“Brenda Janowitz writes with extraordinary humor and heart.” —JANE GREEN, New York Times bestselling author
Three siblings. A priceless family ring. One legendary love story.
In 1978, Lizzie Morgan and Ritchie Schneider embark on a whirlwind romance on the bright beaches and glamorous yachts of Long Island. Over the years, their relationship has its share of ups and downs, including a nine-month hiatus that ends with a stunning eleven-carat ring—one that looks just like the diamond Richard Burton gifted Liz Taylor after their own separation. Like the famous couple, despite the drama that would unfold throughout the Schneiders’ marriage, the ring would be there as a symbol of their love…until it wasn't.
Decades later, when the lost ring unexpectedly resurfaces, the Schneiders’ three children gather under one roof for the first time in years, eager to get their hands on this beloved, expensive reminder of their departed parents. But determining the fate of the heirloom is no simple task, unearthing old wounds and heartaches the siblings can't ignore. And when the ring reveals a secret that challenges everything they thought they knew about their parents’ epic love story, they’ll have to decide whether to move forward as a family or let the ring break them once and for all.
My Review:
Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒ The Liz Taylor Ring by Brenda Janowitz is a sweeping family saga that covers several generations of the Schneider family. The book is full of family drama and conflicts with twists and turns that had me guessing all throughout the book.
Lizzie Morgan and Ritchie Schneider had an extremely passionate and tumultuous marriage, much like that of Lizzie’s idol, Elizabeth Taylor, and her relationship with Richard Burton. Ritchie was a gambler, and at first, Lizzie found his gambling exciting and fun, but after he gambled too much, they separated for nine months. Richie, desperate to get her back, won a huge diamond ring, similar to the huge 33 carats Krupp Diamond that Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor, and gave the ring to Lizzie in order to win her back.
After their deaths, their three children gather after hearing from a lawyer that a safe deposit box in their father’s name was found in the Cayman Islands and they need to go and see what could be in the box. They are all surprised to learn that their mother’s ring is in the box, as they all three thought the ring had been stolen, lost, or gambled away.
This fascinating story gripped me from the very beginning and never let up. The story is complex, but I found it easy to follow as the author did an excellent job of switching POV’s and settings just enough to keep the story moving along, without confusing the reader. The book has it all, great characters, a complex mystery, and a bit of romance.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Brenda Janowitz
Brenda is the author of six novels, including THE GRACE KELLY DRESS. Her seventh novel, THE LIZ TAYLOR RING, will be published by Harper Collins/ Graydon House on February 1, 2022. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Real Simple, The Sunday Times (UK), Salon, Redbook, USA Today, Bustle, The Forward, the New York Post, Publisher’s Weekly, Hello Giggles, Writer’s Digest Magazine, WritersDigest.com, and xojane. She is the former Books Correspondent for PopSugar.
Brenda attended Cornell University and Hofstra Law School, where she was a member of the Law Review. Upon graduation from Hofstra, worked for the law firm Kaye Scholer, LLP, and did a federal clerkship with the Honorable Marilyn Dolan Go, United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York.
I usually don’t like books that cover multiple generations, but this one sounds really good. I love a good family mystery. I am an Elizabeth Taylor fan, so I was gripped by the title.
Wonderful review Wendy. I was offered this book for a book tour, but I did not want to commit to anymore. I was also not sure if I would like it. After reading your review, I think I should have grabbed it, I do like family stories and this sounds good.
Yes, it was very interesting. The mother was a fan of Liz Taylor, and her relationship with the father was a bit like the famous Liz Taylor and Richard Burton relationship.
Jenny McClinton
Great review, sounds like you really enjoyed this 💕
great review….now, I’m curious about why the ring ended up in the Cayman Islands now.
I’ve been waiting for your review of this one. Sounds like a book I’d enjoy! A 33-carat ring, wowza!
Thank you Jolene!
I usually don’t like books that cover multiple generations, but this one sounds really good. I love a good family mystery. I am an Elizabeth Taylor fan, so I was gripped by the title.
Thank you Kami, It was done really well.
I’m wondering about why the ring was hidden away. You’ve grabbed my attention. I’ll look this up at my library. Great review, Wendy!
Thank you, Rachel. It was a great mystery.
Wonderful review! I really love the sound of this one. xx
Thank you Yvonne, it was a good one!
This story sounds so interesting to me. Another one to mark down ❤️. Excellent review, Wendy!
Thank you Tessa!
Sounds like a very unique read! The cover is just gorgeous. ❤
Thank you Joanna! It was very. good.
Wonderful review Wendy. I was offered this book for a book tour, but I did not want to commit to anymore. I was also not sure if I would like it. After reading your review, I think I should have grabbed it, I do like family stories and this sounds good.
Thank you Carla! So many books and just not enough time!
A different take! I thought it was going to be about Liz Taylor, but this is so much more interesting!
Yes, it was very interesting. The mother was a fan of Liz Taylor, and her relationship with the father was a bit like the famous Liz Taylor and Richard Burton relationship.
Great review, sounds like you really enjoyed this 💕
Thank you, Jenny!