I'm thrilled to be a part of Erika Robuck's Blog Tour for her newest historical fiction novel, Fallen Beauty.
Fallen Beauty is the story of two women, beginning in 1928. One is well known poet Edna St. Vincent Millay and the other is Laura Kelley, a young woman who takes a chance on love and passion one night only to feel her life crumble beneath her in swift succession.
Millay is a bohemian, a woman whose art and craft are driven by the passions in her life. A woman ahead of her time in that she loves indiscriminately, but she loves deeply. Her home, Steepletop, is in the mountains above a small town, and is known for wild parties and sexual deviance. Millay doesn't care what others think of her...only that her desire for love and passion be satiated. Her husband Eugen is a patient and devoted man. He loves her unconditionally and without judgement. He will go to the ends of the earth for her happiness.
Laura Kelley lives with her sister and father and they own a seamstress business. She is in love with a man she cannot have. She loses her father in a tragic accident she blames herself for. She and her sister Marie are extremely close, and when Laura finds herself pregnant and unwed Marie is her one ally and never leaves her side. Mostly ostracized by the townspeople Laura struggles to keep enough work to raise her daughter Grace. Marie marries and lives close and begs Laura to name the father of her child, a secret Laura keeps only to herself.
Millay and her husband have seen Laura on their trips into town, and both see her sadness and longing. Millay wants to know her, to uncover her mystery. Millay also spots Laura's handiwork on Marie at the one party Marie and her husband attend at Steepletop. Millay covets the gown Marie is wearing, and she believes Laura can create this same kind of magic for her.
In a back and forth narrative in both Laura and Millay's voices this beautiful story is told. Laura is not so easily persuaded to work with Millay, and their relationship develops slowly. There is sadness and heartbreak in this tale, but also the passion of family, love and desire. I highly recommend this book, it kept me up until 3 am finishing it, and it's haunting message will stay with me.
I'm thrilled to be able to offer a copy of Fallen Beauty to one lucky person. Please leave a comment telling me how you would respond to a woman such as Millay, hungry for love and passion. This is open to US mailings only and random generator will chose a winner. Please leave a comment before March 4, midnight and leave an email address for ease of contact.
For more reviews and chances to win a copy of Fallen Beauty visit other Blog stops on this tour. (forgive my lack of skills)
February
17 A Patchwork of Books
February
19 Great New Books
February
20 Chick Lit Plus
February
21 Book Dilettante
February 22 BookNAround
*Millay's
Birthday* Entertainment
Realm
February
24 Laura's Review Bookshelf
February
25 Literally Jen
February
26 Literate Housewife
February
27 Anita Loves Books
February
28 Silver's Reviews
March
3 Alison's Book Marks
March 4 Biblio File
*On-Sale* Sincerely Stacie
March
5 Teresa's Reading Corner
March
6 Entomology of a Bookworm
March
7 My 5 Monkeys
March 4, 2014
352 pages
$16.00
ISBN : 978-0-451-41890-6
I have this book sitting on my shelf you make it sound like a great read. I've got to read it soon.
ReplyDeleteHummm...I don't know how I would respond to Millay as a woman...but I love her poetry. I think she was a fascinating woman. And I love Robuck's books so I CAN NOT wait to read this one. :) Thank you for the review and give away.
ReplyDeleteBooks that keep you up are the best! No need to enter me - I'll be getting a copy at Erika's lunch.
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Anita! I have Erika's book on pre-order and can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds absolutely fascinating. I don't know anything about Millay except for what is in your blog. I'd love the opportunity to read it. Thanks! Suzy
ReplyDeleteSuzyQ4PR(at)aol(dot)com
This book sounds absolutely fascinating. I don't know anything about Millay except for what is in your blog. I'd love the opportunity to read it. Thanks! Suzy
ReplyDeleteSuzyQ4PR(at)aol(dot)com
Hmmm .. not sure how I would respond but I am definitely wanting to find out more.
ReplyDeleteThink I need to read the book to know how I would respond to Millay. :) This book has been in my "wish" list cart at Amazon since I found out about it. :) Thanks for chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteEmbarrassed to say in writing I have never read anything by her but always wanted to. Have loved all the comments from this tour and I know you loved it.
ReplyDeleteEmbarrassed to say in writing I have never read anything by her but always wanted to. Have loved all the comments from this tour and I know you loved it.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! This title looks a little outside my normal reading sphere, but I might have to check it out anyway.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with Spread the Love!
I would say have patience, live for the day, but never lose your dignity, integrity, or self-respect. :)
ReplyDeleteErica you are the winner but I don't have your contact information.
ReplyDelete