I was very excited to receive this book. The synopsis grabbed me: In the 1950,s, Audrey Wade, a young innocent girl from Sheffield England, dreams of escaping her tyrannical father and leave to Hollywood to pursue her dreams. Once there, she gets a job as a secretary at a Movie agents office and meets the man of her dreams- Rex Trent- Hollywood top star. During their whirlwind romance, she questions things that are happening (or really- aren't happening). Because of the times- paranoid 1950's with "McCarthyism" running rampant, the two get married. There are secrets on both sides, and Audrey is also attracted to another man, Jack.

This story borrows from the marriage of Rock Hudson and Phyllis Gates. However, this story is not based on the actual persons- the personalities are changed to create a newish story.

The chapters are quick, and I liked learning about what impacted Audrey. I also liked the growth in this character (although it came late)- becoming a strong woman who stands up for herself and discovers what true happiness is for her. I found it interesting some of the comments about womens role and abilities. Some of these sentiments seem to still be held to by some.

However, I felt that Audrey was very juvenile through most of the book, and I wanted to shake her. She kept reiterating that her dream was to go to Hollywood and marry a star, to show her father that she made it. This seemed to contradict the whole purpose for running away from her fathers house: she didn't want to just get married- she wanted more- her career in photography. And although there were moments of insight in the story, I did not feel like there was a lot of depth in any of the characters. Towards the end there was growth, and I was happy to see that, but overall it was lacking in most of the story.

Rex was very 2 dimensional and selfish.

I finished the book- it was a quick read, but I was hoping for something a little deeper.

These are only my thoughts- many, many others loved it. Please be sure to check out their reviews!

I did like all the author notes at the end.!

Thank you NetGalley and BoldWood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This was an intense, engaging, and well written historical story set in 1950s Hollywood. The characters were interesting, and complex.
I enjoyed this, dramatic, lovely and captivating story. I highly recommend reading!

Great book set in Hollywood in the late 1940's featuring a plucky English girl. Her life has it's ups and downs but she isn't giving up on her dreams.

In 1950s Sheffield, Audrey’s small life is controlled by her strict clergyman father. Her escape – as well as the photography she loves – is her forbidden outings to the cinema with Freddie, where they make their plans for a new and different life together in Hollywood. But when she finds the courage to follow her dream, she does so alone – the full story of Freddie’s betrayal slowly emerges throughout the story – securing a green card and working as a secretary for a rather seedy Hollywood agent.

Her life changes dramatically when the biggest star on their books, Rex Trent, begins to show an interest in her – he buys her an expensive camera, takes her to places she’s only read about, introduces her to his glamorous lifestyle, but his interest waxes and wanes. So she’s surprised when their on-off relationship leads to a marriage proposal – it secures her the right to stay in the US, but their life together proves to be a long way from her Hollywood dreams.

The world building in this well-told and tremendously engaging story is simply stunning. This was the age of McCarthyism, the rabid search for any signs of communist sympathies – but any hint of immorality in private lives could equally end careers. And we’re introduced to the whole idea of the lavender marriage, enabling actors to conceal their true sexual preferences and lifestyle choices – the author’s fascinating postscript tells us more about the very real examples that provided her inspiration – but also to the darker underbelly of the film industry, manipulating people’s lives with little concern for the consequences.

Audrey herself draws the eye at all times – naive and innocent at first, she grows in strength to the point that she’s able to make a stand, to attempt to escape from a situation far worse and considerably more complex than she could ever have expected. And I very much enjoyed the way the story was told, the most perfect storytelling – sometimes dipping back to Freddie’s original betrayal, with similar issues to her current experience now thrown into sharp relief. The influence of gossip columns and emerging no-holds-barred journalism was particularly fascinating – increasing the need to keep potentially damaging secrets deeply hidden. And I also liked the interspersed snippets of an interview with Rex in later life – honest reflections on the misdeeds of his past, and an acknowledgement of the impact his actions had on others.

This was an entirely immersive story I thoroughly enjoyed, the whole era perfectly recreated with insights into a glamorous and unfamiliar world, the most wonderful story-telling with the perfect emotional touch throughout – and with a heroine I entirely took to my heart as she sought to overcome the malign influences on her life. Very much recommended – a book I really loved.

It took me a while to get into this book but once I did, I became really invested in it and had to keeping reading to see how it all panned out. I did feel for Audrey, no wonder she loved the cinema. It allowed her to escape from her home life and her abusive father. How brave was she to travel to America on her own to fulfill her dream! I also liked Jack, he was such a good character, always looking out for Audrey. Unfortunately, Audrey was in a real fix and had no way out. Audrey is clever and resourceful and I wondered what she would do about it. I did like the way that Audrey grew in confidence, inspite of people putting her down. It also described the political atmosphere in the early 50s, with the hunt for Communists and homophobic attitude. This had a very satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It's a compelling slow-burn read that immerses the reader in Audrey's dreams as she navigates her abusive and stifling life in post-war Sheffield to the 1950s glamour of Hollywood. The story focuses on the McCarthy era in 1950s America. Audrey achieves her dreams of living in Hollywood, but it is at a heartbreaking personal cost, and there is betrayal and deceit beneath the glamour. The storytelling is excellent, and it has an authentic ethos. Audrey is a likeable, naive character who grows with life's misfortunes. As a welcome contrast to the lies and scandal, there is a lovely romance, but not what you imagine or what Audrey initially dreams of. It is a poignant story with contemporary echoes.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This beautifully written historical novel follows Audrey, a young woman from Yorkshire who dreams of a life in Hollywood. Audrey's father is cold-hearted, uncaring and unsupportive. When Audrey meets Rex, who is handsome and charming, she hopes that she will have a chance to live the life she's dreamed of since childhood. Sadly, her life with Rex isn't all that she imagined.

I found that while I was reading, this book went very much to my heart. I think that's because some part of me could identify with Audrey. As a little girl, I admired Judy Garland, watched all of her films, and imagined what it was like to be a Hollywood film star. To follow Audrey's journey brought me joy, and broke my heart, both at the same time.

I enjoyed Audrey's character development as the story progressed, and found myself smiling towards the end.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Hollywood 1950s - Audrey, a young British woman who moves to Hollywood, learns how to stand up for herself against greedy men with glitzy secrets (which, aren't really secrets based on the title of the book). Love isn't always what it seems.

Overall I liked this book. It was a quick and engaging read. Though the middle dragged a bit, and Audrey did a LOT of thinking. But other than that, it was a solid story! I wanted more Jack and Audrey at the end!

Thanks Netgalley for an ARC!

TW: for alcoholism & dv

Title: The Lavender Bride
Author: Alexandra Weston
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Audrey had the cinema to brighten her bleak days during and after the war while living in Sheffield, England. Given the chance to pursue her dreams of Hollywood with her best friend, Freddie (who her minister father did not approve of) was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Now she has worked herself into a position as the secretary at a highly respected agent in Los Angeles which puts her in direct contact with stars like the dashingly handsome Rex Trent. When he asks her out to dinner, she can’t believe her dreams are coming true. But are they? Hollywood’s characters have their secrets and motives. When Rex needs her help and Audrey finds herself in a bind of her own, they enter into a lavender marriage - a marriage of convenience that will benefit both of them.

Positives: I have a romanticized view of old Hollywood, so the time period of the book grabbed my attention. The character of Jack was refreshing - the level of understanding and patience.

Struggles: It’s crazy to think of how the impact of McCarthyism impacted people’s lifestyles and conversation. History is meant to learn a lesson, not repeat what happened.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on March 27, 2025.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #TheLavenderBride #AlexandraWeston #theboldbookclub #BoldwoodBooks

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

The premise is one of my favorites, 1950s, McCarthy era Hollowed, a Lavender marriage, an English girl in America, a young women escaping her domineering father and learning how to become independent, and complex relationships. I liked it but wasn’t blown away.

While I think the story line of this book was really interesting and the complexity of the scenarios that played out had huge potential, I have an issue with the writing style. I found it really irritating and over simplistic - use of words like 'swoony' just jarred a bit. I didn't get the link to the title until it was explained by other reviewers. Overall I think there are much better books in this genre.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review

Reading The Lavender Bride felt like stepping into a world of glamour, ambition, and heartbreak. The story follows Audrey Wade, a young woman yearning to escape the dreariness of post-war Yorkshire and her domineering father. Her dreams of freedom and success lead her to Hollywood, where she hopes to build a new life alongside her best friend, Freddie. But when Freddie abandons her, Audrey is left to navigate the dazzling yet treacherous world of 1950s Hollywood on her own.

Audrey's journey takes a dramatic turn when she crosses paths with Rex Trent, a charismatic and enigmatic leading man adored by millions. Their whirlwind romance is as intoxicating as it is complicated, with Rex harbouring secrets that could shatter both their lives. As Audrey becomes entangled in the glitz and shadows of Hollywood, she faces a choice: cling to a man who may never truly love her or risk everything to forge her own path.

What I loved most about this book was Audrey's resilience and determination. Her character felt so real, and I found myself rooting for her as she navigated the highs and lows of her journey. Alexandra Weston’s writing brought the golden age of Hollywood to life, with its shimmering allure and underlying darkness.

The Lavender Bride is a beautifully written and emotionally rich story that stayed with me long after I finished it. It’s a must-read for fans of historical fiction and tales of self-discovery.

I want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for review.

I have to admit that I went into this book completely blind. I didn’t even read the blurb before diving in, which helped me enjoy the book a bit more because I was unaware of the two central players in this book and got to learn as their association developed. The shining accomplishment for me in this work is that Weston captures the feel of Hollywood during the McCarthy Era. The intrigue is that everyone knows everyone's secrets and that if you are a big enough star people will work to keep those secrets to themselves. It made me interested in exploring some nonfiction work on how McCarthy and the investigative panels impacted Hollywood. I love when a book makes you want to read even more broadly.

However, I did find the writing in this book a little redundant. I wish that Weston had used some of the sections in the book showing Audrey's naivety or delving a little deeper into her home situation in the flashbacks. Halfway into the book I was tired of Audrey berating herself for her naivety, which in some ways felt established and in others felt like key pieces of her history were missing. Also, in the ending when she sits down to lunch with a 19-year-old woman the fact that Audrey was surprised by the outcome of this encounter just made me feel as if there was no growth in Audrey at all in terms of her understanding of people. Given everything that Audrey knew and that we the reader learned throughout the book, it should have been clear to her that her advice would be viewed with skepticism. This is odd given that her experience seems to have given her a deeper understanding of her mother. It appears however that this depth of comprehension did not extend to other's actions.

I am also a little uneasy with how homosexuality is portrayed throughout the book. I understand that due to societal standards, people were not necessarily out in the 1950s and persecuting people part of the LGBTQIA+ community was one of the key aims of the McCarthy agenda an overarching narrative of the book, but both Gay characters are in many ways portrayed as the villains of Audrey's story. I do think that Weston is trying to walk the line that Audrey is hurt because she had naive expectations of one of these men and then it breaks her heart so she repeats the same mistake with another. However, the narrative feels lacking in nuance. For instance, the two gay men central to Audrey's story are barely heard from in the narrative to give their perspective of events. Weston does attempt to compensate for this with interview quotes from one of the characters, but it feels too little too late. Also, Audrey's naivety is one thing, but she also becomes an active accomplice to the oppression of one of the gay characters in an attempt to further her ends. Now the story is written to make the reader see that she has no other option, but the gay character isn't even present in this scene making the behaviour seem even more nefarious as if he has no agency in his own story.

There are also a few plot holes that have been bugging me that the story ended. Such as the immigration meeting storyline. Why exactly were they asking for a meeting if it was not standard? Was this fabricated by the man pulling the strings? When all is said and done did Audrey just give up her dreams of photography?

In many ways, this last question plagues me because it feels like Weston started by writing this naive, but loyal girl with big Hollywood dreams. However, by the end, she did the very thing that her father expected her to do. In many ways it makes it seem like Audrey went out on her own only to return to the path that she was expected to take in the first place. This makes the story in my opinion incredibly tragic. Dreams are allowed to evolve and grow with a person, but in the book, we are left with the very thing that Audrey yelled at her father about not wanting to do because she wanted to go to Hollywood. It's fine to have a change, but in some ways, it felt as if the lesson is you have a dream and it doesn't live up to expectations (I will admit certain aspects of her dream blew up spectacularly in her face) and give up all parts of it and this is what we are supposed to see as her growth.

I did enjoy the arch of Audrey and her mother and Audrey and her friends. I wish that the book had a few more chapters at the end to explore the depth of these relationships a little more. They do feel like background characters. The most explored female relationship she has is with her sister, but even that is just a description that we get from letters.

Overall I think this book captured the sense of Hollywood terrorized by McCarthyism. I however felt that the narrative lacked in detail and nuance in some places.


Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Outing, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Physical abuse, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content and Xenophobia
PTSD is described in some of the behaviours of the main character, but it is not explicitly stated as being such.

Audrey has dreamed of going to Hollywood and marrying a movie star her whole life. Sometimes dreams turn out very differently than you had planned.
This was an enjoyable story handling several issues for the time period. I thought Audrey a bit naive at times. I didn’t know the actual meaning of the title as it was referenced.

"The Lavender Bride" is a charming, at times heartbreaking, post WWII closed-door romance. Our main character sacrifices much of her happiness to keep safe the secrets of those she cares about. Betrayal, friendship, new love and a happily ever after make Alexandra Weston's newest novel an engaging and enjoyable read.

**Thank you Net Galley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**

A great story of Hollywood and that of a woman trying to make her life there in post-war 1950’s. It had me reading deep into the night. A must read story.

Audrey Wade lives with her overbearing and domineering father and is desperate to escape Yorkshire. She dreams of Hollywood, with its glitz and glamour. Although she planned on chasing her Hollywood dreams with her best friend Freddie, she must attempt that life alone when Freddie abandons her.

As the secretary to a high-powered agent, Audrey is introduced to Rex Trent, one of the most handsome and successful stars. Rex quickly proposes to Audrey, and they enter into marriage...even after Audrey finds out Rex's secret. Because of the paranoid 1950s Hollywood life, he's eager to hide his true self and Audrey is able to help with that.

The British press first used the phrase "lavender marriage" in 1895. Before World War II, due to morality clauses in many Hollywood contracts, it was almost exclusively used to describe marriages of public celebrities. The Lavender Bride is, I assume, influenced by Rock Hudson and his marriage to Phyllis Gates, who was once employed by his agents.

Alexandra Weston captures the pain of loving someone and the pain of hiding it. She shows Audrey's growth and the independence she needed to survive.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

“The Lavender Bride,” a historical fiction book set in the 1950s (the waning Golden Age of Hollywood), is by Alexandra Weston. I found this book to be rather enjoyable and engaging and quick read. I know a bit about the blackballing that went on in Hollywood due to McCarthyism and any hint of “red” and, sadly, that being homosexual wasn’t something one could admit to back then. While I’d heard the term “lavender marriage” before, I did like how Ms. Weston based Audrey (the main female character) and Rex on a real life couple. Do read the author’s note - it’s very interesting (and if it floats your boat, there’s a Spotify music list included there too). It was great seeing Audrey mature from a starry-eyed innocent to realizing what she wanted in life and making it happen. I also liked how she listened to her friend, Freddie, and read The Kinsley Report with an intent to learn instead of condone. This, I felt, was a well done book with a good storyline and sound characters.

The Lavender Bride by Alexandra Weston

Audrey flees her austere upbringing as daughter of a minister in post WW2 Sheffield. Arriving in London she goes to see Freddie her childhood friend but he reneges on their pact to go to Hollywood. Audrey goes to the USA herself and begins a new life in her own flat with a job as secretary to agent to the stars, Dirk. But the Hollywood dream is not all it seems.

What a wonderful book, I absolutely loved it. The period details and descriptions of life in Yorkshire and LA were so vivid, and I loved all the characters but especially Audrey and Jack. The plot was also really interesting and I loved reading how the author came to write the book. I think this would make a brilliant Netflix series - imagine the clothes! Very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Audrey Wade longs to escape her domineering father and the bleak streets of post-war Yorkshire. When her childhood friend Freddie abandons her, Audrey is left to chase a dream of Hollywood. When she meets Rex Trent, a Hollywood leading man, she believes that he is the man for her. Yet she soon discovers Rex’s dark side and faces a life with a man who may never love her. Soon Audrey realises that she must risk everything if she is to have a life of her own.
It is quite obvious from the start that Rex is only using Audrey but it was understandable as to the limited choices that she would face upon discovery of Rex’s secrets. Despite her feelings for Jack, a set decorator who she meets before her marriage, Audrey realises the choice that she has made. There is plenty of glamour and glitz to this story, told in post war 1950s Hollywood era, where fears of communism are rife. I felt for Audrey as the author manages to describe her feelings quite vividly, drawing you into her life with Rex. I also enjoyed seeing how Audrey became more empowered as she matured. An interesting read.