Advanced Reader Copy The bright lights of the theater district, the glamour and danger of 1950s New York, and the wild scene at the iconic Chelsea Hotel come together in a dazzling new novel about a twenty-year friendship that will irrevocably change two women's lives--from the New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue.

From the dramatic redbrick facade to the sweeping staircase dripping with art, the Chelsea Hotel has long been New York City's creative oasis for the many artists, writers, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and poets who have called it home--a scene playwright Hazel Riley and actress Maxine Mead are determined to use to their advantage. Yet they soon discover that the greatest obstacle to putting up a show on Broadway has nothing to do with their art, and everything to do with politics. A Red Scare is sweeping across America, and Senator Joseph McCarthy has started a witch hunt for communists, with those in the entertainment industry in the crosshairs. As the pressure builds to name names, it is more than Hazel and Maxine's Broadway dreams that may suffer as they grapple with the terrible consequences, but also their livelihood, their friendship, and even their freedom.

Spanning from the 1940s to the 1960s, The Chelsea Girls deftly pulls back the curtain on the desperate political pressures of McCarthyism, the complicated bonds of female friendship, and the siren call of the uninhibited Chelsea Hotel.

I love reading Fiona Davis books. Not only are her books set in New York City landmarks but she knows how to tell a good story with attention to detail. I will attempt to tell you a little bit about the story without giving away too much.

At the beginning of the story we meet two characters, Hazel Ripley and Maxine Meade, both are actresses in the USO entertaining the troops overseas during WWII. This is when Hazel and Maxine forge a close friendship that takes them through many difficult situations. Hazel moves into The Chelsea Hotel, a safe haven for creative types – actors, authors and poets. Hazel takes on Manhattan’s theater becoming a playwright while Maxine is the acclaimed actress. We read about the blacklisting that the McCarthy-era theater-world faced and how it affects our two characters. When a flippant comment could sent someone’s life into a disastrous spiral. Then we conclude in the 1967 world of the hippie rockers who now live at the Chelsea. This is where all of the pieces of the story come tighter. This was a satisfying read.

Finally got this in the mail to you today. I know you will enjoy this one! Happy Reading and Happy BookCrossing!

Thanks for the tag. I too enjoy Fiona Davis! Chelsea Girls will be added to MT. TBR.

On reserve for the wishlist tag game.

The previous reviews have described the book in detail, so I will just give my opinion. All in all I felt it was just “okay”. At times I found it to be repetitive, e specially the parts about the McCarthy Era.

Sending to LaveggioCoffee for the wishlist tag game.

Thanks for sending - One of my favorite authors, looking forward to reading. Added to MT TBR

Another wonderful read by Fiona Davis.......I'll be sharing with a friend

Thanks again for the tag

My friend has returned this book..........time for a new reader.