A Beautiful Rival

A Novel of Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden

De: Gill Paul

Narrado por: Lisa Flanagan

“Scandal, sabotage and spies. Who knew the beauty industry was so cutthroat! This was a thoroughly compulsive and addictive read."" — Kate Thompson, bestselling author of The Little Wartime Library

Bestselling author Gill Paul reveals the history of cosmetic titans Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein and their infamous rivalry that spanned decades in a world that was changing dramatically for women—perfect for fans of Fiona Davis, Marie Benedict, and Beatriz Williams.

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.

""An absolute decadent joy from beginning to end; this is the perfect summer read!"" — Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Lifeboat

""[A] poignant and timeless story.” — Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan

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.

I saw it as a Broadway show

Loved the narrative. Loved the story. Legendary women. Easy listen. Very good narration. Listened to it all in one weekend.

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.

well written and well read

I enjoyed the story of these two icons. it was spellbinding and enjoyable and informative

Very interesting fictionalized history of two famous beauty icons

The narrator is extremely talented. She can do various accents and differentiate between numerous characters. Perfect diction, pacing, inflections.

The novel was a times a bit wearing due to the very lengthy entity between the two main characters over decades. But it was always interesting and included many Scenes in which the lives and the businesses evolved and developed over many years.