Do you enjoy reading historical fiction about real-life people? Do you have an affinity for fashion and cosmetics? If so, you’ll definitely want to read Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renée Rosen. Set in New York City in 1938, it follows Gloria Downing as she tries to disappear and reinvent herself. She meets another young woman, Estée Lauder, and the two friends work towards their ever-increasing ambitions.
I always find it so fascinating to read about real women who paved the way decades or even centuries ago. Estée Lauder is, of course, a household name today, and I’m curious about the work she put into building her empire. Historical fiction is such an immersive way to get to know past icons, and I love that this book follow not only Estée, but also her friend Gloria. How will the two help each other or compete with each other? Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl is a novel I’m eager to read… and one I’ll have to gift to certain family members!
Find out more about it below, and let me know if you’re planning to pick up Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl. If you’ve already read it, let me know how you liked it in the comments! I’m hoping to read it soon, so stay tuned for my review.
Official Summary
It’s 1938, and a young woman selling face cream out of a New York City beauty parlor is determined to prove she can have it all. Her name is Estée Lauder, and she’s about to take the world by storm, in this dazzling new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces and Park Avenue Summer.
In New York City, you can disappear into the crowd. At least that’s what Gloria Downing desperately hopes as she tries to reinvent herself after a devastating family scandal. She’s ready for a total life makeover and a friend she can lean on—and into her path walks a young, idealistic woman named Estée. Their chance encounter will change Gloria’s life forever.
Estée dreams of success and becoming a household name like Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein, and Revlon. Before Gloria knows it, she is swept up in her new friend’s mission and while Estée rolls up her sleeves, Gloria begins to discover her own talents. After landing a job at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York’s finest luxury department store, Gloria finds her voice, which proves instrumental in opening doors for Estée’s insatiable ambitions.
But in a world unaccustomed to women with power, they’ll each have to pay the price that comes with daring to live life on their own terms and refusing to back down.
Get the Book
You can buy Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl here – it’s available as a paperback, ebook, and audiobook.
| Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renée Rosen | |
|---|---|
| Audience | Adult |
| Genre | Historical Fiction; Women’s Fiction |
| Setting | New York City |
| Number of Pages | 432 |
| Original Publication Date | April 25, 2023 |
About the Author
Renée Rosen is a USA Today bestselling author. Her novels include Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl, The Social Graces, Park Avenue Summer, Windy City Blues, White Collar Girl, What the Lady Wants and Dollface as well as the young adult novel, Every Crooked Pot. She is currently working on a new novel about the Barbie doll creator, Ruth Handler, coming from Penguin Random House/Berkley in 2025.
Renée is a native of Akron, Ohio and a graduate of The American University in Washington DC. She now lives in Chicago.
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