What do you think?
Rate this book
Glamorous Notions
A costume designer’s past casts a long shadow over her well-constructed lies in this intriguing story about stolen identities, friendship, and betrayal from the author of A Splendid Ruin and A Dangerous Education.
Hollywood, 1955. As head costume designer for Lux Pictures, Lena Taylor hears startling confessions from the biggest movie stars. She knows how to keep their secrets—after all, none of their scandals can match her own.
Lena was once Elsie Gruner, the daughter of an Ohio dressmaker. Her gift for fashion design helped her win a coveted spot at an art academy in Rome. While in Italy, she became enthralled by the charismatic Julia, who drew her into a shadowy world of jazz clubs, code words, and mysterious deliveries. When one of Julia’s intrigues ended in murder, Elsie found herself in the middle of a bewildering sinister international plot. So she ran.
After fleeing to LA, Elsie became Lena—but she’s never stopped looking over her shoulder. Now, as her engagement to a screenwriter throws her into the spotlight, she’s terrified her façade won’t hold up. Will she figure out the truth about her past before everything falls apart?
Hollywood, 1955. As head costume designer for Lux Pictures, Lena Taylor hears startling confessions from the biggest movie stars. She knows how to keep their secrets—after all, none of their scandals can match her own.
Lena was once Elsie Gruner, the daughter of an Ohio dressmaker. Her gift for fashion design helped her win a coveted spot at an art academy in Rome. While in Italy, she became enthralled by the charismatic Julia, who drew her into a shadowy world of jazz clubs, code words, and mysterious deliveries. When one of Julia’s intrigues ended in murder, Elsie found herself in the middle of a bewildering sinister international plot. So she ran.
After fleeing to LA, Elsie became Lena—but she’s never stopped looking over her shoulder. Now, as her engagement to a screenwriter throws her into the spotlight, she’s terrified her façade won’t hold up. Will she figure out the truth about her past before everything falls apart?
395 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2025
6062 people are currently reading
10571 people want to read
About the author
Megan Chance
32 books701 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com
Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 700 reviews
February 8, 2025
Lena Taylor, head costume designer for Lux Pictures, was once Elsie Gruner, the daughter of an Ohio pig farmer and married to a wannabe actor. Leaving her husband behind, she wins a coveted spot at an art academy in Rome where she becomes drawn into the shadowy world of jazz clubs, code words, and mysterious pick-ups and deliveries. Finding herself in the middle of a bewildering sinister international plot, Elsie flees to LA and becomes Lena Taylor but she’s never stopped looking over her shoulder.
This story takes place in the 1950s, one of my favourite decades to read about. We tend to forget (or at least I do) how strict morals were at that time and how easy it was to ruin your reputation, especially in the world of Hollywood. Not to mention the Red Scare, the perceived threat posed by Communists in the U.S. I found the book to be engaging with characters who could've stepped off the silver screen. The information contained in the book and in the Author's Notes to do with bone music, the practice of recording bootleg jazz music onto x-ray film, was especially interesting as it's a practice I'd never heard of before. Lena was perhaps more naive than she should've been but she eventually grew a backbone and made some tough choices.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: February 1, 2025
This story takes place in the 1950s, one of my favourite decades to read about. We tend to forget (or at least I do) how strict morals were at that time and how easy it was to ruin your reputation, especially in the world of Hollywood. Not to mention the Red Scare, the perceived threat posed by Communists in the U.S. I found the book to be engaging with characters who could've stepped off the silver screen. The information contained in the book and in the Author's Notes to do with bone music, the practice of recording bootleg jazz music onto x-ray film, was especially interesting as it's a practice I'd never heard of before. Lena was perhaps more naive than she should've been but she eventually grew a backbone and made some tough choices.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: February 1, 2025
January 20, 2025
Elise Gruner marries Walter to escape Zanesville, Ohio, he wants to be an actor and earns money as a pool hustler and she's his good luck charm. The daughter of a dressmaker Elsie loves to draw and design clothes and she leaves Walter and Los Angeles behind and goes to Rome to study at the American Art Academy.
Here a naïve Elsie meets Julia, she takes her under her wing, introduces her to Jaz and clubs, funny cigarettes and interesting people and asks her to drop off packages. Elsie thinks nothing of it and until it gets dangerous and she has to leave Rome in a hurry and is told to not mention what happened to anyone.
Elsie changes her name and persona to Lena Taylor and works as an assistant costume designer for Lux Pictures and she falls in love with Paul Carbone a screenwriter and she’s still married to Walter and worries about her past catching up with her and sometimes feels like someone is following her.
I received a copy of Glamorous Notions by Megan Chance from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Set in post-World War Two and during the 1950's and Red Scare. The author's new book looks at Civil Rights and the threat of communism, spies and were sympathizers living in America and Hollywood, nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands and possibility of another war? Full of dark secrets, danger and espionage and Lena’s friends Charlie and Harvey had different political views and are a couple and it wasn’t the time to be different or take risks!
For me I found the story lacked depth, a bit like Elise/Lena’s herself, I found parts of the narrative unbelievable and slow and despite it being based around real facts and of course there was lots of name dropping of famous stars of the era. A quick read and three stars from me and I liked Charlie and Harvey's characters.
Here a naïve Elsie meets Julia, she takes her under her wing, introduces her to Jaz and clubs, funny cigarettes and interesting people and asks her to drop off packages. Elsie thinks nothing of it and until it gets dangerous and she has to leave Rome in a hurry and is told to not mention what happened to anyone.
Elsie changes her name and persona to Lena Taylor and works as an assistant costume designer for Lux Pictures and she falls in love with Paul Carbone a screenwriter and she’s still married to Walter and worries about her past catching up with her and sometimes feels like someone is following her.
I received a copy of Glamorous Notions by Megan Chance from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Set in post-World War Two and during the 1950's and Red Scare. The author's new book looks at Civil Rights and the threat of communism, spies and were sympathizers living in America and Hollywood, nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands and possibility of another war? Full of dark secrets, danger and espionage and Lena’s friends Charlie and Harvey had different political views and are a couple and it wasn’t the time to be different or take risks!
For me I found the story lacked depth, a bit like Elise/Lena’s herself, I found parts of the narrative unbelievable and slow and despite it being based around real facts and of course there was lots of name dropping of famous stars of the era. A quick read and three stars from me and I liked Charlie and Harvey's characters.
February 27, 2025
The past never went away; she knew that now. But she also understood, as she hadn't before, that it made them both who they were; it had shaped them, it had taught them.
Set in the 1950's, Glamorous Notions tells the story of a young woman named Elsie Gruner, who grew up on a pig farm in Ohio. Having a talent for fashion design and wanting to escape her circumstances, Elsie decides to marry the first guy who asks, a wannabe actor named Walter Maynard.
Elsie and Walter's marriage is an unhappy one. He's gone a lot trying to find acting gigs, so Elsie decides to focus on her sketches. At the encouragement of a friend, her drawings are submitted to a famous art academy, and Elsie is accepted to the school. This eventually wins her a coveted spot at an internship in Rome. During her time in Italy, Elsie meets a young woman named Julia, who gets Elsie involved in nefarious activities. Once her involvement is discovered, she is kicked out of Rome and sent back home.
With her marriage to Walter being over, Elsie Gruner becomes Lena Taylor in order to escape her past. She eventually works her way up to becoming the head designer for Hollywood stars. Unfortunately, the secrets Lena is hiding are going to surface as there are many people who have unfinished business with her.
_______________________________________________
This is such a wonderful novel! I loved the friendship between Lena and Julia. I do wish the author gave some insight on what became of Julia, but overall, it is a very engaging story!
Set in the 1950's, Glamorous Notions tells the story of a young woman named Elsie Gruner, who grew up on a pig farm in Ohio. Having a talent for fashion design and wanting to escape her circumstances, Elsie decides to marry the first guy who asks, a wannabe actor named Walter Maynard.
Elsie and Walter's marriage is an unhappy one. He's gone a lot trying to find acting gigs, so Elsie decides to focus on her sketches. At the encouragement of a friend, her drawings are submitted to a famous art academy, and Elsie is accepted to the school. This eventually wins her a coveted spot at an internship in Rome. During her time in Italy, Elsie meets a young woman named Julia, who gets Elsie involved in nefarious activities. Once her involvement is discovered, she is kicked out of Rome and sent back home.
With her marriage to Walter being over, Elsie Gruner becomes Lena Taylor in order to escape her past. She eventually works her way up to becoming the head designer for Hollywood stars. Unfortunately, the secrets Lena is hiding are going to surface as there are many people who have unfinished business with her.
_______________________________________________
This is such a wonderful novel! I loved the friendship between Lena and Julia. I do wish the author gave some insight on what became of Julia, but overall, it is a very engaging story!
September 30, 2024
3 stars - very blah & boring. didn't care
January 8, 2025
This one is a hard review to write. While I found the last several chapters engaging and enjoyable, I struggled through the majority of the book. It felt overly long, and I believe it could have been condensed significantly without losing its impact or purpose. That said, the story—based on some true events—was undeniably interesting, and I’m ultimately glad I read it.
January 11, 2025
Boring read. I didn’t care about any of the characters. There was no depth. I’m curious to know how it ends but not enough to suffer through the rest of the book.
September 6, 2024
I have received a free copy of Glamorous Notions by Megan Chance from NetGalley and here is my voluntary review. Glamorous Notions has it all, building yourself from the scratch, friendship, love, good old Hollywood, fancy dresses and shadows in every corner. Lena is a costumer in Hollywood. She seems to have it all, just like the novel, a good job, a heart warming love, and her great talent, in Hollywood. She also has gossip columns talking about her, not in a way that she would like and her past hangs above her all the time. With the hunt going on in Hollywood, Hedda Hopper's sharp eyes and shaky relations of Los Angeles, would she be able to hold on to her façade? Thanks NetGalley and Megan Chance for giving me a free copy so I could read this well researched novel. Wish I could see the costumes written in the novel!
October 30, 2024
4 stars!!
this was a great book to read to help me come out of a slight reading slump/ when i had a desire to fly through a book, which i haven't done in a month or so. i was instantly hooked into the story from the first pages and just wanted to keep reading until we got to the last page and all of the mystery was solved. highly recommend as a fast paced read that will keep you interested until the end.
yes, at times i was wondering when our main character Lena would stop being QUITE so naive, but nothing that kept me from wanting to continue reading.
CONTAINS: new identities, costume design, Rome, secrets, 1950s Hollywood glamour
this was a great book to read to help me come out of a slight reading slump/ when i had a desire to fly through a book, which i haven't done in a month or so. i was instantly hooked into the story from the first pages and just wanted to keep reading until we got to the last page and all of the mystery was solved. highly recommend as a fast paced read that will keep you interested until the end.
yes, at times i was wondering when our main character Lena would stop being QUITE so naive, but nothing that kept me from wanting to continue reading.
CONTAINS: new identities, costume design, Rome, secrets, 1950s Hollywood glamour
February 3, 2025
so much potential, weak execution
August 31, 2024
What a cover! And what an intriguing story about a costume designer (with a secret past) in Old Hollywood amid the Red Scare in the 1950s. Will keep you madly turning the pages through to the end!
March 15, 2025
It’s so hard for me to like a book when I can’t stand the FMC. Everything else about this book really spoke to me … Historical fiction ✔️ the red scare ✔️ old hollywood glamour ✔️ women empowerment ✔️ but everything about this book was too convenient and the main character was way too naive, gullible, and stupid. Literally, every situation in this book occurred because she trusted people after knowing them for a minute. All the lying drove me fucking crazy because she was just so bad at everything. And I’m sorry, but a 24 year old becoming the head of costumes for a major motion picture company after being the head designers assistant for 3 years is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. The beginning of this book drew me in but after dumb move after dumb move after dumb move I couldn’t take it. Then the lies to cover up said dumb moves. This book was entertaining but I spent most of it screaming at the main character.
February 9, 2025
Interesting premise, and decently written.
However, the protagonist Lena was so incredibly clueless and made such repeatedly poor decisions that it is hard to connect to her or cheer her on. Much like the horror movies where the characters run into the house instead of driving away, Lena creates her own foolish traps in Rome and again in Los Angeles.
So, a good idea gone rogue with the creation of an inept character.
However, the protagonist Lena was so incredibly clueless and made such repeatedly poor decisions that it is hard to connect to her or cheer her on. Much like the horror movies where the characters run into the house instead of driving away, Lena creates her own foolish traps in Rome and again in Los Angeles.
So, a good idea gone rogue with the creation of an inept character.
February 8, 2025
I am very much split down the middle about Glamorous Notions. I didn't find it thrilling or even that captivating in terms of what it sought to accomplish with the plot, but I loved the writing style and the pacing of the novel overall—at least until the end, which felt somewhat rushed and wrapped up very neatly. I felt like the characters were criminally underdeveloped, especially for creative, interesting people that the narrative purports them to be. The love story was the most well-developed part of this book in my opinion, which wasn't at all unfavorable, but just not what the book is centered around. Since it was the most compelling part for me at times, I wished there had been more of it.
For a book where the main character was constantly outrunning the feds it felt surprisingly low-stakes and not at all suspenseful. I did enjoy the backdrop of Old Hollywood, and the industry insiders/media coverage that came alongside it, but I just didn't buy Lena and her complexities as a character, or her willingness to constantly place herself around people she should stay the furthest away from.
While this didn't completely work for me, I will definitely try something else by Megan Chance, who seems to have a very eye-catching backlist. Since this one also caught my eye, I hope I do a lot better with one of those!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC!
3⭐
For a book where the main character was constantly outrunning the feds it felt surprisingly low-stakes and not at all suspenseful. I did enjoy the backdrop of Old Hollywood, and the industry insiders/media coverage that came alongside it, but I just didn't buy Lena and her complexities as a character, or her willingness to constantly place herself around people she should stay the furthest away from.
While this didn't completely work for me, I will definitely try something else by Megan Chance, who seems to have a very eye-catching backlist. Since this one also caught my eye, I hope I do a lot better with one of those!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC!
3⭐
February 26, 2025
More Charlie and Harvey! They were so fun and so sweet, I wish they had been included more.
I didn't realize how much the red scare invaded Hollywood, so that was eye opening for me. I liked the rags-to-riches story of Lena and how she just got over her head when she was naive, that rang very true and plausible. A good story, great fiction woven throughout the history of the nation.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Megan Chance, and Brilliance Audio for my advance copy of this audiobook.
I didn't realize how much the red scare invaded Hollywood, so that was eye opening for me. I liked the rags-to-riches story of Lena and how she just got over her head when she was naive, that rang very true and plausible. A good story, great fiction woven throughout the history of the nation.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Megan Chance, and Brilliance Audio for my advance copy of this audiobook.
February 21, 2025
This is historical fiction about the Red Scare and blacklisting in Hollywood. What worked: a really interesting look into costume design in 1950s Hollywood and all the political machinations of censorship and blacklisting. What didn’t: it felt a little long. The motive for all the espionage happening was based on a truth but came out of left field in the story. Overall it was pretty enjoyable. Thanks to NetGalley and the pubisher for an early arc.
February 5, 2025
[SPOILERS] The only reason I didn’t give this a 1-star review was because the protagonist’s career as a movie costume designer was actually interesting. But that’s where the intrigued stopped. While the politics and dynamics of how McCarthyism impacted the movie-making process at the time was decently thought-provoking, I could not deal with Lena’s affection for Julia, the Soviet spy who immediately involved Lena in her illegal smuggling activities while withholding the true nature of those activities. I just could not stand the fact that Lena viewed her as such a good friend who she supposedly “owed everything to”, when said “friend” is the reason Lena got into all this trouble in the first place. Julia was a horrible, toxic person, and it pissed me off that Lena didn’t immediately tell her to eff off when Julia reappeared (because that’s what you do when toxic people try to shove their way back into your life).
And to be clear, this is not me taking a stance on American versus Soviet nationalism and propaganda. This is me saying that if someone in my life purposefully pulled me into illicit international affairs without my consent, thereby ruining any chance of stability, safety, and peace of mind for myself and those closest to me, that person is no longer a friend.
I also completely resent that Lena felt that she was only successful because of Julia telling her she “just shines” and to be a costumer instead of a designer. Did she completely just forget about Charlie and Harvey getting her into the LA design school, or Flavio hiring her and building up her natural talent? Yes, external validation can be key in pursuing one’s dreams. But a few kind comments compared to the world of hurt Julia delivered? She does not deserve all that credit.
And to be clear, this is not me taking a stance on American versus Soviet nationalism and propaganda. This is me saying that if someone in my life purposefully pulled me into illicit international affairs without my consent, thereby ruining any chance of stability, safety, and peace of mind for myself and those closest to me, that person is no longer a friend.
I also completely resent that Lena felt that she was only successful because of Julia telling her she “just shines” and to be a costumer instead of a designer. Did she completely just forget about Charlie and Harvey getting her into the LA design school, or Flavio hiring her and building up her natural talent? Yes, external validation can be key in pursuing one’s dreams. But a few kind comments compared to the world of hurt Julia delivered? She does not deserve all that credit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
if you like old hollywood and thrillers this is a MUST READ!! i had the opportunity to read this before its release and i just HOPE this gets the hype it deserves. this was my first historical fiction and i felt completely immersed in the cultural setting of LA/Hollywood in the 50’s. i loved that the author included historically accurate descriptions, locations, and events. really enjoyed the exploration of social justice issues and the corruption of the government in media.
February 1, 2025
Disappointed
The best part was the chapter about the factual events that inspired the book. Very weak plot and repetitive explanations that were boring
The best part was the chapter about the factual events that inspired the book. Very weak plot and repetitive explanations that were boring
February 2, 2025
Hated it. Waste of my time but felt like I had to finish it.
June 2, 2025
4.5/5
Excellent character development, well researched and peppered with just enough name dropping to make the 1950’s Hollywood experience feel real.
I can’t give too many details without spoiling the plot but suffice to say that a young woman, desperate to escape her parent’s pig farm in rural Ohio, gets involved with a man who has a notion that he is going to be the next Hollywood leading man.
To say that things don’t go according to plan is a huge understatement. He is not as talented as he thinks and she has way more talent than she even dreamed of while sketching clothes in her spare time.
This books is rich in atmosphere, detailing jazz clubs in Rome that make you feel like you are there. There is love, McCarthyism, intrigue and despair.
Am I glad I read it? Absolutely!
Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. My only reason for not giving it a 5/5 was that everything was wrapped up so neatly and quickly. Otherwise, great book.
Excellent character development, well researched and peppered with just enough name dropping to make the 1950’s Hollywood experience feel real.
I can’t give too many details without spoiling the plot but suffice to say that a young woman, desperate to escape her parent’s pig farm in rural Ohio, gets involved with a man who has a notion that he is going to be the next Hollywood leading man.
To say that things don’t go according to plan is a huge understatement. He is not as talented as he thinks and she has way more talent than she even dreamed of while sketching clothes in her spare time.
This books is rich in atmosphere, detailing jazz clubs in Rome that make you feel like you are there. There is love, McCarthyism, intrigue and despair.
Am I glad I read it? Absolutely!
Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. My only reason for not giving it a 5/5 was that everything was wrapped up so neatly and quickly. Otherwise, great book.
February 27, 2025
I remember learning about this part in history so I liked finding a book about Americans accused of betraying their country . And a lot of it was just because who one was friends with. So I loved this?!
January 16, 2025
This book kept me guessing all the way throughout and really held my interest. I loved the characters and the plot.
January 16, 2025
This review does contain spoilers to the book!
Glamorous Notions is a one-time read for me, but i found it to be engaging and enjoyable throughout. There’s always something happening, so you never get bored. I enjoyed the pacing quite a bit and I found some of the characters, such as Charlie and Harvey, Flavio, and especially Elsie, quite likeable. However, the book has its flaws that I find holds it back.
Elsie is a compelling protagonist, she’s talented, has drive, and is willing to persevere to achieve her dreams at any cost but her characterization felt a bit shallow. She’s seemingly the best at everything, such as winning a scholarship, securing a job with Flávio just by showing up, and naturally becoming the center of attention wherever she goes, without much explanation of how she honed her skills in dressmaking or fashion nor anything she learns in lessons. Her success often feels too easy, which undermines her journey and the hardship she does go through.
Her naivety is also frustrating, as she repeatedly makes the same mistakes she’s already learned the hard way. She married Walter (a terrible man) because he made her feel special, despite his intentions to use her to serve him and to validate his ego, and later becomes enamored with Julia for similar reasons. This lack of growth in her decision-making was disappointing. She’s a woman in work and for that particular time period I would expect her to be more reserved with who she trusts and to demonstrate more professional acumen.
The relationship between Elsie also known as Lena and Julia left me wanting more and I found it underwhelming. Their connection felt rushed and underdeveloped. Julia’s abrupt “death” felt like a missed opportunity to deepen their bond and explore their friendship further and to add complexity. Instead, the focus quickly shifted to another romantic relationship, which diminished the emotional impact of Julia in Elsie’s life. That being said, I did enjoy the romance between herself and Paul, especially with the looming sense of dread at the fact that she’s already married to another man. Paul is a sweet guy and their personalities complement each other nicely and their relationship is pleasant to read about.
Lena’s and Flavio’s dynamic together was intriguing and made for an interesting read. He was essential for her growth and development as a designer in the fashion world. Her becoming his protege fit her story nicely with her connection to him representing a significant step up in her career. Subsequently she quickly she climbs the ranks before reaching the title of head costumer at Lux Pictures. However I find that Lena feels more influenced by his success and the power he represents rather than forming any deep emotional connection and friendship.
Julia’s abrupt return was a twist I didn’t see coming but it was certainly entertaining! I absolutely loved that Lena was finally able to put the past behind her and lay to rest the ghosts that haunted her. She finally got her happy ending and it felt really satisfying.
That said, the book’s fast pace and constant action kept me entertained, and I enjoyed the historical aspects to the story such as the threat of communism, politics of the time and how that bled into the everyday lives of people, and censorship.
It was a solid, enjoyable read for me and I say if you enjoy historical fiction it’s worth a read.
Glamorous Notions is a one-time read for me, but i found it to be engaging and enjoyable throughout. There’s always something happening, so you never get bored. I enjoyed the pacing quite a bit and I found some of the characters, such as Charlie and Harvey, Flavio, and especially Elsie, quite likeable. However, the book has its flaws that I find holds it back.
Elsie is a compelling protagonist, she’s talented, has drive, and is willing to persevere to achieve her dreams at any cost but her characterization felt a bit shallow. She’s seemingly the best at everything, such as winning a scholarship, securing a job with Flávio just by showing up, and naturally becoming the center of attention wherever she goes, without much explanation of how she honed her skills in dressmaking or fashion nor anything she learns in lessons. Her success often feels too easy, which undermines her journey and the hardship she does go through.
Her naivety is also frustrating, as she repeatedly makes the same mistakes she’s already learned the hard way. She married Walter (a terrible man) because he made her feel special, despite his intentions to use her to serve him and to validate his ego, and later becomes enamored with Julia for similar reasons. This lack of growth in her decision-making was disappointing. She’s a woman in work and for that particular time period I would expect her to be more reserved with who she trusts and to demonstrate more professional acumen.
The relationship between Elsie also known as Lena and Julia left me wanting more and I found it underwhelming. Their connection felt rushed and underdeveloped. Julia’s abrupt “death” felt like a missed opportunity to deepen their bond and explore their friendship further and to add complexity. Instead, the focus quickly shifted to another romantic relationship, which diminished the emotional impact of Julia in Elsie’s life. That being said, I did enjoy the romance between herself and Paul, especially with the looming sense of dread at the fact that she’s already married to another man. Paul is a sweet guy and their personalities complement each other nicely and their relationship is pleasant to read about.
Lena’s and Flavio’s dynamic together was intriguing and made for an interesting read. He was essential for her growth and development as a designer in the fashion world. Her becoming his protege fit her story nicely with her connection to him representing a significant step up in her career. Subsequently she quickly she climbs the ranks before reaching the title of head costumer at Lux Pictures. However I find that Lena feels more influenced by his success and the power he represents rather than forming any deep emotional connection and friendship.
Julia’s abrupt return was a twist I didn’t see coming but it was certainly entertaining! I absolutely loved that Lena was finally able to put the past behind her and lay to rest the ghosts that haunted her. She finally got her happy ending and it felt really satisfying.
That said, the book’s fast pace and constant action kept me entertained, and I enjoyed the historical aspects to the story such as the threat of communism, politics of the time and how that bled into the everyday lives of people, and censorship.
It was a solid, enjoyable read for me and I say if you enjoy historical fiction it’s worth a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
I was intrigued by this book - historical fiction about something other than WWII! And the storyline did, in fact, sound glamorous. Unfortunately I found the whole thing to be unbelievable. The main character is gullible and imperceptive one minute, then creative and assertive the next. There are serious accusations made against her, yet it's all explained away simply and without repercussion in the end. It could have been really good, but instead came across as contrived.
January 28, 2025
Unfortunately I found Elsie/Lena a very difficult character to have any sympathy for.
She had the guts to walk out on her husband in 1950s Americano but then she can see Julia for what she is.
She claims Julia made her but she had balls before she even met Julia.
I found her naivety around Julia rather disappointing and led me to not enjoy this book.
She had the guts to walk out on her husband in 1950s Americano but then she can see Julia for what she is.
She claims Julia made her but she had balls before she even met Julia.
I found her naivety around Julia rather disappointing and led me to not enjoy this book.
April 11, 2025
Kindle audio
The ending took this from a 2⭐️ to a 3⭐️
I recommend reading the ‘afterward’ first- helped put it all together. I might have enjoyed it more if I understood the premise?
Glamorous Notions wasn’t a bad story, however I will not be recommending. Started off strong- I’m a big fan of 1050’s historical fiction. Then the story started to derail. Train seriously speeds off its tracks 🚂.
A VERY generic summary of the story-about a woman trying to get ahead as a costume designer landing a sweet gig in Hollywood…. Inadvertently gets mixed up with a Russian spy. There’s a lot of back and forth regarding communism, American loyalty, CIA/government cover ups, etc. all told as a combination of historical fiction, mystery, domestic thriller, love story, (I’m sure I’m missing a genre or two?!) So much going on I lost interest multiple points and almost DNF around 40, 60 and 80% through. At 80% I pushed on and glad I did. Ending and afterward tied everything up nicely and was well done in comparison to the rest of this piece.
FMC was relatable until she wasn’t. Husband was awful 💯. And then there’s 1950’s Hollywood- which speaks for itself.
Historical fiction with communism, Soviet Union, fear of the bomb, espionage - that’s one thing, add in Hollywood Stars and costuming- it just didn’t flow.
The writing itself is well done. The author knows how to put words to paper, unfortunately the concept was lost on me.
The ending took this from a 2⭐️ to a 3⭐️
I recommend reading the ‘afterward’ first- helped put it all together. I might have enjoyed it more if I understood the premise?
Glamorous Notions wasn’t a bad story, however I will not be recommending. Started off strong- I’m a big fan of 1050’s historical fiction. Then the story started to derail. Train seriously speeds off its tracks 🚂.
A VERY generic summary of the story-about a woman trying to get ahead as a costume designer landing a sweet gig in Hollywood…. Inadvertently gets mixed up with a Russian spy. There’s a lot of back and forth regarding communism, American loyalty, CIA/government cover ups, etc. all told as a combination of historical fiction, mystery, domestic thriller, love story, (I’m sure I’m missing a genre or two?!) So much going on I lost interest multiple points and almost DNF around 40, 60 and 80% through. At 80% I pushed on and glad I did. Ending and afterward tied everything up nicely and was well done in comparison to the rest of this piece.
FMC was relatable until she wasn’t. Husband was awful 💯. And then there’s 1950’s Hollywood- which speaks for itself.
Historical fiction with communism, Soviet Union, fear of the bomb, espionage - that’s one thing, add in Hollywood Stars and costuming- it just didn’t flow.
The writing itself is well done. The author knows how to put words to paper, unfortunately the concept was lost on me.
April 6, 2025
hmmm 2 border 3 but I feel like when I do 2s people interpret that as I wouldn’t recommend - but that kind of goes against my ‘rounding down in 2025 rule’… so maybe I’ll change. Every book has its purpose, and this one was just an easy light read nothing wrong with it but nothing shocking or special either.
It was giving goddess of Warsaw but only the famous person being involved in government things aspect of it (not in a bad way all my goddess haters). Only read as it was one of the random free books on Kindle.
It was giving goddess of Warsaw but only the famous person being involved in government things aspect of it (not in a bad way all my goddess haters). Only read as it was one of the random free books on Kindle.
February 24, 2025
i really loved this book, it was my first historical fiction and it was such a good intro to the genre! the imagery was amazing, and i listened to jazz while reading it to feel like i was apart of it. i also really loved that i didn’t know what was gonna happen almost the whole time. i give it five stars because i really just loved reading it. i’d like to compare it to other historical fiction in the future! def recommend especially if you are interesting in things like LA and Rome in the 50s or fashion design. 👗🏛️🚬
January 16, 2025
5 stars = changed my perspective/taught me something/well written
Kindle First Read, Historical Fiction/Mild Thriller/Mystery,
95% clean (some situational violence; non-graphic)
This book takes you into Hollywood costume design during the 1950s - the era of the Cold War.
The story is told through the lens of the head costume designer for Lux Pictures, Lena Taylor. As she fits and costumes some of the biggest stars she hears all kinds of scandle-worthy gossip. But she knows how to keep secrets. She has big secrets of her own. Her past contains stolen identities, friendships with the "wrong sorts" and running from situations that could affect her current perfect situation.
This book did not let me put it down, and has twists and turns through the end.
Kindle First Read, Historical Fiction/Mild Thriller/Mystery,
95% clean (some situational violence; non-graphic)
This book takes you into Hollywood costume design during the 1950s - the era of the Cold War.
The story is told through the lens of the head costume designer for Lux Pictures, Lena Taylor. As she fits and costumes some of the biggest stars she hears all kinds of scandle-worthy gossip. But she knows how to keep secrets. She has big secrets of her own. Her past contains stolen identities, friendships with the "wrong sorts" and running from situations that could affect her current perfect situation.
This book did not let me put it down, and has twists and turns through the end.
Want to read
January 28, 2025Kindle First Reads - January 2025
Displaying 1 - 30 of 700 reviews