Laurelton Hall was an artist’s colony created by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the 1920’s, and this story revolves around a fictional account of one of the dozen or so artists invited to the colony to create, share and improve their skills. Jenny Bell, a young artist with a troubled and mysterious past has talent, skill, determination and plenty of focus, hoping to save money to go to Paris to learn more. She’s also wanting to avoid the “publicity’ end of the artist’s life, preferring anonymity to fame as she works her way through each new project. A person who hears in color yet paints in black and grey, she is the cornerstone of the story. Her roommate Minx, is a wealthy socialite and a talented painter and sculptor. Her own connections have brought her notice, and it is her submission of Jenny’s work that gets them both to Laurelton.

Oliver is LCT’s grandson, and enamored with Jenny. She’s trying to focus on her work and learning, but the intrigue of Oliver, and her developing attraction also lead her to share more of her past with him than anyone before. None of her early life was as easy as Oliver’s or Minx’s, and her tormentor, and the reason she seeks to stay in the shadows is omnipresent. While Oliver represents a new opportunity, and the chance for all of us to understand her attitude toward fame, it also means that in his position (and power) with that family name, even while keeping her safe, also creates a divide in their relationship that will not allow a future of equals.

Intriguing after a considerably slow start, it takes some time for the characters, or the beauty of Rose’s descriptions and settings start to engage. It’s also important to note that the book truly seems to shift focus as it progresses – early on (and in the slow-go background information) the book feels very much like a more traditional historic fiction, soon to focus more on the romance between Jenny and Oliver, and then as that is establishing itself, the mystery and challenges come into play. I don’t know if a clearer composition of the three elements, where they didn’t feel quite so distinct would have improved or mired the flow, but it does bear mentioning that I felt it also ‘read’ differently – slower at the beginning to rushing through to the end and solution of the mystery.

An intriguing and beautifully described title, it was an interesting read and one that encourages me to discover more about Laurelton Hall and the artists who spent time there.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9XJ/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Mysterious and hidden are two words to describe the main character thru the first half of the book. I Struggled to get into it fully until about 100 pages in, but once I did I was hooked. You don't know what in her past will come back to haunt her, but you know there is something.

Tiffany Blues is a wondrous blend of historical fiction, romance, and mystery. This book transports readers to the 1920’s, to a world filled with beauty, young love, and deeply-guarded secrets. The characters in this book leap off the pages as we are brought into their world. Jenny Bell is a young, gifted artist, who is broken...looking for love and light and a future far away from her dismal, tormented past. The author’s gift for storytelling is enhanced by her ability to create vivid images of beauty and despair....the brilliance of stained glass and precious gems, the dazzling displays in nature, that are in conflict with the ugliness that permeates the world, always reminding us that there is beauty even in the broken things.

This is my first book by MJ Rose so I have nothing to compare it to but I would say the descriptions in this book are outstanding. The adjectives and descriptions of things and places are like nothing I have ever read.

I am glad that I stuck with this book and finished it. I almost stopped reading it because of the mention of Ouija boards. If this is something that might bother you, don't let it stop you from reading this book. It really isn't a major or even a minor part of the book.

I have always been an admirer of Tiffany lamps and had no idea that Tiffany & Co was of the same origin. I found this book to be very rich in descriptions.

TIFFANY BLUES by MJ Rose is a great story that gives insight into the Tiffany legacy and into life in the 20s. I love the interplay with Jenny and Minx and thought it was very easy to keep the visuals in the correct era while I read. The art history buff in me appreciated all the references to painters and artwork and capturing the light. The reader in me loved Rose’s writing style and how she’s able to transport the reader to her world with her great descriptions and character development. As a fan of magical realism, I didn’t mind the references to Ouija Boards or Edison’s Spirit Phone but a heads up to others that this book contains these items. There is also a fair amount of sex which I didn’t expect given the time period. However, I’m not complaining since the scene on the boat was my favorite in the whole book. I appreciated the ending even though I didn’t connect the dots of the mystery correctly. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to diving into my stack of MJ Rose’s other works to see if they all engage me the same way.

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

At 24% in, Tiffany's had rarely been mentioned. It took quite a while for me to recognize the book I had been reading to the description of the actual book. I wasn't drawn in and it was a rather slow start. We didn't even get to the Tiffany estate until 30% in and if you are a regular on my clog, you know how much I hate slow beginnings or unnecessary information. The first 30% of the book is slow and is drawn out probably about 15% more than it had to be.

A pro is how great Rose helps paint the setting (pun intended). She does great with detail describing so much even down to the ornate wall coloring and decorations. It really helped move the story along in my head. Even her characters are fully developed. She definitely has mastered many facets of writing.

When starting the novel, it felt more historical fiction. Midway the novel turned more into romance and then the ending (my favorite of this book) turned into straight mystery thriller. Although I had figured everything out rather quickly, there were still some surprises and overall, Rose did a great job keeping me interested during this second half of the book as everything was thoroughly described yet still mysterious.

I still think there are some flaws and unanswered questions I would have liked resolved. I also feel like coincidences should have been better explained because although everything makes sense, it seems a little unbelievable in areas that I would have liked clarified.

All in all, I'm glad that I stuck it out because I did end up enjoying it more than I thought from the beginning.

Tiffany Blues
Author M.J. Rose has created a compelling main character her latest novel, Tiffany Blues. This historical fiction blends significant figures such as Louis Comfort Tiffany and Thomas Edison with a host of fictional artists. The title Tiffany Blues is a reference to the brilliant colors Tiffany was known to use in his artistic designs. Set in New York and at Laurelton, the estate of Tiffany, the mysterious, aspiring artist Jenny Bell is the central figure in a series of tragic events. Jenny has worked to overcome her tragic past, and shares it with no one.  Yet someone knows who she is, and seems determined to reveal her secrets, or extract revenge. The summer at Laurelton culminates in even more tragedy and heartbreak.

Jenny Bell
Jenny Bell hears in color and paints in black and gray. Jenny Bell  is a young woman trying to escape her past and build a future. She's wary of revealing too much of her personal life, even to her roommate Minx Deering. Jenny's father died before she was born. Her mother and her Aunt Grace have passed on also, leaving Jenny with no family. Jenny lives in New York City and is entirely focused on honing her artistic skills and saving money to get to Paris. Her single-mindedness, artistic abilities, and mysterious air draw others to her. However, anonymity is what she seeks, which is at odds with her budding career as an artist.

Minx Deering
Jenny's wealthy roommate Minx has the makings of a dilettante. Surprisingly, Minx is actually a talented sculptor and painter. She  is also a man chasing socialite, but is a steafast friend to Jenny. Minx submits Jenny's painting for the opportunity to participate in Mr. Tiffany's summer artist retreat at Laurelton. The two friends travel to spend the summer at Laurelton, developing their artistic talents in the beautiful setting created by Tiffany. Minx has a fondness for drugs and the attention of men. These weaknesses are exploited to the detriment of both Minx and Jenny.

Oliver Tiffany
Grandson to Louis Comfort Tiffany, Oliver is the man who captures Jenny's heart. Jenny is determined to devote her entire focus to her artistic growth, yet Oliver is persistent and charming. With a rapidly progressing love affair, Jenny reveals the mystery of her past to Oliver. Jenny  is receiving subtle, yet chilling reminders of a past she left behind. Oliver ultimately saves Jenny from her tormentor. Unfortunately,  this creates a chasm in the relationship which is insurmountable.



Opinion
Jenny is a sympathetic, engaging main character in a story the flows easily. The pace and tone are consistent and enjoyable, the mystery is an interesting backstory and the supporting cast is believable. The artists' retreat of 1918, attended by Jenny and Minx, was based on the opening of the Laurelton Summer Artist Workshop in that year. The artists' retreat becomes the stage for love and calamity. The beginning of Tiffany Blues is actually a very tidy eiplogue to the outcome of the story. I only caught on to that when I read the beginning again. My only issue with the plot and characters is that it was not a stretch to figure out the identity of the mysterious antagonist.

The author, M.J. Rose, explains her own fascination with Tiffany as the inspiration for the basis of the story.  is central to the appeal of this story, and I found myself doing more research about Tiffany and the opulent mansion he built in 1905 on Long Island New York. The 84 room mansion was located on 600 acres, and was considered a work of art in itself. Laurelton did serve as an artists' retreat for some years, but fell into disrepair due to funding issues. Fire destroyed the stunning home in 1957. The smoldering ruin is the setting for the introduction to this novel.



Available August 7, 2018. All thanks to NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.

I really enjoyed this book! It's beautifully created, just like a painting done by Jenny or Oliver. I loved the setting, the history, and the descriptions of the works of art. Even the "sex scenes" are tastefully done. Highly recommended.

The 1920s was a time where women gained independence and also had more economic freedom thus norms for women were changing which is one of the reasons this time period is so fascinating. Tiffany Blues is set in this dynamic time period in New York City. The story centers on Jenny Bell who has no family left in the world and with her small inheritance from her Aunt makes her way to New York to study art. At art school, Jenny becomes friends with Minx Deering someone who would seem very unlike Jenny. Minx is a bon vivant and embodies the Jazz Age, she comes from money and has loving parents who support her. What brings them together is art and unbeknownst to either of them, they both have a past that each has to overcome. The two women have both been accepted to Louis Comfort Tiffany’s artist retreat on his estate, Laurelton Hall on Long Island for the summer. Tiffany becomes a mentor to Jenny and it seems that everything should be going her way but her past is complicated and she learns that it is almost impossible to put those things behind her because they are part of her.
The vivid and dynamic settings are well described from the street cars to the speakeasys and opium dens to the fascination of the time of trying to talk to the dead. And what would be a historical fiction be without the famous people sprinkled in the mix besides Mr. Tiffany himself. This story has all of that but the heart of story, is a one that touches on themes of relationships with all of its joys and heartaches including family, friendships, betrayal, ambition, love and the lesson that a decision one makes in a split second can have lifelong consequences. All these come together in the surprising climax of the book. All in all a very satisfying read.

The review will go online at Amazon when the book is released and reviews can be posted along with the Art Deco Society of Virginia's August newsletter including the release date.

M.J. Rose’s Tiffany Blues is a beautifully written work of art! Set in the Jazz Age, this is the story of Jenny and her quest to be successful in the art world while coming to grips with her past. The descriptions of the colors and scenery were so vivid that I felt as if I were there. Tiffany Blues is a must read for historical fiction lovers!

Tiffany Blues by M.J. Rose is an excellent mix of history and the author’s imagination to create a compelling story of life choices, art, and relationships.
The story is told from the perspective of the character Jenny Bell. Jenny Bell’s story begins in 1957 with her visiting the remains of the Tiffany estate where so many life changes occurred. She reminisces about the time she spent there one summer in the mid 1920’s. She is an artist who has been fascinated with Tiffany’s work in glass since age 14 when she first saw a window in Hamilton Ontario. Since then there have been many difficult personal changes in her life and she is now realizing her dream of studying in New York city by attending the Art Students League. Life seems to be on track for her but we soon learn that nothing is quite as it seems.
The author weaves and intriguing story blending history with fiction in a seamless fashion. I was engaged in this story from beginning to end. Many of the characters we feel we know are not the same at all by the end of the story. There are twists, turns and new avenues to go down in every chapter. Some expected and some came as total surprises. I felt like I was part of the story and could just imagine the sights and smells described. I loved this book and highly recommend it and believe it has appeal to wide variety of readers. There is history, art, romance and family relationships all dealt with in this one story. I give it 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

"...grief is the price we pay for love."

Jenny Bell is a gifted artist living in New York City in 1924 when she and her best friend, socialite Minx Deering, are invited to an 8-week course on Long Island at Louis Comfort Tiffany's art colony. Off they go to the beautiful Laurelton Hall estate where art will meet paradise. It is there that Jenny comes face to face with her demons, finds love, and refines her passion and talent as a painter of light. But happiness eludes her as the past she's hidden for so long comes back with a vengeance.

This lovely, romantic historical novel evokes all the frenzy that was the 1920s -- the music, the fashion, the art, the literature and the easy use of drugs and alcohol. Everyone was frantically trying to rid themselves of the horrors of the war and so much death. Jenny and Minx are quintessential young adults in a world where life and color rule and people are entranced by new inventions and radicalism. As they begin their course at Laurelton Hall, both are committed to winning the competition among the fellows that summer -- but their ambitions will be derailed by matters that neither predicted nor could control.

The detail and the descriptions of the scenery at Laurelton Hall and everything about their experiences are well rendered making the reader feel a part of that period in time. The clothes, jewelry, food -- the famous names dropped so casually -- it is obvious that M.J. Rose has a deep appreciation and understanding of beauty and art. I felt transported back in time and loved it all. Less compelling was Jenny's story and the drama (somewhat unbelievable) surrounding her backstory, but fortunately that wasn't why I read the book so that aspect was easy for me to overlook while savoring the rich historic period, the information about Tiffany, and the joy of imagining what it would be like to actually see that famous estate.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Atria Books) for the e-book ARC to read and review. I've read many books by this author and the most compelling part of each is always her ability to bring the creation of art (or perfume or jewelry, etc.) to life.

What a fantastic book! I really enjoyed reading about the time period of Tiffany Blues. The thing that really made the book come to life for me were the vivid descriptions of all of the beautiful colors and the lush scenery. The characters were amazing as well, I particularly loved Mr. Tiffany and his grandson Oliver. I hope to read more books by MJ Rose in the future.

We’ve all felt this way at some time I believe -- I wanted to love this book but it was just an o.k. read for me.

The main plot of this story takes place on the grounds of Mr. Tiffany’s Laurelton Hall. This was first a residence for Mr. Tiffany and then later parts of it were used as a “summer camp” of a group of hand picked artists who all are vying for the big prize. That prize is the chance to exhibit a piece at Mr. Tiffany’s famed store and to study further under his wing.

We are introduced to a few of these hand picked artists. Jenny Bell is a 24 y/o painter who had a very disturbing and troubling childhood. Without giving away part of the plot I can quote part of the blurb, “Jenny’s past has followed her to Long Island. Images of her beloved mother, stepfather, waterfalls and murder, and the dank hallways of Canada’s notorious Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women overwhelm Jenny’s thoughts. As she tries to concentrate on putting color in her works she gets to know Tiffany’s grandson, Oliver and they becomes quite close. This isn’t the only distraction. Someone, or several people, are hinting at Jenny’s past life, from Ouija boards, to sermons and songs and Jenny is becoming extremely worried that her well kept secret may may be revealed for everyone to see.

Minx Deering, a fellow art student, invites Jenny to live with her in her very opulent and sophisticated New York apartment. Minx is extremely wealthy but also deeply troubled. Jenny and Minx become good friends even though Minx has a way of trying to push Jenny and her art into the limelight. At times Jenny isn’t ready for this yet but it does help her secure a spot at Laurelton Hall and for this she is excited.

Oliver as mentioned is the grandson of Louis Comfort Tiffany and seems to fall head over heels in love with Jenny. He is being groomed to take over the workings of the factory. However Oliver is a skilled artist in his own right and Jenny is determined that he pursue his artistic side.

Richard is an odd fellow. He seems to truly care for Minx and she is enthralled with him and yet Jenny feels something isn’t right with him and the way he treats Minx once they are at Laurelton.

So this is a bit of a mystery, romance and some history. The book was a bit of a slow mover for me, There is extreme detail is describing Laurelton Hall and it’s many treasures. If this is your first read about Mr. Tiffany’s estate than you will likely enjoy it. Each room has a theme and there seemed to be no limit to the amount of money that Mr. Tiffany spent to bring his vision to life. The romance in the book is quite light but an enjoyable interlude in what would have otherwise been quite a dry novel.

A 3* rating from me means that I still considered the book worth reading but wasn’t one of my favorites. I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.

Will post to public media upon publication.

Gorgeous!! Marvelously gorgeous! This may have been the only time I've devoured a book within 36 hours.

MJ Rose's novel typically have a focus on the paranormal and while this one includes that also, it takes a very back seat to a story that entwines the best of romance, history and mystery. Against the back drop of the 1920's Jazz Age, it tells the story of Jenny Bell a young woman orphaned by twenty, trying to make her way in NYC and developing her artistic talent. Her good nature towards others brings her into contact with the wealthy Minx Deering, a debutante also with talent in painting and sculpture. The evolution of their talent, friendship and the story line brings them to Laurelton Hall, the Long Island summer mansion of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Mr Tiffany runs a summer camp for artists and this is where the bulk of this multi-faceted plot plays out. The true history of Tiffany's art and a bit of his life is skillfully interwoven into the action of the story and is fascinating. The romance beats with love and passion without being raunchy and the resolution of the mystery was unexpected. Ms. Rose paints this novel as well as any artist creates a painting and I highly recommend it.

The 1920s was a time of immense change all over the world. The arts were changing. Music was fresh and invigorating. Women were fighting for, and taking, more liberties. Young adults seemed more daring. Jenny Bell, a struggling artist, seemingly alone in the world, made a friendship that would change her life.
This is a story of dreams and deceit. A novel with romance but also mystery and life drama.
Mixing some factual elements in with well composed fiction, this is a story about struggle and overcoming personal demons.

The characters are well written, enough so that I worried about them. I enjoyed the way these artists looked at the world. I felt bad when life seemed beyond their control. The author made me feel as if I was in the midst of their group as we journeyed through the story.

Tiffany Blues is a novel of such exquisite beauty it's only flaw is it has an ending. Perfect in every way-from the writing that shines off the pages with the brilliance of a Tiffany lamp, to lush and vivid descriptions of Mr. Tiffany's Long Island estate, to characters that are a marvelous mix of real and invented. Tiffany Blues is part historical-Louis Comfort Tiffany was a real person (his father Charles Lewis Tiffany founded the company with John Young in 1873) who held an "artist retreat" every summer at Laurelton Hall, his sprawling compound overlooking Long Island Sound; and fiction-while Mr. Tiffany and other characters were real persons (Thomas Edison makes an appearance), many of his students are products of Ms. Rose's imagination. And what an imagination she has-Tiffany Blues is her rendering of what might have caused the actual fire at Laurelton Hall in 1957 which destroyed the house and grounds (over 60 years later the cause of the fire remains unknown). The story is narrated by Jenny Bell, a struggling artist hiding a traumatic past that inhibits her ability to paint in anything other than black and white. The plot has intrigue, heartbreak, loss, betrayal and passion. But what Tiffany Blues does best is explore the immense enthusiasm Louis had for artistic creations of any kind and his ability to find beauty in even the darkest circumstances. Besides helping artists fine tune their skills Mr.Tiffany wanted them to leave Laurelton Hall with the same intensity and reverence he brought to every one of his pieces. The secrets of Jenny and her fellow students unfold over one month in 1924, a time of exuberance and zest for life after the grim years of war. Jenny's life is forever changed through Louis's guidance and her love affair with his grandson Oliver. It is a sweeping story of redemption and the ability to triumph over life's greatest challenges. The literary world has been flooded with glowing reviews of Tiffany Blues for months-and with good reason. It is a marvelous story-as spectacular as the sunsets that light up the Long Island sky.

Reading this book was like diving into a palette full of colors . This story of Jenny and Oliver Tiffany and the Tiffany Art Foundation at Laurelton Hall was a romantic love story with art. The descriptions of the Hall and the pieces of art in the story were pure poetry, artwork painted with words. I wish there were photos of the Hall in color to illustrate the beautiful descriptions. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, the settings, everything about this book. I give it 5 stars.
I haven't read anything else by this author, but I think maybe I should.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

What had happened in Jenny’s past that kept haunting her and kept her shrinking into the background instead of taking all that New York could offer her?

Was it bad enough to have to sidestep questions about it and fear that others were looking into her past?

Jenny moved to New York after her mother died and enrolled in art school, but she couldn’t accept the talent she had as her friend Minx pushed her forward and as Jenny protested.

We follow Jenny as we are made aware of the past that affected her life since the tragedy in Canada as well as the effect it had on her current life in New York and her decision about using her talent as an artist in a court room. The court room needed an artist, but a courtroom was the last place Jenny wanted to be.

Jenny finally did accept the court room position, and we get a glimpse into what happened in a courtroom long ago for her.

We also see how she continues to improve her skills as she is accepted into the art school at Laurelton Hall owned by Louis Comfort Tiffany - a school that changed her life.

TIFFANY BLUES is set during the Jazz Age. I loved learning about the lifestyle during that time and seeing famous names being woven into the story line.

I especially enjoyed learning about Laurelton Hall in Long Island. The description of the landscape, the mansion, and the grounds was breathtaking.

TIFFANY BLUES is a beautifully written, lyrical history lesson with an engaging, memorable story line and wonderful, authentic characters.

Jenny was a well written, mysterious, but very appealing character. I felt bad for her and her life’s circumstances as well as what was happening to her at Laurelton Hall.

TIFFANY BLUES is a book whose pages you will want to turn back to and re-read the wise words and advice.

Ms. Rose has done impeccable research into all aspects of this era and in marvelously portraying her characters’ emotions.

Artists, mystery lovers, and historical fiction fans will adore this book. 5/5

This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.