue, and sheer courage. The narrative glimmers with entertaining Easter eggs to discover and subtle nods to the iconic Audrey Hepburn and the myriad characters she brought to life on screen.
As the plot progresses, the tension mounts, drawing readers into a suspenseful dance as the sisters hone in on Ada's elusive target. Ingrid's investigation intensifies the stakes, forcing them into a poignant struggle between the pursuit of justice, the desire to safeguard their own lives, the option of remaining silent, or the heartbreaking decision to jeopardize everything for the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.
With its dual timelines, this compelling novel eloquently navigates themes of survival, reinvention, the haunting legacy of war, unwavering loyalty, and the sacrifices made in love—set against the backdrop of post-war Hollywood during the turbulent Red Scare. Each page reveals a world rife with suspicion, where shadows of past secrets linger, creating an atmosphere thick with tension, intrigue, and fear.
The title ultimately functions as a powerful metaphor for the duality of the era: the sparkling veneer of post-war Hollywood contrasted with the dangerous, shadowy world of secrets, survival, and espionage that lies just beneath the surface.
Inspired by the extraordinary life of Audrey Hepburn—whose journey you can delve deeper into within the fascinating Author's Notes—this work elegantly intertwines elements of Hollywood glamour, espionage, and deeply buried family secrets.
The Audiobook...
I had the immense pleasure of not only reading this gripping tale but also listening to the audiobook version narrated by the exceptionally talented, acclaimed Saskia Maarleveld (a favorite). Her performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, as she deftly captures the essence of this dual-timeline historical thriller. Through her voice, the story comes alive, painting a vivid picture of the time, place, and characters while echoing the lingering shadows of war that loom over the glittering expanse of 1940s Hollywood.
I highly recommend the audiobook, as it truly elevates, transforming it into an engaging and immersive listening experience. The skilled narration breathes life into the characters, enhancing the emotional depth and nuances of the plot. Each carefully chosen tone and inflection draws you deeper into the narrative, making it impossible to put down. This format allows for a multi-sensory enjoyment that adds a rich layer to the storytelling, inviting listeners to fully appreciate the author's craft.
This unabridged recording spans an enchanting seven hours and is available for pre-order, set to be released on January 6, 2026.
Recommendations...
THE STAR SOCIETY will resonate deeply with fans of the author and readers who relish historical fiction rich with themes of WWII resistance, post-war espionage, and the intricate web of family secrets.
Explore similar journeys in:
~The Last Checkmate by Gabriella Saab
~ Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams
~ Sisters of Night and Fog by Erika Robuck
~ Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II by Robert Matzen (which the author references)
~ Not Without My Sister by Marion Kummerow
The common threads running through these powerful narratives are the extraordinary bravery of women in wartime, the high-stakes nature of secrets, and the enduring strength of familial bonds.
Special thanks to Harper Muse for graciously sharing a digital ARC and ALC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. And look at this exquisite cover!
@JudithDCollins } #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 6, 2026
