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bargainsleuth's review
4.0
For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com.
I was given an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
There’s a lot to like about The Fashion Orphans. There’s the Odd Couple pairing of two sisters who are so different and how they try to find their way to common ground. There’s the questions about their mother’s life, a mother who was good at the big events but not-so-good at everyday mother stuff. There’s even a little romance thrown in, but not too much, which I thought was good. Too much romance doesn’t appeal to me.
One thing I didn’t like was a detailed description of sooooo many Chanel pieces. It’s clear the authors have done their work in researching the collections, but I didn’t find it necessary to be so thorough. The ladies’ mom had lots of high-end Chanel and some other designers–we get it. No need to beat the reader over the head with it. Maybe it’s because I’m a lot like Lulu, who prefers Gap to Bergdorf’s for her shopping. There was a time when I was in high school when labels mattered to me, but I soon outgrew that when I was in college and paying my way through school and buying my own clothes. It was a totally foreign thing to me to pay thousands of dollars for one item in one’s apparel/handbag/shoe/jewelry collection. I’m more of an Old Navy/Gap/thrift store kind of gal.
I also found both Lulu and Gabrielle very naive and not the wisest with their money choices, which had me scratching my head. Lulu’s barely hanging on, two years after her husband’s death, with $40,000 in credit card debt alone, plus parent student loans and an overdue mortgage. It seems the last two years she’s just survived, barely, and doesn’t want to confront anything uncomfortable, like bills. This reminds me so much like my mother after my father died. If it weren’t for my oldest brother to help her get a handle on things, she probably would have ended up like Lulu. Both Lulu and her late husband didn’t make the wisest money decisions and now she’s paying for it. She’s ready to sell the house because she can’t afford it. She’s really looking forward to an inheritance, only to find a collection of clothes, jewelry, shoes and handbags from her mother.
I really felt for Gabrielle, whose husband left her for another woman, had a much better lawyer than her in the divorce leaving her with hardly anything, and is ostracized in the industry she previously worked in due to her ex’s machinations. But just like Lulu, she hasn’t handled herself any better since the dissolution of her marriage. She’s got a job that barely pays the bills, and she frequently picks up rich men for one-night stands because she doesn’t want to risk her heart to another relationship. She’s got a small retirement fund and owns her condo, but otherwise, she’s just scraping by, too. She, however, has a totally different outlook on her mother’s collection than Lulu.
The more I read the book, the more pissed off I got at Bette, the mother, who made the women’s inheritance like a game instead of telling them straight out about the collection and what to do with it. She was definitely lacking in the mother department, unless of course it involved superficial things like shopping or throwing big birthday parties. Instead of just investing money or buying real estate, she bought couture. To each their own, I guess, but the sensible midwestern girl in me couldn’t wrap my head around it. It seemed so wasteful.
I thought Gabrielle and Lulu’s solution to be satisfying, to open a high-end thrift shop to promote the reuse of these high-end fashions. The clothing industry is a big producer of waste, so the eco-friendly message put forth was a good one. Both women make friends with Bette’s friends, who offer up other designer’s high-end designs for the shop. The addition of two helpful men that the women previously had known adds to the mix.
Overall, a very satisfying, quick read. I’ve enjoyed M.J. Rose’s other collaborations, and that’s what led me to this book. I look forward to more.
I was given an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
There’s a lot to like about The Fashion Orphans. There’s the Odd Couple pairing of two sisters who are so different and how they try to find their way to common ground. There’s the questions about their mother’s life, a mother who was good at the big events but not-so-good at everyday mother stuff. There’s even a little romance thrown in, but not too much, which I thought was good. Too much romance doesn’t appeal to me.
One thing I didn’t like was a detailed description of sooooo many Chanel pieces. It’s clear the authors have done their work in researching the collections, but I didn’t find it necessary to be so thorough. The ladies’ mom had lots of high-end Chanel and some other designers–we get it. No need to beat the reader over the head with it. Maybe it’s because I’m a lot like Lulu, who prefers Gap to Bergdorf’s for her shopping. There was a time when I was in high school when labels mattered to me, but I soon outgrew that when I was in college and paying my way through school and buying my own clothes. It was a totally foreign thing to me to pay thousands of dollars for one item in one’s apparel/handbag/shoe/jewelry collection. I’m more of an Old Navy/Gap/thrift store kind of gal.
I also found both Lulu and Gabrielle very naive and not the wisest with their money choices, which had me scratching my head. Lulu’s barely hanging on, two years after her husband’s death, with $40,000 in credit card debt alone, plus parent student loans and an overdue mortgage. It seems the last two years she’s just survived, barely, and doesn’t want to confront anything uncomfortable, like bills. This reminds me so much like my mother after my father died. If it weren’t for my oldest brother to help her get a handle on things, she probably would have ended up like Lulu. Both Lulu and her late husband didn’t make the wisest money decisions and now she’s paying for it. She’s ready to sell the house because she can’t afford it. She’s really looking forward to an inheritance, only to find a collection of clothes, jewelry, shoes and handbags from her mother.
I really felt for Gabrielle, whose husband left her for another woman, had a much better lawyer than her in the divorce leaving her with hardly anything, and is ostracized in the industry she previously worked in due to her ex’s machinations. But just like Lulu, she hasn’t handled herself any better since the dissolution of her marriage. She’s got a job that barely pays the bills, and she frequently picks up rich men for one-night stands because she doesn’t want to risk her heart to another relationship. She’s got a small retirement fund and owns her condo, but otherwise, she’s just scraping by, too. She, however, has a totally different outlook on her mother’s collection than Lulu.
The more I read the book, the more pissed off I got at Bette, the mother, who made the women’s inheritance like a game instead of telling them straight out about the collection and what to do with it. She was definitely lacking in the mother department, unless of course it involved superficial things like shopping or throwing big birthday parties. Instead of just investing money or buying real estate, she bought couture. To each their own, I guess, but the sensible midwestern girl in me couldn’t wrap my head around it. It seemed so wasteful.
I thought Gabrielle and Lulu’s solution to be satisfying, to open a high-end thrift shop to promote the reuse of these high-end fashions. The clothing industry is a big producer of waste, so the eco-friendly message put forth was a good one. Both women make friends with Bette’s friends, who offer up other designer’s high-end designs for the shop. The addition of two helpful men that the women previously had known adds to the mix.
Overall, a very satisfying, quick read. I’ve enjoyed M.J. Rose’s other collaborations, and that’s what led me to this book. I look forward to more.
ameserole's review against another edition
3.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In The Fashion Orphans, you will meet Gabrielle and Lulu. Two sisters who grew apart are reuniting once again. This is due to their mother's untimely death. While one might think they would have been left some money, they were actually given a vintage collection of Chanel with a twist.
Now I'll admit that the sisters took a while for me to like. I think it's mostly because of how slow things were going in the first half of this book. Once things started to pick up, and the pages were flying, they started to become a bit more likable. I did, however, like how they were sort of forced to face their past in order to heal and make the present, and future, better for themselves.
I will also admit that I was confused over some references used throughout the book but that's due to me being super naive towards fashion. I'm definitely a yoga pants and sweats kind of girl since I've been working from home for basically two years.
Other than that, I really liked the second half of this book. I'll have to check out another book written by Randy or M.J. in the near future for sure.
In The Fashion Orphans, you will meet Gabrielle and Lulu. Two sisters who grew apart are reuniting once again. This is due to their mother's untimely death. While one might think they would have been left some money, they were actually given a vintage collection of Chanel with a twist.
Now I'll admit that the sisters took a while for me to like. I think it's mostly because of how slow things were going in the first half of this book. Once things started to pick up, and the pages were flying, they started to become a bit more likable. I did, however, like how they were sort of forced to face their past in order to heal and make the present, and future, better for themselves.
I will also admit that I was confused over some references used throughout the book but that's due to me being super naive towards fashion. I'm definitely a yoga pants and sweats kind of girl since I've been working from home for basically two years.
Other than that, I really liked the second half of this book. I'll have to check out another book written by Randy or M.J. in the near future for sure.
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
I have read books from both of these authors and really enjoyed them. After reading this book, I do hope that both ladies collaborate together again. This book is a feel good story about family and sisterly bond.
Gabrielle and Lulu could not be more different but at the same time they did have a lot in common. Both sisters suffered loss with Gabrielle's ex and Lulu's husband passing away. Yet, with the help of their late mother's notes from the wisdom of Chanel; these two sisters were able to help one another heal and come together.
The notes were the best part about this story. It really did seem as if their mother was communicating with them from beyond. Everyone in this story was so engaging, even Gray Lady. The Fashion Orphans by Randy Susan Meyers and M.J. Rose is a feel good, charming read.
Gabrielle and Lulu could not be more different but at the same time they did have a lot in common. Both sisters suffered loss with Gabrielle's ex and Lulu's husband passing away. Yet, with the help of their late mother's notes from the wisdom of Chanel; these two sisters were able to help one another heal and come together.
The notes were the best part about this story. It really did seem as if their mother was communicating with them from beyond. Everyone in this story was so engaging, even Gray Lady. The Fashion Orphans by Randy Susan Meyers and M.J. Rose is a feel good, charming read.
disreads's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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.
susanthebookbag's review against another edition
5.0
I'm a big fan of Randy Susan Meyers' stories and have been wanting to try one of M.J. Rose's books. This one ended up being a win-win for me!
I really loved this story. I felt everything right along with the two sisters—their estrangement, their pain and loneliness from losing their spouses, their frustration and confusion regarding the stipulations of their mother's will, and the love of those around them. I felt it all and loved being a part of it.
I highly recommend The Fashion Orphans. It is a wonderful, feel-good story with a lot of character growth, forgiveness, and love.
I really loved this story. I felt everything right along with the two sisters—their estrangement, their pain and loneliness from losing their spouses, their frustration and confusion regarding the stipulations of their mother's will, and the love of those around them. I felt it all and loved being a part of it.
I highly recommend The Fashion Orphans. It is a wonderful, feel-good story with a lot of character growth, forgiveness, and love.
marbooks88's review
4.0
Half-sisters Gabrielle and Lulu have been estranged for years but the terms of their mother's will is forcing them to spend time together. Will they find a way back to having the relationship they once had? And what does their mother want them to do with the Chanel legacy she left them? A story of family and sisters and figuring out a path to happiness.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for my honest review.
purrfectpages's review against another edition
4.0
Gabrielle and Lulu are sisters, but that’s where the similarity ends. Where the elder sister, Gabrielle, has always been a slave to beauty and fashion, Lulu has always been a no frills sort of woman, nonplussed by the latest trends. But when Gabrielle goes through a divorce and Lulu becomes a young widow, the two suddenly have more in common than ever before.
Another thing they have in common? Their strained relationship with their fashionista mother, Bette Bradford. So when Bette dies, the sisters are reluctantly reunited to settle their mother’s affairs. Even from the grave, Bette remains passive aggressively elusive, giving her daughters the mysterious task of tending to her “collection”. Neither woman knows what their mother collected, so when they walk in, quite literally, to a closet full of expensive and one of a kind items, they can’t believe their eyes. Forced to work together, the sisters quickly realize there’s more to the collection than pearls and purses. Neither may have been the perfect fit as daughters, but being there for one another is always in vogue.
Fashion Orphans was a refreshing novel with a unique premise. Not only did the women come to understand their mother better, they came understand each other better as well. The quirky undercurrent kept the story flowing as well as a designer’s new spring collection. It also left me wishing, once again, I had a sister to share clothes and companionship with.
Another thing they have in common? Their strained relationship with their fashionista mother, Bette Bradford. So when Bette dies, the sisters are reluctantly reunited to settle their mother’s affairs. Even from the grave, Bette remains passive aggressively elusive, giving her daughters the mysterious task of tending to her “collection”. Neither woman knows what their mother collected, so when they walk in, quite literally, to a closet full of expensive and one of a kind items, they can’t believe their eyes. Forced to work together, the sisters quickly realize there’s more to the collection than pearls and purses. Neither may have been the perfect fit as daughters, but being there for one another is always in vogue.
Fashion Orphans was a refreshing novel with a unique premise. Not only did the women come to understand their mother better, they came understand each other better as well. The quirky undercurrent kept the story flowing as well as a designer’s new spring collection. It also left me wishing, once again, I had a sister to share clothes and companionship with.
hugbandit7's review against another edition
5.0
What would you do if your mom left you a collection of vintage clothing by Coco Chanel? You might be tempted to sell it off or find another way to cash in, which is what at least one of the sisters wants to do, but there are restrictions and an attorney has the final say on what they do with that collection. This book is more than just about clothing by Chanel, it is about sisters finding their way back to one another and learning how to open up and let others into their life.
Gabrielle and Lulu were once close, but time and circumstances have caused a rift between the two. Plus these sisters couldn't be any more different and you wonder how that could have possibly happened. Lulu is more of a free spirit and really doesn't care much about fashion. Gabrielle has, and wants more, of the finer things in life. Both have endured some tragedies in their lives, Lulu's husband passed away and Gabrielle went through a trying divorce. However, both are a little short-sighted and mired in their own grief to look outside of their little world.
This story might resonate with many readers especially when it comes to the loss of a parent. Or perhaps it will be the sibling relationship and what caused a rift so that you aren't as close anymore. Then there is the merry band of women, friends of Bette (the mother), and the challenges they face as they grow older and want to leave a legacy behind. This doesn't even include Thea, the bookshop owner that employs Gabrielle, and has her own set of issues with a son that has become greedy over what he might inherit from his mother...but that is a whole other story that you will discover within the pages.
I enjoyed the story even thought Lulu and Gabrielle could get on my nerves with their lack of communication and expressing their needs. Family is family, and while they might be afraid, if they don't speak up worse things could happen in their lives. I loved Lulu's kids and their spouses. They were not afraid to jump in and help at various times. Gus even has a love for baking and has all sorts of ideas for the family bakery.
The ending just proves that communication and love will go far in your life, you just have to be able to express it to others.
We give this book 5 paws up.
Gabrielle and Lulu were once close, but time and circumstances have caused a rift between the two. Plus these sisters couldn't be any more different and you wonder how that could have possibly happened. Lulu is more of a free spirit and really doesn't care much about fashion. Gabrielle has, and wants more, of the finer things in life. Both have endured some tragedies in their lives, Lulu's husband passed away and Gabrielle went through a trying divorce. However, both are a little short-sighted and mired in their own grief to look outside of their little world.
This story might resonate with many readers especially when it comes to the loss of a parent. Or perhaps it will be the sibling relationship and what caused a rift so that you aren't as close anymore. Then there is the merry band of women, friends of Bette (the mother), and the challenges they face as they grow older and want to leave a legacy behind. This doesn't even include Thea, the bookshop owner that employs Gabrielle, and has her own set of issues with a son that has become greedy over what he might inherit from his mother...but that is a whole other story that you will discover within the pages.
I enjoyed the story even thought Lulu and Gabrielle could get on my nerves with their lack of communication and expressing their needs. Family is family, and while they might be afraid, if they don't speak up worse things could happen in their lives. I loved Lulu's kids and their spouses. They were not afraid to jump in and help at various times. Gus even has a love for baking and has all sorts of ideas for the family bakery.
The ending just proves that communication and love will go far in your life, you just have to be able to express it to others.
We give this book 5 paws up.
tabberz77's review against another edition
4.0
A definite 3.5 stars but I rounded up.
This was a story about sisters, loss and building a legacy. Two half-sisters, Gabrielle and Lulu, have been estranged for many years. They are forced together after their mother's death and reading of her will. Both have suffered not only the loss of their mother but other losses in their lives that have driven them apart.
Gabrielle has gone through a messy divorce where her name was smeared and she lost the career that she cherished. Lulu is now a widow with two grown sons. She runs a bakery with her in-laws in upstate New York.
Based on their mother's extravagant lifestyle and beautiful apartment, they both thought they would be getting a sum of money from her estate. However, they are surprised when they are left with dealing with their mother's legacy - her overflowing collection of couture, mostly vintage and mostly Chanel.
What ensues is an adventure for them both. They learn a lot about their mother that they never knew. They meet her eccentric group of friends and where they end up, is no where near where they thought they would. There is healing, laughter and love all rolled into one.
This book is great if you love fashion. You learn so much about vintage fashion and a bunch about Coco Chanel. I love the way it is weaved into the story of these sisters and their mother. You'll also enjoy this book if you love these types of family drama to healing books.
It was a departure from my usual books and I did enjoy it.
This was a story about sisters, loss and building a legacy. Two half-sisters, Gabrielle and Lulu, have been estranged for many years. They are forced together after their mother's death and reading of her will. Both have suffered not only the loss of their mother but other losses in their lives that have driven them apart.
Gabrielle has gone through a messy divorce where her name was smeared and she lost the career that she cherished. Lulu is now a widow with two grown sons. She runs a bakery with her in-laws in upstate New York.
Based on their mother's extravagant lifestyle and beautiful apartment, they both thought they would be getting a sum of money from her estate. However, they are surprised when they are left with dealing with their mother's legacy - her overflowing collection of couture, mostly vintage and mostly Chanel.
What ensues is an adventure for them both. They learn a lot about their mother that they never knew. They meet her eccentric group of friends and where they end up, is no where near where they thought they would. There is healing, laughter and love all rolled into one.
This book is great if you love fashion. You learn so much about vintage fashion and a bunch about Coco Chanel. I love the way it is weaved into the story of these sisters and their mother. You'll also enjoy this book if you love these types of family drama to healing books.
It was a departure from my usual books and I did enjoy it.
donnareadathon2021's review against another edition
4.0
The story
Two estranged half sisters, Gabriella and Lulu, have just lost their mother Bette. Both have had their fair share of sad times recently and both are having financial difficulties. They are expecting that their inheritance from their mother will relieve their financial situation, but this isn’t the case. They are inheriting a small amount of money and their mother’s collection of vintage Chanel clothing. The will stipulates that they can’t just sell the items, their plans must be approved by their mother’s lawyer. The sisters need to reconcile and decide on the way forward together.
My thoughts
I really enjoyed the aspects of this story that dealt with the sister’s relationship, their relationship with their family and their mother’s friends and the setting in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Some aspects of the story feel like they are repeated and focused on way more than was necessary for me. It’s a lovely read - highly recommend!
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
Two estranged half sisters, Gabriella and Lulu, have just lost their mother Bette. Both have had their fair share of sad times recently and both are having financial difficulties. They are expecting that their inheritance from their mother will relieve their financial situation, but this isn’t the case. They are inheriting a small amount of money and their mother’s collection of vintage Chanel clothing. The will stipulates that they can’t just sell the items, their plans must be approved by their mother’s lawyer. The sisters need to reconcile and decide on the way forward together.
My thoughts
I really enjoyed the aspects of this story that dealt with the sister’s relationship, their relationship with their family and their mother’s friends and the setting in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Some aspects of the story feel like they are repeated and focused on way more than was necessary for me. It’s a lovely read - highly recommend!
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.