Gable & Lombard

Dive into the private lives of Hollywood’s most iconic couple with the release of Gable & Lombard: The Secrets They Kept for Love, a riveting new historical fiction novel by author Emma Strong. Set against the glamorous yet tumultuous backdrop of the Golden Age of Hollywood, this book unveils the secrets and sacrifices behind the renowned love affair. It glimpses Hollywood’s elite, a world where beauty, money, and scandal intertwine seamlessly. While the narrative is a work of fiction, it is deeply rooted in actual events, making the blend of fact and fiction even more intriguing. Carole Lombard, an effervescent starlet known for her comedic talent, zany antics, and heart-stealing charm, and Clark Gable, the charismatic leading man celebrated as “The King of Hollywood” with a penchant for adventure, were a match made in cinematic heaven. Yet, behind the scenes, their relationship was far from the fairy tale portrayed by the media. Ms. Strong’s unique insights, drawn from personal experience, bring a compelling depth to the story. Through spiritual contact, Clark Gable’s willing essence has conveyed the simple pleasures he yearned for. “I just wanted to unwind after work with a drink and flop down in a chair in my underwear.” Sadly, most often, studio demands made this impossible. “Don’t be jealous of the money or fame,” he advised. “It wasn’t that glamorous. Anyone can be an actor,” he says. “You only have to be reasonably good-looking and willing to tolerate the demands made of you.” The authenticity of Gable’s words provides a fascinating glimpse into his mindset and philosophy, adding extraordinary dimensions to the story. Additionally, the revelation that Carole Lombard’s untimely end had a different outcome presents enthralling possibilities to be explored, making the novel ripe for a sequel. In this meticulously researched book, Ms. Strong brings to life the clandestine aspects of the love shared between Gable and Lombard. From their passionate beginnings to the heart-wrenching moments that tested their bond, readers will be transported to an era where love and jealousy collide, where fear and ambition bind. It captures the distinctive qualities of a romance that leaves little doubt these were juxtaposed lovers who created a dynamic where stars were larger than life, and the stakes were always high. The reader is pulled into living the Gable and Lombard story to such a degree that one can expect to hear ice clinking in a highball glass, a powder compact snapping shut, or the smell of a fine cigar. They may even be compelled to join in with laughter after a joke heard at The Brown Derby or feel the refreshing wind through their hair at the Gable ranch. Despite her romance with Gable and its kinship with tragedy, often heartbreaking and brutish, Carole wanted it all, including Clark. Ultimately, readers will delight in Gable’s playful charm, Lombard’s seductive appeal, and the couple’s irresistible chemistry. A mix of researched detail and fictional storytelling, Gable & Lombard: The Secrets They Kept for Love suggests a different possibility for the famous duo.