Release Party: Second Act by Joe Navratil

Join us for a special event with Joe Navratil author of Second Act. This event is free, but we appreciate your RSVP below so we can plan for your attendance.

He brings beloved actress Audrey Hepburn back to life. Can she do the same for him?

While Bradley Joseph strategizes how to overcome his fears and social anxiety disorder that confine him to his Silicon Valley home, a bold woman on a dating app conscripts him to watch the classic film Roman Holiday. There’s only one problem: Bradley is the world’s premier alternate reality creator and Nicole is a technology journalist with an agenda. After his company launches Bradley’s latest masterpiece that pairs dead actors with live ones, he uses it to write alternate scenes for Audrey Hepburn’s films. He premieres his work with Nicole, who then challenges Bradley to reincarnate the actress. Bradley produces a faithful stand-in and adapts his technology to travel to 1953 San Francisco and romance pre-stardom “Audrey”. He loses himself in her life and times, orchestrating Audrey to cure his phobias and dormant love life. Technological advances allow Audrey to direct the action but Nicole’s disappearance makes Bradley choose between axing the program and a classic Hollywood ending.

“Second Act, is a masterful, true-to-life blend of mystery and science fiction DNA that keeps the pages turning. Part Isaac Asimov, part Michael Crichton, all compelling. Strongly, unequivocally recommended.” — DANIEL CHARLES ROSS, author of the critically acclaimed thriller FORCE NO ONE

“Second Act gives exquisite life to Audrey Hepburn, inviting the reader to get to know her both personally and professionally, but most importantly, he showcases her legacy of vital humanitarian work. He does so by using a seemingly unrelated storytelling vehicle—an immersive virtual experience powered through artificial intelligence. I was both excited by—and yes, slightly terrified of—the technology that the author so adeptly describes.” — ANN WILSON, author of the critically acclaimed novels HOVER and CLEAR TO LIFT

"A unique, captivating journey across the time/space continuum, rendered believable by the author's skill in portraying characters and settings. Not only does the world's most beloved actress return to a present-day life through technology, but her presence, personality, voice, and—yes, her emotions—pop off the page. An unputdownable read." — MIKE KRENTZ, award-winning author of the Dr. Zack Winston and Mahoney & Squire series

Joe Navratil is a retired Bay Area communication executive and lives in the Napa area. His debut novel Second Act combines the nearby tech industry and classic movie star Audrey Hepburn, who made a significant splash in San Francisco before stardom. Readers will appreciate the historic and scientific rigor behind his debut novel.

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