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tabberz77's review
4.0
A definite 3.5 stars but I rounded up.
This was a story about sisters, loss and building a legacy. Two half-sisters, Gabrielle and Lulu, have been estranged for many years. They are forced together after their mother's death and reading of her will. Both have suffered not only the loss of their mother but other losses in their lives that have driven them apart.
Gabrielle has gone through a messy divorce where her name was smeared and she lost the career that she cherished. Lulu is now a widow with two grown sons. She runs a bakery with her in-laws in upstate New York.
Based on their mother's extravagant lifestyle and beautiful apartment, they both thought they would be getting a sum of money from her estate. However, they are surprised when they are left with dealing with their mother's legacy - her overflowing collection of couture, mostly vintage and mostly Chanel.
What ensues is an adventure for them both. They learn a lot about their mother that they never knew. They meet her eccentric group of friends and where they end up, is no where near where they thought they would. There is healing, laughter and love all rolled into one.
This book is great if you love fashion. You learn so much about vintage fashion and a bunch about Coco Chanel. I love the way it is weaved into the story of these sisters and their mother. You'll also enjoy this book if you love these types of family drama to healing books.
It was a departure from my usual books and I did enjoy it.
This was a story about sisters, loss and building a legacy. Two half-sisters, Gabrielle and Lulu, have been estranged for many years. They are forced together after their mother's death and reading of her will. Both have suffered not only the loss of their mother but other losses in their lives that have driven them apart.
Gabrielle has gone through a messy divorce where her name was smeared and she lost the career that she cherished. Lulu is now a widow with two grown sons. She runs a bakery with her in-laws in upstate New York.
Based on their mother's extravagant lifestyle and beautiful apartment, they both thought they would be getting a sum of money from her estate. However, they are surprised when they are left with dealing with their mother's legacy - her overflowing collection of couture, mostly vintage and mostly Chanel.
What ensues is an adventure for them both. They learn a lot about their mother that they never knew. They meet her eccentric group of friends and where they end up, is no where near where they thought they would. There is healing, laughter and love all rolled into one.
This book is great if you love fashion. You learn so much about vintage fashion and a bunch about Coco Chanel. I love the way it is weaved into the story of these sisters and their mother. You'll also enjoy this book if you love these types of family drama to healing books.
It was a departure from my usual books and I did enjoy it.
donnareadathon2021's review
4.0
The story
Two estranged half sisters, Gabriella and Lulu, have just lost their mother Bette. Both have had their fair share of sad times recently and both are having financial difficulties. They are expecting that their inheritance from their mother will relieve their financial situation, but this isn’t the case. They are inheriting a small amount of money and their mother’s collection of vintage Chanel clothing. The will stipulates that they can’t just sell the items, their plans must be approved by their mother’s lawyer. The sisters need to reconcile and decide on the way forward together.
My thoughts
I really enjoyed the aspects of this story that dealt with the sister’s relationship, their relationship with their family and their mother’s friends and the setting in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Some aspects of the story feel like they are repeated and focused on way more than was necessary for me. It’s a lovely read - highly recommend!
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
Two estranged half sisters, Gabriella and Lulu, have just lost their mother Bette. Both have had their fair share of sad times recently and both are having financial difficulties. They are expecting that their inheritance from their mother will relieve their financial situation, but this isn’t the case. They are inheriting a small amount of money and their mother’s collection of vintage Chanel clothing. The will stipulates that they can’t just sell the items, their plans must be approved by their mother’s lawyer. The sisters need to reconcile and decide on the way forward together.
My thoughts
I really enjoyed the aspects of this story that dealt with the sister’s relationship, their relationship with their family and their mother’s friends and the setting in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Some aspects of the story feel like they are repeated and focused on way more than was necessary for me. It’s a lovely read - highly recommend!
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
mindfullibrarian's review
4.0
A delightfully unique novel about sisters and fashion ~ highly recommend to anyone who knows or cares about Coco Chanel or who just likes sister stories!
christinepro's review
5.0
I loved this book. Gabrielle and Lulu are sisters that have not gotten along in the past. Their mother’s death brings them together in a way that they never could have imagined.
I loved the Coco Chanel story that was interwoven and very integral to the story and how the sisters dealt with their mothers death.
This is a good story for anyone who loves fashion.
I loved the Coco Chanel story that was interwoven and very integral to the story and how the sisters dealt with their mothers death.
This is a good story for anyone who loves fashion.
2nd2lastunicorn's review
4.0
Estranged sisters Lulu and Gabi are forced to go through their deceased mothers things but her will made it very clear: her “collection” was to be split evenly between them and had to meet the approval of her lawyer before anything was taken from her apartment. Tasked with that from the lawyer, they deem the Grey Lady, the sisters find a treasure trove in their mother’s living space and have to decide what she would want them to do Twitch it and if their relationship can withstand it.
Super cute story about sisters finding each other again through fashion and bonding. The relationships in this book are the entire backbone and really compel you to continue.
Super cute story about sisters finding each other again through fashion and bonding. The relationships in this book are the entire backbone and really compel you to continue.
ondbookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
geolatin's review
4.0
Food for the Soul
I have a feeling this book will linger with me. If I find myself adding it to my annual re-reading schedule, I’ll bump my stars to a 5. I appreciate the journeys these two women and their friends go on, through griefs old and new. They come out with the treasure of the strength to build new lives.
I have a feeling this book will linger with me. If I find myself adding it to my annual re-reading schedule, I’ll bump my stars to a 5. I appreciate the journeys these two women and their friends go on, through griefs old and new. They come out with the treasure of the strength to build new lives.
tiffanic's review against another edition
4.0
A fun read for anyone who loves New York, fashion, or just a heartwarming story of sisters reconnecting. After their mother Bette dies, Gabrielle and Lulu are left with nothing except a surprise closet full of vintage Chanel. With the help of their mother’s stylish, quirky friends they try to figure out just who Bette was and if this unusual inheritance can help turn their lives around.
mailovesbooksblog's review against another edition
3.0
The pacing was a little weird for me it was slow in the middle then the ending was a bit rushed, but overall a good quick read!
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
Half-sisters Gabrielle (55) and Lulu (48) have only two things in common: mounds of debt and coils of unresolved enmity toward, their controlling recently deceased mother.
The sisters arrive for the reading of their mother’s will and instead of a sizable inheritance discover all they have been left is their mother’s secret closet jammed with high-end designer clothes and accessories—most from Chanel.
Contemplating their mother’s self-indulgence, the sisters can’t help but wonder if Lauren Weisberger had it wrong: because it seems, in fact, that the devil wore Chanel. But as they explore the collection, meet and fall in love with her warm, wonderful friends, and magically find inspiring messages tucked away in her treasures—it seems their mother is advising Lulu and Gabrielle from the beyond—helping them rediscover themselves and restore their relationship with each other.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an eARC!!
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
Half-sisters Gabrielle (55) and Lulu (48) have only two things in common: mounds of debt and coils of unresolved enmity toward, their controlling recently deceased mother.
The sisters arrive for the reading of their mother’s will and instead of a sizable inheritance discover all they have been left is their mother’s secret closet jammed with high-end designer clothes and accessories—most from Chanel.
Contemplating their mother’s self-indulgence, the sisters can’t help but wonder if Lauren Weisberger had it wrong: because it seems, in fact, that the devil wore Chanel. But as they explore the collection, meet and fall in love with her warm, wonderful friends, and magically find inspiring messages tucked away in her treasures—it seems their mother is advising Lulu and Gabrielle from the beyond—helping them rediscover themselves and restore their relationship with each other.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an eARC!!
suzannefine's review
5.0
It’s taken me a bit of time to digest this family drama novel before I was able to write a review which would adequately put into words how much I loved it - and not spoil it for readers.
The Fashion Orphans is a beautiful tale of estranged sisters who come together after their mother passes away. Gabrielle and Lulu each faced their own hardships - but can they overcome their differences and work together to decipher what the hidden messages their mother leaves them (in a closet of vintage Chanel nonetheless)? Along the path of discovery, they meet and are “adopted” by their mother’s best friends - all who help them discover the real essence of living a full life. They face challenges and learn to work together towards a future - which includes being in each other’s lives.
I cannot write enough good things about this book. The family drama, laughs, loves, tears - it’s all in here. Randy Susan Meyers and MJ Rose wrote a beauty in The Fashion Orphans.
Thank you to NetGalley, and BlueBoxPress for the opportunity to review an Advanced Copy. All opinions are my own.
The Fashion Orphans is a beautiful tale of estranged sisters who come together after their mother passes away. Gabrielle and Lulu each faced their own hardships - but can they overcome their differences and work together to decipher what the hidden messages their mother leaves them (in a closet of vintage Chanel nonetheless)? Along the path of discovery, they meet and are “adopted” by their mother’s best friends - all who help them discover the real essence of living a full life. They face challenges and learn to work together towards a future - which includes being in each other’s lives.
I cannot write enough good things about this book. The family drama, laughs, loves, tears - it’s all in here. Randy Susan Meyers and MJ Rose wrote a beauty in The Fashion Orphans.
Thank you to NetGalley, and BlueBoxPress for the opportunity to review an Advanced Copy. All opinions are my own.