The Emerald Necklace

by Linda Rosen

Three months after her husband's death in 1969, Rosalee Linoff is determined to jump back into life. For her, that means returning to her art. She desperately wants to be accepted as a talented sculptor, but that requires she dig up the courage to submit her work again—and be judged. Her paralyzing insecurity mounts when she meets her new neighbor, best-selling author Fran Barish.

Fran has the recognition Rosalee craves. But Rosalee's joy with her children, especially her granddaughter, Jill, eats at Fran, a constant reminder of her childlessness. A spiral of mutual envy ensues. It constantly bubbles below the surface of their friendship and is intensified by Fran's long-held secret—and her inexplicable fascination with Jill's emerald necklace.

As Jill starts college, Rosalee worries about the choices her granddaughter might make. But Jill's passion for women's rights makes Grandma proud. Together with Rosalee's friends, they travel to New York City for the Women's Strike for Equality—which further escalates the tension between Rosalee and Fran.

When Jill's convictions are tested, Rosalee faces a dilemma. Does she dare trust Fran to help? Will their mutual jealousy make that impossible? Or will the story behind Jill's emerald bind them together?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Womens Fiction

291 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2023

About the author

Fitness Professional turned novelist, Linda Rosen’s books are set in the “not-too-distant past” and examine how women reinvent themselves despite obstacles thrown their way. A central theme is that blood is not all that makes a family– and they always feature a piece of jewelry!
She is published by Black Rose Writing.

She is a member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association and co-founder of the South Florida chapter of the Women’s National Book Association where she holds the position of VP of Programming. In addition, Linda is on the board of Trails of Delray, her local chapter of the Brandeis National Committee, and an administrator of the 5K+ member Facebook Group Bookish Road Trip and editor of their newsletter, Wanderlust.

After living most of her life in New Jersey (and only a short trip into NYC) Linda now lives with her husband in sunny Florida happily wearing sandals all year long. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her on the Pickleball court, in the pool, or reading with her feet in the sand.

Learn more about Linda on her website www.linda-rosen.com where you can sign up for her occasional newsletter, Linda’s Tea Room. She promises not to clutter your inbox.
Follow Linda on BookBub to learn about her new releases and sales. https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linda...

Reviews

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Rosen, the Author of “The Emerald Necklace,” has written a thought-provoking and riveting novel. The Genres for this novel are Women’s Fiction, Fiction, and Historical Fiction. The timeline for this novel is in the 1960s and 1970s. The story goes to the past regarding the events and characters. The author describes her colorful and dramatic characters as complex and complicated, perhaps due to the complicated timeline. This story is about friendship, sisterhood, second chances, communication, and fighting for women’s equality rights. The author also discusses the importance of finding yourself and your self-worth. Some of the characters are very creative and express themselves through forms of art or through writing.

This also reflects several generations of women who fought for their rights in society and lived on their terms. The author also discusses the choices that women are forced to make. The topic of abortion is brought up, and the feelings of the people involved. Women did fight for the right to vote but were still treated unequally from men in the workforce and at home. I appreciate how the author writes and vividly describes the characters in this situation.

One of the protagonists in the story, Rosalee Linkoff, is a new widow who would like to return to her sculpting but doesn’t feel confident. She meets a new neighbor, author Fran Barish. Fran is a popular and successful author. There is an undercurrent of jealousy between the two women. Rosalee is a mother and grandmother, and Fran never had children. Fran warms up to Rosalee’s granddaughter, Jill, for some reason. Fran is fascinated by an emerald necklace that Jill wears.

The two women meet with some of Rosalee’s friends, chat, and socialize. The women go to New York City for a Woman’s Equality March. Jill also goes and loves that she is witnessing history. Fran’s opinion is different from the other women on fighting for some causes. This is a well-written story, and I highly recommend this to other people.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Emerald Necklace

A thought provoking novel. A necklace ties two women’s lives together….one with crushing memories, the other with memories of love and happiness.
A riveting novel that reminds us of how much the lives of women have changed and given the headlines of today…of how they haven’t.
I received an ARC from the author and this review and the comments are my honest opinion.

[Brian Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to catch a pre-pub copy. Brilliantly plotted and emotionally layered, The Emerald Necklace explores vital current issues through a historical lens. Rosen's characters are by turns contentious, insightful, and tender. A most satisfying read.

[Jill Caugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawing on well-developed characters in a pivotal time period, The Emerald Necklace raises relevant issues about women’s rights to equal careers, opportunities, pay, artistic pursuits, and especially their own bodies. It’s 1969, and Rosalee has lost her beloved husband, Arnold. With the support of her granddaughter, Jill, and her friends, she returns to her happy space: sculpting. When Fran, a bestselling author, introduces herself as Rosalee’s new neighbor, the two women bond over their shared artistic endeavors. However, Fran has a secret to hide, and Rosalee suspects she isn’t telling her everything. During a visit from Jill, Rosalee and her friends decide to travel to New York to march in the Women’s Strike for Equality. The ensuing adventure gives Rosalee a chance at jumpstarting her artistic career while sharing important lessons about women’s choices and opportunities with her granddaughter. Meanwhile, she discovers that she and Fran have more in common than just their artwork. A lovely celebration of friendship, artistic creativity, family bonds, and women’s rights.

[Lisa Montanaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books by my writer pals! This is my third book by Linda Rosen, and I loved it just as much as her first two. This book is historical fiction with a cast of compelling female characters and has strong themes of friendship and envy. But I also love how Linda wove in real life events like the women’s march and reproductive rights. Well done! If you want to become immersed in a great story with strong character development and a message of female empowerment, don’t miss this one!

[Peggy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will be like a trip down memory lane for baby boomers but a learning experience for the younger generation. The book goes back to the 60s and 70s when woman were fighting for equal rights for equal pay doing the same job as men and abortion rights and paid daycare.The story is about some remarkable woman who go to March in New York. I hated for this book to end.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores female friendship, especially competition and jealousy among women. Rosalee’s husband passes away and she finds the courage to start sculpting again. Her friend is an author who is very critical of her and jealous of her relationship with her granddaughter. It’s 1969 and the women travel to NYC for a Woman’s March and some things happen and their friendship is tested. Will the jealousy prevent them from helping one another.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

1969 was such a pivotal year in our history, a time of turmoil and change. Vietnam. Civil rights. Women’s equality. Abortion. And women reflected most of this change, caught between what they wanted for their lives, and what their husbands, families, and societies expected of them. Author Linda Rosen brings all of this to light in her novel that is centered around the lives of a group of women, including a grandmother who wants her granddaughter to have opportunities that weren’t available for her. The lives of these women were complicated, and entwined in unexpected ways. It was fascinating to read about this time in our not-too-distant history and to realize that we still struggle with the same kinds of issues, over 50 years later.

[Goodlittlewitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is Linda Rosen's third book and in my opinion, it's her best yet. While each of her books involve a piece of heritage jewelry the necklace in this book is less critical to the story than the characters, their interactions and their relationships.

We meet Rosalee, the main character, while she's still grieving from the loss of her husband. She wants to return to working with clay, to sculpting, but it's a struggle. She meets her neighbor, Fran Barish, a successful cozy mystery writer, and thus begins the competition and friendship that is central to this novel. Rosalee has a small group of women friends in her community in Florida. However, she struggles with her feelings of inadequacy as an artist, while Fran sees her potential. Rosalee's other friends also see that potential. But where her other friends encourage and praise her work, the interactions with Fran are fraught with the tension of an aspiring artist, comparing themselves to a successful one.

Enter Jill, Rosalee's granddaughter. For reasons that are not made clear until about halfway into the book, Fran takes an interest in Jill that feels, to Rosalee, like an intrusion into her own relationship with her beloved granddaughter. In addition, Jill wears an emerald necklace that is almost magnetif to Fran -- to a point bordering on rude or creepy, Fran touches the necklace and is somewhat obsessed with it. Eventually, the reason for Fran's uncomfortable attachment to the necklace is revealed. And it's that necklace that connects Fran and Rosalee in a way that's unexpected: through Rosalee's husband. This adds to the tension between the two women, which plays out throughout the book in a very believable way.

All of this story takes place against the backdrop of early second-wave feminism and the "Women's March" in New York City on August 26, 1970, the fight for legalized abortion and Rosalee's growth and beginnings of her success as a sculptor. The overall story reads with such honesty and truth that at times it feels more like a memoir than a work of fiction. I connected deeply with Rosalee and rooted for her success. I was proud of Fran for, when the chips were down, coming through is a substantial way for both Rosalee and for Jill. And I cheered for all of the women in the story when they participated in the Women's Strike for Equality.

Ms. Rosen's prose is fluid and enjoyable and the history lesson we get is a reminder of how far we've come as women since 1970, and how far we have yet to go in terms of reproductive and professional rights. She handles the issue of abortion sensitively, but skewed toward the right for individuals to make their own decisions. Nonetheless, the opposing viewpoints and the negatives around illegal termination of pregnancies are well expressed without resorting to stereotypes.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. If you enjoy near past novels that address the current events of the time, put this at the top of your reading list.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher and Bookish Road Trip FB page.

It's a nice change for me to read a book that the main character is in my age range (she's 63 in the beginning of the book and 65 when it ended 2 years later). Her many friends were supportive of her and her scultping. I also l especially liked, especially Selma, who Rosalee grew up with.

Set in 1969, Rosalee has been widowed for only 3 months and needs and wants to get back to her life of and her sculpting. Her new neighbor is Fran, who's a famous mystery writer. Why does Fran get on Rosalee's nerves (and on mine too). She's always trying to get too close to things in Rosalee's life it seems.

Fran seemed to be very interested in Jill's emerald pendant (shown on the front cover of the book) that she got from her grandfather before he passed away. Both Jill and Rosalee think that's weird. Who can blame them?

It also takes you back to Fran's life too. Fran and Rosalee have something in common but they don't know it yet and then comes the shocker.

I love how Rosalee and her granddaughter Jill, 17, have a close relationship even though they lived in different states and Jill went to attend the University of Miami which is close to Rosalee.

Women's rights issues are a big part of this book (especially abortion rights when it was illegal to have one). Some of them went to an women's equality march in New York in 1971, driving and stopping along the way to many cities. Rosalee's mother was very active in these marches when Rosalee was 9 and she remembers when she went with Selma and both their mothers.

To be honest, Fran turned out to be a nice person after all and Rosalee stopped resenting her.

I wanted more of this book to see what happened in the future with Rosalee's sculpting and if anyone else bought more of her work from the gallery she showed her work at, and Jill especially.

[Sublime Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating = 4.42

Storyline & Concept = 4.25
Writing & Delivery = 4
Editorial = 5

In The Emerald Necklace, Rosalee Linoff is a not-so-typical grieving widow, mother, and grandmother. A talented sculptor, she is paralyzed by imposter syndrome. Although encouraged and supported by friends and experts in the field, her feelings are worsened by the arrival in the neighborhood of Fran Barish, a bestselling author. Not only is Fran successful, but she has an unusual and off-putting interest in Rosalee’s granddaughter, creating friction between the two women.

Author Linda Rosen takes the reader on a historical foray to the early 1970s in this well-researched novel. We are given insights into the main characters’ deepest emotions, a balance of honorable and flawed, making it difficult to decide which character to side with. The basic premise of the story is enhanced by the interweaving of actual locations and historic events into the plotline, such as the Women’s Strike for Equality. It also tackles difficult and timely subjects in a way that presents different points of view. The glimpse at the challenges and techniques of a sculptor was icing on the cake. Like her previous novel, Sisters of the Vine, this is an emotional read about love, loss, friendship, and perseverance.

Sublime Line: “Conflicts, hot topics, and the power of friendship are front and center in this engaging historical novel.”

[Jeanne Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book, especially given the time period we are living in. Set in the 1970's the book centers around Rosalee and how she reinvents herself after the loss of her husband. The topic of women's rights during that time are heavily embedded into the narrative as we follow her and her friends and her relationship with her granddaughter. It gives a wonderful look at the ins and outs of female friendship, the struggles with competition among women and the complexities of that, and shows that, when the chips are down, true friends will show up for each other and communicate in order to show each other they care for one another. I loved how these women continued to show each other that they were worth showing up for, no matter what. This story resonated with me deeply, as a woman navigating the ins and outs of female friendships, especially as I grow older. I loved the honesty portrayed by the characters and the compassion and patience they had for each other. I felt that the support among the different generations of women was poignant and important to the growth we see in each character and the evolution of their friendships. I highly recommend this book as it really makes you think and appreciate what you have gone through in your life and what it means to be a woman during times when our rights are being called into question. You won't regret reading this.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel really resonates with what has been happening with women's rights in the US currently. Three women who are bound together in more ways than they realize and are once again working to try and change history. Rosalee is trying to move past the death of her husband when she starts a new friendship with Fran. Although things can often seem hot and cold between them, Fran seems very drawn to Jill, Rosalee's granddaughter. Worried about the strikes happening at the campuses, Rosalee often worries about Jill but soon stands behind her as she recalls when she once stood up for women's right as well. Deciding to stand with her granddaughter, her and her friends head to New York for the Women's Strike and it seems as though history is repeating itself, the women enjoy themselves and feel they are helping to make changes. Yes Rosalee and Fran still need to make changes with themselves and the truth of a different past comes to light. An unimaginable twist of fate for these two women has them questioning life, what if's and moving on. I enjoyed the various storylines in this novel that wound the history all together. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite and to the author for the free novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Emerald Necklace is an important book for men and women to read at this moment in time. Since the Supreme Court turned the clock back 50 years, the right of women to choose has become a hotbed for controversy. The decision to overturn Roe vs Wade has caused countless women to be forced to carry babies to term that they don’t want, and can’t afford to bring into the world. They made a mistake that will alter their life forever. Rosen brings us up to speed with the women’s movement beginning in the early 1900’s to have the right to vote and into the 70’s when women were still marching in the streets to achieve equality in the workforce. She covers the pros and cons of abortion in a humane fashion with real characters having to live with the tough decision to have a child they can’t protect, or to be in control of their own life. I have many friends who are Jewish and I have envied the tremendous support Jewish people tend to provide for one another. It felt good to be inside that realm, but at times I felt stuck in an endless tea party. This group of mature women support and care for one another. A refreshing portrayal of women helping one another, rather than competing for the attentions of the opposite sex. Well done!

[Jan Anthonsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalee Linoff is trying to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a well-known sculptor, but her heart just isn’t in it since the death of her husband. Along comes her new neighbor, Fran Barish-a best selling mystery writer. Fran becomes captivated with Jill, Rosalee’s granddaughter, and the emerald necklace she always wears. Fran and Rosalee become fast friends, but Fran has the recognition Rosalee craves, and Rosalee has the family Fran yearns for. Jill is a strong woman who believes in women’s rights, which runs in her family. When Jill, Rosalee, and her friends decide to attend a Women’s Strike for Equality March, Fran resists, as she has strong feelings on abortion. Jill finds herself in dire need of her grandmothers help, but when Rosalee is unable to help her, she hopes Fran is a good enough friend to take her place. This is a story of family, friendship, jealousy, and the meaning behind the emerald necklace. I totally enjoyed The Emerald Necklace and know you will too! I read Linda Rosen’s first two books, The Disharmony of Silence and Sisters of the Vine. That is where I fell in love with Linda’s writing. I look forward to her next book!

[Carol Efron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give this novel four and a half stars.

This courageous, poignant novel evoked again for me intense feelings dating from the late 1960's and early 1970’s, when women demonstrated for the Equal Rights Amendment and fought to establish reproductive freedom for women. While "The Emerald Necklace" is a historical novel, with the repeal of Roe v Wade and the suffering this travesty has unleashed, in 2024 the work could not be more timely.

While many authors have taken on the consequences of unwanted pregnancies, few writers have been brave enough to write deeply about women’s varied emotions and complex, sometimes fraught experiences surrounding abortion, and around being denied and ashamed of that option. Rosen weaves a multigenerational saga illuminating these topics, but also movingly portrays the deepening of a woman’s loving relationship with her teenage granddaughter, as well as this grandmother’s evolution as a sculptor. Rosen’s characters are skillfully portrayed, and their struggles went to my heart.

Kudos to the author. Her thoughtful novel should be widely read.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to everyone. It is a multi-generational story that ties the lives of strangers together. It shows how years go by but our lives now are not that different from the lives of our mothers or grandmothers. The story brings up the controversial abortion topic and how it affected different generations of women. It brings up marching for women’s rights — then and now. It’s about helping friends and family and not judging until you know the full story. It’s about loving yourself and taking risks. It’s understanding that people can change, including yourself. What ties Fran, Rosalee, and Jill together and why is ‘The Emerald Necklace’ an important part of the story? No spoilers here—The Emerald Necklace will answer all your questions. I have read all of Linda Rosen’s books and all of her stories have involved a piece of jewelry. The Disharmony of Silence and Sisters of the Vine were also great books—read them all! I’ll be waiting patiently for Linda Rosen’s next book!

[Patricia Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The soon to be published novel, “The Emerald Necklace,” is a captivating read. The story is set in Florida where Rosalee, the protagonist, meets her new neighbor, Fran Barish, a best-selling mystery writer. As a struggling sculptor, she is envious of her neighbor’s success. Nonetheless, she invites Fran to tea to meet other women in the neighborhood.

The story is set in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. However, the topics discussed, particularly that of abortion, are relevant today. The theme of feminism unifies the generations of women in the novel. This begins with references to Rosalee’s mother who marched up Fifth Avenue for the right to vote and ends with Rosalee’s participation with her granddaughter in the March for Equality on the same avenue over half a century later.

The author introduces us to her characters through Rosalee’s Thursday teas held on her front porch. The women are interesting, each with her own issues. I was sad to finish the book as I looked forward to tea on Thursday at Rosalee’s.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more things change, the more they stay the same. This is a favorite saying of mine and never is it more true than in this beautiful novel of love, loss and the power of women joining together. Three months following the death of her husband, Rosalee decides it's time to rejoin the land of the living. Inspired by her long dormant artistic talent, and surrounded by friends, both old and new, as well as her beloved granddaughter, she creates a new life for herself. But one of her new friends, a celebrated mystery novelist, is clearly holding something back and we learn the root of her secret shame as the story progresses. At their weekly get-togethers, women's rights, including the right to a safe, legal abortion, are explored and discussed at length. Against the backdrop of the Women's Strike for Equality in New York City in 1970, secrets are revealed and new bonds are formed.

It would be lovely to reflect on just how far we've come since then, but for now, enjoy this inspiring tale by talented author Linda Rosen. Highly recommended!

[Ruth Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am old enough to remember the late 1960s and early 1970s and the women’s/abortion rights issues that surfaced during those years. So The Emerald Necklace was in many ways a nostalgic read for me: I enjoyed looking back at the politics, culture, customs, and fashions of those times. I also enjoyed the multi-generational relationships among the women in the book and the main character’s struggle to overcome her feelings of inadequacy to pursue her art.

This was a bittersweet story for me as well. The fight to legalize abortion, to win equal rights and equal pay for women—so much important progress was made on these issues back then, and Rosen captures the passion and hope that typified those times. It is sad to look back on this in 2023, when progress has been reversed in ways we hadn’t thought imaginable. I admire how the author delivered a serious message while treating us to a warm and entertaining character study.

[Anne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting story of historical fiction, highlighting women’s rights in 1971, the 1930s and reminisces about the march for women’s right to vote in 1915 New York City.
Rosalee has been widowed three months and is trying to push through her grief. She is contemplating returning to sculpting. While gardening, she meets her new neighbor, Fran, who is a best-selling author of cozies. The two start a friendship that becomes uncomfortable. Fran has too many questions about Rosalee’s deceased husband and forms an odd attachment to Rosalee’s teenage granddaughter, Jill.
I will admit, the story started a bit slowly for me, maybe it was the narration, as I listened. Stick with it. More secrets, earnings, and desires are revealed. “Imposter syndrome”, regrets, confusion and the strong bonds between families and friends slowly unfolds. The emerald necklace, how does this heirloom connect them?

[Kay Smith-Blum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book set during the Civil Rights AND the women’s movement that begins with a gardening scene - well I’m in! The entire tale reads like a guidebook for how to raise an independent women. March for your rights—even if the actual change takes forever—it’s important to be in that moment. Rosen puts us inside, and, of course, to get there Rosalee’s mother had to be an activist - perfect! Selma’s memories push us along as does Rosalee’s insecurity as a sculptor - well who can’t relate? Any man who made her feel less than she was – think ex-husband - not to mention her mother who prompted her, as she should, to stand up for herself. Of course, other women weigh in: Fran, the author with lots to hide; and Millie, well anybody who loves “Ella in Berlin” and can mimic Billie Holliday is a friend of mine….and oh to be in a salon with these five women - what a treasure! But treasures always serve up problems don’t you know? And you will when Ms. Rosen lets you in on the biggest secret of all…but first - you have to march, to the bookstore that is!

[Amanda Jaros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Rosen's The Emerald Necklace is a thought-provoking look at women's lives a generation ago. I appreciated getting to know the inner lives of the main characters, who Rosen describes with depth and authenticity. While the characters live in the early 70s, the issues they face are the same as women face today- equal pay, legal and safe abortion access, sexism, discrimination, and having the confidence to stand up for oneself in the face of a patriarchal society. Having organized and led a Women's March in 2017 that was a beautiful day of empowerment and community, I enjoyed reading Rosen's descriptions of the Women's Strike for Equality. Hard to believe that we're still marching for the same rights and freedoms as women were 50 years ago. Which is why it is so important that women like Rosen share their stories and that others listen. Despite being a historical novel, The Emerald Necklace is an important book for our time.

[Nancy Rosenstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book. Set in sunny Florida surrounded by flowers and ocean waves in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Rosen’s book follows the path of a group of women at their afternoon salons. Second-wave feminism is on the rise and its effects are palpable on the lives of these women in their 60s, and on their grandchildren. Over conversations and shared experiences, they confront the issues: the right of women to control their own bodies and to choose an abortion; how to regain self-confidence as independent women. Together, they embark on a trip to the historic Women’s Strike for Equality in New York City on August 26, 1970, where they participate with thousands of others in demanding an end to the second-class status of women. Complete with memories of marching with their mothers for women’s suffrage in the early twentieth century, Rosen’s book is a thoroughly enjoyable read!

[Sandra Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Emerald Necklace focuses a fascinating historical lens on modern-day, hot-button topics. Driven by friendships, family, and secrets, readers will root for Rosalee as she comes to terms with widowhood and finally realizes her own buried creative ambitions.
I especially appreciated the compelling plotline linked to the 1969 Women’s Strike for Equality march. This and other key interwoven plots remind us to remember and applaud the women who fought so hard to achieve our current status.
The in-depth descriptions of Rosalee’s sculpture work also were well done and very illuminating. Readers and Book Clubs will find The Emerald Necklace a real treat, as the lovely, multi-generational, women’s fiction journey opens them to examine their own views.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an intricate and multilayered read.

It is set between 1969-1971. The author brings that time period to life focusing on women’s equality and women’s productive rights. This book hooks you with a tale of neighbors that unknowingly find they have a shared person in their past. There is a beautiful grandmother/granddaughter relationship along with a group of supportive friends. Finally, there is a woman that finds freedom from self doubt.

This book communicates many authentic feelings throughout the entire read which drew me into each aspect of the story. I loved the thread of women’s history as well as the embodiment of women supporting women that make this book a worthwhile read.

[Clenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book takes place in 1969. Rosalee is a widow, wanting to start sculpting again. Her fear of being judged is almost paralyzing. She envies her neighbor, Fran, who is a published writer and very well known. However Fran, who is childless, is envious of Rosalee’s daughter and granddaughter.

The granddaughter owns an Emerald necklace, given by her grandfather. The necklace eventually connects all these women.

The women decide to go to New York City to march in protest of the lack of Women’s Rights. There are many discussions about equal pay, birth control, abortion, and child care.

This book would be excellent for a book group, mother/daughter read or grandmother/granddaughter read. Many older women have experienced some/all of these issues and have great stories to tell.

[David Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosen has crafted a compelling narrative set against the pivotal backdrop of the 1970 Women's Strike for Equality, capturing the personal transformation of a grieving widow, Rosalee Linoff, as she reclaims her identity. As Rosalee grapples with her insecurities as an artist and the complex tension with her childless neighbor Fran, Rosen deftly explores the emotional undercurrents of jealousy, ambition, and family legacy. The story’s focus on Rosalee’s bond with her granddaughter Jill, who passionately advocates for women’s rights, lends a profound resonance to today’s conversations on gender equality and self-discovery. The novel is both timeless and timely, shedding light on the universal need for reinvention amidst life's inevitable changes.

[Deb Kiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story with two older women friends struggling with common themes of jealousy, self-worth, and childlessness. It was balanced by the one woman's granddaughter and worrying about the decisions she may make in college. I liked the exploration of the friendship between Rosalee and Fran because the ups and downs felt real. The granddaughter, Jill, was passionate about women's rights as this was set in the 1970s and her grandmother, Rosalee, could relate. They had a bond that was sweet. I would recommend this novel, especially if you want a story that reads as relevant today as years ago. I listened to the audiobook and Traci Odom creates a narration that makes you want to keep listening long after you should have gone to bed.

[Gabi Coatsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being immersed in 1970 in the United States. I hadn't even visited this country yet, and only knew it from movies and news programs. So, it was intriguing to think about the women that were born before women's suffrage had even been won, and how they felt about the women's movement, feminism, and the ERA. The author captured the ambivalence of women at that time, and their persistence and determination really well. Great book for book clubs, particularly women's book clubs, since there's a lot to discuss about feminist history, as well as the believable characters who lived it.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.