Starring Adele Astaire: A Novel

Description

USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight returns with a story full of glitz and glam as she delves into the life of Adele Astaire, a spirited and talented woman who served up smiles and love both on and off the stage-with and without her also famous brother Fred Astaire- along with a determined young dancer with rags-to-riches dreams. A spirited rising stage star... Adele Astaire was a glittering, glamorous star, dancing with her brother, Fred, endearing herself to audiences from New York to London. But although she is toasted by royalty and beloved by countless fans, Adele Astaire has dreams of a loving husband and a houseful of children. And when she meets Lord Charles Cavendish, her wishes may just come true-but at what cost A determined young dancer ... Ever since Violet Wood could walk she's wanted to dance on the London stage. Befriended by Adele, filled with ambition, she is more than willing to make the sacrifices it will take to becomes a star herself, and her rags-to-riches hopes are within reach. But the road to fame is never easy. Two women with unquenchable spirit ... From the fast-paced world of roaring 20s New York to the horrors and sacrifice of wartime London, Adele's and Violet's lives intertwine, and each must ask themselves is fame worth the price you must pay

Eliza Knight is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of the Tales from the Tudor Court series. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Romance Writers of America and the creator of the popular historical blog History Undressed. Knight lives in Maryland with her own knight and three princesses. For more information, visit www.elizaknight.com.

"Starring Adele Astaire peels back the layers on Adele Astaire's life beyond the stage while highlighting how ferociously an intrepid dreamer must fight for an edge into the spotlight. Eliza Knight's in-depth research brings these stories to life in exquisite, vibrant detail that will captivate readers everywhere." - Madeline Martin, New York Times and international bestselling author "Just as Adele Astaire received standing ovations for her performances, so too does Eliza Knight deserve to be similarly acclaimed for this book. I can't believe I'd never heard of this incredible woman and I loved how the novel shone a well-deserved spotlight on this less famous but exceptionally talented Astaire sibling. Bravo Eliza Knight - and please take a bow. You've written a showstopper of a story." - Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan "Impeccably researched and beautifully written, Starring Adele Astaire is a peak behind the curtain of what it was like to be a woman and a performer in the 1920s-1940s. Eliza Knight explores the timeless question of whether a woman can truly have it all in this fascinating novel filled with love, heartbreak, resilience, and ultimately friendship." - Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of Beautiful Little Fools "From the stages of Hollywood to the war Front, Starring Adele Astaire dances with life and emotion, paying homage to a largely overlooked persona in Hollywood's illustrious line-up of characters. Knight's admiration for Adele Astaire-her talent and her passions, on stage and off-shines in this touching and compelling tale of a woman who strives to realize her dreams. A winner!" - Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling author of Strangers in the Night "Long before Ginger Rogers came along, Fred Astaire's dance partner was his sister Adele who positively dazzles in Eliza Knight's latest work of historical fiction. We follow the spirited Adele from New York to London and beyond as she takes a young dancer under her wing. As their friendship grows, the women learn to juggle fame, love, loss and the devastation of war. Knight's fan will surely appreciate how she once again seamlessly weaves her research into this rich tale, delivering another winner!" - Renee Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces "Be swept away to London and New York between the wars with Starring Adele Astaire, a bittersweet true-life tale of one of early last century's greatest dancers and most famous siblings. By so deftly and compassionately bringing Adele to life, Knight gives us a most memorable and vital heroine for any age." - Natalie Jenner, internationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society "The Mayfair Bookshop is a moving, touching tale of a Bright Young Thing turned bookseller/author and her quest to find fulfillment, inspiration, and love in the chaos of the WWII home front. Eliza Knight brings Nancy Mitford to life as an appealing and uncertain young heroine in the days before she is burnished by fame and success-you cannot help but cheer her toward her destiny!" - Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code "A romantic and moving love letter to bibliophiles everywhere, The Mayfair Bookshop offers a testament to the magic and power of books and bookstores to shine light on our darkest hours. Beautifully written and featuring a colorful cast of characters and delightful cameos, this historical novel is not to be missed." - Laura Kamoie, New York Times bestselling author of My Dear Hamilton and America's First Daughter "A fascinating view of a pivotal moment in history told from the perspective of an extraordinary woman at the heart of it all. Filled with intrigue, heartbreak, passion, and daring, Eliza Knight beautifully celebrates the life and influence of Nancy Mitford. Vivid and unforgettable!" - Chanel Cleeton, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba