The Last Debutates
The Last Debutantes is an immersive story that takes you into the final debutante season before WW II from inside 10 Downing Street, and is full of glamor, intrigue, and delicious gossip!
Synopsis: They danced the night away, knowing their world was about to change forever. They were the debutantes of 1939, laughing on the outside, but knowing tragedy— and a war—was just around the corner.
When Valerie de Vere Cole, the niece of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, makes her deep curtsey to the King and Queen of England, she knows she’s part of a world about to end. The daughter of a debt-ridden father and a neglectful mother, Valerie sees firsthand that war is imminent.
Nevertheless, Valerie reinvents herself as a carefree and glittering young society woman, befriending other debutantes from England’s aristocracy as well as the vivacious Eunice Kennedy, daughter of the U.S. Ambassador. Despite her social success, the world’s troubles and Valerie’s fear of loss and loneliness prove impossible to ignore.
How will she navigate her new life when everything in her past has taught her that happiness and stability are as fragile as peace in our time? For the moment she will forget her cares in too much champagne and waltzes. Because very soon, Valerie knows that she must find the inner strength to stand strong and carry on through the challenges of life and love and war.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
I loved how this book was based on real historical figures that I had known nothing about, and getting to learn some scathing gossip about the Kennedy’s and Astor’s was a fun bonus!
Was Valerie’s character relatable?
I really liked spending the debutante season with Valerie. She learned so much about dealing with her painful past, while navigating the expectations and rules that dictate her new life. This gave her the strength to finessing difficult situations, and embrace the power of true friendships.
Did the author do their research?
YES! Not only did Blalock capture the glamor and drama of the debutante season, she also wove in the political dynamics as England braced for a possible war and the inner politics within society. This added a whole new layer that amplified the tension throughout the story.
As always I love the Author’s notes at the end, and Blalock included wonderful bonus information and inspiration for her writing.
How was the pace?
Fast and steady. I was constantly turning the pages to see how the drama would unfold.
Do you recommend this book?
This is a great read for those who love a story full of scandalous drama, so definitely pick up this delightful and immersive read. Now to go beg Blalock to write a sequel!!
