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A Beautiful Rival: A Novel of Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden Audiobook
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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 Rubinstein 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.
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“This entertaining read…deftly balances the fun of a good feud with the emotional pull of well-developed characters living through sobering events both in the world and in their personal lives.”
— Library Journal
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“An enormously entertaining, exceptionally well written novel by Gill Paul who pays meticulous attention to historical details in his historical work of fiction.”
— Midwest Book Review -
“A dramatic take on two of the most successful women of the twentieth century, full of rich detail…A great historical read for fans of strong female characters who have something to prove.”
— Booklist -
“A deftly crafted work of fiction…a fun, fascinating, and informative read from cover to cover.”
— Midwest Book Review
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About Gill Paul
Gill Paul’s novels include the USA Today bestseller The Secret Wife; Women and Children First, which was short-listed for a Romantic Novelists’ Association award; The Affair; and No Place for a Lady, which was shortlisted for a Love Stories award. Her nonfiction includes A History of Medicine in 50 Objects, World War I Love Stories, and Royal Love Stories. Gill’s expertise is often called upon for talks on historical subjects, including the sinking of the Titanic.
About Lisa Flanagan
Lisa Flanagan is a classically trained soprano, comedian, voice-over artist, and Earphones Award–winning narrator.