“Victoria and Tennie are compelling protagonists: fiercely determined, morally ambiguous, and deeply complicated”
- BookLife
“An accomplished historical fiction novel that will enthrall readers. The sweeping plot alternates primarily between New York and London in the late 19th century, spotlighting the role of women in a broader historical context while offering readers an engrossing tale of romance, social maneuvering, and intrigue.”
- BookLife Prize
“Hayes has crafted a fascinating, enigmatic tale of two sisters moving through London society in the late 1800s. Vicky and Tennie are compelling figures, and the webs of deceit they weave pull readers deep into their tale. Most interesting were the various tantalizing hints of their past, dropped and returned to, all woven together with a masterful hand.”
- Seattle Book Review
New York City, 1937
Seventeen-year-old Marigold McGrath is coming undone.
Her mother is dead. Her father is drawn to dangerous politics. The only place she feels joy is behind a camera — where she can frame the world on her own terms.
After a series of her own missteps, she reinvents herself in London: mentored by a celebrated émigré photographer, photographing Kindertransport children, working alongside Edward R. Murrow. She falls in love with Joop, a charming Dutch student, and shrugs off the war gathering around her.
Then the Blitz begins.
Joop vanishes into the Dutch Resistance. And Marigold — who has always preferred to photograph the world as she wishes it were — must finally decide what kind of woman, and what kind of witness, she is willing to become.
MARIGOLD MCGRATH - Five Stars on Goodreads
“I read a lot of historical novels … this one was one of my favorites. From the characters to the setting to the actions depicted I thoroughly enjoyed the journey—I really didn’t want it to end!” Netgalley Review, 5*
“The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes won me over with its intelligence, its restraint, and its refreshing perspective on what it means to come of age while the world is unraveling.” Goodreads Review 5*
“Carrie Hayes creates a story that feels authentic, emotionally rich, and deeply human.
The historical setting is one of the novel's greatest strengths. London during the Second World War is vividly portrayed, allowing readers to experience not only the hardships of war but also the courage, hope, and determination that defined everyday life during one of history's most difficult periods.” Goodreads Review 5*
“The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes is the tale of a well-to-do American seventeen-year-old sent to Europe just prior to World War II. The book is exquisitely written with a well-paced dialogue. The characters are well formed and interesting. Sprinkled throughout the book are bits from news outlets that help set the larger context for the reader – they are well timed and helpful. Great read, well worth it!“ Goodreads Review, 5*
“The Making of Marigold McGrath explores a rarely examined aspect of WWII: the complex journeys to maturity of young adults in war-torn Europe as they seek human connection and meaning. Marigold finds both, using her skills as a photographer to document the stories of refugee children. With gobs of historical references and vivid imagery, interlaced with intrigue and romance, The Making of Marigold McGrath is a great read! Goodreads Review, 5*
Book Title
1937
New York City
Seventeen-year-old Marigold McGrath is coming undone.
Her mother is dead. Her father is drawn to dangerous politics. The only place she feels joy is behind a camera — where she can frame the world on her own terms.
After a series of her own missteps, she reinvents herself in London: mentored by a celebrated émigré photographer, photographing Kindertransport children, working alongside Edward R. Murrow. She falls in love with Joop, a charming Dutch student, and shrugs off the war gathering around her.
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"An inviting novel of intrigue, mischief and love."
- Midwest Book Review
“A fine, endlessly captivating book. Well Dressed Lies is both educational and entertaining and well worthy of praise."
- The Compulsive Reader.
" A fascinating, enigmatic tale, woven together with a
masterful hand. "
- Seattle Book Review
"Smart and entertaining. This is a nineteenth-century drama you won't want to miss."
- Manhattan Book Review
"Vicky and Tennie are as engaging a pair of scoundrels as you are likely to encounter in literature. With a cast of brilliant, erratic Victorians whose doings will convince you that the Victorians were a lot more fun than we think."
- Historical Novel Society
"Hayes writes with eloquence, delivering nimble prose that dances across the pages and will leave readers longing for more. A consummate achievement. Absolutely magnetic."
- Book Life Prize
Also by Carrie Hayes
Carrie Hayes Writes.