Review by Booklist Review
Salazar's best novel yet, following Angels of the Resistance (2022), brings the roaring 1920s to life in a heartfelt tale about a young woman coming into her own in Prohibition-era Seattle. Zora Hough grew up in poverty, but her childhood was always happy, at least until her father's lumberyard accident. Now her days are spent sewing with her mother, corralling her younger siblings, and trying to get by. When tragedy strikes again, she is forced to look outside the home for a better job to support her family. Her new position as a live-in nanny gives her more free time, and she is introduced to the exciting and sultry Seattle underworld. Zora has always wanted to be a fashion designer, and the diverse clubs filled with beautiful people provide infinite inspiration. There are also seemingly infinite suitors, but Zora finds that she is only drawn to the dapper Harley Aldridge, and the feelings are mutual. Her rise to the top as Zora Lily is not without trials, and Salazar expertly entrances readers with Zora's dramatic story, which is bookended with a modern-day reflection on her achievements. While this is a work of fiction, Salazar brings the 1920s to historically detailed life in this inspiring, feel-good tale.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
A discovery at a present-day costume exhibition leads into the story of Salazar's third novel (after Angels of the Resistance). In 1924, living in a poor neighborhood of Seattle, Zora Lily Hough is the second oldest of seven children. Her seamstress skills and eye for design are often sought by wealthier women in town, and she dreams of owning a boutique where she can sell her own creations. Zora's childhood friend Rose introduces her to the local nightlife, where Zora discovers great music, makes good connections for her chosen career, and finds love. Zora faces plenty of obstacles on her way to fulfilling her dreams but they're pretty easy to overcome and often lead to better choices for her. Even the novel's secondary characters have rapid changes in their emotional responses, allowing easy transitions between romantic connections and lifestyle choices. Many ideas are touched on, from interracial dating to unjust labor practices to Hollywood glamour, giving the story a fast-paced feeling. The contemporary narrative bookending past events adds good context for reflection on Zora's journey. VERDICT Filled with likable characters and a few villains, this quick read will have a special appeal to those interested in historical fashion or Hollywood.--Stacey Hayman
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
