Book Review: A Showgirl's Rules for Falling In Love

By Sara Steven

Moulin Rouge meets The Greatest Showman in this romance between a vaudeville star and a showbiz tycoon who find love at the turn of the twentieth century—framed by mischievous commentary of a contemporary young historian.

It’s 1897, and a new fashion for thin threatens to end the career of proudly fat vaudeville performer Evelyn Cross. Enter Thomas Gallier, the man behind the new palace of entertainment promising to be the apex of New York City’s theatrical scene. He’s in search of a star for his vaudeville spectacular, and when he hears Evelyn sing, he knows exactly who he needs to grace his stage.

In a grand finale, present-day narrator Phoebe steps in to reveal secrets and show readers what it really means to claim self-love. Inspired by the true story of a Progressive Era troop of plus-size dancers, this is a story about the spirit of community and the power of romance. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love was written very well. So well, in fact, that I felt compelled to look into whether there really had been a vaudeville star named Evelyn Cross. I didn’t find anything, but I imagine her story could fit the realm of other female performers from that time who did all they could not to fall in love with someone like Thomas Gallier. 

I loved the story. The writing style was engaging, too. The two timelines that are highlighted–1897, and present day–were done well. When I read the dialogue between Evelyn and Thomas, it felt like they were characters placed deep within the late 1800s. And when Phoebe is doing her research and learning more about the unusual vaudeville star and her showbiz tycoon love interest, I truly felt as though Phoebe was getting a glimpse of the past while using resources provided to her from the 21st century. I also loved how Phoebe's life begins to mirror Evelyn’s life, with Evelyn becoming Phoebe’s unexpected hero. In an era when women did not have ground to stand on, Evelyn pushed past the boundaries and preconceived notions of what is acceptable, redefining what it is to be a star. How could she not be everyone’s hero?!?

The romance (and the heat and tension between Evelyn and Thomas) was pretty amazing, but I loved the friendship aspects a lot more. Throughout the book, it is clear that Evelyn views her ragtag crew of perceived misfits as her chosen family, going to all lengths to protect them and do right by them. That sentiment is reciprocated, too, because ultimately, what do you have if you don’t have your friends? From protecting her crew at an underground boxing ring, to the most epic quarrel in vaudeville history between the corrupted authorities and her crew–it was apparent that she would always choose them, and they’d always choose her, too. It was really sweet to see.

I was pleasantly surprised by A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling In Love. It could have been overridden by factual points and made to feel like a nonfiction read instead of a larger-than-life turn-of-the-century read, but it was definitely the latter. It was a fun, exciting, engaging five-star experience!

Thanks to Union Square & Co. for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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