“Two remarkable performances grace this romance inspired by true events. Tavia Gilbert and Kate Reading shine as Solange and her grandmother, Marthe…Gilbert delivers a youthful Solange, filled with trepidation…As Marthe, Reading is simply stunning. Her voices, her accents, and her emotions are utterly credible. The vivid painting of Marthe, the men in her life, a string of priceless pearls, a world on the edge of collapse, and the growing tenderness between two women make this an audiobook listeners won’t want to miss. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”

“A beautiful and compelling portrait of two women facing their unknown past and an unimaginable future.”

“A masterful mix of the glamour of the Belle Epoque and the shadows of impending war.”

“Richman deftly weaves fact and fiction to create an enthralling tale of love and sacrifice in The Velvet Hours…Highly recommended.”

“The lush atmosphere of the Belle Époque and the stress of the coming war, the wonderful relationship between the women, along with the fascinating historical backdrops draw readers into a lavish, beautifully written novel.”

“[An] opulent story of passion and transformation.”

“Poses the idea that even the most well-intentioned life can hold guilt, and even the most aimless can find absolution. Imaginative, rich, and emotionally satisfying, The Velvet Hours is a treasure.”

“The intricate details of the clothing, social mores and interior decoration of the time have been meticulously researched, the meeting of different cultures is convincingly and lovingly depicted, as is the difference between the two women, the lives they embrace, and the men they love.”