In this fantastic historical fiction novel, readers follow Audrey Wade, desperate to escape post-World War Ii Yorkshire and exchange it for the glitz and glam of Hollywood and a life with Freddie, her best friend. But when Freddie abandons her, Audrey refuses to give up her dream and moves on to Hollywood, where she runs into leading man Rex Trent, whose charm and attractiveness hide a secret which could destroy his career under the new wave of McCarthy-fueled paranoia. After accepting his proposal, Audrey has no idea what world she is stepping into, and the choices she faces will either ruin her own life or ruin someone else’s. Dramatic, glamorous, and emotional, the moral questions in this novel are profound and fascinating. The characters are the absolute star of this novel, and Audrey is a unique, competent heroine whose desire for a new life beats almost everything, and the journey she goes on is particularly fascinating. Bringing the historical facts and atmosphere to life in incredible detail, Weston’s world-building, background events and drama, and setting really solidify the time period and makes this entertaining and complex period in Hollywood’s history Audrey’s reality in this entertaining and immersive historical fiction novel.

A brand-new historical-romance about naïve Audrey Wade escaping post-war Yorkshire for the glitter of Hollywood, but under the glamour it is a dog-eat-dog world. A gripping and glamourous tale, heavy on the drama, romance, and insecurities which is not completely to my taste, however the old Hollywood setting and excellent pacing meant I whipped through this in no time at all.
My Rating: Okay ❤

I really loved how Audrey’s desire to survive makes her her own heroine. The realities of Hollywood in the 50’s is still being realized, not to mention the more recent 90’s. But there was a historical note with McCarthyism that I think people tend to forget. However, I think current affairs should read novels like this. Now that we have social media, the issue of “nosy neighbor” is now easier.

Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for the advance copy of Lavender Bride by Alexandra Weston.

Audrey, young and starry-eyed, is absorbed in Hollywood movies. Growing up in the English countryside after the war, she longs for the glamour and excitement of the silver screen. Escaping to Los Angeles, she secures a job as a secretary for a movie agent and dreams of finding her “movie star” husband. But dreams can be deceiving. The man she idolizes is not who she imagined, and the agent she trusts proves dangerous. A sham wedding and heartbreak threaten to shatter Audrey’s illusions, but in the face of betrayal, she discovers the courage to build a life on her own terms—with a man who truly loves her.

Set in the 1950s, The Lavender Bride unfolds against the backdrop of McCarthy-era paranoia, particularly the era's hostility towards homosexuality. While the novel offers a fast-paced and captivating read, Audrey’s character growth feels limited, leaving her growth somewhat underdeveloped. The theme of homosexuality, though present, lacks the depth it deserves, remaining more of a historical shadow than an explored narrative. Nonetheless, the novel’s intrigue and period details make for an absorbing experience.

Behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the world of movies the movies there is reality.. Our protagonist, Audrey arrives in Hollywood with dreams of handsome film actors...those who come across as one type of person yet are not at all like their screen persona. This book about a gullible English girl whose dreams turn into nightmares was not such a wonderful story. Set in the early 50's homosexuality was a hidden secret in "tinsel town." For me this was not an emotional read, but rather something I just had to get through. It was obvious from the start and I guess the author wanted to write it that way. I read the previous novel and enjoyed iit this not so much. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I got this from NetGalley on ARC. This book is so good, it has everything in it, the frame, money and everything 😍 but also heartbreak, gay, lies, manipulation, blackmailing. What is it you are looking for.

Firstly, thank you, NetGalley, for this read. it is beautiful.

Secondly, thank you, Alexandra Weston, for this manipulating books.

This book was kinda okay, I liked the 1940s Hollywood setting, but I didn't really like the characters, especially the FMC. She had her head in the clouds and practically lived in a fantasy world in the beginning. I was annoyed at her 'I'll marry a Hollywood star' spiel at the beginning. She was more concerned about the glamour than her own dreams.
She did go through character development towards the end of the book, but it was too late for me. Regardless, I'm glad she got the HEA she wanted since the beginning.

The excitement of starting your career in old Hollywood, the glamour, the glitz, and the famous people. The dark side of those dreams, when they don't work out the way you want. How you carry on. I enjoyed the story.

I absolutely LOVE stories set in old Hollywood with all the glitz and glamor as well as the darkness that was always concealed. I will gladly take any and all ARCs with this theme, thanks NetGalley!

Alexandra Weston's 'The Lavender Bride' is an enthralling historical novel that whisks the reader from the desolation of post-war Yorkshire to the glitzy, but perilous, universe of 1950s Hollywood. At its center is Audrey Wade, a young woman in search of escape and glamour, who finds herself torn between the intrigue of ambition, deceit, and love under the dazzling glare of the spotlight.

Weston vividly depicts the era, capturing both the glamour and darker aspects of Hollywood. Audrey's story is interesting as she struggles with her ambitions and the realities she faces, especially with the charming but mysterious leading man, Rex Trent. The novel explores themes of autonomy, the price of celebrity, and the choices women had to make in a repressive society.

The readers will find themselves attached to Audrey's strength and determination as she struggles to create her own destiny in a world of high risk and unseen realities. The writing of the author is captivating, and the story maintains a well-balanced speed, unveiling secrets and putting Audrey's strength to the test.
For readers who enjoy historical fiction mixed with romance, against the stage of vintage Hollywood, 'The Lavender Bride' is an engaging read. It delves into the complexities of love and chasing dreams through a compelling main character. Fans of writers like Taylor Jenkins Reid and Jenni Keer would especially appreciate this book.

An okay read. The plotline was good, but it was really slow paced, and the main character Audrey just felt flat. She wanted to be free of her dominating father and had big dreams about Hollywood but ended up having an affair with a famous star, Rex, and then married him. I could tell from the start that he didn't love her but she couldn't. She didn’t have a personality, and I couldn’t connect with her at all. She didn’t do anything noteworthy in the whole book. The author does get some underlying themes that were considered scandalous at that period of history. After reading the note at the end about it being based on true people, I just felt that it could have been much better. An underwhelming book for me. Thanks to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

I loved reading The Lavender Bride. I’d never heard of that term to describe women in marriages of convenience and had wondered at first why that title. This story highlights the historical issues around homosexuality during the 1940s and 1950s and gives a very clear insight into just what was expected of decent, well-brought-up young women in terms of who they associated with and why. I found Audrey a little naïve at first, though that naïvety was appropriate for her character given her upbringing and the sort of man her father was. I was impressed with her when she took matters into her own hands and set off into the unknown with little more than a camera and a cardboard suitcase of clothes. It would have been terrifying to find herself alone in London with nobody to turn to for help, yet Audrey showed her resolve in finding work and a place to live as well as saving to head off on more adventures. I’ve heard of the ruthlessness of the Hollywood movie industry and I thought that author Alexandra Weston did a superb job of setting the scene for Audrey once she was there. The balance between the realisation of a young woman’s dreams and reality, and the way the choices Audrey was forced to make were so well depicted that I felt as though I was watching the characters. I empathised with Audrey and cheered for her as she fought back against injustice, and sighed with relief as her story came to an end.

Thank you nrt galley for giving me this opportunity to read this book.
The story begins just after WWII up until the mid 1950's.
Audrey is a teenager and with her friend Freddie who life in Sheffield, England dream of going to Hollywood.
Audrey's father doesn't approve of her friendship with Freddie but won't tell her why.
Audrey's mother backs her husband up as he is a Minister at the local church.
Audrey finally goes to Hollywood just to get away from her parents. She lands a job at a talent agency. The one movie star she is smitten with just happens to be a client at the agency.
Audrey and Rex (the movie star) go on a few dates. Rex doesn't even try to get romantic with her as he is hiding his own secrets.
The gossip papers are about to expose Rex's so-called secret. A plan is devised for Audrey and Rex to marry.
Audrey is being to realise that being married to a movvie star isn't what she thought it would be.

The American dream turned sour. Falling for a movie star that many can tell from a mile away bats for the other team, blinded by love and taken under the wing of some sleazy characters.

Let's begin with a trigger warning. This book has a strong impostor syndrome vibe. The main character is coming from an abusing family and has consequently a low self-esteem. It didn't really bother me but some may find this disturbing.
I liked the first book of Alexandra Weston and this one has a similar setting. The glittering world of entertainment provides an exciting backdrop, however the story was somewhat lacking in events. Things of the past came up several times and though I understand their relevance, I would have preferred more action in the present. I enjoyed the book nevertheless, and consider the novels of this author one of my best comfort reads.

I did like the story. It just didn't completely grab me. The writing is good and the premise was very enticing.

Audrey Wade lives in Sheffield, England. It's 1946 and the war has ended and she is dreaming about running away to Hollywood with her best friend Freddie. Unfortunately Freddie has a secret and is banished from her life by her strict Father. By early 1950 Audrey is distraught. She decides to run away to Hollywood by herself. She finds a job as a secretary for a popular talent agent. There she meets one of the biggest stars of the time- Rex Trent. She's immediately infatuated. Before she knows it she's married to him and living her dream life. Or is she?

The idea of this story is very loosely based on Rock Hudson and his marriage to a secretary. I enjoy stories about old Hollywood and all its glamour. There's also a dirty side to Hollywood and it's exposed in this story. It's sad for both parties. Audrey in particular was very naive and innocent but I'm happy she finally got a back bone by the end of the novel.

Published March 28, 2025

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me access to this Advance Readers Copy.

DNF in chapter 2. I’m not the target reader for this book. It’s slow-paced, and Audrey’s expectations of how the world works are so odd. When she meets Rex, she expects him to be like the Hollywood depiction of him…but of course he’s not. Other reviewers have mentioned that she’s immature, and she’s certainly that. She’s very down on herself but also judgmental toward others. It sounds like an interesting story, but I don’t like the main character or the writing style.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

This historical novel is the first I've read by this author and I found the writing was very well done. I was able to build up a clear image of this time period and I found it enjoyable to read.

Set during the golden age of Hollywood when swoonworthy leading men made hearts flutter all across the globe but some were hiding secret lives which if discovered would inevitably bring their Hollywood dream to a close. Yorkshire born Audrey Wade has escaped her dismal life in post war Sheffield determined to live her best life but the reality of tinsel town is hardly the stuff of her school girls dreams, that is, until she meets Rex Trent at the talent agency where she is a lowly secretary and he a high flying cinema star.

This is a fascinating look at the cinema industry’s grubby hidden side and as we get taken deeper into Audrey’s relationship with Rex so we begin to understand the depth of deception. The Hollywood of the 1950s comes alive, the costumes, the films and the people all succeed in making it feel authentically real. I have enjoyed getting to know Audrey, her initial naivety is refreshing but later she had such strength of character that I couldn’t help but want her to succeed in a world which was tarnished from the start. I was less keen Rex but he was a product of his time, and his story succeeded in laying out a few Hollywood home truths. I wasn’t aware of the meaning of a lavender bride but I had my suspicions from the start which made the outcome of the story all the more compelling.

The Lavender Bride is a beautifully written glimpse into the glitzy world of Hollywood glamour which gradually reveals that all that glitters isn’t always gold.

Set in 1946 and the following post World War II years, The Lavender Bride is based loosely on the life of Hollywood legend Rock Hudson, who while playing alongside Doris Day, became a huge star, marrying Phyllis Gates to hide the fact that he was ‘gay’.
The post wars years in America saw the rise of homophobia, the fear that Communism was going to overtake America with Senator Joe McCarty ushering in the fear mongering years of McCarthy-ism, which is where this intriguing and intimate story is firmly set.
Audrey is a dreamer; she dreams of one day moving to Hollywood and becoming something in the glamorous industry of film. She has a great and dear friend Freddie, who she is completely convinced will one day marry her, that they will go there together to begin a life faraway from Britain and her bully of a father.
But as with all dreams they fall to pieces all to easily, but this does not deter Audrey as she still goes to Hollywood, landing a job with a ruthless and unscrupulous Agent who just happened to manage the hottest property in Hollywood, the rising star Rex Trent.
Everything was going well, until it was not and that is when Audrey really begins to see the ruthless and unscrupulous side of the glitz and glamour that is Hollywood, as she still naively believes what she is being told. When she realises she has been tricked into helping cover up who and what Rex Trent really is, she is devastated, isolated and very lonely.
She refuses to let what has happened get her down and meets Jack purely by accident; a talented artist who works in the props side of film making. They keep on meeting by accident and form a deep friendship which helps Audrey through the tumultuous relationship she has with Rex.
Audrey’s life seems to be out of control, purposeless until she is asked to once again rescue Rex from his own folly. She reluctantly flies to Canada and there, in a strange quirk of fate, finds salvation and a deep, binding love.
The many layers of life in the American Movie industry during the halcyon years of the 1950’s and ‘60’s have been well captured by Alexandra Weston. Her research notes offer a greater depth to The Lavender Bride, which is a captivating read with the storyline being extremely believable.