The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis is a Historical Fiction book set in the 1950's. At the infamous Chelsea Hotel, poets, authors, theater performers and more walk the halls. Hazel ends up at the Chelsea Hotel while pursuing her dreams of being a theater actress. Her best friend, Maxine, is on the other side of the country, in Hollywood, trying to make it on the big screen. The rest of the story follows their 20 year friendship as they navigate through life during the Red Scare in the 50's.

One of the things I loved about this book? Finally, praise God and Hallelujah, a Historical Fiction book that does not have a dual storyline!!!! Something I've been griping and complaining about for years. So a huge thank you to the author for choosing to go against the beaten path and eliminate a dual storyline from her latest book! I always love the idea of Fiona Davis' books more than I end up actually liking them, and I can't pinpoint why. The plots always sound so interesting and I love how she incorporates history in them, but not in the typical WWII fashion, but for some reason, the storylines never really hit home with me. It was definitely a change of pace for me to read about the McCarthy era, something I've never spent time on. But I felt like the story moved a little slow for me and about half of the book I found myself completely disinterested in. While I don't feel like this one will be the same for every reader, I was a little bored about half way through and had to force myself to finish.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinion.

Just finished this historical fiction from Fiona Davis, The Chelsea Girls. I loved The Lions of Fifth Avenue from this author, so I had high hopes for this one as well. It delivered for me!

It takes place at the famous Chelsea hotel in NYC, spanning from the 1940's to the 1960's. It follows two women as they navigate the obstacles of trying to put on a Broadway show. They quickly realize that their troubles have nothing to do with their art and everything to do with politics, as a red scare is sweeping the area on the hunt for communists.

This was a story about the friendship between the two women, which was not always easy given the state of the world. There was politics, drama, secrets and I loved the way this book tackled the subject of this period of history. I also loved the way the infamous Chelsea hotel was almost like another character in the book. Many important scenes took place there and it was described with such detail that it allowed the reader to really immerse themselves in the setting.

Once again, I found myself really enjoying Fiona's writing style. She is clearly a master of the historical fiction genre and I plan to read more books from her!

Fiona Davis dazzles as always with this tale set in 1950s New York with the Chelsea Hotel as the backdrop. The storyline focuses on two main characters over the span of 20 years and will have you turning pages throughout this jaw-dropping, plot twist of a book.

"The Chelsea Girls" is not just another WWII novel. This book gives you a true glance into how the United States was affected after the end of the war and continuing politics that crept everywhere.

Hazel and Maxine were two unexpected friends, bound by their time together in the USO during the war. Performing for soldiers that were away from all they've ever known and helping the army communicate messages whether it to be Germans or just information to their teams. Once the war is over, the friends appear to go their separate ways until they reunite in the Chelsea hotel and jump headfirst into Broadway together. They seem to be on the up and up, until they both face social and government scrutiny of being potential Communist sympathizers. From that point, no one knows what the correct step forward to take is.

An amazing story of friendship, politics, heartbreak, and art. This was an amazing story. Thank you to Fiona Davis, Penguin Group Dutton, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Chelsea Girls is an educational, heartwarming, and exciting story of friendship, politics, and betrayal.

Set over the course of 20 years, Hazel Riley and Maxine Mead's friendship is tested by the trials of war and secrecy. After meeting during their volunteer days with the USO in WWII, the girls reunite again in New York City. When Hazel is given the opportunity to take her own play to Broadway, Maxine is cast in the lead role and it seems that nothing could go wrong for these two ambitious girls. But the McCarthy era looms ahead and anti-communist witch-hunts threaten everything they hold near and dear.

Hazel and Maxine were two complex, interesting but VERY different characters. While they were both determined to make their way on the stage and on the silver screen, it was easy to see how parallel their interests and the ways that they would achieve their dreams were as the story progressed. However, they were constantly bound by their experience as two women in an era where women were often powerless and relegated to domestic roles, which they were clearly deviating from by participating in show business.

This story introduced me to the McCarthy era, something I wasn't familiar with prior to reading due to my lack of knowledge about recent American history. It was interesting to show how these anti-communist attacks penetrated the theatre community, and how the livelihoods (and lives) of so many in show business were threatened by these charges. Fiona Davis mixed the educational with the entertaining, which is no easy feat.

Finally, I will say I was nonplussed by the romantic plot. While it wasn't exactly integral to the overall story, it still was pretty essential but I just found it a bit "insta-love"-y and wasn't sure why I should be rooting for these two characters to get together. Besides that, it was also over and done with within the blink of an eye.

Hazel Riley and Maxine Mead embark on a close friendship while putting on plays for soldiers in Italy during World War II. They return to NYC to the Chelsea Hotel, which has long been known as a place where great artists are born. Hazel writes a masterpiece, to be shown on Broadway starring Maxine Mead in the lead role, when everything falls apart. America has become an untrusting place and a witch hunt begins, focusing on movie/TV/theatre as a cover for Communists. People are pressured to name Communists that they know of, at the risk of losing everything.

Hazel is an incredible woman and main character. She starts off as timid and unseen but develops into a strong, bold woman who is always ready to stand up for what's right, even at the risk of losing her hard earned career, livelihood and friends. Maxine on the other hand is a victim of her circumstances and although outwardly she seems to be the stronger of the two women, she gets caught up in circumstances that are bigger than her. The Chelsea Hotel, although I'd never heard of it before, seemed like an otherworldly place where everyone is welcome and you could be yourself and express yourself in ways that society may otherwise not accept.

The Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was a real thing, where they looked to imprison people who they though were involved in communism. The HUAC ruined many careers, finances and lives, often without any real, hard evidence. I think it's important to know about these types of happenings because education can help to stop them from recurring, or at least one would hope.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about friendship, family and the World War II era.

Thank you to Penguin Group - Dutton and NetGalley for the eGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

#netgalley #thechelseagirls #fionadavis follow the story of a friendship blooming. Maxine and Hazel. Both volunteering in the USO. Something happens one day that bonds then for life. When they go home. Life begins again. And the friends lose touch as we do. Maxine is a rising star in California and Hazel has written her first play. Maxine comes home insisting to be the star. Get lost in these pages. The girls and their friendship. 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ it was nice to get a piece of history. Yes fictional however.... a glimpse of the past and the struggles woman faces. It’s an amazing read. #bookstagram #booklover #netgalleyreview #netgalleyreads #readersofinstagram #readmorebooks #readingtime

I am a big fan of the Historical Fiction Genre as I always find myself googling different facts and images of the different people and situations that occur in the books. Fiona Davis has created a story that highlights the struggles and fears that many in the entertainment field struggled with during this time.
The story centres on the lives of two women, one a young playwright, the other an aspiring actress who became friends during the end days of WW II in the USO. As they struggle to make a name for themselves and launch their careers, they are soon embroiled in the McCarthy scandal and the witch hunts that haunted so many young artists. Bonds will be broken and lives and friendships are tested. The author pulls you in with a great plot twist in the second half.

Life at the Chelsea Hotel is dominated by artists and actors with all the glamour and drama accompanying life in the arts. This book provides insight into the struggles of artists in the McCarthy era. Hazel is young, idealistic, and naïve as she joins the USO troupe to entertain soldiers. Maxine is older and worldly but the two women become close friends and their lives are entwined in amazing ways.

This is an interesting read about an era that is not often written about in historical fiction.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis. While I enjoyed reading this book and found the characters loveable and easy to root for, I felt the story was a little slow in parts. There were many different elements at play here with politics, espionage, romance, friendship, dashed dreams and the spirit of The Chelsea Hotel. There was so much going on that it felt distracting at times. I wasn't sure where the story was going to go and where it went, I didn't anticipate which is an element I liked and appreciated, I would have never predicted the ending.
This book should come with a Trigger Warning as it does deal with suicide.
Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to someone who likes to read a little bit of everything.

I first want to thank NetGalley for allowing me a copy of this book to read. I totally enjoyed this story which takes place between 1940-1960s. It is a time when Senator Mcarthy went searching for communists sympathizers especially in the entertainment industry.

The book evolves around two women, Maxine, an outgoing actress and Hazel a playwright. The chapters alternate between Hazel, written in the 3rd person and Maxine, written in the 1st person and added to the development of the individuals. The two ladies meet at the USO entertaining troops in Italy.

When they return to the states Maxine goes off the CA and Hazel, at the disappointment of her mom, checks into the Chelsea Hotel in NYC. The hotel becomes the hub of the artsy folks of the times. While there Hazel writes a play, Wartime Sonanta, based on experiences in Italy during the war. Maxine joins her to be the actress in the play.

However, because of the Red Scare of the Cold War and the spies searching for communists the story becomes a historic reality of the times. There is pressure heartbreak, betrayal, secrets, and ultimately friendship must overcome fame. careers are destroyed to the extent that even Hazel is accused of being communist because she went on a date that took here to an anti-racist rally. Allegations were made without any proof.
The story is about to women who must be brave during a time when lives are derailed because of the war.

The story is about women, historical fiction

Fiona Davis is such a talented writer and this one did not disappoint. Anything with the 50s and 60s in NYC is an attention grabber for me and I love the way that she was able to portray that time period so vividly.

The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis is historical fiction centered mostly on the McCarthy era and its effect on creative individuals. Hazel Ripley and Maxine Mead meet during a USO tour in 1945, quickly becoming dear friends. Back in the US, they reunite in 1950 when Maxine, a rising Hollywood starlet comes to New York in hopes of starring in a play written by Hazel. Maxine pushes Hazel to also direct her play, the work they share strengthens their friendship. But the looming threat of McCarthyism comes to the play.

The government and private citizens hunting for communists has come to Broadway, not as overwhelming as in Hollywood but it affects their world. Without giving too much away, the accusations ruin Hazel's hope of a burgeoning career.

I enjoyed the book, I think the era of McCarthyism should be understood by all Americans so we never let something like this happen again. that being said, I don't think it is Davis' strongest book. The characters weren't as deep as some of her other books.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

I read some reviews before reading The Chelsea Girls so I knew it was history heavy, so that didn't take me by surprise and I actually really enjoyed the historic context. The book was a really great story and at some parts I was actually shocked — did not expect some of the things that happened. I super appreciated all the research Fiona Davis put into this book and was actually emotionally moved by the ending.

The Chelsea Girls


A intriguing and satisfying story of a iconic hotel, female friendships and a dark era of our political history.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY
Hazel Ripley first meets actress, Maxine Mead on a USO Tour in Naples, Italy. It was 1945 and the start of a lifelong friendship arising from the bonds of shared heartbreak and devastation inevitable in wartime.

After the war, Maxine heads to Hollywood and Hazel returns to New York City to pursue a career as a playwright. Having heard about the history of the Chelsea from Maxine during their USO days, Hazel decides a move to the Chelsea Hotel might be just what she needs. She soon meets Lavinia Smarts the well-connected grand dame of the Chelsea, who offers to read Hazel’s play. With help from Lavinia, Hazel’s play is on the brink of hitting Broadway.

Maxine shows up fresh from Hollywood and is immediately cast as the lead in Hazel’s play. The two soon discover that the greatest obstacle to putting a show on Broadway is not the production, but the politics. Senator Joseph McCarthy has started a witch hunt for communists, and those in the entertainment industry are in his crosshairs. Actors, writers and producers are all dragged in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee and pressured to name names of suspected Communist.

But it is more than Hazel and Maxine’s Broadway dreams that may suffer. Under immense pressure they grapple with the terrible consequences, affecting their livelihood, their friendship, and their freedom.

REVIEW
Author Fiona Davis has carefully crafted a well-researched story of dreams and heartbreak. The book, like her others, is set in a historic and iconic New York landmark. The redbrick Chelsea Hotel on Twenty-Third Street is a handsome mix of Victoria Gothic and Queen Anne style. The atmospheric and eccentric hotel, home to artists, poets and actors, becomes a vital character in the novel. The majority of the story takes place in the 1950’s and is alternately told from both Maxine and Hazel’s point of view.


The writing is absorbing and Davis captures your attention with the emotional bonds between Maxine and Hazel as well as their grudges, lies and jealousies. She effortlessly blends the hotel, the characters and the politics of the time into a interesting and satisfying story.

THE CHELSEA GIRLS evokes the emotions of the era and weaves a cinematic tale which could have been ripped from the headlines of the day. Davis’ meticulous research included interviewing a 98-year old actress, who shared stories with her about the USO, WWII, and the injustice of the blacklisting and persecution of the McCarthy era. Fans of historical fiction and strong independent women characters will appreciate this multilayered story.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher Dutton
Published December 8, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

Hazel and Maxine meet after joining a USO touring group as the Second World War is ending and continue their friendship in New York where they both live in the glamorous Chelsea Hotel. Hazel, a playwright and Maxine, an actress, face challenges, both on and off stage as they try to further their careers during the Red Scare of the 1950’s.
This is my second Fiona Davis novel. I loved The Lyons of Fifth Avenue so I thought I’d try this one. I was not disappointed. This is the perfect novel for those who love historical fiction. The backdrop of the Chelsea Hotel adds a bit of intrigue and mystery to the novel and makes the reader want to know more about the writers, actors, etc. that lived and worked at the hotel during this time period. Add this to your to read list now!

I loved reading this! I felt as though I was best friends with Hazel and Maxine, which I loved. Their activism and excitement for life made me enjoy them so much more.

Fiona Davis writes beautiful stories set in another time period and I enjoy immersing myself in them. This one in particular, was a quick read and I was able to escape.

Anyone that enjoys historical fiction, the life of women in the 40's-60's,. the theater... would love this book.

Thank you for allowing me to read and give my honest opinion.

THE CHELSEA GIRLS by Fiona Davis is a stand alone, historical, women’s fiction storyline focusing on three women: actress Maxine Mead, struggling actress/playwright/director Hazel Riley, and New York’s iconic Chelsea Hotel, where the who’s who of entertainment and art, party and live.

Told from first person perspective (Maxine Mead) and third person (Hazel Riley), based loosely in fact, THE CHELSEA GIRLS covers approximately twenty-two years in the life of actress Maxine Mead, and struggling actress/playwright/director Hazel Riley. In 1945 Hazel Riley had the opportunity to join the USO tour in Europe where she would meet actress Maxine Mead, and young artist Floyd Jenkins. A tight friendship would develop but the end of the war separated the trio until five years later when Hazel’s play Wartime Sonata, based upon their experiences in Europe, would be picked up by a Broadway producer, bringing Maxine, Floyd and Hazel back together again but all was not well in the United States as Senator Joseph McCarthy started a hunt for Communists in America. Targeting the entertainment industry, creating the HUAC House Un-American Activities Committee in an effort to takedown those believed to be members of, and support the Communist Party, Hazel would soon discover that a wolf in sheep’s clothing was about to destroy everything and more.

The majority of the story line is set in Manhattan, New York and The Chelsea Hotel . Hazel’s play has been commissioned by a Broadway producer, and the arrival of Hollywood starlet Maxine Mead pushes the production onwards and up but opening night is a disaster, and the fall-out finds Hazel facing the HUAC trying to prove she is innocent, and defend the lives of the people she loves.

Fiona Davis blends fact with fiction in a story line sweeping in the grandeur of The Chelsea Hotel-the secrets, the parties, the artists, and the reality of McCarthyism, and the witch hunt for Communists in America. THE CHELSEA GIRLS is character driven, imaginative and wondrous story line that focuses on a period in time where lives were destroyed by accusation and innuendo without proof or evidence to the contrary.



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I loved reading about the Chelsea Hotel and the lives of the people who made it their home. What an eclectic group of individuals. The post-WWII era involving McCarthy’s reign of terror and the focus on the entertainment industry was informative. The twists and turns that are woven through the pages leaves you gasping in shock.

This is my second book I have read by Fiona Davis and I look forward to reading more books by her.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Publishers for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Fiona Davis, for my copy of The Chelsea Girls, for an honest review. The Chelsea Girls visits the fear and anxiety over the McCarthy Era theater world. This book spans from the 1940’s to the 1960’s. Hazel Ripley and Maxine Mead, meet in Naples during a USO tour as an actress and a playwright . The ladies, are far from friends in the beginning but as time goes on, a wonderful friendship grows. The Chelsea Hotel, plays a huge role in this story. The characters coming in and out are the lucky ones to live here. The greatest artists, all
Mediums, come through here during the years. While McCarthy is hunting for Communists and posts who he believes to be in the Red Channel, a pamphlet that lists these supposed communists. The start of the story is slow. It took me awhile to get into it. But like many Davis novels she is preparing you for the whole story. These ladies want to get a show on Broadway. The friends they meet, the company they keep and pure determination helps them to do that. The story is how do they keep it all together and for how long can they. This book is rich is character develop. Fiona’s description of NY city from the 40’s to the 60’s is excellent. As always, I became hooked and couldn’t wait to see how it would end. This was a four star read for me. I have recommended this to friends and family. I have also reviewed it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.