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The Life She Wanted

A Novel

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The Life She Wanted

By: Anita Abriel
Narrated by: Valerie Rose Lohman
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About this listen

New York in the 1920s—a time when fortunes are made and a woman’s dreams are challenged against all odds in a sweeping historical novel by the international bestselling author of The Light After the War.

1926, Hyde Park, New York. Born to modest means but befriended by the wealthy, aspiring dress designer Pandora Carmichael has been surrounded by privilege yet never at home in it. That hasn’t stopped her from dreaming—of a romance in a rarified world that could also give her the status and resources to start a business of her own. When she’s introduced to a charismatic Princeton student, Pandora’s future begins to fall into place.

Marriage provides Pandora with a devoted husband, comfortable love, and the prominence and affluence to open a boutique. It’s a fantasy realized, until scandal and tragedy upend Pandora’s life and she flees Hyde Park with a heart-wrenching secret. As the Depression looms, Pandora must rethink everything she’s ever wanted.

From sprawling Gilded Age mansions in New York to the seedy underbelly of Greenwich Village and the stunning coastal vistas of the French Riviera, Pandora’s escape is a journey of self-discovery, adventure, true love, and ambition. There are new dreams to be had, and Pandora is betting on herself to make them come true.

©2023 Anita Hughes (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
Family Life Fiction Historical Fiction Women's Fiction Marriage Dream Gilded Age New York
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Critic reviews

“This is a fast-paced historical read that examines the roles of men and women in the 1920s, what was accepted and what was not, and the idea that sometimes what you are looking for is right in front of you.” Booklist

The Life She Wanted transports readers to glittering Jazz Age New York as Pandora Carmichael seeks to have it all…” Historical Novels Review

“A delightful read from cover to cover. The Life She Wanted is the story of Pandora Carmichael, a woman of modest means thrust into a world of privilege and opportunity. When she finally finds her happily ever after, a devastating secret shatters Pandora’s world, forcing her to rethink her dreams. Abriel weaves a stunning tale of love and friendship while taking the reader on a masterful journey of self-discovery, where at the very heart is a woman of courage, loyalty, and ambition.” —Rochelle B. Weinstein, author of When We Let Go

What listeners say about The Life She Wanted

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    4 out of 5 stars
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**Determination**

**4-4.5 Stars**

This story is based in New York in the 1920’s, the main character Pandora grew up barely remembering her mother as she left when she was young but she has a close bond with her father Willie who was a great tennis player now a top instructor to the rich. She was not born into riches but she blends in with them and learns what she can.

In those days women had the raw deal which meant they were only recognised if they had a man by their side a were married. Pandora always wanted to be a fashion designer and as money was short she could only achieve this by being married to someone with means. Her father has always instilled in her that if she married it must be for love.

When she thought she met the man she wanted it did not work out with him meeting someone else.

Now she thinks she has finally found the one, then he reveals something that breaks her heart, they strike a deal and soon the marriage is rocked by scandal. Pandora now with a daughter decides to travel to Paris, this is because the scandal paves the end of her dreams before they are realised as reputation is everything in those circles.

Pandora still has her dream. She is even more determined and finds other avenues. Armed with all the knowledge she has required in Paris she returns to America with a new found determination to make it without a man to help her.

How will her life pan out? Will she be put off as doors are closed one after the other? And will she find the love she always dreamed of?

I really enjoyed this book but the only downside for me is that I would have liked the ending to have a bit of strife then come to conclusion. It will make more sense when or if you read it and if you agree with me. It just seemed a touch contrived.

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Nice Story

This is a nice story but goodness me the narration is not good! Any pronunciation of "European" words are appalling! It rather spoils the whole thing.

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