The Spectacular by Fiona Davis is yet another home run from one of my favorite authors. As a NY native, I've been to Radio City Music Hall to see the Rockets perform many times over the years, so I was thrilled by the setting. The novel alternates between two time periods (though primarily the mid-fifties. And having lived in NYC during 9/11, the "Big Apple Bomber" subplot had be glued to the pages. Ultimately though, The Spectacular is a story about a woman risking everything to choose her own path. Truly triumphant, highly recommend!

Thanks to Dutton and NetGalley Another terrific bio of New York landmarks. The Rockettes share the stage with the Rehearsal Club as well as some interesting people. NYPD, a few dancers, a mad bomber and a sweet and talented doctor. I hope (no spoilers) Fiona Davis keeps writing for a very long time.

This is the third book I have read by this author. They are all set in New York City, and since that is a place that I love, they usually really work for me. This one was no exception.

This one, as the others by her that I have read, is dual timeline, though most of it is set in the earlier timeline. It was such a good read. I was interested throughout and really invested in the characters. There were a couple of parts that were a little over the top. And, I really would have liked an epilogue for Piper, to see how her career was going a year or two out.

All in all, this was a great book. Now, I'm just waiting for her next one!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC.

In a word.....this was Spectacular! It had a little bit of everything...historical fiction, mystery, romance, drama, and who didn't want to be a Rockette when they were growing up? I felt like I was on stage doing the dance of the wooden soldiers along with them. I can't recommend this book more highly!

Loved it, then again I love Fiona Davis novels. Loved the detail in researching the Rockettes as well as the storyline. I am sure it will be a hit here at this library when it comes out. I give it 5 stars because of the story as well as the research completed around Radio City Music Hall and the history of the Rockettes as well for the history of the surrounding area, the housing complex and hooking the reader into the writing. Nice job, Fiona!! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This book IS Spectacular! Fiona Davis has done it again and actually made history come to life. Her beautiful and exciting stories bring color to real events and her plots include drama and interest even when the focus is something I have not had any interest in! Fiona always highlights the issues that women faced (and face) in an interesting way. I truly loved this book and am ready to visit Radio City immediately!

The Spectacular refers to the Radio City Rockettes program at Christmas and in 1956 Marion Brooks has auditioned. Marion is on the cusp of adulthood and about to become engaged and give up her beloved dancing. and her safe homelife. However, when she is chosen for the troupe she cannot believe her luck, nor can she share the news with her family. In the background, there is a terrorist, in NYC called the Big Apple Bomber. The bomber closes in on Radio City all the while Marion is trying to make a choice on dancing or following her father's wish to be married. Read on to find out what happens next, you won't be sorry! If you like history, dance, glamourous New York or just love the story of a woman bucking tradition, The Spectacular is for you!

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