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The Liz Taylor Ring
"Brenda Janowitz writes with extraordinary humor and heart."
—JANE GREEN, New York Times bestselling author
In 1978, Lizzie Morgan and Ritchie Schneider embark on a whirlwind romance on the bright beaches and glamorous yachts of Long Island. Over the years, their relationship has its share of ups and downs, including a nine-month hiatus that ends with a stunning eleven-carat ring—one that looks just like the diamond Richard Burton gifted Liz Taylor after their own separation. Like the famous couple, despite the drama that would unfold throughout the Schneiders’ marriage, the ring would be there as a symbol of their love…until it wasn't.
Decades later, when the lost ring unexpectedly resurfaces, the Schneiders’ three children gather under one roof for the first time in years, eager to get their hands on this beloved, expensive reminder of their departed parents. But determining the fate of the heirloom is no simple task, unearthing old wounds and heartaches the siblings can't ignore. And when the ring reveals a secret that challenges everything they thought they knew about their parents’ epic love story, they’ll have to decide whether to move forward as a family or let the ring break them once and for all.
—JANE GREEN, New York Times bestselling author
In 1978, Lizzie Morgan and Ritchie Schneider embark on a whirlwind romance on the bright beaches and glamorous yachts of Long Island. Over the years, their relationship has its share of ups and downs, including a nine-month hiatus that ends with a stunning eleven-carat ring—one that looks just like the diamond Richard Burton gifted Liz Taylor after their own separation. Like the famous couple, despite the drama that would unfold throughout the Schneiders’ marriage, the ring would be there as a symbol of their love…until it wasn't.
Decades later, when the lost ring unexpectedly resurfaces, the Schneiders’ three children gather under one roof for the first time in years, eager to get their hands on this beloved, expensive reminder of their departed parents. But determining the fate of the heirloom is no simple task, unearthing old wounds and heartaches the siblings can't ignore. And when the ring reveals a secret that challenges everything they thought they knew about their parents’ epic love story, they’ll have to decide whether to move forward as a family or let the ring break them once and for all.
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2022
268 people are currently reading
7879 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Janowitz
16 books821 followersBrenda is the author of eight novels, including THE GRACE KELLY DRESS, which has been optioned for film by Hallmark/ Crown Media, and THE AUDREY HEPBURN ESTATE, which was chosen as the Reader’s Choice by the CBS New York Book Club with Mary Calvi. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Real Simple, The Sunday Times (UK), Salon, Redbook, USA Today, Bustle, The Forward, the New York Post, Publisher’s Weekly, Hello Giggles, Writer’s Digest Magazine, WritersDigest.com, and xojane. She is the former Books Correspondent for PopSugar.
Brenda attended Cornell University and Hofstra Law School, where she was a member of the Law Review. Upon graduation from Hofstra, worked for the law firm Kaye Scholer, LLP, and did a federal clerkship with the Honorable Marilyn Dolan Go, United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York.
Brenda attended Cornell University and Hofstra Law School, where she was a member of the Law Review. Upon graduation from Hofstra, worked for the law firm Kaye Scholer, LLP, and did a federal clerkship with the Honorable Marilyn Dolan Go, United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
February 16, 2022
Richard Burton gave Liz Taylor an eleven-carat diamond ring. Ritchie gave his beloved Lizzie the ring, after a nine month break in their relationship. The story is told in two timelines. The first is Lizzie and Ritchie’s love story. The second is decades later and told by their three children. The ring plays an important part in both narratives.
This is such a thoughtful and creative way to give a nod to Elizabeth Taylor, while also telling an epic love story with its share of ups and downs. The three siblings have their share of ups and downs, too, and they often leave out Courtney, the baby of the family, the outlier.
What a love story for these children to reflect upon. I loved the short chapters (I LOVE short chapters!), and there was an intriguing mystery here, too.
Highly recommended for fans of family stories. This one is a gem 💎 (I could not help myself!).
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
This is such a thoughtful and creative way to give a nod to Elizabeth Taylor, while also telling an epic love story with its share of ups and downs. The three siblings have their share of ups and downs, too, and they often leave out Courtney, the baby of the family, the outlier.
What a love story for these children to reflect upon. I loved the short chapters (I LOVE short chapters!), and there was an intriguing mystery here, too.
Highly recommended for fans of family stories. This one is a gem 💎 (I could not help myself!).
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
January 27, 2022
Four Asscher-cut diamond stars for this new family saga from Brenda Janowitz. As with the The Grace Kelly Dress, Janowitz utilizes an heirloom as the centerpiece of the narrative. Although the actual ring that Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor is not this ring, it is of the same cut and is quite large at 11 carats. In this book, Ritchie Schneider gives the infamous ring to his estranged wife Lizzie when they reunite. For each of their three children: Addie, Nathan, and Courtney; the ring has a different significance. Unfortunately Ritchie has a gambling problem and at times Lizzie was wearing a fake as debts were settled with the diamond. As we read through the book, we view a current and past timeline. Keep your eye on the ring. Is it real or fake in present time? Also keep your eyes open for Elizabeth Taylor bits throughout. Our author does us all a huge favor and her notes include all the ways she paid homage to the iconic actress chapter by chapter. Additional bonus content includes Additional Reading and a Reader's Guide. Need something new for your book group? Here you go!
Thank you to Graydon House and Edewleiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Graydon House and Edewleiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
Family drama is high when three adult siblings wrestle over what to do with the much-loved diamond ring that belonged to their mother. As the story shifts between the perspectives of Addy, Nathan, and Courtney, the reader is also treated to flashbacks of the trials and tribulations of Lizzie and Ritchie and their chaotic love story. Author Brenda Janowitz infuses into the family drama many similarities between the couple and the Hollywood love affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Although it all sounds rather exciting, I have to admit that I struggled to really get into this book. Very much a slow burn! However, once I found myself at around the 40% mark, I started to get into the groove of the story and ended up liking it. Personally, Courtney was perhaps the most likeable of the siblings and I liked her parts the best.
Expected Publication Date 01/02/22
Goodreads review published 24/01/22
#TheLizTaylorRing #NetGalley.
Family drama is high when three adult siblings wrestle over what to do with the much-loved diamond ring that belonged to their mother. As the story shifts between the perspectives of Addy, Nathan, and Courtney, the reader is also treated to flashbacks of the trials and tribulations of Lizzie and Ritchie and their chaotic love story. Author Brenda Janowitz infuses into the family drama many similarities between the couple and the Hollywood love affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Although it all sounds rather exciting, I have to admit that I struggled to really get into this book. Very much a slow burn! However, once I found myself at around the 40% mark, I started to get into the groove of the story and ended up liking it. Personally, Courtney was perhaps the most likeable of the siblings and I liked her parts the best.
Expected Publication Date 01/02/22
Goodreads review published 24/01/22
#TheLizTaylorRing #NetGalley.
February 25, 2022
For those of us fortunate to have a piece of jewelry inherited from a family member, we know its importance. It connects to the past and keeps a part of a loved one alive. The true value is in the memories. For the children of Lizzie Schneider, her eleven-carat diamond ring is a symbol of their parents’ marriage yet when it is discovered after believing it was long lost, it could also be a financial windfall. This disconnected family has to decide what to do about the ring.
In the eyes of siblings Addy, Nathan and Courtney, their parents, Lizzie and Ritchie, had a storybook romance for the ages. But the marriage had its problems, mostly caused by Ritchie’s gambling addiction. To get back in Lizzie’s good graces, he gives her a huge diamond ring, which was reminiscent of the ring Richard Burton gave to Liz Taylor. Lizzie was named after the actress and idolized her, making the ring even more meaningful.
The Liz Taylor Ring takes place in two time periods. In present day, the children find that life becomes even more complicated after the ring is found. Secrets and hidden feelings come to the surface. And starting in the 1970s, the story of how Lizzie and Ritchie met and married is also detailed. After first dating Lizzie’s sister Maggie, Ritchie woos and wins Lizzie’s heart. But real life is not like the movies.
Author Janowitz has written a very enjoyable book. While not all of the characters are likeable, like diamonds, people have their flaws. This engaging book deals with serious issues such as family turmoil, alcohol and gambling addiction, yet the story never gets too heavy as we are treated to a bevy of movie references that should delight those who are familiar with classic films. How could you not sing the praises of a book that has two of the siblings named after characters in Guys and Dolls (Adelaide and Nathan)? And I may have to re-watch Suddenly, Last Summer, one of my favorite Elizabeth Taylor movies, which also stars the incomparable Montgomery Clift.
Put on your bling and check out this book.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
In the eyes of siblings Addy, Nathan and Courtney, their parents, Lizzie and Ritchie, had a storybook romance for the ages. But the marriage had its problems, mostly caused by Ritchie’s gambling addiction. To get back in Lizzie’s good graces, he gives her a huge diamond ring, which was reminiscent of the ring Richard Burton gave to Liz Taylor. Lizzie was named after the actress and idolized her, making the ring even more meaningful.
The Liz Taylor Ring takes place in two time periods. In present day, the children find that life becomes even more complicated after the ring is found. Secrets and hidden feelings come to the surface. And starting in the 1970s, the story of how Lizzie and Ritchie met and married is also detailed. After first dating Lizzie’s sister Maggie, Ritchie woos and wins Lizzie’s heart. But real life is not like the movies.
Author Janowitz has written a very enjoyable book. While not all of the characters are likeable, like diamonds, people have their flaws. This engaging book deals with serious issues such as family turmoil, alcohol and gambling addiction, yet the story never gets too heavy as we are treated to a bevy of movie references that should delight those who are familiar with classic films. How could you not sing the praises of a book that has two of the siblings named after characters in Guys and Dolls (Adelaide and Nathan)? And I may have to re-watch Suddenly, Last Summer, one of my favorite Elizabeth Taylor movies, which also stars the incomparable Montgomery Clift.
Put on your bling and check out this book.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
May 21, 2022
This book is some really fun fluff. It's not earth shattering, not a not to be missed. Its about three siblings, each well intentioned, but sort of flawed in their own ways, trying to make sense of themselves and each other. Lizzie and Ritchie Schneider, their parents, had the Love Story of the Century. Five years after their mother having passed away, their mother's treasured ring, the Liz Taylor Ring, symbol of their love, is rediscovered. This sends the siblings careering towards each other in a desperate attempt to figure their lives out, and the true story behind their loving but quite flawed parents. It was really fun and I enjoyed it. 3.5.
December 23, 2021
Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Liz Taylor Ring by Brenda Janowitz is a sweeping family saga that covers several generations of the Schneider family. The book is full of family drama and conflicts with twists and turns that had me guessing all throughout the book.
Lizzie Morgan and Ritchie Schneider had an extremely passionate and tumultuous marriage, much like that of Lizzie’s idol, Elizabeth Taylor, and her relationship with Richard Burton. Ritchie was a gambler, and at first, Lizzie found his gambling exciting and fun, but after he gambled too much, they separated for nine months. Richie, desperate to get her back, won a huge diamond ring, similar to the huge 33 carats Krupp Diamond that Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor, and gave the ring to Lizzie in order to win her back.
After their deaths, their three children gather after hearing from a lawyer that a safe deposit box in their father’s name was found in the Cayman Islands and they need to go and see what could be in the box. They are all surprised to learn that their mother’s ring is in the box, as they all three thought the ring had been stolen, lost, or gambled away.
This fascinating story gripped me from the very beginning and never let up. The story is complex, but I found it easy to follow as the author did an excellent job of switching POV’s and settings just enough to keep the story moving along, without confusing the reader. The book has it all, great characters, a complex mystery, and a bit of romance.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Liz Taylor Ring by Brenda Janowitz is a sweeping family saga that covers several generations of the Schneider family. The book is full of family drama and conflicts with twists and turns that had me guessing all throughout the book.
Lizzie Morgan and Ritchie Schneider had an extremely passionate and tumultuous marriage, much like that of Lizzie’s idol, Elizabeth Taylor, and her relationship with Richard Burton. Ritchie was a gambler, and at first, Lizzie found his gambling exciting and fun, but after he gambled too much, they separated for nine months. Richie, desperate to get her back, won a huge diamond ring, similar to the huge 33 carats Krupp Diamond that Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor, and gave the ring to Lizzie in order to win her back.
After their deaths, their three children gather after hearing from a lawyer that a safe deposit box in their father’s name was found in the Cayman Islands and they need to go and see what could be in the box. They are all surprised to learn that their mother’s ring is in the box, as they all three thought the ring had been stolen, lost, or gambled away.
This fascinating story gripped me from the very beginning and never let up. The story is complex, but I found it easy to follow as the author did an excellent job of switching POV’s and settings just enough to keep the story moving along, without confusing the reader. The book has it all, great characters, a complex mystery, and a bit of romance.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 11, 2022
Lizzie and Richie Schneider had the greatest love story, until they didn’t. Richie gave Lizzie an 11 carat diamond ring to represent their perfect love, until it didn’t. Lizzie always compared their love story to that of Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, but we all know how that turned out.
The story is told from two major perspectives: Lizzie and Richie’s lives starting in 1978, and their children’s lives in the present time. Their children, Addy and Nathan always though that their parents had the perfect love story, even though there were events in their lives that proved otherwise. Their sister Courtney, 12 years younger, never felt that she fit in with the family, probably because her siblings were either mean to her or ignored her all her life. After their parents died, the three siblings had to come together to solve the mystery of their mother’s diamond ring and figure out how to fix the hurts of the past, and if they even want to. Everyone in the family has secrets, some more destructive than others, and its the revelation of some of these secrets that will decide just what kind of family they are.
All the characters in this story are flawed to some degree. Lizzie has trouble reconciling her image of Richie with who he really is. Richie has tried to be successful in all the wrong ways. Of the three siblings, for me Addy was the most unlikable because she was so overwhelmingly controlling. As her own secrets were revealed, the cause of this became quite evident and understandable. Nathan seems like a WYSIWYG kind of guy, but he is much more complex beneath the surface, which becomes apparent when his marriage to Diego gets rocky. Initially Courtney seems like a hot mess, her life in shambles, and she is just a disaster waiting to happen. But she turns out to be the most grounded of the siblings in her own way.
The story explores several themes: family love and loyalty, addictions of many kinds, how your perception of others may be flawed, the power of secrets and how two opposing facts can be true at the same time. Probably one of my favorite parts of the book is at the end, where the author points out in certain chapters how she paid homage to Liz Taylor and Richard Burton throughout the book. She even tells the reader what to Google to view movie clips. For those of us who tend to go down the Google rabbit hole, these suggestions are very dangerous indeed.
There are some red herrings in terms of the provenance of the ring, one of which is a doozy. I had to reread a section to make sure it wasn’t still true. (Got me!)
This is a very enjoyable and entertaining book. The author has an easy writing style with a bit oh humor and snark, and I love snark.
A definite recommend.
The story is told from two major perspectives: Lizzie and Richie’s lives starting in 1978, and their children’s lives in the present time. Their children, Addy and Nathan always though that their parents had the perfect love story, even though there were events in their lives that proved otherwise. Their sister Courtney, 12 years younger, never felt that she fit in with the family, probably because her siblings were either mean to her or ignored her all her life. After their parents died, the three siblings had to come together to solve the mystery of their mother’s diamond ring and figure out how to fix the hurts of the past, and if they even want to. Everyone in the family has secrets, some more destructive than others, and its the revelation of some of these secrets that will decide just what kind of family they are.
All the characters in this story are flawed to some degree. Lizzie has trouble reconciling her image of Richie with who he really is. Richie has tried to be successful in all the wrong ways. Of the three siblings, for me Addy was the most unlikable because she was so overwhelmingly controlling. As her own secrets were revealed, the cause of this became quite evident and understandable. Nathan seems like a WYSIWYG kind of guy, but he is much more complex beneath the surface, which becomes apparent when his marriage to Diego gets rocky. Initially Courtney seems like a hot mess, her life in shambles, and she is just a disaster waiting to happen. But she turns out to be the most grounded of the siblings in her own way.
The story explores several themes: family love and loyalty, addictions of many kinds, how your perception of others may be flawed, the power of secrets and how two opposing facts can be true at the same time. Probably one of my favorite parts of the book is at the end, where the author points out in certain chapters how she paid homage to Liz Taylor and Richard Burton throughout the book. She even tells the reader what to Google to view movie clips. For those of us who tend to go down the Google rabbit hole, these suggestions are very dangerous indeed.
There are some red herrings in terms of the provenance of the ring, one of which is a doozy. I had to reread a section to make sure it wasn’t still true. (Got me!)
This is a very enjoyable and entertaining book. The author has an easy writing style with a bit oh humor and snark, and I love snark.
A definite recommend.
December 30, 2021
The Liz Taylor Ring By Brenda Janowitz was such an incredible read that I really loved and enjoyed.
The story was told in two time frames - from the past, which explored Lizzie and Richie’s epic love affair and then to the present, from their children (Addy, Nathan and Courtney’s) perspective about a phone call from the Cayman Islands regarding a safety deposit box and it’s contents, which brought the siblings together.
The short chapters and alternating view points heightened the mystery element of the story and kept me engrossed to this complex and beautiful story line.
I loved how the story revolved around the ring which represented Lizzie and Richie’s love for each other and also paid homage to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s real life.
In the heart of this story is a complex family relationship between siblings and parents, that addressed issues on addiction and gambling, as well as, forgiveness, loss, and loyalty.
The story was told in two time frames - from the past, which explored Lizzie and Richie’s epic love affair and then to the present, from their children (Addy, Nathan and Courtney’s) perspective about a phone call from the Cayman Islands regarding a safety deposit box and it’s contents, which brought the siblings together.
The short chapters and alternating view points heightened the mystery element of the story and kept me engrossed to this complex and beautiful story line.
I loved how the story revolved around the ring which represented Lizzie and Richie’s love for each other and also paid homage to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s real life.
In the heart of this story is a complex family relationship between siblings and parents, that addressed issues on addiction and gambling, as well as, forgiveness, loss, and loyalty.
October 23, 2021
An achingly beautiful story of endless love, loss, and heartbreaking redemption.
Addy and Nathan are siblings. Well, so is Courtney, but they forget about her. A lot. On purpose. Being the baby of the family and always being just a bit different than them, they try hard to only deal with her when absolutely necessary. But when Addy gets a phone call avout a safe deposit box belonging to her father in the Cayman Islands, the three siblings are suddenly thrust together in a war on what exactly to do with the contents of the box. The Krupp diamond. The very one Richard Burton gifted to Elizabeth Taylor and their father Ritchie gifted to their mother Lizzie.
Though each sibling has a distinct reason for wanting the diamond for themselves, the biggest issue may just be surviving each other until they decide. Throw in a few surprises and the siblings find out just how much they do need each other. Told in alternate timelines of now and the 70's to 00's that follows their parents epic love story, This book was so much more than I was expecting in a massively good way. Part love story. Part sibling redemption story. This book was utterly engrossing and a beautiful perfect stroll through the Taylor Burton marriage and the story of Lizzie and Ritchie. The most amazing discovery was at the back of the book. Every single name, story, and detail in the book the author revealed where she got that from Elizabeth Taylor's own life. It was an absolute wow moment to see just how much research was done and how thoroughly engrossed in her life the author was. I can't speak highly enough about this one!! Expected publication date February 1, 2022.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brenda Janowitz, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Addy and Nathan are siblings. Well, so is Courtney, but they forget about her. A lot. On purpose. Being the baby of the family and always being just a bit different than them, they try hard to only deal with her when absolutely necessary. But when Addy gets a phone call avout a safe deposit box belonging to her father in the Cayman Islands, the three siblings are suddenly thrust together in a war on what exactly to do with the contents of the box. The Krupp diamond. The very one Richard Burton gifted to Elizabeth Taylor and their father Ritchie gifted to their mother Lizzie.
Though each sibling has a distinct reason for wanting the diamond for themselves, the biggest issue may just be surviving each other until they decide. Throw in a few surprises and the siblings find out just how much they do need each other. Told in alternate timelines of now and the 70's to 00's that follows their parents epic love story, This book was so much more than I was expecting in a massively good way. Part love story. Part sibling redemption story. This book was utterly engrossing and a beautiful perfect stroll through the Taylor Burton marriage and the story of Lizzie and Ritchie. The most amazing discovery was at the back of the book. Every single name, story, and detail in the book the author revealed where she got that from Elizabeth Taylor's own life. It was an absolute wow moment to see just how much research was done and how thoroughly engrossed in her life the author was. I can't speak highly enough about this one!! Expected publication date February 1, 2022.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brenda Janowitz, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 20, 2022
That cover and title drew me in, while the well-spun story kept me reading. A family drama with addiction and gambling, a diamond ring like Elizabeth Taylor's, and three siblings faced with startling revelations about their parents' marriage make this tale a winner! Out now.
Thanks to the author, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#theliztaylorring #netgalley
Thanks to the author, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#theliztaylorring #netgalley
February 19, 2022
This was an intriguing family drama with a bit of mystery and romance thrown in. At first it was difficult to keep all of the different POV's and characters straight, but as things came together it wove into quite an intricate story. The Schneider siblings uncover secrets and face truths about themselves and those that they love through the course of the novel and the sibling dynamic was very relatable. Unfortunately the pacing of the story was on the slower side and I never really warmed to any of the characters. Much of the drama that is so pivotal to the plot, like Courtney and Addy's relationship, is resolved fairly quickly and easily and it felt like a let down after so much build up. The ending especially felt rushed, but it was ultimately still an entertaining novel. Fans of old Hollywood and family drama will love this one!
Audiobook Review
Overall 3.5 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 3 stars
I both read and listened to The Liz Taylor Ring and Cassandra Campbell did a great job bringing all of these characters to life. There were times when it was difficult to determine who was speaking though and I also didn't particularly like her portrayal of Diego.
CW: alcohol and gambling addiction, discussion/suspected infidelity, strained parental and sibling relationships, financial instability, theft/loss of property, Alzheimer’s
*I read and listened to a review copy of this book*
Audiobook Review
Overall 3.5 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 3 stars
I both read and listened to The Liz Taylor Ring and Cassandra Campbell did a great job bringing all of these characters to life. There were times when it was difficult to determine who was speaking though and I also didn't particularly like her portrayal of Diego.
CW: alcohol and gambling addiction, discussion/suspected infidelity, strained parental and sibling relationships, financial instability, theft/loss of property, Alzheimer’s
*I read and listened to a review copy of this book*
March 18, 2022
“None of these stories are true. All of these stories are true. More than one thing can be true at once.”
In a brief romance in 1978, Lizzie and Ritchie married. After a 9 month split, Ritchie gave Lizzie an 11 carat ring, similar to the one that Liz Taylor received. The ring became a symbol of the love between the couple. The ring was thought to have been stolen, so when the ring appears after Lizzie and Ritchie's death, it is a surprise to their three children.
The novel has two timelines. The older timeline shows the love between Lizzie and Ritchie from their courtship, to breakup and their long marriage. The newer timeline is between the three siblings as they discover the ring, mend relationships, and determine how to move forward.
The characters were fairly well-developed, but at times, the story needed to move forward.
I listened to the book on audio and enjoyed the narration.
In a brief romance in 1978, Lizzie and Ritchie married. After a 9 month split, Ritchie gave Lizzie an 11 carat ring, similar to the one that Liz Taylor received. The ring became a symbol of the love between the couple. The ring was thought to have been stolen, so when the ring appears after Lizzie and Ritchie's death, it is a surprise to their three children.
The novel has two timelines. The older timeline shows the love between Lizzie and Ritchie from their courtship, to breakup and their long marriage. The newer timeline is between the three siblings as they discover the ring, mend relationships, and determine how to move forward.
The characters were fairly well-developed, but at times, the story needed to move forward.
I listened to the book on audio and enjoyed the narration.
August 15, 2021
The author hit the mark once again. She wrote a love story which included the extended family revealing their past and present flaws. The novel centers around a large diamond ring that comes in and out of the family with each member having their own reasons for wanting to possess it. The value of family shines through this talented author’s writing. I love how she explains the subtle references in each chapter to one of her favorite actresses. Meticulously referenced old time Hollywood! I also got a glimpse of the excellent book cover! Well done! #TheLizTaylorRing
#BrendaJanowitz #NetGalley
#BrendaJanowitz #NetGalley
July 21, 2025
Readers who enjoy relationship driven stories will really enjoy this story about the Schneider family and the eleven carat ring Ritchie gifts Lizzie after they separate and get back together. Many years later, after Ritchie and Lizzie have both passed on, their children, Addie, Nathan and Courtney have come back into possession of the ring. Each of them want the ring for different reasons and they have to learn how to be a family again and put aside many years of estrangement and resentment before a decision about the ring can be made.
I really enjoyed meeting this family and observing their lives starting in the late 1960’s when Lizzie and Ritchie first meet, through their courtship and having children, to the problems in their relationship that cause them to separate, reconciling and then on to the lives of their now grown children and in the center of it all, bringing the story full circle is the ring that throughout the years had been lost, found, lost again and then found.
This author does a fantastic job of creating characters that are so unique and different as individuals but as a family brilliantly illustrates the dysfunction of hard feelings and resentment as well as second chances and forgiveness. I wasn’t sure if I would have any empathy for these people as they appear to be very materialistic in regard to the ring. By the time I finished the story, I felt a lot of compassion for all of them and was happy to see them embracing their family in spite of the struggles they have encountered. I also loved all of the references to Elizabeth Taylor and the similarities the author provides between the award-winning actress and this fictional family.
I paired the reading of this story with the audiobook narrated by Cassandra Campbell. Her flawless performance brought these characters to life and gave me a better idea of their thoughts and personalities which helped me to understand their actions.
My Final Verdict: If you enjoy stories that are heavily focused on interpersonal relationships and the varying degrees and dynamics of communication and emotion, I highly recommend reading this story. At the very least, you will enjoy a story about family and relationships. You may even be inspired to watch some of Elizabeth Taylor’s movies.
Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Graydon House, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
I really enjoyed meeting this family and observing their lives starting in the late 1960’s when Lizzie and Ritchie first meet, through their courtship and having children, to the problems in their relationship that cause them to separate, reconciling and then on to the lives of their now grown children and in the center of it all, bringing the story full circle is the ring that throughout the years had been lost, found, lost again and then found.
This author does a fantastic job of creating characters that are so unique and different as individuals but as a family brilliantly illustrates the dysfunction of hard feelings and resentment as well as second chances and forgiveness. I wasn’t sure if I would have any empathy for these people as they appear to be very materialistic in regard to the ring. By the time I finished the story, I felt a lot of compassion for all of them and was happy to see them embracing their family in spite of the struggles they have encountered. I also loved all of the references to Elizabeth Taylor and the similarities the author provides between the award-winning actress and this fictional family.
I paired the reading of this story with the audiobook narrated by Cassandra Campbell. Her flawless performance brought these characters to life and gave me a better idea of their thoughts and personalities which helped me to understand their actions.
My Final Verdict: If you enjoy stories that are heavily focused on interpersonal relationships and the varying degrees and dynamics of communication and emotion, I highly recommend reading this story. At the very least, you will enjoy a story about family and relationships. You may even be inspired to watch some of Elizabeth Taylor’s movies.
Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Graydon House, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
January 20, 2022
This wouldn't have normally been the type of book that I read but I was interested in the book as it talked about Liz Taylor and Richard Burton and the famous Liz Taylor ring. The book features the love story which was filled with ups and downs and more downs than ups of Lizzie Morgan and Richie Schneider. The book starts with the introduction of Lizzie and Richie's three children Addy, Nathan, and Courtney. They have both good and bad experiences of their parent's love for one another. The book gets interesting when Addy is contacted by a bank on the Cayman Islands who informs them that they need to come to collect a safety deposit box that their father held at the bank. The three wonder what is in it, but make the journey and discover that it is none other than the replica of the Liz Taylor Ring that their father had gotten made for their mother just before Courtney was born. The three of them can't believe it as they all have memories of it being stolen, lost, or gambled away many years ago. When the ring is returned though, it creates not only a sibling war as to who gets it as it represents something different for them all - for Addy - it is security, for Nathan - the representation of his parents love story and for Courtney - an easy way to solve her debt. However, what starts as a rivalry may be the one thing that brings them closer together and even band together and discover more about their parents' love when an outsider comes to threaten it. The other thing I loved about this book was not only the references to pop culture but also the fact that their parents' love story and siblings' relationship with one another was not just sunshine and rainbows but rain and thunderstorms also. If you are wanting a love story for the ages but with realism chucked in the mix, then The Liz Taylor Ring is the read for you.
February 3, 2022
This book features the love story of Lizzie Morgan and Ritchie Schneider. The book opens with the introduction of Lizzie and Richie’s three children, daughters Addy and Courtney, and son, Nathan. Forty-one-year-old Addy, having been contacted by a bank on the Cayman Islands, advises her siblings that a safety deposit box that their father held at the bank needs to be collected. The three of them wonder what it holds and make the journey, discovering that it is a replica of the Liz Taylor Ring that their father bought for their mother when they were separated for a while just before Courtney was born. They are surprised as they have memories of it being stolen or gambled away several years ago. When the ring is returned it creates a sibling war as to who should receive it as it represents something different for them. For Addy it’s security, for Nathan, 40, it’s the representation of his parents’ love for one another and for twenty-nine-year-old Courtney, it’s a prize won from gambling and a way to solve debt problems.
This fascinating story gripped me from the very beginning. Told in alternating timelines of now and going back to the ’70s through to the noughties, following the Schneider parents’ love story in the novel was rather enchanting. The main thrust of the tale is a complex family relationship between siblings and parents, covering issues with addiction and gambling, as well as being about loyalty, forgiveness and loss. I enjoyed the characterisation, the mystery and the romance, all of which were well done. I am aiming to read more from Brenda Janowitz.
A special thank you to Graydon House and the author for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request received via NetGalley. This review is my unbiased opinion.
This fascinating story gripped me from the very beginning. Told in alternating timelines of now and going back to the ’70s through to the noughties, following the Schneider parents’ love story in the novel was rather enchanting. The main thrust of the tale is a complex family relationship between siblings and parents, covering issues with addiction and gambling, as well as being about loyalty, forgiveness and loss. I enjoyed the characterisation, the mystery and the romance, all of which were well done. I am aiming to read more from Brenda Janowitz.
A special thank you to Graydon House and the author for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request received via NetGalley. This review is my unbiased opinion.
February 8, 2022
This was my first book by this author and definitely not my last. Wow!
1978-Lizze Morgan and Ritchie Schneider have had an exotic life of riches in Long Island. There relationships has had is troubles, but also a life of passion. They separated for nine months. After the separation Ritchie gifted her with a stunning eleven-carat ring, one that looks like the one Richard Burton gave to Liz Taylor.
Many years later the ring reappears and their children have to decide what to do with the ring. They have heard many stories surrounding the ring and this ring could save one of them from financial ruin. They must come together to decide to keep the ring in their family or sell it and split the profits. Unfortunately what to do with this inheritance can divide them. The ring has its own past, and could change everything they once knew about their parents. Can these three siblings come together to make a decision?
1978-Lizze Morgan and Ritchie Schneider have had an exotic life of riches in Long Island. There relationships has had is troubles, but also a life of passion. They separated for nine months. After the separation Ritchie gifted her with a stunning eleven-carat ring, one that looks like the one Richard Burton gave to Liz Taylor.
Many years later the ring reappears and their children have to decide what to do with the ring. They have heard many stories surrounding the ring and this ring could save one of them from financial ruin. They must come together to decide to keep the ring in their family or sell it and split the profits. Unfortunately what to do with this inheritance can divide them. The ring has its own past, and could change everything they once knew about their parents. Can these three siblings come together to make a decision?
January 16, 2023
Enjoyable women’s fiction novel. New author to me and I like her writing style.
February 28, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Good use of dual timelines. Fun characters.
Good use of dual timelines. Fun characters.
September 17, 2021
Addy, Nathan and Courtney are siblings who’ve all kind of drifted apart (more so Addy and Nathan have drifted from Courtney). When they get a phone call about a safe deposit box in the Cayman Islands, Addy and Nathan are forced to interact with Courtney.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I loved seeing the 3 siblings grow closer. Also Addy loosening up, my goodness, lol!!
I truly loved how the different timelines came together and the past kind of healed the future.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I loved seeing the 3 siblings grow closer. Also Addy loosening up, my goodness, lol!!
I truly loved how the different timelines came together and the past kind of healed the future.
December 22, 2021
After enjoying The Grace Kelly Dress, I had my eye on The Liz Taylor Ring and couldn't wait to read it! I'm glad I got the chance to, as it was a great story that kept me captivated throughout.
The first thing that really grabbed me was the way Brenda Janowitz introduced us to the three main characters, Addy, Nathan, and Courtney. I was intrigued right away! Their sibling dynamic was definitely at the forefront of this story, with Courtney being so much younger than Addy and Nathan and how she ended up fitting into their lives anyway.
This novel was really well-written with great character development and an interesting plot. Brenda's descriptions brought people and places to life. I liked the multiple perspectives and timelines to really draw the story out. It stayed interesting the entire time. I also liked the Atlantic City and Vegas backdrops that were prevalent during the story.
Overall, it's a terrific family saga that I definitely recommend! Perfect for fans of Malibu Rising.
Movie casting suggestions:
The first thing that really grabbed me was the way Brenda Janowitz introduced us to the three main characters, Addy, Nathan, and Courtney. I was intrigued right away! Their sibling dynamic was definitely at the forefront of this story, with Courtney being so much younger than Addy and Nathan and how she ended up fitting into their lives anyway.
This novel was really well-written with great character development and an interesting plot. Brenda's descriptions brought people and places to life. I liked the multiple perspectives and timelines to really draw the story out. It stayed interesting the entire time. I also liked the Atlantic City and Vegas backdrops that were prevalent during the story.
Overall, it's a terrific family saga that I definitely recommend! Perfect for fans of Malibu Rising.
Movie casting suggestions:
Addy: Sarah Michelle Gellar
Nathan: Max Rhyser
Courtney: Emily Ratajkowski
Diego: Robin de Jesus
Lizzie (70s and 80s): Wallis Currie-Wood
Ritchie (70s and 80s): Skylar Astin
Gary: Justin Bartha
Emma/Olivia: Kaia Gerber
April 11, 2022
3.5 stars
When a family heirloom surfaces unexpectedly after a number of years, three adult siblings have very different ideas of what to do with it in The Liz Taylor Ring .
Lizzie fell in love with Ritchie when she was 16, when he was dating her older sister. And when they met again 9 years later, the two fell hard for each other and got married.
Through the years, their marriage is tested, particularly because of Ritchie’s serious gambling addiction, and that even causes them to separate for nine months at one point. To win her back, Ritchie gives Lizzie an 11-carat diamond ring, similar to the even larger ring that Richard Burton gave to Liz Taylor. Through the years, the ring symbolized the strength of their love, even through all of the ups and downs.
At some point, the ring disappeared, and each of their children believes something different happened to it. And then when the ring resurfaces in an unexpected place, all three siblings come together (a rarity) and try to decide what to do with the ring. Addy, the oldest, believes she’s entitled to keep it; Nathan, dealing with his own marital issues, sees the ring as a memory of their parents’ enduring love story and he feels like he's the only one who truly understood their relationship, so he should get to keep it; and Courtney, the youngest and a gambler like her father, wants to sell the ring to help her out of debt.
The story shifts back and forth between Lizzie and Ritchie’s love story and the present. Along the way, the siblings realize there’s a lot more to their parents’ lives—and the ring—as secrets and lies are uncovered.
You know I’m all about the family drama, so I enjoyed that aspect of this story, and I liked the dual timelines. However, I’m always a little frustrated when problems could be solved if people just communicated, but isn’t that just like life?
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
When a family heirloom surfaces unexpectedly after a number of years, three adult siblings have very different ideas of what to do with it in The Liz Taylor Ring .
Lizzie fell in love with Ritchie when she was 16, when he was dating her older sister. And when they met again 9 years later, the two fell hard for each other and got married.
Through the years, their marriage is tested, particularly because of Ritchie’s serious gambling addiction, and that even causes them to separate for nine months at one point. To win her back, Ritchie gives Lizzie an 11-carat diamond ring, similar to the even larger ring that Richard Burton gave to Liz Taylor. Through the years, the ring symbolized the strength of their love, even through all of the ups and downs.
At some point, the ring disappeared, and each of their children believes something different happened to it. And then when the ring resurfaces in an unexpected place, all three siblings come together (a rarity) and try to decide what to do with the ring. Addy, the oldest, believes she’s entitled to keep it; Nathan, dealing with his own marital issues, sees the ring as a memory of their parents’ enduring love story and he feels like he's the only one who truly understood their relationship, so he should get to keep it; and Courtney, the youngest and a gambler like her father, wants to sell the ring to help her out of debt.
The story shifts back and forth between Lizzie and Ritchie’s love story and the present. Along the way, the siblings realize there’s a lot more to their parents’ lives—and the ring—as secrets and lies are uncovered.
You know I’m all about the family drama, so I enjoyed that aspect of this story, and I liked the dual timelines. However, I’m always a little frustrated when problems could be solved if people just communicated, but isn’t that just like life?
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
February 4, 2022
This is definitely Ms. Janowitz’ best novel to date and I’ve loved all her previous ones. It’s a story of love, loss and family. One item can mean something different to everyone in the family; it can hold value in different ways. Addy, Nathan and Courtney all hold their parents love story in high regard, almost to the point where the pedestal could come crashing down.
There are a bunch of twists that I didn’t expect and it adds to the mystery of the family lore.
I loved how she wove in the story of Liz Taylor and Richard Burton.
There are a bunch of twists that I didn’t expect and it adds to the mystery of the family lore.
I loved how she wove in the story of Liz Taylor and Richard Burton.
July 18, 2022
This deep family saga will captivate readers right from the beginning. It is a beautiful story of love, secrets, family, addictions, loyalty, forgiveness and the long lasting significance of a piece of jewelry.
The author seamlessly weaves the two timelines..the present day with the children(Addy, Nathan and Courtney) & starting in 1978 with their parents, Ritchie and Lizzie.
Ritchie is a compulsive gambler and loses a lot during his life including 9 months with Lizzie. When she lets him come back, he gifts her an 11 carat diamond which she calls the Liz Taylor Ring. Lizzie loves the ring but is unaware of the many things that happen to this ring over the years.
Both parents have passed when a call from a bank in the Cayman Islands has all three children venturing there to find out what is in the lockbox. What is in the box and how will this change their lives??
Loved this book and am anxiously awaiting the next book by Brenda Janowitz….The Audrey Hepburn Estate(4/18/23).
The author seamlessly weaves the two timelines..the present day with the children(Addy, Nathan and Courtney) & starting in 1978 with their parents, Ritchie and Lizzie.
Ritchie is a compulsive gambler and loses a lot during his life including 9 months with Lizzie. When she lets him come back, he gifts her an 11 carat diamond which she calls the Liz Taylor Ring. Lizzie loves the ring but is unaware of the many things that happen to this ring over the years.
Both parents have passed when a call from a bank in the Cayman Islands has all three children venturing there to find out what is in the lockbox. What is in the box and how will this change their lives??
Loved this book and am anxiously awaiting the next book by Brenda Janowitz….The Audrey Hepburn Estate(4/18/23).
March 7, 2022
This is a story of a family who are coming to terms with the death of their parents and trying to reconnect as siblings. Their father bought their mother an exquisite ring after a separation and the siblings do not know where it is - it might have been lost, sold or put in the coffin with their father. The older 2 siblings are close and always have been. The youngest is a screw up and has never felt connected to the family. When the ring is found they need to figure out what to do about it.
April 26, 2022
A faulty family, a famous ring, and a fact-finding mystery. Three siblings have three different recollections of what happened to their mother’s ring. Who is right? Who is wrong? But wait a minute… They all thought the ring to be lost and yet, here it is hidden in a bank safety box in the Cayman Islands. Who is the rightful owner now? This is THE LIZ TAYLOR RING by Brenda Janowitz in a nutshell. I enjoyed the writing and the way the author developed the relationship between the two sisters and brother. The story is interesting from beginning to end. It was great to discover page after page the family history and what happened to that famous ring.
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October 24, 2022
Had a very busy time lately or I would have finished this much sooner. It was an interesting story of a family’s greed and love.
November 4, 2021
I'll read anything that Brenda Janowitz writes, and I really enjoyed The Liz Taylor Ring. This book follows the Schneider siblings, Addy, Nathan, and Courtney, and an heirloom ring, a replica of the ring Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor, that their father gave their mother years ago. When the ring is uncovered years later, after each sibling has a different story of when it was lost, the unearthing of it also brings forth family secrets and hard truths that each family member needs to face.
I loved that the chapters alternated perspectives between each sibling, and that you also get chapters in the past from Lizzie and Ritchie, Addy, Nathan, and Courtney's parents. Janowitz is a great storyteller and I enjoyed the history of the family in the chapters that took place in the past, as much as following the siblings journey in present day. Each sibling has secrets they are keeping from each other, and I enjoyed how bringing those secrets to light evolved throughout the book. In the beginning of the book I really disliked Addy and how she felt she was entitled to things because she was the oldest child, but her arc throughout the book was my favorite as her big secret came to light and you watched her personality evolve.
Thank you to Graydon House and NetGalley for an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved that the chapters alternated perspectives between each sibling, and that you also get chapters in the past from Lizzie and Ritchie, Addy, Nathan, and Courtney's parents. Janowitz is a great storyteller and I enjoyed the history of the family in the chapters that took place in the past, as much as following the siblings journey in present day. Each sibling has secrets they are keeping from each other, and I enjoyed how bringing those secrets to light evolved throughout the book. In the beginning of the book I really disliked Addy and how she felt she was entitled to things because she was the oldest child, but her arc throughout the book was my favorite as her big secret came to light and you watched her personality evolve.
Thank you to Graydon House and NetGalley for an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2022
Audiobook
Sometimes listening to a book takes away from the book's merit and sometimes I just don't like the book. I think this was the latter, here. It took me almost 2 weeks to get through it and that usually indicates disinterest.
The book is full of family secrets, legacies, addictions and a whole host of other crazy family dynamics. Thrown in a family heirloom and the bad behaviors come out.
Lizzie and Richie get married, but her family never approved. He and Lizzie's older sister dated at one time, so there is some resentment on her part. Richie is a gambler. He wins the ring, loses the ring, pawns the ring, steals the stone, etc., etc. Their kids - Courtney, Addie and Nathan, find the ring after Richie dies, but they thought it had been lost/sold/pawned years earlier. Their not so great character traits come out in deciding what is to be done with the ring.
The story switches timelines and POV and I think that contributed in me not connecting with any character or storyline. I didn't like any of the characters and so I didn't care about them or the ring.
Moving on.
Sometimes listening to a book takes away from the book's merit and sometimes I just don't like the book. I think this was the latter, here. It took me almost 2 weeks to get through it and that usually indicates disinterest.
The book is full of family secrets, legacies, addictions and a whole host of other crazy family dynamics. Thrown in a family heirloom and the bad behaviors come out.
Lizzie and Richie get married, but her family never approved. He and Lizzie's older sister dated at one time, so there is some resentment on her part. Richie is a gambler. He wins the ring, loses the ring, pawns the ring, steals the stone, etc., etc. Their kids - Courtney, Addie and Nathan, find the ring after Richie dies, but they thought it had been lost/sold/pawned years earlier. Their not so great character traits come out in deciding what is to be done with the ring.
The story switches timelines and POV and I think that contributed in me not connecting with any character or storyline. I didn't like any of the characters and so I didn't care about them or the ring.
Moving on.
April 10, 2022
Ok, I KNOW I reviewed this. I remember. I had made an overlay graphic in Canva and everything. I'm going through my book stuff today, doing some admin work, and I don't see it anywhere. None of my social platforms, not here, I didn't even have the graphic in my phone. And I KNOW I made it. I felt like I was going mad. The graphic was indeed in Canva, but a review was nowhere to be found. I even swear I have a memory of the author thanking me. Alternate universe? False memory? Time Keepers messing with the timeline? No idea. In any case, I loved the book. I always love Brenda's stories.
When I saw that she had a book coming out about Liz Taylor's ring, I had to read it. Let me say, she did not disappoint. The story centers around three grown children, the truth of their parent's marriage, and the heirloom they thought long gone. Intriguing, with multiple POVs and drama, this book hit the spot.
AND I KNOW I WROTE A REVIEW.
When I saw that she had a book coming out about Liz Taylor's ring, I had to read it. Let me say, she did not disappoint. The story centers around three grown children, the truth of their parent's marriage, and the heirloom they thought long gone. Intriguing, with multiple POVs and drama, this book hit the spot.
AND I KNOW I WROTE A REVIEW.
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