Ziegfeld Girls

by Sarah Barthel

Overview

New York City, 1914. Suzanne and Jada. Entwined as sisters. Talented and resourceful. Black and white. Wealthy employer and devoted maid. Together, they realize Suzanne’s dream to see her name in lights on Broadway as she becomes the dazzling Ziegfeld Follies’ rising new star. But Jada’s superb voice and dance skills give her an unexpected shot at her own success—and her own life. And when a jealous Suzanne reveals a shattering secret, their friendship becomes a bitter rivalry.
 
Floundering without Jada, Suzanne consoles herself with dashing suitors and champagne nights. Jada transforms into Harlem’s hottest nightclub sensation, complete with financial security and a promising new beau. But when Suzanne is plagued with increasingly dangerous “accidents,” and both women receive threatening notes, they discover just how cold and hard staying on top can be.
 
Now in the face of relentless racism and vicious obsession, Suzanne and Jada make an uneasy alliance to find out the truth. And with the Follies’ lavish world in peril and their careers on the line, their pursuit of love, success, and equality could cost more than they ever dreamed.
 
Set against a glittering background of vintage glamour, famous figures of the time and high-stakes, Ziegfeld Girls is an unforgettable novel of two extraordinary women seizing their own fates in a pivotal era.
 
Praise for Sarah Barthel’s House of Silence

“Barthel debuts with an original take on historical events and personages. Suspense blends with history. . . .  Haunting and thought-provoking.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
 
“An engaging, fast-paced blend of historical fiction and suspense.”
–Shelf Awareness

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781496706102
Publisher:	Kensington
Publication date:	12/26/2017
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Being raised on classic films and old time musicals, it isn’t surprising that Sarah Barthel found her passion in writing historical fiction. She often says she was born out of time, but appreciates modern toothpaste and chocolate! Her hometown, just outside Chicago, is full of old-fashioned charm and serves as inspiration for much of her work. She lives with her two beautiful daughters and loving husband. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter or www.Sarahebarthel.com.

Editorial Reviews

10/30/2017
Barthel’s soapy, underwhelming historical charts the travails of two young women in 1914: Suzanne Haskins, who is white, and her black servant and friend, Jada, after Suzanne finally gets her big break with the Ziegfeld Follies in New York City. Suzanne left Richmond, Va., two years prior and brought Jada along to help her; while Suzanne mingles at lavish parties every night, Jada does her shopping and mending and puts her own dreams on the back burner. Jada is a talented singer and dancer, but is reluctant to step out of Suzanne’s shadow. But when Bert Williams, the black star of Ziegfeld’s new show, takes notice of Jada’s talents, all bets are off, and Jada and Suzanne’s friendship may not survive the fallout. The behind-the-scenes look at the Follies is interesting, but Suzanne is wooden and Jada isn’t given enough room on the page. A tepid mystery involving threatening notes the girls receive takes a backseat to the backstabbing and melodrama. Those seeking a more thoughtful representation of race and class in the early 20th century should look elsewhere. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

Praise for Sarah Barthel:
 
“Just the name of the Ziegfeld Follies conjures images of beautiful girls, fabulous costumes and glamorous parties; that’s the world Barthel sweeps readers into in her story of two women—one black, one white—who come searching for fame and fortune in New York City. Readers will immediately become invested in Barthel’s well-drawn characters from Suzanne to Jada to Flo Ziegfeld and the fabulous performers. The quick pace is like the tapping of dancing feet and with plenty of suspense, rivalries, and secrets, fans of historical fiction will be fascinated with Ziegfeld Girls.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

“An engaging, fast-paced blend of historical fiction and suspense.” —Shelf Awareness on House of Silence

From the Publisher