Glorious Ruins: A Novel

by Judithe Little

Power, love, fame, and catastrophic greed collide in a sweeping historical novel about 1920s Paris based on the enduring friendship between Coco Chanel and world-famous muse Misia Sert.

In 1920s Paris, Misia Sert is a patron and a muse to the most revolutionary artists of the era. She is also profoundly in love with renowned muralist José María “Jojo” Sert, who prizes his wife’s iconoclastic vision and independence. But in Misia’s rarified circle, there is no greater kindred soul than designer Coco Chanel. Two women, two friends, for whom rules do not apply.

Then Misia finds herself challenged by the enigmatic Roussadana Mdivani, a Russian émigré and sculptress who solicits Jojo’s tutelage in service to a rising career of her own. It becomes evident Roussadana wants more from an enamored Jojo than that. Misia recognizes a disrupter when she sees one. Misia, with Coco as her confidante, is ready to fight to maintain her position—in marriage and in Paris—in the most unconventional ways. But the stakes are higher, and the fallout darker, than Misia and Coco can fathom.

Set during Paris’s scandalous années folles, Glorious Ruins is a sweeping novel about an indomitable friendship and the exquisite agonies of art and of love.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

Judithe Little is the USA Today bestselling author of THE CHANEL SISTERS, an Amazon Editors’ Pick, and WICKWYTHE HALL. She grew up surrounded by history in Virginia, where she attended the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia School of Law. She also spent a semester at the Institut Catholique in Paris, France, where she fell in love with everything French. A writer of historical fiction, Judithe has a passion to bring forgotten but significant events or people from the past to light in the hopes of helping understand where we are today.

For book news and more, you can follow Judithe on instagram at @judithelittle.

Reviews

[Riette Beling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially, I had reservations about this book. It's not like your typical historical fiction- its more a biography of sorts, and once I wrapped my mind around this, and I did some investigating into the main characters, I finally got it. @judithelittle masterfully gives us a glimpse into the lives of these 3 remarkable women. We always put the famous people on pedestals and gush over how lucky they are. What she did was give us the inside look into lives that were actually quite tragic and marred with loss and grief. I felt such intense pity for them after I was done with this and I can't help to think that as famous as they were and always having people around them in the end they were actually very lonely and ultimately just wanted to belong somewhere. I absolutely loved Elisabeth Laglee as the narrator. With her sultry French accented voice, she made the characters come alive, and you would not have gotten that from reading the book. It's a fantastic book that would be amazing for any historical fiction fan.

It will be available on 12 August 2025!

Thank you to @netgalley and @brilliancepublishing for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Ann Weisgarber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating. Startling. Tour de force. Those are just a handful of the words that describe Glorious Ruins, a novel about three powerful women: Misia Sert, Coco Channel, and Rousi Mdiviani. The combination is explosive. Throw in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s, and the book is a page turner. Their lifestyles are shocking but are so much fun to read about. Yet, it’s the poignant and heartbreaking moments that got to me. These women who appear to have it all, suffer from shattering losses.

That’s what I especially love about Judithe Little's latest historical novel. Beneath the glitz and glamour, Misia, Coco, and Rousi are forced to face their insecurities and heartbreaks. Their emotional vulnerabilities and risky choices make Glorious Ruins impossible to forget.

[Lauren (litwithlauren_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5, rounded down*
RECAP: In 1920s Paris, Misia Sert enlists Coco Chanel’s help to fend off a rival for her husband, unaware of the peril it will bring.

REVIEW: WOW, so I had a lot of thoughts while listening to this. And I’ll probably be going down a Google rabbit hole, looking up the characters and events covered. But most of all, I cannot express enough how much I couldn’t stand any of the characters EXCEPT Coco. She was a girl’s girl, to the end. Misia… Fking delulu. I’m sorry, but holy shit, she needed to reevaluate her choices!!!!! I also thought the story was starting to drag around the 80% mark. Anywho, I’d still recommend for a decent historical fiction novel, and I’d comp to Diva by Daisy Goodwin - although I liked this one slightly better. I’d also say audio is the way to go for this book because, personally, I would’ve butchered the pronunciation of half the names and places in the book.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed with this novel and the history behind it. When you go in deeper this takes place after the First World War and that was a time when everyone was trying to recover in so many different categories. It was also a time for making changes in the fashion industry for women so everyone was either really glad for the exciting changes or petrified for the scandal that it would end up bringing.

This is also a really good female empowerment story because you have three women who are trying to make something of themselves. Looking at them you may think they are the most glamorous women you have ever seen but they are also regular people with their own struggles. Overall I give this book all five stars for bringing in a facinating account of working hard to achieve your dreams!

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Glorious Ruins by Judithe Little

🌹 Overview
Judithe Little’s Glorious Ruins is a dazzling historical novel that plunges readers into the glittering yet treacherous world of 1920s Paris, where art, ambition, and scandal collide. Centered on the fiery friendship between Coco Chanel and Misia Sert—two women who shaped an era—the story weaves together themes of power, love, and the fragility of legacy. Little’s meticulous research and vivid prose bring the Jazz Age to life, offering a poignant exploration of how even the most luminous lives can be shadowed by ruin.

✨ Key Strengths
🎭 Complex Heroines – Chanel and Sert leap off the page, their bond oscillating between devotion and rivalry with electric intensity.
🖌️ Atmospheric Detail – From smoky cabarets to haute couture salons, every scene immerses the reader in Paris’s golden decay.
💔 Emotional Depth – Little doesn’t shy from the darker edges of fame, portraying vulnerability beneath the glamour.
⏳ Narrative Momentum – The pacing balances lush introspection with gripping twists.

⚠️ Considerations
📜 Niche Appeal – Those unfamiliar with Chanel’s lore might miss some nuances.
🔍 Dense Cast – Secondary characters occasionally blur in the opulent haze.

⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) (Like a vintage perfume—heady and haunting.)
🌍 Historical Texture → ★★★★★ (5/5)
👠 Characterization → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🎻 Originality → ★★★★ (4/5)

Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A diamond with fractures that catch the light.

🎯 Perfect For Fans Of
📚 The Paris Wife by Paula McLain or The Chanel Sisters (Little’s prior work)
🎨 Stories of artistic ferment and flawed geniuses
💃 Glamorous sagas with psychological heft

🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Judithe Little for the advance copy. Glorious Ruins is a testament to Little’s gift for resurrecting history’s most captivating women with grace and grit.

[ShelfLoveWithDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We are born soft into this world, then the hardness accumulates,"

"I have  a thousand worries Misia, right now, I can't take on anyone else's"

I was drawn to this book based on the cover and title alone, then learning that it was a historical fiction set in the 1920s i was sold. I went in expecting to love this love and DID!I thoroughly enjoyed this ride! It felt like I was watching a movie! Would love to see this be turned into a movie. Judithe Little did an amazing job with the storytelling of Coco Chanel and Misia Sert (whom I had never heard of) love, friendship,fame,power, greed, consequences and SCAN-DALS!!! Judithe made each and every character come to life. I loved them, pitied them at times, got frustrated angered and shocked by them. Although this is a fictional story, it piqued my interest in wanting to learn more about the 2 women and this time period of the jazz age of fashion and entertainment.

Narration:
Elisabeth Laglee, as the narrator, was the perfect choice she had a smooth, calming cadence perfect enunciation, and her French accent was the perfect touch that really helped this book to be an immersive captivating read! I would read a physical copy of this book without question, but I recommend your first read of this book being via audio to really get the full experience of each character in this book.

I have already added anther one of Judithe Littles books to my TBR, yes I will be purchasing this book for my personal library, yes I would recommend this book to a friend and yessss I would read this book again and watch it if it ever becomes a movie!

Well done!

Thank you, netgalley, and publishing for the audio arc copy of Glorious Ruin!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glorious Ruins focuses on Misia Sert, Coco Chanel's best friend. The author , Judithe Little, discovered Misia, known as The Queen of Paris, while writing her book, The Chanel Sisters. Having uncovered a little known character from history with such an interesting story, I enjoyed learning about her and the people in her life that kept me looking them up on the internet, as well as the author's Facebook page. Misia was a musician but knew so much about art, decorating and all the creative arts and artists of the time period. In fact, she was so well respected, most came to her and if she saw their talent, she could promote them to the point they became quite famous. But what will keep the reader invested is the love story and her marriage to the famous muralist Jojo Sert. Things get quite complicated when this wide group of friends have Russian immigrants who claim to be royalty invade their world. The Mdivani's were determined siblings who were power-hungry and greedy (an unbelievable group to research!). A story that ends with a must-read Author's Note at the end, but do not read until you finish the book.

The narrator for the audiobook really helps the reader hearing the French pronunciations if paired with the book. Very well done!

My deepest thanks to author Judithe Little for an advanced copy of this book. I have read and enjoyed all her books, appreciate the amount of research she does for her books, as well as sharing photos and more history on her Facebook page.

Thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Audio for an advanced copy of this audibook.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction especially ones set in the 1920s as well as ones that are based on real people. This book satisfies both of these and it’s very interesting.

This book tells us of Misa Sert who was an OG influencer in Paris back in the mid 1920s.

Her friendship with Coco Chanel,
her marriage to JoJo Sert, and her tolerance of sculptress, Rousseau Mdivani as a rival for JoJo’s affections are all part of this read.

I had never heard of Misia Sert until I read this book so I’m so glad I was able to learn about a pivotal person that drove the direction of the arts in Paris in the 1920s.

I’ve also been doing an internet dive into the Misia, JoJo, Roussi love triangle and it’s been well worth my time.

[Cheryl Sokoloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy reading about the who’s who in 1920’s Paris (especially about Coco), pick this one up!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great atmospheric read for me. I felt like I was alongside Misia experiencing the fashion and art in Paris. It was still a character driven novel, focusing on the relationships between Misia, Coco and Jojo. I loved getting to learn about Coco Chanel’s life even if she was not the main focus. The emotions I felt for the situation Misia found herself in were across the board. I could never do what she did but I did admire her strength through it even though I was hoping she would make a different decision. There was just enough drama without being too over the top. It was an interesting and well researched story.

Thank you @judithelittle @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Kátia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
A sweeping, sorrowful portrait of an unforgettable woman in the heart of Paris.

I was immediately drawn to Glorious Ruins. The cover shimmered with the elegance of the 1920s, and the promise of a story centred around the so-called Queen of Paris—Misia Sert—was too tempting to resist. The roaring twenties is a decade I’ve long adored, and while I don’t often get the chance to dive into fiction set during that era, this one had all the allure I was craving.

And while I did enjoy it—truly—I also came away with a feeling of something slightly missed.

This didn’t quite read like the kind of historical fiction I’d anticipated. Instead, it leaned far more into the style of a memoir or biography. Despite the fictional liberties taken, it felt deeply anchored in research. Meticulous, yes, but heavy-handed. Names fell onto the page like gossip-column footnotes; cameos from legendary artists and fashion icons often felt more informative than organic. What I’d hoped would be a richly imagined reimagining of Misia's life ended up feeling like a well-crafted but emotionally distant record of it.

That’s not to say there wasn’t beauty here. There was, and plenty of it. Judithe Little writes with elegance and reverence, and Misia Sert herself is utterly compelling. A muse, a patron, an artist in her own right—she lived through glittering highs and devastating lows, and this novel captured the fullness of that life with striking grace. Her relationships—particularly with her husband José María—were layered and laced with ache. Her fierce friendship with Coco Chanel, and the introduction of Roussy Mdivani, added complexity and depth. And beneath all the glamour of Parisian salons and artistic circles, this is a story about vulnerability, devotion, grief, and the quiet strength of women who endure.

There is something deeply admirable about how Little chose to centre the human beneath the icon. Misia is portrayed not just as a tastemaker and socialite, but as a woman who loved deeply, broke often, and kept going. The prose is rich with detail, the emotional tone consistent, and the atmosphere thick with time and place.

Still, I wish this had leaned more into story than summary. The narrative voice often felt distant, as though Misia were being written about rather than written through. Had we truly been allowed to feel her instead of study her, I suspect this would have been a five-star read for me.

I listened to this as an audiobook, and Elisabeth Lagelée’s narration deserves praise. She gave Misia presence, poise, and just the right inflection of vulnerability. Her voice was the thread that stitched emotion into a sometimes-clinical narrative.

In the end, Glorious Ruins is a quietly powerful, meticulously researched tribute to an unforgettable woman who helped shape the very fabric of Parisian culture during two of its most luminous decades. I’m grateful to have learned about Misia Sert through this novel, even if I longed to feel her heartbeat just a little louder between the lines.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the advanced audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.**

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power, love, fame, and catastrophic greed collide in 1920s Paris.

Coco Chanel and Misia Sert's profound, lifelong friendship began in 1917 when Sert introduced Chanel to Parisian high society. Their bond was strengthened by shared experiences, including loss and drug use(morphine). Sert's influence helped launch Chanel's career.Their friendship endured until Misia’s death in 1950, with Chanel personally preparing her body for the funeral.

Coco Chanel
- Born: August 19, 1883
- Died: January 10, 1971
- Achievements: Revolutionary French fashion designer and entrepreneur, founder of the Chanel brand
- Relationships:
- *Boy Capel*: A significant romance that shaped her life and career. Capel was an English aristocrat who financed Chanel's first shops and influenced her style.
- *Hans Günther von Dincklage*: A German officer with whom she had a relationship during WWII, sparking controversy and suspicions of espionage.
- Dark Side: Nazi collaborateur and antisemite

Misia Sert
- Born: March 30, 1872
- Died: October 15, 1950
- Achievements: Renowned patron of the arts, muse, and pianist.
- Relationships:
- *José María Sert*: Her husband, a Spanish muralist.
Misia was previously married to Thadée Natanson and Alfred Edwards.
- Struggles: Faced challenges in her personal life, including her husband's infidelity and her own opioid addiction.

José María Sert
- Born: December 21, 1874
- Died: November 27, 1945
- Achievements: Acclaimed Spanish muralist known for large-scale public art projects
- Relationships: Married to Misia Sert, had a relationship with Roussadana Mdivani
- Struggles: Faced personal and professional challenges.

Sergei Diaghilev
- Born: March 31, 1872
- Died: August 19, 1929
- Achievements: Founder of the Ballets Russes, a revolutionary ballet company
- Relationships: Close friend and collaborator of Misia Sert

Isabelle Roussadana Mdivani
- Born: 1906
- Died: 1938
- Achievements: Sculptor
- Relationships: José María Sert
- Family Controversies: Known as one of the "Marrying Mdivanis" due to her family's tendency to marry into wealth and fame; allegations of questionable financial dealings and exploitation.

[Mary Polzella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1920s Paris, Misia Sert is both patron and muse to renowned artist José María “Jojo” Sert. She is also profoundly in love with him. Misia's relationship is tested when a young Russian sculptress, Roussadana Mdivani, enters their lives, clearly wanting to have an affair with Jojo.  Misia, with her close friend Coco (Chanel) as her confidante, is ready to fight to maintain her marriage to Jojo and her position as 'Queen Paris' using any means she can. Glorious Ruins is a sweeping novel about an indomitable friendship and the exquisite agonies of art and of love.

While this book is classified as fiction, it's really a biography about the lives of these iconic artists. The story is centered around Misia and Coco, whose long standing friendship is an enormous support for them both as they live through the agonies of love and betrayal by the men in their lives. Despite their successes and the power they hold, Misia and Coco are portrayed as tragic and vulnerable in their personal relationships. The story focuses on the love triangle between Misia, Jojo and Roussadana and the lengths Misia went to for the man she considered the love of her life. It's a fascinating insight into the luxurious, Bohemian lifestyle of the time and a story about a woman whose ambition took her on a path where she did everything she could to retain her power and position but, in doing so, lost herself along the way (in my view).

The author does a brilliant job of leaving the reader with an overwhelming feeling of sadness and pity for the terrible personal lives of these women, despite their power and wealth. A fascinating read.

Thank you @netgalley @lakeunionpublishing for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 1920's was such a fascinating time! It is so interesting to read about these real people, their circle of friends who were all connected in one way or another. The way they lived during a time of celebration that the Great War ended, a time of change for women and the looming Great Depression. I had never heard of Misia or Jose Sert and they were two very fascinating people. A close friend to Coco Chanel, Misia lived a different life than most woman would have. Misia and Jose very much integrated into the arts, and are well aware of the turmoil the arts often bring to relationships. Having watched many of their friends split or take lovers they always seemed to be the outlier that is until the Mdivani's become part of their group. When the young Roussadana Mdivani captures her husband's attention, she does all she can to befriend this woman to keep her in her sights at all times. This will begin an unfathomable relationship between the three of them that will last decades. Chanel, often will question Misia's decisions but yet she will remain her true friend through all of this turmoil. Just as Misia has been there for her during all of her heartbreaks. These two women had a fascinating friendship and lived interesting lives during the 1920's leading up to WWII. I really enjoyed reading about these true fascinating people and how life was lived during those decades. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Liz Aguiar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of the audio.

**No spoilers**

Author Judithe Little wrote The Chanel Sisters a few years ago that I thoroughly enjoyed: Coco Chanel’s life growing up and her relationship with her sister as Coco bloomed into one of the most powerful independent women of her time.

Now, in The Glorious Ruin starts in the 1920’s of the wealthy in Paris, to the US stock market crash and wrapping up in 1938. The novel revolves around “The Muse” polish born, Misia Sert and Coco Chanel’s friendship from Misia’s perspective. I haven’t heard much of Misia before so I was quite curious about this mysterious women. She was known as a Muse for many creative artists, musicians and designers though she was more… humbled, she didn’t want any credit for the successes but was a catalyst.

The novel will take you away…Set in places such as Paris, New York, Hollywood, Italy and other picturesque countries. You will be transported to fine estates, exquisite food and drink, beautiful clothing and jewelry to the grand lives of the rich. Until one day, a Russian princess Roussadana Mdivani comes in and shatters the back drop.

The audio narrator is astounding! She was able to capture the essence of these times in history.

Looking forward to reading more from Judithe Little

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judithe Little, the Author of “Glorious Ruins” has written a captivating, intriguing and cultural novel. . The Genres for this unique and creative novel are Biographical Fiction, Historical Fiction, and Friendship Fiction. In this well researched and well written novel, I appreciate how Judithe Little describes the various arts, visual and musical, and mentions such celebrities as Coco Chanel, Misia Sert, Roussadana Mdivani and “Jojo” Sert. The author vividly describes the artistic, dramatic, complex and complicated characters The story is set in 1920 in Paris, and goes to the past and future when it pertains to the characters and events.

Misia Sert is independent and is a patron and muse of the arts. She can play the piano with amazing skill. She loves and marries “Jojo” Sert, a famous muralist. She becomes friends and a confidante with Coco Chanel, the fashion designer . Roussadana Mdivani, is a Russian sculptress, and has her future and eyes set on “Jojo”. There are betrayals, twists and turns, creative endeavors, heartbreak and greed. The author describes the importance of sisterhood, friendship, loyalty, communication, love and hope. This was an enlightening novel that I highly recommend.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something special in reading a book, particularly historical fiction, that not only entertains but also educates and informs. This vibrant novel managed to introduce me to new people and their experiences, as well as transport me to glittering Paris.

Set in Paris during the 1920s, the story revolves around the friendship of two formidable women. I was familiar with Coco Chanel, but the name and life of Misia Sert I knew very little about. Another woman, Roussi Mdivani, would join their circle, creating volatile dynamics.

The pages are brimming with fashion, art, and even names you may recognize from these industries and others. But it’s the drama of these women through love, tragedy, and heartache that kept me enthralled. While the atmosphere is rich, glamorous, and luxurious, the author does a marvelous job of revealing these women’s insecurities and vulnerabilities. They became real people to me with their sufferings, betrayals, and the weight of some shocking choices. Yet they were highly creative and surrounded by strong, loyal friends.

* The Author's Note is not to be missed.

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @judithelittle for the #gifted book.

[Beatrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed by this book and wish I had known that it was about a real person before I started reading it. I couldn't understand why a story set in such a fascinating place and time was written at such a remove. Names are dropped like a tabloid round up but there is no immediacy. In the end it was like reading someone's book report about a distant relative. You can tell the author is interested in Misia, the Queen of Paris, but is afraid to put words in her mouth. It gets more frustrating when Coco Channel joins the 'story' because I've read and seen so much about Channel's life, so it just reminded me how this type of work can be done so much better.

Instead, we go from researched moment to researched moment as if working from a checklist, or reading a very long wiki entry. I gave this 3 stars, mainly because I enjoyed googling the names of some of the personages that I was less familiar with, like Jose Sert and the Mdiviani family (though I did recognize them from the Barbara Hutton bios and movies). I kept hoping something would happen that would draw me in but instead I found it easy to put down and walk away from.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1920s Paris, Misia Sert is a patron and a muse to the most revolutionary artists of the era. She is also profoundly in love with renowned muralist José María “Jojo” Sert, who prizes his wife’s iconoclastic vision and independence. But in Misia’s rarified circle, there is no greater kindred soul than designer Coco Chanel. Two women, two friends, for whom rules do not apply.

I really got frustrated with Misia during this novel. I got so tired of her waiting on JoJo. Misia is an accomplished pianist and very intelligent and this just demeaned her and made me furious.

I enjoyed all the famous people in this tale. Chanel is a big one, along with quite a few others. I also enjoyed the time period of 1920s Paris and the fashions!

The narrator, Elisabeth Lagelee, did a very good job. Lots of French pronunciations in this and she nailed it. Also, Jojo is pronounced Hoho in this novel. This drove me a bit insane. But I guess Joe Joe would have been just as bad. 😜

This is 3.5 stars rounded up.

Need a tale with some cameos from very famous people…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[Jo Lynn Bruno-Diehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book shed light on a little known(to me at least) women, Misia Sert. She was once known as the Queen of Paris, a muse, talented musician, and advisor to artists, musicians and composers of the early 20th century. She Married Jose' Serte, a renowned muralist and was close friend to fashion designer, Coco Channel. This book reads almost like a biography as far as facts go, but I don't know if the author has projected Misia's personality with as much fact.

For the influence and support she wielded she struck me as a very insecure person. I get the fact that her father, a sculptor belittled her talents when she was a child, but the power and creativity she exerted as an adult were formidable and her insecurity in her personal life felt out of balance to me. When her husband, Jojo becomes involved with a young Russian sculptress who is obviously using them both, her need to hang on to the marriage felt opposite of her personality. At times I wanted to shake her and say get rid of him, you are so much better than that.

Still, it gave a vivid picture of the French art and social scene of the era and made for a pretty good read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors! I have read and adored all of Judithe Little's novels! They are exquisitely written and thoughtfully, carefully researched. Yet again, Little has created captivating, complicated characters, this time in the dazzling 1920's in Paris. Misia Sert (Coco Chanel's best friend) was the "Queen of Paris" in her day, a model for Renoir, and a patron and champion of the arts. As Little does with Coco Chanel's sister in The Chanel Sisters, she lifts this intriguing and talented woman back into the spotlight. The enigmatic Russian (Princess?) Roussadana Mdivani and her brothers are fascinating (real life) characters. Little beautifully writes of enduring friendship, love, betrayal, art, reinvention, and resilience. I so enjoyed spending time in the artistic and cultural circles of 1920's Paris, I bought extra copies to give as gifts for friends and family!

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glorious Ruins is the story of three women living in Paris in the 1920s and 30s. Coco Chanel, Misia Sert, and Rousi Mdiviani. The glamorous and seductive art world of the time is the backdrop, and there is plenty of scandal. While the women’s lives, especially, are replete with extravagance, they are not without grief and loss.

The characters leap off the pages, and Glorious Ruins quickly reminded me of just how much I adore historical fiction, especially stories that truly dig in to the backstories of the characters.

Overall, I was fully immersed and enthralled by this story, and I’d love to read more about the annees folles.

I received a gifted copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky enough to get an early read of this amazing book. Judithe Little is at her absolute best, taking us all by the hand to experience the remarkable life of Misia Sert, her talents, her unusual relationship with her beloved husband, and her storied life-time friendship with Coco Chanel.
You'll be enthralled with the characters, the richly drawn setting, the immersion into extraordinary lives we can barely imagine, of the beautiful and the damned.
And in the best of historical fiction, meticulously researched. Misia Sert and her contributions to the world of art and fashion may have been overlooked once, but no longer.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible read. The story pulled me in right from the start, and the way it was told made Paris in the 1920s feel alive and vivid. The narration was excellent—clear, engaging, and perfectly matched to the tone of the book.

What really stood out to me was the storytelling. It balanced art, love, and friendship in such a powerful way that I didn’t want to stop listening. Complex characters, high stakes, and an atmosphere that felt both glamorous and tense made this one of the most enjoyable books I’ve experienced in a long time. Highly recommend!

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to get lost in and I enjoyed learning so much about Misia and her life. She's fascinating and her story is an incredible journey. From her strong friendship with Coco Chanel to the love triangle she found herself in, she retained an eye for beauty and talent. I learned so much about Paris, during the war and after, and what it was like to live as a celebrity of that time. The author's notes are so interesting and I love to hear to how a novel comes to be. This is a must read for lovers of historical fiction.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Angie Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down—I wanted more depth to Misia’s character. She and all the other characters kept saying she was a muse and she was a patron of the arts but we never see it. Her relationships are frustrating and don’t make sense. I never felt fully brought into her life. The writing is lovely and the audiobook is well done. I came in not knowing anything about these characters, but left with a lot of questions about them!

[Lisa A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging and informative novel based on the life of Misia Sert, Coco Chanel and other well-known people of that era, many of whom I knew nothing about. This story is about three powerful women who seem to have it all, but beneath the surface lies pain and heartbreak. It's emotional, shocking and poignant, full of drama and intrigue. The author took me on a journey into the world of art, wealth and excess, and I wasn't ready for this story to end. I found myself going down the Google rabbit hole to learn more about the people and their lives. The narration was excellent, and the narrator captured the emotions of the characters and gave each their own voice, making them easy to distinguish. Well worth a read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Judithe Little for the advance audio copy for review. All opinions are my own.

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

GLORIOUS RUINS was an outstanding work of historical fiction that will transport you to a different time. The characters were unforgettable and very interesting to read about. The author did an outstanding job in describing the setting which kept my interest piqued throughout. I would definitely read another book by this author in the future!

Many thanks to Judithe Little for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

[LaBibliodeCaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glorious Ruins benefits from an elegant writing style. The escapist facet is definitely the highlight of the novel. The reader gets to travel through time and all around the world. There are tons of references, giving way to a rich historical tapestry. But there might be too many of them that it ended up feeling like a historical catalogue at the detriment of the emotional development of the characters. I didn't feel all that invested in their evolution. So I have mixed feelings about that one.