Fiona Davis is a new addition to my “favorite authors” list, thanks to my recent reading of The Chelsea Girls. Beginning in the mid-1940s, the book follows the stories of Hazel and Maxine, who meet in Europe while touring as USO actresses. After World War II ends, Hazel tries to get by in New York doing small acting gigs as she works on writing a manuscript, “Wartime Sonata.” Maxine, on the other hand, finds stardom in Los Angeles until an abusive relationship and Senator Joseph McCarthy’s Red Scare cause her to flee California for New York.

When she arrives back on the East Coast, Maxine looks up her old friend Hazel. The two reunite at the iconic Chelsea Hotel, which is frequented by many big actors and actresses of the era. Unfortunately, Senator McCarthy’s focus turns on New York around the time Hazel’s manuscript is being turned into a Broadway show, and Hazel must make hard decisions as she is put on the hot seat for questioning.

The Chelsea Girls is a well-researched glimpse of the glittering world of New York theater in the early 1950s and the frightening anti-communist scare that marred it, impacting countless lives, careers, and artistic endeavors. Reading this book has made me want to learn more about this fascinating but frightening era in both New York and Hollywood. I only wish there had been a bit more back story so that I could have connected more closely with the main characters.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

Really fascinating and intricate historical fiction, "The Chelsea Girls" is a timely piece of literature.

Told during the McCarthy era, two women are caught up in it as the blacklist of those accused of being or working with communists begins to involve those in the artistic community.

Actresses and artists Hazel and Maxine are enigmatic characters who face challenges of sexism and artistic integrity as they also face an unseen challenge from being labeled communists and being ostracized in the land of the free.

First meeting on a USO tour, the two then reconnect years later in New York, taking refuge in the Chelsea Hotel as they put on a play and get swept up in the politics of the time.

But one of them is holding a secret that could destroy everything.

Fiona Davis is perfectly capable of writing interesting characters and storylines and this book only improves upon her streak of hits.

Perfect reading that will provide an escape, some enlightenment, and a twist that provides a satisfying ending that with its complicated roots will have you thinking about the book long after the last page.

The Chelsea Girls gave me a sense of being home in The Cold War Era. When everyone was so afraid of communism and it’s ripple effects on every day life. The Chelsea hotel was home to a great generation of artists, from musicians and painters, to poets and stars of the stage and film and still remains standing today. Women’s suffrage and freedom of political and artistic views are showcased in this well researched and easily relatable characters and plot in Fiona Davis latest book. I highly recommend this book! I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

BROADWAY DIRECT FALL THEATER BOOK ROUNDUP -- INCLUDES CHELSEA GIRLS

Best-selling author Fiona Davis may have her biggest hit yet with this 1950s-set drama about the Chelsea Hotel, McCarthyism, and two women making their mark in the world of theater. A few years before the marvelous Mrs. Maisel took her first tentative step onto the stage of a comedy club, other women were paving the way. Maxine Mead is an actress. Hazel Riley is a playwright. Using the (in)famous Chelsea Hotel as their headquarters, these fast friends decide there’s no reason they shouldn’t produce the Broadway show they want to see. (And with women as lead producers of many of this year’s Tony winners, obviously they were right.) Well, the Red Scare might have something to say about that, in this tale spanning from the 1940s to the 1960s with flair and fun. What should come first? The Netflix miniseries or the stage adaptation? -- By Michael Giltz

I loved the alternating views of Hazel and Maxine. This was a different perspective with Historical Fiction and although it involved the war it had a different side from the theater's perspective. Both Maxine and Hazel were likable characters and I was immediately drawn in. Of course I was frustrated at times by Hazel's decision making but that kept me reading!! Fun to see the names of politicians in the book in a different light too! I didn't know much about the Chelsea Hotel before reading this and loved the role it played in the book!

The Chelsea Girls opens during WWII. The two main characters, Hazel and Maxine, meet on a USO tour in Italy and their friendship is born out of shared trials and circumstances. After the war they return to the states. Hazel returns to New York and her life in the theater world. Maxine goes to Hollywood to try and make it on the silver screen. The rest of the book follows the next 20 years as they endure separation, develop their own lives, and then reunite on the stage in New York.

The bulk of this story takes place during the McCarthy era which I found especially interesting as I haven't come across much historical fiction set during those years. I leaned a lot about a very tumultuous time for those caught up in the Red Era accusations and blacklisting, especially when so many of the allegations were false. The fear that gripped a few powerful people and then engulfed the country is disturbing. I appreciate novels like The Chelsea Girls to help those of us who didn't live through that time experience the events and feelings of such a chilling period of history.

I loved the portrayal of female friendship in this book. I also appreciate how The Hotel Chelsea was a character of its own. I was familiar with this landmark being from NY and enjoyed looking up old photographs of the building and reading additional stories about this incredible place.

I did find the development of this novel to be a bit slow for my personal taste but I'm glad I stayed with the book. The themes of friendship, standing up for what's right, and the depiction of a chilling time of American history are not to be missed.

I've discovered that Fiona Davis writes the kind of book that I just want to curl up in and stay for awhile. The Chelsea Girls absolutely gave me all those feelings.

Hazel Riley and Maxine Mead meet when they are both serving as actresses in a USO tour in Naples, Italy. The events that they witness and become a part of during that tour irrevocably change their lives all while forging a bond between them.

After the war ends, their paths diverge and it is many years before they encounter each other again at the Chelsea Hotel in New York City. Hazel is getting ready to mount her play on Broadway based on their experiences in Naples and Maxine manages to secure herself the lead role. The novel provides insight into the McCarthyism prevalent during the time and also draws back the curtain on how Broadway was effected by it. I loved learning more about the Chelsea Hotel itself and its history. One of the things I appreciated the most was how the author kept surprising me with plot turns. I also particularly enjoyed the way the relationship was depicted between the two women. It felt real and genuine. I alternated between sympathizing with Hazel and then relating with Maxine. The book also excellently portrayed the strength and courage these women showed during that time period.

This was a terrific five star read for me. Fiona Davis is quickly securing a spot on my must read author list. I highly recommend this engaging novel.

I received this book courtesy of Dutton Penguin Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“How tenuous the line is between friends and enemies in a world at war.” (p. 47 The Chelsea Girls)

Historical Fiction, new books by favorite authors, and 5 star reads... these are a few of my favorite things. And The Chelsea Girls checked each of them. Fiona Davis has blown me away yet again with another phenomenal book!

First and foremost, I so enjoyed being thoroughly immersed in the theater/acting world of 1950’s New York. Everything was so richly described and fascinating to me! I also loved how The Chelsea Hotel (that much of the story centered around) felt as if it had a voice in and of itself, the vibe and atmosphere was channeled so perfectly. Between coming alongside the ups and downs of a decades long and complex friendship of two strong and relatable women, loyalties being formed and broken, betrayal seemingly around every corner, and a twist I wasn’t expecting, this one had me wrapped around its finger and tearing through the pages.

As for this period during the aftermath of the war and the Red Scare... seeing the effects of it all played out in innocent lives, the fear-mongering, sideswiping people’s livelihoods and worse... it’s not always easy to come across an underrepresented time in American history in historical fiction, so I’m pleased to have gotten that here. It’s like you could tangibly feel the uncertainty of the times flowing throughout, which made for such a rich reading experience.

A wonderfully-written book through and through, I highly recommend you consider picking this one up.

Thank you NetGalley and Dutton Books for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

Fiona Davis is to historical fiction what Stephen King is to horror: a master of the craft. Davis has a way of making history come to life. It’s crazy to believe that you could immerse yourself in a period piece and feel like you were there, especially when you were born 50 years after the event and have no context to attach these images to. Fiona Davis’s books always send me down a rabbit hole of research because they leave me so intrigued by the time periods.


I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

3.5⭐

Have you ever visited somewhere that just spoke to you? That was the Chelsea Hotel for Hazel and Maxine. It inspired change and creativity that forever changed their lives. As you read along everyone (even the hotel) evolves and became a different version of themselves.

What I loved about this book:

<> I absolutely loved the characters of this book. Even though there was lack of character development (I wanted more back story and dimension), I loved the variety and Hazel is what made me enjoy this book. She was a strong female character that stood up for her beliefs and went after what she wanted. The Chelsea Hotel is also character of it's own and was an interesting setting for this story. I found myself wanting to know more about all of the artists that had stayed there.

<> I loved the friendship between Hazel and Maxine. I can't really go into a lot of detail here or I'll give away to much, but I really enjoyed this aspect of the book.

<> I love when historical fiction novels are based on true events. At the end of this book it talks about all the true events that inspired story lines in The Chelsea Girls and it was intriguing to learn of those who were affected. This book takes place in a period of history (The McCarthy Era) that isn't well represented in books, so it was the first time it was all brought to my attention and I fell hard down the Google rabbit hole.

What kept me from giving this one 5⭐?

<> The lack of character development and the way the book dragged on for a bit caused me to rate it lower. I prefer more of a fast paced novel that I find myself invested into the character's outcome, which wasn't the case with The Chelsea Girls.

No one writes historical fiction like Fiona!! Especially New York City historical fiction!! Her books always make me nostalgic for what New York City used to be like!! I hope she never runs out of stories and buildings to educate us on how much it was a part of all of our history. I jump for joy when she has a new book out!! I can't wait for the next one.

Is history repeating itself with a government that seeks to quiet a dissident voice? Although fiction, this book takes a long look at how the blacklisting during the 1950s era of McCarthyism impacted the lives of struggling artists in New York. After arriving in Italy to join a USO tour, Hazel was quickly taken under the wing of gregarious Maxine. They weathered a heartbreaking event together, then returned to the United States the best of friends. While pursuing acting, Hazel spends nights writing a play about the harsh realities of war. Maxine takes on Hollywood's bright lights. Soon they are back together when Hazel's play is brought to Broadway. Senator McCarthy raises questions about the people in theatre, and suddenly everything seems to be an illusion, or is it?

⭐️Book Review ⭐️
The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis
4/5 Stars

Let me start by saying this isn’t my usual read. I have seen Chelsea Girls all over Instagram and stirred my excitement.

The Chelsea Girls switched from two perspectives of the main characters Maxine Mead and Hazel Ripley. This story began in 1945 when woman were sent overseas as USO entertainers. Both woman performed in Naples, Italy and quickly formed a bond to last a lifetime.

Upon returning home Maxine returns to the stage and screen whereas Hazel begins her hand as a playwright. The two cross paths at the iconic Chelsea Hotel - a haven for artists, theatre and creators of all kind.

Meanwhile Hazel writes an play with Maxine starring in the midst of McCarthyism, blacklisting of entertainment is developing and the two women find themselves in the middle. Their lives will be forever shaped by what they speak and do.

How will their friendship survive amongst hunts for communists? Do they have the strength to stand up for creative freedom?


**Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for the opportunity to read this book. I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. **

Fiona Davis brings to life the story of USO performers, NYC, and the theater in a great historical fiction. I especially enjoyed the friendship of Hazel and Maxine starting as USO performers and as it continued in NYC.

As with The Address and the Dakota, The Chelsea Girls Davis brings to life the history of The Chelsea Hotel. I knew little about this hotel but found the history to be fascinating.

Davis once again did not disappoint.

While I enjoy reading a book about an historical event that many other people don't write about, this book was a little hard to get into and, at times, seemed so descriptive that I had a hard time not getting a little bored. The setting was described very well and the characters themselves were well fleshed out, but sometimes the book dragged, and I know that would be difficult for some readers to follow. Overall, if you don't mind a long read and are looking to learn more about this time period, this is a good book for you. If you have trouble staying committed to a book when it drags out, you might want to pick something a little less in depth.

The Chelsea Hotel in NY serves as the mesmerizing, exciting location for Davis's latest book. Maxine Mead and Hazel Riley meet up while performing for the USO in 1950's Naples. When their stint is up, they return to NY, securing their friendship and talent on Broadway.
What's so well done in this book is the backdrop of the horror and defamation of character of the McCarthy Era. The talent, lives and professionalism that were destroyed by a demagogue and those that jumped on the bandwagon and stoked the fires is so well conveyed. The story twist that emerges midway is so subtly and superbly done.
The overall themes of friendship and all that it entails proves that there are so many facets to relationships. Davis wove history and emotions in an unforgettable manner.

This book will suffer for its having been released so closely with City of Girls, perhaps not wrongly, as it was more one dimensional.

First line: In the dead of night, during the dreary month of March, the Chelsea Hotel is a quiet place.

Summary: Hazel Ridley is from a stage family. Her father spent years on Broadway, her mother as his manager and her brother was an aspiring actor but Hazel has never been able to find her big break. She decides to sign up for the USO tour. When she arrives in Italy she meets Maxine the leading lady of the troupe and they quickly become close friends.

Upon Hazel’s return to New York City she finds an apartment at the Chelsea Hotel in order to work on her idea for a play based on her time in the war. With Maxine as the leading lady it appears that the show is going to be a hit until her name appears on the list of suspected Communists. As the Red Scare begins to take over the country, Hazel is worried that her show and life may not be what she once believed it would be.

My Thoughts: Like Davis’ other works, this centers around a New York City landmark, the Chelsea Hotel. It plays just as much of a role as the characters. It is the home of creative types during the twentieth century including Mark Twain, Andy Warhol and Arthur Miller. The hotel has a fascinating history. As with other historical novels I love to look at pictures. It is a gorgeous old building.

I learned more about McCarthyism and the Red Scare while reading The Chelsea Girls. It seems like a scary time. The Cold War is going on. You do not know who you can trust. Neighbors are turning in neighbors. This brought it more to life than many of the history textbooks I have read throughout my school years.

I was rather disappointed in The Chelsea Girls. In her previous novels there is a dual narrative with one being in the past (usually the 1920s) and one being modern. It was not so in this case. It did switch between the two main women but it did not seem to have the same magic as her others do. I liked it but it is probably my least favorite.

FYI: Try her other books, The Dollhouse and the The Masterpiece.

The Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan has a long history of being home for numerous famous writers, playwrights, authors, and artists of varying kinds. After serving in the USO in Europe during WWII, Hazel Riley and Maxine Mead are staying there while preparations are ongoing for the opening of Hazel’s play Wartime Sonata. It’s a play about the fierce loyalty and dedication of American soldiers during WWII. Hazel has discovered she may not be a talented actress Like Maxine but Hazel definitely has a gift for writing and producing plays. Maxine has become famous as a gorgeous and talented actress but her life is beleaguered by her boyfriend Arthur, someone who floats between being a great lover and abusive destroyer. It’s Hazel who protects Maxine in her darkest moments and mistakes.

However, all of this is about to be drastically changed with Senator Joe McCarthy’s program to out all Communist card-holders or supporters. The FBI are suddenly following Hazel and many of the actors in her world. Eventually Maxine mistakenly gives Hazel’s name to an FBI agent as just an associate of the Communist party years ago, but it’s enough to do irreparable damage! Their friendship is tarnished forever. Will it be possible to save Hazel’s brilliant play and career?

Fiona Davis depicts this time with details that elicit the same fear in the reader that these artists endured as investigations, interviews, and black lists moved forward relentlessly condemning those associated with a Communist association. The resulting taint left a residual negativity that ruined careers, lives and relationships with no possibility of escape. This is not one of America’s finest hours and Fiona Davis depicts the atmosphere and facts with stunning accuracy, right up to the tragically stunning end. Hazel will endure but will never be the same again!

Well-told historical fiction by a highly skilled author that is a must read!

The Chelsea Girls gets off to a very fast-paced start as Hazel, a perennial Broadway understudy lands in Italy to join the USO Tour, and she is catapulted immediately onto the stage. The action doesn't let up as Hazel and her new friend Maxine find themselves coming to the aid of a German boy suspected of being a spy. Hazel and Maxine's days with the USO tour are rendered with the sort of alternating mystique and heartbreak that you might expect of adventures in a new place, but one that is broken by war.

However, when the war ends and the two return to the states - Maxine to a burgeoning career in Hollywood and Hazel to New York City and her mother's oppressive disappointment, the story seems to lose some of its spark. The Chelsea Hotel and its denizens are well-wrought but Hazel's entrance onto the scene and her "inspired" career in writing and directing is too easily come by to the point of feeling contrived.

The two friends reunite to stage Hazel's Broadway debut, but there are forces at work that stand to rob Hazel of her fifteen minutes of fame. The communist hunting House Un-American Activities Committee puts Hazel in a different kind of spotlight, and leading lady Maxine's behavior becomes more and more bizarre until everything comes to a head on opening night. Unfortunately, both female main characters seem to grow more wooden instead of less as the story progresses. Hazel's responses to her circumstances seem to be ill-placed, not occurring when would seem natural but being delayed and then awkwardly inserted for dramatic effect.

Despite its failings, though, The Chelsea Girls successfully tackles an era of history that is often glossed over. Davis captures the paranoia running rampant in politics during the McCarthy era, the fear that an offhand remark could ruin a life, and the witch trial-esque interrogations where the only option seemed to be to name names or be taken to be a communist yourself. Between that and a well timed twist that I definitely wasn't expecting, I'd still recommend this book.