I first discovered Gill Paul a few years ago when I had absolute cover lust over Another Woman’s Husband. I saw it in a bookstore and couldn’t pass it up, and from then on I was hooked on her writing style. Not to mention she always picks interesting women with stories that are often overlooked or just not what one would consider ‘mainstream’ in the historical fiction world.
She continues this theme of unsung women in history with her latest novel, A Beautiful Rival, which follows the well known feud between Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. I read a book earlier this year about Estée Lauder and I was intrigued about pioneering women in the beauty industry so when I saw that Gill was coming out with this book I was super excited to check it out. Sadly this fall is full for me to review this one but I have it on my review schedule for later in the winter.
One thing I can say about Gill, she researches the hell out of her novels. I always find the main characters believable and developed with a clear desire to portray them in an honest and accurate way even if the book is ‘fiction’ she tried really hard to be true to the real lives of her subjects. They early beauty industry promises to be a battleground for drama and with two driven main characters, this book promises a lot! Early reviewers are raving about it and I cannot wait to check it out! If you love well written and researched historical fiction then this book is one not to be missed!
Summary
In this stunning new novel, bestselling author Gill Paul reveals the unknown history of cosmetic titans Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein and their infamous rivalry that spanned not only decades, but also broken marriages, personal tragedies, and a world that was changing dramatically for women—perfect for fans of Fiona Davis, Marie Benedict, and Beatriz Williams.
Who would have guessed that the business of making women beautiful was so cutthroat?
They could have been allies: two self-made millionaires who invented a global industry, in an era when wife and mother were supposed to be the highest goals for their sex. Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein each founded empires built on grit and determination…and yet they became locked in a feud spanning three continents, two world wars, and the Great Depression.
Brought up in poverty, Canadian-born Elizabeth Arden changed popular opinion, persuading women from all walks of life to buy skincare products that promised them youth and beauty. Helena Rubenstein left her native Poland, and launched her company with scientific claims about her miracle creams made with anti-ageing herbs.
And when it came to business, nothing was off-limits: poaching each other’s employees, copying each other’s products, planting spies, hiring ex-husbands, and one-upping each other every chance they had. This was a rivalry from which there was no surrender! And through it all were two women, bold, brazen, and determined to succeed—no matter the personal cost.
In this sweeping novel from the bestselling author of Jackie and Maria and The Manhattan Girls, two larger-than life fashion icons come alive with all their passion, bitterness, and ambition as they each try to live the American dream. (summery from Goodreads)
The Lit Bitch 