Julia Kelly is the international bestselling author of historical women’s fiction books about the extraordinary stories of the past. Her books have been translated into 13 languages. She has also written historical romance. In addition to writing, she’s been an Emmy-nominated producer, journalist, marketing professional, and (for one summer) a tea waitress. Julia called Los Angeles, Iowa, and New York City home before settling in London.
The Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab
“This next year will determine the rest of your life,” said Grandmama.
Thus began the pressure filled game that is the Season in London, 1958. This high society swan song of drinks, balls and dining rooms set for thirty-six was taking what many thought would be the last curtsy of those being presented to Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh. The society pages were filled with photos and predictions for the coveted “Deb of the Year.”
Author Julia Kelly “presents” readers with three debutantes in various social positions. Vying for the top spot is Miss Leana Hartford; from ‘old money’, entitled, demanding, always with drink in hand, and flaunting a gown by Norman Hartnell, favored designer of the Queen. Second, from “new money” is Miss Katherine Norman, daughter of the newspaper magnate; kind, encouraging, supportive, aiming to surprise her naysayers by accomplishing something unexpected. The third deb whose Grandmama and mother hope she will find a wealthy husband during the Season is Lily Nicholls; sensible, loves literature and wants to study at university. Lily happens to be seated next to Leana in the waiting area lined with gilt chairs and illuminated by teardrop chandeliers known as the Ball Supper Room in Buckingham Palace.
Julia Kelly’s description of debs waiting to curtsy before the Queen simply oozes with nervous anticipation. The absolute thrill of being invited to be presented at Buckingham Palace makes up for the long nights of parties, building pressure and “stultifying” conversations. Just reading about The Season is dizzying, leaving readers longing for an afternoon nap! The delicious details of a deb’s transformation after zipping up a designer ball gown, luxurious table settings, and fern ensconced ball rooms lends an omniscient perspective. Readers will love to hate Leana for her bossy, beastly behavior, love to love Katherine for understanding her parents’ aspirations, and simply adore Lily for her devotion to the “Imperfects!”
With a whiff of L’Air du Temps perfume, the rustling of taffeta, and the melodic tune, The Way You Look Tonight readers will be whisked into the Ritz and the long-ago world of The Last Dance of the Debutante.
Julia’s mom suggested she read this book in February, 2020; that “it might make a good novel.”
Autobiography/Memoir: “Once upon a time the well-bred daughters of Britain’s aristocracy took part in a female rite of passage: curtseying to the Queen. But in 1958 this ritual was coming to an end. Under pressure to shine – not least from their mothers – the girls became the focus for newspaper diarists and society photographers in a party season that stretched for months among the great houses of England, Ireland and Scotland. Fiona MacCarthy traces the stories of the girls who curtseyed that year, and shows how their lives were to open out in often very unexpected ways – as Britain itself changed irreversibly during the 1960s, and the certainties of the old order came to an end.”
The Grateful Reader 