I loved this narrator! The plot was good and the characters were likable but the ending was a little disappointing for me. The narrator’s voice is excellent for this book. She did an exceptional job!

Lois Saunders married for three years has decided to divorce her husband. Her reasons are feeling trapped and deciding marriage is not for her . Her father sends her to a divorcees’ ranch in Nevada.

There is a diverse group of women there who spend six weeks relaxing and preparing to be divorced. Lois feels like an outsider with the close-knit group of young women who enjoy drinking and flirting with men in town.

Once Greer joins the group a few days later Lois had found a friend. Greer seems to have a large influence on everyone there and Lois finds herself trying to impress her new friend doing extravagant dares . But is Greer really a good friend?

This book would be interesting under any circumstances given that it illuminates a moment in American history that has largely been forgotten. In fact, the setting is just one of its many strengths. Beaird builds a compelling slow-burn yarn with two richly drawn characters at its center, and it’s a pleasure to see how their lives become intertwined. The prose is beautiful and propulsive, and the imagery has stuck with me long after I finished reading.

I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook. The narrator, Bailey Carr, was phenomenal, and was fitting for the main character. I listened at 1.75x speed which is my normal listening speed.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this advanced audio copy.

Highly recommended!

Narrated by the award-winning Bailey Carr, Beaird's book about marriage, the logistics of divorce, and about friendship in the 1950s tells of the narrowness of women's lives in that time period. Twenty-something Lois Saunders has decided marriage and motherhood aren't for her, much to the dismay of her husband and father. Her father has made it very clear he is supremely disappointed with her though he is paying for her divorce.

In that time period, a 'quickie' divorce in Reno was possible if one lived in Nevada for six weeks and promised to stay there. And so, "divorce ranches" sprang up. Lois checks into one where she meets several other women who are ending their marriages for various reasons. But she feels as left out as she did in school, when the 'old money' girls ignored Lois and her family's new wealth. Especially lonely since the death of her mother, Lois didn't know what she wanted, only what she did not want.

When a rather glamorous young women joins the group, she and Lois quickly become friendly. Lois is thrilled to have found a confidante in Greer Lang and, then devastated when the friendship goes awry.

Lois goes through with her divorce and, refusing to follow her father's dictates, does not return to Chicago but instead moves to California and begins to support herself. Imparting a real period flavor, Beaird has thoughtfully researched the morals and mores of the time.

Recommended for anyone who is interested in the history of women's rights in the US or in coming of age books.

Note: I listened to an ARC from NetGalley.

The Divorcees by Rowan Beaird
Narrator: Bailey Carr
Rating: 3 stars
Pub date: 3/19

Lois Sanders wants a divorce, but in the 1950s, that’s not easy. Her father pays for her to travel to a divorce ranch in Reno, where she can wait out the allotted time to ask for one. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Lois finds solace and sisterhood among fellow divorce seekers at the Golden Yarrow. As she navigates the freedom of Nevada's six-week residency requirement, she encounters Greer Lang, whose unconventional spirit ignites a fire within Lois.

This debut novel captures the essence of female empowerment and the societal constraints of the era. I knew nothing about divorce ranches before starting this, and I thought it was an interesting topic to learn about. Through Lois's experiences at the ranch, we see the courage it takes to defy convention and embrace one's true self. The camaraderie among the divorcees is inspiring and shines a light on the importance of female friendships.

The premise and historical backdrop are intriguing, but the pacing is very slow. I listened to this on audio, and Bailey Carr's narration was excellent and kept me engaged with the story. If you like a slower pace and are interested in historical events that impacted women in the 1950s then this is the book for you. Thank you so much to Netgalley and Flatiron for my advanced reader copy. This book comes out on 3/19!

The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird

Thank you Macmillan Audio, Flatiron Books, and NetGalley for the free book & audiobook.

Blurb:
A “delicious” (Rebecca Makkai) and “deeply compelling” (Lauren Groff) debut novel set at a 1950’s Reno “divorce ranch”, about the complex friendship between two women who dare to imagine a different future.

✨ My thoughts:
Here is a story I was able to read and listen to as time permitted. I found this story to be a slow burn but it had me turning pages like it was going to flee my grasp. I have never heard of divorce ranches before, and this story definitely piqued my interest! Bailey Carr narrated this story and I thought she did great! Making it an easy transition when I needed to switch to the audiobook. Rowan Beaird’s writing style transported me right into this book and I can’t wait to read more books by this author in the future. If you enjoy slow burn historical fiction, I really think you’ll enjoy The Divorcées! It’s definitely a story I’ve not read anything like before. The Divorcées is out 3/19/24!!

Happy reading

I was interested in the premise of this - a divorce ranch in Reno in the 1950s.

I felt for Lois. She's lonely, her marriage was not what she expected, and she's trying to get away from not only her husband, but also a controlling father. She finds herself at the Golden Yarrow for six weeks in order to be able to get a divorce. I fell the narrator really captured the essence of Lois.

Most of the other women there are wealthy and close, and Lois doesn't really fit in. Until a new woman, Greer, arrives and they seem to connect.

But nothing is as meets the eye and secrets and lies are aplenty.

Many thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This audiobook started off with such potential but fell flat in the middle and I had trouble sticking with it as the pace dropped off.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In this transporting psychological novel set in the 1950s, we find ourselves at a divorce ranch in Reno, Nevada.

Lois Saunders, a lonely woman in her early twenties, embarks on a journey from Lake Forest, Illinois, seeking liberation from her husband and father. The ranch, known as the Golden Yarrow, requires a six-week residency for divorce proceedings. Lois, with her lesser lineage apparent in the bumps on her forehead and the thick hair on her forearms, lies about her background to impress the other women at the ranch.

The girls at the Golden Yarrow have fresh, clear skin that signifies wealth. They form a tight-knit group, but Lois remains on the periphery due to her father’s instructions not to let her leave the ranch. However, everything changes when Greer Lang, a glamorous new guest with a bruised face, emerges from seclusion and chooses Lois as her new best friend. Greer’s approval grants Lois access to the group, and soon she’s tossing back cocktails at the casino, feeling like a different person.

Yet, shadows lurk beneath the surface. The novel weaves colorful imagery into a hypnotic pacing and dramatic ambience and a black-and-white film come to life.

Rowan Beaird’s debut captures the essence of friendship, betrayal, and secrets against the backdrop of divorce ranches and seedy nightlife. Fans of Hitchcock films will appreciate the moody period feel that permeates every page.

“The Divorcées” is a sultry fever dream of a novel that should be read poolside on a blisteringly hot day, preferably with a drink in hand. Its lush prose and captivating plot will unsettle you and keep you turning the pages.

Reno, Nevada, was a destination for women seeking to quickly dissolve their marriages in the 1950s. At the "divorce ranch" known as the Golden Yarrow, Lois Sanders finds herself immersed in an unfamiliar world filled with casinos, gin, men, glamour, and danger.
Bailey Carr's precise and thoughtful narration injects a palpable sense of tension into the story. Listeners can vividly experience the oppressive desert heat by day and the chaotic allure of the casinos by night. The narrative initially progresses like a train laboriously climbing a mountain peak, only to cascade downwards in the latter half, reminiscent of a roller coaster's thrilling descent. Despite a somewhat slow start, the story is engaging and ultimately rewarding.

I love historical fiction and was interested in the divorces ranches - which I had heard of, but never knew anything about. However, the story was a big disappointment.
First of all, it's boring. Second of all, it's completely predictable. Third, the plot and characters veer into the ridiculous and unbelievable. Finally, the narrator is horrible. At the beginning of the book, it was as if she was whispering. I thought maybe that was a deliberate choice by the director - meant to mirror the main character's meek disposition and simpering personality. I hoped that perhaps as the character grew stronger, so would the narrator's voice. However, neither happened. The voice just got more and more annoying and unpleasant to listen to.

Sorry, this one just didn't work for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinions.

In the 1950s, you could get a divorce in Nevada after being a resident for six weeks. This caused "divorce ranches" to sprout up, where women could live for the six week residency period. Lois has been trapped in a dull marriage. She could handle the dull, probably, but she doesn't want kids. And her husband does. So she decides she wants a divorce. When she arrives at the Golden Yarrow, she meets all sorts of women. And she finds she doesn't really connect with them- they are all eager to get married again. Lois just wants to live alone. Then Greer arrives- in the middle of the night and bruised. Lois is instantly drawn to her. She can't explain it. Greer helps her come out of her shell and become accepted by the other women. And then Lois and Greer come up with a plan.

I wanted this to be more than it was. I thought the setting was interesting. However, there are so many interchangeable women, it was hard to keep track of who was who. Nothing at all really happens until the end, and that was foreshadowed in the prologue. Lois doesn't really have much character growth. So no growth, no plot, basically just an interesting setting.

I didn't hate this. It just was pretty boring.



The audiobook is narrated by Bailey Carr. While her performance is fine, you can tell she went in and had to redo a few sentences here and there. It was an obvious dub-in.

🕶️ The Divorées - Rowan Beaird

3 ⭐️ - This one was just okay for me. I definitely wanted to like it more. I had hoped for domestic drama, money, found friendship, and growth. I got some of that, but not enough.

The blurb/synopsis sounded like it had so much potential (it does) and would be so engaging but I found myself not caring much. I had no idea what divorce homes were and that idea intrigued me. Unfortunately the story was just boring. I wanted the reviews i’ve seen to be wrong, but they were right. This one had a lot of potential and it just wasn’t reached. I did enjoy the storyline of female bonding and friendship in a world where women should fight for each other instead of against.

This one comes out 3/19. Thank you Netgalley, Flatiron Books, and Macmillan audio for the early reader and listener copies!

Rowan Beaird's dazzling debut, The Divorcées, takes readers back to the 1950s and a Nevada divorce ranch, exploring complex female friendships between two women and what it would be like to be single with a different future during this era.

Six Weeks to a New Life!

Lois Saunders has been in a loveless marriage. It is 1951. She is unhappy and wants a divorce. Her dad will pay for the stay.

The only way is Reno, Nevada. The Gold Yarrow is a divorce ranch that caters to the wealthy. Lois would need to move in for six weeks to establish residency (a requirement).

Lois has never really fit in anywhere but keeps her head down despite plenty to do at the ranch with vivid descriptions. Until she meets the new girl, Greer Lang. She is bold, dangerous, and glamorous. Lois is in awe of her. Everything changes once she arrives.

Greer, being the leader, sets out to bars and casinos and indulges in theft and misbehaviors to gain money for the dream of a new life. This part reminded me a little of Blake Crouch's Good Behavior (Letty Dobesh Chronicles) and TV series.

Lois is enamored with Greer and wants to be like her. She feels alive and desperate to live a different life independently. She can learn so much from her.

Atmospheric, mysterious, and intriguing, both women hold secrets. Can they trust one another?

The Divorcées is a character-driven, compelling work of literary fiction set in the glamorous world of the 1950s, exploring desire, friendship, dreams, and independence.

From mystery, intrigue, and challenges of women during this era who want something different and dare to be different than an average housewife and mother. I grew up in the 50s and always enjoyed revisiting this time period and women's roles.

AUDIOBOOK: I listened to the audiobook narrated by the talented Bailey Carr for an intriguing performance, making the characters come alive. Looking forward to more from this talented new author.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a gifted ALC for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Mar 19, 2024
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This was really interesting.

The absolute anger that women were as dependent on men at the time, and that there was never an option of "I don't want to be married to this guy anymore" wasn't a valid option for divorce. Being in Lois's head throughout while navigating friendships and social interactions was an interesting experience. It was messy, and although intriguing, I wanted some gay panic. Just a sprinkle. Greer had my hackles up from the get go, Lois was very relateable, and the side characters all complimented the scenery well. I appreicated that Lois stuck to her guns about not wanting to have children, it was a refreshing take, and is greatly needed. Also loved her Lois's badass tendencies when she got the gumption.

Overall, it was an interesting read, and the audiobook was a very lovely way to read the book. Seriously well done!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an audio copy.

Oh to live vicariously through the lives of affluent white women completing their mandatory 6-week reprieve on a lux ranch before being allowed to divorce their shitty husbands. All set in a very 1950s “if Palo Alto was southern vibe”, these ladies are truly just concerned about the trials and tribulations they face within their wealth bubble.

Played at a faster pace, the story kept me relatively intrigued throughout. For me, the plot eluded to mystery/thriller at some points and those parts were interesting, keeping me guessing as to what the twist could be. In reality, the climax/twist was quite anticlimactic and the lead-up a bit repetitive when the rest of the novel is considered.

I love the cover of this book, it fits perfectly with the character's experiences at the ranch. As a debut novel, this is still a very good first effort by the author. 3.5 ⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, Rowan Beaird, and Bailey Carr for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

A 3.5 star book. The opening has me intrigued but then the story felt slowly paced. There were a lot of characters to keep track up but they all had different personalities. The idea of getting divorced was an issue of the pieces time period but the twists to the story and characters development… I didn’t love. The audiobook had some poorly placed in corrections that I hope get smoothed out better.

This was so good. I loved the story, the writing, the setting and the narrator. It felt truly unique but also intimate and transported me in the same way the best historical fiction does. I highly recommend this one if you are looking for something unique and possibly a world you never thought about before. If you like historical fiction, definitely add to your TBR!!

The Divorcées comes out next week on March 19, 2024, and you can purchase HERE!

The train smells like sweat, warm and sour. Once they entered Nevada, passengers could no longer keep the windows open, the desert wind whipping in red sand that coated their eyes and throats. "The summer's first dust storm," the conductor said. Now no one can stay clean. The air is fetid as a marsh and makes everything swell: the wooden banisters, the liver-colored seats, the pale face of the ticket taker.

Everything ripens and splits, while outside the passengers' windows the desert is hard as glass.

I give this 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
The situation in this book is one I have never heard about before: a "farm" in Reno, Nevada where women went to be able to divorce their husbands during the 1950s because the laws were looser there than they were in other states. That engaged me along with the beautiful prose which was very visual with such descriptive language that even in an audiobook, where the language can sometimes get lost, it did not.
Had their been a little more action earlier in the text, it would have been the perfect book for me, with the exquisite prose and historical aspect. The problem is that there was not much action until well into the second half of the book when it became apparent that one of the women wasn't like the others. It began to seem like a bunch of women were sniping at one another until some time in the second half of the book. Because of the language, I was still interested enough to read, especially since the narrator was very good, otherwise, it was possible that I might have stopped reading. I wish that the author had gotten the plot moving sooner--the situation of this place where women stayed to meet the residency requirement for divorce in Nevada was not a plot, but rather, the setting which, while fascinating, was not quite enough.
I read a review where it was said the characters were flat and while not all of the characters were fully fleshed out, I think the main characters were not at all flat, with their personalities drawn out through dialogue, which was engaging and realistic and their actions.
I understand that this is her debut and I would definitely read her next book to see where she goes in her writing.
Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for giving me the opportunity to read this novel.

I loved the idea of this book so much and overall liked the story. Some of the middle fell a little flat to me and I was sad about the twist at the end

Seeking a divorce, Lois moves to the Golden Yarrow ranch in Reno to establish residency. She seems to just exist, feeling detached from the other residents and unsure what her future will be when she returns home. Greer arrives, enchanting the residents and befriending Lois. As their friendship intensifies, Greer challenges Lois to an escalating series of dares our their nights in town.

Certainly, Greer is manipulative, testing Lois for [ending spoiler], but also giving Lois confidence.

Thank you, Macmillan and Netgalley, for advance access to this audiobook.