"Mickelwait's prose feels both personal and historically rich, moving between sensual details and cultural snapshots . . . At its core, this debut is about choosing a life deliberately and with devotion. . . Mickelwait champions this with a soft lyricism that never shies from sorrow."-BookLife Reviews

"Fans of Paula McLain and Marie Benedict will enjoy this insightful novel."-Kirkus Reviews

"Kirsten Mickelwait writes down to the very bone of the Lost Generation's artists, writers, and families, revealing a past that was not archaic but a glittering guide to today. Weaving stunningly intricate details with a grand sweep, Mickelwait provides a jewel box of a book illustrating that none of us invented the fight for a singularly creative life. . . I loved this book."-Randy Susan Meyers, internationally bestselling author of The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone

"The Ashtrays Are Full and the Glasses Are Empty transports readers back to the Paris and Côte d'Azur of the 1920s, slipping us into the luxury- and adventure-filled life of Sara and Gerald Murphy. Both quickly become dear to us, but it is Sara-channeling her creativity into making life beautiful for others-who captures our hearts. When personal tragedy and history bring an end to this charmed life, we grieve along with Sara and Gerald as they struggle to find acceptance and peace. This novel will inspire, entertain, and move you in equal measure."-Anne Matlack Evans, author of The Light Through the Branches

"Every scene in this well-researched novel is thick with authenticity, and Mickelwait's exquisite attention to detail makes this Jazz Age novel come alive." -Iris Jamahl Dunkle, author of Riding Like the Wind: The Life of Sanora Babb