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The Roaring Days of Zora Lily
In this dazzling new novel, the discovery of a hidden label on a famous gown unearths the story of a talented young seamstress and her journey from the smoke-filled speakeasies of Jazz Age Seattle to the costume houses of Hollywood.
2023, The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History: A costume conservator is preparing an exhibition featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As she gingerly places a gown once worn by Greta Garbo on a mannequin, she discovers another name hidden beneath the designer's label, leaving her to wonder—who is Zora Lily?
1924, Seattle: Poverty-stricken Zora Hough spends her days looking after her younger siblings while sewing up holes and fixing hems for clients to bring in extra money, working her fingers to the bone just to survive. But at night, as she lies in the bed she shares with one of her three sisters, she secretly dreams of becoming a designer like Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.
When her best friend gets a job dancing in a club downtown, Zora is lured in by her stories of music, glittering dresses and boys. She follows her friend to the underground speakeasies that are at once exciting and frightening—with smoke hanging in the air, alcohol flowing despite Prohibition, couples dancing in a way that makes Zora blush and a handsome businessman named Harley. It’s a world she has only ever imagined, and one with connections that could lead her to the life she's always dreamed of. But as Zora's ambition is challenged by tragedy and duty to her family, she'll learn that dreams come with a cost.
2023, The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History: A costume conservator is preparing an exhibition featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As she gingerly places a gown once worn by Greta Garbo on a mannequin, she discovers another name hidden beneath the designer's label, leaving her to wonder—who is Zora Lily?
1924, Seattle: Poverty-stricken Zora Hough spends her days looking after her younger siblings while sewing up holes and fixing hems for clients to bring in extra money, working her fingers to the bone just to survive. But at night, as she lies in the bed she shares with one of her three sisters, she secretly dreams of becoming a designer like Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.
When her best friend gets a job dancing in a club downtown, Zora is lured in by her stories of music, glittering dresses and boys. She follows her friend to the underground speakeasies that are at once exciting and frightening—with smoke hanging in the air, alcohol flowing despite Prohibition, couples dancing in a way that makes Zora blush and a handsome businessman named Harley. It’s a world she has only ever imagined, and one with connections that could lead her to the life she's always dreamed of. But as Zora's ambition is challenged by tragedy and duty to her family, she'll learn that dreams come with a cost.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2023
362 people are currently reading
19171 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Salazar
8 books1,329 followersNoelle Salazar is the USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction novels The Flight Girls, Angels of the Resistance, The Roaring Days of Zora Lily, and The Lies We Leave Behind. Her debut romcom, The Meet-Poop, about a famous fashion model and the messy meet-cute she has with a well-known author, is available now.
Noelle resides in the PNW with her two children, a teetering TBR stack, and one semi-feral cat.
Noelle resides in the PNW with her two children, a teetering TBR stack, and one semi-feral cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 973 reviews
October 6, 2023
LOVED THIS BOOK!!
Who is Zora Lily Hough?
She is a character you will fall in love with as you follow her through her days helping her family cope with poverty and tragedy and as she works as a day nanny for the Harringtons and as she waits for her dreams to come true.
Zora and her friend, Rose, take us through speakeasies and their lives as young women in the 1920's.
We follow them through heartbreaks and Zora's wish to become a fashion designer and to own her own boutique. I loved hearing about her sewing skills and fashion ideas.
You will be pulled in immediately with Ms. Salazar's marvelous, detailed writing and story line.
I didn't want the book to end because of Zora. She is a character who made you want all good things happen to.
Do not miss this gem.
It is such a beautiful read, I was actually crying. Not sad tears, but just overwhelmed at the beauty of the story. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher and Book Browse for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Who is Zora Lily Hough?
She is a character you will fall in love with as you follow her through her days helping her family cope with poverty and tragedy and as she works as a day nanny for the Harringtons and as she waits for her dreams to come true.
Zora and her friend, Rose, take us through speakeasies and their lives as young women in the 1920's.
We follow them through heartbreaks and Zora's wish to become a fashion designer and to own her own boutique. I loved hearing about her sewing skills and fashion ideas.
You will be pulled in immediately with Ms. Salazar's marvelous, detailed writing and story line.
I didn't want the book to end because of Zora. She is a character who made you want all good things happen to.
Do not miss this gem.
It is such a beautiful read, I was actually crying. Not sad tears, but just overwhelmed at the beauty of the story. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher and Book Browse for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
October 16, 2023
This is the kind of book where you can skip big chunks and not miss a thing.
Zora comes from a poor family and helps her mother mending garments to bring in extra money. Zora’s BFF is Rose who comes from a well-to-do family and through them Zora gets a job as a nanny with a wealthy family. But she is able to go out with her BFF Rose who is a dancer at a club. Then there is a love interest with a handsome (naturally!) man from England which kind of peters out until the end.
One entire chapter is devoted to Rose getting Zora ready for a night out on the town.
The dual time line is not really a dual time line. Chapter 1 - 2023: We meet the curator at the Smithsonian who finds an anomaly in a gown she is preparing for an exhibition. She has found a label with the name Zora Lily, a name never heard of before. Chapter 43 is when we next hear from the curator. I don’t know why the curator was even a part of this book since Chapter 2–42–1924: is Zora’s story.
Zora’s dream is to have her own dress shop but she ends up in Hollywood due to circumstance when she and her friend Rose get an offer to go to Hollywood. Rose to dance and Zora supposes she is to be a designer to the stars. Things don’t work out as expected so she returns home.
I didn’t like Zora. I didn’t like the writing and I didn’t like this book. For me it was a roaring bore, but I feel obliged to rate it 2-stars since I did read to the end hoping for it to get better.
Zora comes from a poor family and helps her mother mending garments to bring in extra money. Zora’s BFF is Rose who comes from a well-to-do family and through them Zora gets a job as a nanny with a wealthy family. But she is able to go out with her BFF Rose who is a dancer at a club. Then there is a love interest with a handsome (naturally!) man from England which kind of peters out until the end.
One entire chapter is devoted to Rose getting Zora ready for a night out on the town.
The dual time line is not really a dual time line. Chapter 1 - 2023: We meet the curator at the Smithsonian who finds an anomaly in a gown she is preparing for an exhibition. She has found a label with the name Zora Lily, a name never heard of before. Chapter 43 is when we next hear from the curator. I don’t know why the curator was even a part of this book since Chapter 2–42–1924: is Zora’s story.
Zora’s dream is to have her own dress shop but she ends up in Hollywood due to circumstance when she and her friend Rose get an offer to go to Hollywood. Rose to dance and Zora supposes she is to be a designer to the stars. Things don’t work out as expected so she returns home.
I didn’t like Zora. I didn’t like the writing and I didn’t like this book. For me it was a roaring bore, but I feel obliged to rate it 2-stars since I did read to the end hoping for it to get better.
October 3, 2023
I went into this book blind because Noelle Salazar has never let me down, and let’s just say I was blown away from this story!
Taking place in Seattle during the 1920s, it follows Zora Hough as she chases her dream to design clothing despite coming from nothing.
While this is truly a work of fiction, the story itself and the characters felt all too real. Zora was the easiest character to root for. She was ambitious, honest, dedicated and one that always put family first. I loved how despite the hardships she faced, the story was uplifting and lighthearted. Noelle did a great job focusing on Zora’s growth and independence rather than adding in unnecessary drama with regards to her romantic relationship and friendships.
As this took place during the Prohibition Era, I was impressed by how quickly I was transported to this time period with all the music, dancing, fashion and bootlegging. It was easy to imagine Zora’s designs in my mind through the detailed writing.
And the ending was the perfect cherry on top to the entire story! I love when books come full circle, and this one truly did.
Read if you like:
-The roaring 20s
-Fashion and design
-Museum exhibits
-Close family relationships and forever friendships
-Main characters that are resilient and ambitious
Thank you HTP/ Mira for the ARC! Pub date 10/3
Taking place in Seattle during the 1920s, it follows Zora Hough as she chases her dream to design clothing despite coming from nothing.
While this is truly a work of fiction, the story itself and the characters felt all too real. Zora was the easiest character to root for. She was ambitious, honest, dedicated and one that always put family first. I loved how despite the hardships she faced, the story was uplifting and lighthearted. Noelle did a great job focusing on Zora’s growth and independence rather than adding in unnecessary drama with regards to her romantic relationship and friendships.
As this took place during the Prohibition Era, I was impressed by how quickly I was transported to this time period with all the music, dancing, fashion and bootlegging. It was easy to imagine Zora’s designs in my mind through the detailed writing.
And the ending was the perfect cherry on top to the entire story! I love when books come full circle, and this one truly did.
Read if you like:
-The roaring 20s
-Fashion and design
-Museum exhibits
-Close family relationships and forever friendships
-Main characters that are resilient and ambitious
Thank you HTP/ Mira for the ARC! Pub date 10/3
November 22, 2023
The Roaring Days of Zora Lily by Noelle Salazar. Lovely fun book taken place in Seattle, Wa. in the 1920s during the jazz age. I expected this book to feature jazz but I thought it would be about the clubs and music at the forefront. I was in for a surprise! (I rarely read a synopsis of a book) This novel is a coming of age story of a young girl living in poverty starting out in life having to support her family. She finds her interest in fashion. The ups and downs of getting started, moving on from tragedy and falling in love. Zora Lily, a woman setting the stage for fashions to spread through decades.
March 10, 2024
Vivid and Immersive
I was drawn to the glittering jazz age and the speakeasies, I absolutely loved every page.
I love enjoyed reading and learning about dressmaking and costumes in American History – having taken an elective class in college, I have always dreamed of dressing the stars and having to dream up the heights of fashion and the likes of Lanvin and Chanel – but that is for another lifetime.
I love the beautiful storytelling by one of my favorite historical fiction author, Noelle Salazar.
I was drawn to the glittering jazz age and the speakeasies, I absolutely loved every page.
I love enjoyed reading and learning about dressmaking and costumes in American History – having taken an elective class in college, I have always dreamed of dressing the stars and having to dream up the heights of fashion and the likes of Lanvin and Chanel – but that is for another lifetime.
I love the beautiful storytelling by one of my favorite historical fiction author, Noelle Salazar.
November 21, 2023
A perfectly heartwarming Cinderella type of story of a dress designer in the 1920s in Seattle, who through perseverance and commitment makes all of her dreams come true. This was one of those books that came to my attention at just the right time, and I loved everything about it. It reminds me of another book that I really liked, "By Her Own Design: The Story of Ann Lowe" by Piper Huguley. Ms. Salazar is a new author to me, but I may go back and read her earlier books now too.
October 10, 2023
Definitely in my top ten of 2023!! I absolutely loved everything about this book. Prohibition is one of my favorite eras to read about and I’m just obsessed with the fashion as well. The main character, Zora loves fashion and sewing so there’s lots of references to the clothes and style of the times.
Zora is working 24/7 to help care for her poverty stricken family. But she is offered a job as a nanny for a rich family and it brings in much more money. She also has her nights free and her bff Rose convinces her to come out with her to a speakeasy where Rose dances. Zora has an encounter with a handsome man and she later finds out he’s one of the most eligible bachelors in Seattle.
She runs into Harley a few more times and they begin to form a relationship. But one of the maids at her job is jealous and begins to sabotage Zora’s reputation at their place of work. Zora and Harley are infatuated with each other and he can provide a life for Zora she’s only dreamed of.
I absolutely loved this book. It was fascinating to see Zora blossom when she left her parents house. She was so shy when she first went out with Rose and she became her own person when she met Harley. The time period is just perfect. I would have loved to see this era in person.
Thank you @_mira_book @htpbooks and @noelle__salazar for my advanced reader copy. Zora is out today! This is a must read for historical fiction lovers.
Zora is working 24/7 to help care for her poverty stricken family. But she is offered a job as a nanny for a rich family and it brings in much more money. She also has her nights free and her bff Rose convinces her to come out with her to a speakeasy where Rose dances. Zora has an encounter with a handsome man and she later finds out he’s one of the most eligible bachelors in Seattle.
She runs into Harley a few more times and they begin to form a relationship. But one of the maids at her job is jealous and begins to sabotage Zora’s reputation at their place of work. Zora and Harley are infatuated with each other and he can provide a life for Zora she’s only dreamed of.
I absolutely loved this book. It was fascinating to see Zora blossom when she left her parents house. She was so shy when she first went out with Rose and she became her own person when she met Harley. The time period is just perfect. I would have loved to see this era in person.
Thank you @_mira_book @htpbooks and @noelle__salazar for my advanced reader copy. Zora is out today! This is a must read for historical fiction lovers.
May 21, 2025
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the story and I liked Zora, but it was a slow paced book. I also felt like the framing device harmed rather than helped the book. The intro gives the impression that the ultimate direction of this book is towards Hollywood, when in reality her time there takes up less than 10% of the story. Also remember when I said I like Zora? The framing device narrator really REALLY likes Zora, to the point of fangirling. She ended up feeling like a self-insert for the author, who also clearly really really REALLY likes Zora. The whole end of the book is just people fawning over her. I liked being in Zora’s head. I didn’t love being told how amazing she was by an endless parade of people.
October 18, 2023
Man, am I ever in the minority.
This really wasn’t my kind of book. I chose to struggle on. It isn’t bad, but I’ll attempt to be objective.
Zora Lily Hough is a wonderful protagonist, she’s hard-working, family-oriented, a good friend and most importantly, a kickass seamstress who dreams of becoming a designer. She’s the highlight of the book. Just about as likable as sunshine.
Through one of her friends, shy, poverty-stricken Zora is introduced to the nightlife. There she meets a Rich Handsome Brit who would be perfect if not for the fact he’s a bootlegger. He gets arrested and deported. Zora will wait for the two years he’s banned. From the US?
Zora goes to Hollywood, to be a seamstress to the stars. Hollywood screws her over royally. It’s a lowdown, dirty stunt, but it’s not that big of a deal! She’s (unnecessarily and inappropriately) embarrassed, ashamed and hurt and stops writing to the Rich Handsome Brit, the guy who adores her and is 100% supportive of whatever she wants to do.
That there is a weak plot. Zora is wronged, although her performance as seamstress and DESIGNER is impeccable and awe-inspiring. The only thing of which she is guilty is her naïveté which is completely understandable. She’s grown so much as a character and can’t tell the love of her life what happened? That just doesn’t make sense and I could not buy into it. It’s an all-too-familiar trope: poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks doesn’t feel like she’s good enough for an RHB. Said RHB has done nothing but proclaim and prove his love throughout the story, which she reciprocates. They have this wonderful, almost fairy tale relationship and she lets it go because typical Hollywood jackals took advantage of her and she’s too embarrassed and hurt to talk about it. It just doesn’t resonate.
I guess overall you could call this a feel-good story, so good it’s unrealistically idyllic. This account of the Roaring 20s doesn’t get much past a loud purr. Lame. Snoozeville. I had hoped for some historical fiction and this one just fell flat.
This really wasn’t my kind of book. I chose to struggle on. It isn’t bad, but I’ll attempt to be objective.
Zora Lily Hough is a wonderful protagonist, she’s hard-working, family-oriented, a good friend and most importantly, a kickass seamstress who dreams of becoming a designer. She’s the highlight of the book. Just about as likable as sunshine.
Through one of her friends, shy, poverty-stricken Zora is introduced to the nightlife. There she meets a Rich Handsome Brit who would be perfect if not for the fact he’s a bootlegger. He gets arrested and deported. Zora will wait for the two years he’s banned. From the US?
Zora goes to Hollywood, to be a seamstress to the stars. Hollywood screws her over royally. It’s a lowdown, dirty stunt, but it’s not that big of a deal! She’s (unnecessarily and inappropriately) embarrassed, ashamed and hurt and stops writing to the Rich Handsome Brit, the guy who adores her and is 100% supportive of whatever she wants to do.
That there is a weak plot. Zora is wronged, although her performance as seamstress and DESIGNER is impeccable and awe-inspiring. The only thing of which she is guilty is her naïveté which is completely understandable. She’s grown so much as a character and can’t tell the love of her life what happened? That just doesn’t make sense and I could not buy into it. It’s an all-too-familiar trope: poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks doesn’t feel like she’s good enough for an RHB. Said RHB has done nothing but proclaim and prove his love throughout the story, which she reciprocates. They have this wonderful, almost fairy tale relationship and she lets it go because typical Hollywood jackals took advantage of her and she’s too embarrassed and hurt to talk about it. It just doesn’t resonate.
I guess overall you could call this a feel-good story, so good it’s unrealistically idyllic. This account of the Roaring 20s doesn’t get much past a loud purr. Lame. Snoozeville. I had hoped for some historical fiction and this one just fell flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
*Thank you to Book Browse & Harper Collins for this great read!
5.0
Lesser than, ambition, Roaring 20s…
1924 - Zora, from an impoverished Seattle family of nine, helps Mother with the sewing she takes in. Zora has a reputation as “being a magician with a needle.” Her wildest dream would be to become a designer and to own a boutique.
2023 - While restoring / repairing film costumes for the Hollywood Glamour Exhibition at the Smithsonian, Sylvia finds the name Zora Lily under the designer label. Just who could this unknown be?
A tale of the burdens of poverty and pulling oneself up by “the bootstraps to start on a better path.”
ARC — available on Oct 3, 2023
This was a buddy read with Elizabeth of @silversreviews! Check out her review!
*Author paints a vivid snapshot - easy to imagine the characters, locations, fashions, and clubs.
*Story & characters feel real and relatable.
*Very descriptive writing. Ex: “Pale green like the beginning of spring…” (Too many good quotes to mention…)
* Breathtaking story and a great ending!
* I highly recommend! I will look for author’s previous books!
*This will likely be in my top 5 for 2023!
*Hats off to Noelle Salazar! Thank you!
5.0
Lesser than, ambition, Roaring 20s…
1924 - Zora, from an impoverished Seattle family of nine, helps Mother with the sewing she takes in. Zora has a reputation as “being a magician with a needle.” Her wildest dream would be to become a designer and to own a boutique.
2023 - While restoring / repairing film costumes for the Hollywood Glamour Exhibition at the Smithsonian, Sylvia finds the name Zora Lily under the designer label. Just who could this unknown be?
A tale of the burdens of poverty and pulling oneself up by “the bootstraps to start on a better path.”
ARC — available on Oct 3, 2023
This was a buddy read with Elizabeth of @silversreviews! Check out her review!
*Author paints a vivid snapshot - easy to imagine the characters, locations, fashions, and clubs.
*Story & characters feel real and relatable.
*Very descriptive writing. Ex: “Pale green like the beginning of spring…” (Too many good quotes to mention…)
* Breathtaking story and a great ending!
* I highly recommend! I will look for author’s previous books!
*This will likely be in my top 5 for 2023!
*Hats off to Noelle Salazar! Thank you!
May 22, 2024
3.25 ⭐️s
I wanted more roar and razzle-dazzle from this prohibition era story.
Ever see a drink on a cocktail menu with a description so enticing you just have to order it? You take the first few sips with enjoyment because you’re already convinced you’re going to like it. But when you get to the bottom of the glass, you realize it was really nothing special. That’s how I felt about this book.
This novel does a heavy pour of Historical Romance, stirred with the trope of handsome, rich, unattainable bachelor falls for the “not like the other girls” heroine on first sight.
Maybe this comes from reading so many books with twists, but I wanted more plot elements to be unpredictable. Instead, everything mostly progresses as expected and everyone is just as they seem.
Many readers fell in love with Zora and her determination to one day open her own dress shop despite being poor and having the town drunk as a father. But when she hits a snag as she’s stitching her hemline out of poverty, she rips up the seams of another aspect of her life. I was shaking my head, thinking , “Girl, what are you doing?”
The Roaring Days of Zora Lily a nicely stitched story for those who like historical romance, but for me, it wasn’t a showstopper.
I wanted more roar and razzle-dazzle from this prohibition era story.
Ever see a drink on a cocktail menu with a description so enticing you just have to order it? You take the first few sips with enjoyment because you’re already convinced you’re going to like it. But when you get to the bottom of the glass, you realize it was really nothing special. That’s how I felt about this book.
This novel does a heavy pour of Historical Romance, stirred with the trope of handsome, rich, unattainable bachelor falls for the “not like the other girls” heroine on first sight.
Maybe this comes from reading so many books with twists, but I wanted more plot elements to be unpredictable. Instead, everything mostly progresses as expected and everyone is just as they seem.
Many readers fell in love with Zora and her determination to one day open her own dress shop despite being poor and having the town drunk as a father. But when she hits a snag as she’s stitching her hemline out of poverty, she rips up the seams of another aspect of her life. I was shaking my head, thinking , “Girl, what are you doing?”
The Roaring Days of Zora Lily a nicely stitched story for those who like historical romance, but for me, it wasn’t a showstopper.
May 29, 2024
Make no mistake, I did enjoy the book. It just wasn't a rave for me. 3.5 hits the spot. One thing about becoming a seasoned reader is that one can get "spoiled" by the lovely beautiful writing we get to see. There was nothing wrong with this book per se, it was perfectly a fine read. What anyone would give a 3.5.
I happen to love the Jazz Age, and I am somehow drawn to women who were good with a needle and thread and were emerging designers, although I wouldn't know what to do with a sewing kit or basket myself. But to be able to make something out of nothing, and look beautiful - well that has to be a talent and a passion.
I happen to love the Jazz Age, and I am somehow drawn to women who were good with a needle and thread and were emerging designers, although I wouldn't know what to do with a sewing kit or basket myself. But to be able to make something out of nothing, and look beautiful - well that has to be a talent and a passion.
October 31, 2023
Zora doesn't have much, but what she does have are incredible skills with a needle and thread and dozens of clothing designs flooding her mind. When forced to work outside her family home, Zora finds her world slowly opened through new friendships and rowdy nights at the local speakeasies. If Zora wants to achieve her dream of becoming a noteworthy designer, however, she will have to work to overcome her upbringing, the challenges of the prohibition, and her own doubts.
While this book opens at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art in 2023, almost the entirety of the story is spent with Zora during the roaring 20s. It was fun to be transported back in time to the crowded speakeasies, glittering clothing, and dazzling Hollywood sets of the time. I was rooting for Zora and her transformation from Zora Hough to Zora Lily and was compelled by her hard work and commitment to her dreams, even when they came at personal cost. While this book was a fun read, I do believe this story would have been stronger with some pacing changes. Overall, I felt that there was too little time spent leaning into the conflicts that arose between various characters and the difficulties of the prohibition and I would have enjoyed seeing Zora interact more deeply with these challenges. I only say this though because I found the supporting characters and settings very interesting and would have loved more time with them! I recommend this book to historical fiction readers, especially those who enjoy learning about the prohibition, old Hollywood, and vintage style.
Thank you Edelweiss and HarperCollins for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
While this book opens at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art in 2023, almost the entirety of the story is spent with Zora during the roaring 20s. It was fun to be transported back in time to the crowded speakeasies, glittering clothing, and dazzling Hollywood sets of the time. I was rooting for Zora and her transformation from Zora Hough to Zora Lily and was compelled by her hard work and commitment to her dreams, even when they came at personal cost. While this book was a fun read, I do believe this story would have been stronger with some pacing changes. Overall, I felt that there was too little time spent leaning into the conflicts that arose between various characters and the difficulties of the prohibition and I would have enjoyed seeing Zora interact more deeply with these challenges. I only say this though because I found the supporting characters and settings very interesting and would have loved more time with them! I recommend this book to historical fiction readers, especially those who enjoy learning about the prohibition, old Hollywood, and vintage style.
Thank you Edelweiss and HarperCollins for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 17, 2023
I went into this book blind because Noelle Salazar has never let me down, and let’s just say I was blown away from this story!
Taking place in Seattle during the 1920s, it follows Zora Hough as she chases her dream to design clothing despite coming from nothing.
While this is truly a work of fiction, the story itself and the characters felt all too real. Zora was the easiest character to root for. She was ambitious, honest, dedicated and one that always put family first. I loved how despite the hardships she faced, the story was uplifting and lighthearted. Noelle did a great job focusing on Zora’s growth and independence rather than adding in unnecessary drama with regards to her romantic relationship and friendships.
As this took place during the Prohibition Era, I was impressed by how quickly I was transported to this time period with all the music, dancing, fashion and bootlegging. It was easy to imagine Zora’s designs in my mind through the detailed writing.
And the ending was the perfect cherry on top to the entire story! I love when books come full circle, and this one truly did.
Read if you like:
-The roaring 20s
-Fashion and design
-Museum exhibits
-Close family relationships and forever friendships
-Main characters that are resilient and ambitious
Thank you HTP/ Mira for the ARC! Pub date 10/3
Taking place in Seattle during the 1920s, it follows Zora Hough as she chases her dream to design clothing despite coming from nothing.
While this is truly a work of fiction, the story itself and the characters felt all too real. Zora was the easiest character to root for. She was ambitious, honest, dedicated and one that always put family first. I loved how despite the hardships she faced, the story was uplifting and lighthearted. Noelle did a great job focusing on Zora’s growth and independence rather than adding in unnecessary drama with regards to her romantic relationship and friendships.
As this took place during the Prohibition Era, I was impressed by how quickly I was transported to this time period with all the music, dancing, fashion and bootlegging. It was easy to imagine Zora’s designs in my mind through the detailed writing.
And the ending was the perfect cherry on top to the entire story! I love when books come full circle, and this one truly did.
Read if you like:
-The roaring 20s
-Fashion and design
-Museum exhibits
-Close family relationships and forever friendships
-Main characters that are resilient and ambitious
Thank you HTP/ Mira for the ARC! Pub date 10/3
May 15, 2024
I'm being generous by giving this 2 stars, it was more 1.5 honestly. It was just so boring AND so poorly researched.... that nothing was realistic. Usually NPR's recommended books don't let me down, but this one was so bad!!
The social commentary presented about the 1920s was shallow, and the glaring social issues that needed addressing were almost never addressed. When they were, they were glossed over because everything was perfect in Seattle during the 1920s I guess.
The plot of the book that's on the cover (a 2023 museum employee discovering a young artist who was not credited for her work) only appears in chapters 1 and 43, which is a BUMMER because that was the part I was more intrigued to read!! The whole book was too cookie-cutter perfect, with cookie-cutter storylines that end perfectly and characters that either: 1. had 0 flaws, or 2. were entirely evil.
One of the main character (manic-pixie-dream-girl Zora)'s character traits is that she's able to let jabs/mean words go and "hold her head up high" because she's used to being bullied for being poor. This character trait got to the point where I was literally screaming because her actions made no sense!!!!! A fellow employee character breaks Zora's wrist and also leaves a *dead rat* in her bedroom because she's jealous of her boyfriend (also an insane plot line), but Zora doesn't tell their bosses because she doesn't want to "stoop to her level" ????? reporting hate crimes is stooping to a bully's level ?????? huh ???????????
She also gets no credit for her costumes from Hollywood, and instead of just letting her long-distance boyfriend know she's moving back to Seattle, she literally lets their relationship die because she's embarrassed. She keeps thinking "He's probably found someone else in London by now because I haven't written him and basically just ghosted him 3" and I'm like ya girl u know what I hope he has u r sooooooo freaking annoying. And then, of course, he comes back to her at the end because he's never gotten over her 🙄
Also, the writing is just really bad. There are tons of typos, and storylines that literally go nowhere. Where was the editor???
Sorry if this was mean. I just suffered through this entire book and I'm really trying to help you save yourself :)
The social commentary presented about the 1920s was shallow, and the glaring social issues that needed addressing were almost never addressed. When they were, they were glossed over because everything was perfect in Seattle during the 1920s I guess.
The plot of the book that's on the cover (a 2023 museum employee discovering a young artist who was not credited for her work) only appears in chapters 1 and 43, which is a BUMMER because that was the part I was more intrigued to read!! The whole book was too cookie-cutter perfect, with cookie-cutter storylines that end perfectly and characters that either: 1. had 0 flaws, or 2. were entirely evil.
One of the main character (manic-pixie-dream-girl Zora)'s character traits is that she's able to let jabs/mean words go and "hold her head up high" because she's used to being bullied for being poor. This character trait got to the point where I was literally screaming because her actions made no sense!!!!! A fellow employee character breaks Zora's wrist and also leaves a *dead rat* in her bedroom because she's jealous of her boyfriend (also an insane plot line), but Zora doesn't tell their bosses because she doesn't want to "stoop to her level" ????? reporting hate crimes is stooping to a bully's level ?????? huh ???????????
She also gets no credit for her costumes from Hollywood, and instead of just letting her long-distance boyfriend know she's moving back to Seattle, she literally lets their relationship die because she's embarrassed. She keeps thinking "He's probably found someone else in London by now because I haven't written him and basically just ghosted him 3" and I'm like ya girl u know what I hope he has u r sooooooo freaking annoying. And then, of course, he comes back to her at the end because he's never gotten over her 🙄
Also, the writing is just really bad. There are tons of typos, and storylines that literally go nowhere. Where was the editor???
Sorry if this was mean. I just suffered through this entire book and I'm really trying to help you save yourself :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2023
Easy, light historical fiction. Nothing really bad happens and things just always work out nicely. Zora’s problems never seem to stay problems for long. Some of her problems are downright trivial. It’s just…. very light. Not necessarily a bad thing, but not quite what I was expecting.
The 2023 storyline really doesn’t feature at all and I was disappointed by that. It would have been fun to see the girls at the Smithsonian try to find out more about a little known 1920s film costume designer named Zora Lily. A big swing and a miss on that front, in my opinion.
Many of the characters have modern-sounding opinions and viewpoints that I think are unrealistic for 1924. For example, I know it’s set in the Roaring 20s, but I don’t believe Rose’s relationship with Ellis would have been so widely accepted among their friends.
The last 150 pages or so are a rushed account of Zora finally becoming a designer, and I think this really should have been the core of the story.
And did she ever finish fixing Mrs. Johnson’s pale green dress??
Reading this was a nice way to pass the time but there just isn’t much meat on the bones, if you will. I think it could’ve been executed better.
The 2023 storyline really doesn’t feature at all and I was disappointed by that. It would have been fun to see the girls at the Smithsonian try to find out more about a little known 1920s film costume designer named Zora Lily. A big swing and a miss on that front, in my opinion.
Many of the characters have modern-sounding opinions and viewpoints that I think are unrealistic for 1924. For example, I know it’s set in the Roaring 20s, but I don’t believe Rose’s relationship with Ellis would have been so widely accepted among their friends.
The last 150 pages or so are a rushed account of Zora finally becoming a designer, and I think this really should have been the core of the story.
And did she ever finish fixing Mrs. Johnson’s pale green dress??
Reading this was a nice way to pass the time but there just isn’t much meat on the bones, if you will. I think it could’ve been executed better.
October 10, 2023
The Roaring Days of Zora Lily
By: Noelle Salazar
This novel was absolutely delightful!
2023-When a costume conservator at The Smithsonian’s National Museum is getting items ready for an exhibit, she finds a hidden label. This gown was worn by Greta Garbo, and when she sees the hidden label, she wonders if the designer label was not the original designer as the name Zora Lily is the first sewn into the gown.
1924, Zora has been helping her siblings fix and hem for people to earn money for her family. Zora wants more! She dreams she could be a famous designer like Coco Chanel. She works hard and basically never goes out to enjoy the night life. She finally goes to town with her best friend and discovers music, fancy dresses and more. In the height of Prohibition, the alcohol is everywhere in the speakeasies.
She meets Harley, a handsome businessman who promises her the world she has dreamed about. Harley has his own troubles, but she is in love. Will Zora get more than she bargained for? Will she make her dreams come true?
By: Noelle Salazar
This novel was absolutely delightful!
2023-When a costume conservator at The Smithsonian’s National Museum is getting items ready for an exhibit, she finds a hidden label. This gown was worn by Greta Garbo, and when she sees the hidden label, she wonders if the designer label was not the original designer as the name Zora Lily is the first sewn into the gown.
1924, Zora has been helping her siblings fix and hem for people to earn money for her family. Zora wants more! She dreams she could be a famous designer like Coco Chanel. She works hard and basically never goes out to enjoy the night life. She finally goes to town with her best friend and discovers music, fancy dresses and more. In the height of Prohibition, the alcohol is everywhere in the speakeasies.
She meets Harley, a handsome businessman who promises her the world she has dreamed about. Harley has his own troubles, but she is in love. Will Zora get more than she bargained for? Will she make her dreams come true?
June 6, 2023
This is a wonderful trip to 1920s America. Zora is a very likeable lead, going from sewing by hand in her cramped front room with her mother to designing for stage and screen and beyond.
It is a gentle book, with only one incidence of real peril for Zora. I kept dreading certain things to go wrong but you can relax – it’s not that kind of book. You’ll feel for her, strongly, but you won’t be torn apart!
Instead, this is a story of independence, of growing, of learning and of finally finding yourself. And yes, there’s love to be found.
Read it, love it, read everything Noelle Salazar ever writes. You won’t be sorry.
I received a free advance review copy but these are my own views.
It is a gentle book, with only one incidence of real peril for Zora. I kept dreading certain things to go wrong but you can relax – it’s not that kind of book. You’ll feel for her, strongly, but you won’t be torn apart!
Instead, this is a story of independence, of growing, of learning and of finally finding yourself. And yes, there’s love to be found.
Read it, love it, read everything Noelle Salazar ever writes. You won’t be sorry.
I received a free advance review copy but these are my own views.
June 25, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. The Roaring Days of Zora Lilly is full of gorgeous writing and finely drawn characters that pull you into a world of speakeasies and Hollywood glamour. All these are enough to make a great story, but it’s the heart shown in Salazar’s newest book that shines like a bright diamond. I was so invested in these characters that I didn’t want the story to end. You need to preorder/order this right away!
January 7, 2024
I loved this book! Set in the 1920s in Seattle, Zora came from a poor family with 6 siblings. In her early 20s she became a nanny to support her family. She loved going to underground jazz clubs with her friend. Zora had a knack for sewing, but her dream was to be a fashion designer. Story tells how she eventually owns her own boutique where she only sells her own fashions. A rags to riches story!
November 30, 2023
Although I liked the premise of the book, it unfortunately just didn’t work for me. Such a bummer! There was a lot happening, but it all seemed to be quickly and easily resolved with little consequence. I think I just like a bit more suspense when it comes to historical fiction! Regardless, I will be reading more from this author. I’ve heard such good things about her other books.
October 26, 2023
This was a “nice” story without a lot of drama or conflict and the writing was easy to listen to but isn’t one to contemplate. I did enjoy the 1920s setting.
January 1, 2025
Snuck in one last one before the new year & I’m so absolutely glad I did. I loved this story so much, the vibes were immaculate and I’m so happy this was recommended to me (thanks Morgan ♥️)!!!
October 28, 2024
I love historical fiction, and I haven’t read much about Seattle during Prohibition times, so I enjoyed the setting, to say nothing of the characters. Zora was well-drawn, as were the people who surrounded her.
October 28, 2023
It actually pains me to give this only 3 stars. The Flight Girls is an all time favorite and though not nearly as good, I loved her last book Angels of Resistance. This one though, was just ok. Mostly it was entirely too long. It was too long with no actual climactic moment. I mean, I guess I can pinpoint a couple of parts that could be considered climactic, but there was so much story left to read after those points that that just can't be right. The other thing was that this was so so dialogue heavy. Sometimes I just wanted to learn things through the author's explanation rather than the characters' conversation. I don't know. I love a historical fiction based around something other than war, but this one just fell a flat for me. It was just missing that little pizazz that I got from The Flight Girls. She will forever be an auto-read author for me though.
October 10, 2023
Far too long to not like the main character. She was far too perfect, the best at everything, the most beautiful girl ever, most talented person basically to ever live. Insta-love, didn't care for the love interest. For the main idea introduced in the first chapter about her being a Hollywood designer, that part was such a miniscule part of the story. It should have focused more on that part. But I didn't really want it too because all she did in Hollywood was whine! She was mad because they didn't instantly make her a designer. Doesn't everyone have to do the grunt work before making it big? She suddenly looked down on what her job had been before when she got there and they wanted her to do the same thing. In the last few chapters her kids said she never complained about her experience in Hollywood, but that was LITERALLY ALL SHE DID for the rest of the book. But all she ever wanted to do was have a dress shop, why even bother with the Hollywood part??? I rolled my eyes so many times! Could have made it more of a mystery that the Smithsonian chick was uncovering and that could have made it better. And her dad was an alcoholic and she just went out and started drinking without any thought to that? I'd have thought she'd have been more cautious after she had seen what it did to her family. Now maybe this is all because I listened to the audiobook and the narrator's voice irritated me, especially with the British accent and the horrid shaky voice she used for the old character at the end. But I probably wouldn't have finished it though if I hadn't been listening to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up. I really enjoyed the historical narrative of The Roaring Days of Zora Lily and was thankful that Salazar immersed us in the 1920s without bouncing back and forth to the modern-day narrative.
A costume conservationist discovers an unfamiliar name, Zora Lily, stitched into a famous costume worn in a film from the 1920s. Flashing back to 1924, we're placed into the shoes of Zora, a struggling seamstress who thinks she is given her lucky break when she's hired to work on costumes in Hollywood. As is often the case, things don't go according to plan. Salazar has created an immersive world of speakeasies, prohibition, romance, and ambition, and I enjoyed every minute of it!
My only complaint: the ending felt like a lot of factual info dumping — yet this book is wholly fictional without historical roots. This made me feel like she was "faking" a historical fiction novel, when that didn't need to be done in order for this book to be successful. I think it would have been an equally strong, if not stronger, plot without the modern era included. Still, I can see that she did so as a final win for Zora, who is easy to root for throughout.
A costume conservationist discovers an unfamiliar name, Zora Lily, stitched into a famous costume worn in a film from the 1920s. Flashing back to 1924, we're placed into the shoes of Zora, a struggling seamstress who thinks she is given her lucky break when she's hired to work on costumes in Hollywood. As is often the case, things don't go according to plan. Salazar has created an immersive world of speakeasies, prohibition, romance, and ambition, and I enjoyed every minute of it!
My only complaint: the ending felt like a lot of factual info dumping — yet this book is wholly fictional without historical roots. This made me feel like she was "faking" a historical fiction novel, when that didn't need to be done in order for this book to be successful. I think it would have been an equally strong, if not stronger, plot without the modern era included. Still, I can see that she did so as a final win for Zora, who is easy to root for throughout.
August 24, 2024
Another great novel by Noelle Salazar.
The story of Zora Lily transported us back to 1924 - the time of glamour, fashion and family values. The book starts out in present day with a costume conservator preparing an exhibition for The Smithsonian on movie costumes. The conservator discovers a hidden label that sends them wondering what the story behind the label means
We follow Zora Lily through friendship, family, loss, love and so much excitement as she enters Hollywood and the deception the city brings.
A huge fan of 1920-1940 fashion - this book was a mesmerizing nod to those wonder years. Now if we could only resurrect the fancy clothes of days past - we can only hope - LOL
Pick up a copy today AND her other titles. You won’t regret it.
The story of Zora Lily transported us back to 1924 - the time of glamour, fashion and family values. The book starts out in present day with a costume conservator preparing an exhibition for The Smithsonian on movie costumes. The conservator discovers a hidden label that sends them wondering what the story behind the label means
We follow Zora Lily through friendship, family, loss, love and so much excitement as she enters Hollywood and the deception the city brings.
A huge fan of 1920-1940 fashion - this book was a mesmerizing nod to those wonder years. Now if we could only resurrect the fancy clothes of days past - we can only hope - LOL
Pick up a copy today AND her other titles. You won’t regret it.
September 8, 2024
Okay folks, I cannot be the first one to think of the more apt name of this novel, “The Boring Days of Zora Lily.” No joke, during the reading of this book the plot is re-summarized no less than four times. Four times! Are we daft? Can we just not keep up? How little did she think of the reader during this “wild romp.” Believe me, Zora’s adventures are so tempered down that we needed no pages for note taking, no maps for direction. What we lost in reading time we gained in hours of rest after being put to sleep. As usual, for any author who manages to make it through the horrors of writing a novel gets two stars. My suggested improvement on the title stands.
January 6, 2024
A highly entertaining historical fiction novel about a talented young seamstress and her journey from humble beginnings in early 20s Seattle to the big lights of Hollywood where she starts to design costumes for the stars. Full of drama, heartache, love and loss as well as great female friendships. I really enjoyed this one and it was good on audio too narrated by Natalie Duke and Jesse Vilinsky. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
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