Like the previous two entries in Chrysteen Braun’s Guest Book trilogy, THE STARLET IN CABIN NUMBER SEVEN is set in a mountain resort in the Arrowhead region of California, near Los Angeles. Among the books’ multiple storylines are those of the fabled lives and scandals of Hollywood stars, real and fictional. This title continues the trend; a fictional starlet of the 1930s/40s opens and closes the book with narratives documenting her life. The protagonist—featured throughout the series—evolves in her personal and professional relationships, with her busy career managing both the cabin resort and the shop she purchases. She interacts with friends and colleagues (old and new), blossoms in a relationship, and contributes to a small community rich in history and natural beauty—much of which is shared in the storytelling. One scene in which she’s preparing for an annual festival offers an interesting peek into the backstage workings (logistical and political) of a small community.
The first third of the book is compelling, laying down exposition neatly and quickly as mysteries build, additional characters and timelines are introduced, and the action switches from past points in time to current-day events. One of these new characters has a connection to the Hollywood star, and mystery grows about her identity and how her story might fit into those of the other characters. Unfortunately, it never really does. By the middle of the book, when at least some understanding of the story’s arc becomes sorely needed, none is offered. Scenes unfold as individual vignettes that are disparate from one another. The starlet of the title becomes another such story, following a track that runs parallel to the others without any real connection or purpose. Few conflicts appear—usually in the form of internal doubts and uncertainties—and those that do are resolved quickly and with little struggle. The promised mystery never emerges, and ultimately the book reads more like a travel guide or historical timeline of key moments in 20th-century America than a developing tale.
While the book is chock-full of visual details about beautifying homes and shops with imagery of a scenic mountain setting, and appealing vignettes about the people who live there, it lacks meaningful stakes or forward-moving narratives. Readers seeking to learn more about the natural beauty of a California mountain setting will enjoy the imagery of this book, as depictions of beautiful design work, community life, and American historical details will offer interesting insights. However, those hoping for a compelling narrative with a clear sense of direction, conflict, and resolution will be disappointed.
Though it falls short on narrative, Chrysteen Braun’s THE STARLET IN CABIN NUMBER SEVEN offers details about design, the natural beauty of a California mountain resort, and 20th-century American history.
~Anne Welsbacher for IndieReader