A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald

Book excerpt: From New York Times bestselling author Natasha Lester comes a deliciously evocative love story of a small-town girl with big ambitions in 1920s New York, for fans of The Paris Wife and Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald It's the roaring twenties in the Manhattan of gin, jazz and prosperity. Women wear makeup and hitched hemlines and enjoy a new freedom to vote and work. Not so for Evelyn Lockhart, who is forbidden from pursuing her passion to become one of the first female doctors. Chasing her dream will mean turning her back on her family: her competitive sister, Viola; her conservative parents; and the childhood best friend she is expected to marry, Charlie. In a desperate attempt to support herself through Columbia University's medical school, Evie auditions for the infamous late-night Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway. But if she gets the part, what will it mean for her fledgling relationship with Upper East Side banker Thomas Whitman - a man Evie thinks she could fall in love with, if only she lived a life less scandalous . . . Captivating, romantic and tragic, A KISS FROM MR FITZGERALD follows a young woman ahead of her time amid the fragile hearts and glamour of Jazz Age New York. INCLUDES BONUS SNEAK PEEK CHAPTER OF NATASHA LESTER'S Her Mother's Secret Selected by Dymocks as one of the BEST BOOKS OF 2016 'If you're mad about the roaring twenties and love all things Gatsby, this romance will have you enchanted.' Woman's Day 'I loved this book.' Rachael Johns, bestselling author of THE PATTERSON GIRLS 'A glamorous, transporting read.' Woman's Weekly 'Stunning . . . Will have you captivated . . . Evie's story is one you won't forget.' Liz Byrski, bestselling author 'Evelyn's story is full of drama, heartbreak and determination, and the setting of Manhattan in the early 20s is brought to glorious vivid life. I particularly loved the scenes when Evelyn was fighting to be allowed to study medicine - they rang really true for me' Kate Forsyth 'At the novel's heart is the sparkling Evie, an endearing combination of intelligence, determination and naivety.' West Australian 'I'm calling it, Natasha Lester is our generation's Louisa May Alcott.' Tess Woods, award-winning author of LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT 'Remarkable, intelligent and heartfelt . . . one of the best Australian fiction releases of the year.' J. F. Gibson 'I absolutely adored Natasha Lester's book! What a GEM!' Sara Foster, bestselling author 'A thoughtful and engaging read, A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald explores the true meaning of sacrifice and the importance of maintaining one's integrity in the face of adversity.' Books+Publishing 'A daring, captivating and tragic story told with charm, wit and more than a touch of Fitzgerald glamour.' MiNDFOOD 'The stand-out novel of 2016.' AusRom Today 'Wonderful. I love this author. You will not be disappointed.' Sally Hepworth 'Exquisite!' Vanessa Carnevale, author and blogger