Set Piece

Schwartz (Build Your Own Romantic Comedy) invites readers behind the scenes of movie making magic in this brisk and delightful contemporary. Production designer CJ Ericson first meets—and hooks up with—handsome, up-and-coming British actor Jack Felgate while she’s bartending in between movie gigs. Fives years later, they meet again on the set of the umpteenth remake of The Great Gatsby, where CJ is designing the sets and Jack, now a celebrity, is playing Nick Carraway. Though their chemistry immediately rekindles, CJ refuses to act on their attraction, partly to avoid any hint of scandal that might damage her career, but also because, as a single mom to a four year old, her priorities no longer include casual affairs. Determined to prove his commitment, Jack is more than willing to meet her halfway. Rich details from the movie set highlight all the work involved to bring films to the big screen and add depth to the sensitively handled workplace romance. Schwartz’s flare for dialogue and well-earned steamy scenes make the relationship easy to root for. This is sure to win the author fans. (May)