Spotlight and Giveaway: Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl

We are thrilled to celebrate the publication of Renée Rosen's latest historical fiction gem, Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl. It is definitely worth the two-year wait and Melissa has a five-star review to share. Thanks to Berkley, we have one copy to give away!

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 reckon with the price that comes from daring to live life on their own terms and refusing to back down.

 "With her golden pen, Rosen delves into the power of friendship, emphasizing that while cosmetics can be bought, true friendship must be earned. Rosen’s world is lush, well researched, and her characters are vividly portrayed. Like her iconic subject matter, Rosen’s FIFTH AVENUE GLAMOUR GIRL is truly an inspiration.
—Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of Woman on Fire

"A scintillating, beautifully written peek into the life of one of America’s most fascinating women, Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl is an ode to the singular magic of chasing and catching one’s wildest dreams. Through Renee Rosen’s well-trained pen, Estée Lauder returns, living and breathing on every page. Rosen is at the height of her storytelling prowess with this glittering novel that shines as brightly as the heroine at its center. I absolutely could not put it down. "
—Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Wedding Veil

Some questions from a Q&A with Berkley:

Q: What inspired you to write FIFTH AVENUE GLAMOUR GIRL? 

Renée: After completing The Social Graces, I mentioned to a friend that I had absolutely no idea what I was going to write about next. She had just finished working on a documentary involving one of  Estée Lauder’s sons and suggested I take a look at Estée’s life.

Well, after one google search, I was hooked. Estée Lauder was such an underdog and I’m always inspired by strong women who beat the odds. But beyond her sheer drive and determination, I discovered  a fascinating story filled with unexpected twists and turns, both in her professional and personal life. I couldn’t believe no one else had already written a novel based on her life. 

Q: Without giving anything away, what was one of your favorite scenes to write?

Renée: I had so much fun working on this novel so picking out just one favorite scene is tough. But I do really love the scene when Estee corners Helena Rubinstein up the Saks Fifth Avenue buying offices. It’s one of those chance meetings. It’s Estee’s first glimpse of the great Madam Rubinstein and she’s determined to make the most of that moment. She doesn’t care about protocol or etiquette, doesn’t care if she steps on anyone’s toes—she’s going to make sure Helena Rubinstein knows who Estée Lauder is. I think that scene, perhaps more than any other, encapsulates Estee’s chutzpah. 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from FIFTH AVENUE GLAMOUR GIRL? 

Renée: Aside from a good, entertaining read, I hope readers will be inspired by Estée’s story.  I hope it will encourage people to dust off their own dreams and go for it. If they can turn that last page and think, wow, if Estee overcame all those challenges and obstacles and claimed her dream, maybe I can too. 

Photo by Charles Osgood

Renée Rosen is the USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces, Park Avenue Summer, Windy City Blues, White Collar Girl, What the Lady Wants, and Dollface. She is also the author of Every Crooked Pot, a YA novel published in 2007. Renée lives in Chicago.

Visit Renée online:

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Giveaway ends April 30th at midnight EST.

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