It's no huge surprise that I'm enjoying this title immensely as I've really like the previous books I've read by Fiona Davis. She's awesome!

A lively historical novel set at the famous Chelsea hotel. Two young women arrive at the hotel in the 1940s, intent on Broadway success. Well-written novel, great story, good characters.

The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis offers a glimpse into the world of New York theatre in the 1950s, amid McCarthyism. The novel follows a friendship formed in wartime between two actresses — their careers, their life at the Chelsea Hotel, their challenges, and their fears as allegations are brought against many artists. Davis used a dual perspective, easily weaving back and forth between the two girls, Hazel and Maxine. The backdrop is the Chelsea Hotel, a haven for actors, artists, and writers — targeted by the House of Un-American Activities. Fiona Davis, in her usual style, provides precise details to bring the building to life.
This was a compelling read, especially as the horror of the accusations builds with little or no evidence, and the truth has no weight. A dark period of our history— and choices must be made: stand amid the fear, or cooperate. Based on actual people and events.
I love Fiona Davis’ books. She writes about famous buildings, focusing on the history and the people who would have lived at that time period. And this one was a great read — highly recommended. I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

Hazel Ripley left her unfulfilling career as a constant understudy to join the USO Tour during World War II. Her new job takes her to the Old World where she meets Maxine Mead, a vivacious and outspoken actress. The two women bond over their love of theater and mutual formative experiences in Italy.

Their friendship endures beyond their stint abroad; the two cross paths again at the iconic Chelsea Hotel - a haven for artists and creators - in the 1950s. Hazel catches a break as a playwright, and Maxine returns as a Hollywood starlet. But as the era of McCarthyism and blacklisting of the entertainment industry develops, Hazel and Maxine find themselves caught in the cross-fire. As the pressure builds, Hazel and Maxine face life-changing decisions about loyalty, morality, and freedom, all of which unfold before the Victorian facade of the Chelsea Hotel. Will the hunt for communists break these women apart?

Fiona Davis, the bestselling author of The Dollhouse, The Address, and The Masterpiece, crafts another exciting narrative rich in historical detail and unexpected twists. The Chelsea Girls shines a light on the glamour of the theater world and the power of standing up for creative freedom. This is a perfect read for lovers of historical fiction, theater, and New York City.

I love Fiona Davis’ books, and this one incorporates all that historical fiction should be, leaving us lessons to learn for today. Maxine and Hazel meet at the end of World War II while entertaining troops. A friendship is formed, which will be tested over time, particularly as the McCarthy era challenges loyalties in film and Broadway. A must read.

I love all of Fiona Davis’ books, and this one did not disappoint! She once again brings a New York City landmark to life, this time the Chelsea Hotel. Really enjoyed reading this !

A very interesting story that starts in World War II, runs through the Mcarthy era during the Red Scare, and winds up during the 60's. Hazel is a playwright and Maxine is an actress and the bond they form during a USO tour in Europe is at the heart of this story. Betrayal, love, and the theater are all front and center in this book but the real story is about friendship.

Hazel and Maxine meet during WWII as USO girls. Maxine tells Hazel about her time living at the Chelsea Hotel, a place where New York's creative minds live. Once back in the states, Hazel moves to the Chelsea. An aspiring playwright, Hazel finds herself inspired by her surroundings. When her play is chosen to be produced, Maxine flits back onto the scene, taking the starring role in the play. At the same time, Joseph McCarthy and his cohorts begin targeting the artists of New York City.

I don't want to give any of the book's secrets away. That being said, I didn't find Maxine to be a very believable character. She seemed a bit stereotypical and predictable. The plot seemed well paced, and the Chelsea Hotel was an interesting setting, but overall the story was lacking. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

The theater and film stars of New York and a bit of Hollywood are the focus of the latest historical New York City novel by Fiona Davis. In 1947 the threat of communism was sweeping the country and the largest focus was on the artistic areas. No writer, playwright, screenwriter, painter or actor was safe from the famed Black List. For the artists who live at the Chelsea Hotel in New York ending up on that list would mean life or death to the only world they knew. Hazel and Maxzine got their start doing USO shows in Europe at the end of the war and then made the natural jump after the war to the theater life in New York. We follow their emotional journey navigating love, careers in entertainment and having their every move suspect and every conversation scrutinized. Brilliant characters and a heartfelt storyline make for another emotional historical masterpiece by the author that knows every nook and cranny in New York. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

This is an important book about a part of our nation’s history that is not often discussed. The author did a great job highlighting the devastation of lives caused by the red scare. Careers derailed, friendships and loves lost as well as lives taken are some of the effects of this paranoia. Fiona Davis has another winner on her hands! #netgalley #thechelseagirls

I absolutely LOVED this book! Fiona Davis is a fantastic storyteller weaving historical fiction into heart wrenching novels! This story is about love, deceit and the meaning of forgiveness and enduring friendship.

Set in the Chelsea Hotel during the 1940's through the 1960's, Fiona Davis has again captured the beauty and history of another New York landmark.
Hazel & Maxine met in Naples during a USO tour for troups during WWII. The girls bonded over their shared experiences but lose touch when Hazel returns to New York and Maxine heads for Hollywood.
After a falling out with her mother, Hazel goes to stay at the Chelsea and life will never be the same for either her or Maxine. Hazel begins to write a play about her experiences during the war and through some contacts at the Chelsea, a producer agrees to stage the show. Maxine suddenly reappears in Hazel's life as she wants to appear in the starring role in the play.
Unfortunately, the Red Scare has hit the entertainment industry hard and Hazel is named as a communist. What will this mean for her play, her friends and her livelihood?
This was an incredible look into a time period that isn't covered much in historical fiction. The book draws you right in and keeps you reading especially with an unexpected twist in the middle of the book. I highly recommend it!

Wow, 5 stars??? Yes, 5 stars and let me tell you why.
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When I was more than half way through, I felt The Chelsea Girls was going to be a 4 star read but by the time I read the last page, I had a change of heart. I finished The Chelsea Girls feeling one way when I should have felt another and that is why this book earns 5 stars. I was rooting for Hazel and Maxine the whole time. I do not want to spoil anything but it’s a wonderful feeling to be reading a book and then you are surprised by something you didn’t see coming.
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Fiona Davis is a wonderful historical fiction writer and usually her books alternate between two different characters in two different time periods but with The Chelsea Girls, there’s two characters in the same time period. Sometimes when an author decides to do something different, it can fall flat. That is not at all the case here.
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Fiona Davis does an excellent job of making landmarks come to life. I love that I have to research and read about the landmarks in her books because she makes me want to know more and visit.
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You will want to stay at the Chelsea after reading this book. Also, kick a** female characters and friendship are always a 👍🏼. Thank you Fiona Davis for another 5 star read.

Fans of historical fiction will fall in love with this novel by Fiona Davis, as she once again creates a story that is a delight to read. The blend of New York City, friendships, Broadway, and it's surroundings takes you on a journey to days of past. Reading Fiona Davis novels makes you want to go explore the city, even if you've been there before, to discover the sites mentioned. A few unexpected twists and turns added to the richness of the novel. Winner all the way around!

I loved this book! First of all I have every book Fiona Davis has written because I adore New York. Second, I can not get enough of New York history. What appeals most to me outside of the story line is the real life that seems to be happening. The trials. The romance. The heartache. The suffering. The joy. The win. As I read the book I found myself researching McCarthy, the hunt for communists, the theater and Chelsea Hotel life. Will be recommending this title to m,y customers!

I adored this novel. From a young woman trying to.please her mother to an ambitious playwright the characters are real and believable


Fiona Davis is a master

This was an interesting novel and certainly educational if you didn't live through the Red Scare and McCarthy Era. It was a scary time for the entertainment/publishing industry. The author did a good job showing how that time affected not only livelihoods but also the emotional strains on friendships and reputations.

Fiona Davis sets her novels in iconic New York City locations. She has told stories set at the Barbizon Hotel for Women, The Dakota, Grand Central Station and now at the Chelsea Hotel. In each of her three prior novels, the narrative took place during two eras; in this book, the author follows two characters in the same time period. They are actress Maxine and would be actress and playwright, Hazel.

The novel opens with Hazel joining a USO troop in Italy during WWII. These scenes were so evocative, both in terms of the war and the emotions raised for the performers. This beginning left me feeling very excited about the rest of the book except...for a while, I then found the narrative less engaging. However, round about chapter 18 there was a twist and I again became very involved in the story and the characters' lives. It is worth sticking with the book in my opinion.

Much of this book centers on the activities of HUAC, the House Un-Amercian Activities Committee. Who is a Communist? Who is being targeted unfairly? Should we be rooting people out and encouraging them to turn on others? What are the consequences to everyone when a government sponsored witch hunt is going on? You will think about these issues as you read and may also find the subject relevant in our current political climate.

In addition to HUAC, the reader spends time at the Chelsea Hotel, the Tonys, on Broadway and more. There are actors, government workers, names dropped of famous and real Chelsea Hotel denizens and more. Most of all, readers will connect with Hazel and Maxine, their friendship and its challenges.

All in all, this was a good read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-galley. All opinions are my own.

The Chelsea Girls is full of "drama" of one kind and another. Characters belong to the theatre scene, and it takes place during the time of The Blacklisting of those in the industry. Everyone must take care of those who are under scrutiny by the government. The Chelsea Hotel is a home to many in the industry and it isn't always known what goes on behind closed doors. Fiona Davis has written another great story filled with characters you want to read about further.

“Over the years, the dust of the hotel’s many occupants has spread thinly over the walls, the floors, the mantels, and the hallways, though only a small number remain in spirit. The handrail on the stairs holds the residue of actors and poets, singers and dancers, passed from guest to guest. Great successes and bitter failures, or bitter successes and great failures?”

In 1950s New York, the Chelsea Hotel is known for its beautiful architecture and sweeping staircase but it is also known for all of the eclectic artists that call it home. The hotel’s newest resident, Hazel Riley, is an aspiring playwright and hopes to leave her mark on Broadway.

Hazel Riley first learned of the Chelsea Hotel from her friend, and actress, Maxine Mead, while they were touring with the USO during WWII. Hazel and Maxine are the unlikeliest of friends; Hazel is rather quiet and reserved, while Maxine is a star and she knows it. Both, Maxine and Hazel, are determined to make a name for themselves and they fully intend to use the help of the Chelsea to make their dreams come true.

However, Hazel and Maxine quickly learn that having a show on Broadway has nothing to do with their talent but everything to do with politics; and, everything that they have risked to make their show a success may come tumbling down around them as the McCarthy Era witch hunt is taking Hollywood by storm. It seems that everyone who matters is out to make Hazel and Maxine’s show a disaster and there isn’t anything they can. As the opening night of the show comes barreling towards them, there is more pressure on everyone around them to name names; because that’s all the witch hunt is- forcing people to name other people as communists in order to save themselves.

When forced with an unthinkable decision, Maxine must decide what to do; save her best friend or save her career? The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis follows Hazel and Maxine through the ups and downs of their friendship spanning two decades. It is packed with adventure, glamour, heartbreak and the disastrous impact that the McCarthy era had on the entertainment industry.

I have always thought that Fiona Davis is a talented writer, she has this innate ability to bring to life New York landmarks and transport you back to a time to when those landmarks were full of life and luster. Davis did not let me down with the Chelsea Girls. I was immediately drawn into this novel and couldn’t put it down- seriously, I finished this book in a day and a half. It was beautifully written and I felt as if I were standing beside Hazel and Maxine rooting for them to make their mark on the world.

I also think that the premise of this story is important for people to understand; the McCarthy Era was ruthless. The entertainment industry took a substantial hit, profoundly talented people were forced to give up their futures and lives were lost because of the hunt for communists on American soil. I truly had no idea as to the impact that this had on the industry. Davis managed to tie in real life names into this story and I found myself researching more about who the people were and what ended up happening to them; it was heartbreaking.

I was in awe of how well she told this story. There were character revelations that left me completely surprised and plot twists that broke my heart. I feel that this novel was something deeply important to Fiona Davis and it showed on every page that I read. I absolutely loved the story of The Chelsea Girls and highly recommend that you pick it up to read this summer.

My sincerest of thanks to Fiona Davis for writing this novel. Also, thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Publishing for the opportunity to read this book prior to its July 30th release.