Parts of this book reminded me of my second favorite Betty Grable movie, The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (side note, if you have not watched that you should). Overall, I found this book a great book about women in general and how women of the past had to fight for me to have the things I take for granted. I read this book while I was sick in bed, and it made me want to get up and go blaze a trail for future women.

When I finished I had to Google the club itself, you should do the same, the author did a great job depicting what The Colony Club stood for and I would read this book again.

In Gilded Age New York City, Daisy is denied a place to stay in the city overnight as an "unaccompanied woman". This gives her the idea to build a Women's Club. Much like the men's clubs of the day, the building would be a place for women to stay overnight, host luncheons or parties, and be a social gathering place. However, the men of the day are not on board with this idea since they believe it would take the women away from their responsibilities of the home and children.

Nora is an architect and wants to make a career in a male dominated industry. When she gets a conditional job for the famed Stanford White, she struggles with proving herself. She ends up working with actress turned designer Elsie while Stanford is busy with other clients and then wrapped up in a scandal. Will these women ever get ahead and be pioneers in their industries and will the Colony Club ever be completed?

I loved this historical fiction novel. I loved the Gilded Age NYC setting (of course- if you like the tv show or books set in this time period, this one is for you!) I also really loved learning about architecture and interior design of the time as well as social norms. This book was a surprising hit for me, and I can think of a dozen people who would also love it. I would also love to see an upcoming season of The Gilded Age incorporate this book into the show (hint, hint Julian Fellows.)

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

The first women’s club built in NYC, the Colony Club, was the idea of women in the early 1900’s who wanted to have somewhere to go, like their husbands did, to meet, talk about issues, and relax. Daisy Harriman, later to become a diplomat, supporter of women’s right to vote and other causes, worked to get the building built, designed by the famous Stanford White. The fictional part of the story revolves around Nora, a young woman determined to become an architect in a field exclusive to men. Nora’s story revealed the life of a person without wealth or advantage, having to work harder than everyone else. I enjoyed the story set in the Gilded Age, and recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I enjoyed reading this story of The Colony Club, the first New York City club for women. The author described the founding of the club, from conception through design and building, through the efforts of a group of both real and fictional characters. I got caught up in the story and enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love historical fiction that interweaves the lives of fictional characters and real people. In the The Colony Club, Shelley Noble has created an interesting and empowering read revolving around the lives of Nora Bromely and Daisy Harriman. Noble deftly brings together the glitter and tribulation of the Gilded Age giving us a vibrant sense of life in that time. Recommended.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

THE COLONY CLUB
BY: SHELLEY NOBLE

About 4,5 Stars!

"THE COLONY CLUB," by Shelley Noble, is a historical novel, which includes the most factual lives of people in the genre that I've encountered involved in one novel. They were relevant to have been involved in the creation of the spectacular, factual place, named the Colony Club which was the first ever all women's clubhouse to have been created in history. It was an innovative project whose inception, and the execution was to have involved all women. Up to that time, only men had the perks of a grand meeting place, to enjoy the comforts of home where they could gather in one place in New York City, society exclusive to men only. The creation of the Colony Club, was a new idea to have been planned to give women the same extraordinary type of place to gather, offering amenities where women could enjoy the same benefits that existed for men only. This was a significant step towards women's equality, but this was remarkable in how it was established to surprise me the grandeur of how this historic first class all women's clubhouse turned out to be a place so magnificent. It offered so much it seemed unbelievable in terms of what is described that was progressive in which spared no expense. It started out as a place where society women could provide rooms for a place to stay overnight, and could gather to meet for socialites whose interests were to help those less fortunate in society. The story of the process that features how the Colony Club was built, were mostly featured by factual people makes this a terrific reading choice. I think in this novel which HF is a favorite genre of mine, featured the most factual people in one narrative that I've ever encountered. To think that a germ of an idea from one woman is what transpired to become a historically fact based institution
that was a staggering clubhouse of such comfort planned by women is a story of epic proportions.
The novel starts out in Washington D.C. on April 18, 1963, with Daisy Harriman, being interviewed by a journalist named Meg, who she's told by the woman whose idea for this women's first of it's kind clubhouse, among many achievements features Daisy at ninety-two years old. Daisy was asked what it feels like to be the first-ever recipient of President Kennedy's, Citation of Merit Award? Daisy's real full name was Florence Jaffray Hurst Harriman, who is the only one left, of her small family. It leads to her telling this journalist who the story is told by placing Daisy in the present day in 1902, at the beginning of the Twentieth Century. After being unable to get a room at the Waldorf, because she was unaccompanied by her husband, came up with the idea of having the first ever women's clubhouse built called, "The Colony Club." Most of this novel is about how much thought, money, time, and work went into making it sound like a truly modern marvel. It was created during the first decade of the twentieth century. It is described throughout the narrative in fascinating detail to be a truly magnificent accomplishment, not only for the the first decade of it's era, when it was built, but even by today's standards it would be impressive. The book elaborates through the likable characters, who worked to make the idea become a reality which I can still visualize due to the terrific, well written descriptions that resulted in a place for women, to gather and help make changes for those who were poor. To advocate for them for improving their lives which was enduring lives of hardship. That many society women cared to make life improvements for those who were subjected to poor standards make this historical fiction novel intriguing. Both the fancy institution, The Colony Club, and Daisy are actually based on the factual historic record. There was The Princeton Club for men to meet, but nothing of it's kind that existed for women at that time period. The young woman named Meg who is meeting with Daisy, is impressed with all of her accomplishments, such as: Social reformer, union organizer, politician and diplomat, but the focus is how much effort went into the creation of the Colony Club. Meg, while interviewing Daisy remarks how Daisy was able to accomplish so much, before the women in that era had been finally able to be able to vote. Daisy had a supportive husband, and in the beginning as she is interviewed, her husband who had been a background character was mentioned to have not lived to see Daisy receive her: Citation of Merit for Distinguished Service to Florence Jaffray Hurst Harriman. She mentions that her daughter didn't live to see Daisy receive her award, either. I didn't see her daughter woven into this uplifting, heartwarming historical fiction that I'm so grateful to have read. My enjoyment is owed to how Shelley Noble managed to bring the characters to a vivid, breathing, three dimensional life. That aspect really helped me to remain immersed into such a beautifully, spellbinding story, that captivated my interest. Since the main focus is based on the first women's clubhouse designed by an architectural icon, who was based on a factual person that worked on it whose talent created an opulent, and glorious building of the first its kind that enlightened me was rewarding to learn. I am happy if I learn something new, which is fascinating how the author's gifted way she presented this part of history helped me to enjoy this as much as I did. It was masterfully written by an author whose talent is evident by how she wrote so well, that made this unputdownable. It takes skill to make the building that has the historic significance of being the first of its kind so compelling. It had its appeal with being the first of many other facets, as well.

The journalist named Meg, is astonished that Daisy didn't choose to be content with donating to various causes from the comfort of her home as a young society matron living comfortably in New York City. Instead, Daisy chose to take an active role by protesting in the streets regarding the inequities of society. She risked her reputation, and her physical safety to inaugurate change.

The novel starts in August, 1902, in Newport, Rhode Island, which I have seen the mansions where the rich flock to in the Summer months, and it is especially breathtaking to see the grandeur of the estates even today. In the novel it begins where Daisy tells her husband since their townhouse in New York City, is being renovated, and she needs to go back down to the city for a day or two to run some errands that she didn't have time to do before arriving in Newport. She is amazed when she had Miss Gleason call the Waldorf to reserve a room for her to stay, and they refused her, even when it was mentioned to the concierge that it was for Daisy. She is flustered as she tells her husband that the concierge said that the Waldorf doesn't cater to unaccompanied ladies, no matter who they are. Her husband suggests that she stay with her friend Anne Morgan, who is J. P. Morgan's youngest daughter, but she's in Europe. Everybody else is in Newport. Her husband's friend suggests for him to take Daisy, and they both can stay at the Waldorf. Her husband said he just arrived in Newport the evening before, and has no intention of staying at the Waldorf. Daisy is at this point flustered since she tells her husband he could stay at the Union Club, or the Princeton Club, and enjoy all of the comforts of his own home. That's when Daisy says:
"Women should have a club of their own. Just like the men do. A place where we can stay
overnight, have parcels delivered, write letters, make telephone calls, enjoy dinner...that's
exactly what we need. How clever of you to suggest it.
...We're going to establish a women's club. A club for women, but run in the same manner
as the men's club.

That was the impetus for what the book is centered on, but it's quite an amazing story of how it came to be which Daisy thought they would need at least one-hundred members to host various speakers of interest, concerts, readings, talks on current events, a place where women could stay overnight, be themselves, hold luncheons among ourselves, focus on issues that matter to women.
Even with the idea, and land purchased. It took two years for the first phase to break ground, and first with the help from Daisy's husband and, J. P. Morgan secured funds to purchase the property before construction would begin. With Daisy as its President, and Anne Morgan as Treasurer, they hired the famous architect Stanford White to design such an ambitious project. The club needed his artistry, and reputation. Stanford White design principles embodied the, "American Renaissance." They would have a track for exercise, an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and got an actress, who was a factual person, named Elsie, who was the first female interior decorator who was prior to this had shown a natural talent in decorating her home. She made sure that she furnished this club with a flair of grandeur. She bought the finest furnishings, traveling to Europe buying items that she even purchased from Versailles. This job turned out to make her the first interior designer which she excelled at. Prior to Elsie decorating the Colony Club, it was left to the architect to do the interior decorating. Elsie de Wolfe spared no expense to furnish it by traveling to Europe to buy antique furniture. She made it sound so grand, and opulent transforming the place full of light and color.

March 1904, Manhattan

Nora Bromley wanted to be an architect. She attended the New York School of Applied Design for Women. Nora was one of the poorer students, just managing to pay tuition with money her father had left just for this purpose. Money that should have gone to her brother, Jimmy. Nora worked hard, and her participation in a contest won first prize which was fifty dollars. Her professor said that the contest that judged each student's entry would consist of a panel of esteemed architects. Nora had been working on entering her idea of a dream hospital for tuberculosis patients. Nora had been going to Brooklyn from the cold room she shared with two other girls, to visit what was left of her family every Sunday where her sister Louise took what money Nora earned tutoring. With her father, and brother Jimmy deceased it was up to her to save enough money for her mother and younger sister to get their own apartment. She was giving her sister Louise every cent who resented Nora. When the contest was judged Nora won first prize with her hospital, and was hired by Stanford White to work as an assistant which she was placed in the drafting room. The men were horrible to her since she was the only female. They sabotaged her work, stealing her implements. She had to put up with this cruel treatment in order to fulfill her dream of becoming an architect. Once Stanford White accepted the position to design the Colony Club, he assigned Nora to work there which she took as a demotion from reaching her goal. She was to assist Elsie by what she didn't feel was making use of her talent to design buildings as an architect. She had an office on sight which she was better at her care and careful creating watercolors of what Elsie had bought, and were accurate visually depicting Elsie's ideas of how each area would look when this massive project was completed. Nora had met a man at the architecture firm who encouraged her to look at what she thought was demeaning as an opportunity to see the process of each phase of construction. It was an opportunity to be able to gain valuable experience, which Nora did with reluctance.

This was incredibly fascinating and as a lover of historical fiction it was a novel that I enjoyed. I learned so much which is a reason that I read. I knew I would love this, and Shelley Noble included an enlightening Author's Note with a list of books that she recommends for further research which I will be sure to read, since I thought she made this an amazing reading experience. You might not think that a book of historical fiction that focuses on the building of the Colony Club would be as compelling, but this absolutely was enjoyable throughout. The amazing job she did by her character development made me keep turning the pages. There's much more to this than I have included. It took real factual people, and a building that is true. I could imagine how beautiful this real place was and would love to see it sometime. This was excellent and deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. I can't wait to read what she writes next. Highly recommended!

Publication Date; October 1, 2024! Available now!

Thank you to Net Galley, Shelley Noble and William Morrow-William Morrow Paperbacks for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheColonyClub #ShelleyNoble #WilliamMorrowWilliamMorrowPaperbacks #NetGalley

Three women pursue dreams uncommon for their time

In 1902 Daisy Harriman is a society matron in her early thirties who has become frustrated at the limitations placed upon women by a society still tethered to Victorian principals. While summering at her Newport home she has a need to return briefly to New York City but cannot spend the night at her home there which is undergoing renovations, but when she calls to secure a room for herself at the Waldorf she is refused. As she would be unaccompanied by her husband (who had no desire to go back to the city at that time, having just arrived in Newport himself), it would be against hotel policy to let her stay there as a woman alone. From that experience she decides that women like herself deserve to have a club of their own, as their husbands and other men in their circle have available, a place to spend a night if needed, to hold meetings and sponsor lectures, and even have a meal with friends. At the same time young Nora Bromley is in the final stages of her education at the School of Applied Design for Women where she is studying to be an architect, a very unusual career choice for women at this moment in time especially for someone like Nora who is from a very humble background. Her older brother Jimmy had dreamed of pursuing that career but died young of tuberculosis before he had the chance to do so. Nora’s father had saved money for years to fund Jimmy’s education, and when Jimmy died he earmarked it for Nora instead, much to the annoyance of Nora’s older sister Louise. Louise married a man who earns a good living, but she is highly resentful that Nora was allowed to pursue her dreams when she was not given any such opportunity, and after their father’s death she has also been tasked with providing a home for her mother and the youngest sister Rina. When Nora wins a design contest at the school she is also offered the opportunity to work for reknowned architect Stanford White as a drafstperson which she hopes will lead to a job as an architect. And then there is Elsie de Wolf, an actress whose career has not risen to the heights she would like but whose eye for beauty and talent for creating rooms filled with light and color may prove to be the foundation for a new career in a field that is yet to exist, that of interior design. With the conception of the Colony Club, the paths of these women will intersect and each will strive to fulfill their dreams in the face of criticism, scorn and hostility.
An historical novel at a fascinating time in history, the stories of these three women (two of whom were real people) offers a fascinating glimpse of the world each inhabits and the differences and commonalities between them. Where Daisy has a loving and indulgent husband who is supportive (both financially and emotionally) of her idea when the husbands of many of her contemporaries are either leery or completely hostile to the idea of women having their own “space” to connect and grow, Nora has no money or familial support upon which she can rely. She must earn a living, and support not only herself but (she hopes) be able to provide a home for her mother and younger sister away from the put-upon Louise…and must contend with those who look upon her with contempt and question not only her talent but her morality. Elsie falls somewhere between the two; she lives with and is supported by her life companion Bessie Marburg, a highly successful theatrical agent, but wants to achieve professional and financial success on her own terms rather than rely solely on Bessie. Bessie encourages Stanford White (who Daisy and the other founders of the Colony Club were insistent be the person to design their clubhouse) to hire Elsie to design the interior of the Colony Club, and nudges Elsie into taking the risk of leaving her career on the stage behind her and instead create a new profession, that of an interior designer. When a scandal erupts with Stanford at its center, all three women find their dreams on the brink of destruction given their association with him. I found each woman’s story fascinating, especially those of Daisy and Nora, and it was hard to put the book down. Readers who enjoy historical fiction, who are interested in this period in history, and/or enjoy reading about women who dared to pursue fulfillment in ways that challenged society’s notions will want to add The Colony Club to their must-read list, as should fans of authors like Allison Pataki, Jennifer Ryan and Erika Robuck. Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for allowing me early access to this delightful read.

This is a very well written historical fiction book about the influential women living around 1905 who decided to fight for men had had for ages. They wanted a women's club where they could go to relax, to read, to converse and to even exercise. They fought against those who insisted they should stay at home and take care of their children and husbands.

Aside from the women who really lived at the time, Noble has given us a fictitious character of Nora, an architect who works on the Colony Club. Nora is from the Lower East Side tenements. She has made it through school and is now an architect, but not one accepted by most of her male counterparts. She has so much she has to fight against, where she lives, the elements that she can't dress sufficiently for, and even the bias and anger of her own sister. Her life is anything but easy, but she is determined that she will design buildings of her choice, but when her mentor in the firm is murdered and less that honorable things are discovered about him, her life is turned upside down. She knows she has lost her job. Will she ever do what she loves again?

This was a great book about women paving the way for women's rights, attention to child labor laws and simply the right for women to have a life aside from their spouses and husbands. I enjoyed every minute of it!

Thanks to William Morrow Books and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

I’m a sucker for anything historical and this one was exceptionally pleasing as it was a historical aspect I have ever heard of before. I know of women’s clubs, and how women couldn’t travel alone —-yet they couldn’t be with someone who wasn’t their husband either. And women still deal with barriers especially those like Nora. The Noras of the world will always exist but hopefully have better outcomes as I was very surprised this turned into a historical episode of Law and Order. 100% recommended to everyone, even now history fans.

In The Colony Club, author Shelley Noble creates a world and invites the reader to happily visit. This is the gift of talented writers of historical fiction. I love when I can imagine myself in another place and time with a mix of fictional and real characters.

When a reader opens this novel, they will quickly find out what inspired Daisy Harriman to create a club for women. Spending time with her and the many Gilded Age women who surround her was so much fun with the novel offering a Who’s Who of the rich and famous of her time.

Among the expansive cast of characters, three are featured. There is, of course, Daisy Harriman, also the fascinating Elsie De Wolfe, and architectural student Nora. The plot is further made involving with the story of Stanford White.

I have actually been to the Colony Club which added to my delight in learning about its origin. However, it is not necessary to have had that experience to enjoy this novel.

Readers who read historical fiction and the works of authors like Marie Benedict, Stephanie Dray and others will want to read this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

It was at the turn of the century during the Gilded Age when Daisy Harriman became furious when she was turned away from making a reservation at the Waldorf because she was an unaccompanied woman. She had wanted to visit for a day or two and meet with some friends. That’s when she gathered some of her wealthy friends together and they came up with the idea to build a place just for women. It will be called The Colony Club and women can stay overnight or simply meet to relax, have tea, lunch, or even exercise and swim in their own pool. If men can have their own private clubs, so can women! They decided to hire the well-known architect, Stanford White, and they knew it would take 2 years for it to be completed.

Nora Bromley attends the New York School of Applied Design for Women. In her brother’s memory, she strives to be an architect. Her goal will be difficult as she is a woman and the field is not open to women during this time period. But she enters a competition to draw and design a sanatorium for TB patients. Happily, she wins the contest which nets her a bit of money but also an introduction to Stanford White. He is so impressed with her, that he offers her a job. She is not well received by the other men in the office as she is a woman. So, she has a difficult time settling in. But soon, she gets a chance to work with Elsie de Wolfe, an actress who has an amazing eye for decorating and who will be the buyer for furnishing The Colony Club. The work is hard and Nora has to do everything she can to prove herself.

Stanford White is murdered and labeled a womanizer and the press gets a picture of Nora coming out of the office and assumes she is one of his play toys. She has to run from the press who hound her.

This is an interesting book and the time frame in which it occurs shows the inequality of women. I felt bad that Nora was never given the recognition she deserved for all of her hard work as an architect. In addition, her job for Elsie was demeaning. We do see how hard Nora worked and strived to care for her mother and sister. How cruel her older sister is! The descriptions are nice and I enjoyed the story.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to review this advance copy.

Shelley Noble writes a historical novel set in the Gilded Age in America about the birth of the Colony Club, a private club like the Princeton Club where women can exchange ideas, have a meal, exercise and stay the night if they wish. Supported financially by their husbands and their donors, these women face many obstacles to their plans by men who do not share their clique's enthusiasm.

The architect for this project is Stanford White who is murdered with the "Trial of the Century" ensuing. Noble has created a fictional character, Nora Bromley, who is a young architect at White's firm and finds herself caught up in the excitement of building the first Women's Club, as well as the publicity and subsequent scandal.

This book goes on to illustrate through her character the options available for a career woman during the Gilded Age.

An interesting read.

I received a copy for review purposes; all opinions are honest and mine alone.


Taking place during the Guilded Age, THE COLONY CLUB, by Shelley Noble, is an historical fiction novel that’s a deft blend of real people and events supported by characters from the mind of this talented writer. Noble employees dual timelines but I found them difficult. Fortunately, the two time periods are not a critical factor for the telling of this story.

Much of the story focuses on building the actual COLONY CLUB - the first social club completely dedicated to women. It’s a real building still in existence today and still used as a women’s club, altho’ men can visit now. The key characters are a blend of real and fictional women who are strong, resilient and supportive of each other. It was impressive to watch their interactions over the vast divide between their social statuses. Men are split into antagonists or mild love interests/mentors. Their roles are minor, compared to the women.

My favorite group was of characters was the secretaries at the architecture office. Diverse in backgrounds and skills, these girls all rallied together and provided support in a male dominated environment. This was a tough time period for women and Noble does an admirable job presenting the challenges without being snarky.

Architecture, Interior Design, Healthcare, Women’s Rights & Roles, Integrity, Reputation, Family, Education - these are key themes in this book. Add in a murder, trial and an unstable, unreliable class that usually narrates life and you’ve got the makings of an important historical snapshot in time📚


Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC with thanks

A haunting reminder of how far we've come as women. Based upon a true story beginning in 1903 when the Waldorf Hotel refuses to rent rooms to unaccompanied women, young society matron Daisy Harriman decides to create a club exclusively for women. Modeled after traditional men's clubs, they will be able to gather to debate, socialize and stay when visiting New York City. The newly formed Colony Club hires the Stanford White, the most illustrious architect in New York, to design their clubhouse. The story revolves around the building and finishing of the club house but focuses ultimately on the story of the times when even tangential association with a scandal can ruin a woman's reputation forever.

I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Shelley Noble. Her novel is filled with hope, determination and perseverance in the face of misogynistic men and prejudices about women, wealth and poverty, as well as fear of change. The author's notes following the book led me to more reading about the key personalities who banded together to create the club and build it a home. Empowering and fascinating, I am delighted that NetGalley and the Morrow Group at HarperCollins provided me with an advance reviewer's copy of The Colony Club.

This is historical fiction focused on the development of the Colony Cub, the first women’s club of its kind opened in 1903. Within the book are three female characters who were true pioneers in a man’s world. Norma Bromley is a fictitious character representing all the female architects of her time. She is brilliant but continues to run into barriers and roadblocks created by the male dominated profession. Daisy Harmen, who played a key role in the creation of the Colony Club, was well before her time. Imagine traveling during this time by yourself and not being able to stay in a hotel if you weren’t accompanied by a male. In addition to overnight lodging, the club had dining facilities, areas to exercise and social spaces, where women were discussing major social injustices of the time period. The third character was Elsie de Wolfe and she was pivotal in the interior design of the Colony Club. Her focus moved away from the dark furnishing of the Victorian era to more light, airy spaces.

Beyond the creation of the Colony Club was also a focus on issues such as Women’s Rights, Gender Inequality and creating more progressive attitudes towards male and female roles in society.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and its focus on strong, resilient characters from this era. It provided insight into the world during the early 1900s. It is because of the strength of women like these characters that we have many of the freedoms we have today.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

#NetGalley #TheColonyClub #ShelleyNoble

The Colony Club by Shelley Noble is a wonderful historical novel about the inception of the Colony Club, the first women’s club of its kind, set against the dazzling backdrop of Gilded Age New York.
This was a fascinating, well-written historical story about the women of the Colony Club.
This book brilliantly highlighted the lives of several fictional young women against this historical time period.
The characters were engaging and their stories were compelling.
A remarkable historical fiction that is female-character driven.
I truly enjoyed it!

Thank You NetGalley and William Morrow for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

The Colony Club is a great look at strong women making their place in the world. Nora breaks into the man’s world of architect and works with the women of New York to build a women’s club in New York during the Gilded Age. I love how these women came together to make their own places, some against the wishes of their husband, so that they had a place to escape their lives and make plans to take on the world. I enjoyed that this building was not only a place for them to dine and relax but also a place for them to become activists for what is important to them and their communities.

The story did not move fast. There was a lot of talk about the scandal and also of the barriers that the women had to get through to build their club. I would have loved more descriptions of the building and a quicker pace of the story. There were a couple side stories that I would have loved to know more of and I would have really liked a little more talk of the women’s relationships. I did not feel the need to pick up the book and see what would happen next, I enjoyed the story but there was something missing for me.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. It was really wonderful!

Imagine you want to travel out of town to visit New York City. You’re a wife, mother and a wealthy socialite but you’re refused a room at the Waldorf because you’re traveling alone. What?! But Daisy Harriman our Gilded Age heroine isn’t going to stand for it! Daisy decides to start a social club for women in the heart of Manhattan. A place for women to gather socially, share a meal, attend meetings on some of the days most important topics, and spend the night when visting from out of town. She won’t do it alone however and brings in many of her wealthy and well connected friends to plan and execute her ideas. Daisy isn’t the only woman who is taking a stand and challenging the male dominated society of that age though. We also meet Nora Bromley, a young female architect fresh out of school. Nora is talented and is offered a job as a draftsman at one of New York’s most well established firms. She is the only female in the department. She must fight discrimination and bullying daily from the men that she works with, and even fight off a scandal she is drawn into thru no fault of her own which causes her to lose her apartment, and draw the ire of some of her friends and family. Nora rises to the challenges and soon she is working on the Colony Club project. Nora is assigned to work with Elsie de Wolfe, an actress in NYC whose acting career is faltering, but whose artistic flair in decorating is attracting admirers. Elsie will design the interior of the Colony Club with Nora by her side. This job was usually left to the male architects who designed the buildings so Elsie becomes a pioneer in interior design!
This is a wonderfully written and engaging historical fiction. The characters are full of life and inspiring as they challenge many of the norms of their day, paving the way for the women in their own era and for those who will follow in the future. Truly a delightful read! Be sure to read the author’s note at the end!
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced reader copy!

Historical Fiction about the Gilded Age in America as become a bit of an obsession for me lately and this book definitely fit this trope. One of the main reasons I love historical fiction so much is because we can fall in love with fictional characters and story lines that run right along real events and people throughout real history that actually happened. It is almost like being able to step back into events that interest us with storylines that are relatable. Throw in some feminism and I am there!

That was exactly what The Colony Club was for me. Learning more about the strong willed women that built the first women's club in NY set amidst the glitz and glamour of the Astor's and Vanderbilt's will always interest me. The strong female characters were so perfectly fleshed out and detailed. It was clear the author did her research and did it VERY well when writing this novel.

This book is perfect for fans of HBO's The Gilded Age.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of the eBook in exchange for an honest review.