I was drawn in by the absolutely stunning cover. It's a pacey, well-plotted saga about a young woman from a humble background, with a flair for costume design, making her way in Hollywood in the 1950s. It's a fun, light read, but also brings in a variety of historical elements from that era such as the McCarthy 'Red Scare'. I liked the afterword in which the author outlined her sources/research.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

I don't think I've read anything by this author in the past, but Megan Chance’s Glamorous Notions was an engaging book that drew me in with the Old Hollywood plot. The interesting part of the plot is that it's during the "red scare" time, and that's not something I read a lot about. Lena Taylor is THE costume designer at Lux Pictures, but she has a past she's hiding, and even she doesn't know the whole extent of what her past might cause.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

#LakeUnionPublishing #NetGalley #GlamorousNotions #MeganChance

Megan Chance’s Glamorous Notions is an engaging read that blends old Hollywood flair with a suspenseful tale of secrets and identity. Set in 1955, it follows Lena Taylor, a successful costume designer at Lux Pictures, who is living under an assumed identity. Her past, when she was known as Elsie Gruner, is filled with intrigue and danger from her days in Rome, where she got entangled in a web of deception and murder. As her life in LA becomes more public, her carefully constructed facade starts to unravel, making for a compelling narrative.

The novel shines with its fast-paced plot and intriguing twists, capturing the glamour and high stakes of the era. Chance’s ability to mix fashion with suspense creates a captivating atmosphere. While some characters could use more depth and a few details felt a bit surface-level, the overall story is gripping.

If you’re ready for your next mystery read. In Glamorous Notions you will find secrets, lies, betrayal., and stolen identities.

This is an enjoyable, light story with touches of glamour and foreign travel. Interesting premise and choice of subject matter with a broad cast of characters.
Where it worked well was in the fast-paced plot and dense storyline. The plot is complex and twisty and I liked the concept and author's inspiration for the story.
What worked less well was the depth of character and the richness of detail. The descriptions were thin at times and the characters felt superficial.

The mix of fashion, secrets, and high-stakes drama kept me hooked from start to finish. An engrossing read that’s both emotionally rich and utterly compelling!