Inside its brick exterior The Chelsea Hotel offers shelter to true artists trying to birth their ideas into the world. For Hazel, it's the quiet space to put the finishing touches on her play, her real shot at being heard as a writer. For Maxine, the Chelsea is an escape. When the business of show business is built on favors and getting in front of the right people Hazel lucks out when her script lands in the hands of one of The Chelsea's most powerful residents. Though just as Hazel's star is on the rise so is a wave of panic over Communism in the Entertainment industry. Hazel and Maxine start to see the suspicions creep into their rehearsals as McCarthy's witch hunt gains traction and more and more people are being accused when the price of a name becomes the cost for clearing your own. The duo's dream of their names in Broadway lights may never see the light of day when their freedom and even their lives are put at risk. I can't say I was too familiar with the Hollywood Red Scare and how far it reached before reading this. Fiona Davis has such a skilled way in weaving history to her stories. After reading so many in her catalog, "The Chelsea Girls" probably fell a little lower on the list for me but definitely still worth the read for his fic fans.

I was so excited to be able to read this one, as I enjoy all of Fiona Davis's books. This was great - a fun setting and great characters.

This novel tells the tale of two young women during World War II who try to become famous. The story started out strong but then it went downhill. I could not connect with the characters. They seemed to be vain. I also thought the plot was slow moving. Still, I recommend this for fans of Gill Paul.

Thank you to NetGalley, Fiona Davis and Dutton books for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

I really wasn't sure what to expect from this novel because I've never read anything from Davis and I find historical fiction difficult at times. But this pleasantly surprised me and I fell right into the novel where it begins and I loved hearing all about the Chelsea Hotel. It was very unique and had so many unique characters that I really enjoyed. I wanted to cruise through this novel and find out what was going to happen with the play and I felt crushed right along with the characters when anything bad happened. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and a little peek into what was going on then. I will definitely be trying more novels from Davis.

The Chelsea Girls follow the lives of two aspiring actresses from the ravages of World War Two, to the streets of New York. Where they find the freedoms they watched young men die for, be threatened by the very people sworn to protect them.

Summary -

"...We took a cab home together, both of us eager to put this day behind us. But as we waited for the elevator, a man who'd been sitting on the lobby's couch rose and called Hazel's name.
'Yes?'
'Are you Miss Hazel Ripley?'
'That's me.'
He handed her an envelope with her name typed on it in capital letters. 'I'm here to serve a subpoena from the House Un-American Activities Committee..."

Hazel Ripley and Maxine Mead met during the War, traveling with the USO tour in Italy. Theirs was a slow developing friendship, Hazel a little dazzled and star struck by Maxine's sultry beauty. But what they witnessed and shared during the War created a powerful friendship. A friendship Maxine found easy to put aside when Hollywood and a movie actress career came calling.

While Maxine sought out her fame in the bright lights, Hazel returned to New York to work as an understudy on off Broadway plays. After a dispute with her mother about her lack of ambition and future, Hazel checks into the Chelsea Hotel. A place that harbors and supports artists of all kinds. At the Chelsea, Hazel begins to write her play about what happened during the War. A play that would soon garner her the attention of a powerful Producer and the opportunity of a lifetime. To be a playwright and director.

Maxine's Hollywood career began to fizzle almost as quickly as it began. She finds herself back in New York, at the Chelsea, at just the time Hazel's big break was coming her way. Maxine quickly realizes that the lead in the play is perfect for her and just what is needed to put name back in the limelight.

But in 1950s New York, Broadway is about to come under attack. Under the leadership of Senator Joseph McCarthy, the Federal Government will begin a witch hunt for communists. They put pressure on actors, directors, producers and stage hands to name names and to turn on the community of artists. Soon they begin to zero in on Hazel and Maxine.

"...Wait a minute. What do you mean, 'It was all worth it?'
Maxine delicately, wiped her mouth with her napkin. 'You know, all this craziness.'
'What exactly did they ask you at the hearing?'
'Oh, gosh. The usual, 'Was I am communist?' That sort of thing.'
'Did they ask you about anyone else?'
'No. Not really.' Maxine shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
For a moment, neither spoke. The truth rippled through Hazel, like a snake slithering up her spine and wrapping itself around the curves and dips of her brain..."

Hazel cannot comprehend the depths of the betrayal. But what Hazel never realized is that there is so much more to Maxine Mead than the sensuous actress. So much more that Hazel never knew about her friend. So much, that Hazel never really knew Maxine at all.

Review -

The story of the Chelsea Girls is a good story. The setting powerful and eclectic. The characters, written as they are here, could have been cut out as paper dolls and played with as a child. So lacking in depth are they.

(SPOILER ALERTS!!)

The topic of McCarthyism back in the 1950s is as relevant today. When there is such a divide in the country and fear controls so much that surrounds us, the abuse of power looms over us all. There is no doubt that artists suffered at this time, the televised hearings are a testament to how unfair and unjust the actions of the Government were. That so much of the country stood silent and still is even more of a testament to the lack of fortitude shown.

There is no doubt that the Entertainment industry suffered greatly and more so that their hearings were made so very public. So many actors and directors turned on one another during this time and the damage done to reputations were irreparable. Friendships were shattered. Something we are seeing with the division along Political party lines. Not only friendships, but family relationships as well.

The Topic and Setting in this novel are interesting and intriguing. Where it loses it for me are with the characters. I can some it up simply as, men are bad and women are good. Even if a woman does a bad thing, well it's because some man made her do it or, it's to protect and take care of someone else. So her bad is really good.

The men in this novel are mostly on the side of House Un-American Activities Committee, the interrogators and the investigators. There is also the Russian spy who is physically and emotionally abusive. The other men cower and hide, allowing the women to be victimized and smeared, as long as the men themselves are not tainted with label of being a communist.

The women, with few exceptions (a domineering mother and career minded actress) are well intentioned and strong. They band together against the onslaught of the hunt for communists. They are the rallying cry against the injustice of it all.

Hazel, a pillar of strength and self-righteous indignation. Yet still unable to stand up for herself against her mother and unable to accept the love of her boyfriend if he does not do and think as she wants him too. God forbid that he might have thoughts and ambitions of his own.

Maxine, an ambitious and career minded woman who has denied herself so much in life so that she may achieve her goals. She basks in her glory and notoriety. But the truth is that she is a fraud.

You see, the bad guy in this story, the true bad guy...is not a guy at all. It is not even the Politicians or the Investigators. The real bad guy is Maxine Mead herself.

Maxine poses as a good friend and in her own mind, is even convinced that she is. She takes advantage of Hazel's big break and inserts herself into the play to play a part that initially Hazel doesn't want to go to her. She then makes sure that she is receiving all the attention, as she is the big name, a movie star starring in a play. She then tanks her performance, destroying any chance the play has of making it big and heads back to Hollywood and a plum part in a movie. In doing so, to be able to be cleared for the part, she names names. She throws actors and directors to the wolves and clears herself. She even gives them Hazel.

But that is not even all of it. Because Maxine is actually a covert Russian spy and has been using her position as an actress and movie star to infiltrate the Entertainment Industry and convert others to the communist cause.

But the novel is written in a way that we are led to believe that Maxine is a victim as well. Yes she suffers a great deal of physical abuse at the hands of her superior in the spy ring. But Maxine does so much on her own. So much of what Maxine does is self serving. Yet we are suppose to accept her as another victim? Sorry, not buying it and unfortunately, this story can't sell it.

That is too bad, because if Maxine had been sold as the bad guy, without all the excuses for her actions; this book would have been far more interesting and readable.

Not up to the hype.

I can’t believe that this is my first book by Fiona Davis. The Chelsea Girls was such a fun experience with its setting taking place just after WWII and all the after effects of war in 1950’s New York. I adored the theater district, the characters, and how rich in details this story was.

A few other things that worked really well for me were the relationships in this book (friendships and family alike). Not to mention the hotel… The Chelsea Hotel! I love when the location becomes a character itself. The acts and ghosts were a great way to give us that foreboding and haunted feeling. It ended up reminding me of The Beautiful Strangers which also won over its readers. Such an interesting twist of events within the walls… We ended up seeing a lot of issues arise that I certainly didn’t expect to come up. Mental and physical abuse, the treatment of those detained/suspected of thinking differently, and all the fear that occurred. It radiated from the pages. Overall, this was fun read and I look forward to reading yet another of Davis’ books!

I was able to read this book thanks to NetGalley. I love this author so I was thrilled. It didn’t let me down. This book was wonderful and historical fiction at its best. I was so invested in the setting, characters, and story. I have recommended this one to all my friends. I will always look for more books from this author. Thanks again to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book

This novel by Fiona Davis was an interesting look into a time that not many historical fiction books have chosen to focus on lately - post-WW2 in the United States.

Going into this one I did not expect it to be as political as it was. While the majority of it is set in NYC and follows Hazel, a playwright, and Maxine, an actress, story is essentially about the witchhunt that took place after WW2 as the Americans sought to identify and punish all people who identified as Communists. The Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan was an excellent setting for this because many of the people the government went after were creatives, for whom the Chelsea is a haven for.

My favourite part of this book probably was the Chelsea. The history of this building is so rich and I actually found myself going down a rabbit hole later, looking up all the people that have stayed there and the things that have happened. Murder, drugs, affairs, the creation of great pieces of art. It's absolutely a place I'd love to visit. Fiona Davis even threw in a subtle cameo by two specific celebrities who are part of the real-life history of what has gone on at the Chelsea that made me smile.

Overall, I enjoyed the chance to read about a time in history that I really didn't know much about. Political stories are not always my favourite, so I do think I would have gotten more out of it had the store been more character driven, but I still got a lot out of this book. Fiona Davis has become a tried and true author for me and I love the trysts through old NYC that I get to experience when I read one of her books.

Thank you to Dutton and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for an honest review.

My Review:⭐️⭐⭐⭐/ 5 stars

As a big fan of Lions of Fifth Avenue from Fiona Davis, I was very excited to get approved for review. The main character of this book really is the legendary Chelsea Hotel (in NYC) - where most of the story takes place. Artists, musicians, and creative minds all gravitate toward this famous hotel - where they get inspiration and thrive amongst each other. Hazel Riley, a playwright and Maxine Mead, an actress, begin their friendship during WWII in Naples, Italy then in the 1940s and their friendship is tested during the era of McCarthyism & the Red Scare. Senator McCarthy is out to get anyone who is rumored to be communists and at this time, he is focused on Hollywood and Broadway. Under extreme pressure to name names or lose their reputations in the entertainment industry, their friendship is tested in many ways. The book goes back and forth between 1945 to 1967 - so it was very interesting to see the difference in the hotel’s clientele as it continued to be a mecca for creative minds.

The story was a slow build but I really loved the friendship between Hazel and Maxine - and learning more about McCarthy’s era and the plight of the entertainment industry at the time. If you are a fan of post WWII historical fiction, especially revolving around NYC, then definitely give this one a read.

Thank you to Dutton Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I've enjoyed Fiona Davis' works in the past, but unfortunately I did not enjoy this one. The plot seemed to drag, particularly in the middle portion of the novel.

Hazel and Maxine are an unexpected pair, especially given Hazel's initial impression of Maxine. Hazel and Maxine are aspiring actresses who meet in the closing days of WWII as part of a troupe of USO entertainers. After the war, they become best friends who end up living in the Chelsea Hotel among other aspiring actors, artists, musicians, and writers, Joseph McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee conspire to disrupt and destroy the lives of any suspected communists. They have set their sights on those individuals who are in the entertainment industry. Hazel and Maxine are caught up in this witch hunt with vastly different outcomes. This is the first historical novel I've read that addresses the US in the 1950's and how the "Red Scare" affected those artists that were blacklisted. Hazel and Maxine found themselves in situations where they had to decide to do what was right and hurt themselves or what was wrong but temporarily made their lives easier. I don't believe either of them made easy decisions. One hopes that one is willing to take a stand against hate and evil. I found this story to be illuminating and entertaining.

I have enjoyed Ms. Davis' previous books and was eager to read this one.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks toDutton, an imprint of Penguin Random House for the opportunity.

Set between the 1940s and 1960s, this story follows the lives of Hazel Ripley. playwright, and actress Maxine Mead two friends who find themselves living in The Chelsea Hotel in New York during the Red Scare and the beginning of McCarthyism in the U.S. The women find themselves at the crossroads of trust, friendship, their livelihoods, and freedom.
Despite the name, the book is not completely set in The Chelsea Hotel, but rather highlights two of the inhabitants trying to make their way in the theater world with the backdrop of scare of Communism and spies in the US. Written from the perspectives of Hazel and Maxine, this book shows the complex lives of these two women trying to make a way for themselves. The chapters for Hazel are written in third-person while the chapters for Maxine are in first-person, which took some getting used to though it allows readers to differentiate between the two narrators. Fiona Davis demonstrates the paranoid emotions of time-period effectively; however, I found myself not caring about either of the main characters. Some of the character motivations were questionable and inconsistent--even the friendship between Hazel and Maxine seemed a bit forced at the beginning of the novel. Overall, it was interesting enough with a mid-way twist to motivate me to finish.

The premise of the book is great and the author really delivers. Great read. Highly recommended. .

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Fiona Davis has done it again! What a great story! I coould not put the book down and finished it in one day. The background of the history of the hotel and time periods the story told were brought to life!
I will definitely recommend.

I wanted to like this book, but just could not. I've read other books by the author and have enjoyed her sense of historical fiction and plot. The title of the book lead me to think the story would be set in the Chelsea, but it is just a placeholder for the ladies of the book. I went in to the book thinking one thing, and could not get past my thoughts. I will try this again, now that I know the Chelsea doesn't have much of a role in the story.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

The Chelsea Girls is the first book I have read that was written by Fiona Davis. It will by no means be my last ☺.

The iconic Chelsea Hotel is a haven for artists, musicians, writers, and actors, and is the backdrop for this engaging fictional story of friendship in the political times of McCarthyism. Hazel Riley and Maxine Mead meet overseas as USO entertainers during 1945. Their friendship continues on through the 1960’s. Each has their own path – one becomes a famous movie star and the other a playwright. At various times, both have lived in the Chelsea Hotel.

I really enjoyed how the hotel seemed to be an actual character at times during the telling of this tale. I love the description given in the prologue – I truly believe that is what drew me in and kept me reading – I wanted to find out the stories of all the ghosts:

“In the dead of night, during the dreary month of March, the Chelsea Hotel is a quiet place. The only sound that cuts through the silence is the squeal of a police siren, and that fades fast. Thick walls keep out the everyday noises of one’s neighbors: the muffled swears after walking into a bedpost with a barefoot, or the generous moans of lovemaking. The ghosts of the Chelsea hide in the cement-filled brick walls during the day, and glide out during the violet hours to keep watch.”

A picture of the actual Chelsea Hotel – such a majestic looking building! The telling of the story made the hotel have a persona of its own.

The tale depicts the trials and tribulations that artists endured during this era as a result of the Cold War, but specifically the lives of Hazel and Maxine. Hazel and Maxine meet when Hazel gets to Naples, Italy in early 1945 to perform for the troops overseas. Hazel literally arrives ten minutes before show time and is briefly instructed on what to do by Miss Mead (Maxine). Not an auspicious beginning. However, after performing together for some time a bond is built between the two … Thus a friendship is born.

Once back in the states, Maxine’s career slowly takes off as an actress, especially after she moved to Hollywood. Hazel’s career is slow to take off so her career morphs from being an actress to a playwright. During this time, trying to get Hazel’s work on Broadway is fraught with many trials and tribulations. Hazel and Maxine once again cross paths when Maxine comes to New York for work and stays in the Chelsea Hotel.

I found the storyline involving Hazel’s family quite thought provoking and interesting. The storyline certainly demonstrated how one action (attending one rally), innocent as it may have been, can have such dire consequences.

I found the story was wrapped up nicely and I felt satisfied with the read once I got to the end of the book. The characters were well rounded and thought out with interesting life stories. I look forward to reading more books written by Fiona Davis.

The Chelsea Hotel, a 1940s icon- who HASN'T heard of it?

Maxine and Hazel use the Chelsea to jump start their careers in the entertainment industry, but very quickly learn that a whole lot of politics are involved in a Broadway show.

Historical Context: McCarthyism, communism (Arthur Miller and Death of a Salesman, anyone??)

Who WASN'T swept up by the wide sweeping arm of Joseph McCarthy?? Hazel and Maxine certainly aren't excluded from this.

I love how Fiona Davis crafts her story around such a ugly, pivotal moment in our history, and does it with the eloquence to bring the Chelsea to life as a character itself! I enjoyed Maxine and Hazel, their friendship, and the historical connections from this novel.

Well done!

What a fabulous book! I absolutely LOVED The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis. The paperback edition comes out tomorrow and I am excited to get my hands on a copy to add to my collection. You definitely need to check out this fun and exciting story set in New York at the famous Chelsea Hotel - THE haven for artists, creatives, and musicians. The story takes place during the 1940s through the 1960s and it covers a host of issues, history, and politics. We have the complexities of female friendship to sift through, along with the fears of McCarthyites pounding on your door asking for names. It was fascinating and thrilling to read all about it.

At the heart of the story is dynamic duo, Maxine Mead and Hazel Riley - two friends who are reunited at the Chelsea Hotel. They've each found a bit of success in their own right and have decided to make their mark in NYC. They reside at the Chelsea Hotel and are surrounded by every kind of creative-minded individual you can imagine. Life is exciting, thrilling, and filled with hope, hard work, and creativity. Except, life can also turn out to be difficult and filled with politics that can ruin a life. Yep, McCarthyism is sweeping the nation and knocking on the Chelsea Hotel's doors. Yikes! Looks like Maxine and Hazel are headed for a rather difficult time.

Fiona Davis has written a terrific story with such richly developed characters, you can't help but want to keep reading about them. And, I'm including the Chelsea Hotel when I'm talking about the characters, because that building is mostly definitely a character in itself. I just loved getting to know Maxine and Hazel and the denizens of the Chelsea. Plus, the descriptions of the hotel and city are so much fun to take in. I just loved reading this book.

I would definitely recommend The Chelsea Girls to fans of Davis and to anyone looking for their next great read - you don't want to miss this one!

Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Chelsea Girls follow actress, Maxine Mead, and playwright, Hazel Ripley, from the beginning of their friendship as USO tour actresses in Naples, Italy to their return to the entertainment industry in the US after the conclusion of WWII. Upon returning to the US, both women find themselves in residence at New York's Chelsea Hotel- a haven for artists of all types. Hazel finds inspiration within its walls and churns out a promising play in which Maxine will play the lead. During this time, Senator McCarthy's communist witch hunt reaches its peak and threatens both the success of Hazel's play and her friendship with Maxine.

This was my first read by Davis, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. The characters were authentic, and I was able to connect with both leading ladies. I'm not a big reader of historical fiction, but I loved the rich and clearly well-researched setting of this novel. It is apparent that Davis put a lot of work into capturing the cultural climate of NYC in the 40s, 50s and 60s. The Chelsea Hotel, itself, was the perfect backdrop for this tale. I felt as though the building itself became a character in the story and went through its own transitions and changes along with the characters, themselves.

Set up in three acts, this novel mirrors that of a tragedy. I appreciated that the format of the plot and the novel itself mirrored that of a play. There are so many layers to this story that made it interesting to me- political conflict, changing interpersonal relationships, the success of women in theater. The plot was intricately woven and so detailed that I couldn't help but marvel at how it was all put together. This one was brilliant from start to finish.

I haven't yet read any of Davis' other works, but I now plan to! Anyone that enjoys character-driven plots and historical fiction will love this one.

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