What would Coco Chanel do? This seems to be the overarching question in Randy Susan Meyer and M.J. Rose’s Fashion Orphans.

Having grown apart over the past decade, estranged sisters Lulu and Gabrielle are shocked to learn their deceased mother has left them an entire collection of vintage Chanel. Even more startling, are the mysterious Coco Chanel quotes, found in many of the pieces, that seem to speak to each of them directly. As the sisters struggle to figure out what to do with all of their mother’s belongings, they are forced to confront both their past relationship with their mother and with each other.

The first half of this book was incredibly slow with a lot of eye rolling on my part. After struggling to get through the first half of the book, I was glad the second half read a bit faster. All in all, this book felt very lackluster. While the characters weren’t completely one-dimensional, I did not feel as though I really connected with either of them. The plot inched along at a snail’s pace and there was nothing in this book that really peaked my interest or kept me engaged.

This was not my cup of tea; however, I’m sure there are others who would enjoy all of the wonderful fashion references held within these pages as well as the moving story of two sisters finding their way back to one another.

Thank you NetGalley and Blue Box Press for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Losing a parent at any age is an unwelcome and sad event and estranged sisters Lulu and Gabrielle are flummoxed to learn that their mysterious mother willed them not money, but clothes.

With an apartment full of Chanel, they have no idea why their mother would think this was appropriate and structure her will this way.

I really enjoyed this but my perspective regarding fashion designers seems to differ after reading reviews from people who don’t care about clothing beyond the functional aspect.

I admit to a clothing fetish and it helped me with liking the book even more. I’ve always loved fashion whether it was shopping, sewing, or pursuing magazines for design ideas. I’m enthralled for hours in fabric stores examining bolts of material and I’m perplexed as to why so many have closed due to lack of interest.

I had to laugh during one portion of the story describing Bette’s closet of clothes. Meticulously organized with each piece in its proper place, I could identify with this O.C.D. tendency myself. However, Bette’s resources afforded her the opportunity to be eccentric - a fun fantasy to read about.

In addition to the enigma of Bette, the two sisters discover more about themselves and what is keeping them from moving forward in life.

As a lighter read, I would equate this to a cousin of a Cozy, because it’s related by a feeling that most issues will be resolved in a satisfactory manner by the finale. Perfect for a relaxing holiday read!

I appreciate Jayme and DeAnn for suggesting this and discussing it with me.

Thank you to NetGalley, authors Randy Susan Myers and M.J. Rose, and publisher Blue Box Press for my review copy in advance of February 1, 2022 publication.

I found this book to be a sweet, heartwarming story of family and loss. I really liked the story of the two sisters finding the meaning behind their mothers legacy while working on their relationship with one another.
I found this story very enjoyable to read and I found myself smiling throughout.

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.

I think this is a very solid 3-star read for me. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. I loved the fashion elements of it, as well as the fact that our two protagonists were two middle-aged women, who were still allowed to make mistakes, grow, and learn: they didn't have it all figured out by 25, nor were they vilified for failing to do so. They felt real and complex, and, despite some petty arguments, they were pretty likable and easy to root for.

Did I think the whole thing was a bit over the top? Yeah, I did. I also don't fully get the Chanel obsession and as someone deeply interested in fashion I would love to see book characters who are fashionable, yes, but not deeply obsessed with just Chanel. Admittedly, the brand fit quite nicely with the overall premise of the book and the personalities of its characters, but as part of a larger literary trend, it ends up being a bit repetitive.

** An ARC was provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. **

This was an enjoyable book about two daughters grappling with the legacy their mother has left behind. A rift developed between sisters Gabrielle and Lulu, and then their mother passes away. They are left a very strange bequest - a wardrobe full of Chanel clothes, bags and jewellery. The rest of the book deals with Gabrielle and Lulu finding the best way to honour this collection and their mother. I found this quite enjoyable, and it was very well-written. Unfortunately, I did not connect with either of the main characters, and kept getting them confused. I also am a bit unsure about a book basically commemorating Coco Chanel, given Chanel's slightly tumultuous history. Overall, it was a nice entertaining read.

I received a free eBook from Netgalley in exchange for a review.

3.5 Chanel stars

This lighter tale features two sisters who are working out the details of their mother’s legacy. They thought they would just be receiving money from her estate, but instead they are gifted her “collection” – one they knew nothing about!

Turns out their mother had spent years acquiring couture clothing and accessories and now the two sisters have to agree to the plan for what to do with the items.

Gabrielle, the oldest sister, is reeling from a divorce and an interrupted career as a costume designer. Lulu is a widow, still working in the bakery run by her in-laws and hiding a mountain of debt.

As they work through their plans for their mother’s collection, they meet friends of their mother and learn more about her and her fashion obsession, especially with Chanel. They also enjoy finding messages hidden in the clothing that seem to be found at just the right moment. Are these messages sent from their dead mother?

Things seem to be on shaky ground for their ambitious plan and I wasn’t sure how it would all turn out. Fashion aficionados will definitely like this one and it was a good departure book for me.

Thank you #Netgalley for this wonderful book. Not my usual genre but sometimes its good to step out of your usual. The story is about family, sisters, mothers and spouses. It starts off with two sisters, Gabrielle and Lulu who were not really on talking terms. But the death of their mother, Bette, brings them together for a funeral and will reading.

Thinking they would settle the estate and share the profits, they soon find out that is not the case. Apparently Bette had something else in store for the sisters. Amazing how not only the sisters, but their children and even friends of Bette get involved in what proceeded to be a unusual request from her. This book had love, and pain and sadness all wrapped up in one story. A definite TBR book when it is released on February 1, 2022. #fivestars #Netgalley

Two somewhat estranged sisters reconnect after their Chanel-obsessed mother passes away. As they work through her fashion collection to determine what to do with it, the sisters heal wounds and find a new appreciation for their mother and what her purpose was for the Chanel clothes.

The book was a bit slow moving for me in the first ~30% and it wasn't until additional characters were brought in that the story picked up pace and a plot developed. The ending came together pretty well for me and felt like it had a good resolution.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Two estranged sisters go through their controlling mothers hidden Chanel clothes when she passes away. Learning about family, how to love again and friendship.

Gabrielle and Lulu were so different and yet so similar. These sisters were raised by a mom who didn’t know how to show her love and affection, who shopped and loved Coco instead of taking care of her girls, and the girls didn’t know how to handle it.

That being said, in all honesty, these two grew up into different yet similar women. I don’t want to give too much away, but I saw similar emotional issues, and their actions were alike in a way, which I know there are many who will argue with me! But they both had attachment issues and didn’t know how to handle them.

Now, that inheritance was amazing, and I’m going to say the women were part of it, even if it wasn’t always apparent.

Fashion Orphans is a touching story about two sisters whose mother has died and how they come to terms with sides of their mother they never knew and reconnect as sisters. Their mother was an ardent admirer of Coco Chanel I enjoyed the focus on vintage fashion and the glimpses into Chanel’s philosophy of life. There are so many stories within this story - a group of wealthy old style mavens, an elderly woman with an i’ll- meaning, greedy family, divorce, widowhood, family business, new small business. It’s almost all over the place but comes together fairly well for a quick and engaging read. I think for readers into fashion this would be a wonderful book, full of descriptions of rare and innovative pieces.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Blue Box Press and #NetGalley for my honest opinion. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Wonderful to watch the story develop.

3.5 ⭐️

I probably wasn’t the right reader for this collaboration from Randy Susan Meyers and M.J. Rose.

After all, I am a woman who actually hates clothes shopping and would rather hang out in sweats or comfy pajamas (although shopping for cute P.J.’s can be fun! 😂)

Much of the first half of the book had my eyes glazing over 🥺 as two estranged sisters, Gabrielle and Lulu, inherit their Mom’s extensive closet full of Chanel clothes, shoes, handbags, costume jewelry, make-up and fragrance, after their mother’s passing. Bette had been a “special occasion” kind of mother-better at big moments than everyday mothering, and neither daughter seemed to be grieving the loss. They were instead, disappointed that most of Bette’s money had been spent on these items.

As they start to clear out the closet, and take inventory of its contents, they come across quotes from Coco Chanel, written in Bette’s hand on gorgeous notecards, and it seems like each message is being opened by the daughter who needs the words most. Is Bette speaking to them from the grave?

As the sisters mend their relationship, they meet and fall in love with Bette’s friends and gain a community in the process.

Although the second half of the book was much more engaging for me, it was all a bit TOO “Happily Ever After”. Still, if you enjoy Hallmark or Lifetime movies, or love FASHION or COCO CHANEL, this book might be a better fit for you.

AVAILABLE February 1, 2022!

Thank You to Blue Box Press for my gifted copy. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

3 stars
Not at all what I expected. I do feel there is a audience for this book. It is not for me. Thanks for the ARC of this book.

It’s taken me a bit of time to digest this family drama novel before I was able to write a review which would adequately put into words how much I loved it - and not spoil it for readers.

The Fashion Orphans is a beautiful tale of estranged sisters who come together after their mother passes away. Gabrielle and Lulu each faced their own hardships - but can they overcome their differences and work together to decipher what the hidden messages their mother leaves them (in a closet of vintage Chanel nonetheless)? Along the path of discovery, they meet and are “adopted” by their mother’s best friends - all who help them discover the real essence of living a full life. They face challenges and learn to work together towards a future - which includes being in each other’s lives.

I cannot write enough good things about this book. The family drama, laughs, loves, tears - it’s all in here. Randy Susan Meyers and MJ Rose wrote a beauty in The Fashion Orphans.

Thank you to NetGalley, and BlueBoxPress for the opportunity to review an Advanced Copy. All opinions are my own.

I really loved this book!! It had so many twists and turns. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next!! This was my first book by this Author, and it won’t be the last!! Quick read!! Highly recommended!! You won’t be disappointed!!

3.5 stars
“ She made her death a journey of discovery for you two.”

Estranged sisters Gabrielle and Lulu are gathered for the reading of their moms will. Each one hoping for a monetary inheritance, instead they are left a huge Chanel wardrobe. Trying to understand their moms obsession with Coco Chanel, and trying to move forward bring them both closer than ever!
This was a fun read, I actually felt like I was standing in the closet with the sisters when they discovered the collection!
This is my first read by these authors. It won’t be my last !

Half-sisters Lulu and Gabrielle aren't really on speaking terms, which is surprising since they used to be so close. Their mother, a Chanel devotee, preferred clothes, husbands and looking the part of a wealthy socialite instead of taking care of her daughters. When she dies, she leaves an unexpected legacy for her girls.

Disappointed and confused by their mother's will, they need to work together, at first, to find how how they can benefit financially from their mother's estate. However, they unexpectedly find something far more valuable than money.

A light read for those who enjoy fashion, friendship and the joys of sisterhood.

The Fashion Orphans is a story of a mothers love. One that was not forthcoming but that, in the end, sisters Gabrielle and LuLu realized ended up being a deep love for them. I enjoyed the discovery of the Chanel clothes and the meaning behind the pieces. The cast of characters are ones that we all wish for. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.