Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen: Book Review

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Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renée Rosen takes readers into the glamorous – and fiercely competitive – world of New York beauty and fashion as a young Estée Lauder begins building the cosmetics empire that would eventually make her a household name.

But this isn’t simply a fictionalized account of Estée Lauder’s rise. Rosen tells the story through Gloria Downing, a fictional young woman trying to reinvent her own life, giving us two ambitious women determined to succeed in a world where women weren’t always expected to have ambitions of their own.

I picked this book up because I was curious about Estée Lauder. What I didn’t expect was how strongly it would remind me of my own childhood, my mother, and those wonderful old-fashioned department stores and beauty shops I remember so well.

In this review, I’ll tell you what Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl is about, what I loved about it, and whether it earns a Read, ReRead, or Reconsider.

My Take: Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl is an engaging historical novel about ambition, friendship, beauty, fashion, and two women determined to make something of themselves. I came for the story of Estée Lauder, but I stayed for Gloria – and for all the wonderful memories this book unexpectedly brought back for me.

What Is Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl About?

Set in New York City beginning in 1938, Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl imagines the early years of Estée Lauder, long before her name became synonymous with one of the world’s best-known beauty brands.

The story is told through Gloria Downing, a fictional young woman trying to escape a family scandal and create a new life for herself. When she meets the ambitious Estée, who is selling face cream and dreaming of competing with the biggest names in beauty, the two women form a friendship that changes both of their lives.

As Gloria finds her own footing at Saks Fifth Avenue and Estée relentlessly pursues her dream of building a cosmetics empire, both women confront the limitations placed on women of their era—and discover what they’re willing to sacrifice to create the lives they want.

Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl – What I Liked

There was so much I loved about this historical fiction novel, but what surprised me most was how many memories it brought back of my own childhood and shopping with my mother in department stores similar to those described in the story.

We lived in the Midwest rather than New York, so the stores themselves were different. But the feeling? That was wonderfully familiar. Reading about the beauty counters, cosmetics, saleswomen, and old-fashioned beauty shops transported me straight back to another time in my own life.

And then there was Darlene’s Palace of Beauty.

Honestly, the words “beauty shop” alone probably would have done it. My mother had her own version of Darlene’s Palace of Beauty that she visited every week for probably 70+ years – and her very own version of Darlene! The minute Darlene’s appeared in Chapter 1, I had a feeling I was going to love this book.

I also enjoyed learning about Estée Lauder. I knew the brand, of course, but I knew very little about the woman who created it. Rosen portrays her as tremendously ambitious and determined. I didn’t always like Estée or agree with her choices, but I was fascinated by her drive to transform herself from an unknown woman selling face cream into a force in the cosmetics industry.

What surprised me most, though, was Gloria. I expected Estée Lauder to be the center of the story, but Rosen tells it through the eyes of her fictional friend. Gloria has problems and ambitions of her own, and I loved watching her discover her strengths and create a new life for herself.

In the end, I came to this book because of Estée Lauder, but Gloria’s story was every bit as interesting to me.

Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl – What I Didn’t Like

Honestly, I can’t think of anything I disliked about Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl.

Readers should know, however, that this is historical fiction rather than a biography of Estée Lauder. Gloria is fictional, and Rosen uses fiction to build a story around a real historical figure. If you’re looking strictly for a factual account of Lauder’s life and career, this isn’t that book.

For me, though, the combination of fact and fiction was part of what made the story so enjoyable.

Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl – Read, Reread, or Reconsider?

And now, for my 3 Rs of book reviews.

Should you read, reread, or reconsider Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl?

A Definite Read!

Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl was everything I expected and quite a bit more. If you enjoy historical fiction about ambitious women, famous names, fashion, beauty, and New York City, there is a lot to enjoy here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl

Is Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl Worth Reading?

Absolutely. Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl is worth reading if you enjoy historical fiction that takes a real person or event and builds an absorbing fictional story around it.

I expected to enjoy learning more about Estée Lauder, but what made this book particularly memorable for me was everything else it evoked – the old department stores, beauty counters, beauty shops, fashion, and especially memories of my own mother.

If you love stories about strong, ambitious women determined to succeed, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. And if cosmetics, fashion, and glamorous old department stores are your thing, even better.

What To Read Next

• Historical Fiction Books In Order – Browse historical fiction authors and series when you’re ready to settle into another historical world.
• Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl – If you enjoy a New York City setting and stories of ambitious women, explore Fiona Davis’s historical novels, many of which bring iconic New York landmarks and fascinating women to life.

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