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Dollface
Dollface: A Novel of the Roaring Twenties | Renée Rosen
30 posts | 18 read | 12 to read
America in the 1920s was a country alive with the wild fun of jazz, speakeasies, and a new kind of woman—the flapper. Vera Abramowitz is determined to leave her gritty childhood behind and live a more exciting life, one that her mother never dreamed of. Bobbing her hair and showing her knees, the lipsticked beauty dazzles, doing the Charleston in nightclubs and earning the nickname “Dollface.” As the ultimate flapper, Vera captures the attention of two high rollers, a handsome nightclub owner and a sexy gambler. On their arms, she gains entrée into a world filled with bootleg bourbon, wailing jazz, and money to burn. She thinks her biggest problem is choosing between them until the truth comes out. Her two lovers are really mobsters from rival gangs during Chicago’s infamous Beer Wars, a battle Al Capone refuses to lose. The heady life she’s living is an illusion resting on a bedrock of crime and violence unlike anything the country has ever seen before. When the good times come to an end, Vera becomes entangled in everything from bootlegging to murder. And as men from both gangs fall around her, Vera must put together the pieces of her shattered life, as Chicago hurtles toward one of the most infamous days in its history, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. READERS GUIDE INCLUDED
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KateReadsYA
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#thoughtfulthursday @MoonWitch94
Favorite genre-🤩â¤ï¸â€ðŸ”¥ðŸ’«ðŸ’‹ðŸ–¤ðŸ§šðŸ¼ðŸ§œðŸ¼â€â™€ï¸ðŸ¦‹ðŸŒ¹ðŸ«–🌠✨ï¸ðŸ”®
Fantasy is my favorite because it let's me be somewhere magical, a place that is open to the impossible!
For an enticing read its usually the cover art that does it for me.
*Thanks for the tag @Kshakal

Tagging if you haven't already played @Endowarrior21 @Readergrrl @persephone1408 @chasjjlee @BooksNBowls

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Librarybelle
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Sorry a little late posting, but discussion questions are now up! You‘ll find them on my feed as spoilers, or just search under the title or by #LiteraryCrew .

Anything else to share about the book? I‘m still reading it - having a hard time with Vera! - and I‘ve seen mixed reviews posted. Thanks for joining!

Deblovestoread I didn‘t get to this one … see you in February for The Mercies. Happy New Year! 2y
Librarybelle Happy New Year, @Kdgordon88 ! 2y
KristiAhlers I had a sever love hate with Vera. At times so was so self involved and bratty. 2y
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Crazeedi I started answering, got busy!! 2y
megnews I really liked this book. I think because of the setting and her situation was typical for the time. 2y
BethM I wanted to love this and just didn‘t. 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I bet this one was good!! 2y
PurpleyPumpkin I am still making my way through this one. I started strong, but haven't followed through the last couple of weeks. Boy, the 1920s were rough!😳 2y
Librarybelle @PurpleyPumpkin Totally agree! 2y
50 likes9 comments
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Librarybelle
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6. Mother and daughter relationships factor strongly into this novel. Vera‘s complicated relationship with her mother undergoes a major shift through the course of the story. What do you think accounts for this change? How is Vera‘s relationship with her mother different from Vera‘s relationship with Hannah? From Reading Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Crazeedi When everything finally fell apart and she had no man to run to. I think she woke up and saw her mother in a different light 2y
BethM I agree I think she had no other choice. I think she‘s trying to be more emotive with Hannah and had her mother done that maybe things would‘ve been different. 2y
PageShifter I loved to see how she grew up and started to see her mother in different light. We all do our mistakes and we all have to go through relationships with our parents. When we'll be adults we understand that they do mistakes as well. 2y
CarolineLovesToRead I agree with the previous comments. When things went wrong she saw her mother in a different way. Life events will sometimes change the way you look at things. 2y
6 likes4 comments
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Librarybelle
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5. When she was a young girl, Vera‘s father was brutally murdered by the Black Hand Gang, a deadly extortionist group that gave way to the Mafia after it was disbanded in the early twentieth century. How did the murder of her father influence Vera‘s life? From Reading Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

megnews I think classic girl-without-a-father goes for bad boy situation 2y
Crazeedi She didn't have a father role model and I think because her mom took over the company and wasn't there, she was searching for a father figure 2y
BethM I also think that bc she saw her mom work so hard she actively tried to be the opposite. 2y
5 likes3 comments
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Librarybelle
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4. From the opening of the novel till the end, Vera undergoes a transformation. What do you think caused her to shed her frivolous facade? From Reading Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

megnews It‘s been awhile since I read it but I think it‘s a hard life you can only live so long and compromise so much, especially for a woman. 2y
Crazeedi I think it took her way too long to undergo the transformation. Her affair really kept her from taking control of her life and seeing reality. But passion can blind 2y
BethM I‘m not sure that she did transform until the very end working with her mom. And then it was more forced. Everyone was dead and her affair was out so those who weren‘t dead weren‘t welcoming. 2y
CarolineLovesToRead I agree with @BethM I'm not sure she really did transform. Just saw things in a different light 2y
5 likes4 comments
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Librarybelle
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3. Aside from the obvious bond between Vera and Evelyn, what other characters in the novel share an equally strong connection? From Reading Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Crazeedi The gangsters all have deep connections, more about loyalty than maybe friendship. 2y
BethM I think the women are bonded by the lifestyle and their intimate relationships. 2y
5 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
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2. Friendship and loyalty are strong themes in Dollface. Is there a difference between friendship and loyalty, or do you see them as the same? From Reading Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Crazeedi In my mind can be looked at a couple ways, you can be loyal to a job, company etc but it not include friendship. On the other hand if there is true friendship then loyalty seems to go hand in hand 2y
megnews Agree with @Crazeedi the truer the friendship the greater the loyalty. I think people can be loyal for reasons other than friendship. Like they‘ve been thru things together, in trouble together etc 2y
BethM These ladies have already said it best 2y
5 likes3 comments
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Librarybelle
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1. The Jazz Age was a time of prosperity and wild abandon. There was a lot of experimentation, sexual expression, and new independence for women. What is it about this period that intrigues people? From Reading Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Crazeedi The abandoning of morés especially since the Victorian era was so recent. Such a 180 turn. Plus prohibition in the midst of the loosening of what was considered "proper" especially for women 2y
megnews New music. New dances. New fashion. The glamour. Work hard, party harder mindset. The idea of prohibition. 2y
BethM I agree with @Crazeedi but also my draw is the gangsters. I work in criminal justice so I have a natural love affair with the genre and Capone abs Dillinger were the first big ones outside of the mob. Then add in geographical proximity to where I live and it‘s always fascinated me. 2y
Crazeedi @BethM l definitely add your draw too. A fascinating time 2y
CarolineLovesToRead that time period is fascinating to me as woman were starting to work, fashions were changing and rules being broken 2y
5 likes5 comments
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BethM
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Panpan

I almost bailed on this multiple times and ended up skimming a lot. The kiddo was the ONLY likable character. I understand it takes a good writer to write unlikable characters but it‘s not my jam. Also being a mom, I can‘t imagine making the choices Vera made. Selfish twat. #literarycrew @Librarybelle

Librarybelle I‘m not a big fan of Vera. 2y
Avanders 😂😂 selfish twat 2y
BethM @Avanders I was waiting for someone to comment on that 😂 2y
36 likes3 comments
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BethM
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Over under on how long before the kiddo is up and melting down? Last night was 3 hrs.

Yet another viral lung infection :(

Leftcoastzen So sad for you both ! Hope he‘s better soon! 2y
TheSpineView Poor thing! Hope is gets well soon! 2y
Librarybelle 😔 Hope he feels better soon! 2y
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Chrissyreadit Oh no! Poor baby- I hope he gets better soon. 2y
Reggie Oof hope he gets better! 2y
LeeRHarry Get better soon Wes 💕🤞 2y
tracey38 Oh, I'm so sorry to hear. Hope he feels better soon. 2y
Avanders 🥺🥺 2y
26 likes8 comments
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Crazeedi
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#literarycrew @Librarybelle
I finished this book today. Vera made me mad the whole way through! A good book, and I think very much close to what it was like in prohibition Chicago

Librarybelle I‘m still deciding how I feel about Vera. Glad this was a pick for you! 2y
BethM My gosh I dislike her so much! I‘m at 77% and am@telling myself to just keep going. 2y
Crazeedi @BethM she wasn't a likeable person 2y
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CoffeeNBooks
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Pickpick

Vera wants more from life than she had growing up, and is enticed into the glamorous life of excess when she starts hanging out with mobsters. It's the 1920's Prohibition Era, but bootlegging, whiskey, and speakeasies are in full swing. #LiteraryCrew @Librarybelle

Librarybelle Glad you liked it! 2y
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PageShifter
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Pickpick

I really loved Vera's character arc! She had some childlish dreams and she was so naive first but I could still relate to her and I loved to follow how she ended up being so much wiser. I also loved the atmosphere: this era was so fascinating.

This was pleasurable buddyread with #LiteraryCrew, that made me smile #Adventathon
Book 2 during #dashingdecember

#wintergames2021 #teamgamesleighers #AVeryMerryReadathon #ChristmasMyWay

TheSpineView Fantastic! 📖📚 2y
Andrew65 Brilliant ðŸ‘ðŸ‘👠2y
Librarybelle Hooray! Glad you liked it! 2y
14 likes3 comments
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Librarybelle
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Check in time for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! I know a few have finished already, which is great! I‘ve read the first chapter so far - the Roaring ‘20s is a very interesting era!

Any comments so far on the reading? Any impressions to share?

PurpleyPumpkin I just started listening to the audiobook today! So far, it's quite entertaining. It's definitely got me hooked. 😠2y
KristiAhlers I loved how she brings us into the time period with the vocabulary. 2y
BethM It‘s not moving as fast as I thought it would. Still enjoying it. 2y
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Crazeedi I'm halfway through, I haven't been reading as much as I'd like. The storyline so far is predictable. It's ok, but not as good as I'd hoped 2y
CarolineLovesToRead I‘m a few chapters in. I couldn‘t find a hard copy of the book so decided to download the audiobook and am having a hard time listening to the narrator. I‘m liking the story so far though 2y
CoverToCoverGirl I finished it. The writing style is basic but did like it. 2y
PageShifter I have liked it, haven't read really much last week so have not finished. But I have enjoyed this historical read, fascinating era! 2y
CoffeeNBooks I just finished it yesterday- I liked it! It was interesting reading about the time period, and from Vera's perspective. 2y
PurpleyPumpkin It‘s definitely an interesting period. I‘m enjoying Vera‘s personality and perspective. 2y
57 likes9 comments
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KristiAhlers
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Pickpick

Doing a buddy read for this title with @Librarybelle and truly enjoyed this one. The author really drew me into the time period with the vocabulary she used and the characters she drafted. Highly recommend this one. #wintercosy @PuddleJumper

PuddleJumper Oo not heard of this author before, will check then out! 2y
Librarybelle So glad you liked this! 2y
KristiAhlers @Librarybelle the Roaring 20‘s have always been one of my favorite time periods and there are so few book series during it! I inhaled this one. Thank you so much for picking it! 💜 2y
CoverToCoverGirl Good to hear you liked it so much. I‘m not that far into it yet but it is starting to pick up. (edited) 2y
30 likes4 comments
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Librarybelle
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The December #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is Dollface by Renee Rosen. Tagging those who asked to be tagged for the December read, but all are welcome to join!

There are not great chapter breakdowns in this one (titles, not numbers), so not a suggested reading timeline this month. I‘ll post periodic check ins, with discussion on the 31st!

KristiAhlers Sounds great! Looking forward to this one! 2y
CoffeeNBooks I just took this one off the bookshelf and put it in my book bag today! Looking forward to reading it! 2y
See All 10 Comments
PageShifter Sounds good ^_^ 2y
Crazeedi I have this one ready! 2y
megnews I generally don‘t reread. Wondering if 4 years is too long ago to join in discussion. I really liked this one. 2y
Librarybelle @megnews I had noted you were going to try for the discussion…I sometimes amaze myself at remembering details from books I read years ago! 2y
kspenmoll I could not join in this month- too much going on. Will rejoin in January! 2y
Librarybelle Sounds good, @kspenmoll ! We‘re going to read Irish Above All, so we can conclude the Kelly saga! 2y
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LitsyEvents
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Join @Librarybelle 's #LiteraryCrew!

“December‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead selection is Dollface by Renee Rosen.

Closer to December, I will post a suggested reading timeline (I‘m waiting for my library hold on this one!). I‘ll post periodic check-ins and will post discussion questions on Dec 31st.

All are welcome! Comment on her post if you wish to be tagged in posts for December.“

original post is here:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2307381

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 2y
KristiAhlers Please include me in this! I‘ll get my copy ASAP 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @Librarybelle Just making sure you see the above request. â˜ï¸ 2y
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Librarybelle @KristiAhlers Awesome! I‘ll tag you in posts for this one…it looks so good! 2y
KristiAhlers @Librarybelle thank you. Ordered my copy yesterday should be here tomorrow! 2y
23 likes7 comments
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Librarybelle
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Reminder: December‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead selection is Dollface by Renee Rosen.

Closer to December, I will post a suggested reading timeline (I‘m waiting for my library hold on this one!). I‘ll post periodic checkins and will post discussion questions on Dec 31st.

Tagging those who are reading this month, along with those who have asked to be tagged for December. All are welcome! Comment below if you wish to be tagged in posts for December.

megnews I‘ve already read (& loved) this but I‘ll join in conversation. 2y
Librarybelle Also, I am looking for suggestions for next year. Though we tend to read historical fiction, if you have a suggestion, please share! 2y
Librarybelle Great, @megnews ! And it‘s good to know you enjoyed it - I think it looks really good! 2y
See All 27 Comments
Butterfinger @LitsyEvents I am adding as I see them. 2y
CoffeeNBooks My library doesn't have this one, so I ordered it because it looks really good! 2y
CoverToCoverGirl Me please! 2y
CoverToCoverGirl May I suggest “The Diamond Eye†by Kate Quinn. 2y
CoverToCoverGirl Or “Her Heart For A Compass†by Sarah Ferguson, I‘m really curious about this one. 2y
Librarybelle Great suggestions, @CoverToCoverGirl ! I‘ll make note of them. It‘s my hope that we‘ll have our titles selected for the coming year with plenty of time to find copies, etc. And, I‘m curious about the Sarah Ferguson one too! 2y
Deblovestoread ðŸ‘🼠2y
CoverToCoverGirl Thank you! I can‘t wait to see your final picks. 🙂 2y
PageShifter I would like to join! 2y
Crazeedi I got my book!! Yay!! 2y
megnews Throwing a few random things from my tbr out there 2y
Librarybelle @megnews Thank you! I‘ve been eyeing Dictionary. And Company of Liars is amazing - I read it years ago, but would happily read it again! 2y
Librarybelle @megnews Beheld is also on my tbr! 2y
Jerdencon It looks good! Please tag me although in full disclosure between winter games and the holidays - I may not get to it but will try. 2y
PurpleyPumpkin I‘m definitely in for this one! Looking forward to December. 😉 2y
60 likes27 comments
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CocoReads
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Had a great time closing down the Barnes and a noble with my sister and bestie after book group last night. I still had Christmas cash plus a gift card from my parents so I went a little crazy. Yes, that‘s 2 bullet journals on top of the pile. The “official†one and one that was cheaper. I‘m going to continue to use the one I started while I figure out what I‘m doing. But if you knew how I go through notebooks and paper, this won‘t shock you. 🤣

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Courtneyjo_reads
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Pickpick

â­ï¸â­ï¸â­ï¸â­ï¸ 4/5

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SilversReviews
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#ReadingResolutions
@Jess7

Today‘s Prompt: Rich

Another Rene Rosen GEM.

It's the Roaring 20's.

Prohibition, speakeasies, gangsters, the rich and the poor. DOLLFACE portrays the life of those living in Chicago during this time. No one was exempt from what was going on.

You will love following Vera from rags to riches and then through a rough time, but Vera was tough.

https://silversolara.blogspot.com/2013/11/dollface-by-renee-rosen.html

68 likes2 stack adds
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SilversReviews
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#ThisRemindsMeOf

@joestalksbeck
@Tiffy_Reads

TODAY'S PROMPT: Time/Clock

A clock reminds me of a time in history that I enjoy - the Roaring 20's.

DOLLFACE portrays this era perfectly. Ms. Rosen's books are always enjoyable.

https://silversolara.blogspot.com/2013/11/dollface-by-renee-rosen.html

59 likes1 stack add
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oddandbookish
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21 likes1 stack add1 comment
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GypsyKat
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Bought this on a whim at Barnes and Noble off their bargain table. It's been on my TBR shelf ever since. I'll get to it eventually. 😉🾠#SetInThe1920s #MarchIntoReading @RealLifeReading

44 likes1 stack add
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JenlovesJT47
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Day 20 - #favoritecover - as a huge fan of the Roaring Twenties, this book cover just jumped out at me. I bought it after barely skimming the blurb and really enjoyed it. I was transported back in time. I'm a sucker for pretty book covers! #riotgrams #roaringtwenties #flapper

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Peddler410

Started this today. Two chapters in and so far I like it. This was one of my "Andermatch's" from the fall.

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Mimi28
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Lol #forcedcatpic I put the books by her on the bed she hissed and moved to the chair and I put the books by her again. I love this hissy ole' lady cat â¤ï¸ This is my TBR/in progress/library haul/ books I just pulled out cuz I may not be able to renew pile. Dollface is partly set here in Chicago and has a sassy female lead character, been renewing it forever now finally there is a hold on it. Damn. I seriously stress out about this stuff. 🙄🙀🤓

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elisabethyucis
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Prohibition era historical fiction- a light, fun beach read.

User1234456 I have this book on my To Read shelf as well!! 8y
User1234456 What were your thoughts on this one? I'm almost done it....it's been alright but nothing crazy 8y
2 likes2 comments