“A refreshingly relevant and inspiring historical venture.”- Kirkus Reviews
“Both touching and fun, this is a story about many things-true friendship, real beauty, being caught between two worlds-and it will delight fans of historical fiction.”- Publishers Weekly Inspired by a short story written by Emile Zola, Belle Epoque is set at the height of bohemian Paris, when the city was at the peak of decadence, men and women were at their most beautiful, and morality was at its most depraved. And the longer her deception continues, the more she has to lose. Yet the more she learns about Isabelle, the more her loyalty is tested.
Isabelle has no idea her new "friend" is the hired help, and Maude's very existence among the aristocracy hinges on her keeping the truth a secret. Monsieur Durandeau has made a fortune from wealthy socialites, and when the Countess Dubern needs a companion for her headstrong daughter, Isabelle, Maude is deemed the perfect adornment of plainness. Hire a plain friend and become instantly more attractive. The Durandeau Agency provides its clients with a unique service-the beauty foil. Desperate for work, she answers an unusual ad. BELLE ÉPOQUE is Elizabeth's debut novel, and she is currently at work on a new novel set in 1940s Los Angeles.When Maude Pichon runs away from provincial Brittany to Paris, her romantic dreams vanish as quickly as her savings. That career path eventually led to Los Angeles where she now lives with her husband. After graduation she worked in the film industry in Montreal for several years, becoming a film editor. The girls are about to discover the true meaning of being beautiful.ĪBOUT THE AUTHORElizabeth Ross grew up in Scotland where she studied French and Film Studies at the University of Glasgow. But when bohemian artist Paul and the handsome Duke d'Avaray are introduced into the girls' lives, their friendship will be tested to its limits. Maude finds that academic Isabelle is equally disenchanted with the Parisian social scene, and the girls form a tight bond. Maude is humiliated - but faced with destitution, what choice does she have? Quickly (and secretly) selected as the perfect companion for the Countess Dubern's daughter Isabelle, Maude is thrown into a decadent world full of parties, glamour and astonishing cruelty. Maude discovers she is to be a repoussoir - an ugly young woman hired by Parisian socialites to enhance their beauty. Apply In Person To The Durandeau Agency.' But the work is very strange indeed. Increasingly desperate for money, she answers a mysterious advert: 'Young Women Wanted for Undemanding Work. When sixteen-year-old Maude runs away to Paris, her romantic dreams vanish as quickly as her savings. In the fight to be the most beautful, the ugly face of bohemian Paris is revealed
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