• A Beautiful Rival

  • A Novel of Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden
  • By: Gill Paul
  • Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan
  • Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (16 ratings)

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A Beautiful Rival  By  cover art

A Beautiful Rival

By: Gill Paul
Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan
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Publisher's 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 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.

©2023 Gill Paul (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about A Beautiful Rival

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Loved it

I never knew about the story. Absolutely incredible. Well written and well performed. I especially appreciated the epilogue and appreciated that the author explained which parts she took liberty with and which parts were true. Well done.

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Couldn’t stop listening

This is the first book I listened to by Gill Paul. I loved it and zipped through it, listening every chance I got. It’s a fascinating story, entertaining, with deep character portrayals. I enjoyed learning about these two fashion icons.

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