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The Last Debutantes
Fans of The Kennedy Debutante and Next Year in Havana will love Georgie Blalock’s new novel of a world on the cusp of change...set on the eve of World War II in the glittering world of English society and one of the last debutante seasons. They danced the night away, knowing their world was about to change forever. They were the debutantes of 1939, laughing on the outside, but knowing tragedy— and a war—was just around the corner. When Valerie de Vere Cole, the niece of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, makes her deep curtsey to the King and Queen of England, she knows she’s part of a world about to end. The daughter of a debt-ridden father and a neglectful mother, Valerie sees firsthand that war is imminent. Nevertheless, Valerie reinvents herself as a carefree and glittering young society woman, befriending other debutantes from England’s aristocracy as well as the vivacious Eunice Kennedy, daughter of the U.S. Ambassador. Despite her social success, the world’s troubles and Valerie’s fear of loss and loneliness prove impossible to ignore. How will she navigate her new life when everything in her past has taught her that happiness and stability are as fragile as peace in our time? For the moment she will forget her cares in too much champagne and waltzes. Because very soon, Valerie knows that she must find the inner strength to stand strong and carry on through the challenges of life and love and war.
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2021
458 people are currently reading
8191 people want to read
About the author
Georgie Blalock
8 books279 followersGeorgie Blalock is a history and movie buff who loves combining her different passions through historical fiction, and a healthy dose of period piece films. When not writing, she can be found prowling the non-fiction history section of the library or the British film listings on Netflix or in the dojo training for her next karate black belt rank. Georgie also writes historical romance under the name Georgie Lee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
August 23, 2021
I'm a shy person so the life of a debutante is definitely not something I would want for myself, but I sure did enjoy this historical fiction novel about the last debutante season before World War 2. The year of 1939 is an interesting one as you have the decadence of English high society but you also have the threat of war looming in the background.
Valerie de Vere Cole lives with her aunt and uncle on 10 Downing Street. I mentioned the story takes place in 1939 so that means Valerie's uncle is Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. Valerie didn't have the best upbringing but life is much better now that she lives with a supportive aunt and uncle. She's hoping most of the details of her past will remain a secret as this is a very important year for her. She will be a participant in the debutante season in which she will formally be introduced to English society.
There's a lot of leeway when it comes to the historical fiction genre in terms of what the author can do with the characters and story. Unfortunately, not that much is known about Valerie other than what comes from a few news articles here and there. So basically the author incorporated facts about Valerie and other members of English society and built a story around them. While much of the story is just the creativity of the author, it feels much more like it is grounded in reality rather than something totally off the wall.
I don't want to call this book a fluffy read because some notable historic events are incorporated into the story. But even with the threat of war and Valerie's troubled childhood, it somehow manages to be a light and enjoyable read. A valid criticism might be that the book doesn't have a very meaty plot. Personally, I didn't need an overly dramatic story. I can appreciate the story for what it was, and I didn't require anything more.
Thank you to William Morrow for providing me with an advance copy as part of #WMTastemakers. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Valerie de Vere Cole lives with her aunt and uncle on 10 Downing Street. I mentioned the story takes place in 1939 so that means Valerie's uncle is Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. Valerie didn't have the best upbringing but life is much better now that she lives with a supportive aunt and uncle. She's hoping most of the details of her past will remain a secret as this is a very important year for her. She will be a participant in the debutante season in which she will formally be introduced to English society.
There's a lot of leeway when it comes to the historical fiction genre in terms of what the author can do with the characters and story. Unfortunately, not that much is known about Valerie other than what comes from a few news articles here and there. So basically the author incorporated facts about Valerie and other members of English society and built a story around them. While much of the story is just the creativity of the author, it feels much more like it is grounded in reality rather than something totally off the wall.
I don't want to call this book a fluffy read because some notable historic events are incorporated into the story. But even with the threat of war and Valerie's troubled childhood, it somehow manages to be a light and enjoyable read. A valid criticism might be that the book doesn't have a very meaty plot. Personally, I didn't need an overly dramatic story. I can appreciate the story for what it was, and I didn't require anything more.
Thank you to William Morrow for providing me with an advance copy as part of #WMTastemakers. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
August 14, 2021
A view of the final debutante season before WW II from inside 10 Downing Street. Valerie de Vere Cole is sponsored by her Aunt Anne Chamberlain. One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the positive spin it gives to Neville Chamberlain. We know from our view looking back that his attempts to appease Hitler were fruitless. At the time, there was a strong desire to avoid getting entangled once again in a continental conflict.
Toute passe, tout lasse, tout casse~"Nothing lasts, everything breaks, everything fades."
The generation of Valerie, her friends dubbed "their Excellencies," and their suitors at times felt trapped by parent expectations, family scandals, and the prospect of war. I really liked spending the season with Valerie. She learned so much about dealing with her past, finessing difficult situations, and the power of a true friend. Quite a unique look at the time just before WW II with a sprinkling of Kennedys -- Eunice is in Valerie's friend group. I must also give one last comment on the cover. Such a gorgeous representation of the story inside.
Thank you to William Morrow and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Toute passe, tout lasse, tout casse~"Nothing lasts, everything breaks, everything fades."
The generation of Valerie, her friends dubbed "their Excellencies," and their suitors at times felt trapped by parent expectations, family scandals, and the prospect of war. I really liked spending the season with Valerie. She learned so much about dealing with her past, finessing difficult situations, and the power of a true friend. Quite a unique look at the time just before WW II with a sprinkling of Kennedys -- Eunice is in Valerie's friend group. I must also give one last comment on the cover. Such a gorgeous representation of the story inside.
Thank you to William Morrow and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2021
I’m sorry to say I was very disappointed in this book. The plot was really quite predictable and certain plot points are reiterated over and over again. There were too many names and too little action. Much of the dialogue was repetitive and there was very little movement.
I have read other books about this time period, , but I found this one quite dull.
Thank you Netgalley for this opportunity.
I have read other books about this time period, , but I found this one quite dull.
Thank you Netgalley for this opportunity.
April 27, 2021
I loved this. It's well done and though it is set in same period as Nancy Mitford's books,the only Mitford related character we have to tolerate is the nasty daughter of the horrible Osward Mosley.
But as I got further into the book I began to wonder about the protagonist. Did Neville Chamberlain really have a niece who lived at Downing Street and became a debutante? What happened to her? The book leaves her in an uncertain spot.
I'm a librarian, so naturally, I started looking things up, and yes, Valerie de Clere Cole WAS a real person, really the niece of Anne Chamberlain, and did live at Downing Street. But more than that, I could barely find, except a record of whom she married--and sorry, neither of her beaux in the book could have been a stand in for her future husband. And in her father's biographies, she gets barely a mention.
Adding to the confusion is that there is another Valerie Cole, an actress, from the same period. She married one Lord Strathcarron, and her wedding photo labels her as the daughter of "T Norman Cole of Melbury Court." Clearly not the same person, though there is a photo of the Chamberlains with one "Lady Stratchcarron," and it looks like Valerie deClere Cole's presentation at court! So even the National Portrait Gallery may have it wrong.
I am really frustrated. Where did Georgie Blalock get her source material and why doesn't this have any sort of afterword to explain things? Or is it just because I read a DRC?
But as I got further into the book I began to wonder about the protagonist. Did Neville Chamberlain really have a niece who lived at Downing Street and became a debutante? What happened to her? The book leaves her in an uncertain spot.
I'm a librarian, so naturally, I started looking things up, and yes, Valerie de Clere Cole WAS a real person, really the niece of Anne Chamberlain, and did live at Downing Street. But more than that, I could barely find, except a record of whom she married--and sorry, neither of her beaux in the book could have been a stand in for her future husband. And in her father's biographies, she gets barely a mention.
Adding to the confusion is that there is another Valerie Cole, an actress, from the same period. She married one Lord Strathcarron, and her wedding photo labels her as the daughter of "T Norman Cole of Melbury Court." Clearly not the same person, though there is a photo of the Chamberlains with one "Lady Stratchcarron," and it looks like Valerie deClere Cole's presentation at court! So even the National Portrait Gallery may have it wrong.
I am really frustrated. Where did Georgie Blalock get her source material and why doesn't this have any sort of afterword to explain things? Or is it just because I read a DRC?
October 18, 2021
THE LAST DEBUTANTES
Georgie Blalock
I simply love historical fiction and am always amazed at how authors twist and pull the truth of history into a story that suits their purpose and entertains the readers. Blalock works her magic wand over the last year before England goes to war with Germany and the world changes.
Using family connections to the then Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, Blalock's plot twist both sides of Chamberlain's family into a great story. Valerie de Vere Cole was the niece of the PM, lived with them after her father, Mrs. Chamberlain's brother passed away. He was a ripper, for sure, and made history as a prankster in the worst sort of way. All true!
But this is about England's tough upper crust with their stiff upper lips and all that! Each trying to outdo the other for placement of their debutante in 1939. The story is well told and an interesting read. I love how the American royalty Eunice Kennedy was woven into the story. Quite a historical adventure.
4 stars
Happy Reading!!
Georgie Blalock
I simply love historical fiction and am always amazed at how authors twist and pull the truth of history into a story that suits their purpose and entertains the readers. Blalock works her magic wand over the last year before England goes to war with Germany and the world changes.
Using family connections to the then Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, Blalock's plot twist both sides of Chamberlain's family into a great story. Valerie de Vere Cole was the niece of the PM, lived with them after her father, Mrs. Chamberlain's brother passed away. He was a ripper, for sure, and made history as a prankster in the worst sort of way. All true!
But this is about England's tough upper crust with their stiff upper lips and all that! Each trying to outdo the other for placement of their debutante in 1939. The story is well told and an interesting read. I love how the American royalty Eunice Kennedy was woven into the story. Quite a historical adventure.
4 stars
Happy Reading!!
January 16, 2021
First, what a cover! Next, who can resist a gripping story about one of the last British debutante seasons in 1939? As war looms, the debs dance, drink, befriend other socialites, and seek husbands. Soon, their cosseted lives will be upturned. But not before we meet Valerie de Vere Cole, the niece of “peace in our time” PM Neville Chamberlain. She is introduced with the other debs to the King and Queen, despite her father’s debt and the impact of her mother’s neglect. Inside, she quakes but outwardly looks the part, acts the part (becoming friends with Ambassador Joe Kennedy’s daughter Eunice), and tries to live the part as war nears. A terrific study of character and era, which definitely hit my sweet spot!
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 24 Aug 2021
#TheLastDebutantes #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, William Morrow and Custom House, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 24 Aug 2021
#TheLastDebutantes #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, William Morrow and Custom House, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
March 22, 2022
A charming novel that easily transports readers to the 1930s. This story was sweet and cosy, like a perfect cup of tea. Read it for the lavish gowns, parties, houses and high society of pre-war England.
September 6, 2021
3.5/5
The Last Debutantes: A Novel begins at the eve of World War II. The English debutantes are in full swing of their season of dances and balls, while the world around them begins to shift. Focused on Valerie, the Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's niece, the book describes the rise and fall of the British elite. Valerie has been saved from a life of despair and brought to Number 10, but faces backlash from her fellow peers about her previous life. With the help of her Aunt Anne, cousin Dorothy, and her debutante friends, Valerie is guided through her coming-out season.
I actually put this book down after the first few chapters. I found the atmosphere a little too stuffy and the characters without a lot of depth. When I picked it back up, the book progressed much better than I had anticipated. One of the main lessons Valerie learns is that everyone around her facing their own battles. Everyone has a past and everyone has societal pressures on their lives. Title and rank can help, but it does not eliminate problems.
I did, however, want a little more from this book and quite a few things stopped a little short of being fulfilling for me. My favorite character, Marian, was a working woman in the Garden Room of Number 10. I loved Marian's scenes with Valerie, and wish we could have heard more from her side of the approaching war and what society pressures were like for her. I also would have loved to have the section of when Their Excellencies join forces to collect money for the Tientsin effort expanded. This was a very redeeming part to Valerie's character, but was just brushed over slightly. The romantic triangle could have had more development as I saw the sparks, but not the follow through. I really liked the book and enjoyed the story, just felt a little like it glided over some of the important aspects that would have given in more depth.
Thank you to William Morrow Publishing and NetGalley for granting me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
The Last Debutantes: A Novel begins at the eve of World War II. The English debutantes are in full swing of their season of dances and balls, while the world around them begins to shift. Focused on Valerie, the Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's niece, the book describes the rise and fall of the British elite. Valerie has been saved from a life of despair and brought to Number 10, but faces backlash from her fellow peers about her previous life. With the help of her Aunt Anne, cousin Dorothy, and her debutante friends, Valerie is guided through her coming-out season.
I actually put this book down after the first few chapters. I found the atmosphere a little too stuffy and the characters without a lot of depth. When I picked it back up, the book progressed much better than I had anticipated. One of the main lessons Valerie learns is that everyone around her facing their own battles. Everyone has a past and everyone has societal pressures on their lives. Title and rank can help, but it does not eliminate problems.
I did, however, want a little more from this book and quite a few things stopped a little short of being fulfilling for me. My favorite character, Marian, was a working woman in the Garden Room of Number 10. I loved Marian's scenes with Valerie, and wish we could have heard more from her side of the approaching war and what society pressures were like for her. I also would have loved to have the section of when Their Excellencies join forces to collect money for the Tientsin effort expanded. This was a very redeeming part to Valerie's character, but was just brushed over slightly. The romantic triangle could have had more development as I saw the sparks, but not the follow through. I really liked the book and enjoyed the story, just felt a little like it glided over some of the important aspects that would have given in more depth.
Thank you to William Morrow Publishing and NetGalley for granting me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
January 24, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable popcorn, with a side of wine😁
Georgie Blalock takes us to the year just before England entered WWII. Through Historical Fiction we follow the young life of Valerie de Vere Cole ( a real person) after the death of her rouge father, and she is taken in by her Aunt and Uncle, Neville Chamberlain. The Chamberlain's sponsor her for her coming out and The Season of 1939.
Before coming to 10 Downing Street Valarie's life was a shambles. We live through her doubtfulness of being accepted into society and learn of her life of poverty before being embraced by the Prime Minister and his wife, Ann.
Although when first beginning this book I considered it "fluff", it was way more than that. Although the available information of the real of life of Valarie is sparse, the author incorporated true facts of history and the people that were there. I must admit that when I was young I dreamed of having a "Season" and this book offered me that in spades. There is court scandal and influence, the catty Deb's, the gorgeous ball gowns, the handsome escorts and of course the history of what may have really happened during this tense time just before the war.
A satisfying read I can recommend to HF, Romance and History lovers.
Georgie Blalock takes us to the year just before England entered WWII. Through Historical Fiction we follow the young life of Valerie de Vere Cole ( a real person) after the death of her rouge father, and she is taken in by her Aunt and Uncle, Neville Chamberlain. The Chamberlain's sponsor her for her coming out and The Season of 1939.
Before coming to 10 Downing Street Valarie's life was a shambles. We live through her doubtfulness of being accepted into society and learn of her life of poverty before being embraced by the Prime Minister and his wife, Ann.
Although when first beginning this book I considered it "fluff", it was way more than that. Although the available information of the real of life of Valarie is sparse, the author incorporated true facts of history and the people that were there. I must admit that when I was young I dreamed of having a "Season" and this book offered me that in spades. There is court scandal and influence, the catty Deb's, the gorgeous ball gowns, the handsome escorts and of course the history of what may have really happened during this tense time just before the war.
A satisfying read I can recommend to HF, Romance and History lovers.
August 17, 2021
The setting is 1939 England, and the country is on the cusp of war. For Valerie de Vere Cole this is her coming out season. She is a daughter from good lineage, but her deceased father was a known prankster and is a joke among high society. She is sponsored during the debutante season by her father’s sister, Anne Chamberlain, the wife of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. Having not grown up in London society, Valerie feels like an outcast and tries to break free from the gossip that surrounds her.
During her debutante season, Valerie meets new acquaintances and strives to make a place for herself in society while making her aunt and uncle proud. She begins to feel accepted at the balls and teas she attends but she has secrets about her past that she goes to great lengths to keep hidden from those around her. She is introduced to a few gentlemen suitors and enjoys having some flirtatious fun until a poor choice is made and she sees everything she has worked for begin to crumble. This is a story about believing in oneself and allowing others into your heart.
Being behind the scenes of Number 10 during this turbulent time in history was interesting. It was also fun to glimpse into the lives of historical people such as Neville Chamberlain and Eunice Kennedy. While the writing is descriptive, the story itself is not very deep and I would have liked to learn more about the friends Valerie made during the story. I feel the characters could have been fleshed out a bit better. I did enjoy being swept away into the glittery world of a debutante where everything was opulent and regal. It was a pleasant story to escape into.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
During her debutante season, Valerie meets new acquaintances and strives to make a place for herself in society while making her aunt and uncle proud. She begins to feel accepted at the balls and teas she attends but she has secrets about her past that she goes to great lengths to keep hidden from those around her. She is introduced to a few gentlemen suitors and enjoys having some flirtatious fun until a poor choice is made and she sees everything she has worked for begin to crumble. This is a story about believing in oneself and allowing others into your heart.
Being behind the scenes of Number 10 during this turbulent time in history was interesting. It was also fun to glimpse into the lives of historical people such as Neville Chamberlain and Eunice Kennedy. While the writing is descriptive, the story itself is not very deep and I would have liked to learn more about the friends Valerie made during the story. I feel the characters could have been fleshed out a bit better. I did enjoy being swept away into the glittery world of a debutante where everything was opulent and regal. It was a pleasant story to escape into.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2021
THE LAST DEBUTANTES By Georgie Blalock
Historical fiction
384 pages
In Georgia Blalock's newest book we meet the debutantes of 1939. They are young girl's all hoping to gain entry into society and a husband and home. Our main character Miss Valerie de Vere Cole is also among these debutantes. This young lady has more to overcome than most to gain her entry into society though. A scoundrel father, a mother who left her as a baby. Through it all though Valerie has her Aunt Anne to help her .
I enjoyed this book very much!!! This is a new author for me and in my personal opinion she has a long triumphant career in writing if she keeps them up like this. I highly recommend this book.
Historical fiction
384 pages
In Georgia Blalock's newest book we meet the debutantes of 1939. They are young girl's all hoping to gain entry into society and a husband and home. Our main character Miss Valerie de Vere Cole is also among these debutantes. This young lady has more to overcome than most to gain her entry into society though. A scoundrel father, a mother who left her as a baby. Through it all though Valerie has her Aunt Anne to help her .
I enjoyed this book very much!!! This is a new author for me and in my personal opinion she has a long triumphant career in writing if she keeps them up like this. I highly recommend this book.
June 18, 2022
It’s Princess Marina, not MARIA.
The second I read that, I knew this book was in trouble. If you are going to write a book that purports to be historical fiction, it would be nice if you got the touchstone players’ names right.
Blalock doesn’t bother. Then she proceeds to slog through a story that takes 3/4s of the way through to start.
I am so mad I wasted my time with this book after I was so excited to read it.
The second I read that, I knew this book was in trouble. If you are going to write a book that purports to be historical fiction, it would be nice if you got the touchstone players’ names right.
Blalock doesn’t bother. Then she proceeds to slog through a story that takes 3/4s of the way through to start.
I am so mad I wasted my time with this book after I was so excited to read it.
Read
September 3, 2021I just couldn’t get into this. I tried. Dnf 😩. It’s not bad writing. It’s just not a story I care about. Pretty cover hooked me though.
September 18, 2021
The Last Debutantes
By Georgie Blalock
I first was drawn to this novel by the book cover. I did read this book with a group of friends and then re-created the cover for this lovely book.
I am a historical fiction buff and reading about Valerie de Vere Cole, the niece of the Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain was really fun and exciting - I do love being transported to the late 1930's London High Society just before the time England went to war against Germany. I thought that the research that was put in was impeccable and the writing was immersive and had rich detail. I loved reading about the life and times of the debutantes and high society from the balls to the gowns, and even the gossips. But more than that is the political climate of the time with its simmering tension and even discussions about class and gender that was included in the novel.
Slow burn but did give me a lot of insight about the historical timeframe with its questionable rules and traditions.
By Georgie Blalock
I first was drawn to this novel by the book cover. I did read this book with a group of friends and then re-created the cover for this lovely book.
I am a historical fiction buff and reading about Valerie de Vere Cole, the niece of the Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain was really fun and exciting - I do love being transported to the late 1930's London High Society just before the time England went to war against Germany. I thought that the research that was put in was impeccable and the writing was immersive and had rich detail. I loved reading about the life and times of the debutantes and high society from the balls to the gowns, and even the gossips. But more than that is the political climate of the time with its simmering tension and even discussions about class and gender that was included in the novel.
Slow burn but did give me a lot of insight about the historical timeframe with its questionable rules and traditions.
March 6, 2021
3.5/5
The Last Debutantes: A Novel begins at the eve of World War II. The English debutantes are in full swing of their season of dances and balls, while the world around them begins to shift. Focused on Valerie, the Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's niece, the book describes the rise and fall of the British elite. Valerie has been saved from a life of despair and brought to Number 10, but faces backlash from her fellow peers about her previous life. With the help of her Aunt Anne, cousin Dorothy, and her debutante friends, Valerie is guided through her coming-out season.
I actually put this book down after the first few chapters. I found the atmosphere a little too stuffy and the characters without a lot of depth. When I picked it back up, the book progressed much better than I had anticipated. One of the main lessons Valerie learns is that everyone around her facing their own battles. Everyone has a past and everyone has societal pressures on their lives. Title and rank can help, but it does not eliminate problems.
I did, however, want a little more from this book and quite a few things stopped a little short of being fulfilling for me. My favorite character, Marian, was a working woman in the Garden Room of Number 10. I loved Marian's scenes with Valerie, and wish we could have heard more from her side of the approaching war and what society pressures were like for her. I also would have loved to have the section of when Their Excellencies join forces to collect money for the Tientsin effort expanded. This was a very redeeming part to Valerie's character, but was just brushed over slightly. The romantic triangle could have had more development as I saw the sparks, but not the follow through. I really liked the book and enjoyed the story, just felt a little like it glided over some of the important aspects that would have given in more depth.
Thank you to William Morrow Publishing and NetGalley for granting me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
The Last Debutantes: A Novel begins at the eve of World War II. The English debutantes are in full swing of their season of dances and balls, while the world around them begins to shift. Focused on Valerie, the Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's niece, the book describes the rise and fall of the British elite. Valerie has been saved from a life of despair and brought to Number 10, but faces backlash from her fellow peers about her previous life. With the help of her Aunt Anne, cousin Dorothy, and her debutante friends, Valerie is guided through her coming-out season.
I actually put this book down after the first few chapters. I found the atmosphere a little too stuffy and the characters without a lot of depth. When I picked it back up, the book progressed much better than I had anticipated. One of the main lessons Valerie learns is that everyone around her facing their own battles. Everyone has a past and everyone has societal pressures on their lives. Title and rank can help, but it does not eliminate problems.
I did, however, want a little more from this book and quite a few things stopped a little short of being fulfilling for me. My favorite character, Marian, was a working woman in the Garden Room of Number 10. I loved Marian's scenes with Valerie, and wish we could have heard more from her side of the approaching war and what society pressures were like for her. I also would have loved to have the section of when Their Excellencies join forces to collect money for the Tientsin effort expanded. This was a very redeeming part to Valerie's character, but was just brushed over slightly. The romantic triangle could have had more development as I saw the sparks, but not the follow through. I really liked the book and enjoyed the story, just felt a little like it glided over some of the important aspects that would have given in more depth.
Thank you to William Morrow Publishing and NetGalley for granting me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
December 2, 2021
This cover is so gorgeous! This was definitely a cover click for me!
The glittery world of the haute ton in London right before the start of World War II. With the chatter of Hitler not being that bad, and not having to enter the war.
This year's round of Debutantes enter society to meet an eligible husband.
Valerie, who's parentage is less than ideal and lives in No. 10 with her Uncle the Prime Minister, is trying to reinvent herself with an accepting group of new friends. There are a bunch of judging busybodies as you would expect in that set though.
All is going well and to plan with some amazing prospects then some gossip is uncovered. (Sidenote: I still don't get how people can judge children on their parents behavior or how their parents didn't care for them. But that's the toxic world of that society. Especially when you are trying to get the best match and take down the girls that look better than you).
This had so many different types of familial relationships for Valerie who's mother abandoned her, her father did not care for her and was very controversial. Then living with her aunt and uncle who treated her like the parents she never had.
If you love historical fiction you should add this to your list! It was a pre-war view of the aristocracy as they were trying to go on as usual to not incite panic but also start transitioning into helping out the English impacted in other countries effected by the impending world war and scaling back.
Thank you williammorrowbooks and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
The glittery world of the haute ton in London right before the start of World War II. With the chatter of Hitler not being that bad, and not having to enter the war.
This year's round of Debutantes enter society to meet an eligible husband.
Valerie, who's parentage is less than ideal and lives in No. 10 with her Uncle the Prime Minister, is trying to reinvent herself with an accepting group of new friends. There are a bunch of judging busybodies as you would expect in that set though.
All is going well and to plan with some amazing prospects then some gossip is uncovered. (Sidenote: I still don't get how people can judge children on their parents behavior or how their parents didn't care for them. But that's the toxic world of that society. Especially when you are trying to get the best match and take down the girls that look better than you).
This had so many different types of familial relationships for Valerie who's mother abandoned her, her father did not care for her and was very controversial. Then living with her aunt and uncle who treated her like the parents she never had.
If you love historical fiction you should add this to your list! It was a pre-war view of the aristocracy as they were trying to go on as usual to not incite panic but also start transitioning into helping out the English impacted in other countries effected by the impending world war and scaling back.
Thank you williammorrowbooks and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
February 1, 2021
This was a good book, but it felt like nothing really happened. It felt like the author tried to stuff everything that makes other novels great into this book without developing any of it. A few examples would be the group of friends: now and then, they would do something plot productive like all sneaking out of the ball. But most of the time, they were gossiping, and it didn’t do anything to further the story other than to say that high society is not perfect. There were two suiters: But we only learn a small bit about either of them, Elm is a rich boy who is mad that his life is planned for him, and Richard is a doctor who is a fourth son. And any romance consisted of, I danced with E than with R. We learn about a big secret that can ruin her, but it only gets mentioned in the last few chapters of the book, and we don’t get to see her work to overcome it. There are more instances than this, but these are the bigger ones. I feel that the book would have been much better if the author would have done more world building during all of the dances or if the author had made the big secret coming out the middle point of the story and having the main character overcome this big obstacle. #TheLastDebutantes #NetGalley
March 19, 2022
The Last Debutantes was another novel that used the English Debutante season as a backdrop to a woman’s coming of age story. This book read like a YA novel because of the emphasis on gossip, gowns, and gentleman callers. That nonsense aside, I liked the protagonist Valerie who was outspoken and spent most of the novel trying to figure out whether she really belonged in the same circle as the other “Debs”.
Here, London’s society in 1939 was full of Debutantes looking for a place in the inner circle and focused only on their reputation. I liked the overall theme of Valerie learning who she was and navigating the debutante season without loosing her dignity. Valerie was a social outcast with a sordid past, but she tried to overcome that stain by reinventing herself through small lies and relationships.
This was an inconsistent story when at times Valerie was assertive and vocal about her distain for other Debs but at other times she showed how much she wanted acceptance by lying about herself. Much of this was mind numbing entertainment as the women chatted endlessly about dance cards, dresses, suitors, and balls.
Here, London’s society in 1939 was full of Debutantes looking for a place in the inner circle and focused only on their reputation. I liked the overall theme of Valerie learning who she was and navigating the debutante season without loosing her dignity. Valerie was a social outcast with a sordid past, but she tried to overcome that stain by reinventing herself through small lies and relationships.
This was an inconsistent story when at times Valerie was assertive and vocal about her distain for other Debs but at other times she showed how much she wanted acceptance by lying about herself. Much of this was mind numbing entertainment as the women chatted endlessly about dance cards, dresses, suitors, and balls.
February 2, 2022
I do not understand all the glowing reviews. There was no “story”, just writing that went no where. I read another review that asked if this was YA disguised as a novel 😂 The historical inaccuracies were too much (come on, if you’re writing a book set in 1939 England, how hard is it to fact check that the reigning monarch was George VI not George the IV??). Just ugh.
September 15, 2021
I might be in the minority here but I really didn't care for this book at all. I like to come away from an historical fiction novel learning something I didn't know. The repetitive story line was distracting and uninteresting. It's really a pity . I expected so much more.
September 13, 2021
An interesting fictional account of the real life British debutante Valerie de Vere Cole, niece to Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. I found the story itself kind of boring but I did enjoy the history of the time and the inside look at what the last pre-WWII debutante season was like for the women involved. Overall just an okay read that didn't grab my attention as much as I was hoping.
November 8, 2021
The right book at the right time given to me by an amazing friend who knew I needed this kind of book. It was an easy read, I connected with the characters and the cover is beautiful. I felt like I was right there in the time period. I am always intrigued by the societal rules and the glamor and this didn't disappoint.
February 5, 2024
This book is more like a 3.5 or 3.6. Very enjoyable as a light read.
November 27, 2021
I loved this novel! I was transported to 1939 high society London right before England went to war with Germany. The story focuses on young debutantes presented to society during what the reader knows will be the last Season for many years. One of the debutantes is Valerie, the niece of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who lives with his family at 10 Downing Street. Her father is dead and her mother and stepmother have rejected her. Valerie is a likeable, strong character who I rooted for throughout the novel. As she navigates the coming out season, talk of war is escalating and she is privy to this as she befriends one of the typists working at 10 Downing Street. Very interesting imaginings of life inside 10 Downing Street.
This is an entertaining, engrossing read about high society norms, double standards and prejudices, societal and parental expectations for young women, female friendships, and family relationships.
The story was well-paced and I enjoyed the secondary characters but it would have been good to have seen these characters a bit more fully developed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and it did wonderfully transport me to another time and place. Thanks for this terrific story @georgieblalock
P.S. What a great cover!!!!
#thelastdebutantes #georgieblalock #booksofig #bookstagram #canadianbookstagrammer #avidreader #bookrecommendation
This is an entertaining, engrossing read about high society norms, double standards and prejudices, societal and parental expectations for young women, female friendships, and family relationships.
The story was well-paced and I enjoyed the secondary characters but it would have been good to have seen these characters a bit more fully developed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and it did wonderfully transport me to another time and place. Thanks for this terrific story @georgieblalock
P.S. What a great cover!!!!
#thelastdebutantes #georgieblalock #booksofig #bookstagram #canadianbookstagrammer #avidreader #bookrecommendation
May 31, 2021
Apparently, I am one of the very few that did not like certain aspects of or appreciate this novel as much as I should have. I have been on a historical fiction/non-fiction kick now for some time, and I was thrilled to be chosen to read this book. This novel blended all of my likes into one-or, so I thought.
It was interesting to learn what it was like to 'come out' during the few months left before England became embroiled in WWII. But what I found to be tedious was the beating of the dead horse, Valerie de Vere Cole, the niece of Prime Minister Neville's (yes, she really was his niece) past life. And what some of the women ( at least one of her friends included) treated her when the truth came out. Some repetition is understandable to give you a slow build-up. However, in this book the repetition was distracting and seemed to be just page filler.
To the worst extent possible, this novel showed just how privileged these people were and how they didn't appreciate it; they just took it all for granted and whined, whined, whined.
This was not a horrible book and maybe someday I will re-read it. It just wasn't my cup of tea!
*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley.
It was interesting to learn what it was like to 'come out' during the few months left before England became embroiled in WWII. But what I found to be tedious was the beating of the dead horse, Valerie de Vere Cole, the niece of Prime Minister Neville's (yes, she really was his niece) past life. And what some of the women ( at least one of her friends included) treated her when the truth came out. Some repetition is understandable to give you a slow build-up. However, in this book the repetition was distracting and seemed to be just page filler.
To the worst extent possible, this novel showed just how privileged these people were and how they didn't appreciate it; they just took it all for granted and whined, whined, whined.
This was not a horrible book and maybe someday I will re-read it. It just wasn't my cup of tea!
*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley.
January 11, 2022
I found this highly disappointing. I usually enjoy historical fiction, and this was faithful to many aspects of the time and place. That being said, I felt like I was reading a jumped-up Harlequin romance. It felt light and frothy, with a ridiculous amount of repetition. I mean, how many times did we need to hear about Valerie's horrible childhood in France, her ineffectual father and abominable stepmother? If the author's intention was to show how a self-centered young deb's mind worked, she succeeded, but I found it tedious.
February 19, 2021
The title was great, the cover was great, the writing was excellent, the characters were great but I was a little bored. The most action happened in the last 8% of the book. I did like the look into No 10 and the society that I've read so much about. I did Google some things (names and places) and found them to be on the spot for the time period.
Overall, it was a good book just slower than what I anticipated
Overall, it was a good book just slower than what I anticipated
November 22, 2021
I just didn’t care for this book at all. I didn’t connect with any of the many characters and was much more irritated by them than interested in them. I was 3/4 of the way through and still waiting for the story to begin. So much repetition that it was tiresome.
September 12, 2023
The beginning felt a little slow but eventually it picked up & I enjoyed it!
December 21, 2021
When I read historical fiction, I want to be immersed in the time period—learning about that time and place. The Last Debutantes, by Georgie Blalock, succeeds in immersing me in 1939 England and the world of young society women.
Valerie de Vere Cole, niece of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, is part of the glittery society of debutantes, yet she is haunted by a personal history of deprivation and despair. It is this background that saves her from being just another vapid, self-centered ballroom girl; she has a depth to her that allows her to empathize with other people’s problems and failings. She learns—as her aunt hopes she will—that a debutante season is more than dances and teas; it helps a person to discover her own strengths and prepares her to handle whatever life hands out.
That’s an important lesson, especially since England is poised on the verge of another world war. The story captures the growing tensions, the fears of the young men who will enlist, and even the political divisions that existed. The story juxtaposes this larger conflict with the smaller conflicts—the polite backstabbings and sarcasm—that exist in the world of the debutantes. Valerie has to navigate both worlds: she is preparing for a life of “high society,” yet her immediate future is being one of the thousands of young women who contributed to England’s war effort.
Some readers have criticized this book for being plot-shallow. I think that’s the point. The year 1939 was a transition year—from peacetime to wartime, from debutante lifestyle to ration books, and from smug security to days of fear. The year was one of change, and Valerie’s story encompasses both her personal changes and the broader social changes that occurred. These transformations were not always quick; people and events simply moved inevitably to a conclusion. Blalock follows these changes in an easy-to-read story that surely and smoothly gives the reader an understanding of this year.
I won the ARC for this book in a Goodreads giveaway. My thanks to Goodreads and the publisher, William Morrow, for the opportunity to enjoy this story.
Valerie de Vere Cole, niece of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, is part of the glittery society of debutantes, yet she is haunted by a personal history of deprivation and despair. It is this background that saves her from being just another vapid, self-centered ballroom girl; she has a depth to her that allows her to empathize with other people’s problems and failings. She learns—as her aunt hopes she will—that a debutante season is more than dances and teas; it helps a person to discover her own strengths and prepares her to handle whatever life hands out.
That’s an important lesson, especially since England is poised on the verge of another world war. The story captures the growing tensions, the fears of the young men who will enlist, and even the political divisions that existed. The story juxtaposes this larger conflict with the smaller conflicts—the polite backstabbings and sarcasm—that exist in the world of the debutantes. Valerie has to navigate both worlds: she is preparing for a life of “high society,” yet her immediate future is being one of the thousands of young women who contributed to England’s war effort.
Some readers have criticized this book for being plot-shallow. I think that’s the point. The year 1939 was a transition year—from peacetime to wartime, from debutante lifestyle to ration books, and from smug security to days of fear. The year was one of change, and Valerie’s story encompasses both her personal changes and the broader social changes that occurred. These transformations were not always quick; people and events simply moved inevitably to a conclusion. Blalock follows these changes in an easy-to-read story that surely and smoothly gives the reader an understanding of this year.
I won the ARC for this book in a Goodreads giveaway. My thanks to Goodreads and the publisher, William Morrow, for the opportunity to enjoy this story.
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