Friday, May 12, 2023

Mini Reviews: Historical Fiction - New Releases

 

For me, there's nothing better than a historical beach read. Whether it's a coastal setting or really compelling characters from long ago, historical fiction can be the best companion for a lazy pool day or a summer vacation. Here's my thoughts on two new historical fiction releases that would be great to throw in your beach bag this summer.
 
 
Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen
Pages: 432
Genre: Adult Historical Fiction
Pub. Date: April 25, 2023
Publisher: Berkley
Source: Publisher for review
Other Books By Author: The Social Graces
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
 
 
Goodreads says, "It’s 1938, and a young woman selling face cream out of a New York City beauty parlor is determined to prove she can have it all. Her name is Estée Lauder, and she’s about to take the world by storm, in this dazzling new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces and Park Avenue Summer. In New York City, you can disappear into the crowd. At least that’s what Gloria Downing desperately hopes as she tries to reinvent herself after a devastating family scandal. She’s ready for a total life makeover and a friend she can lean on—and into her path walks a young, idealistic woman named Estée. Their chance encounter will change Gloria’s life forever. Estée dreams of success and becoming a household name like Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein, and Revlon. Before Gloria knows it, she is swept up in her new friend’s mission and while Estée rolls up her sleeves, Gloria begins to discover her own talents. After landing a job at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York’s finest luxury department store, Gloria finds her voice, which proves instrumental in opening doors for Estée’s insatiable ambitions. But in a world unaccustomed to women with power, they’ll each have to pay the price that comes with daring to live life on their own terms and refusing to back down."

 

It's the 1930s in New York City and Gloria is escaping her family's scandal and starting over. A former socialite, she really has no work experience, so takes a job as a shampoo girl at a local salon. While there, she meets Estee Lauder, a young woman selling her own beauty products out of local salons, but hopes to make a name for herself. Estee is constantly handing out samples, giving beauty advice, and hawking her products with the hopes they will end up in stores like Saks. Both women form an unlikely friendship and throughout the years keep many secrets about each other and from each other. After a lot of struggles, things start to go their way with Gloria as a shop girl at Saks and Estee is starting to revolutionize the beauty world. Renee Rosen's Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl is an interesting glimpse into Estee's beginnings and how both Gloria and Estee, two very different women, have a lot in common when it comes to reinventing themselves.

I really enjoyed both the characters of Gloria and Estee even though they did not always make the best decisions in Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl. It was also interesting to get the backstory on Estee's beginnings and how she climbed and clawed her way to the top. It most definitely wasn't instant success and there were a lot of obstacles in her way. I appreciated her determination and grit. Also, I liked her friendship with Gloria, even if it was tumultuous at times, and the secrets they both harbored I knew would eventually come out! If you enjoy smart historical fiction about real-life women, give Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl a try this summer.  



The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton
Pages: 336
Genre: Adult Historical Fiction
Pub. Date: April 11, 2023
Publisher: Berkley
Source: Publisher for review
Other Books By Author: The Last Train to Key West,
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
 
 
Goodreads says,  "In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton's page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle. New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why. Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship. As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all."

 

 

 

It's the 1930s and Catherine Dohan, an heiress, is aboard the SS Morro Castle en route to Havana with her fiancé, Raymond. The luxury ship is beautiful, but things start to go south. Someone aboard the ship tries to kill Catherine and thankfully, she turns the gun on her killer. Meanwhile, another passenger, Harry, is watching this unfold and then helps her deal with the man. Catherine is hiding many secrets, so now she is worried who is out to get her? Is she being targeted and why? To complicate matters further, the more time she spends with Harry, the more she can't deny the mutual attraction; plus, Harry warns Catherine of Raymond. He isn't who he says he is! Also, on board is Elena, who hopes to be reunited with family in Havana. She has plans when the ship returns to New York City as many are wanting to escape Batista's government in Cuba. Chanel Cleeton's The Cuban Heiress has it all for a historical beach read. The setting of a cruise ship is perfect for summertime reading and the suspense had me flipping the pages.

I thought Cleeton did a great job bringing the SS Morro Castle to life. Upon its arrival in Havana, I wanted a mojito stat! Cleeton not only brought Cuba to life well, she also gave readers an interesting lesson in Cuban history. I did not know anything about the SS Morro Castle tragedy going into The Cuban Heiress, so I was really blown away by it. I always appreciate a story based on real-life events that often are forgotten. Lastly, I really enjoyed the secrets aboard the ship, the mystery surrounding Catherine, and the dangers that lurked around every corner. It was all very atmospheric! Fans of Cleeton won't be disappointed by this one.


So, are you a fan of Renee Rosen and/or Chanel Cleeton? Have you read these books? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

4 comments:

  1. I am so excited for the new Chanel cleeton!

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    1. I really enjoyed it- I think you'll like it! It felt more of a page-turner than her previous novels. Thanks for visiting, Michele!

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  2. I'm really looking forward to both of these!

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    1. I think you will definitely like both of these books, Angela. Thanks for dropping by!

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