I read The Way of Beauty because I read Ms. Di Maio’s previous two books, The Memory of Us and Before the Rain Falls, and enjoyed them. The Way of Beauty was written for those who enjoy well-researched, well-written women’s fiction with a historical flavor.

In Di Maio’s third novel, The Way of Beauty, she further develops her reputation as an author savvy in both research techniques and character development—and the ability to combine these elements into a relatable story.

The Way of Beauty is told in two points of view, but rather than the usual alternating POVs, she lets the story of these two women unfold chronologically through all that happens in America between two World Wars and ties their journey to Penn Station, a masterpiece of the Beaux-Arts style and one of the great architectural works of New York City.

First we have Vera who begins her journey in poverty and watches the building of Penn Station, always feeling sheltered by the giant eagles that adorn its facade. As Vera ages, the story is taken over by her daughter, Alice. Vera and Alice achieve goals of becoming artists, though Vera in particular, continues to work in a department store while working as an artist on the side. One of the best aspects of The Way of Beauty is how Di Maio ties the suffrage movement into her story. Both women intersect with suffragettes and feminism, so that by the time Alice has a daughter, Libby, she too is involved in similar activities.

As Vera declines in age, so does her beloved Penn Station—to the point she’s forced to watch its demolition in 1963 to make way for Madison Square Garden and Pennsylvania Plaza.

This book serves as a monument in itself to the suffrage movement and the women—and men—who fought for the vote and other women’s rights. It also serves as a eulogy to Penn Station. On a smaller scale, it celebrates the lives of individuals, their loves, their families, their accomplishments.

This was a delightful book. I really enjoyed the history and the connecting lives of the characters. This was a tale of suffering, conviction, goals, love, loss, and integrity. I loved how the story began in the 1960s and then went back to the beginning of the lives involved in this tale. The characters were well developed and you find yourself drawn into their story, cheering and crying, cringing and gasping, falling in love and questioning some of the decisions made. But no matter what your stance, you will LOVE this book!

I found myself looking up various facts stated throughout the book to find out if they were true or not (they always were!). The author did her homework and made this historical story interesting. I learned a lot about the history of the suffragettes, of the sandhogs and building of the tunnels for train travel, and the world in New York during World War I and II.

I loved this story so much that I've purchased all of the author's books. That's a high statement of praise!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange of for an honest review.

Norma, Lindsay and I were lost in the heartwarming feel-good lush coulee reading The Way of Beauty soaking up the warm sun and this fascinating story of two strong women and their lives.

The Way of Beauty is a charming, sweet and heartwarming historical women's fiction novel that touches on many topics while bringing a piece of history to life here with Penn Station and blending the lives of two very strong women and the people connected to them.

Camille Di Mario does such a great job balancing the topics well that allowed us to feel for the characters and their situations. At times maybe a little too much of that feel good feeling which came close to too much drama for me however it was really nice to read a very heartwarming story that left us feeling good after reading it.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Camille Di Maio for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book.

This is Traveling Sisters GR Reading Group Review and it can be found posted on our themed book blog Two Sisters Lost In A Coulee Reading.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
Coulee: a term applied rather loosely to different landforms, all of which refer to a kind of valley

A strong 4 stars from me!

This was an intriguing, charming and heartfelt story that spans from 1900 – 1963. We experience the perspectives of two strong, loving and determined women - Vera and Alice. Along the way, we meet many unforgettable characters connected to each of these women.

One of the themes explored throughout this book is the suffragette movement which I often find myself drawn to. I find the courage and resilience of women during these challenging times astounding and awe-inspiring.

I enjoyed the dual perspectives from Vera and Alice, however, my connection was much stronger with Vera. I was glued to the pages of her story, hanging on every word. While I enjoyed Alice’s perspective, it lacked that special spark I felt with Vera.

The writing was wonderful. This is my first novel by Camille Di Maio and I was highly impressed. The vivid descriptions really pulled me in and had me connecting with the setting and characters. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and came together in the end.

This was a Traveling Sister read with Brenda and Norma which was an absolute pleasure!

A big thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Camille Di Maio for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

This was a bit of fresh air, really enjoyed the story and the protagonist.Loved it would like to read more from the author

Another exquisite novel from Camille DiMaio. From the sun-streams of light through the windows of the original Penn Station to the descriptions of an era full of possibilities, the author gives us a beautiful and heartfelt novel. The turn of the century, an unexpected friend in the woman who marries her lifelong love, the life Vera craved may be in her reach, but can she allow it? The suffragette movement is beautifully honored and described in the authors inimitable style and she shows that love is the only constant. I give this book my highest recommendation. It is gorgeous.

I have never read a book by Camille Di Maio before and when I seen the beautiful cover of this book I just knew that I had to read this one! I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this beauty of a book! The story is just as beautiful as that cover!

THE WAY OF BEAUTY by CAMILLE DI MAIO was a fantastic, informative, interesting, and heartfelt historical fiction novel that pulled me in immediately. I absolutely love the title of this book and it was extremely fitting to this story. The way that the title came into play within this story was absolutely beautiful and will stay with me for a very long time! I will let you experience that feeling for yourself as it really explained a lot to me and brought the whole story together for me!

CAMILLE DI MAIO delivers a well-paced and beautifully written story here with interesting, compelling, likeable and believable characters that I absolutely fell in love with. This multi-generational story was told in two perspectives with the first half from Vera and the last half from Alice’s perspective, Vera’s daughter. I enjoyed both perspectives equally.

In the end I thought this was such a touching and wonderful story that was vividly descriptive and I really loved following along the lives of these two women and reading about the women’s suffrage movement! Would highly recommend!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Camille Di Maio for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.

It's no secret that historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, but surprisingly, I had never read a book by Camille Di Maio before! The Way of Beauty grabbed my attention because of its beautiful cover, but I am happy to say, the story it tells is just as good. The writing is eloquent, the characters seem real and the plot is engaging. I would be happy to read this author again!

This is one of my favorite books of the year.! Its is another winning book by the author. This is a wonderful story of strong empowered women that dates back to the early 1900's and ends in the 1960's. It is also interwoven with the building of of Penn Station and the suffragette movement, both of which are major in the plot.
The writing is powerful and so well crafted I did not want to put this book down. It speaks to every woman as we read the struggles of the suffragettes in their time. The charcters are so dynamic, the culture of the time so brilliantly described , the description of the patriarchy they struggle against so aberrant that you feel yourself rooting for them throughout.
It is also the story of a testament to female friendship and how women support each other and rise above . This is appreciated as the strong female charcters are likable to the reader and believable. It is the story of 63 years of twentieth century New York, and spans two world wars. Every detail of history of the time is exquisitely written to each time and place. It is one of this authors talents to place the reader in the time period and enthrall her readers.
I loved this book and highly recommend All writing by this fabulous author. Thank you to Lake Union .
Thank you with gratitude for the ARC . My opinions are my own. Cross posted.

Oh my goodness! I loved this book! Camille di Maio never disappoints with her work! She pulls you through so many emotional roller coasters, but leaves you satisfied and fulfilled at the end. Follow Vera and Alice's story - and get drawn into a saga that will pull you into the pages and hold you captive.

DiMaio has a nice touch with historical fiction and this is no exception. You will find yourself rooting for Vera as she moves through life- and in and out of her relationship with Angelo. This is not only her story but also her daughter Alice's and her friend (surprise) Pearl's. It's set during the construction of Penn Station (still fascinating) and equally importantly during the suffragette movement, both of which play prominent roles in the plot. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is perfect.

Some of my earliest favorite women were Susan B Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, so it wasn't really surprising that I found myself drawn toward this story from the moment I heard of the concept. But the way that everything was created, in the heartfelt, quality fashion I've come to adore about Di Maio, pulled me into the story ever further, and held my heart for the whole book. It's a brilliant story about powerful women who demonstrate their abilities is vastly different ways. I adored it.

I received this book "The Way of Beauty" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
I love the setting of this book and the timeframe. There is history about NYC and Penn Station. I loved the characters, Vera, Angelo, Pearl, Alice, William and Emmett. This was an excellent book about love and family!

Great book that tells a magnificent story.  i absolutely loved it and will read again.  I have now studied numerous pictures of Penn Station and have mourned it's loss.  i am hoping to see some eagles someday!“I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.”

Stick with this book- it is worth it! The story starts out about Vera, a young German girl growing up in New York in 1900. It is an interesting story with some interesting characters. It’s about change and growing up. It’s about family. And it’s about love. It’s sad In parts and happy in others. The last chapter is set around 1963. Alice is Vera’s daughter and Libby is Vera’s daughter. These are strong women with an interesting story to tell. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. I

Good story. Very nostalgic and funny. This is a good book to read during the weekend or during a travel.

If you enjoy historical fiction and love old buildings/landmarks, you will want to read this book!

This story spans several generations and starts in the early 1900s and ends in the 1960s and encompasses two world wars, the women’s suffragette movement, and love. I especially enjoyed learning about Penn Station (which was torn down in the 60s) and how it impacted the lives of our characters. It was a central focus for various reasons and I think my favorite reason was for the adventure and possibilities it held since you could take a train from this building to almost anywhere.

The love story was just the right amount of happiness, sadness, and struggles to reach that point. Vera and Angelo may eventually find true love together, but it is a path fraught with heartache and even a little misdirection before they are able to start their happily ever after. I admired Vera for not giving up on her belief that she and Angelo were meant to be together. Then their daughter, Alice, is torn between two men. They both proclaim to love her, and she loves both in their own way but which one will be her true love? Will her path mirror Vera’s?

While I didn’t make note of each one, there are many memorable lines throughout the book that will warm your heart and maybe even make you think just a little bit! This is one quote that I enjoyed, mostly because I love books and it compares books to buildings:

“There are some things that are better as they age. Wine. Cheese. Books. Who doesn’t love the smell of an old book? That’s exactly why I love old buildings. They have history. The things they’ve seen. A new building is an empty shell. Sure, its plumbing may run smoothly, but has it ever embraced a cheering crowd or housed a dramatic performance or sponsored a ghost?”

Overall this is just a feel good, turn of the century romance that will leave you smiling.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

The eagles. There were 22 of them on the roof of Manhattan’s Penn Station, majestic guardians of the neighborhood. Eagles that could stand the test of time. They could be counted on to be there forever. That’s how Vera Keller feels when she sees the eagles.

The Way of Beauty is an excellent historical women’s fiction novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It shows the strengths of our ancestors who came here from other countries and eked out a living in a new land. The characters are very likable, the plot is captivating, and a piece of Manhattan’s history comes to life. I appreciated the “Author’s Note,” telling how this novel came to be, its sweet beginning blossoming into a historically relevant work of women’s literature.

Vera’s life has been anything but stable so far. Yes, she has her parents and they loved each other. They immigrated from Germany when she was very young, at the turn of the 19th century. Her mother went to work at a shirtwaist factory when she started kindergarten. When Penn Station was going to be built, the tenements, brothels, and bars of the Tenderloin were demolished, giving people like the Kellers less than 24 hours’ notice to vacate.

Vera was 17 when she and her father could move to a 5th floor, one bedroom apartment in a building without elevators. Her mother had already passed, literally exhausted from factory work. Her father had the bends from working under the East River to help dig tunnels for the railroads. Vera is his only caregiver through excruciating pain, paranoia, or memory loss.

Vera has one constant. Angelo’s family runs the newspaper stand that is outside Penn Station. He was a big brother to her when she was six and had scraped her knee. Nine years her senior, he looked at her as a little sister or best friend, even when she fell in love with him as a teen.

It is a mixed blessing when Angelo introduces her to Pearl, a beautiful young woman from one of the wealthier families in the city. The woman he is going to marry. Pearl later seeks out Vera, offering her a job. A widow, she is mother to a five year old son, William, and wanted Vera to become a nanny. Pearl is a dedicated suffragist, spending many hours away from home. She wants someone trustworthy to care for William and it allows more time for Vera to care for her father. Even though she would have to see Angelo, her father’s care is more important.

Decades later, Vera’s adult daughter, Alice, goes to college at night and helps care for her grandfather. They live in an apartment across from Penn Station where they can see the eagles, and where Angelo now has an indoor kiosk for the newspaper stand. Her feelings for Penn Station and its eagles are similar to Vera’s. Alice meets a young man there, Emmett Adler. He appears to be a photographer, but he has an air of danger as well as passion. She meets Pearl’s now-adult son, William, who is completely captivated with her. WWII is making changes around the globe, and it is hard to know who to trust, and who her heart will be safe with.

The characters are defined with excellence, just the right amount of information to win the heart of this reader. I can’t choose one favorite, as there are five who kept me turning the pages. Even when I didn’t understand some of their actions, I could understand the drive and desire behind them. I would have enjoyed getting to know Alice and William much better.

What appeals to me most about the novel, besides the characters, are the historical events and changes from one generation to another even though I missed seeing their lives in 1950’s and early 60’s. Vera and Angelo grew up through hard times, as did Vera’s parents, as immigrants. Their backgrounds are so different from Pearl, who saw women’s needs and fought to right them, and Alice, whose plans for her future have been paved by earlier generations. I very much appreciated Alice’s desire to be an architect and why; hers is a journey I would love to have seen more of. Penn Station, central to the story, with all of its elegance, significance, and the eagles, holds a place in these character’s lives, and I had to search online to learn more about the eagles. I highly recommend this novel to women who enjoy 1900’s historical novels.

The Way of Beauty spans both World War I and World War II (and beyond, in the Epilogue) as it explores the lives of mother and daughter, Vera and Alice.

This is one of those books that ticks all the boxes for me – really well-developed, strong and likable characters (you’ll find your heart breaking for Vera), a wonderful story, an incredibly well-researched look at an era and an interesting angle (it’s been some time since I’ve read anything about the Suffragettes). Alice is a strong, independent woman and her story – and personality – was so different from her mother’s, and yet in the end, they each faced a challenging situation or decision when it came to love. This truly is a wonderful story of love and family.

And speaking of characters – because honestly, Camille Di Maio creates some really amazing characters in her writing – Pearl Pilkington was also a very complex, fascinating character. (Camille, I would love to see a novel on the Suffragette movement from the perspective of women like Pearl, hint, hint.)

The Way of Beauty may just make my list of favorite books for 2018!

The Way of Beauty is an unexpected treasure full of twists and turns. I always love to read Camille Di Maio's novels, but this story was definitely my favorite because it was a beautiful love story like no other. She expertly tied in dynamic women who believed in the suffrage movement, immigrants wanting a better life, and the intermingling of different classes in the United States during the early 1900's. I felt the characters' internal struggles, dreams, and wishes throughout the story were captured perfectly. This is a must read for the lover of historical fiction with strong characters.

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All Opinions are my Own.