THE NO-SHOW BY Beth O'Leary @berkleypub @berkleyromance #Betholeary

 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (April 12, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593438442

Thank you Berkley Pub for providing me a free copy of the book for review.

Synopsis:

Three women who seemingly have nothing in common find that they're involved with the same man in this smart new rom-com by Beth O'Leary, bestselling author of The Flatshare.

Siobhan is a quick-tempered life coach with way too much on her plate. Miranda is a tree surgeon used to being treated as just one of the guys on the job. Jane is a soft-spoken volunteer for the local charity shop with zero sense of self-worth.

These three women are strangers who have only one thing in common: they’ve all been stood up on the same day, the very worst day to be stood up—Valentine’s Day. And, unbeknownst to them, they’ve all been stood up by the same man.

Once they've each forgiven him for standing them up, they are all in serious danger of falling in love with a man who may have not just one or two but three women on the go....

Is there more to him than meets the eye? Where was he on Valentine’s Day? And will they each untangle the truth before they all get their hearts broken?

EDITORIAL REVIEWS:

“Beth O’Leary is that rare, one-in-a-million talent who can make you laugh, swoon, cry, and ache all in the same book, and The No-Show is her most moving yet. O’Leary’s wit, charm, and heart are on full, fantastic display in this cozy, surprising, and deeply satisfying novel. I couldn’t possibly love it more.”—Emily Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation

"Achingly clever."—Sophie Cousens, New York Times bestselling author of I Just Haven't Met You Yet

"Even as it taps beautifully into emotions and experiences that feel so universal, The No-Show is fresh, surprising and oh-so clever. It made me laugh, brought me to tears, and kept me reading late into the night. It's the kind of book that leaves an impression on your heart. A truly special read."—Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You

"Sweepingly romantic, bursting with character, and so, so clever I gasped out loud. Many writers make you feel good, but O'Leary also makes you think."—Gillian McAllister, Sunday Times bestselling author of That Night

“With thoroughly likable characters—even Joseph becomes appealing—this plot-driven novel is fast-paced and engaging throughout. Full of both humorous and heart-wrenching moments, the novel is packed with the perfect mix of contradictions to keep it engaging... An expertly plotted romantic surprise about self-forgiveness and second chances.”—Kirkus Reviews

"The No-Show by Beth O'Leary is a rom-com with a side of mystery."—PopSugar

MY THOUGHTS:

THE NO-SHOW by Beth O’Leary is another winning book. The writing is superb and in this story, the plotting was absolutely brilliant.

THE NO-SHOW is about three very different women who has no attachment to each other, except that they were all stood up on Valentine’s Day by the same man.
Three strangers whose stories are told through their point of views create a story that seem so convoluted and complex, but all the while, I find myself intrigued and turning those pages to see how the story will weave together. Dare I not fret since this story was in the hands of a masterful plotter, this story came through so beautifully in the end. I enjoyed The No-Show so much!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beth studied English at university before going into children’s publishing. She lives as close to the countryside as she can get while still being within reach of London, and wrote her first novel, The Flatshare, on her train journey to and from work.
You’ll usually find her curled up with a book, a cup of tea, and several woolly jumpers (whatever the weather).

A DRESS OF VIOLET TAFFETA by: Tessa Arlen @BerkleyPub, @Austenprose

 

·         Title: A Dress of Violet Taffeta: A Novel

·         Author: Tessa Arlen

·         Genre: Historical Fiction

·         Publisher: ‎Berkley (July 5, 2022)

·         Length: (352) pages

·         Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook 

·         ISBN: 978-0593436851

·         Tour Dates: June 27-July 11, 2022

BOOK DESCRIPTION

A sumptuous novel based on the fascinating true story of La Belle Époque icon Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon, who shattered the boundaries of fashion with her magnificently sensual and enchantingly unique designs.

Lucy Duff Gordon knows she is talented. She sees color, light, and texture in ways few people can begin to imagine. But is the male dominated world of haute couture, who would use her art for their own gain, ready for her?
 
When she is deserted by her wealthy husband, Lucy is left penniless with an aging mother and her five-year-old daughter to support. Desperate to survive, Lucy turns to her one true talent to make a living. As a little girl, the dresses she made for her dolls were the envy of her group of playmates. Now, she uses her creative designs and her remarkable eye for color to take her place in the fashion world—failure is not an option. 
 
Then, on a frigid night in 1912, Lucy’s life changes once more, when she becomes one of 706 people to survive the sinking of the Titanic. She could never have imagined the effects the disaster would have on her fashion label Lucile, her marriage to her second husband, and her legacy. But no matter what life throws at her, Lucy will live on as a trailblazing and innovative fashion icon, never letting go of what she worked so hard to earn.

 

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Fans of the 1991 BBC series The House of Eliott will find familiar comfort in Arlen’s descriptions of fabrics, colorworks, and evolving fashions.” —Library Journal

“Tessa Arlen’s novel is as elegant as a Lucille gown, full of movement, color and beauty…For anyone interested in fashion, in the Gilded Age, in stories about strong, visionary woman, Tessa Arlen’s novel is a must read!” —Jeanne Mackin, author of The Last Collection

“A sumptuous treat of elegant prose, evocative descriptions, and compelling emotions. Arlen’s writing absolutely shines.” —Anna Lee Huber, USA TODAY Bestselling author of A Perilous Perspective

“Tessa Arlen delivers a fascinating tale based on the real-life fashion icon, Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon, who went up against a male dominated industry and revolutionized it…A must read for fashion fans everywhere.” —Renee Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces

“…written in a sumptuous, engaging style that appeals to all the senses and brings Lucy, her creations, and her world vividly alive.” —Alyssa Maxwell, author of The Gilded Newport Mysteries

 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

 MY REVIEW:

I have always loved reading about fashion in the books I read, and this time, this story is about the icon of British fashion of the 19th and 20th century, Lady Lucy Duff Gordon. In addition to her fashion sense and style, she is one of the surviving passengers of the Titanic in 1912. Lucille is definitely a woman well ahead of her time, with a male dominated fashion industry, she is considered a trailblazer despite having to make her own way even after her cheating wealthy husband leaves her. 

Lucille's life is not only a study in resilience despite harrowing circumstances, but she is also a woman determined to succeed with whatever she has - her talents, creativity, and finding opportunities and to never give up.

I found the writing enthralling, and inspirational. The descriptions were immersive and really drew me into the Belle Epoque era, including the sights, sounds, and textures. This very well researched story was astounding and such a joy to read.

AUTHOR BIO

Tessa Arlen writes historical fiction when she is not toiling away in her garden. She is the author of the Edwardian mystery series: Lady Montfort and Mrs. Jackson; the Woman of World War II mystery series. Poppy Redfern. And two standalone historical novels: In Royal Service to the Queen, and A Dress of Violet Taffeta.

 

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EXCLUSIVE AUTHOR INTERVIEW

 

·         Read an in-depth interview with author Tessa Arlen revealing insights into her new historical fiction novel, A Dress of Violet Taffeta.