I was given a copy of this ebook for my honest review.
In the blurb for this book it says “Two estranged sisters find that forgiveness never goes out of style when they inherit their mother’s vintage jackets, purses… and pearls of wisdom.” But to me this was more than two sisters finding their way back to each other after the death of their mother. What I took from this story was more about women supporting women. No matter the age or financial status each woman had some sort of advice or knowledge to impart to the ones who needed that help. And, there was also the mother’s pearls of wisdom that would show up at the perfect time when one or the other of the sisters needed that little bit of help from Mom. ( )

"The Fashion Orphans" is a tale of friendship, fashion, and family. Upon the death of their mother Bette, sisters Lulu and Gabrielle are tasked with sorting out her estate. When they find a huge closet packed with Chanel designer clothes and accessories, the sisters are puzzled about what to do with them and why their mother owned them. The ensuing journey leads them to new lives and new friends. In the process, Lulu and Gabrielle learn more than they ever imagined about their mother.

Although the story is told from alternating points of view, this gambit does not detract from the action and movement of the plotline. Readers will find themselves cheering for the sisters, as well as weeping for their losses. The characters are realistic, as are their dilemmas, failures, and victories, as they are changed over time by the magic of fashion, style, and genuine love. This charming read is a clean women's fiction novel, with no overt sexual scenes or violence, although a few swear words occur. The tension and action build to a satisfying conclusion for all concerned. Highly recommended.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )

Mother wore Chanel!

Two sisters, divorced Gabrielle and widowed Lulu, who’ve stopped communicating, are brought together over their mother’s grave, and their mother’s obsession with all things Coco Chanel. The sisters are like chalk and cheese. Their roles neatly pigeon holed from early childhood. Stepping in from the “Beyond” via a tightly managed will, care of lawyer Ms. Hayes, whom the sisters dub The Gray Lady, their mother Bette leaves a structured and perplexing task for her daughters. A task they must collaborate on. The women are both puzzled and dismayed by the will and what that reveals about their mother and her obsession. Shocked and yet not. As was said, Bette’s “self-absorption [which] could sometimes rival Miranda Priestly’s in The Devil Wears Prada, always rose to the occasion.”
Their discoveries at Bette’s apartment opens up into the world of high fashion, and feeds into their mother’s absolute mania with all things Coco Chanel. A world these two must translate and conquer.
They meet their mother’s friends who are all fashion divas and long time members of the same group, “The Style Endures Society.” These friends take the sisters into the fold. They turn out to be a group of crazy dames, somewhat resembling the Ya Ya Sisterhood ladies, doyens of style, who bring their influence and talent to bear on the sister’s quest.
As the lives of the sisters unfold, and as the future beckons, some threads are left hanging. But all becomes clear for Gabrielle and Lulu, including their questions around their mother’s love for them, which they have seriously questioned. Their search is leavened with Coco quotes.
I love the inclusion of the idea of buying vintage being “green.” A thought close to my own heart.
A Vibrant, often joyous, and frequently puzzling read.

A Blue Box Press ARC invitation via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change ( )

This book is a collaboration of author's Randy Susan Meyers and M.J. Rose.
Estranged sisters Gabrielle and Lulu must join forces when their mother Bette dies and leaves them an inheritance neither of them expected. Lulu's dear husband died two years ago and Gabrielle has undergone a ghastly divorce. They do not get an easy start, but work tenaciously together.
I really enjoyed that the main characters were both a little older - middle aged - and were shaped by their life experiences. Their circle of family and friends was very encouraging and helpful. Coco Chanel was also a significant character in the story through Bette's legacy and her quote's that were hidden in it.
This is a cozy and warm book with characters you can identify with. Lulu and Gabrielle went a long way to accept the relationships they had with their distant mother. Family and friendship conquer all. There was a little romance, but fortunately not too much.
I did not realize how much fashion would be in this book. It should have been obvious though. I'm the kind of person who likes nothing more than cozy up on the sofa with comfortable clothes. These covid timed do not encourage shopping sprees either.

"I don't do fashion I am fashion." - Coco Chanel

Thank you NetGalley and Blue Box Press for a copy of this book. ( )

I have read books from both of these authors and really enjoyed them. After reading this book, I do hope that both ladies collaborate together again. This book is a feel good story about family and sisterly bond.

Gabrielle and Lulu could not be more different but at the same time they did have a lot in common. Both sisters suffered loss with Gabrielle's ex and Lulu's husband passing away. Yet, with the help of their late mother's notes from the wisdom of Chanel; these two sisters were able to help one another heal and come together.

The notes were the best part about this story. It really did seem as if their mother was communicating with them from beyond. Everyone in this story was so engaging, even Gray Lady. The Fashion Orphans by Randy Susan Meyers and M.J. Rose is a feel good, charming read. ( )