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The Rise, Fall, and Return of Sarah Mandelbaum
After a soul-crushing stint at music school, Sarah Mandelbaum thinks her star is finally on the rise when she's recruited by the fabulous Fiona Campbell for a top spot at high-fashion Sophistiquée magazine. But almost as soon as she slips into her first pair of stilettos, Sarah realizes that between the plotting and scheming of the industry's Fashion Flamingos and outrageous demands from Sophistiquée's creative director Henri-François Bernard, her fall is imminent. Caught between the need to pay off her staggering student loans and the struggle to regain her self-confidence, Sarah seems completely stuck between that proverbial rock and a hard place. But with the help of a tattooed guitar teacher, a statuesque Southern pastry chef, 90-lb financial analyst with anger management issues, and a rockstar muse, she discovers the true path to her return. The question Will she take it?
378 pages, Paperback
Published June 12, 2023
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September 8, 2023
TITLE: The Rise, Fall, and Return of Sarah Mandelbaum
AUTHOR: Cara Kagan
PUB DATE: 06.12.2023
About the book:
After a soul-crushing stint at music school, Sarah Mandelbaum thinks her star is finally on the rise when she's recruited by the fabulous Fiona Campbell for a top spot at high-fashion Sophistiquée magazine. But almost as soon as she slips into her first pair of stilettos, Sarah realizes that between the plotting and scheming of the industry's Fashion Flamingos and outrageous demands from Sophistiquée's creative director Henri-François Bernard, her fall is imminent. Caught between the need to pay off her staggering student loans and the struggle to regain her self-confidence, Sarah seems completely stuck between that proverbial rock and a hard place. But with the help of a tattooed guitar teacher, a statuesque Southern pastry chef, 90-lb financial analyst with anger management issues, and a rockstar muse, she discovers the true path to her return. The question is: Will she take it?
Thoughts:
I LOVED IT! If there is still a character I am still thinking about, it’s Sarah Mandelbaum - Sarah is a little bit of all of us - we all could relate to her no matter what. I giggled, cringed, was touched, and shed some tears, but in the end, I applauded her. I enjoyed the voice, the writing style, and it was a good balance of hilarious romp and poignancy - what we get as readers is a very readable, relatable, and really hard to put down novel. Brava to Cara Kagan on an exceptional writing. Read this guys…. So
So good!
AUTHOR: Cara Kagan
PUB DATE: 06.12.2023
About the book:
After a soul-crushing stint at music school, Sarah Mandelbaum thinks her star is finally on the rise when she's recruited by the fabulous Fiona Campbell for a top spot at high-fashion Sophistiquée magazine. But almost as soon as she slips into her first pair of stilettos, Sarah realizes that between the plotting and scheming of the industry's Fashion Flamingos and outrageous demands from Sophistiquée's creative director Henri-François Bernard, her fall is imminent. Caught between the need to pay off her staggering student loans and the struggle to regain her self-confidence, Sarah seems completely stuck between that proverbial rock and a hard place. But with the help of a tattooed guitar teacher, a statuesque Southern pastry chef, 90-lb financial analyst with anger management issues, and a rockstar muse, she discovers the true path to her return. The question is: Will she take it?
Thoughts:
I LOVED IT! If there is still a character I am still thinking about, it’s Sarah Mandelbaum - Sarah is a little bit of all of us - we all could relate to her no matter what. I giggled, cringed, was touched, and shed some tears, but in the end, I applauded her. I enjoyed the voice, the writing style, and it was a good balance of hilarious romp and poignancy - what we get as readers is a very readable, relatable, and really hard to put down novel. Brava to Cara Kagan on an exceptional writing. Read this guys…. So
So good!
March 19, 2024
Such a terrific read! I loved MC Sarah, who takes us on a wild ride through the chaotic '90s fashion, magazine, and music worlds. Really nostalgic for me, as my ex worked for Capitol Records then, so I could definitely relate. Devotees of beautifully written women's fiction will adore it too!
September 29, 2023
I flew through this book set in the NYC fashion world and the world of rock and roll in the late 1990s.
It’s not exactly a coming of age story but more of a figuring out that you can be a success at your true passion kind of read.
Sarah Mandelbaum is the star of this book as she tries to navigate the world of high fashion. Sarah is the recent hire as the Beauty and Wellness Editor for Sophistiquée Magazine. With Sarah’s petite statue, curly hair, and less than current wardrobe, she is no match for the Fashion Flamingos who are anxiously waiting to see Sarah fail.
Sarah’s true passion is making music but she lacks confidence because she is a left handed guitarist who is also cursed with small hands. Not ideal for shredding a guitar.
When Sarah gets an opportunity to play with her guitar instructor’s band under the name Saffron Meadows, her whole life starts to take on a new trajectory.
This read has a wonderful cast of secondary characters. Some of my favorites include: Sarah’s best friend who is a pastry chef, Sarah’s ex-roommate who always seems to be hanging around the fringes of Sarah’s life, and even Sarah’s very bad boss at Sophistiquée.
Sarah’s story is full of 1990s fashion labels and rock and roll band references which is wildly entertaining and makes for lots of fun details.
It’s not exactly a coming of age story but more of a figuring out that you can be a success at your true passion kind of read.
Sarah Mandelbaum is the star of this book as she tries to navigate the world of high fashion. Sarah is the recent hire as the Beauty and Wellness Editor for Sophistiquée Magazine. With Sarah’s petite statue, curly hair, and less than current wardrobe, she is no match for the Fashion Flamingos who are anxiously waiting to see Sarah fail.
Sarah’s true passion is making music but she lacks confidence because she is a left handed guitarist who is also cursed with small hands. Not ideal for shredding a guitar.
When Sarah gets an opportunity to play with her guitar instructor’s band under the name Saffron Meadows, her whole life starts to take on a new trajectory.
This read has a wonderful cast of secondary characters. Some of my favorites include: Sarah’s best friend who is a pastry chef, Sarah’s ex-roommate who always seems to be hanging around the fringes of Sarah’s life, and even Sarah’s very bad boss at Sophistiquée.
Sarah’s story is full of 1990s fashion labels and rock and roll band references which is wildly entertaining and makes for lots of fun details.
November 13, 2024
Book Title:
The Rise, Fall and Return
of Sarah Mandelbaum
Author:
Cara Kagan
Publication Date:
June 12, 2023
Publisher:
Wild Rose Press
Genre:
Women’s Literature
& Fiction
Print length:
378 pages
Customer Reviews:
87 reviews
Amazon
Book Reviewed By Sylvia J.
One will adore the character development, the humor and the quality of the writing in the book, the style is quite upbeat. One will feel quite uplifted by reading it.
This book will definitely hold one’s interest from the get go.
It is entertaining and delightful.
The characters in the book are definitely ones I won’t forget.
Some of the characters are insecure, dysfunctional and some are only concerned about themselves and not others.
The author discusses alcoholism, self importance and self worth and much more.
The time is the 1990s and one will read about the life of Sarah Mandelbaum. Will she have awkward situations? Will she find her own path?
Will you laugh while reading the book? Will you cry? Will you associate with her? What emotions will you feel?
5*****
The Rise, Fall and Return
of Sarah Mandelbaum
Author:
Cara Kagan
Publication Date:
June 12, 2023
Publisher:
Wild Rose Press
Genre:
Women’s Literature
& Fiction
Print length:
378 pages
Customer Reviews:
87 reviews
Amazon
Book Reviewed By Sylvia J.
One will adore the character development, the humor and the quality of the writing in the book, the style is quite upbeat. One will feel quite uplifted by reading it.
This book will definitely hold one’s interest from the get go.
It is entertaining and delightful.
The characters in the book are definitely ones I won’t forget.
Some of the characters are insecure, dysfunctional and some are only concerned about themselves and not others.
The author discusses alcoholism, self importance and self worth and much more.
The time is the 1990s and one will read about the life of Sarah Mandelbaum. Will she have awkward situations? Will she find her own path?
Will you laugh while reading the book? Will you cry? Will you associate with her? What emotions will you feel?
5*****
June 27, 2024
THE RISE, FALL, AND RETURN OF SARAH MANDELBAUM was a very cool book to me! I loved all of the 90s nostalgia which made it very relatable for me. I never worked in these particular industries, but I can imagine that most of these workplace situations are probably exactly how things were back then. All of the characters were very believable to me and it was easy to get engaged in their story. This was an excellent book from Cara Kagan and now I look forward to her future works.
Many thanks to The Wild Rose Press and Cara Kagan for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Many thanks to The Wild Rose Press and Cara Kagan for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
July 6, 2023
A fun and engaging summer read! Loved the fashion name-dropping, and I found the heroine to be likable and relatable.
September 2, 2023
Warning: This sharply funny view into the life of Sarah Mandelbaum may induce flashbacks of relatable awkward experiences. I laughed and cringed my way through the book as we follow Sarah through her emotional metamorphosis. With a few supportive secondary characters that boost her inner strength and confidence she eventually finds her own path to self-satisfaction and does indeed come out on top.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
June 23, 2023If you're looking for a book that you want to read straight through, this is it. Couldn't put it down. Sarah is a smart, warm, compelling protagonist. We really root for her. All of Kagan's characters are incredibly recognizable; they capture the worst we see in our daily enemies and the best we see in our true friends. Plus, it was hugely enjoyable to connect to Kagan's fashion industry and rock n roll references throughout.
June 17, 2023
A wonderful story. Fun characters and the kind of book that has you looking for other things this author has written. This is her first. Hopefully, it won't be her last. Sarah definitely rocks!
January 7, 2024
Once in a blue (or turquoise) moon, one comes upon a book that just sparks huge joy. The Rise, Fall and Return of Sarah Mandelbaum is one of those books. It’s a mystery how one book can simultaneously make a reader cry, laugh out loud, applaud the heroine, identify in angst, cringe in sympathy, doubt her decision- making ability, yet admire her vulnerability and nuances sense of self.
Cara Kagan is a stunning writer. After all, anyone who can come up with words like “hairmageddon” or phrases like “Henri-Francois flew into the room in such a frenzy that his crotch had to catch up with the rest of him“ deserves at least a lifetime of invites to the annual Met Gala. Every chapter is sprinkled with beauty industry word smackers like “Frizz-be-gone,” “Queen of Curl,” and “Sophisticrap magazine.”
Kagan combines subtlety and in-your-face wit like a professional ice skater gliding through chapters and characters. She creates word pearls and visually vibrant descriptions like the “vampire Fashion Flamingos;” the towering canvas Stuart Weissman wedge sandals; “Fiorucci’s signature body-hugging within-an-inch-of-your-life jeans;” “Ann Taylor pink tweed skirt and jacket;” and “blur of cognac-colored dolce & Gabbana shearling.”
Reading the quirky-yet-profound sentiments of Sarah Mandelbaum is addictive. Her romantic crushes, mother-daughter conversations and intense workplace encounters are filled with familiar feelings we’ve all fretted over. Sarah’s fine line conflict between her passion for performing and pragmatic need to pay rent (and taking a 9 to 5 editorial job) is painfully real. The backstabbing Land of the Sisterhood, the snarky editorial, fashion and music world drama is heart wrenching yet hilarious.
Kagan’s Sarah/Saffron is someone you’d love to meet for drinks, call up to share a secret, and be lucky to call a friend.
It’s as if Carrie Bradshaw met Proust for Sunday brunch. Book a table now!
Cara Kagan is a stunning writer. After all, anyone who can come up with words like “hairmageddon” or phrases like “Henri-Francois flew into the room in such a frenzy that his crotch had to catch up with the rest of him“ deserves at least a lifetime of invites to the annual Met Gala. Every chapter is sprinkled with beauty industry word smackers like “Frizz-be-gone,” “Queen of Curl,” and “Sophisticrap magazine.”
Kagan combines subtlety and in-your-face wit like a professional ice skater gliding through chapters and characters. She creates word pearls and visually vibrant descriptions like the “vampire Fashion Flamingos;” the towering canvas Stuart Weissman wedge sandals; “Fiorucci’s signature body-hugging within-an-inch-of-your-life jeans;” “Ann Taylor pink tweed skirt and jacket;” and “blur of cognac-colored dolce & Gabbana shearling.”
Reading the quirky-yet-profound sentiments of Sarah Mandelbaum is addictive. Her romantic crushes, mother-daughter conversations and intense workplace encounters are filled with familiar feelings we’ve all fretted over. Sarah’s fine line conflict between her passion for performing and pragmatic need to pay rent (and taking a 9 to 5 editorial job) is painfully real. The backstabbing Land of the Sisterhood, the snarky editorial, fashion and music world drama is heart wrenching yet hilarious.
Kagan’s Sarah/Saffron is someone you’d love to meet for drinks, call up to share a secret, and be lucky to call a friend.
It’s as if Carrie Bradshaw met Proust for Sunday brunch. Book a table now!
July 2, 2023
This novel is TERRIFIC... and hard to put down. Don't start it on a school night!
I knew from the title there would be some ups and downs. Well, start reading, and hold on for a wild ride!
This is a work/career/love life crisis story written in a light, whimsical style while dealing with issues that are anything but. Rip-roaringly funny in places, tender and reflective in others, the story reflects the journey of a life and career that was interrupted - and we get to watch all the good and bad decisions that result.
I instantly felt a connection with the protagonist. I laughed, I cried, and sometimes I just wanted to nudge her in the right direction. I'll bet you know the feeling! But we all have our own paths to take... and what a privilege to follow along.
Cara Kagan has a fresh but familiar style. The storyline was evocative of Almost Famous and The Devil Wears Prada, and her tone was a delightful mash-up of Jennifer Weiner and Janet Evanovich. The result is an eminently readable riotous romp I could not put down.
Wacky roommates, disastrous hair care adventures, crippling anxieties, romantic hopefuls, zen guitar gurus, deep-rooted friendships, colleagues from hell steeped in toxic corporate cultures... all in the city that never sleeps, make up the playground for this first novel. After this, I highly anticipate seeing what else comes from this bright new talent!
I knew from the title there would be some ups and downs. Well, start reading, and hold on for a wild ride!
This is a work/career/love life crisis story written in a light, whimsical style while dealing with issues that are anything but. Rip-roaringly funny in places, tender and reflective in others, the story reflects the journey of a life and career that was interrupted - and we get to watch all the good and bad decisions that result.
I instantly felt a connection with the protagonist. I laughed, I cried, and sometimes I just wanted to nudge her in the right direction. I'll bet you know the feeling! But we all have our own paths to take... and what a privilege to follow along.
Cara Kagan has a fresh but familiar style. The storyline was evocative of Almost Famous and The Devil Wears Prada, and her tone was a delightful mash-up of Jennifer Weiner and Janet Evanovich. The result is an eminently readable riotous romp I could not put down.
Wacky roommates, disastrous hair care adventures, crippling anxieties, romantic hopefuls, zen guitar gurus, deep-rooted friendships, colleagues from hell steeped in toxic corporate cultures... all in the city that never sleeps, make up the playground for this first novel. After this, I highly anticipate seeing what else comes from this bright new talent!
June 23, 2024
Cara Kagan, the Author of “The Rise, Fall, and Return of Sarah Mandelbaum” has written an entertaining and engaging contemporary fiction novel. In this well-written novel, the author vividly describes the environments and the colorful and dramatic characters. The author describes the characters as complex and complicated. Some are insecure, manipulative, greedy, flawed, dysfunctional, toxic, and pretentious, and self-serving. Some are loyal and likable. The female protagonist, Sarah Mandelbaum, has finished college with music courses, and loves to jam with a band, and help other people in that field. She also needs to be able to make a living, and finds herself in a position in a high fashion magazine, managing and writing articles. Sarah has had her style of what she can afford and what she is comfortable with. She is lucky to have some very loyal friends.
Sarah discovers in the new position, she is to meet the expectations of what is fashionable and also set an example by the way she wears her makeup and hair. She has been warned that some of the people at this magazine, are unscrupulous, greedy, opportunist, and mean-spirited. Some of the bosses are sexist, and there are betrayals and humiliation. It is hard in this world to know who is a friend or enemy. Yet this job does have the perk of designer clothing, meeting famous people, and paying the rent.
Sarah has had a bad experience in music school, but enjoys playing guitar. Sarah has to find the courage, her self-worth and self-confidence in whatever she wants to do. What path will Sarah choose for herself?
I appreciate that the author discusses important topics such as alcoholism, self-worth, the importance of family, friends, love and hope. I highly recommend this book.
Sarah discovers in the new position, she is to meet the expectations of what is fashionable and also set an example by the way she wears her makeup and hair. She has been warned that some of the people at this magazine, are unscrupulous, greedy, opportunist, and mean-spirited. Some of the bosses are sexist, and there are betrayals and humiliation. It is hard in this world to know who is a friend or enemy. Yet this job does have the perk of designer clothing, meeting famous people, and paying the rent.
Sarah has had a bad experience in music school, but enjoys playing guitar. Sarah has to find the courage, her self-worth and self-confidence in whatever she wants to do. What path will Sarah choose for herself?
I appreciate that the author discusses important topics such as alcoholism, self-worth, the importance of family, friends, love and hope. I highly recommend this book.
June 8, 2024
Sarah was such a relatable character in this novel and I loved all the 90's nostalgia. It seems she is always fighting to get ahead and to prove herself. So when her crazy roommate kicks her out, she can't believe what is happening?! Now what? She could barley make her half of the rent as it was and now she must beg her friend to stay on her couch. Penny is far from the friend that will let you crash on the couch, she helps Sarah to begin her transformation and rise in the cut throat fashion and magazine world. Getting offered a position, she could only dream of she takes the leap and accepts and finds that getting out of her comfort zone is just what Sarah needed to make something of herself. I loved how Sarah continued to be herself. She didn't fall into the cliques and cattiness of the other women and I really did enjoy the music references through out this novel. This was an enjoyable read about a women finding herself in adulthood and what it means to have friends that make you a better person. I enjoyed this one and love the cover, makes me think of the 80's hair bands! Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
June 27, 2024
💎 “Sometimes the best books are hidden gems that you didn’t even know were out there!” — Carmela Dutra 💎
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Thank you to my partners, Suzy Approved Book Tours and The Wild Rose Press, and the author. I appreciate the gifted paperback! I am leaving this review voluntarily!
1. 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 - For Sarah, it seems like everyone is trying to keep her from doing the things she chooses. Whether it is convincing her to put music on the back burner or for her to not take a new job with a much higher salary, her friends and family just don’t seem to give her the benefit of the doubt in decision making.
2. 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐧 - In her fashion career, Sarah has never quite felt at home. She isn’t the quintessential fashionista and some of the women let her know it.
3. 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 - What would we do without the friends who stand by us and hold our hands through the tough parts of life. Sarah has a couple of great ones in this story!
4. 𝐁𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 - I think there’s a great theme of embracing yourself within these pages. Once she finally gives her music a shot again, Sarah rises above and finds herself.
5. 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐃𝐨 𝐈𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 - I am going to be honest here and say that this is a book I probably never would have picked up on my own…please do not take offense, Ms. Kagan! I’m just not quite sure the long title and cover quite give this wonderful piece of fiction the endorsement it deserves! GRAB YOUR COPY ASAP! 🎸
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Thank you to my partners, Suzy Approved Book Tours and The Wild Rose Press, and the author. I appreciate the gifted paperback! I am leaving this review voluntarily!
1. 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 - For Sarah, it seems like everyone is trying to keep her from doing the things she chooses. Whether it is convincing her to put music on the back burner or for her to not take a new job with a much higher salary, her friends and family just don’t seem to give her the benefit of the doubt in decision making.
2. 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐧 - In her fashion career, Sarah has never quite felt at home. She isn’t the quintessential fashionista and some of the women let her know it.
3. 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 - What would we do without the friends who stand by us and hold our hands through the tough parts of life. Sarah has a couple of great ones in this story!
4. 𝐁𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 - I think there’s a great theme of embracing yourself within these pages. Once she finally gives her music a shot again, Sarah rises above and finds herself.
5. 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐃𝐨 𝐈𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 - I am going to be honest here and say that this is a book I probably never would have picked up on my own…please do not take offense, Ms. Kagan! I’m just not quite sure the long title and cover quite give this wonderful piece of fiction the endorsement it deserves! GRAB YOUR COPY ASAP! 🎸
June 12, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. The Rise, Fall, and Return of Sarah Mandelbaum is fun, funny, absorbing, and fast-moving, with just enough focus on weighty issues to give it depth and intensity. Reading it is like being a fly on the wall watching someone else’s exciting life while relating to much of it. The imagery is so evocative, and the dialogue so well-placed and authentic that I genuinely felt like I knew all the characters and that they could be actual people in my life.
The book is about many things. It’s about music, fashion, beauty, overcoming bullies, following your dreams, New York City in the ‘90s, and regaining your self-confidence. But what I loved most about it was Kagan’s focus on the power of true friendships and how she perfectly captures the subtlety of female relationships. I plan on giving this book to all my close friends.
The book is about many things. It’s about music, fashion, beauty, overcoming bullies, following your dreams, New York City in the ‘90s, and regaining your self-confidence. But what I loved most about it was Kagan’s focus on the power of true friendships and how she perfectly captures the subtlety of female relationships. I plan on giving this book to all my close friends.
September 3, 2023
The Rise, all, and Return of Sarah Mandelbaum by Cara Kagan is a brilliant, funny wonderful story.
I really loved this book and NYC in the 1990's. I seriously could not put this book down.
I absolutely LOVED the main character, Sarah. An aspiring beauty editor in the 20's trying to figure things out. I really loved the 90's references, seriously could not get enough.
The fashion, cultural references, movies, music, and trends were on point.
The theme of friends is strong in this story. How they support each other and are there for one another.
A fun, engaging, wonderful story that I really loved.
I really loved this book and NYC in the 1990's. I seriously could not put this book down.
I absolutely LOVED the main character, Sarah. An aspiring beauty editor in the 20's trying to figure things out. I really loved the 90's references, seriously could not get enough.
The fashion, cultural references, movies, music, and trends were on point.
The theme of friends is strong in this story. How they support each other and are there for one another.
A fun, engaging, wonderful story that I really loved.
June 28, 2023
Thoroughly Enjoyed!
I just finished The Rise, Fall, and Return of Sarah Mandelbaum, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Remarkably well-written, this novel is fun, funny, and entirely relatable. It took me back to NYC in the 90s with its vivid details that reminded me of my own days there and then. Cara Kagan writes with skill and humor as she effortlessly takes the reader along with Sarah’s unexpected rise, her a bit more expected fall, and her very satisfying return. I won’t offer any spoilers here, but I do highly recommend this book.
I just finished The Rise, Fall, and Return of Sarah Mandelbaum, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Remarkably well-written, this novel is fun, funny, and entirely relatable. It took me back to NYC in the 90s with its vivid details that reminded me of my own days there and then. Cara Kagan writes with skill and humor as she effortlessly takes the reader along with Sarah’s unexpected rise, her a bit more expected fall, and her very satisfying return. I won’t offer any spoilers here, but I do highly recommend this book.
October 11, 2023
Super-fun read about the life & times of a creative 20-something living & working in NYC during the 1990s. Though some of the day-to-day events & people our heroine meets seem a little hard to believe, that's what makes this novel an entertaining page-turner with LOTS of emotion and ALL the angst that comes with working at a glossy magazine, competing with mean girl editors, pursuing a side-gig as a musician, falling in & out & in of love (again!) and TONS more! I easily finished this in a few nights and really looked forward to finding out what happened next.
October 20, 2023
Combine both Daisy and Bridget Joneses with a dash of Rachel Green and there you find Sarah Mandelbaum! An engaging, always amusing sometimes infuriating main character in this delightful romp of a novel. In a welcome throwback to New York in the 90’s (Sex and the City notwithstanding) we find our heroine navigating the political intrigues of the fashion industry, the bizarre but always entertaining characters of the music scene, all with a healthy dose of New York humor and style! This is a miniseries waiting to happen - are you listening Reese? Highly recommended!
October 13, 2023
𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘯!
What an entertaining read, a mix of the world of fashion with the world of rock and roll, the result is a delightful and fun story with some twists and turns that will keep you engaged the whole time. A great debut from Cara Kagan.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲, 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗯𝗮𝘂𝗺 by Cara Kagan released June 12, 2023.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
What an entertaining read, a mix of the world of fashion with the world of rock and roll, the result is a delightful and fun story with some twists and turns that will keep you engaged the whole time. A great debut from Cara Kagan.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲, 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗯𝗮𝘂𝗺 by Cara Kagan released June 12, 2023.
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July 10, 2023
What a fun read! I just finished The Rise, Fall and Return of Sarah Mandelbaum and didn't want to put it down. Even on the train, my engagement in the book attracted the attention of my seat mate who asked if she could take a photo of the book cover for her book group! Great characters and hope to see them reappear and in a future adventure!
October 7, 2023
I like characters like Sarah - trying to chase their dreams, find their path, and have some fun along the way.
The story is full of great ‘90s references both in the music and the fashion industry. Sarah is surrounded by an eclectic group of friends and co-workers, which adds humor, wit, and intrigue. But watching Sarah grow and develop confidence was a refreshing bonus to all the fun.
The story is full of great ‘90s references both in the music and the fashion industry. Sarah is surrounded by an eclectic group of friends and co-workers, which adds humor, wit, and intrigue. But watching Sarah grow and develop confidence was a refreshing bonus to all the fun.
October 9, 2023
Sarah was such a unique character and I was rooting hard for her from the get go. The dilemmas she faced resembled a lot of life lessons we all have to deal with along the way and she encountered a lot of characters that were fun to hate. I really enjoyed her journey of self discovery and the fashion and music industry settings made for a very entertaining read.
December 8, 2023
A marvelous "back to the future" ride through the '90's fashion, beauty and magazine advertising days. Cara Kagan's timely, witty story (the pendulum of fashion has swung back to that decade) parallels my career with Sarah Mandelbaum's. Our heroine does it all, and more, as an accomplished musician and singer. I loved the book!!
June 20, 2024
This book is funny - especially when it brings up memories of our own goofs. While laughing, we follow Sarah as she finds her self-confidence. Take a trip down memory lane with 90's nostalgia. From losing her roommate to leaving her comfort zone, Sarah remains true to herself. With the help of unlikely friends and crazy (fun) characters, she does indeed come out on top!
July 2, 2023
What a fun read! This fast-paced debut from former beauty editor Cara Kagan is a well-written, entertaining, and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny fantasy of what can happen when you have good friends, talent, and courage on your side. Music, fashion, and New York City, what more do you need?
August 19, 2023
A refreshing new voice delivers an insightful look at the trials and tribulations of working in the 1990s fashion industry without losing your soul. Author Cara Kagan marries humor and personal perspective to this highly enjoyable read.
June 15, 2024
What a highly entertaining and read! I loved all the 90's references- total nostalgia for me! Characters like Sarah are the best! Chasing their dreams, making mistakes, but having fun along the way! Such a fun read!
July 3, 2023
Fantastic summer read! Author draws you in quickly and keeps you reading to the very end. When will your next book be available?
July 3, 2023
Fantastic read! Couldn't put it down. Engaging, entertaining, and wonderfully written!
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