This book thoroughly entertained me and kept my interest. It’s a beautiful story of love, family ties and working hard to achieve a personal goal. Zora Lily was resourceful and never relinquished her dream of becoming a designer. The obstacles she encountered, albeit daunting, did not thwart her desire to keep working toward her dream. Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for granting me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. #TheRoaringDaysofZoraLily, # NetGalley, # Harlequin Trade Publishing.

The Roaring Days of Zora Lily
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From Publisher MIRA:
2023, The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History: A costume conservator is preparing an exhibition featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As she gingerly places a gown once worn by Greta Garbo on a mannequin, she discovers another name hidden beneath the designer's label, leaving her to wonder—who is Zora Lily?

1924, Seattle: Poverty-stricken Zora Hough spends her days looking after her younger siblings while sewing up holes and fixing hems for clients to bring in extra money, working her fingers to the bone just to survive. But at night, as she lies in the bed she shares with one of her three sisters, she secretly dreams of becoming a designer like Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.

When her best friend gets a job dancing in a club downtown, Zora is lured in by her stories of music, glittering dresses and boys. She follows her friend to the underground speakeasies that are at once exciting and frightening—with smoke hanging in the air, alcohol flowing despite Prohibition, couples dancing in a way that makes Zora blush and a handsome businessman named Harley. It’s a world she has only ever imagined, and one with connections that could lead her to the life she's always dreamed of. But as Zora's ambition is challenged by tragedy and duty to her family, she'll learn that dreams come with a cost. 
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My review:
I love historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. I learned a lot about the time period, fashion, and prohibition/social life in 1920. Zora's arc is fabulous. She comes from a hard life, scrambling for everything and then after being exposed to more, she grows, she learns to advocate, and she accomplishes so much.

While Zora and Harley's love story seemed a little out of left field at first (he has everything, she does not, he doesn't care, she worries) I felt invested in it. I also like Zora's friends and her family...hard working and supportive. The movement between Zora's era and 2023 was at the beginning and the end. I appreciated that the author didn't move constantly back and forth in time periods but allowed us to fully be in Zora's world.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Definitely 4.5 stars. Rounded up to 5 for being heart warming, feisty, and satisfying.

Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA Publishing for an advance copy of this book.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This story was wonderful! It was so much more than I expected. This is the story of an unknown Fashion Designer named Zora Lily. In the present day, it starts with the discovery of several of her designs at the Smithsonian Institution by a costume conservator. Her curiosity is piqued, and she wants to find out more about Zora Lily. Then the author goes back in time and tells the story of Zora Lily I really liked the ending, when the author returns to present day. I liked the descriptions of the jazz clubs and all the beautiful clothes. I enjoyed getting to know Zora's family, and I admired their strength. This book was a definite winner for me! This is one of the best stories I have read this year. I look forward to reading more from this author!

As a man with absolutely no fashion sense I was surprised that I was drawn into this novel and how much I absolutely loved its characters, plot lines, and settings. At its heart is a love story that spans the past century. It centers on the life and career of the title character, who becomes an expert dressmaker and designer. She has the ability to feel her fabrics, sense the style and shape of her work which spans everyday wear to movie costumes. The story is told from two perspectives: besides Zora's narrative which mostly takes place in the 1920s (hence the title), there is a no-so-small matter of a Smithsonian curator who is putting together a show of period costumes who finds out about Zora's past. This book is just a sheer delight, and even though I couldn't tell you whether some hem was dropped, set, or whatever, it was still a great read with fascinating descriptions not just of the clothes but the whole design ethos surrounding their art, creation and craft. Very highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley for this gifted copy of the book in exchange for my honest review and opinion.
The Roaring Days of Zoey Lily is a beautifully written story of a woman who discovers her true self through exploration, adventure, and adversity. Set in the 1920’s, this story follows the life of Zora, a young woman who is honest, humble, and has a great love for her family. Noelle did a beautiful job drawing in the reader so much so that I felt truly transported to this time through the beautiful details of the sights, sounds, colors, and smells described. This was a fantastic and beautiful story full of hope and I only wish I could read it again for the first time because it brought me so much joy.
I have been a faithful and dedicated reader of Noelle’s since book 1 and I can’t wait to see what other stories she has to share with us.

This book is a winner. I love historical fiction and I love sting female characters. This book is a perfect blend of the two. Set in the prohibition era, where men still ruled the world and women had different societal pressures, Zora is a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t help but fondly root for this unique heroine.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. While it did take me a minute to get into the book, once I did, I was hooked. Zora’s life takes many twists and turns- some expected and some unexpected by the reader. I really did love the story and was thrilled to have a happy ending with Zora living her life the way she’d dreamed. I loved the 1920s setting and the details about the reality of life for both the poor and the well to do. Zora’s story is one of creativity, persistence, courage, and grace.

Personal Nitpicking—The pacing of the story is a bit jumpy with a lot of detail and time spent on a particular stretch in Zora’s life and then suddenly springing forward 6-9 months. While understandable, it was occasionally a bit jarring (though I wasn’t too upset because I wanted to know what was going to happen and was happy to zip through). While I am glad that the author hit on elements of race relations in the 20s, I’m not sure if some of the scenarios would have been accurate - ex. later in the book at her opening, Ellis and his girlfriend attend as the lone POCs in the boutique, and nobody seems to bat an eye (while that’s how it should be, that was probably not the reality for that time period). Additionally, the Smithsonian exhibit portion at the beginning and end was interesting, but it seemed a bit far fetched for the American History museum to devote a seemingly large section of an exhibit to an nationally-unknown local designer even if she did create costumes for a famous movie from the 20s. I think Zora’s story was more than sufficient to stand alone without the flash forward. But it was nice to see how her life and the lives of her descendants turned out, so I’m a bit torn on this literary choice. Overall, despite my awkward nitpicking, I really did enjoy the story!

“The Roaring Days of Zora Lilly” is a historical fiction book by Noelle Salazar. What attracted me to this book (besides that cover!) is that it covers something I have a HUGE interest in - costume design, fashion, and old Hollywood glamour. I was hooked into this book by the great opening chapter - who is this mysterious costume designer of one of THE iconic dresses from the 1920s of cinema fame? Then the story segues into Zora’s tale - her beginnings, her family, struggles she had, friends she made, how she ended up in Hollywood, finding the love of her life, and making a success at being a fashion designer differently from how she thought she would. Then the reader returns to the person met in the opening chapter and the story wraps up rather nicely. What I would’ve liked was reading more about what inspired Ms. Salazar to write this book, was this based upon someone [there were a number of fashion designers who had their ideas stolen by Hollywood back then - sigh!] or was it multiple someones? I also wish - for possibly the first time ever - that this had been a dual timeline book. I was so engaged with the character from the opening that I missed her storyline and think it could’ve been woven into Zora’s story rather nicely. Also - and this is a nit that few will know (and I realize that) I wish that Ms. Salazar had been more accurate on her MGM / Greta Garbo history. MGM held Garbo *back* from doing a talkie [her first was released in 1930] due to fears about her accent. MGM’s first “all talkie” movie was released in 1929 - and quite often movie theaters didn’t have sound equipment, thus there were two versions of movies made (one talking, one silent) for a number of years. However, that nit aside, I read this book amazingly quickly and was engaged with Zora’s story. I think this could be for fans of “old Hollywood glamour,” fashion design, and determined characters.

Fabulous. Loved the cover. Loved the story. A mystery unrolls when a costume conservator finds another tag under the designer name tag on a garment on loan for an exhibition. The design does not fit the usual style of the supposed designer and the name underneath was an unknown. This is the story of the unknown designer. It is beautifully written and easy to read, filled with lush descriptions of the era and the clothing. I received this as an advance copy from the author via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.

(this is one of those books i wish i could leave a 6 rating for)

The Roaring Days of Zora Lily by Noelle Salazar

Absolutely wonderfully written that draws the reader to the path between the present and past of who is Zora Lily. A beautiful gown that unearths a secret about a seamstress during the 20th century and breaks through between power and hungry for success during a dark day in Hollywood.

The book started off quite promising. I thought the story of a curator tracking down a designer was intriguing. Here is where it lost me. The curator's story basically was to introduce us to Zora and at the end wrap it up. I did not feel her part was well developed. Zora's story was basically the entire book. It was entertaining but the ending with the curator and a load of Zora's family was corny. Very disappointed in the ending.

I went into this book blind because Noelle Salazar has never let me down, and let’s just say I was blown away from this story!

Taking place in Seattle during the 1920s, it follows Zora Hough as she chases her dream to design clothing despite coming from nothing.

While this is truly a work of fiction, the story itself and the characters felt all too real. Zora was the easiest character to root for. She was ambitious, honest, dedicated and one that always put family first. I loved how despite the hardships she faced, the story was uplifting and lighthearted. Noelle did a great job focusing on Zora’s growth and independence rather than adding in unnecessary drama with regards to her romantic relationship and friendships.

As this took place during the Prohibition Era, I was impressed by how quickly I was transported to this time period with all the music, dancing, fashion and bootlegging. It was easy to imagine Zora’s designs in my mind through the detailed writing.

And the ending was the perfect cherry on top to the entire story! I love when books come full circle, and this one truly did.

Read if you like:
-The roaring 20s
-Fashion and design
-Museum exhibits
-Close family relationships and forever friendships
-Main characters that are resilient and ambitious

Thank you HTP/ Mira for the ARC! Pub date 10/3

A curator is creating a display including clothes from the 1920s. In a dress worn by Gloria Swanson another name is found. Zora Hughes.

The story then cycles back to the '20s when Zora's story begins. She is a poverty stricken young woman caring for her siblings by sewing clothes. She gets introduced to the world of the speak-easy and all of the decadence and fun that goes along with it.

Tracing her story is an elevator ride that is worth the trip

Such a wonderful book! I adore stories with heroines who come from humble beginnings and who overcome hardships to lead a successful life. A true heroine you can’t help but root for, and this was absolutely the case with Zora Lily Hough. I loved her from the very beginning, and I so admired how she always remained true to herself, no matter the circumstances. This was my first time reading Noelle Salazar’s work, and she has such a beautiful way with words. It was a joy reading about Zora’s life, from her endearing friendship with Rose to her close relationship with her family, and…oh my…the love and passion between her and Harley. *happy sigh* I also loved that fashion design played a major part of the plot. I could almost picture Zora’s creations in my mind, and they were stunning. Oh, and I won’t give away any spoilers, but the ending thrilled my soul. (Vindication! YES!) I highly recommend The Roaring Days of Zora Lily to everyone, and I can’t wait to read more of Noelle’s work in the future.