Ellery Goes Dark

by Alisa Kennedy Jones, Alisa Jones

Genres: General Fiction; Women's Fiction; Humorous Fiction

Synopsis

When a Gen-X perfectionist New York talk show darling short-circuits live in front of millions, the lights go out—until a stuffed-shirt neurologist and the ghost of George Michael spark her back to life.

Overview: Ellery Allbright Goes Dark

Ellery Goes Dark is a refreshingly irreverent and deeply moving midlife rom-com that captures the messy, unpredictable beauty of reinvention. New York talk show host Ellery Allbright, once celebrated for her effortless charm and commanding presence, sees her life shatter when a sudden, ecstatic epileptic seizure on live television leaves her with 21 broken facial fractures. Wired shut to heal, unable to talk, she is forced to confront not only the physical aftermath but also the seismic shifts in her personal and professional life.

As Ellery grapples with the fallout of her viral on-air disaster—where millions watch her pain and recovery unfold—the network demands that she undergo a rigorous rehabilitation before returning to the show. Enter Dr. Augustus Cormac from Maine, a handsome, if reserved, Harvard-trained neurologist specializing in seizures. Tasked with her care, Augustus becomes an inescapable part of her recovery, though their relationship is marked by relentless friction. The pair butt heads at every turn, their clashing personalities fueling a tension that is as volatile as it is magnetic. Amid the chaos of ghosted lovers, unsympathetic bosses, and the turbulent dynamics with her teenage children, Ellery embarks on a journey of rediscovery. Her path is as unpredictable as the seizures that now punctuate her life—each moment oscillating between absurd humor and gut-wrenching vulnerability. While Augustus’s stern, methodical approach clashes with Ellery’s fiercely independent spirit, their continual conflict slowly gives way to a grudging respect and an unexpected, transformative connection.

In a series of transformative events—from bizarre public mishaps that turn personal pain into viral spectacle to intimate moments of raw self-reflection—Ellery learns to find strength in her scars and humor in her hardships. Ultimately, her journey culminates in a rallying cry for anyone sidelined by life’s chaos. In the spirit of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Fleabag, Ellery Goes Dark is not merely a story of surviving midlife—it is a triumphant declaration of resilience and love. Every disastrous moment, every contentious clash with Augustus, and every setback serve as a stepping stone toward a future defined by genuine connection and renewed hope, where the promise of a happily ever after is forged not in the absence of suffering, but in the shared strength of caring for one another, in sickness and in health.

Publisher: Empress Editions

Print pages: 200