Stephanie Sullivan: Review - The Roaring Days of Zora Lily

TITLE: The Roaring Days of Zora Lily

RATING: ★★★★★

RELEASE DATE: October 3rd, 2023

Summary (from Goodreads): The discovery of a hidden label on a famous gown unearths the story of a talented young seamstress in this glittering novel of family, love, ambition, and self discovery by the USA Today bestselling author of The Flight Girls.

2023, The Smithsonian's National Museum of American 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, 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.

REVIEW: Such a wonderful book! I adore stories with heroines who come from humble beginnings and who overcome hardships to lead a successful life. A true heroine you can’t help but root for, and this was absolutely the case with Zora Lily Hough. I loved her from the very beginning, and I so admired how she always remained true to herself, no matter the circumstances. This was my first time reading Noelle Salazar’s work, and she has such a beautiful way with words. It was a joy reading about Zora’s life, from her endearing friendship with Rose to her close relationship with her family, and…oh my…the love and passion between her and Harley. *happy sigh* I also loved that fashion design played a major part of the plot. I could almost picture Zora’s creations in my mind, and they were stunning. Oh, and I won’t give away any spoilers, but the ending thrilled my soul. (Vindication! YES!) I highly recommend The Roaring Days of Zora Lily to everyone, and I can’t wait to read more of Noelle’s work in the future.

(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)