Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F GIS
Publication
Howard Books
Description
Fiction. Literature. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. From the bestselling author of It Happened at the Fair and Fair Play comes a compelling historical novel about a progressive "New Woman"-the girl behind Tiffany's chapel-and the love that threatens it all. As preparations for the 1893 World's Fair set Chicago and the nation on fire, Louis Tiffany-heir to the exclusive Fifth Avenue jewelry empire-seizes the opportunity to unveil his state-of-the-art, stained glass, mosaic chapel, the likes of which the world has never seen. But when Louis's dream is threatened by a glassworkers' strike months before the Fair opens, he turns to an unforeseen source for help: the female students at the Art Students League of New York. Eager for adventure, the young women pick up their skirts, move to boarding houses, take up steel cutters, and assume new identities as the "Tiffany Girls." Tiffany Girls is the heartwarming story of the impetuous Flossie Jayne, a beautiful, budding artist who is handpicked by Louis to help complete the Tiffany chapel. Though excited to live in a boarding house when most women stayed home, she quickly finds the world is less welcoming than anticipated. From a Casanova male, to an unconventional married couple, and a condescending singing master, she takes on a colorful cast of characters to transform the boarding house into a home while racing to complete the Tiffany chapel and make a name for herself in the art world. As challenges mount, her ambitions become threatened from an unexpected quarter: her own heart. Who will claim victory? Her dreams or the captivating boarder next door?… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member alekee
I have enjoyed books by Deeanna Gist in the past and this one sure does not disappoint, I was captivated from the first page. She is bringing us back to the fair, the Chicago World’s Fair, if only briefly. This is the 1890’s and a woman is very inferior to men, and it is just accepted common
Flossie Jayne is a New Woman, and wants to take flight in her life away from her parents. When opportunity knock and she is offered a job as a Tiffany Girl, she defies her parents and begins a new life. Mr. Tiffany has hired woman while the glassworker’s strike, and he needs his windows for the World’s Fair, so begins Flossie’s new life. She takes a room at a boarding house, and wants all of these new and exciting people to become her family.
One of the boards, a newspaper man, does not like these new modern women, and takes a job of sleuthing out information from the male strikers and reporting on these “scabs”. Reeve Wilder is about to begin a very new journey in his own life, both professionally and personally.
Life doesn’t become a bed of roses for Flossie, she is a willing and hard worker, and very friendly. She puts everything she has into her new job, but will it be enough? We meet some interesting people in this story, and not all are to be trusted. Loved that at the end of the book in the author’s notes, we find out about some of the real people and whom some of these characters are based on.
I enjoyed this story, and from a recent experience of going to Chicago and Navy Pier, and seeing the Tiffany work there, made this book even more enjoyable for me.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Howard Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
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thinking, any money she earns belongs to her husband or her father.Flossie Jayne is a New Woman, and wants to take flight in her life away from her parents. When opportunity knock and she is offered a job as a Tiffany Girl, she defies her parents and begins a new life. Mr. Tiffany has hired woman while the glassworker’s strike, and he needs his windows for the World’s Fair, so begins Flossie’s new life. She takes a room at a boarding house, and wants all of these new and exciting people to become her family.
One of the boards, a newspaper man, does not like these new modern women, and takes a job of sleuthing out information from the male strikers and reporting on these “scabs”. Reeve Wilder is about to begin a very new journey in his own life, both professionally and personally.
Life doesn’t become a bed of roses for Flossie, she is a willing and hard worker, and very friendly. She puts everything she has into her new job, but will it be enough? We meet some interesting people in this story, and not all are to be trusted. Loved that at the end of the book in the author’s notes, we find out about some of the real people and whom some of these characters are based on.
I enjoyed this story, and from a recent experience of going to Chicago and Navy Pier, and seeing the Tiffany work there, made this book even more enjoyable for me.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Howard Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
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LibraryThing member lanehillhouse
Friday, May 15, 2015
Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist, © 2015
From the bestselling author of It Happened at the Fair and Fair Play comes a compelling historical novel about a progressive “New Woman”—the girl behind Tiffany’s chapel—and the love that threatens it all.
My review:
First, the
Yes, these are our two protagonists ~ Reeve and Flossie ~ our main two contenders with many interesting characters woven within their adventures. Newly discovered letters, a decade ago only, revealed an actual person in this time period that the story is written about. That is exciting!
What would it have been like to being used to having your daughters home until they married, having them tell you they were going off on their own? And to a nondescript New York City boardinghouse where who knows who lived there? No chaperone? Working in a man's job?
The Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company at southeast corner of 25th Street and 4th Avenue (Park Avenue)
As you have read above, Flossie has indeed done just that. She is a new Tiffany Girl at Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, New York City, in the Women's Glass Cutting Department. She also has a great plan for her new job restocking in the storeroom ~ sorting the hues of the colored glass. I thought it was a great idea. She could have a rainbow-filled trunk of those that didn't exactly fit in with the others. Her idea was shot down ~ too time consuming; hmm. We'll see.
A challenge getting to and from work amid working men's views of women taking men's jobs and not being back at hearth and home.
Question: Do you sit in the same place ~ at church, at family gathering dinners?
There is change ahead for Klausmeyer's Boardinghouse, as Flossie puts name place cards on the dinner table to acquaint residents beyond their "I always sit there." Being an only child, Flossie was looking forward to mingling with her now "big family." So... she is going to have to bring it about, in her creativity.
An immediate notice upon receiving Tiffany Girl was the length ~ 512 pages. Love it! And each period photo included. I like the fullness of the character descriptions to their very thoughts and feelings revealed through questions and reflections afterwards of the get-to-know-you questions shared during dinner. The selection of each one, pausing and reflecting on answers ~ and the depths of them, so researched as to draw each one in and aware of their attributes and caring. Their thought-out responses revealing their heart and very precious memories hidden away until gently escaping into fullness.
You will enjoy being fully emerged in their every day, wanting to visit them again. Another thing I like is the mention of current news of the times in the newspaper. So many good things ~ learning to trust another, feeling free to reveal yourself. So smoothly written as they converse among themselves.
Thank you, Deeanne Gist, for a beautiful story worthy of capturing their endearing inner hearts.
To the readers, there is so much for you to discover as you read this story; so beautifully written with expression. The days at Tiffany & Co; the display at the World's Fair, the coming to terms with keeping one's self apart from others. You will love the journey. Deeanne Gist has brought to life each part of the story. The years incorporated, 1892-1893, could be any year with downfalls in economy and learning to communicate with others. This is a valuable story of giving and caring about others, of working together and being thankful. More than a fictional story, it will touch your heart.
***Thank you to author Deeanne Gist for inviting me to review her newest novel, Tiffany Girl. You will love it! Remember the pictures with a caption beneath in the Nancy Drew books? Tiffany Girl has them too! This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist, © 2015
From the bestselling author of It Happened at the Fair and Fair Play comes a compelling historical novel about a progressive “New Woman”—the girl behind Tiffany’s chapel—and the love that threatens it all.
My review:
First, the
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boarder in the adjacent room at the boardinghouse may wish he hadn't been eavesdropping on the two girls through the thin walls. He may just decide he needs a closer inspection of this New Woman. Reeve Wilder may think he is innocently gathering information for his New York World newspaper articles, until Flossie Jayne sideswipes him.Yes, these are our two protagonists ~ Reeve and Flossie ~ our main two contenders with many interesting characters woven within their adventures. Newly discovered letters, a decade ago only, revealed an actual person in this time period that the story is written about. That is exciting!
What would it have been like to being used to having your daughters home until they married, having them tell you they were going off on their own? And to a nondescript New York City boardinghouse where who knows who lived there? No chaperone? Working in a man's job?
The Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company at southeast corner of 25th Street and 4th Avenue (Park Avenue)
As you have read above, Flossie has indeed done just that. She is a new Tiffany Girl at Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, New York City, in the Women's Glass Cutting Department. She also has a great plan for her new job restocking in the storeroom ~ sorting the hues of the colored glass. I thought it was a great idea. She could have a rainbow-filled trunk of those that didn't exactly fit in with the others. Her idea was shot down ~ too time consuming; hmm. We'll see.
A challenge getting to and from work amid working men's views of women taking men's jobs and not being back at hearth and home.
Question: Do you sit in the same place ~ at church, at family gathering dinners?
There is change ahead for Klausmeyer's Boardinghouse, as Flossie puts name place cards on the dinner table to acquaint residents beyond their "I always sit there." Being an only child, Flossie was looking forward to mingling with her now "big family." So... she is going to have to bring it about, in her creativity.
An immediate notice upon receiving Tiffany Girl was the length ~ 512 pages. Love it! And each period photo included. I like the fullness of the character descriptions to their very thoughts and feelings revealed through questions and reflections afterwards of the get-to-know-you questions shared during dinner. The selection of each one, pausing and reflecting on answers ~ and the depths of them, so researched as to draw each one in and aware of their attributes and caring. Their thought-out responses revealing their heart and very precious memories hidden away until gently escaping into fullness.
You will enjoy being fully emerged in their every day, wanting to visit them again. Another thing I like is the mention of current news of the times in the newspaper. So many good things ~ learning to trust another, feeling free to reveal yourself. So smoothly written as they converse among themselves.
Thank you, Deeanne Gist, for a beautiful story worthy of capturing their endearing inner hearts.
To the readers, there is so much for you to discover as you read this story; so beautifully written with expression. The days at Tiffany & Co; the display at the World's Fair, the coming to terms with keeping one's self apart from others. You will love the journey. Deeanne Gist has brought to life each part of the story. The years incorporated, 1892-1893, could be any year with downfalls in economy and learning to communicate with others. This is a valuable story of giving and caring about others, of working together and being thankful. More than a fictional story, it will touch your heart.
***Thank you to author Deeanne Gist for inviting me to review her newest novel, Tiffany Girl. You will love it! Remember the pictures with a caption beneath in the Nancy Drew books? Tiffany Girl has them too! This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
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LibraryThing member SheilaDeeth
Imagine a Jane Austen novel, transposed to the US, and set around Chicago’s World Fair. The dashing wounded hero seems like he might never fall in love. The independent adventurous heroine will surely never realize he loves her. The wise older women sees everything and keeps it to herself.
Fascinating details weave very naturally into the story – unlocked rooms in a boarding house; dinner-time parlor games; and even the details of how stained glass windows are made. Meanwhile there’s the pleasing progression of a girl’s self-knowledge, from assumptions of greatness to that quiet acceptance which turns the ordinary into something wonderful.
Some beautiful scenes will remain with me now I’ve finished reading the novel – a skating scene where Reese’s first step into the fun zone almost turns into disaster; a moment of unexpected release when a kindness is reported; a wonderful meeting on a street-car where the tables are turned on an unruly bustle-pincher; and, of course, the long awaited scene where romance wins the day. Author Deeanne Gist does a very pleasing job with romance, carefully avoiding cringe-worthy soap-box sensuality while still teasing the senses delightfully. Suddenly it’s clear why layers upon layers of discreetness combined with a button-hook might be erotic, and it’s beautifully told.
I enjoyed watching the protagonists change in this novel. I enjoyed the details of history, life, and social change. And I particularly enjoyed the sense that life and love aren’t just defined by success. The pictures between chapters are delightful too. And the cover entices with an image that’s not quite real, but waits for semi-fulfilment, just as the character learns her fulfilment is more. Tiffany Girl is a lovely historical romance – highly recommended.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to be given an advance proof copy, and I really enjoyed it.
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Meanwhile there’s a convincing backdrop of streetcars, bad behavior, bustle-pinchers, strike-breakers, awkward parents, and a young girl who dearly wants to paint. Plus Tiffany glass.Fascinating details weave very naturally into the story – unlocked rooms in a boarding house; dinner-time parlor games; and even the details of how stained glass windows are made. Meanwhile there’s the pleasing progression of a girl’s self-knowledge, from assumptions of greatness to that quiet acceptance which turns the ordinary into something wonderful.
Some beautiful scenes will remain with me now I’ve finished reading the novel – a skating scene where Reese’s first step into the fun zone almost turns into disaster; a moment of unexpected release when a kindness is reported; a wonderful meeting on a street-car where the tables are turned on an unruly bustle-pincher; and, of course, the long awaited scene where romance wins the day. Author Deeanne Gist does a very pleasing job with romance, carefully avoiding cringe-worthy soap-box sensuality while still teasing the senses delightfully. Suddenly it’s clear why layers upon layers of discreetness combined with a button-hook might be erotic, and it’s beautifully told.
I enjoyed watching the protagonists change in this novel. I enjoyed the details of history, life, and social change. And I particularly enjoyed the sense that life and love aren’t just defined by success. The pictures between chapters are delightful too. And the cover entices with an image that’s not quite real, but waits for semi-fulfilment, just as the character learns her fulfilment is more. Tiffany Girl is a lovely historical romance – highly recommended.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to be given an advance proof copy, and I really enjoyed it.
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LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
Tiffany Girl by Deanne Gist is the story of Florence Jayne who wants more out of life. Her father has decided she can no longer take her painting classes (because he spent the money for tuition on gambling). Flossie (as she is called) decided to get a job outside the home to finance her classes.
Tiffany Girl is basically a long, drawn out romance novel. There is not enough in the book regarding Tiffany and the windows. The fair barely rates a chapter. Flossie is an extremely naïve young woman who had no idea what real life was like outside her home. I just expected more from the book. The writing is okay (a little stilted) and I felt the book was too long. It could have ended much sooner (many things could have been edited from the book). I give Tiffany Girl 3 out of 5 stars. The ending is expected (you know what is going to happen from the moment Flossie and Reeve meet).
I received a complimentary copy of Tiffany Girl from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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One-day Louis Comfort Tiffany comes to the New York School for Applied Design (Flossie’s school). Mr. Tiffany is looking for female works to help complete his windows for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Mr. Tiffany is building a chapel with twelve windows. Because of a strike with the Lead Glaziers and Glass Cutters’ Unions, they need workers. Flossie is lucky enough to be one of the ladies picked. Flossie cannot believe her luck (no she has to tell her parents). Flossie finds a room at Klausmeyer Boardinghouse and believes these people will be her family (she is extremely naïve). Reeve Wilder, a reporter for The New York World, lives across the hall. Reeve finds Flossie to be extremely annoying and a disrupting influence. He does, though, find her to be an inspiration for his writing. See how Flossie navigates life on her own as she becomes a Tiffany Girl.Tiffany Girl is basically a long, drawn out romance novel. There is not enough in the book regarding Tiffany and the windows. The fair barely rates a chapter. Flossie is an extremely naïve young woman who had no idea what real life was like outside her home. I just expected more from the book. The writing is okay (a little stilted) and I felt the book was too long. It could have ended much sooner (many things could have been edited from the book). I give Tiffany Girl 3 out of 5 stars. The ending is expected (you know what is going to happen from the moment Flossie and Reeve meet).
I received a complimentary copy of Tiffany Girl from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member Iambookish
As I started reading this I began to realize that this was going to be a bit of a romance novel and I almost quit because I dislike those types of books immensely. I'm glad I kept going though because I learned a great deal about what it meant to be a Tiffany Girl. Very interesting.
LibraryThing member kbranfield
4.5 stars.
Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist is another delightfully charming and meticulously researched historical novel set against the backdrop of the Chicago World's Fair. This story takes place in New York and focuses on the "Tiffany Girls"-the women hired by Louis Tiffany to complete the stained
Flossie Jayne is a typical young woman of the time period who is expected to marry and raise a family. Her discontent over having to hand all of her earnings to her father coincides with the newly changing roles of women in society so she eagerly accepts the opportunity to work for Tiffany. In order to keep her salary, she moves into a respectable boardinghouse where she immediately shakes things up by engaging her fellow boarders in playful activities. The only person who refuses to participate in the nightly parlor games is Reeve Wilder, a reporter for one of the local papers. Reeve is a traditional man of the times and he is not in favor of women entering the workforce.
Flossie is sheltered and naive but she has a good heart. Her parents adore her and they effusively praise her artistic endeavors. Flossie is a hard worker but she is a little surprised by how slowly she moves through the Tiffany Girl ranks. Her innocence is endearing, but this becomes her greatest weakness as her lack of experience leaves her vulnerable to exploitation.
Reeve is a bit standoffish and keeps to himself. He is also a bit cynical and at first, he finds Flossie annoying and pushy. Reeve cannot help but be concerned for her but his warnings to not be so trusting fall on deaf ears. Although the pair form an unlikely friendship, both of them have some growing up to do before they can take their relationship to the next level.
Once again, one of the best parts of reading a novel by Deeanne Gist is how she incorporates history into the plot. With Tiffany Girl, she changes the setting but she still utilizes the Chicago World's Fair to gently educate readers about a little known piece of history. The resulting story is informative and quite fascinating, but it is the richly developed cast of characters that brings this enchanting tale vibrantly to life. They are multi-dimensional with relatable flaws and their experiences throughout the novel provide them the opportunity to grow and mature. While there is a romantic element to the storyline, it is very understated. An absolutely marvelous novel that fans of historical fiction are sure to enjoy.
Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist is another delightfully charming and meticulously researched historical novel set against the backdrop of the Chicago World's Fair. This story takes place in New York and focuses on the "Tiffany Girls"-the women hired by Louis Tiffany to complete the stained
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glass windows for his exhibit for the World's Fair after the male workers go on strike.Flossie Jayne is a typical young woman of the time period who is expected to marry and raise a family. Her discontent over having to hand all of her earnings to her father coincides with the newly changing roles of women in society so she eagerly accepts the opportunity to work for Tiffany. In order to keep her salary, she moves into a respectable boardinghouse where she immediately shakes things up by engaging her fellow boarders in playful activities. The only person who refuses to participate in the nightly parlor games is Reeve Wilder, a reporter for one of the local papers. Reeve is a traditional man of the times and he is not in favor of women entering the workforce.
Flossie is sheltered and naive but she has a good heart. Her parents adore her and they effusively praise her artistic endeavors. Flossie is a hard worker but she is a little surprised by how slowly she moves through the Tiffany Girl ranks. Her innocence is endearing, but this becomes her greatest weakness as her lack of experience leaves her vulnerable to exploitation.
Reeve is a bit standoffish and keeps to himself. He is also a bit cynical and at first, he finds Flossie annoying and pushy. Reeve cannot help but be concerned for her but his warnings to not be so trusting fall on deaf ears. Although the pair form an unlikely friendship, both of them have some growing up to do before they can take their relationship to the next level.
Once again, one of the best parts of reading a novel by Deeanne Gist is how she incorporates history into the plot. With Tiffany Girl, she changes the setting but she still utilizes the Chicago World's Fair to gently educate readers about a little known piece of history. The resulting story is informative and quite fascinating, but it is the richly developed cast of characters that brings this enchanting tale vibrantly to life. They are multi-dimensional with relatable flaws and their experiences throughout the novel provide them the opportunity to grow and mature. While there is a romantic element to the storyline, it is very understated. An absolutely marvelous novel that fans of historical fiction are sure to enjoy.
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Awards
Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award (Winner — Historical Fiction — 2015)
Aspen Gold Reader's Choice Award (Winner — Historical Romance — 2016)
RITA Award (Finalist — 2016)
ISBN
9781451692440