From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Noble comes a thrilling historical novel about the inception of the Colony Club, the first women��s club of its kind, set against the dazzling backdrop of Gilded Age New York.
When young Gilded Age society matron Daisy Harriman is refused a room at the Waldorf because they don’t cater to unaccompanied females, she takes matters into her own hands. She establishes the Colony Club, the first women’s club in Manhattan, where visiting women can stay overnight and dine with their friends; where they can discuss new ideas, take on social issues, and make their voices heard. She hires the most sought-after architect in New York, Stanford White, to design the clubhouse.
As “the best dressed actress on the Rialto” Elsie de Wolfe has an eye for décor, but her career is stagnating. So when White asks her to design the clubhouse interiors, she jumps at the chance and the opportunity to add a woman’s touch. He promises to send her an assistant, a young woman he’s hired as a draftsman.
Raised in the Lower East Side tenements, Nora Bromely is determined to become an architect in spite of hostility and sabotage from her male colleagues. She is disappointed and angry when White “foists” her off on this new women’s club project.
But when White is murdered and the ensuing Trial of the Century discloses the architect’s scandalous personal life, fearful backers begin to withdraw their support. It’s questionable whether the club will survive long enough to open.
Daisy, Elsie, and Nora have nothing in common but their determination to carry on. But to do so, they must overcome not only society’s mores but their own prejudices about women, wealth, and each other. Together they strive to transform Daisy’s dream of the Colony Club into a reality, a place that will nurture social justice and ensure the work of the women who earned the nickname “Mink Brigade” far into the future.
Genre: Historical
When young Gilded Age society matron Daisy Harriman is refused a room at the Waldorf because they don’t cater to unaccompanied females, she takes matters into her own hands. She establishes the Colony Club, the first women’s club in Manhattan, where visiting women can stay overnight and dine with their friends; where they can discuss new ideas, take on social issues, and make their voices heard. She hires the most sought-after architect in New York, Stanford White, to design the clubhouse.
As “the best dressed actress on the Rialto” Elsie de Wolfe has an eye for décor, but her career is stagnating. So when White asks her to design the clubhouse interiors, she jumps at the chance and the opportunity to add a woman’s touch. He promises to send her an assistant, a young woman he’s hired as a draftsman.
Raised in the Lower East Side tenements, Nora Bromely is determined to become an architect in spite of hostility and sabotage from her male colleagues. She is disappointed and angry when White “foists” her off on this new women’s club project.
But when White is murdered and the ensuing Trial of the Century discloses the architect’s scandalous personal life, fearful backers begin to withdraw their support. It’s questionable whether the club will survive long enough to open.
Daisy, Elsie, and Nora have nothing in common but their determination to carry on. But to do so, they must overcome not only society’s mores but their own prejudices about women, wealth, and each other. Together they strive to transform Daisy’s dream of the Colony Club into a reality, a place that will nurture social justice and ensure the work of the women who earned the nickname “Mink Brigade” far into the future.
Genre: Historical
Praise for this book
"A fascinating look into the history and personalities behind the Colony Club - the first women's club of its kind. Noble skillfully brings her characters and setting to life, spinning a tale that is both poignant and startlingly relevant. She shines a light on three women and their achievements who should be better known. Simply enthralling." - Anna Lee Huber
"Noble's latest, The Colony Club, is a well-researched novel full of fascinating and empowering characters. Through the eyes of three female protagonists, the Gilded Age of New York comes alive in the creation of the famous women's only Colony Club. A powerful reminder that when women work together, they can not only achieve great things, but smash through barriers. A delightful read. Well done!" - Eliza Knight
"The Colony Club is an inspiring, powerful tribute to the Gilded Age women who broke through barriers to create their own place in the world. This impeccably researched story features real events and people in history, spotlighting the amazing feats women can accomplish when they support each other." - Madeline Martin
"With The Colony Club, Shelley Noble has given us a trio of trailblazing heroines. Daisy's dream, Elsie's vision, and Nora's determination combine in a dazzling story about the creation and construction of the first social club for women. In these uncertain times, this book is a reminder that we stand on the broad shoulders of those courageous women who have gone before us." - Alix Rickloff
"This is the ultimate female empowerment story. Shelley Noble has unearthed a delicious sliver of history that will delight her readers. Fashioned after the exclusive men's clubs of the day, The Colony Club explores the formation of the first women's social club in Manhattan during the Gilded Age. Despite commissioning the project to the celebrated architect, Stanford White (later involved in the Murder of the Century), it's the women who triumph and make this dream a reality. Noble's cast of iron-willed heroines take up the charge with astounding passion and determination that shines on every page." - Renée Rosen
"Noble's latest, The Colony Club, is a well-researched novel full of fascinating and empowering characters. Through the eyes of three female protagonists, the Gilded Age of New York comes alive in the creation of the famous women's only Colony Club. A powerful reminder that when women work together, they can not only achieve great things, but smash through barriers. A delightful read. Well done!" - Eliza Knight
"The Colony Club is an inspiring, powerful tribute to the Gilded Age women who broke through barriers to create their own place in the world. This impeccably researched story features real events and people in history, spotlighting the amazing feats women can accomplish when they support each other." - Madeline Martin
"With The Colony Club, Shelley Noble has given us a trio of trailblazing heroines. Daisy's dream, Elsie's vision, and Nora's determination combine in a dazzling story about the creation and construction of the first social club for women. In these uncertain times, this book is a reminder that we stand on the broad shoulders of those courageous women who have gone before us." - Alix Rickloff
"This is the ultimate female empowerment story. Shelley Noble has unearthed a delicious sliver of history that will delight her readers. Fashioned after the exclusive men's clubs of the day, The Colony Club explores the formation of the first women's social club in Manhattan during the Gilded Age. Despite commissioning the project to the celebrated architect, Stanford White (later involved in the Murder of the Century), it's the women who triumph and make this dream a reality. Noble's cast of iron-willed heroines take up the charge with astounding passion and determination that shines on every page." - Renée Rosen
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