Three Decades of Lily by Diane C. Smyth is a women’s fiction novel chronicling the lives of five women of differing ages and experiences. Each shares a common thread, the fashion industry, and they end up coming together during Fashion Week in New York. Recognizing their individual strengths, they join forces to form Quei Forti, a unique conglomerate of all their talents in the fashion industry. However, their bonds of friendship will be tested by their past lives, as each is persecuted by a vengeful lover, bent on revenge on one of the five. Will they all be able to join together to protect each other, or will the worst happen?

Miss Smyth’s novel begins with stories about each of the five women, a unique way to commence a novel, but I enjoyed learning the backstories right away. I was a bit curious at first as to how the story would go, but began to recognize the common threads. I will admit some confusion from this method as well, having difficulty keeping track of the various backgrounds of each of the women. Afterwards though, I really began to get into the intertwining lives of all. I had some suspicions as well regarding Sheila, and how her daughter might have been closer than she thought. I do hope the author is planning a sequel, as the novel does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. A quick read with a touch of suspense, Three Decades of Lily by Diane C. Smyth is, I hope, the beginning of a longer series.

Three Decades of Lily by Diane C Smyth is a contemporary fiction novel revolving around the lives of five women, and the laughter, joys, sorrows, friendships, and relationships that they share. Going hand in hand with the themes of friendship and loyalty are suspense, romance, and some fast-paced action as well. Cassie, Sheila, Emily, Sunny, and Liora are five women from various walks of life whose lives intersect in New York City during Fashion Week. Soon, they decide to open a fashion boutique and name it Quei Forti, or ‘Strong Ones’ in Italian, to represent who they are and what they can each bring to the business. The story unfolds as we learn about each one’s life, past, and romantic intrigues that add an element of mystery and suspense. The story is nicely woven with twists and turns, and keeps one on the edge of their seat.

Three Decades of Lily by Diane C Smyth is well written with a plot that is bound to satisfy almost any reader. The themes of friendship, solidarity, and loyalty are explored and the hint of suspense and the surprise twists are enjoyable. Although this is not strictly chick-lit fiction, it is certainly a book on women’s lives from the perspective of women. That being said, Three Decades of Lily is a book that anyone can enjoy because it is essentially about life, love, and relationships. I thought the writing style was direct and easy to follow, and the characters are very realistically portrayed. All in all, this is an enjoyable book.