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Belle Haven Finishing School
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From the author of The Tobacco Wives comes an intergenerational tale about a Southern finishing school set in 1951 and 1987, inspired by the true story of a decades-old cover-up that binds two women together, thirty years apart.
“An eye-opening tale that will pull on your heartstrings. Loosely inspired by a real-life cover-up, the fictional story of Birdie and Charlotte examines ambition and ethics while also exploring the restorative power of loyalty, family, and friendship.” —Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake and Good Dirt
In 1951, Belle Haven Finishing School offers orphan girls the promise of a brighter future. For Birdie and her cousin Rue, it’s a chance to become proper ladies, to dream beyond their small world, and change the trajectory of their lives. But as Birdie navigates the school’s unusual rules and glamorous, yet unsettling, atmosphere, she begins to question the true intentions behind its polished facade—and what it might mean for her and Rue.
In 1987, Charlotte Davenport, a burgeoning New York Times reporter who is hungry to cover stories beyond the ladies’ lifestyle pages, discovers a curious connection between the finishing school and an academic study that was never published. Charlotte is convinced a cover-up took place to protect the prominent university professor behind the unethical experiment. As Charlotte pieces together the past, she finds herself drawn into a mystery that touches her own life in unexpected ways.
Dramatic, deeply human, emotionally satisfying, and written with vivid historical details, Belle Haven Finishing School is a heartfelt tale of ambition, the power of female connection, and the courage to seek the truth.
“An eye-opening tale that will pull on your heartstrings. Loosely inspired by a real-life cover-up, the fictional story of Birdie and Charlotte examines ambition and ethics while also exploring the restorative power of loyalty, family, and friendship.” —Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake and Good Dirt
In 1951, Belle Haven Finishing School offers orphan girls the promise of a brighter future. For Birdie and her cousin Rue, it’s a chance to become proper ladies, to dream beyond their small world, and change the trajectory of their lives. But as Birdie navigates the school’s unusual rules and glamorous, yet unsettling, atmosphere, she begins to question the true intentions behind its polished facade—and what it might mean for her and Rue.
In 1987, Charlotte Davenport, a burgeoning New York Times reporter who is hungry to cover stories beyond the ladies’ lifestyle pages, discovers a curious connection between the finishing school and an academic study that was never published. Charlotte is convinced a cover-up took place to protect the prominent university professor behind the unethical experiment. As Charlotte pieces together the past, she finds herself drawn into a mystery that touches her own life in unexpected ways.
Dramatic, deeply human, emotionally satisfying, and written with vivid historical details, Belle Haven Finishing School is a heartfelt tale of ambition, the power of female connection, and the courage to seek the truth.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 19, 2027
About the author
Adele Myers
2 books457 followersAdele Myers is the author of THE TOBACCO WIVES, an Indie Next and Barnes & Noble Discover Pick. She grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. She has a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she is an adjunct professor.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 13, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I could talk about Belle Haven Finishing School for hours since there is so much to unpack.
One of the most important takeaways from this book was the viewpoint it provided on misogyny in the workplace. Watching women strive to establish themselves professionally reminded me of how frustrating it must have been to work in environments where men consistently misjudged them, took credit for their work, fought over bylines, and found ways to undercut them, even when they recognised a woman had a fantastic idea. Even when they respected the job, they didn't make things simple. There was this persistent belief that women had to work twice as hard to be regarded seriously.
I especially enjoyed being inside Birdie's mind. I like learning how she thinks and, most importantly, how much she feels about Rue. Their relationship means a lot to me. I honestly wish I could have gotten inside Rue's mind because, given everything she went thru, I assume her inner world was quite dark and confusing. There is so much beneath the surface of their connection that has stuck with me.
Charlotte was another one of my favourite characters. She's a clever and well-educated woman, and it was fascinating to see her navigate the New York workforce. Seeing her experience of being ignored and underestimated professionally gave another element to the book's analysis of what women had to go thru just to develop careers and be considered seriously.
I especially loved the historical context of speech-language pathology, as well as the archival materials. It was intriguing to see that history woven into the plot, as well as to consider how the evolution of these professions, particularly the contributions of women, is sometimes forgotten.
The book also made me think about women's etiquette and all the unsaid norms women were supposed to observe. There was so much pressure to appear polished, polite, composed, and "proper," even when the environment around them was actively working against them. Women were supposed to know how to behave, speak, present themselves, and when to shrink. I liked how the novel portrayed those expectations as another sort of control, rather than simply good manners.
I honestly have so much more to say about this book. I enjoyed being in these women's life, the historical backdrop, and how much the novel made me reflect about women's labour, ambition, and how they were and continue to be undermined. This is one of those novels that I finished and instantly wanted to discuss with someone. I loved it so much.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for the opportunity to read this book.
One of the most important takeaways from this book was the viewpoint it provided on misogyny in the workplace. Watching women strive to establish themselves professionally reminded me of how frustrating it must have been to work in environments where men consistently misjudged them, took credit for their work, fought over bylines, and found ways to undercut them, even when they recognised a woman had a fantastic idea. Even when they respected the job, they didn't make things simple. There was this persistent belief that women had to work twice as hard to be regarded seriously.
I especially enjoyed being inside Birdie's mind. I like learning how she thinks and, most importantly, how much she feels about Rue. Their relationship means a lot to me. I honestly wish I could have gotten inside Rue's mind because, given everything she went thru, I assume her inner world was quite dark and confusing. There is so much beneath the surface of their connection that has stuck with me.
Charlotte was another one of my favourite characters. She's a clever and well-educated woman, and it was fascinating to see her navigate the New York workforce. Seeing her experience of being ignored and underestimated professionally gave another element to the book's analysis of what women had to go thru just to develop careers and be considered seriously.
I especially loved the historical context of speech-language pathology, as well as the archival materials. It was intriguing to see that history woven into the plot, as well as to consider how the evolution of these professions, particularly the contributions of women, is sometimes forgotten.
The book also made me think about women's etiquette and all the unsaid norms women were supposed to observe. There was so much pressure to appear polished, polite, composed, and "proper," even when the environment around them was actively working against them. Women were supposed to know how to behave, speak, present themselves, and when to shrink. I liked how the novel portrayed those expectations as another sort of control, rather than simply good manners.
I honestly have so much more to say about this book. I enjoyed being in these women's life, the historical backdrop, and how much the novel made me reflect about women's labour, ambition, and how they were and continue to be undermined. This is one of those novels that I finished and instantly wanted to discuss with someone. I loved it so much.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for the opportunity to read this book.
Read
August 5, 2026In 1951 we come upon Birdie and her cousin Rue. Both are orphans and living at the Belle Haven state run girl's home. They are two of the 75 girls living there. Of those 75, 24 girls are picked as "special" children and were chosen to go to an exclusive finishing school. For Birdie and her cousin Rue, they will have a chance for a brighter future. Run by Professor Barnes and Miss Carlisle, it is a facade..., a psychological experiment. that uses the term "finishing school" as a means of a cover up for what they are really doing.
In 1987 we find Charlotte Davenport, a young New York Times reporter who covers the lady's page. Desperate to become an investigate reporter, she finds a connection between the finishing school and an unpublished study. This is the opportunity she has been waiting for, a chance to be promoted and leave the lady's column behind.
Thia novel was well researched, well written and an emotional read. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In 1987 we find Charlotte Davenport, a young New York Times reporter who covers the lady's page. Desperate to become an investigate reporter, she finds a connection between the finishing school and an unpublished study. This is the opportunity she has been waiting for, a chance to be promoted and leave the lady's column behind.
Thia novel was well researched, well written and an emotional read. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There is something particularly infuriating about reading historical fiction and realizing the part making you the angriest is the part inspired by something that actually happened.
Belle Haven Finishing School got me.
I love dual-timeline historical fiction when both timelines give me a reason to care, and this one absolutely did. In 1951, I became completely invested in Birdie and Rue. These girls are being promised opportunity and a better future, while slowly realizing that the very people who are supposed to be helping them may have entirely different intentions.
Then we jump to 1987 and Charlotte, a reporter trying to be taken seriously in a profession where being talented apparently isn't enough when you're a woman. Watching her start pulling at the threads of this decades-old story and realizing just how much had been buried kept me turning pages.
But what really got me was the women.
The expectations placed on them. Be proper. Be polished. Be agreeable. Know your place. Don't ask too many questions. And certainly don't make the powerful people around you uncomfortable.
I wanted to SCREAM.
The relationship between Birdie and Rue was probably the emotional heart of the book for me. There is so much love, loyalty, and protectiveness between them, and knowing these girls were incredibly vulnerable made everything happening around them feel even more disturbing.
And then there's the fact that this story was inspired by a real-life cover-up involving an unethical experiment. Every time I remembered that, the story hit a little harder.
This is exactly why I love historical fiction. Give me a piece of history I didn't know about, wrap it inside characters I become emotionally invested in, make me furious about something that happened decades ago, and then send me down a rabbit hole wanting to learn what actually happened.
Five stars. And yes, I immediately wanted to know more about the true story that inspired it.
Belle Haven Finishing School got me.
I love dual-timeline historical fiction when both timelines give me a reason to care, and this one absolutely did. In 1951, I became completely invested in Birdie and Rue. These girls are being promised opportunity and a better future, while slowly realizing that the very people who are supposed to be helping them may have entirely different intentions.
Then we jump to 1987 and Charlotte, a reporter trying to be taken seriously in a profession where being talented apparently isn't enough when you're a woman. Watching her start pulling at the threads of this decades-old story and realizing just how much had been buried kept me turning pages.
But what really got me was the women.
The expectations placed on them. Be proper. Be polished. Be agreeable. Know your place. Don't ask too many questions. And certainly don't make the powerful people around you uncomfortable.
I wanted to SCREAM.
The relationship between Birdie and Rue was probably the emotional heart of the book for me. There is so much love, loyalty, and protectiveness between them, and knowing these girls were incredibly vulnerable made everything happening around them feel even more disturbing.
And then there's the fact that this story was inspired by a real-life cover-up involving an unethical experiment. Every time I remembered that, the story hit a little harder.
This is exactly why I love historical fiction. Give me a piece of history I didn't know about, wrap it inside characters I become emotionally invested in, make me furious about something that happened decades ago, and then send me down a rabbit hole wanting to learn what actually happened.
Five stars. And yes, I immediately wanted to know more about the true story that inspired it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Belle Haven Finishing School” by Adele Myers delivers a deeply moving and thought provoking historical novel about the abuse of power, the ethics of scientific research, and the lasting consequences of using vulnerable populations in the name of science.
Told through dual timelines in the early 1950s and 1987, Belle Haven Finishing School is inspired by the true story of female orphans who were subjected to an intentional psychological study on stuttering.
In 1987, an ambitious young New York Times reporter, determined to prove herself in a male dominated field, returns home to celebrate her sister’s upcoming wedding. Needing to figure out how to get a story that will land on the front page, she visits with her former college professor who gives her a lede he never pursued, one involving a finishing school for wards of the state and allegations of unethical research.
Myers has clearly done extensive research, but it never overwhelms the story. Her characters feel authentic and deeply human, making the emotional consequences of what happened at Belle Haven especially powerful. I was particularly moved by the novel’s exploration of how societal expectations shape the way we see ourselves and, ultimately the choices we make.
I predict this book will be one of the top book club books of 2027, there is so much here to discuss! I highly recommend for historical fiction fans and readers who love compelling socially relevant stories inspired by true events.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Told through dual timelines in the early 1950s and 1987, Belle Haven Finishing School is inspired by the true story of female orphans who were subjected to an intentional psychological study on stuttering.
In 1987, an ambitious young New York Times reporter, determined to prove herself in a male dominated field, returns home to celebrate her sister’s upcoming wedding. Needing to figure out how to get a story that will land on the front page, she visits with her former college professor who gives her a lede he never pursued, one involving a finishing school for wards of the state and allegations of unethical research.
Myers has clearly done extensive research, but it never overwhelms the story. Her characters feel authentic and deeply human, making the emotional consequences of what happened at Belle Haven especially powerful. I was particularly moved by the novel’s exploration of how societal expectations shape the way we see ourselves and, ultimately the choices we make.
I predict this book will be one of the top book club books of 2027, there is so much here to discuss! I highly recommend for historical fiction fans and readers who love compelling socially relevant stories inspired by true events.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
belle haven finishing school is a dual timeline novel in which the female main character, charlotte, is working as a reporter for the new york times in the late 1980s.
she loves her profession and she even receives praise for her latest pitch…and then it is assigned to her male colleague…
desperate to prove herself, she meets with her mentor during a trip back home. he mentions he may have a lede for her to work on in one of his old notebooks. charlotte begins her research into the belle haven finishing school and the young girls who were wards of the state and (unknowingly) subjected to a research study while living there. readers will get to know birdie, rue, and their friends from both the orphanage and the finishing school. we’ll meet the adults who were around them during these pivotal years and find out who protected them and who did not. charlotte will uncover many secrets during her investigation and some will lead to truths she could have never imagined.
i loved this book! it hooked me right from the start and i really enjoyed charlotte’s grit and birdie’s kind, protective heart. i would be over the moon if adele myers would publish a novella (or full novel) from rue’s point of view!! it would be fascinating to see this story from the other side.
thank you to william morrow for providing this book for review consideration via netgalley. all opinions are my own.
she loves her profession and she even receives praise for her latest pitch…and then it is assigned to her male colleague…
desperate to prove herself, she meets with her mentor during a trip back home. he mentions he may have a lede for her to work on in one of his old notebooks. charlotte begins her research into the belle haven finishing school and the young girls who were wards of the state and (unknowingly) subjected to a research study while living there. readers will get to know birdie, rue, and their friends from both the orphanage and the finishing school. we’ll meet the adults who were around them during these pivotal years and find out who protected them and who did not. charlotte will uncover many secrets during her investigation and some will lead to truths she could have never imagined.
i loved this book! it hooked me right from the start and i really enjoyed charlotte’s grit and birdie’s kind, protective heart. i would be over the moon if adele myers would publish a novella (or full novel) from rue’s point of view!! it would be fascinating to see this story from the other side.
thank you to william morrow for providing this book for review consideration via netgalley. all opinions are my own.
September 13, 2026
I couldn’t imagine that Adele Myers’ second book could be as captivating as her first book, The Tobacco Wives. But, wow! The Belle Haven Finishing School was an incredible story and was written so eloquently that it gripped me from page one! I was fortunate enough to get an Advanced Reader copy and am so excited to see how this book will be received when it is launched in early 2027.
The characters in the book are so well developed, and I felt as if I knew Birdie, Rue and Charlotte personally. I love the North Carolina references and the beautiful descriptions of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The author’s sentiments that we are often shaped by how others see us was a very powerful statement and struck a chord with me. The fact that this story was based on something that really happened made it that much more compelling. I love the way the author writes books uncovering the truths about things often not discussed. I was unfamiliar with the true story of the finishing school and am so surprised that such atrocities happened and were covered up for so long. It is important to let these truths be told.
Bravo to Adele Myers on revealing such an important story and for making such an enjoyable reading experience!
The characters in the book are so well developed, and I felt as if I knew Birdie, Rue and Charlotte personally. I love the North Carolina references and the beautiful descriptions of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The author’s sentiments that we are often shaped by how others see us was a very powerful statement and struck a chord with me. The fact that this story was based on something that really happened made it that much more compelling. I love the way the author writes books uncovering the truths about things often not discussed. I was unfamiliar with the true story of the finishing school and am so surprised that such atrocities happened and were covered up for so long. It is important to let these truths be told.
Bravo to Adele Myers on revealing such an important story and for making such an enjoyable reading experience!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow. I absolutely loved this book. Belle Haven Finishing School is a gripping tale of young girls and their involuntary participation in an unethical psychological experiment. It moves between two timelines, following Birdie, a young orphan girl in 1951, and Charlotte, a determined investigative reporter who uncovers her story in 1987. Adele Myers has crafted an incredibly well-researched, thought provoking, and heartfelt story loosely based on a real cover-up of an experiment in the 1930s.
This was an emotional and eye-opening read, and I grew to love Birdie and her friends. The characters in this novel will stick with me for a very long time. It pains me to think of these young girls suffering, and it highlights the true history of this type of academic experimentation being conducted on vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Belle Haven Finishing School celebrates friendship, girlhood, and family in a beautiful way. I’m left feeling deeply moved by this story, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Strong contender for my favorite book of the year. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy.
This was an emotional and eye-opening read, and I grew to love Birdie and her friends. The characters in this novel will stick with me for a very long time. It pains me to think of these young girls suffering, and it highlights the true history of this type of academic experimentation being conducted on vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Belle Haven Finishing School celebrates friendship, girlhood, and family in a beautiful way. I’m left feeling deeply moved by this story, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Strong contender for my favorite book of the year. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you love exquisitely researched historical fiction, Adele Myers is your go-to author.
Her sophomore novel, Belle Haven Finishing School, moves between two timelines - 1951 and 1987 - and introduces us to two unforgettable protagonists - Birdie and Charlotte - who will live in my heart forever.
I devoured this book in a single sitting because when Adele puts words together, they don’t just tell a story - they completely suck you in. And this one? It has some spectacular surprises that I have never experienced before. 🤯
The twist is absolutely mind-blowing. I can’t tell you anything without risking the experience, so I’m going to leave you with just this…
Belle Haven Finishing School.
Is it really, though??? 👀
Adele, you magnificent storyteller. You did it. You really, REALLY did it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Her sophomore novel, Belle Haven Finishing School, moves between two timelines - 1951 and 1987 - and introduces us to two unforgettable protagonists - Birdie and Charlotte - who will live in my heart forever.
I devoured this book in a single sitting because when Adele puts words together, they don’t just tell a story - they completely suck you in. And this one? It has some spectacular surprises that I have never experienced before. 🤯
The twist is absolutely mind-blowing. I can’t tell you anything without risking the experience, so I’m going to leave you with just this…
Belle Haven Finishing School.
Is it really, though??? 👀
Adele, you magnificent storyteller. You did it. You really, REALLY did it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you love exquisitely researched historical fiction, Adele Myers is your go-to author.
Her sophomore novel, Belle Haven Finishing School, moves between two timelines - 1951 and 1987 - and introduces us to two unforgettable protagonists - Birdie and Charlotte - who will live in my heart forever.
I devoured this book in a single sitting because when Adele puts words together, they don’t just tell a story - they completely suck you in. And this one? It has some spectacular surprises that I have never experienced before. 🤯
The twist is absolutely mind-blowing. I can’t tell you anything without risking the experience, so I’m going to leave you with just this…
Belle Haven Finishing School.
Is it really, though??? 👀
Adele, you magnificent storyteller. You did it. You really, REALLY did it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Her sophomore novel, Belle Haven Finishing School, moves between two timelines - 1951 and 1987 - and introduces us to two unforgettable protagonists - Birdie and Charlotte - who will live in my heart forever.
I devoured this book in a single sitting because when Adele puts words together, they don’t just tell a story - they completely suck you in. And this one? It has some spectacular surprises that I have never experienced before. 🤯
The twist is absolutely mind-blowing. I can’t tell you anything without risking the experience, so I’m going to leave you with just this…
Belle Haven Finishing School.
Is it really, though??? 👀
Adele, you magnificent storyteller. You did it. You really, REALLY did it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 31, 2026
I have an interest in the ethics of studies as a scientist, and this novel is a really beautiful work of fiction on a very real problem we had back before the days of informed consent. I always think of Henrietta Lacks or The Tuskegee Experiment when I think of experimental ethics in human research, which are both involving some physical aspect. I love that this novel approached this same issue from a psychological standpoint, which can cause just as much damage as physical experiments.
The way the characters tied together both shocked and impressed me, and I felt that they had a ton of depth. I love the way this book ended, and honestly I will be giving this 5 stars because I have a feeling I will be thinking about this long after I close my kindle.
The way the characters tied together both shocked and impressed me, and I felt that they had a ton of depth. I love the way this book ended, and honestly I will be giving this 5 stars because I have a feeling I will be thinking about this long after I close my kindle.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Belle Haven Finishing School by Adele Myers is a well researched and entertaining read. This was not a story in history I was remotely aware of, and I loved the dual timeline to connect everything together. I did try to guess who the connection was going to be and was pleasantly surprised to not get it right! There were a few moments where I found the writing to skew more toward telling, rather than showing, but overall this was an extremely enjoyable book and I'd recommend to anyone who likes historical fiction, family secrets, and women's fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved The Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers, so I couldn’t wait to pick up her latest novel and it didn’t disappoint. The story follows Charlotte, a young reporter chasing the story that could define her career, leading her to Blue Haven, a girls’ home with a dark past. Years earlier, 24 girls were selected for what appeared to be an exclusive finishing school run by Professor Barnes and Miss Carlisle. But beneath the polished surface, Professor Barnes was carrying out a disturbing psychological experiment to prove his theory that stuttering was “made, not born.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was enraptured by this book, reading it over a weekend. It was both a heartbreaking tragic story, but also one of perseverance and determination for spreading the truth. I liked how the author flipped back and forth between characters in each chapter. That made it extra special to see how the story met in the middle. And it was even more rewarding to understand that it was based on true events. A special thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. I will definitely be recommending it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Belle Haven Finishing School is a compelling dual-timeline novel spanning the 1950s and 1987 that explores how women have fought to be heard and uncover the truth, no matter the cost. Adele Myers brings history to life in this evocative, well-researched story that will grip readers by the heart.
Thank you to the publisher and author for an advanced read of this fabulous book.
Thank you to the publisher and author for an advanced read of this fabulous book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book so much! Belle Haven Finishing School jumps between 1951 and 1987, following Birdie, an orphan girl chasing a better life at a Southern finishing school with a seriously unsettling secret, and Charlotte, a reporter thirty years later who starts pulling the thread on a hidden university experiment that ties right back to Birdie's story. It's got mystery, ambition, ethics, and a whole lot of heart around family and loyalty. So good if you love character-driven historical fiction with a slow-burn cover-up at the center!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved THE TOBACCO WIVES by Adele and having been waiting for this sophomore novel by her. It’s a great read and a very emotional read too!!
It’s dual timeline..1951 and 1987. In 1951, we meet Birdie and her cousin Rue who live in a state run girls home. 24 girls are picked to go to finishing school and both are picked. Very quickly, you realize that everything is not right in this place.
In 1987, Charlotte is desperately trying to find that story that will give her that big byline in The NY Times. She finds some info on this so called finishing school and she uncovers so many secrets!!
Loved this book so much and it will be published on 1/19/2027. Highly recommend you preorder now!!!
It’s dual timeline..1951 and 1987. In 1951, we meet Birdie and her cousin Rue who live in a state run girls home. 24 girls are picked to go to finishing school and both are picked. Very quickly, you realize that everything is not right in this place.
In 1987, Charlotte is desperately trying to find that story that will give her that big byline in The NY Times. She finds some info on this so called finishing school and she uncovers so many secrets!!
Loved this book so much and it will be published on 1/19/2027. Highly recommend you preorder now!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This historical fiction book has a dual timeline, and was inspired by a true story. In 1951 orphans, Rue and Birdie, are given the opportunity to attend Belle Haven to learn how to become proper ladies. However, Birdie discovers things aren’t what they seem and questions what is really happening at this school and what is the true objective. In 1987 Charlotte, a NY Times reporter, comes across a connection between the finishing school and an academic study which was never published. How are they connected and how did it affect those who attended Belle Haven Finishing School?
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews