Hello, Sunshine

After Becca Harrington is rejected by every college she applies to, she moves to Los Angeles with a single goal: become an actress within a year, hoping it will boost her resume when she reapplies for school. Becca assumed that Alex, her boyfriend of two years, would be her rock, but plans change when he breaks up with her after dropping her off in Southern California with her cousin. So Becca draws up a 12-point list on how to get started on the path to success; steps include “Get an agent!” and “Get a job to make $$$!” Howland (Nantucket Blue) expertly navigates the ups and downs of a struggling actress in Hollywood. While she doesn’t skimp on the glamour (labels, parties, beautiful people), the narrative focuses on how Becca evolves into a confident and self-sufficient young woman. Howland portrays a grounded version of Hollywood (in a classic move, Becca takes a job as a waitress to make ends meet) while keeping the story fun, engaging, and splashed with romance and wish fulfillment. Ages 14–up. [em]Agent: Sara Crowe, Pippin Properties. (July) [/em]