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The Lavender Bride
The BRAND NEW historical romance from Alexandra Weston, author of The Hollywood Governess
An English rose with American dreams
Audrey Wade longs to escape her domineering father and the bleak streets of post-war Yorkshire. Hollywood glitters with glamour, freedom, and the promise of a life with her best friend Freddie. But when Freddie abandons her, Audrey is left to chase her dreams alone.
A Heartthrob with secrets
Rex Trent is more than Hollywood’s leading man. Charismatic and dangerously handsome, he’s adored by millions and watched by powerful enemies in a paranoid 1950s America. One wrong move could destroy him.
A romance born of ambition and betrayal
When Rex proposes, Audrey is swept into Hollywood’s glamour and high-stakes secrets. But she soon discovers Rex’s dark side and faces a cling to a man who may never love her, or risk everything to forge her own path?
A gripping new historical novel from a wonderful new voice. Perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins-Reid, Wendy Holden and Allison Pataki.
An English rose with American dreams
Audrey Wade longs to escape her domineering father and the bleak streets of post-war Yorkshire. Hollywood glitters with glamour, freedom, and the promise of a life with her best friend Freddie. But when Freddie abandons her, Audrey is left to chase her dreams alone.
A Heartthrob with secrets
Rex Trent is more than Hollywood’s leading man. Charismatic and dangerously handsome, he’s adored by millions and watched by powerful enemies in a paranoid 1950s America. One wrong move could destroy him.
A romance born of ambition and betrayal
When Rex proposes, Audrey is swept into Hollywood’s glamour and high-stakes secrets. But she soon discovers Rex’s dark side and faces a cling to a man who may never love her, or risk everything to forge her own path?
A gripping new historical novel from a wonderful new voice. Perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins-Reid, Wendy Holden and Allison Pataki.
376 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2025
413 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 15, 2025
This was a lovely story set in the glitz and glamour of 1950's Hollywood. Very interesting and an easy read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 1, 2025
Audrey has dreamed of going to Hollywood and marrying a movie star her whole life. Sometimes dreams turn out very differently than you had planned.
This was an enjoyable story handling several issues for the time period. I thought Audrey a bit naive at times. I didn’t know the actual meaning of the title as it was referenced.
This was an enjoyable story handling several issues for the time period. I thought Audrey a bit naive at times. I didn’t know the actual meaning of the title as it was referenced.
March 17, 2025
My thanks to Net Galley, Boldwood Books, and the personal invitation I received to review this arc.
I loved this book! What a fast and engaging read! Great characters and well written.
Audrey Wade escapes the tight grasp of her minister father for the likes of Hollywood where she gets a job as a secretary to a Hollywood agent . There she meets and marries star Rex Trent under false pretenses and finds herself in another unhappy situation like with her father while having feelings for kindly Jack a set decorator. Highly recommend !
I loved this book! What a fast and engaging read! Great characters and well written.
Audrey Wade escapes the tight grasp of her minister father for the likes of Hollywood where she gets a job as a secretary to a Hollywood agent . There she meets and marries star Rex Trent under false pretenses and finds herself in another unhappy situation like with her father while having feelings for kindly Jack a set decorator. Highly recommend !
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March 26, 2025I want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for review.
I have to admit that I went into this book completely blind. I didn’t even read the blurb before diving in, which helped me enjoy the book a bit more because I was unaware of the two central players in this book and got to learn as their association developed. The shining accomplishment for me in this work is that Weston captures the feel of Hollywood during the McCarthy Era. The intrigue is that everyone knows everyone's secrets and that if you are a big enough star people will work to keep those secrets to themselves. It made me interested in exploring some nonfiction work on how McCarthy and the investigative panels impacted Hollywood. I love when a book makes you want to read even more broadly.
However, I did find the writing in this book a little redundant. I wish that Weston had used some of the sections in the book showing Audrey's naivety or delving a little deeper into her home situation in the flashbacks. Halfway into the book I was tired of Audrey berating herself for her naivety, which in some ways felt established and in others felt like key pieces of her history were missing. Also, in the ending when she sits down to lunch with a 19-year-old woman the fact that Audrey was surprised by the outcome of this encounter just made me feel as if there was no growth in Audrey at all in terms of her understanding of people. Given everything that Audrey knew and that we the reader learned throughout the book, it should have been clear to her that her advice would be viewed with skepticism. This is odd given that her experience seems to have given her a deeper understanding of her mother. It appears however that this depth of comprehension did not extend to other's actions.
I am also a little uneasy with how homosexuality is portrayed throughout the book. I understand that due to societal standards, people were not necessarily out in the 1950s and persecuting people part of the LGBTQIA+ community was one of the key aims of the McCarthy agenda an overarching narrative of the book, but both Gay characters are in many ways portrayed as the villains of Audrey's story. I do think that Weston is trying to walk the line that Audrey is hurt because she had naive expectations of one of these men and then it breaks her heart so she repeats the same mistake with another. However, the narrative feels lacking in nuance. For instance, the two gay men central to Audrey's story are barely heard from in the narrative to give their perspective of events. Weston does attempt to compensate for this with interview quotes from one of the characters, but it feels too little too late. Also, Audrey's naivety is one thing, but she also becomes an active accomplice to the oppression of one of the gay characters in an attempt to further her ends. Now the story is written to make the reader see that she has no other option, but the gay character isn't even present in this scene making the behaviour seem even more nefarious as if he has no agency in his own story.
There are also a few plot holes that have been bugging me that the story ended. Such as the immigration meeting storyline. Why exactly were they asking for a meeting if it was not standard? Was this fabricated by the man pulling the strings? When all is said and done did Audrey just give up her dreams of photography?
In many ways, this last question plagues me because it feels like Weston started by writing this naive, but loyal girl with big Hollywood dreams. However, by the end, she did the very thing that her father expected her to do. In many ways it makes it seem like Audrey went out on her own only to return to the path that she was expected to take in the first place. This makes the story in my opinion incredibly tragic. Dreams are allowed to evolve and grow with a person, but in the book, we are left with the very thing that Audrey yelled at her father about not wanting to do because she wanted to go to Hollywood. It's fine to have a change, but in some ways, it felt as if the lesson is you have a dream and it doesn't live up to expectations (I will admit certain aspects of her dream blew up spectacularly in her face) and give up all parts of it and this is what we are supposed to see as her growth.
I did enjoy the arch of Audrey and her mother and Audrey and her friends. I wish that the book had a few more chapters at the end to explore the depth of these relationships a little more. They do feel like background characters. The most explored female relationship she has is with her sister, but even that is just a description that we get from letters.
Overall I think this book captured the sense of Hollywood terrorized by McCarthyism. I however felt that the narrative lacked in detail and nuance in some places.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Outing, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Physical abuse, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content and Xenophobia
PTSD is described in some of the behaviours of the main character, but it is not explicitly stated as being such.
I have to admit that I went into this book completely blind. I didn’t even read the blurb before diving in, which helped me enjoy the book a bit more because I was unaware of the two central players in this book and got to learn as their association developed. The shining accomplishment for me in this work is that Weston captures the feel of Hollywood during the McCarthy Era. The intrigue is that everyone knows everyone's secrets and that if you are a big enough star people will work to keep those secrets to themselves. It made me interested in exploring some nonfiction work on how McCarthy and the investigative panels impacted Hollywood. I love when a book makes you want to read even more broadly.
However, I did find the writing in this book a little redundant. I wish that Weston had used some of the sections in the book showing Audrey's naivety or delving a little deeper into her home situation in the flashbacks. Halfway into the book I was tired of Audrey berating herself for her naivety, which in some ways felt established and in others felt like key pieces of her history were missing. Also, in the ending when she sits down to lunch with a 19-year-old woman the fact that Audrey was surprised by the outcome of this encounter just made me feel as if there was no growth in Audrey at all in terms of her understanding of people. Given everything that Audrey knew and that we the reader learned throughout the book, it should have been clear to her that her advice would be viewed with skepticism. This is odd given that her experience seems to have given her a deeper understanding of her mother. It appears however that this depth of comprehension did not extend to other's actions.
I am also a little uneasy with how homosexuality is portrayed throughout the book. I understand that due to societal standards, people were not necessarily out in the 1950s and persecuting people part of the LGBTQIA+ community was one of the key aims of the McCarthy agenda an overarching narrative of the book, but both Gay characters are in many ways portrayed as the villains of Audrey's story. I do think that Weston is trying to walk the line that Audrey is hurt because she had naive expectations of one of these men and then it breaks her heart so she repeats the same mistake with another. However, the narrative feels lacking in nuance. For instance, the two gay men central to Audrey's story are barely heard from in the narrative to give their perspective of events. Weston does attempt to compensate for this with interview quotes from one of the characters, but it feels too little too late. Also, Audrey's naivety is one thing, but she also becomes an active accomplice to the oppression of one of the gay characters in an attempt to further her ends. Now the story is written to make the reader see that she has no other option, but the gay character isn't even present in this scene making the behaviour seem even more nefarious as if he has no agency in his own story.
There are also a few plot holes that have been bugging me that the story ended. Such as the immigration meeting storyline. Why exactly were they asking for a meeting if it was not standard? Was this fabricated by the man pulling the strings? When all is said and done did Audrey just give up her dreams of photography?
In many ways, this last question plagues me because it feels like Weston started by writing this naive, but loyal girl with big Hollywood dreams. However, by the end, she did the very thing that her father expected her to do. In many ways it makes it seem like Audrey went out on her own only to return to the path that she was expected to take in the first place. This makes the story in my opinion incredibly tragic. Dreams are allowed to evolve and grow with a person, but in the book, we are left with the very thing that Audrey yelled at her father about not wanting to do because she wanted to go to Hollywood. It's fine to have a change, but in some ways, it felt as if the lesson is you have a dream and it doesn't live up to expectations (I will admit certain aspects of her dream blew up spectacularly in her face) and give up all parts of it and this is what we are supposed to see as her growth.
I did enjoy the arch of Audrey and her mother and Audrey and her friends. I wish that the book had a few more chapters at the end to explore the depth of these relationships a little more. They do feel like background characters. The most explored female relationship she has is with her sister, but even that is just a description that we get from letters.
Overall I think this book captured the sense of Hollywood terrorized by McCarthyism. I however felt that the narrative lacked in detail and nuance in some places.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Outing, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Physical abuse, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content and Xenophobia
PTSD is described in some of the behaviours of the main character, but it is not explicitly stated as being such.
March 28, 2025
Title: The Lavender Bride
Author: Alexandra Weston
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audrey had the cinema to brighten her bleak days during and after the war while living in Sheffield, England. Given the chance to pursue her dreams of Hollywood with her best friend, Freddie (who her minister father did not approve of) was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Now she has worked herself into a position as the secretary at a highly respected agent in Los Angeles which puts her in direct contact with stars like the dashingly handsome Rex Trent. When he asks her out to dinner, she can’t believe her dreams are coming true. But are they? Hollywood’s characters have their secrets and motives. When Rex needs her help and Audrey finds herself in a bind of her own, they enter into a lavender marriage - a marriage of convenience that will benefit both of them.
Positives: I have a romanticized view of old Hollywood, so the time period of the book grabbed my attention. The character of Jack was refreshing - the level of understanding and patience.
Struggles: It’s crazy to think of how the impact of McCarthyism impacted people’s lifestyles and conversation. History is meant to learn a lesson, not repeat what happened.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on March 27, 2025.
#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #TheLavenderBride #AlexandraWeston #theboldbookclub #BoldwoodBooks
Author: Alexandra Weston
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audrey had the cinema to brighten her bleak days during and after the war while living in Sheffield, England. Given the chance to pursue her dreams of Hollywood with her best friend, Freddie (who her minister father did not approve of) was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Now she has worked herself into a position as the secretary at a highly respected agent in Los Angeles which puts her in direct contact with stars like the dashingly handsome Rex Trent. When he asks her out to dinner, she can’t believe her dreams are coming true. But are they? Hollywood’s characters have their secrets and motives. When Rex needs her help and Audrey finds herself in a bind of her own, they enter into a lavender marriage - a marriage of convenience that will benefit both of them.
Positives: I have a romanticized view of old Hollywood, so the time period of the book grabbed my attention. The character of Jack was refreshing - the level of understanding and patience.
Struggles: It’s crazy to think of how the impact of McCarthyism impacted people’s lifestyles and conversation. History is meant to learn a lesson, not repeat what happened.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on March 27, 2025.
#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #TheLavenderBride #AlexandraWeston #theboldbookclub #BoldwoodBooks
July 5, 2025
A brand-new historical-romance about naïve Audrey Wade escaping post-war Yorkshire for the glitter of Hollywood, but under the glamour it is a dog-eat-dog world. A gripping and glamourous tale, heavy on the drama, romance, and insecurities which is not completely to my taste, however the old Hollywood setting and excellent pacing meant I whipped through this in no time at all.*
My full review: https://thebookwormchronicles.wordpre...
*I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from Boldwood Books, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
My full review: https://thebookwormchronicles.wordpre...
*I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from Boldwood Books, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 31, 2025
I was very excited to receive this book. The synopsis grabbed me: In the 1950,s, Audrey Wade, a young innocent girl from Sheffield England, dreams of escaping her tyrannical father and leave to Hollywood to pursue her dreams. Once there, she gets a job as a secretary at a Movie agents office and meets the man of her dreams- Rex Trent- Hollywood top star. During their whirlwind romance, she questions things that are happening (or really- aren't happening). Because of the times- paranoid 1950's with "McCarthyism" running rampant, the two get married. There are secrets on both sides, and Audrey is also attracted to another man, Jack.
This story borrows from the marriage of Rock Hudson and Phyllis Gates. However, this story is not based on the actual persons- the personalities are changed to create a newish story.
The chapters are quick, and I liked learning about what impacted Audrey. I also liked the growth in this character (although it came late)- becoming a strong woman who stands up for herself and discovers what true happiness is for her. I found it interesting some of the comments about womens role and abilities. Some of these sentiments seem to still be held to by some.
However, I felt that Audrey was very juvenile through most of the book, and I wanted to shake her. She kept reiterating that her dream was to go to Hollywood and marry a star, to show her father that she made it. This seemed to contradict the whole purpose for running away from her fathers house: she didn't want to just get married- she wanted more- her career in photography. And although there were moments of insight in the story, I did not feel like there was a lot of depth in any of the characters. Towards the end there was growth, and I was happy to see that, but overall it was lacking in most of the story.
Rex was very 2 dimensional and selfish.
I finished the book- it was a quick read, but I was hoping for something a little deeper.
These are only my thoughts- many, many others loved it. Please be sure to check out their reviews!
I did like all the author notes at the end.!
Thank you NetGalley and BoldWood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This story borrows from the marriage of Rock Hudson and Phyllis Gates. However, this story is not based on the actual persons- the personalities are changed to create a newish story.
The chapters are quick, and I liked learning about what impacted Audrey. I also liked the growth in this character (although it came late)- becoming a strong woman who stands up for herself and discovers what true happiness is for her. I found it interesting some of the comments about womens role and abilities. Some of these sentiments seem to still be held to by some.
However, I felt that Audrey was very juvenile through most of the book, and I wanted to shake her. She kept reiterating that her dream was to go to Hollywood and marry a star, to show her father that she made it. This seemed to contradict the whole purpose for running away from her fathers house: she didn't want to just get married- she wanted more- her career in photography. And although there were moments of insight in the story, I did not feel like there was a lot of depth in any of the characters. Towards the end there was growth, and I was happy to see that, but overall it was lacking in most of the story.
Rex was very 2 dimensional and selfish.
I finished the book- it was a quick read, but I was hoping for something a little deeper.
These are only my thoughts- many, many others loved it. Please be sure to check out their reviews!
I did like all the author notes at the end.!
Thank you NetGalley and BoldWood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
April 1, 2025
Set in 1946 and the following post World War II years, The Lavender Bride is based loosely on the life of Hollywood legend Rock Hudson, who while playing alongside Doris Day, became a huge star, marrying Phyllis Gates to hide the fact that he was ‘gay’.
The post wars years in America saw the rise of homophobia, the fear that Communism was going to overtake America with Senator Joe McCarty ushering in the fear mongering years of McCarthy-ism, which is where this intriguing and intimate story is firmly set.
Audrey is a dreamer; she dreams of one day moving to Hollywood and becoming something in the glamorous industry of film. She has a great and dear friend Freddie, who she is completely convinced will one day marry her, that they will go there together to begin a life faraway from Britain and her bully of a father.
But as with all dreams they fall to pieces all to easily, but this does not deter Audrey as she still goes to Hollywood, landing a job with a ruthless and unscrupulous Agent who just happened to manage the hottest property in Hollywood, the rising star Rex Trent.
Everything was going well, until it was not and that is when Audrey really begins to see the ruthless and unscrupulous side of the glitz and glamour that is Hollywood, as she still naively believes what she is being told. When she realises she has been tricked into helping cover up who and what Rex Trent really is, she is devastated, isolated and very lonely.
She refuses to let what has happened get her down and meets Jack purely by accident; a talented artist who works in the props side of film making. They keep on meeting by accident and form a deep friendship which helps Audrey through the tumultuous relationship she has with Rex.
Audrey’s life seems to be out of control, purposeless until she is asked to once again rescue Rex from his own folly. She reluctantly flies to Canada and there, in a strange quirk of fate, finds salvation and a deep, binding love.
The many layers of life in the American Movie industry during the halcyon years of the 1950’s and ‘60’s have been well captured by Alexandra Weston. Her research notes offer a greater depth to The Lavender Bride, which is a captivating read with the storyline being extremely believable.
The post wars years in America saw the rise of homophobia, the fear that Communism was going to overtake America with Senator Joe McCarty ushering in the fear mongering years of McCarthy-ism, which is where this intriguing and intimate story is firmly set.
Audrey is a dreamer; she dreams of one day moving to Hollywood and becoming something in the glamorous industry of film. She has a great and dear friend Freddie, who she is completely convinced will one day marry her, that they will go there together to begin a life faraway from Britain and her bully of a father.
But as with all dreams they fall to pieces all to easily, but this does not deter Audrey as she still goes to Hollywood, landing a job with a ruthless and unscrupulous Agent who just happened to manage the hottest property in Hollywood, the rising star Rex Trent.
Everything was going well, until it was not and that is when Audrey really begins to see the ruthless and unscrupulous side of the glitz and glamour that is Hollywood, as she still naively believes what she is being told. When she realises she has been tricked into helping cover up who and what Rex Trent really is, she is devastated, isolated and very lonely.
She refuses to let what has happened get her down and meets Jack purely by accident; a talented artist who works in the props side of film making. They keep on meeting by accident and form a deep friendship which helps Audrey through the tumultuous relationship she has with Rex.
Audrey’s life seems to be out of control, purposeless until she is asked to once again rescue Rex from his own folly. She reluctantly flies to Canada and there, in a strange quirk of fate, finds salvation and a deep, binding love.
The many layers of life in the American Movie industry during the halcyon years of the 1950’s and ‘60’s have been well captured by Alexandra Weston. Her research notes offer a greater depth to The Lavender Bride, which is a captivating read with the storyline being extremely believable.
March 29, 2025
In 1950s Sheffield, Audrey’s small life is controlled by her strict clergyman father. Her escape – as well as the photography she loves – is her forbidden outings to the cinema with Freddie, where they make their plans for a new and different life together in Hollywood. But when she finds the courage to follow her dream, she does so alone – the full story of Freddie’s betrayal slowly emerges throughout the story – securing a green card and working as a secretary for a rather seedy Hollywood agent.
Her life changes dramatically when the biggest star on their books, Rex Trent, begins to show an interest in her – he buys her an expensive camera, takes her to places she’s only read about, introduces her to his glamorous lifestyle, but his interest waxes and wanes. So she’s surprised when their on-off relationship leads to a marriage proposal – it secures her the right to stay in the US, but their life together proves to be a long way from her Hollywood dreams.
The world building in this well-told and tremendously engaging story is simply stunning. This was the age of McCarthyism, the rabid search for any signs of communist sympathies – but any hint of immorality in private lives could equally end careers. And we’re introduced to the whole idea of the lavender marriage, enabling actors to conceal their true sexual preferences and lifestyle choices – the author’s fascinating postscript tells us more about the very real examples that provided her inspiration – but also to the darker underbelly of the film industry, manipulating people’s lives with little concern for the consequences.
Audrey herself draws the eye at all times – naive and innocent at first, she grows in strength to the point that she’s able to make a stand, to attempt to escape from a situation far worse and considerably more complex than she could ever have expected. And I very much enjoyed the way the story was told, the most perfect storytelling – sometimes dipping back to Freddie’s original betrayal, with similar issues to her current experience now thrown into sharp relief. The influence of gossip columns and emerging no-holds-barred journalism was particularly fascinating – increasing the need to keep potentially damaging secrets deeply hidden. And I also liked the interspersed snippets of an interview with Rex in later life – honest reflections on the misdeeds of his past, and an acknowledgement of the impact his actions had on others.
This was an entirely immersive story I thoroughly enjoyed, the whole era perfectly recreated with insights into a glamorous and unfamiliar world, the most wonderful story-telling with the perfect emotional touch throughout – and with a heroine I entirely took to my heart as she sought to overcome the malign influences on her life. Very much recommended – a book I really loved.
Her life changes dramatically when the biggest star on their books, Rex Trent, begins to show an interest in her – he buys her an expensive camera, takes her to places she’s only read about, introduces her to his glamorous lifestyle, but his interest waxes and wanes. So she’s surprised when their on-off relationship leads to a marriage proposal – it secures her the right to stay in the US, but their life together proves to be a long way from her Hollywood dreams.
The world building in this well-told and tremendously engaging story is simply stunning. This was the age of McCarthyism, the rabid search for any signs of communist sympathies – but any hint of immorality in private lives could equally end careers. And we’re introduced to the whole idea of the lavender marriage, enabling actors to conceal their true sexual preferences and lifestyle choices – the author’s fascinating postscript tells us more about the very real examples that provided her inspiration – but also to the darker underbelly of the film industry, manipulating people’s lives with little concern for the consequences.
Audrey herself draws the eye at all times – naive and innocent at first, she grows in strength to the point that she’s able to make a stand, to attempt to escape from a situation far worse and considerably more complex than she could ever have expected. And I very much enjoyed the way the story was told, the most perfect storytelling – sometimes dipping back to Freddie’s original betrayal, with similar issues to her current experience now thrown into sharp relief. The influence of gossip columns and emerging no-holds-barred journalism was particularly fascinating – increasing the need to keep potentially damaging secrets deeply hidden. And I also liked the interspersed snippets of an interview with Rex in later life – honest reflections on the misdeeds of his past, and an acknowledgement of the impact his actions had on others.
This was an entirely immersive story I thoroughly enjoyed, the whole era perfectly recreated with insights into a glamorous and unfamiliar world, the most wonderful story-telling with the perfect emotional touch throughout – and with a heroine I entirely took to my heart as she sought to overcome the malign influences on her life. Very much recommended – a book I really loved.
March 23, 2025
Set against the backdrop of the glamorous old Hollywood, Alexandra explores the impact of McCarthyism on both communism and homosexuality. Audrey lives in Sheffield, UK and loves photography she dreams of an escaping her small minded minister father and marrying a movie star in Hollywood. After a failed romance with Freddie she goes after her dreams and moves to the US. She ends up being a secretary for a big Hollywood agent and can’t believe it when dreamy movie star Rex Trent is interested in her. She soon discovers there’s more to his interest in her and his secrets.
The story unfolds over a non-linear timeline and we get to know Audrey both in Hollywood and the UK. She was incredibly brave to make the move she did but naive at times. It was nice to see her move forward and grab the life she wanted. I loved how Alexandra really set the scene for the novel- you got a good feel for what it was like to love during the time. From what it was like to work in studios, be blacklisted, atomic testing to and up and coming move star
named Marilyn Monroe. I enjoyed the little touches in the novels- from gossip columns from Eyewitness to the headlines at the start of chapters. The authors note was interesting and I enjoyed learning about all the different inspirations for the story. I’m definitely keen to go and read her other novel now.
The story unfolds over a non-linear timeline and we get to know Audrey both in Hollywood and the UK. She was incredibly brave to make the move she did but naive at times. It was nice to see her move forward and grab the life she wanted. I loved how Alexandra really set the scene for the novel- you got a good feel for what it was like to love during the time. From what it was like to work in studios, be blacklisted, atomic testing to and up and coming move star
named Marilyn Monroe. I enjoyed the little touches in the novels- from gossip columns from Eyewitness to the headlines at the start of chapters. The authors note was interesting and I enjoyed learning about all the different inspirations for the story. I’m definitely keen to go and read her other novel now.
March 30, 2025
What a dazzling, emotional, and suspense-filled ride! This story brings old Hollywood to life so vividly, you feel like you’re walking the studio lots and reading tabloid headlines from the 1950s.
Audrey’s dream of escaping her small-town life in Sheffield and stepping into the spotlight is inspiring, especially as she bravely moves to Hollywood during the tense climate of McCarthyism and post-war uncertainty. Her job with a talent agent brings her face to face with movie star Rex Trent—whose interest in her is both mysterious and thrilling. But Hollywood is a place of shadows as well as stars, and Audrey quickly learns not everything is as glamorous as it seems.
Alexandra's writing is atmospheric, richly detailed, and deeply immersive. It’s like watching an old black-and-white film unfold on the page—full of romance, secrets, and the harsh reality behind the Hollywood dream. Highly recommend this to fans of historical fiction and anyone who loves stories set during the golden age of cinema.
_________
Thank you Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own.
Audrey’s dream of escaping her small-town life in Sheffield and stepping into the spotlight is inspiring, especially as she bravely moves to Hollywood during the tense climate of McCarthyism and post-war uncertainty. Her job with a talent agent brings her face to face with movie star Rex Trent—whose interest in her is both mysterious and thrilling. But Hollywood is a place of shadows as well as stars, and Audrey quickly learns not everything is as glamorous as it seems.
Alexandra's writing is atmospheric, richly detailed, and deeply immersive. It’s like watching an old black-and-white film unfold on the page—full of romance, secrets, and the harsh reality behind the Hollywood dream. Highly recommend this to fans of historical fiction and anyone who loves stories set during the golden age of cinema.
_________
Thank you Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own.
August 12, 2025
Jean38nö
The main character in this novel drove me crazy . I had to put it down sometimes because she was so clueless about men . Her father was a minister that applied physical punishment if she didn’t stay in line. Her mother never stood up to him. Her best friend don’t seem to treat her very well either ,but she didn’t know the different .Audra only dreamed of going Hollywood to marry a big star. She thought her best friend Freddie wanted the same future as she did. Once she had left her father’s home after a big row with her father about her going around with her best friend who had left town. Audra went to find him . She thought they would now get married and go to Hollywood together. Only to get a rude awakening when she did find him. An awakening that propelled her to Hollywood . In Hollywood her dreams seemed to come true only to dissolve like melted snow. Audra learned some cruel lessons that forced her to stand up to the bullies of Hollywood. A good read
The main character in this novel drove me crazy . I had to put it down sometimes because she was so clueless about men . Her father was a minister that applied physical punishment if she didn’t stay in line. Her mother never stood up to him. Her best friend don’t seem to treat her very well either ,but she didn’t know the different .Audra only dreamed of going Hollywood to marry a big star. She thought her best friend Freddie wanted the same future as she did. Once she had left her father’s home after a big row with her father about her going around with her best friend who had left town. Audra went to find him . She thought they would now get married and go to Hollywood together. Only to get a rude awakening when she did find him. An awakening that propelled her to Hollywood . In Hollywood her dreams seemed to come true only to dissolve like melted snow. Audra learned some cruel lessons that forced her to stand up to the bullies of Hollywood. A good read
March 28, 2025
It took me a while to get into this book but once I did, I became really invested in it and had to keeping reading to see how it all panned out. I did feel for Audrey, no wonder she loved the cinema. It allowed her to escape from her home life and her abusive father. How brave was she to travel to America on her own to fulfill her dream! I also liked Jack, he was such a good character, always looking out for Audrey. Unfortunately, Audrey was in a real fix and had no way out. Audrey is clever and resourceful and I wondered what she would do about it. I did like the way that Audrey grew in confidence, inspite of people putting her down. It also described the political atmosphere in the early 50s, with the hunt for Communists and homophobic attitude. This had a very satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 1, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Lavender Bride by Alexandra Weston, published by Boldwood Books
Great historical novel, with great plot, settings and characters. The first part of the book introduced us to the main character Audrey, who grows up in Sheffield with a very strict religious father, she rebels and leaves home to follow her dream of marrying a movie star.
I enjoyed how Audrey matured throughout the novel, I liked her more as the novel progressed, she was very immature and juvenile until about halfway through the book, then she grew up and startedto stand her ground. That's when I didn't want to put the book down. So many life lessons in this novel that are learned the hard way.
I really enjoyed this novel. It's the first book by this author that I've read and will certainly read more by her.
Great historical novel, with great plot, settings and characters. The first part of the book introduced us to the main character Audrey, who grows up in Sheffield with a very strict religious father, she rebels and leaves home to follow her dream of marrying a movie star.
I enjoyed how Audrey matured throughout the novel, I liked her more as the novel progressed, she was very immature and juvenile until about halfway through the book, then she grew up and startedto stand her ground. That's when I didn't want to put the book down. So many life lessons in this novel that are learned the hard way.
I really enjoyed this novel. It's the first book by this author that I've read and will certainly read more by her.
March 17, 2025
5 stars
The writing is good. I'm not that keen on a story where everything appears to be going nastily for the heroine...jeopardy is not my thing at all.
I guessed the actor that was the inspiration for Rex. The dirty dealings of Dirk and Henry weren't a huge surprise and it was interesting to set the story in McCarthy's america. Audrey's gay friend Freddie didn't come across as particularily nice though I was pleased that her sister. mom and best friend helped out. Without Audrey's fantasty life I wounder if she would have been courageous enough to make it all happen. An inetersting tale, I recommend.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
The writing is good. I'm not that keen on a story where everything appears to be going nastily for the heroine...jeopardy is not my thing at all.
I guessed the actor that was the inspiration for Rex. The dirty dealings of Dirk and Henry weren't a huge surprise and it was interesting to set the story in McCarthy's america. Audrey's gay friend Freddie didn't come across as particularily nice though I was pleased that her sister. mom and best friend helped out. Without Audrey's fantasty life I wounder if she would have been courageous enough to make it all happen. An inetersting tale, I recommend.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2025
It's a compelling slow-burn read that immerses the reader in Audrey's dreams as she navigates her abusive and stifling life in post-war Sheffield to the 1950s glamour of Hollywood. The story focuses on the McCarthy era in 1950s America. Audrey achieves her dreams of living in Hollywood, but it is at a heartbreaking personal cost, and there is betrayal and deceit beneath the glamour. The storytelling is excellent, and it has an authentic ethos. Audrey is a likeable, naive character who grows with life's misfortunes. As a welcome contrast to the lies and scandal, there is a lovely romance, but not what you imagine or what Audrey initially dreams of. It is a poignant story with contemporary echoes.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
April 20, 2025
This book was kinda okay, I liked the 1940s Hollywood setting, but I didn't really like the characters, especially the FMC. She had her head in the clouds and practically lived in a fantasy world in the beginning. I was annoyed at her 'I'll marry a Hollywood star' spiel at the beginning. She was more concerned about the glamour than her own dreams.
She did go through character development towards the end of the book, but it was too late for me. Regardless, I'm glad she got the HEA she wanted since the beginning.
She did go through character development towards the end of the book, but it was too late for me. Regardless, I'm glad she got the HEA she wanted since the beginning.
February 12, 2025
Loved reading the amazing and awesome story. When Audrey leaves home, her best friend, Freddie, turns his back on her, and she goes to Hollywood alone, gets a secretarial job, needs a green card, and ends up marrying a movie star, Rex, who has a big secret Audrey agrees to keep. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written with captivating characters, and a must read engaging story by the fabulous author, Alexandra Weston.
February 19, 2025
This book had a very glamorous setting, Hollywood in the 50's. With such a unique story, I read this in approximately three days. It was an easy read that was well-written and well-paced. I love it when a Fiction book is loosely based/inspired by a true story. The author does reveal this at the end. I loved the short snippets from Rex that are peppered throughout the book.
A great book for fans of Romance/ Historical Fiction/ Hollywood.
A great book for fans of Romance/ Historical Fiction/ Hollywood.
July 22, 2025
Great book about a little-known side of 1950s Hollywood
This novel is well-researched and well written, with fully developed characters. the book reveals both the activities of HUAC and Eugene McCarthy during the Red Scare, and the need for homosexuals in Hollywood (and elsewhere) to hide their lifestyles.
The plot develops as a starry-eyed immigrant is duped into marrying a movie star to cover up his affair with another man and to gain her green card.
This novel is well-researched and well written, with fully developed characters. the book reveals both the activities of HUAC and Eugene McCarthy during the Red Scare, and the need for homosexuals in Hollywood (and elsewhere) to hide their lifestyles.
The plot develops as a starry-eyed immigrant is duped into marrying a movie star to cover up his affair with another man and to gain her green card.
April 14, 2025
The !sender bride
What a great read this book was riveting unputdownable right from page one , what a big hot mess in the 1950s you couldn't enjoy life and love when you are afraid your life would unravel and fall apart because of the mcarthy rules on communists and queer witchhhunts a well deserved 5 stars
What a great read this book was riveting unputdownable right from page one , what a big hot mess in the 1950s you couldn't enjoy life and love when you are afraid your life would unravel and fall apart because of the mcarthy rules on communists and queer witchhhunts a well deserved 5 stars
June 24, 2025
In this fantastic historical fiction novel, readers follow Audrey Wade, desperate to escape post-World War Ii Yorkshire and exchange it for the glitz and glam of Hollywood and a life with Freddie, her best friend. But when Freddie abandons her, Audrey refuses to give up her dream and moves on to Hollywood, where she runs into leading man Rex Trent, whose charm and attractiveness hide a secret which could destroy his career under the new wave of McCarthy-fueled paranoia. After accepting his proposal, Audrey has no idea what world she is stepping into, and the choices she faces will either ruin her own life or ruin someone else’s. Dramatic, glamorous, and emotional, the moral questions in this novel are profound and fascinating. The characters are the absolute star of this novel, and Audrey is a unique, competent heroine whose desire for a new life beats almost everything, and the journey she goes on is particularly fascinating. Bringing the historical facts and atmosphere to life in incredible detail, Weston’s world-building, background events and drama, and setting really solidify the time period and makes this entertaining and complex period in Hollywood’s history Audrey’s reality in this entertaining and immersive historical fiction novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
July 14, 2025
Hollywood Warts and All
This was a fun read. Mace me feel like I was there with the author reliving an exciting time when Hollywood was king. Stars were bigger than life but agents and producers controlled the purse strings. Everything looked glamorous from the surface but underneath, life was not always as it seemed.
This was a fun read. Mace me feel like I was there with the author reliving an exciting time when Hollywood was king. Stars were bigger than life but agents and producers controlled the purse strings. Everything looked glamorous from the surface but underneath, life was not always as it seemed.
March 18, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I was taken back in time. The author did a great job with descriptions and relating themes to things that were relevant. You can find my whole review at bookedinmichigan.com/the-lavender-bri...
June 2, 2025
Another stellar read from Alexandra Weston.
Highly evocative of the era - the golden age of Hollywood - with an intriguing heroine and an incredible journey into the heart, as well as a thoughtful exploration of the heartbreak endured by members of the LGBTIQA+ community.
Highly evocative of the era - the golden age of Hollywood - with an intriguing heroine and an incredible journey into the heart, as well as a thoughtful exploration of the heartbreak endured by members of the LGBTIQA+ community.
November 8, 2025
Enjoyable
This was an enjoyable book. Perhaps a bit predictable, the story moves along and all the pieces fit. All the characters are realistic to the point you know who at least one of them was modeled. All in all a good way to spend some time
This was an enjoyable book. Perhaps a bit predictable, the story moves along and all the pieces fit. All the characters are realistic to the point you know who at least one of them was modeled. All in all a good way to spend some time
April 30, 2025
Meticulously researched, elegantly written, beautifully evoked and very, very readable.
December 2, 2025
This book could have been a short story. A very short story.
December 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! The glitz of old Hollywood with a great story line.
January 10, 2026
Enjoyed the historical fictional trip back in time - post war England and Hollywood.
DNB - because it us super expensive - both hardback ($33) and paperback ($18).
DNB - because it us super expensive - both hardback ($33) and paperback ($18).
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