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| Photo by Cristina Calvi |
Brenda Janowitz is the author of six previous novels, including THE GRACE KELLY DRESS. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Real Simple, The Sunday Times (UK), Salon, Redbook, USA Today, Bustle, The Forward, the New York Post, Publisher’s Weekly, Hello Giggles, Writer’s Digest Magazine, WritersDigest.com, and xojane. She is the former Books Correspondent for PopSugar.
Brenda attended Cornell University and Hofstra Law School, where she was a member of the Law Review. Upon graduation from Hofstra, worked for the law firm Kaye Scholer, LLP, and did a federal clerkship with the Honorable Marilyn Dolan Go, United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York. (Bio adapted from Brenda's website.)
Synopsis:
In 1978, Lizzie Morgan and Ritchie Schneider embark on a whirlwind romance on the bright beaches and glamorous yachts of Long Island. Over the years, their relationship has its share of ups and downs, including a nine-month hiatus that ends with a stunning eleven-carat ring—one that looks just like the diamond Richard Burton gifted Liz Taylor after their own separation. Like the famous couple, despite the drama that would unfold throughout the Schneiders’ marriage, the ring would be there as a symbol of their love…until it wasn't.
Decades later, when the lost ring unexpectedly resurfaces, the Schneiders’ three children gather under one roof for the first time in years, eager to get their hands on this beloved, expensive reminder of their departed parents. But determining the fate of the heirloom is no simple task, unearthing old wounds and heartaches the siblings can't ignore. And when the ring reveals a secret that challenges everything they thought they knew about their parents’ epic love story, they’ll have to decide whether to move forward as a family or let the ring break them once and for all. (Courtesy of Amazon.)
“Brenda Janowitz's heartfelt novel shows readers that just like gemstones, people have flaws, but it doesn't mean we love them any less—in fact, those imperfections may make us treasure them even more. Written with warmth and humor, this compelling family story sparkles like the diamond at its core.”
—Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost
“The Liz Taylor Ring is a gorgeously written multigenerational novel. Brenda Janowitz beautifully weaves stories of love, of motherhood, and of the unbreakable bonds between siblings. I absolutely devoured this dazzling book!”
—Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of Beautiful Little Fools
“A charming novel about love, family, and tradition that beautifully captures the sparkling, complicated essence of Liz Taylor.”
—Jo Piazza bestselling author of We Are Not Like Them
“The Liz Taylor Ring is a love story as multifaceted as the infamous ring it revolves around, and as revelatory. Smart, sharply observed, and full of heart and humor, this is her best book yet. I loved it.”
—Laura Zigman, author of Separation Anxiety
Which authors have inspired you to become an author?
So many authors inspired my journey to becoming an author!
So many authors inspired my journey to becoming an author!
I fell in love with the work of Jane Green, Jennifer Weiner, Sarah Mlynowski, Melissa Senate, and Marian Keyes when I took my first writing class back in 2006. I remember reading those books, at that time in my life, and seeing myself in them. They were funny and smart and irreverent in a way that I connected to very deeply. Those books allowed me to think that I might dare to live out my lifelong dream of writing a book, too.
What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing The Liz Taylor Ring?
I loved writing The Liz Taylor Ring. I was so incredibly inspired by the life and films of Elizabeth Taylor, and it made writing the book a truly magical experience.
The biggest challenge, by far, has been this part, right here. Publishing has changed dramatically in the last two years, since The Grace Kelly Dress came out, and it feels like with my seventh novel, I somehow need to learn everything I ever knew about the industry—sales, marketing, publicity—all over again.
If The Liz Taylor Ring were made into a movie, what are some songs that would be on the soundtrack?
"Maps" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Let’s Stay Together" by Al Green
"Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend" by Marilyn Monroe
What is something you've learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I’ve often said that my writing is what saved me through the pandemic. If I hadn’t been on contract for The Liz Taylor Ring last year, I’m not sure that I would have produced a book. And what I’ve learned is about myself is this: I need to write. Writing is my therapy; it’s my salvation.
What was your favorite book series when you were growing up?
I was utterly and completely obsessed with Sweet Valley High. I couldn’t get enough of those books when I was younger, and I’m certain that at one point, I’d read every single one of them. (And yes, I’ll be watching the new adaptation when that comes out!)
What is your mantra for 2022?
I’m not sure I have a manta. Do I need a mantra?! Perhaps you could lend me yours??
If The Liz Taylor Ring were made into a movie, what are some songs that would be on the soundtrack?
"Maps" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Let’s Stay Together" by Al Green
"Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend" by Marilyn Monroe
What is something you've learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I’ve often said that my writing is what saved me through the pandemic. If I hadn’t been on contract for The Liz Taylor Ring last year, I’m not sure that I would have produced a book. And what I’ve learned is about myself is this: I need to write. Writing is my therapy; it’s my salvation.
What was your favorite book series when you were growing up?
I was utterly and completely obsessed with Sweet Valley High. I couldn’t get enough of those books when I was younger, and I’m certain that at one point, I’d read every single one of them. (And yes, I’ll be watching the new adaptation when that comes out!)
What is your mantra for 2022?
I’m not sure I have a manta. Do I need a mantra?! Perhaps you could lend me yours??
Seriously, though, something I’ve been working on lately is how to be less hard on myself. I always beat myself up for everything, and I’m trying to stop doing that. I’d like to talk to myself the way that I’d talk to a close friend. With kindness and with grace.
Thanks to Brenda for visiting with us and to Graydon House for sharing her book with our readers.
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26 comments:
I have my mother's wedding ring, which I wear along with my own, and I have my parent's wedding album. Thanks for the giveaway chance. Stay safe and healthy.
I own some of my mother’s gold jewelry like earrings, bangles, and necklaces.
I wear my mother's engagement ring which is an heirloom to me.
With the recent passing of my mother -- I do have a few items. But one item I received after my father passed 4 yrs ago was a vase that was from his grandparents on their 50th anniversary.
I don't have anything valuable but I do have a Christmas wreath of my mother's that's probably 30 years old. I display it proudly every Christmas. Thanks for the chance.
Photos which are meaningful and cherished.
I wear my grandmother's wedding ring with my wedding ring. I use it as a ring guard for my engagement ring.
Nothing of value, just personal mementos that remind me of my Dad my Aunt and my Grandparents. I keep them close to remember their original owners daily.
We have a ring bearers pillow that everyone has used in their wedding and had their initials stitched into.
Yes, some jewellery that's been passed down.
U have some jewelry from my Mom and my grandmother's jewelry box.
I have some of my mother's jewelry.
Yes, but not of the jewelry type. We have a beautiful wood table with an inlaid design the my grandparents purchased as newlyweds.
no
I do not have any, but I really wish that I did.
I have several generation of family heirlooms, including my mother's wedding ring and dress.
I do not have any family heirlooms. Kind of wish I did but my mom was not a saver and and not sentimental at all.
I do have several family heirlooms: dolls, books, jewelry, furniture, dishes, and crocheted bedspreads.
I have my grandmothers wedding rings plus some books from my paternal grandmother from when she taught school.
Yes, we do have some family heirlooms that we think are special to us.
Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Yes, I have jewelry, glassware, quilts, and a few other things.
I have my grandmother's cat's eye ring that my sister inherited in 1955.
I don't have any family heirlooms.
Love the cover
Photo albums
Not really
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