A Beautiful Rival: A Novel of Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden

I am a fan of Gill Paul's writing. I find it straightforward and easy to read. Her descriptions of time and place put you at the scene. While Rubinstein and Arden are not my favorite subjects (I prefer her older eras, especially the Russian monarchy period), still I enjoyed this battle of talented, ambitious women. It is well done and a wonderful behind the scenes look. I especially enjoyed the thought that Helena conveyed in her note to Elizabeth after the attempted robbery when she congratulated her competition for not letting the "hoodlums" win.

I’m a huge fan of historical fiction. In that sense this book did not disappoint. I had no idea these two women, both hugely successful in their own right, had such a long lasting rivalry! The book felt a bit slow at times did feel a bit slow at times. I think this is in part due to the chapters alternating between the two main characters. The timing felt choppy and didn’t always line up. Not a huge deal though as I’d still recommend this book to historical fiction fans and makeup lovers alike.

First time reader of Gill Paul and I loved it. As a Cosmetics fanatic I enjoyed reading about the early pioneers Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden. Wonderfully told alternating chapters from their early years to death. The author beautifully blends facts with imagined conversations. A bit long but the two women lived long glamourous lives.

The beginning of commercial beauty products may have progressed quicker due to two mega rivals. If you've not watched any documentaries on these women or read about them this will be very interesting. I enjoy Gill Paul books but I didn't really feel anything new was presented here. The only new were the fictionalized portions. I do applaud the author for not shrinking from the obvious problem in America that until recently many run from, antisemitism.

I found this enjoyable to read - slowed down at points but was easy to put down at those times and then pick back up.

This was my first foray into historical fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! The chapters were long enough but you were never bored. They switched between Elizabeth and Helena's lives. The way these two ladies fought to become credible and successful was eye-opening. Even though it is fiction, the reader gets a pretty good view of the struggles and hardships these women went through to establish themselves create a new industry. I loved this book and continue to recommend it to all who will listen. I'm planning on reading another one by Gill Paul. My next one will be "Jackie and Maria".

What a tumultuous story between Elizabeth Arden and Helen Rubinstein. It was startling to me how diabolical Helen was. Beyond enjoying the book,I found out at Elizabeth Arden’s “Eight Hour” face and body cream, which I promptly bought.

I read IT very quickly while IT brings you into the happening. It gives you also view of the real happening.

I love this author. She puts you right back into time. Very interesting how the cosmetics started.

A very interesting read as I assume it was partly based on fiction and the story was very well written!