This is a story about two estranged sisters brought together by their mother’s recent death and the crossroads faced by each as they pave the way forward. Woven into this story is a chic look inside vintage high-end fashion and the way it shapes women’s lives. Gabrielle and Lulu are half-sisters who were raised in New York and are opposites. Gabrielle grew up wealthy. She attended private school and surrounded herself with the finer things in life, including fashion and art. She ultimately became a successful costume designer, met her husband, and joined the upper ranks of New York society only to have it come crashing down after her husband’s cheating scandal and subsequent diverse. Lulu, whose father was not as wealthy, attended public school and had her own bohemian style of dressing. She married her college sweetheart and joined his large, boisterous, and loving family and joined them in working at the family bakery in Brooklyn, New York when her husband untimely passed away leaving her shattered and lost. Lulu struggles to find her way in a world without her husband, all the while harboring a horrible secret, that she is facing financial ruin. Gabrielle and Lulu are brought together after their mother’s death. They believe they are set to receive a substantial inheritance which will help each of them pay off their debts. However, much to their shock, they learn that their sizeable inheritance is a secret walk-in closet packed with exclusive Chanel clothes and accessories. Gabrielle and Lulu are given the impossible assignment of coming up with a plan on what to do with this puzzling inheritance.

This novel is a celebration of women and showcases themes of love, friendship, support, and community. The author introduces the reader to women from all walks of life and does a great job of exploring the history and events that shaped these women into the individuals they are present day. The characters are all likeable making this an enjoyable read. While some of the storylines were a bit repetitive and could have been shortened, the novel was a fast read. There could have been more development on the rift between Gabrielle and Lulu. While the author touches on it, there is not much development of how the two sisters mend their relationship.

This novel offers a fun glimpse into the world of fashion. The reader is entertained by the vivid descriptions of the clothing and accessories and references to high end fashion. The author did a great job of incorporating the clothing and accessories into the stories to highlight love, success, heartbreak, and success. The colors are vivid, the fabric is luxurious, and the jewelry is sparkling.

This novel was a quick and enjoyable read. I could vividly imagine the characters walking the streets of New York and the fabulous couture. The reader cannot help but cheer on these women and hope for their success. This is a feel-good novel of perseverance, rebirth, strength, and courage.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

We are going to talk about how this book was all around amazing!!!! I think because I was a fashion student and still a fashionista at heart, even though I have not been very fashionable lately but thats a whole different story lol. We meet two half sisters Gabrielle and Lulu, who have a lot going on in their personal lives and then on top of that their mother passes away, and of course they thought her will will bring fortune, because these women needed all the financial help they can get! But nope, their mother left behind something a lot more valuable than money.

The sisters have drifted apart and their own heartaches and loses and even their own upbringings kept them apart, their relationship with their mother was so different and when you read this book you will get a better understanding, it wasn’t bad bad but it wasn’t good good lol, it’s hard to explain.

Their mothers death not only brought the sisters closer, they also got introduced to their mothers world, a world they never knew about, they met her friends and got to REALLY know their mom in a way that they wouldn’t have known if she was still alive. And we have to have an open discussion on that secret closet!!!! Omg! I was loving everything about this book. The messages behind everything that was going on was very inspiring, and Coco Chanel’s quotes? EPIC!

Thanks Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

The Fashion Orphans is an entertaining read about two sisters who reconnect after the loss of their mother. However, I found it distractingly difficult to feel sympathy for the financial woes of this cast of characters, who all own properties in Manhattan & Brooklyn. The book focuses largely on the fact that the two main characters may have to sell their properties to finance their dreams. It's hard to feel financial sympathies for (multi)millionaires, even if much of their money is tied up in property.

This book was really different from what I am used to reading. Because of that, it took me quite some time to really get into it, but once I did I couldn´t stop reading it!.I loved reading about the relationship between this two sisters, family interactions is somethingh that has always interested me a lot. But I must say that there were times when I coudn´t really sympathize with the characters, some actitudes seem pretty childhish to me.

I love fashion, which is the reason why I wanted to read this book, and I don´t feel disappointed at all. However, I don´t think you should be a fashionista to enjoy it.

Since it is so lighter, I would recommend it to everyone who is going through a reading slump and is looking for a fast-paced book.

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read and review this amazing book!

The Fashion Orphans was a novel about women's relationships, both with themselves & with other women.

Gabrielle and Lulu don't have much of a sister relationship anymore, but their mother, Bette, just passed and they're forced back together. In their mother's will, the girls are directed to sort through Bette's "collection" and find something reasonable to do with it all. The sisters aren't expecting much, and really just want enough of an inheritance to pay off debts.

But that's not what Bette had in mind. Gabrielle and Lulu arrive at Bette's apartment to sort through her things. They are in total shock when they find a bedroom-sized closet FULL of vintage, nearly new Chanel. Dresses, jackets, handbags, jewelry, shoes....you name it, Bette bought it. Gabi & Lu had a mountain of work ahead of them!

The sisters struggle to figure out what Bette wanted them to do with this collection. With the help of Bette's best friends, the Style Endures Society. they catalog the Chanel collection and come up with a brilliant idea: a store that's part fashion museum, part vintage store. Coco Street. The sisters grow closer and learn so much about Bette as they develop Coco Street.

I loved this novel so much. The story was told through alternate POVS; both Gabi & Lu told from their perspectives. While both women had relationship issues, one struggling with a recent divorce and the other a recent death, it wasn't the main focus of their lives. They both had new love interests towards the end, but it wasn't a main point of their stories. Their biggest priorities were growing closer together, getting to know Bette's friends, and healing themselves. It was heartwarming. I want this as an HBO or Netflix series. I want a sequel. I want a real life Coco Street.

One of my very favorite books this year, the story of Gabrielle and Lulu and their mother’s Chanel collection was absolutely fabulous. I picked it up and read most of the night, I was just so intrigued and needed to find out what was going to happen to these two very wonderful and dear to me people. And I was not disappointed. This was a very tender story, full of growth and struggle and such a fulfilling ending.

I loved that the novel was peopled by such great secondary characters as well. I adored the group of older women that graced the pages. I just adored every word of this beautifully written book. It will hold a special place in this reader’s heart.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of beautifully written books, with well defined characters who you grow to love and care for. This is one you hate to close the last page on, for the sadness you feel at having it be over. I will miss these people and being a part of their lives for a little while. This one is going on my keeper shelf for sure

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Heartwarming.

Gabrielle Winslow and Lulu Quattro are estranged half-sisters with debts, pain, and a common dislike for their mother’s controlling methods. Bette has passed away recently and left detailed instructions for her daughters to fulfill her wishes before they can get their inheritance.
Gabi and Lulu resent that Bette is controlling them even after death. They are both in dire need of money to continue living with dignity. Moreover, relations have been strained, and working together doesn’t seem like a good option.
With no other choice, Gabi and Lulu visit Bette’s house and discover a huge secret collection, almost all of the best from Chanel, Bette’s favorite brand. Confused, annoyed, frustrated, and uncertain, the sisters start to work out their differences and try to find out what Bette wanted them to do with her collection.
The path they choose is not easy, but they learn some valuable lessons on the way. Gabi needs to get over her ex-husband’s betrayal and the messy divorce, while Lulu needs to spread her wings and look beyond her late husband’s family bakery. The two sisters need to find each other again and learn to forgive themselves and others. But is it really possible? Can Gabi and Lulu rebuild their bond and also forge a new path to the future and happiness?
As the title suggests, the book relies heavily on fashion and brands (Chanel being the predominant one). However, it is relationships and emotions that keep the momentum going. Gabi is fifty-five and seven years older than Lulu. The sisters are opposite in many ways, be it their sense of fashion, appearance, or approach to life.
Relationships, self-love, and happiness are major themes of the book. We see how Bette pushes Gabi and Lulu to take control of their lives again and do what makes them happy. The story is presented from both their perspectives, giving us insights into their lives.
The reader might be tempted to support one sister a wee bit more than the other, though we want them to sort their differences and become close as they used to be. I was team Gabi even before the book touched 20%. That didn’t stop me from empathizing with Lulu and her circumstances.
The book dragged a little in the second half. As much as I liked Nicholas and Seth (Lulu’s sons) and the other interesting ladies (Bette’s friends), I wanted the story to move a little faster. However, it managed to provide a happy and satisfying ending.
To sum up, The Fashion Orphans is a heartwarming story about love, forgiveness, and relationships. Happy to add that the book doesn’t focus on romance though there’s a glimmer of hope and lots to look forward to.
Thank you, NetGalley, Blue Box Press, and AuthorBuzz, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 STARS

I loved Randy Susan Meyer's novel The Widow of Wall Street (read in 2017), and wanted to try this one, co-authored with M. J. Rose. A chick-lit theme highlighting fashion and family dynamics.

An easy, lighter read about two estranged half-sisters, Lulu and Gabrielle. They come together for the reading of their mother's will. They haven't always gotten along, but they are both anticipating a large inheritance and getting their lives back on track with the extra cash.

Sisterhood is at the heart of the novel. They have some fun while trying to navigate the mystery of the collection, dressing up in vintage Chanel, putting ensembles together and guessing how much any of it is worth. They get schooled with some "pearls of wisdom" from Coco Chanel, magical, thought-provoking messages their mom believed in.

Fashionistas will have fun with all the Chanel references. It has a whimsical, magical flair to it, and while I enjoyed parts, it became a bit to sappy for my taste.

I could not get into this book. I wanted to. I think ten years ago I would have loved this book, it’s just not where I am currently.

THE FASHION ORPHANS is an intriguing tale of two estranged, half-sisters who discover their stylish, bossy mother had a secret obsession. Gabrielle Winslow, the older sister, was raised by their aloof mom, Bette, in luxury on Manhattan’s wealthy east side. She grew up knowledgeable about fashion, the finer things in life, is a fashion designer and is now recently divorced. While, Lulu Quattro, the younger sister, was raised by her Brooklyn grandparents, married, has two sons and is recently widowed. They share the same mother but have different fathers. Both sisters have had sad times recently with financial difficulties.

The sisters arrive for the reading of the will with expectations of a sizable inheritance, to pay off their debts and return to their lives. Only the inheritance is a pittance with a catch. The lawyer tells them to go and see it for themselves in their mother's apartment. What surprise lies ahead?

They discover a huge secret closet in their mother's apartment. It contains a Chanel collection so massive it takes their breath away! They call the lawyer and learn they can't sell a thing without the lawyer's approval.

As the sister's contemplate their situation and how to sell it, they meet their mother's wonderful friends. The ladies share stories with them about the fascinating life of their mother. Importantly, they learn their mother loved them both so much. They were surprised, because Bette wasn't affectionate. They also find hand written notes tucked in the vast Chanel collection. It's as if Bette is talking to them from beyond! It's a life changing experience the sisters treasure and there's more surprises in store!

THE FASHION ORPHANS is a stunning, beautiful story of family bonds, hidden treasures, love in all its forms and more! I absolutely devoured this book! It was so fascinating, reading about the shock of finding a whole closet filled with beautiful clothing, purses, jewelry, etc. all from vintage Chanel. I would faint if my mom had anything like that! The authors' create a lush backdrop about Chanel, two midlife sisters trying to bury lifelong resentments, while figuring out how to go forward. What a terrific tribute to strong women! The plot is provocative, with humor and family problems infused throughout. Definitely a top notch read! THE FASHION ORPHANS is a rare gem!

Two sisters with different life experiences come together to settle their mother's estate. They learn some very surprising things about their mother's life, her often unspoken love for them, and solve a puzzle she left for them with the help of their late mother's posse. Slow moving read at start but worth reading all the way through.

A unique novel about a family and fashion. I highly recommend this book for those who love Coco Chanel or fashion in any form.

The Fashion Orphans is a sweet tale of two sisters dealing with a collection left to them by their late mother. As the story weaves, we find out one sister is a widow, the other a divorcee. With barely a pot and nary a window, the two sisters have to decide whether to embrace life or continue onward as before.
With mild conflicts and low expectations, the sisters make their choices. A light read, especially delicious if you enjoy high fashion.

I love books about sisters. This book is about two sisters, Lulu and Gabrielle. They are adult women with the same mother but different fathers. The sisters as different as night and day, trying to deal with settling their recently deceased mother's estate.

The estate gives the sisters the directive that they must come up with a solution about the mother's “collection” that is approved by the lawyer who is the executor of the estate. The “collection” turns out to be a vast assortment of vintage and classic Coco Chanel clothing and handbags.

This was a very intriguing book. I learned a lot about Chanel items, I would Google along with the sisters who were trying to put a value to the items. Astounding!

Relationships were at the centre point of this book. Sisters. Women. Family. I loved the strength of the women characters. And I loved the friendships that developed. A little bit of romance sneaks in too, but a very minor part of the book.

There is conflict in the story. Conflict between the two sisters which was well portrayed. A mix of passive/aggressive with affection. It made the sisters seem real.

Without spoilers, there is also a mystical element happening throughout which adds to the story.

The sisters took a long journey with lots of roadblocks on the way. They grew as they overcame each one.

I was happy with the ending and the way the story evolved. I appreciate the amount of research done by the authors into Coco Chanel and aspects of the fashion industry.

It was both fascinating and entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advance Readers Copy of the book.

You don't have to be a fashion expert to love this read! The beginning was a little slow for me but the build and end were worth it to keep going. And oh what an ending it is - it brought tears to my eyes! The story of Gabrielle and her sister, Lulu being given the task of determining what to do with their mother, Bette's collection after she passes seems, at times, impossible. But then one day Gabi has an idea. Through hard work and with several speed bumps along the way, the sisters are able to come together and celebrate their mother and all her flaws in a most glorious way.

Gabrielle and Lulu are estrange sisters that are forced together after the death of their mother, Bette. Bette’s special will brings the sisters together, forces them to rethink the memories they have of their mother and makes them change the way see their own lives.

This is a fast-paced book that explores the experience two daughters have of their mother. At the beginning the characters didn’t make me feel empathetic towards their feelings mostly because they seemed so shallow. Once they introduced the will reading all they seemed to think about was the fact that Bette was going to leave them a lot of money and their financial situation would be saved. But as the author goes into their lives and the people surrounding them, both sisters make enjoyable people.

The combined writing by two wonderful authors made for an entertaining read about two estranged half-sisters and the fashion world of Coco Chanel. It's a story about a mother finding a way for the two women to become friends again after her death. The will's stipulation makes it hard to have access to the funds they've inherited until they've met the requirements set forth under the care of the deceased mother's lawyer. It's about love, second chances, resilience, and family. If you like stories about sisters and Coco Chanel, you'll enjoy reading this book. Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Who can’t relate to sisters arguing about which one is having a harder time at the moment and how much harder their mother manages to make it for them without even trying? These sisters may have different fathers but they share the same mother and have developed their own vocabulary to describe all the ways she drives them crazy. When she dies, they hope against their own lived experience that she may have left them money to solve the debts they’ve been saddled with from the various men in their lives. No such luck. But, unsurprisingly even in death, she leaves them something to argue about and struggle with. They ultimately find some resolution about their relationship to her and each other but the journey is worth the reading in this clever and warm book, for sisters and daughters everywhere.

Sisters in their best years, bond over their late mother’s Chanel collection and find new purpose in their lives.
As they explore the collection, they magically find inspiring messages tucked away in mother's treasure. It seems their mother is advising and helping Lulu and Gabrielle to restore their relationship with each other even from the afterlife.

The Fashion Orphans is a story about family, legacy and forgiveness. Enjoyable for fashionistas, but just too "chatty" for my taste.

Nice easy read, just sadly not my genre.

Take a book about two sisters, Gabriella and Lulu, who have been estranged for a while then toss in the death of their mother. They find out to settle their mother’s estate according to the will they have to agree what they should do with the collection their mother owns of Chanel items. This was not what they wanted or expected from their mother’s will. They both needed the money they anticipated to be given to them not this collection.
The more they get into discovering the huge amount of Chanel items the more they start to wonder why their mother did have so much.
This mystery of why and the sisterhood that emerges is a wonderful story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Randy Susan Meyers and M.J. Rose and Blue Box Press for the book The Fashion Orphans. This is my personal review.