Renovation: A Novel
About the book
"One of Leslie’s proudest achievements is her debut novel, Renovation, set for release on November 12. The book’s journey began in 2016 and endured years of stops and starts, including a pause during her three-year divorce process. Finally, in 2021, Leslie returned to the manuscript, completed the editing, and found a publisher, bringing her long-held dream to fruition.
Renovation, for Leslie, carries a personal message. “Renovation can be an actual physical task, but one can have an internal renovation as well,” she explains. The title reflects not only the transformation of spaces but also the personal growth Leslie has experienced. This dual sense of renewal—both inside and out—lies at the heart of her story, making it one of reinvention and resilience.
Leslie envisions the book as a potential screenplay, with characters that readers will love and others they might detest. It’s a work that touches on the complexity of human emotions and the journey of self-discovery, themes that resonate with her audience and add another layer to her professional achievements.” – STROLL SADDLE RIVER MAGAZINE
Synopsis
Skylar, a talented interior designer with big dreams, leaves her toxic job for a fresh start in the competitive NYC design scene. Under the wing of her charismatic new boss Andrew, she quickly rises through the ranks, taking on challenging clients like the grief-stricken Matthew. But as Andrew's obsession with fame and alcohol threatens to derail their success, Skylar's marriage to Neil begins to crumble under the weight of his resentment of her career. Torn between her personal and professional lives, Skylar must confront her own past traumas and fight for her dream of launching her own firm. With her career on the line and her world unraveling, can Skylar navigate the treacherous waters of success without losing herself in the process? For fans of Lauren Weisberger and Emily Giffin comes a gripping tale of ambition and betrayal in the cutthroat world of New York design.
Readers’ Favorite Review:
"One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ability to capture the nuances of personal relationships, particularly the dynamics of a marriage. Neil supports her career in theory, but his lack of understanding of her passion and the pressures of the design world often creates tension between them.”