The Girl from The Savoy audiobook

The Girl from the Savoy brings a story of two women from two different backgrounds, who are connected by the same career path, taking the leading role among the choir girls.London, 1923. Dorothy Lane is a new chambermaid at the Savoy – one of the finest luxury hotels. As a maid she’s been reminded many times that she wasn’t good enough. But there are those close to her who see her becoming someone special. She finds respite in dancing once a week, but she wants more. She dreams of dancing on stage. And the Savoy is filled with people that excite her, who make her dream. She also answers an ad to be a muse to Perry, Loretta’s brother.Loretta May is a daughter of an earl, who chose a life on stage over satisfying her parents and high society. She chose a dazzling stage life over carefully ordered life expected of a woman of her status.Both protagonists have some secrets, which are revealed in layers, holding one’s interest. Both characters are well-developed and offer a glimpse into two different lives, and by being connected by the same career it also offers a glimpse into one trying to get to the top and the other already being there. The place and what it meant to be working at the Savoy come alive. It feels as this is the strongest part of the story. The impressive Savoy with its famous guests buzzes with life, with jazz music, with intrigue, and with some secrets. As a maid you’re reminded what happens at the Savoy stays at the Savoy.The time period is interestingly explored. After the war, women were forced to leave factory jobs and to go back into domestic service, which wasn’t necessarily their choice. Some of those working girls who loved dancing and dreamed of being on stage were lucky to be chosen to join the chorus girls and progress even beyond, taking the leading roles. This is based on fact; a life of a chorus girl was a path to freedom for some, leaving behind the life of domestic service. And this theme is explored through the character of Dorothy.There is also another thing that stood out to a point of being questioned if it’s believable. It seems as whomever Dorothy meets sees something in her that she was meant for something more than just a maid. If so many strangers see it in Dorothy at the first glance, it doesn’t sound believable after a while. At times, it seems as some things fit too perfectly. The ending is a bit too romanticized, too perfect. Overall, I enjoyed the story through its entirety. It has a good flow from the start to the end. There is something special about this author’s writing like there is some magic to her writing. It takes you away from where you are and transports you to a different place and time. P.S. The first book I’ve read by this author was A Memory of Violets, which is one of the most memorable stories with the magical writing.

I decided to listen to the audio version of this book and I'm glad to say that I spend some happy hours working and listening to The Girl from the Savoy. I've wanted for a while to read it and I'm pleased to say that the book made the hours fly by...There are two points of views in this book that of Dolly, who dreams of becoming a star on stage and Loretta May, who is a star, but whose dreams were destroyed in the war. I found both women's stories fascinating and tragic. Both have gone through much and I enjoyed their interaction (when they finally met).One thing I really liked was that the blurb states that Dolly has to choose between two men, but that is to simplify the story quite a lot. Yes, there are two men in Dolly's life, Teddy who she loved, but came home a shell of a man after the war and Perry that quite literary fell into her life. However, this is not an ordinary triangle drama with Dolly not being able to choose between Teddy and Perry, there is so much more to the story than that, which you will discover if you read the book.As for Loretta, she may be a star, but she is one classy woman and I really liked her. I liked that she is the one that sees potentials in Dolly. Also, her past in the war is so heartbreaking. The Girl from the Savoy is a great novel, there are sad moments in the book, but also joyous ones. And I loved that the book did not have the tradition HEA ending. Although I wish to know what happened to the other man in the book...

Four and a half stars.The book starts with a prologue set in 1916 where Dolly is watching the young man she has loved since childhood go off to war. Will she ever see him again? Then it switches to 1923 and Dolly is off to seek employment as a maid at the Savoy Hotel. But Dolly also has dreams. Dreams of being on the stage. Will her dream ever be realised? Dolly’s life take a turn when she meets Perry Clements. Perry is a struggling composer looking for his next hit and despairing of ever being able to write anything worthwhile again. Perry’s sister who is famous under the stage name Loretta May is everything Dolly would like to be. Loretta May is a huge star of the theatre who attracts attention wherever she goes. Both Dolly and Loretta May have secrets that weigh them down and sadness that haunts them. And then there are several chapters from Teddy’s point of view. The less said about them the better. Not because they are not good or relevant but better to read them without knowing too much about Teddy. As the chapters move between Dolly, Loretta and Teddy’s points of view, the reader gets an in depth picture of all of them and their situations and feelings. Will Dolly achieve her dreams? Will she ever be able to put the past behind her? Will Loretta May be able to divulge her secret and what affect will it have on those who love and admire her? I loved this story from the first page to the last. Yes, looking back after having read it, I concede there are some coincidences that stretch credibility but somehow while reading it didn’t matter a bit as I was too caught up in the story and the characters. This is a charming story firmly centred around the First World War and the years that followed. I loved all the details about the theatre and music of the times that comes through. I really liked all the main characters and disliked those I was meant to dislike. I have read two other books by this author and loved both, which is why I felt sure this would be no different. I was not disappointed. An entertaining read with just a slight fanciful feel, it was not without moments that tugged at the emotions. And yes, I admit to a few tears as well as many happy moments. A great chance of pace and feel from my previous book, this was a delight to read. Highly recommend to anyone who likes and engaging historical tale with plenty of heart. A jpy to read particularly in the current pandemic situation.

4.5 stars. This one hit all the high notes for me. I just loved it. Something about it. The setting, the writing, the characters, and the character of it. I love this age. (Historical Fiction Set in the Jazz Age). I'm not going to describe it, but I will say it captured a feeling. It was a beautiful book. The stage and the lights and the beautiful hotel and the tea rooms and music halls. And the relationships contained within, and how hard it is after the war, when each of the characters are feeling its effects. There is loss, and love, and beauty, and stardom, and hopes and dreams, and a whole host of other things going on within its pages. This book will remain in my heart.Listopia List four, about book four or five- Historical Fiction Set in the Jazz Age. I actually think I am going to end up completing four of my five lists this year. When you love a topic and it speaks to you, its not hard to do.Sorry to review the book so late. Personally I hate not to do it on the spot or within a day.

I read The Girl Who Came Home and really thoroughly enjoyed it, however this book I could not stop reading from this author. I kept seeing this one make its way around the web a lot of times and each time I wanted to read it that much more. I finally got the chance to read this book. It far exceeded my expectations. I was instantly transported into the 1920's, the Savoy Hotel, and the grueling world of Broadway productions. Until some books where one or two main character's voices are strong, in this book I loved all of the voices from Dolly, Loretta, Teddy, and Perry. Each one had a story to tell that was lovely. Although I was very drawn to Loretta, then Dolly, Teddy and Perry equally. The Girl from the Savoy is a must read.

Kirkus didn't like the book, but I LOVED it.Every character appealed to meDolly - has much history; works as a maid at the Savoy; aspires to act/dance; is successfulPerry - wants to write excellent music lyrics; thinks he is failing; employs Dolly as a 'muse'; becomes extremely successfulLoretta - Perry's sister; Beautiful with a capital B; loves her brother; extremely successful as an actress; mentors DollyTeddy- Dolly's fiancee; suffers from amnesia from affects of the war; he has a voice tooEach has secrets and attractionsHazel Gaynor is an excellent writer... I love her similes. (I am always looking for realistic and picturesque similes). Many abound in this book.Two of my favorites:-Dear Clover. As dependable as sunrise.-but her words drift over me like passing clouds.Each chapter starts with a quote from within the chapter. Never saw that treatment before. Loved that too.The ending was not predictable. Maybe Kirkus likes only the expected.Great historical fiction5 stars

"Sometimes she is a Daffodil. Sometimes she is a butterfly. And, always, always she is surrounded by hope and love and adventure."Wonderful novel... truly exceptional writing! A story of loss, love, hope and adventures. Of letting go and moving forward and chasing your dreams no matter how out of reach they may be. I loved the imagery of the butterfly throughout. I am quite fond of the butterfly and all that it represents so this story truly wrapped around my heart from page one and didn't let go. It is told from the POV of three people... Dolly, Teddy and Loretta. It is a moving story that takes you on a journey of slowly discovering the fate of the characters as they all face a future that was forever changed by war. They all dealt with loss very differently but it forever changed them and altered the path of their lives. The amazing web of details that are slowly revealed as the story progresses comes together beautifully in the end and left me feeling warm and happy. There are some truly powerful scenes throughout this book that brought on a few tears. I loved Dolly and her desire to follow her dreams and her adventures. Her love for Teddy, her desire to be something more. "Wonderful adventures await for those who dare to find them." "Fly my little butterfly. Spread your wings and soar."I don't know what else to say really except this book really made an impact on me. I have a total book hangover from reading this non-stop since I started it yesterday afternoon. Each page offered it's own poetry on life and how precious and valuable it is. My favorite line in the book: "It's curious Miss Lane, how things are often at their most beautiful when they are at the end of their life. Shooting stars, autumn leaves. Nobody notices the leaves when they're all green and lush in the summer-only when they turn crimson and golden in the autumn. Perhaps we all become more colorful, more fascinating as we reach our autumn months." It's true isn't it. Life becomes more visible and more beautiful when we find that there is less of it ahead of us. We begin to notice the things that matter the most. Our most valuable possessions are suddenly quite visible and treasured. A wonderful story that will stay with me for a long time. :)I received an ARC of this book from the publisher William MorrowFor more reviews visit my blog: KT Book Reviews Become a K&T Book Babbbler! Book Babblers

When I find out that a book is set in 1920s London, I'm the first in the queue to read it. The 20s is one of my favourite eras to read about, and London thrills me,always.The short prologue is set in Lancashire in 1916 and Dolly is at the station, waving her sweetheart Teddy off to war. Teddy is convinced that he will be home safely in no time, and that he and Dolly will marry and live happily ever after. Dolly is not so sure, she has a feeling that things will not turn out like that.Fast forward seven years and the reader finds Dolly in London, alone. She's been working as a housemaid but has secured herself a job at the Savoy;one of London's very best hotels. She's late, it's raining and she collides with a young gentleman. Perry Clements. There's a definite spark between them despite their different circumstances. They part company, not realising that this chance encounter is only the beginning of their story.The reader accompanies Dolly as she begins her job at the Savoy. Hazel Gaynor has an incredible eye for detail and her description of the luxury and grandeur of this iconic place are really excellent. Dolly is mesmerised by the beauty and style, not just of the building, but of the guests and visitors that she encounters.Dolly is a 'gallery girl'. She dreams of fame and celebrity, and wants nothing more than to be on the stage. She spends her saved pennies for the cheap seats at the theatre, along with lots of other working class girls who were recovering from the horrors of war and wanted glitz and glamour.The Girl from the Savoy is Dolly's story of survival. It is also Loretta's story. Loretta is already a star, but fading, she's also Perry Clements' sister and these three characters come together and create this wonderfully detailed story of life in the theatre. Also, interwoven throughout, is the voice of Teddy, Dolly's sweetheart. His story is heartbreaking and raw, exposing the true horror of the trenches and the after-effects for some of the men and boys who fought so bravely for their country.At 500 pages, The Girl From The Savoy is not a short read, but I seemed to race through it. The story flows so well and the characters are so interesting that the pages just fly by so quickly.It's a detailed and very absorbing story, I enjoyed it very muchhttp://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...

** spoiler alert ** This review was originally posted on [Between My Lines]Are you looking for a historical fiction that is well researched, offers you an opportunity to fly back to a distant era and feel every emotion as if it were actually you living that life?  Well that's exactly how The Girl from The Savoy by Hazel Gaynor felt for me. First Line of The Girl from The Savoy by Hazel Gaynor: "In my heart, I always knew he would go; that they all would go, in the end."  My Thoughts on The Girl from The Savoy by Hazel Gaynor: I love when a historical fiction is well researched and gives you a colourful, accurate depiction of that era without sacrificing the emotion.  And that is the strong point of this author's writing for me.  She creates vivacious characters and then envelopes you in feels for them. Elegant and Glamorous Setting The setting of the London Savoy Hotel felt luxurious and added an elegant, glamorous backdrop. I have a fondness for hotels (in books and real life) and I think they make a fab setting.  Especially in this book as we get an Upstairs/Downstairs insight.We see both sides of a spectrum via : - Dolly who works as a maid at the hotel.  But while her days are spent scrubbing and polishing, her imagination soars and she dreams of another life.  And she doesn't just dream, she chases and pursues that vision."I feel like a stuck gramophone record, going round and round, playing the same notes of the same song over and over.  I want to dance to a different tune." Loretta who is a celebrated West End theatre star.  She is living Dolly's dream but is battling her own demons that none of her audience know anything about."Hope is a dangerous thing, darling.  It is usually followed by disappointment and too much gin."Both women know the value of working hard, chasing dreams and valuing the people in their life that they love.  The war years have altered both of their lives and they have both lost men that they loved.  And both are guarding secrets.  This backdrop of heartache along with their determination to live life fully despite the sadness that overshadows them just inspires me so much. Bittersweet romances There is romantic storyline which I enjoyed.  However the strong point of the book for me was the characters and their growth.  The bittersweet direction that the book took was believable and heart wrenching.  Actually now that I think about it, heart wrenching is the theme for all of this authors books.  My strings were well and truly tugged but when writing is this uplifting, I can forgive her. Who should read The Girl from The Savoy by Hazel Gaynor? I'd recommend this to you if you like historical fiction, lavish hotel settings and genuine characters that melt your heart.  Fans of previous books - The Girl Who Came Home and A Memory of Violets should also enjoy.  As should fans of authors such as JoJo Moyes, Sheila O'Flanagan and Kristin Hannah.Thanks to Harper Collins Publishers for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  

3.5 stars. "The Girl from The Savoy" is a historical fiction by Hazel Gaynor, who is a new-to-me author. It's set in the 1920s in London and is told from the perspective of three characters. It is the story of Dolly, a young woman who dreams about being on stage singing and dancing. For right now, she is a maid at one of the nicest hotels in London, The Savoy. There is also Loretta May, a woman who is already famous on the stage. The third narrator is Teddy, Dolly's first great love. This is a story of love and making a life for one's self under the constant shadow of war.Oh, the 1920s in one of my favorite cities of the world - this book drew me in from the beginning. There are so many parallels between Dolly and Loretta. Dolly is striving to be a singer. Loretta already has made it. Both of them have been greatly affected by the war. Although Teddy is Dolly's boyfriend, I was a bit confused by his part in the story. Dolly and Loretta have so much in common and Teddy's narrative was vastly different. It was a bit jarring to go from Dolly or Loretta to his narrative. I loved the setting! The 1920s in London are so exciting. I thought the author did a really good job of showing the glitz and glamour of the decade set against the shadow of war that still is affecting the characters even though the war is over. It was interesting to see what London was like during that time period.Overall, this was a great introduction to Gaynor and I would really like to read more from her going forward. She has a great way with creating characters and evoking a very vivid time and place!

Definitely my favourite of Hazel Gaynor's novels to date, this story of two women in 1920s London is evocative of a Downton Abbey era, albeit set for the most part in the city of London. The description of the upstairs/downstairs life in the Savoy Hotel, and the wonderful characters drawn by the author made this one of my favourite reads so far this year. It might be only January, but I'm guessing I'll be remembering Dolly and Loretta and life in the Savoy long into 2016. Highly recommend.

Well, this is it really, my last book of 2016. It just came in a couple of days ago, a wonderfully crafted story, accompanied by a gorgeous looking cover and a lovely tale to immerse myself into and welcome the new 2017 - really happy I had the chance to read it, it was well worth it because the prose was truly masterfully crafted.

I'm a sucker for a 1920s book and this one is such a fun romp through London. A maid who aspires to become a chorus girl. I love a story with a satisfying ending (not necessarily the one all wrapped up in a bow) and this one delivered.

3.5 stars

Why on earth did I leave it so long to read a book by Hazel Gaynor even if said book was utterly fantastic? I'll admit I have Hazel's two previous releases The Girl Who Came Home and A Memory of Violets waiting patiently in my huge T.B.R but it was this third release The Girl from the Savoy which really sparked my interest and made me want to read my first Hazel Gaynor. Thankfully I wasn't one bit disappointed and anyone else I know reading this book feels the exactly same way. The author has such an incredible way of sucking you into the story and time period that you find this book extremely hard to put down. Yes it is quite hefty at over 500 pages but it doesn't drag in any way as you are so absorbed in the story of the irrepressible young girl Dolly Lane with big dreams and ambitions who only wants to see herself on the stage doing what she loves best. Although the cover for the UK edition of this book is nice for once I fell totally in love with the US cover and normally it is always the opposite way around for me. But the cover is only one minor aspect even if it is what catches people's eyes in a bookshop it's what's inside that counts and here the plot,characters and setting jump out at you from the pages as the reader is made to feel they are transported back in time to the roaring twenties the era of The Bright Young Things. The book is set in the early 1920's when the shadows of World War One still hang over the world, men and women are struggling to come to terms with all they have witnessed and endured. It is hard to pick up the pieces after witnessing such horrors and devastation but a chink of light is appearing. The upper classes are enjoying wild raucous parties full of dances and merriment. The theatres are full to capacity and maybe there is hope for the future. War altered people in so many ways and now change and movement needs to happen in all aspects of life. Women are determined to fight for their liberties and independence. As Hazel says 'The past is a vibrant colourful world in which people fell in and out of love, fought for their beliefs, faced poverty and fear about their families. Not so very different to modern life at all'. That is is so very true but the people living in the 1920's would be delighted at just how far we have come in under 100 years even if not every aspect of today's society are not all positive. Our heroine Dolly wants to be at the centre of everything in this bright new creative world but there is alot to experience before her hopes can come true.The prologue opens in 1916 in a Lancashire town as Dolly waves goodbye to her true love Teddy Cooper. Conscription has played a part in their forced separation and Dolly despite her optimism of believing he will be back before people knows he has gone, deep down she understands life will change but can they claw back some sense of normality once everything has been dealt with. Fast forward 7 years later and Dolly is now in London alone and working as a maid for the upper classes which is not what she wanted for her life but needs must. Dolly has always been put down and made to feel like she cannot achieve anything but this girl is a person of character and strength and the reader can see a spark deep within Dolly waiting to burst forth. She is someone who knows what she wants and will achieve it not by ruthless means but through sheer hard work and determination. She will get there eventually but when faced with this comment you do wonder is it all worth it? 'You, Dorothy Lane, are a prime example of someone who will never get on in life. You will never become anything'. As Dolly is rushing for an interview in the famous Savoy hotel in London she literally bumps into Perry Clements a struggling musician returned from the war. This chance meeting will instigate a series of events which will have a profound effect on Dolly. Dolly is accepted for the job in the Savoy and here is where the book begins to shine as the authors writing comes alive. Her descriptive abilities make the hotel feel like a character itself and it was fascinating to read about a world where quite often only the privileged few get access too. Viewing the hotel and the world of The Bright Young Things from Dolly's eyes was fascinating and full of such rich and interesting detail. 'The Savoy is much more than a hotel Dorothy. It has a personality all of its own.It casts a sort of spell on people the moment they walk through the door and step into the front hall'. I can say I felt the exact same about this book as it cast a spell on me so much that I read it in two sittings and was sad to turn the last page.The story is told from three perspectives that of Dolly, Teddy and Loretta. Teddy's chapters are heart breaking, moving and so incredibly raw and honest. Told so simply yet everything the author wanted to convey was there and as you reach the conclusion of his storyline you find yourself letting out a sigh and realising the beauty of what Hazel had written. That a character had never given up hope but in the end had to make an unbearable decision to move on through tears and hurt through no ones creation except external world events. Loretta is a star at the end of a glistening career struggling with internal emotions and happenings. Her reluctance to give in and accept the inevitable future will tear you apart but her relationship with Dolly and her goal to see a brighter future for the young girl is to be cherished and applauded. Loretta is tormented by the past, holding in too many secrets and turning a blind eye to the inevitable. She is a strong woman but I understood how she was reluctant to let go without making sure she had done her best with everything in the present whilst preparing for the future. The connections between Perry, Dolly and Loretta once established flow naturally throughout the storyline and do make you believe' wonderful adventures await those who dare to find them'. Dolly herself is comparable to Loretta not in terms of background, social standing or wealth but how she has also suffered and an event is hanging over her tearing her apart.She needs some resolution before she can fully embrace her true destiny. 'By the time war was over, my heart was broken my dreams were shattered, my hopes were bruised.Without ever stepping onto a battlefield, I too was wounded'. This story tells Dolly's journey to peace and happiness incredibly well and highlights just what a special, gifted storyteller Hazel Gaynor truly is. She brings the past to life in such a scintillating, dazzling way that that you will be sorry to leave the characters behind.What sets this book apart from other historical fiction that may be out there at the moment is the attention to detail and the simply sublime writing. There were so many sentences where I felt the need to stop and take stock for a moment and normally I race through a book where as here I wanted to savour every moment. Hazel has done impeccable research and clearly enjoyed the entire process of writing this book as the characters, plot and setting are all covered to perfection. I found myself equally enamoured with both Dolly and the glamorous movie star Loretta May even though they are poles apart in terms of backgrounds and careers the author established how in the end we are all the same. We have aspirations for ourselves some are achievable some or not. We have challenges and difficulties. Some are rich some are poor but beneath it all we are all made of the same stuff and a common bond/friendship/trust/love can be created and can see us through the good and bad times. People can sense Dolly is unique and destined for great things and so too can Loretta as she wants to harbour Dolly's talents and know that in addition to her career she has left a legacy and helped someone see their goals come true.What I did enjoy was that yes in a way this was a rags to riches story but yet it wasn't too in your face. I wouldn't have liked it if the story became too seedy and Dolly was hurt or experienced the nasty side of the world she inhabited. Instead it was so tastefully written and I grew to love Dolly and Loretta in equal measure even if Loretta's story pulled at the heartstrings. Her willingness to help others and hide her own suffering was admirable to say the least. At the beginning of each chapter there was a quote which I soon came to learn would be features somewhere within the chapter, I found myself eager to see how said quote would fit in with the development of the story in that chapter and a contented smile would come to my face when I discovered how Hazel had weaved it in to the story. I've not seen this done before and thought it was very clever.Hazel Gaynor really makes you feel like you have travelled back in time you believe in the characters and their stories that they actually did exist at the time where anything was achievable with some courage and strength. The Girl from the Savoy will make you want to take a trip to London and stay in the Savoy and just sit there in contemplation imagining Dolly working there behind the scenes cleaning the rooms, trying on a dress or shoe belonging to a rich lady or movie star when she thought no one was looking. But deep down Dolly knew she was destined for greater things and despite sadness in her past with an event that haunts her (which I might add was brilliantly handled towards the end and it was such a nice touch that the usual clichés didn't apply. I liked that Hazel went against the norm as it allowed the story to feel even more real and not every strand of a story has to conform to convention), she was going to reach the top and Loretta could see that in Dolly and wanted the best for her. 'The longing for something has never left me. I felt it like a fluttering of wings in my heart'. This book will make you want to cut your hair into the flapper style and to throw a 1920's themed evening with dancing and cocktails galore. The Girl from The Savoy proved to be an exhilarating journey into the past full of vibrancy, depth, honesty and emotion which provided an insightful view into a time of dazzling theatre shows and fascinating characters all seen through the eyes of a young woman who grows and develops wonderfully throughout the novel. Yes we read of other characters viewpoints but it truly was Dolly who was the star of this book and the one who will remain with you for quite some time. So if you find yourself looking for an intelligent, detailed, absorbing, brilliantly written story this summer this book is the one for you and I'm sure Hazel will earn plenty of new fans with this release (me included). I'm excited to discover what era Hazel will take us to next.