The Last Dance of the Debutante

Written by Julia Kelly

Narrated by Marisa Calin

In this “glorious dance through the traditional glamour and suffocating expectations of a bygone era” (Genevieve Graham, USA TODAY bestselling author), a group of young women are swept up in a life-changing journey as they become three of the last debutantes to be presented to Queen Elizabeth II.

When it’s announced that 1958 will be the last year debutantes are to be presented at court, thousands of eager mothers and hopeful daughters flood the palace with letters seeking the year’s most coveted invitation: a chance for their daughters to curtsy to the young Queen Elizabeth and officially come out into society.

In an effort to appease her traditional mother, aspiring university student Lily Nichols agrees to become a debutante and do the Season, a glittering and grueling string of countless balls and cocktail parties. In doing so, she befriends two very different women: the cool and aloof Leana Hartford whose apparent perfection hides a darker side and the ambitious Katherine Norman who dreams of a career once she helps her parents find their place among the elite. But the glorious effervescence of the Season evaporates once Lily learns a devastating secret that threatens to destroy her entire family.

“Woven with heartfelt emotion, this novel is a captivating, unforgettable story of one woman’s journey to find love, truth, and, most importantly, herself” (Kelly Bowen, author of The Paris Apartment) in midcentury Great Britain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jan 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9781797133430

Julia Kelly

Julia Kelly is the award-winning author of books about ordinary women and their extraordinary stories. 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. Readers can visit JuliaKellyWrites.com to learn more about all of her books and sign up for her newsletter so they never miss a new release.

Reviews for The Last Dance of the Debutante

[Susan Smith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This could easily be one of the best books I read in 2022. Loved the intriguing plot, well developed characters, and superb narration.

[Sandra Middleton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written. The characters draw you in. Julia Kelly never disappoints!

[cheryl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

We'll written,moved along well. Such a gross way to be introduced to I be to society. Glad it's not a current thing today

[Orlagh dovey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic reader! I loved it and really enjoyed it !!

[Joellyn Wittenstein Schwerdlin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a brave heroine, who had an unshakeable faith in herself, after learning some truths about her life which had been hidden from her for so long. As the book ended, all I could think about was a saying I'd heard so many times: "Leap and the net will appear!"

[robin · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Once again, an extremely grating narration .. These tin voiced, irritating, high pitched, “little girl” voices, make listening impossible!!

[UchennaEzeh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book had it all: intrigue, romance, grief, family drama and secrets, friendship... Loved it, amazing story

[Caroline Wilson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Really enjoyed this family drama featuring a heroine whose upper crust life is based on lies. Excellent pacing and characterization. I will look for more novels by Julia Kelly.