Book Inspired Recipe & Book Review: The Show Girl by Nicola Harrison

Thank you to The Book Club Cookbook and St. Martin’s Press for the gifted copy.

I have always been fascinated by the roaring 20s. The time, the fashion, and the tempting atmosphere is contagious. As I was reading this book, I knew that whatever I decided to make would have to be something that you could eat quickly or on the go. What better snack than a cupcake. I did some research and learned that lemon pound cakes were very popular in the 20s. So I made it in a smaller size with these lemon cupcakes with my mom’s secret frosting recipe. I wish I could share that frosting recipe with you all because it is divine but I am afraid i would be disowned. But you can find my recipe for the cupcakes below:

Lemon Cupcakes with my Mom’s Secret Frosting Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened at room temp)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/3 cup of lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
2. Line cupcake/muffin pan with liners
3. Using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar for about 2 minutes. Scrape sides and then add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat for 1 minute. Set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder. Then, pour dry ingredients into previous wet mixture. Mix on low speed while adding milk and lemon juice. Continue to mix until batter is combined.
5. Spoon batter into liners and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Take out of oven and let them cool for 15 minutes before frosting.
7. Frost with your favorite frosting.

Title: The Show Girl

Author(s): Nicola Harrison

Release Date: August 10th, 2021

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance, Women’s Fiction

Synopsis:

It’s 1927 when Olive McCormick moves from Minneapolis to New York City determined to become a star in the Ziegfeld Follies. Extremely talented as a singer and dancer, it takes every bit of perseverance to finally make it on stage. And once she does, all the glamour and excitement is everything she imagined and more–even worth all the sacrifices she has had to make along the way.

Then she meets Archie Carmichael. Handsome, wealthy–the only man she’s ever met who seems to accept her modern ways–her independent nature and passion for success. But once she accepts his proposal of marriage he starts to change his tune, and Olive must decide if she is willing to reveal a devastating secret and sacrifice the life she loves for the man she loves.

My Review:

The Show Girl is a vivid historical fiction set in the late 1920s about a young woman moving to New York to pursue her dream of performing and entertaining. Nicola Harrison’s writing is detailed and eloquent.

Olive is a young woman who always envisions herself singing on a big stage. After she catches the attention of a high-profile show owner/creator, she travels to New York to make the most of the opportunity. Everything doesn’t go as planned but she isn’t going to give up. She will do whatever it takes to become a star.

After showing off her talents. she gets a job opportunity as a showgirl. It wasn’t what she initially wanted but feels on top of the world when she is on stage.

She is getting a taste of the luxurious life and is liking it. She also meets a wealthy and gorgeous man named Archie. They have great chemistry and can’t stay away from each other.

Things get a bit complicated when secrets are revealed. Can Archie and Olive survive the truth? Will they be able to accept each others past?

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I give The Show Girl 4 stars. It is a captivating historical fiction with the right amount of romance, drama, entertainment. Nicola’s writing transports readers to the roaring twenties. Olive’s tenacity and growth throughout the book was great to read about. This is a must read for historical fiction readers.