A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love: A Heartfelt Journey Through Time
There’s something enchanting about the world of vaudeville and the promise of love that spans generations—a theme that drew me immediately to Alice Murphy’s debut novel, A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love. Known primarily for her Hallmark screenwriting, Murphy delivers a narrative that challenges norms and paints a fresh, vibrant picture of body positivity and resilience. This book isn’t just a romance; it’s a celebration of self-acceptance and the enduring connections that define us.
Set against the backdrop of 1897 Manhattan and the contemporary world, the novel introduces us to two remarkable women: Evelyn Cross, a bold plus-sized vaudeville performer, and Phoebe Blair, a determined historian on a quest to uncover Evelyn’s story. What captivates me here is how Murphy deftly weaves these parallel narratives to illuminate the timeless nature of love, body image, and societal expectations.
Evelyn is nothing short of a revelation. She bursts forth from the pages with unyielding confidence, casting aside society’s restrictive beauty standards. Her romance with Thomas Gallier, a theater impresario with secrets of his own, is filled with witty banter and genuine chemistry. Murphy has crafted Evelyn as a fully realized character, not defined by her size but rather by her dreams, vulnerabilities, and fierce determination to claim her place in the world. The supporting cast—Jules, Annie, and the eclectic ensemble of The Empire’s entertainers—adds layers of richness and diversity that mirror our contemporary struggles for representation.
The contemporary storyline featuring Phoebe serves as a powerful reflection, intertwining her journey with Evelyn’s. At times, I felt the parallelism was a bit heavy-handed, yet it also provided a constructive critique of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go—regarding body positivity and acceptance.
Murphy’s prose shines, shifting effortlessly between the ornate voice of Evelyn’s time and the relatable, often humorous perspective of Phoebe. The dialogue sparkles, and I often found myself smiling at the clever interplay between characters. However, I did feel some of the near-400 pages could have benefitted from tighter editing. Sections exploring Phoebe’s workplace drama—the modern-day equivalent of Evelyn’s struggles—occasionally detracted from what I felt was the more poignant core of the narrative.
Yet, the brilliant authenticity of the historical details and the heartfelt representation of body positivity make every indulgent moment worth it. Murphy genuinely portrays the myriad challenges faced by women like Evelyn and Phoebe, ensuring their experiences are celebrated rather than sensationalized.
In conclusion, I would recommend A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love to anyone who appreciates historical romance that breaks boundaries. It’s a triumphant testament to the beauty of love and the importance of self-acceptance, promising to resonate with readers seeking representation in their romances. Alice Murphy offers us a narrative rich not only in humor and warmth but also in critical reflections on the societal constructs that often bind us. After reading this book, I found myself inspired to celebrate the complexities of love in all its forms—something every reader, I believe, can relate to.
Discover more about A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love on GoodReads >>