The Roaring Days of Zora Lily

By: Noelle Salazar

Narrated by: Natalie Duke, Jesse Vilinsky

Length: 13 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

“Noelle Salazar captures the hazy, liquor-soaked days of the Jazz Age in this mesmerizing tale . . . of family, ambition, love, and self-discovery.” —Entertainment Weekly

“Beautifully written and vividly drawn . . . [a] dazzling and sexy, dangerous and inspiring journey through the speakeasies of the jazz age to the glamour and darkness of Hollywood.” —Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of Beautiful Little Fools

The discovery of a hidden label on a famous gown unearths the story of a talented young seamstress in this glittering novel of family, love, ambition, and self discovery by the USA Today bestselling author of The Flight Girls.

2023, The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History: A costume conservator is preparing an exhibition featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As she gingerly places a gown once worn by Greta Garbo on a mannequin, she discovers another name hidden beneath the designer's label, leaving her to wonder—who is Zora Lily?

1924, Seattle: Poverty-stricken Zora Hough spends her days looking after her younger siblings while sewing up holes and fixing hems for clients to bring in extra money, working her fingers to the bone just to survive. But at night, as she lies in the bed she shares with one of her three sisters, she secretly dreams of becoming a designer like Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.

When her best friend gets a job dancing in a club downtown, Zora is lured in by her stories of music, glittering dresses and boys. She follows her friend to the underground speakeasies that are at once exciting and frightening—with smoke hanging in the air, alcohol flowing despite Prohibition, couples dancing in a way that makes Zora blush and a handsome businessman named Harley. It’s a world she has only ever imagined, and one with connections that could lead her to the life she's always dreamed of. But as Zora's ambition is challenged by tragedy and duty to her family, she'll learn that dreams come with a cost.

©2023 Noelle Salazar (P)2023 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Greatest story, captivating!

I loved all of the characters, the writing and narration. Absolutely superb!!! Don’t miss this one

The design and sewing elements.

A great story about the 1920’s with emphasis on a humble beginnings of a fashion designer. Wish a Notebook of sketches went along with book.

Step back in time ..

A wonderful tale from a time long ago , Loved it !! Not surprising that we are still fighting the same battles when it comes to people . Loved the fashion and genuine characters.

Beautifully written story

This author has written a beautiful story that draws you in and you don’t want to stop listening to it. The main character, Zola, is someone you would want to get to know. Someone I felt bonded to which made me love the story even more. She is someone who has a dream of what she wants for her life. designing and sewing beautiful clothes and she does it. This is a story that I will listen to again and highly recommend it.

great listen

great narrator. unique story. something I would never had imagine to be interested in. loved it.

great story

I loved how all the characters were described, easy to get into the book quickly.

Fun

Although a but predictable, I love the 1920’s story. The book end current storyline was different- I’m sad it didn’t weave throughout.

A must read

This is one of my books I’ve read so far this year. It reminds me of Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but is quite different of course. The glitz & glam of the 1920s & all of the art-particularly fashion-were just a wonder to read, & the ending was so so sweet.

Transport to the 20’s

First time reading a book by this author and was pleasantly impressed by the level of descriptiveness. She creates a vivid picture of a time, place, people and things allowing you to visualize and transport to that era!