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Reckless Hearts
Melanie Benjamin introduces readers to the lavish, heady world of her novel The Swans of Fifth Avenue with this exclusive ebook short story! In this enchanting prequel, New York society and Hollywood royalty collide during the doomed and decadent life of Ernest Hemingway.
Spain, 1959. Slim Hawks Hayward likes to think she doesn’t get jealous. But when her dear friend Lauren “Betty” Bacall learns that Papa Hemingway has come to watch the bullfights and insists that Slim make introductions, she can’t help feeling protective. Slim has known Papa for years. He always makes her feel like the most beautiful woman in the room—even when his wife is standing right beside him. Truth be told, Slim could have learned to love him all those years ago, in the streets of Havana or the mountains of the American West. Now, Slim is sure that Papa will fall for Betty. What she doesn’t anticipate is the feeling that Papa himself has changed—and their relationship will never be the same.
Features a captivating preview of Melanie Benjamin’s highly anticipated novel The Swans of Fifth Avenue!
Advance praise for Melanie Benjamin’s The Swans of Fifth Avenue
“The strange and fascinating relationship between Truman Capote and his ‘swans’ is wonderfully reimagined in this engrossing novel. It’s a credit to Benjamin that we end up caring so much for these women of power, grace, and beauty—and for Capote, too.”—Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants
“A delicious tale . . . Melanie Benjamin has turned Truman Capote’s greatest scandal into your next must-read book-club selection.”—Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
“Reading The Swans of Fifth Avenue is like being ushered into a party where you’re offered champagne and fed the sumptuous secrets of New York’s elite—without having to pay the price afterward. The swans are outmatched only by the elegance of Melanie Benjamin’s prose—captivatingly earnest and sophisticated.”—Vanessa Diffenbaugh, New York Times bestselling author of The Language of Flowers
“Benjamin convincingly portrays a large cast of colorful historical figures while crafting a compelling, gossipy narrative with rich emotional depth.”—Library Journal
Spain, 1959. Slim Hawks Hayward likes to think she doesn’t get jealous. But when her dear friend Lauren “Betty” Bacall learns that Papa Hemingway has come to watch the bullfights and insists that Slim make introductions, she can’t help feeling protective. Slim has known Papa for years. He always makes her feel like the most beautiful woman in the room—even when his wife is standing right beside him. Truth be told, Slim could have learned to love him all those years ago, in the streets of Havana or the mountains of the American West. Now, Slim is sure that Papa will fall for Betty. What she doesn’t anticipate is the feeling that Papa himself has changed—and their relationship will never be the same.
Features a captivating preview of Melanie Benjamin’s highly anticipated novel The Swans of Fifth Avenue!
Advance praise for Melanie Benjamin’s The Swans of Fifth Avenue
“The strange and fascinating relationship between Truman Capote and his ‘swans’ is wonderfully reimagined in this engrossing novel. It’s a credit to Benjamin that we end up caring so much for these women of power, grace, and beauty—and for Capote, too.”—Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants
“A delicious tale . . . Melanie Benjamin has turned Truman Capote’s greatest scandal into your next must-read book-club selection.”—Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
“Reading The Swans of Fifth Avenue is like being ushered into a party where you’re offered champagne and fed the sumptuous secrets of New York’s elite—without having to pay the price afterward. The swans are outmatched only by the elegance of Melanie Benjamin’s prose—captivatingly earnest and sophisticated.”—Vanessa Diffenbaugh, New York Times bestselling author of The Language of Flowers
“Benjamin convincingly portrays a large cast of colorful historical figures while crafting a compelling, gossipy narrative with rich emotional depth.”—Library Journal
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2015
68 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Benjamin
15 books3,461 followersMelanie Benjamin is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE and THE AVIATOR'S WIFE, as well as the national bestseller ALICE I HAVE BEEN, and THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MRS. TOM THUMB, THE GIRLS IN THE PICTURE, MISTRESS OF THE RITZ and THE CHILDREN'S BLIZZARD. Her next novel is CALIFORNIA GOLDEN, a dazzling saga of mothers, daughters and sisters set in the vibrant surf culture of 1960s California. It will be out in August 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 27, 2018
Reckless Hearts is a short story that I wished had been longer! I found the story to be really compelling and interesting and I loved the cameo appearance of Lauren Bacall. Made me wish someone would write a fictional book about Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart.
Since this is a novella is this story straight-forward. I would have loved to read about Slim Hawks and Ernest Hemingway in a full-fledged novel to really dig deep into their "relationship". This is the first time I read something by Melanie Benjamin, but I have since then read The Girls in The Pictures and now I'm eager to read more from Benjamin!
Since this is a novella is this story straight-forward. I would have loved to read about Slim Hawks and Ernest Hemingway in a full-fledged novel to really dig deep into their "relationship". This is the first time I read something by Melanie Benjamin, but I have since then read The Girls in The Pictures and now I'm eager to read more from Benjamin!
August 23, 2017
I've read The Swans of Fifth Avenue by this author and really enjoyed it. It was a great fictional account of real life people all caught up in New York City with Truman Capote. A great story in my opinion.
This novella takes one of the characters from that book and tells of her interaction with Ernest Hemingway. Interesting.
I think this novella would be more interesting to you if you've already read Swans of Fifth Avenue.
This novella takes one of the characters from that book and tells of her interaction with Ernest Hemingway. Interesting.
I think this novella would be more interesting to you if you've already read Swans of Fifth Avenue.
September 23, 2020
This is a short story prequel to the Swams book. Discusses Slim Hawks (female) relationship to Earnest Hemingway and a lot of what Hemingway was like. I will be reading the swams book and the rest of Benjamin's books.
December 12, 2021
First time with this author and really enjoyed this. I will check out some of her other works.
July 26, 2024
3.5 stars
Slim Hawks Hayward recounts her flirtatious and volatile friendship with Ernest Hemingway to her good friend……who happens to be Lauren Bacall.
Slim Hawks Hayward recounts her flirtatious and volatile friendship with Ernest Hemingway to her good friend……who happens to be Lauren Bacall.
April 6, 2016
Reckless Hearts, was just enough of a tease to keep me excited for Swans Of Fifth Avenue out next month. We have been to Key West a dozen times and while there, you can't escape the "Hemingway experience" that exists all over the island. While never having read any of Hemingway's books, other than a few chapters of The Old Man and the Sea, I am intrigued by the man himself.
Reckless Hearts was a bit confusing for me at first, too many names with no attachments, but Melanie got me involved at the first mention of some pretty big names (Betty Bacall, Clark Gable etc.) from old time Hollywood. Can't wait for Swans!
Reckless Hearts was a bit confusing for me at first, too many names with no attachments, but Melanie got me involved at the first mention of some pretty big names (Betty Bacall, Clark Gable etc.) from old time Hollywood. Can't wait for Swans!
July 31, 2016
A sort of pre-sequel to The Swans of Fifth Avenue.
The short Ebook story about Slim Hawkes the wife of Howard Hawks the famous director and Papa Hemingway.
The snippet is told as a bed time story to Lauren Bacall after the death of Humphy by Slim after Laurent meets Papa.
The factual facts of the story one would say they are researched but at the same time the author blends facts and fiction.
We get to experience Mary Hemingway jealousy and her lioness nature first hand as she carries in her pocket one bullet. One bullet she says is all that's needed to kill anyone who steps into the realm of Hemingway and tries to snatch a piece of him while he is with Mary.
It's a quick story, lots of name dropping, so I guess will be the case with The Swans of Fifth Avenue.
It's fun to read and written nicely, I just wish there was more details in the story
The short Ebook story about Slim Hawkes the wife of Howard Hawks the famous director and Papa Hemingway.
The snippet is told as a bed time story to Lauren Bacall after the death of Humphy by Slim after Laurent meets Papa.
The factual facts of the story one would say they are researched but at the same time the author blends facts and fiction.
We get to experience Mary Hemingway jealousy and her lioness nature first hand as she carries in her pocket one bullet. One bullet she says is all that's needed to kill anyone who steps into the realm of Hemingway and tries to snatch a piece of him while he is with Mary.
It's a quick story, lots of name dropping, so I guess will be the case with The Swans of Fifth Avenue.
It's fun to read and written nicely, I just wish there was more details in the story
May 20, 2016
A fun gossipy prequel to Benjamin's The Swans of Fifth Avenue with style icon Slim Hawks telling Lauren (Betty) Bacall tales of her encounters with Ernest Hemingway and Mary Hemingway. Benjamin nails Hemingway in all his character foibles and flaws and gives a pretty dramatic read on Mary Hemingway as well.
Currently only available as an ebook/audiobook, but would be a likely candidate for inclusion in a future paperback edition of "The Swans of Fifth Avenue".
Currently only available as an ebook/audiobook, but would be a likely candidate for inclusion in a future paperback edition of "The Swans of Fifth Avenue".
July 27, 2019
In the 1970's and early '80s, when I was in school, I avidly followed the comings and goings of the elite of New York City society & the arts by reading Womens Wear Daily (fashion trade publication) and "W" (fashion consumer publication) I felt as if I knew those people, they were written about so often and influenced fashion at the time - Slim Keith, CZ Guest, Babe Paley, Mercedes Kellog, Anne Bass Gayfrid Steinberg, Halston, Bianca Jagger, Truman Capote, Lauren Bacall, YSL, etc.
Anyway, that is what drew me to this short story on Audible and I really enjoyed it - the narrator was wonderful, too. Now, I want to read "The Swans of 5th Avenue", which is a continuation of this story.
Anyway, that is what drew me to this short story on Audible and I really enjoyed it - the narrator was wonderful, too. Now, I want to read "The Swans of 5th Avenue", which is a continuation of this story.
December 26, 2015
Loved it! A quick read, loved the sneak peak back in time. Would love more of Slim!
November 14, 2017
This is a very short story with a longer excerpt from The Swans of Fifth Avenue. It concentrated on one of the Swans characters. It’s an “extra scene,” if you will.
As always, Melanie Benjamin’s writing flows well, setting a smooth and consistent pace for the reader that allows for an enjoyable read. The characters and dialogue are natural, even when the content is disturbing. Ms. Benjamin does well writing historical characters into life. It’s always a pleasure to read her work.
As always, Melanie Benjamin’s writing flows well, setting a smooth and consistent pace for the reader that allows for an enjoyable read. The characters and dialogue are natural, even when the content is disturbing. Ms. Benjamin does well writing historical characters into life. It’s always a pleasure to read her work.
May 31, 2019
An imagined meeting of Socialite Slim Hawks, Lauren Becall and Ernest and Mary Hemingway. While a declining Hemingway is probably captured faithfully, Mary is not and the Slim Hawkins in this short story who guzzles wine from a bottle bares no resemblance to the socialite in Benjamin's "The Swans of Fifth Avenue".
November 7, 2022
This short e-book story held my attention from the very beginning. The relationship between Slim hawks and Earnest Papa Hemingway lasted for years. Although a non-physical relationship their minds and personalities were forever in twined. I understand this is a prequel to the swans book and look forward to reading that. A definite listen For those who wander what the heyday of Hollywood was like.
December 14, 2017
Interesting and well-written, but I would have loved to see this expanded to a full-length novel.
February 25, 2019
Libro 2019
January 13, 2021
Juicy book, as are all of Melanie Benjamin's work. I never want the story to end!!
March 10, 2021
Would love more.
January 10, 2023
Loved it. Took me back to a time and place that felt magical even though there was tragedy and sadness. Sometimes you just need to snuggle up with a good book about society, wealth and problems.
January 25, 2023
4 stars. It wasn’t long enough to warrant 5 stars but I was definitely intrigued and would gladly read the entire book if it existed. Well-written and eloquent. Swans of Fifth Avenue is on my list. I enjoy her writing and storytelling.
February 18, 2016
Reckless Hearts is the prequel to the very interesting novel The Swans of Fifth Avenue. I had just started reading The Swans of Fifth Avenue when I knew about this prequel. I thought getting introduced to the world of The Swans of Fifth Avenue first would be a good idea, so I started right away with Reckless Hearts.
In this short and nice read Melanie Benjamin introduces us to one of the characters of The Swans of Fifth Avenue, Slim Hawks Hayward (trust me I get confused by the names because the female characters in both books get married more than once and so get long family names). Slim is a very self-confident and attractive woman. Throughout the book she reflects on her relation with the most famous Ernest Hemingway. She had always admired and respected Ernest. Calling him Papa, she always sought self-reassurance and confidence from him. He was the one she ran too whenever she felt in trouble or depressed. To be clear, this is not a book about a love affair. Yet it is a book about a very special relation of admiration, respect and friendship. She always knew Papa had special feelings for her. He was special to her too. Through this short story, Slim reflects with her friend Betty on some very interesting stories and incidents between her and Ernest.
Though Reckless Hearts is not a must read before reading The Swans of Fifth Avenue, it was a very good idea to read it first. I got familiar with the glamorous world of the novel. I also enjoyed Melanie’s lovely writing style. All I can say is that it was a really good fast read that you will not regret especially if you plan to read The Swans of Fifth Avenue (which I recommend you shouldn't miss by the way).
In this short and nice read Melanie Benjamin introduces us to one of the characters of The Swans of Fifth Avenue, Slim Hawks Hayward (trust me I get confused by the names because the female characters in both books get married more than once and so get long family names). Slim is a very self-confident and attractive woman. Throughout the book she reflects on her relation with the most famous Ernest Hemingway. She had always admired and respected Ernest. Calling him Papa, she always sought self-reassurance and confidence from him. He was the one she ran too whenever she felt in trouble or depressed. To be clear, this is not a book about a love affair. Yet it is a book about a very special relation of admiration, respect and friendship. She always knew Papa had special feelings for her. He was special to her too. Through this short story, Slim reflects with her friend Betty on some very interesting stories and incidents between her and Ernest.
Though Reckless Hearts is not a must read before reading The Swans of Fifth Avenue, it was a very good idea to read it first. I got familiar with the glamorous world of the novel. I also enjoyed Melanie’s lovely writing style. All I can say is that it was a really good fast read that you will not regret especially if you plan to read The Swans of Fifth Avenue (which I recommend you shouldn't miss by the way).
December 27, 2015
Pure and simple – I loved this short story. It is a wonderful teaser to Melanie Benjamin’s upcoming novel The Swans of Fifth Avenue. Having already read the aforementioned novel courtesy of NetGalley, I already knew that this short story would be amazing. Ms. Benjamin’s silky smooth writing style and the way she so skillfully develops characters draws you into the story immediately and keeps you interested. Her ability to take real-life characters and spin a story combining fiction with reality is second to none. This is a story not to be missed.
September 14, 2016
Great prequel
I read the books in reverse. I read The Swans of 5th Avenue first, then Reckless Heart. Both great books about interesting people in a great era
I read the books in reverse. I read The Swans of 5th Avenue first, then Reckless Heart. Both great books about interesting people in a great era
May 23, 2016
A good read as a 'prequel' to the novel ' The Swans of Fifth Avenue', which is next on my list to read.
May 30, 2016
Not an exceptional read! About a meeting of Slim Hawks and Lauren Bacall. Read this book after reading of The Swans Of Fifth Avenue.
April 7, 2017
A somewhat well crafted short story about Hemingway. It makes more sense if you are reading or have read Swans of Fifth Avenue.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews