BOOK REVIEW: The Liz Taylor Ring by Brenda Janowitz

The Liz Taylor Ring by Brenda Janowitz is a captivating novel full of family drama surrounding an extravagant piece of jewelry gifted to their mother. The book has an outstanding cast of characters that instantly draws you in. It is told in multiple voices and time periods to provide a back story that has a dazzling history of secrets, intrigue, and tough choices for Lizzie and Ritchie. These extraordinary backstories culminate in a present for the three siblings Addy, Nathan, and Courtney that is far from ordinary. 

Two things can be true at once…

A frequent refrain in the novel is that two things can be true at once. This echoes in the sweeping love story that seems a bit mismatched between Lizzie and Ritchie beginning in 1978. As time goes on we see that their mismatch results in a love that is stronger than their trials. An unexpected gift is the daily journals and love poems Ritchie pens to Lizzie. We are able to see into Ritchie’s conflicted soul his true desire to be a family man despite the addiction he had to gambling. Their three children; Addy, Nathan, and Courtney all have their own memories and how the past has shaped their present keeps you engaged from the first page. 

And what they thought was true may not be…

What they thought was true about the legendary ring is called into question when an unknown safety deposit box is discovered. This ring becomes the catalyst to a story of tough choices and how fate can be changed once again. Secrets and deceptions will come to light as they delve into their parents past and their own present. The dedication the three siblings have to learning the truth and the care Janowitz took in echoing the iconic Liz Taylor Ring is apparent on every page.  

An unforgettable family saga

Janowitz has a true gift in developing characters around an iconic piece of Hollywood and creating a unforgettable family saga. She also provides an impeccable chapter by chapter summary at the back of the book for History buffs to learn the nuances shared that were less obvious. Her talent at creating dazzling novels is truly unparalleled and everything she writes is a must read for me.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions shared in this review are my own.

About the Author

BRENDA JANOWITZ is the author of seven novels, including The Grace Kelly Dress. She is the former books correspondent for PopSugar, and her work has also appeared in The New York Times, Real Simple, The Washington Post, and the New York Post, among others. She is a graduate of Cornell University and Hofstra School of Law and lives in New York with her husband and two sons. Visit her website at brendajanowitz.com or find her on Instagram, @brendajanowitzwriter, and on Twitter, @brendajanowitz.