Lauren Summers' budding career as a fashion designer comes to a halt when there is a wardrobe malfunction at a prestigious awards show on a gown she helped design and create. Lauren soon finds herself in Santa Barbara in a run-down cottage, working on costumes for a high school play. It is the only job, and a very low paying one at that, that she can get right now. But the cottage is rent-free and in a very nice exclusive neighborhood. An eccentric old Hollywood movie star, Charlotte Montgomery, lives across the street, but she is a recluse.

Lauren is approached by a reporter, Kendall Joiner, who wants information about Miss Montgomery in exchange for proving that the wardrobe debacle at the awards show was a hoax. Lauren is torn as to what she should do. She can hear the words of her heart-mother (who took her in at seventeen) quoting scripture to give her direction. Is Charlotte really harboring secrets to a murder? Will Lauren compromise her beliefs and all she stands for to have her name cleared?

Kathryn Cushman brings us a delightful, inspirational story filled with dysfunctional families and Hollywood glamour of yesteryear. Lauren is a strong character, but has a lot of self-doubt. She is surrounded by a variety of supporting characters: good friends, questionable acquaintances, and people she has yet to decide about. FADING STARLIGHT is a story about trust, friendship and healing. There are many parallels between Lauren's and Miss Montgomery's lives and careers. If you are into fashion, especially vintage fashion, descriptions of beautiful designs are splashed throughout the pages, bringing back the glitz and glamour of a day gone by. FADING STARLIGHT is a touching story you should not miss.