04 | October | 2019 | Berit Talks Books

About the Book

Six months ago, Helle Madsen would have described herself as normal. Now she no longer knows if that terms applies, not after her entire life has been turned upside down by the reappearance of not one, but two, men from her very, very distant past.

Helle Madsen never believed in mumbo-jumbo stuff like reincarnation—until she came face to face with Jason Morris, a man who purportedly had spent fifty lives looking for her. Coping with being reunited with the lover from her ancient past was one thing. Having Sam Woolf, her vindictive nemesis from that same ancient past join the party was a bit too much. Suddenly, Helle finds herself the reluctant heroine of a far-flung, time-transcending epic story, one in which pain and loss seem to play a very big part.

This time round, Jason and Helle are determined to make it to the happily ever after. Unfortunately, Sam Woolf will stop at nothing to crush them. That ride into the golden sunset seems awfully far away at times…

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TGIF!

What a week! I have felt behind all week probably because I have been behind! But I think I will finally be all caught up and have the weekend to maybe even get a little ahead! Excited to share with you today my review for this book that really emphasize the importance of female friendship!👯‍♀️

My Thoughts

Sofia Grant has written an enlightening and engaging story about a part of history I did not previously know about. In The 1940s and 50s women seeking a divorce would take up residence in Reno Nevada where they could acquire a divorce in six weeks, the “Reno Cure“. This was the story of best friends Francie and Vi Who are traveling together on a train to Reno both seeking a divorce for very different reasons. While on the train they come across June a young lady fleeing an abusive husband, the friends sympathize with June’s plight and take her and her young daughter under their wings. After a night of dinner, drinks, and dancing, a celebration of their new found freedom, a tragedy strikes that will alter these characters lives forever.

This is a story about the strength of female friendship in a time when women had far fewer options than they do today. The story also addressed some other issues such as abuse, homosexuality and disability, made you realize how far we have come, but remember how far we still have to go. Sometimes I had to take a couple steps back and realize that this was the 50s and a different time. I loved the strong theme of friendship running throughout the story, that could be found in the most unlikely of situations. Virgi The 12-year-old daughter of the lady who ran the hotel added some levity to the story. I loved watching her spy on everyone, gather clues and make inferences that were completely incorrect. A miniature Nancy drew, Who ultimately save the day. The perfect blend of drama, history, friendship, and girl power!

This book in three emojis: 👯‍♀️ 💍 🔍

*** Big thanks to William Morrow for my copy of the books ***

About Lies in White Dresses

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (September 17, 2019)

Award winning author Sofia Grant weaves an entrancing tale of female friendship and new beginnings inspired by the true stories of those who “took the Reno cure”. In the 1940s and 50s, women who needed a fast divorce went to Nevada to live on a ranch with other women in the same boat.

“Sofia Grant entices us into following three women seeking the Reno Cure, as they overcome their disillusionment over the lives they expected to have and summon the bravery to embrace new and unexpected paths.” –Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Only Woman in the Room

Francie Meeker and Vi Carothers were sold a bill of goods: find a man, marry him in a white wedding gown, and live happily ever after. These best friends never expected to be on the train to Reno, those “lies in white dresses” shattered, their marriages over.

On board the train they meet June Samples, who is fleeing an abusive husband with her daughter, and take the vulnerable young mother under their wing. The three decide to wait out the required six weeks together, and then they can toss their wedding bands into the Truckee River and start new lives as divorcees.

But as they settle in at the ranch, one shocking moment will change their lives forever. As it brings their deceptions and fears into focus, it will also demand a reckoning with the past, and the choices that a person in love can be driven to make.