Lies in White Dresses by Sofia Grant ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

"This is how it all began, then, the transformation she had never asked for.  In six weeks she would return a divorcee."  (p5)

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

September 2019; William Morrow; 978-0062861863
audio, ebook, print (384 pages); women's fiction 

Francie Meeker and Vi Carothers were sold a bill of goods: find a man, marry him in a white wedding gown, and live happily ever after. These best friends never expected to be on the train to Reno, those “lies in white dresses” shattered, their marriages over. (synopsis)

Life in the 50s for women was very restrictive. They were supposed to marry young, have babies and take care of the home, no matter what their husband did. If they wanted a quickie divorce, they'd go to Nevada, establish 6 weeks residency and leave as a divorcee. Lies in White Dresses is about 3 women who took the "Reno Cure".

Francie and Vi had been neighbors and best friends for years and decided to go to Nevada together to get their divorces. Both are unhappy with this part of their lives - Vi's husband has another woman and Francie has no other choices. When they are on the train, they meet June and her 4-year-old daughter, Patty. It's apparent by the way June is dressed that she doesn't have much money and they invite her to stay at the ranch with them. Right after they arrive, something tragic happens that will change all of their lives. It will bring fear and vulnerability to their lives. Will they be able to finish their plans in Nevada?

One of my favorite people in the book is Virgie. She's the 11-year-old daughter of the ranch owner. Her goal in life is to be a detective - just like her beloved Nancy Drew. Because she has lived in the hotel, she knows all the best places to eavesdrop and hid. She carries a notebook with her to write down her observations and questions and thinks she knows who she can trust and who is being dishonest. Her view of the ranch and the women who are there is a bright spot in a sad story.

I enjoyed this look at divorce during a time period that women had no legal rights. I sympathized with the three women as they took the needed steps to dissolve their marriages.

Buy Lies in White Dresses at Amazon

Susan Roberts lives in North Carolina when she isn't traveling. She and her husband enjoy traveling, gardening and spending time with their family and friends. She reads almost anything (and the piles of books in her house prove that) but her favorite genres are Southern fiction, women's fiction, and thrillers. Susan is a top 1% Goodreads Reviewer. You can connect with Susan on Facebook, Goodreads, or Twitter.

Get even more book news in your inbox, sign up today! Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon using any Amazon links on this site. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Reads.