DNF at 25%. It's been over five years since I received this ARC. I gave it a go and have decided it is not for me. It interested me then and no longer does now.

3.5 stars

Set in New York in the 1920’s and 30’s, this is the tale of “Bachelor Girl”, Helen Winthrope, a young single woman hired by millionaire and family acquaintance, Jacob Ruppert. Throughout this novel, Helen holds various conventional and unconventional job titles for Jacob – manager/producer of his local theater, organizer of his parties, hostess of his mansion gala’s, decorator of his home, etc. Though they are not typical career choices for young women during this time, Helen is flattered by each offer and takes on each new challenge with a seriousness to exceed Jacob’s expectations.

We meet Albert Kramer, Ruppert’s handsome personal secretary who is often teamed together with Helen to fulfill Ruppert’s many extravagant requests and “jobs”. Throughout the years, Helen and Albert build a friendship and bond so strong that they often find it hard to describe. I enjoyed reading from alternating chapters between Helen and Albert.

While the title of this book is “Bachelor Girl”, I actually found myself drawn more toward Albert’s story and character. The author, Kim van Alkemade, has a wonderful ability to pull sympathy and emotion from the reader for her characters. I felt for both Helen and Albert.

I found this story to be enjoyable, however my interest did waver throughout the 400 pages. I found a few parts dragged and couldn’t quite keep my full interest.

A big thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Kim van Alkemade for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a 2.5 star read for me.

I love historical fiction, so when I saw that this was available on Netgalley, I immediately requested a copy. Based on two real people who worked / knew Jacob Ruppert, Kim van Alkemade was very clear that other than using real people's names, and the fact that Helen Winthrope did inherit the majority of Ruppert's wealth when he died, this was very much a work of fiction.

The story revolves around Helen's friendship with Jacob Ruppert, as well as her relationship with his personal secretary, Albert Kramer. Told through alternating points of view, Helen or Albert's, the reader got to see what NYC was like over the course of 20 years - starting in 1918 (just as American troops where joining the war effort) and ending in 1939 - just after Ruppert's death.

I can't really tell you why I didn't love this book more than I did - I thought it was ok - it might have been because so much of Albert's narration was focused on his homosexuality - which I understand would have been a big deal during the roaring twenties and thirties - but it almost felt like it hindered the progress of the plot. And it could have been that Helen just felt stagnate - until the very end - the last few chapters brought an energy to her character. Had the book started with the inheritance and moved from 1939 onwards perhaps I would have liked it better. Maybe seeing what Helen and Arthur would have done once Ruppert was gone was more of what I wanted out of the plot ... who knows?

Was this well written? Yes.
Did I love the characters? They were ok.
Do I think that other readers will enjoy this book? Absolutely.
Would I read another book by this author? Yes.

I didn't love The Paris Wife, or The Aviator's Wife, and found that The Alice Network was a little slow - so I would say that if you enjoyed those historical books - this will likely check all your boxes and leave you satisfied.

The book was more about Albert and his lifestyle than Helen, the single girl. The setting of the story was interesting in that it depicted life in New York from 1918-1939. During this time period there were wars, prohibition , food shortages , music , theatre , baseball and forbidden topics like abortions, homosexuality and race discrimination . Albert seemed attracted to any man who raised his eyebrows to him. Although when he did find partners he looked deeply and completely. His love of Helen was sisterly and when she finally lets Albert free her life began. Helen was a puppet-like and naive character. I found it a tad unbelievable that she did not know about Albert ‘s other life.If it were not for her friend and benefactor Jake Rupert Helen’s life would have been ordinary and a struggle. The book has a bit of everything from how Babe Ruth became part of the New York Yankees , the Roaring Twenties , the Dirty Thirties , love and dark secrets. Thanks Netgalley . Interesting read about baseball , life in the 1920-1930’s and having a lifestyle that was alternative during this period.

Really interesting and not what I was expecting. Recommended.