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The Beauties
An incomparable beauty. A promise to a king. A portrait that can never be completed.
When Emilia Lennox loses everything after her husband’s lands and title are confiscated, her beauty is her best bargaining chip with the only man who can restore their fortunes: King Charles II himself.
But the king’s favour comes at a price. He will pardon Emilia’s husband only if she agrees to be his mistress. Torn, Emilia comes up with a condition of her own: she will consent, but not until her portrait hangs among the famed Windsor Beauties, a series commissioned by the Duchess of York to showcase the fairest women in the royal retinue.
For Henry Greenhill, ambitious assistant to the court painter, the opportunity to paint Emilia’s portrait is a chance to step out of his master’s shadow. But his sitter proves as evasive as she is beautiful, and with barely a sketch to show for his efforts, Henry’s career is on the line.
As the king’s patience wears thin, it’s clear that more than creative talent will be needed to capture this incomparable beauty on canvas ...
From the bestselling author of The Lace Weavercomes this seductive story of rivalry, artistic passion and a woman bold enough to wield her beauty as a weapon.
When Emilia Lennox loses everything after her husband’s lands and title are confiscated, her beauty is her best bargaining chip with the only man who can restore their fortunes: King Charles II himself.
But the king’s favour comes at a price. He will pardon Emilia’s husband only if she agrees to be his mistress. Torn, Emilia comes up with a condition of her own: she will consent, but not until her portrait hangs among the famed Windsor Beauties, a series commissioned by the Duchess of York to showcase the fairest women in the royal retinue.
For Henry Greenhill, ambitious assistant to the court painter, the opportunity to paint Emilia’s portrait is a chance to step out of his master’s shadow. But his sitter proves as evasive as she is beautiful, and with barely a sketch to show for his efforts, Henry’s career is on the line.
As the king’s patience wears thin, it’s clear that more than creative talent will be needed to capture this incomparable beauty on canvas ...
From the bestselling author of The Lace Weavercomes this seductive story of rivalry, artistic passion and a woman bold enough to wield her beauty as a weapon.
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First published April 3, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 21, 2024
'Beauty can only take you so far'.
'The Beauties' transports the reader to Charles II's Restoration England and immerses us in a fecundity of beauty and art. It is a time when beauty was extolled and being beautiful brought power. Emilia Lennox is a natural-born beauty. For her though, her enviable looks have only brought unwanted attention, 'Her beauty - a mere accident of birth - distorts one's view of her'. However, after her husband and his family become destitute, perhaps her beauty is all that she has, 'The only thing Emilia has ever owned is her passion for art and her good looks...'. But beauty is fleeting so is it truly the only way to get ahead? As Emilia navigates her way between fending off the King's advances - without offending him - and securing a future for herself, she begins to understand what true beauty consists of and is inspired by women who earn respect through their wits and intelligence.
I enjoyed 'The Beauties' and learning more about this era through Emelia's story. Throughout history, we have tried to capture the elusive nature of beauty and define it. During the Restoration Era, beauty was particularly lauded, perhaps as a backlash against the Puritanical asceticism that previously presided. The number of real-life characters who appear within the book, as well as the close attention to art history, adds to the story's lushness. I believe any reader of historical fiction will enjoy this book but it will have a particular resonance for readers who have a passion for art history or England's Restoration Period.
Three-word summary: educational, philosophical, and luxuriant.
'The Beauties' transports the reader to Charles II's Restoration England and immerses us in a fecundity of beauty and art. It is a time when beauty was extolled and being beautiful brought power. Emilia Lennox is a natural-born beauty. For her though, her enviable looks have only brought unwanted attention, 'Her beauty - a mere accident of birth - distorts one's view of her'. However, after her husband and his family become destitute, perhaps her beauty is all that she has, 'The only thing Emilia has ever owned is her passion for art and her good looks...'. But beauty is fleeting so is it truly the only way to get ahead? As Emilia navigates her way between fending off the King's advances - without offending him - and securing a future for herself, she begins to understand what true beauty consists of and is inspired by women who earn respect through their wits and intelligence.
I enjoyed 'The Beauties' and learning more about this era through Emelia's story. Throughout history, we have tried to capture the elusive nature of beauty and define it. During the Restoration Era, beauty was particularly lauded, perhaps as a backlash against the Puritanical asceticism that previously presided. The number of real-life characters who appear within the book, as well as the close attention to art history, adds to the story's lushness. I believe any reader of historical fiction will enjoy this book but it will have a particular resonance for readers who have a passion for art history or England's Restoration Period.
Three-word summary: educational, philosophical, and luxuriant.
April 5, 2024
It's 1665 and Emilia Lennox heads to court to seek the favour of King Charles II after losing everything when her husband's lands and title were confiscated. Seeking to have them restored, Emilia begins a dangerous liaison where the lengths to which she'll go to have her status restored by the King will be tested. Meanwhile, Henry is a talented artist and assistant to the court painter commissioned to produce a series of portraits; the beauties from the title.
The Beauties by Lauren Chater contains multiple narrators with alternating chapters from both Emilia and Henry in the 'present' time period, and chapters from years earlier told by a younger Anne Hyde from the Hague.
Assuming The Hague was in France when in fact it's in the Netherlands and not noticing the Anne Hyde chapters were 6 years earlier than the primary timeline was a mistake on my part that generated some reader confusion and slight disconnect as a result.
Perhaps if I knew my history a little better, I'd have realised sooner that young Anne Hyde went on to become the first wife of James, Duke of York, making her the Duchess of York. The chapters that slip back in time a mere six or so years earlier to capture the Duchess of York commissioning the series of portraits was an odd choice to me. The narrative between Emilia and Henry was rich with compelling characters and there was plenty going on to hold the reader's interest without that.
That said, let's enjoy some of the descriptive writing that kept me engaged throughout:
"To distract myself, I poured all my energy into my new role as a lady-in-waiting. When the season changed, I travelled with the Princess to her home at Binnenhof Palace in The Hague. There I learned to dress the Princess's fine brown hair for stately occasions, pinning the curls tightly to her scalp so only the pearled tips of the pins peeked through. I learned how to sponge sweat out of a gown by daubing a mixture of vinegar and spit to lift the offending mark." Page 49
The setting at court was richly described and my feet ached along with Emilia's as she waited hours on end for a glimpse of the King. I thoroughly enjoyed the painterly setting at the artist's studio and the production goings on at the theatre.
It's somehow reassuring - although I'm not sure why or how - to see characters written today, yet placed in a novel set more than 350 years ago having the same struggles we do. The author convincingly captures the timeless nature of the worries that often plague us:
"At night, she lies awake staring at the roofbeams while the questions twist and twine, tying her in ever tighter knots of confusion. If only she could see the outcomes of her choices, then she could safely decide." Page 132-133
Emilia was trying to decide her future and I recently found myself wishing the same were true. Speaking of worries that often plague us, those who know their history well (which isn't me obviously) will recognise the year 1665 as being smack bang in the middle of the Great Plague of London and while only occupying a small section of the novel, I did enjoy the impact the plague had on the various characters. This was very well handled and I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of events and outcomes between characters as a result.
The Beauties by Lauren Chater is highly recommended for readers who enjoy a little art with their historical fiction, and if you enjoyed Beauty in Thorns by Kate Forsyth or The Doll Factory by Elizabeth MacNeal then this is for you!
* Copy courtesy Simon & Schuster *
The Beauties by Lauren Chater contains multiple narrators with alternating chapters from both Emilia and Henry in the 'present' time period, and chapters from years earlier told by a younger Anne Hyde from the Hague.
Assuming The Hague was in France when in fact it's in the Netherlands and not noticing the Anne Hyde chapters were 6 years earlier than the primary timeline was a mistake on my part that generated some reader confusion and slight disconnect as a result.
Perhaps if I knew my history a little better, I'd have realised sooner that young Anne Hyde went on to become the first wife of James, Duke of York, making her the Duchess of York. The chapters that slip back in time a mere six or so years earlier to capture the Duchess of York commissioning the series of portraits was an odd choice to me. The narrative between Emilia and Henry was rich with compelling characters and there was plenty going on to hold the reader's interest without that.
That said, let's enjoy some of the descriptive writing that kept me engaged throughout:
"To distract myself, I poured all my energy into my new role as a lady-in-waiting. When the season changed, I travelled with the Princess to her home at Binnenhof Palace in The Hague. There I learned to dress the Princess's fine brown hair for stately occasions, pinning the curls tightly to her scalp so only the pearled tips of the pins peeked through. I learned how to sponge sweat out of a gown by daubing a mixture of vinegar and spit to lift the offending mark." Page 49
The setting at court was richly described and my feet ached along with Emilia's as she waited hours on end for a glimpse of the King. I thoroughly enjoyed the painterly setting at the artist's studio and the production goings on at the theatre.
It's somehow reassuring - although I'm not sure why or how - to see characters written today, yet placed in a novel set more than 350 years ago having the same struggles we do. The author convincingly captures the timeless nature of the worries that often plague us:
"At night, she lies awake staring at the roofbeams while the questions twist and twine, tying her in ever tighter knots of confusion. If only she could see the outcomes of her choices, then she could safely decide." Page 132-133
Emilia was trying to decide her future and I recently found myself wishing the same were true. Speaking of worries that often plague us, those who know their history well (which isn't me obviously) will recognise the year 1665 as being smack bang in the middle of the Great Plague of London and while only occupying a small section of the novel, I did enjoy the impact the plague had on the various characters. This was very well handled and I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of events and outcomes between characters as a result.
The Beauties by Lauren Chater is highly recommended for readers who enjoy a little art with their historical fiction, and if you enjoyed Beauty in Thorns by Kate Forsyth or The Doll Factory by Elizabeth MacNeal then this is for you!
* Copy courtesy Simon & Schuster *
April 17, 2024
A new release by Lauren Chater is always a much-anticipated literary treat. The Beauties is a novel about art and beauty – the way it is valued and the way it is represented. Told from multiple perspectives, The Beauties is at once an absorbing and enjoyable read. Set in the mid 1660s, within the reign of King Charles II, just as he is taking back his throne, and then several years later, as he is well and truly ascended to it.
I enjoyed all of the perspectives but had a particular liking and interest in Anne’s sections, prior to her becoming the Duchess of York, sister-in-law to the king. I enjoyed her character development and felt myself particularly invested in her destiny and admired her emphatic values and honour.
While this story is predominantly about art in the 17th century, it is also about beauty, its value, and the immortalisation of it on canvas. I found it interesting to read about the copies that were made of paintings as small cards, traded and sold in the same way of media today, reinforcing that a woman and her beauty has always been a commodity traded by men for gain, be it financial profit or for pleasure.
The Beauties is also a love story between two artists, but I enjoyed how this simmered in the background, not overtaking the larger story. This is very much a novel of female emancipation, using one’s beauty as a weapon, just as much as an asset. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction with a feminist gaze.
I enjoyed all of the perspectives but had a particular liking and interest in Anne’s sections, prior to her becoming the Duchess of York, sister-in-law to the king. I enjoyed her character development and felt myself particularly invested in her destiny and admired her emphatic values and honour.
While this story is predominantly about art in the 17th century, it is also about beauty, its value, and the immortalisation of it on canvas. I found it interesting to read about the copies that were made of paintings as small cards, traded and sold in the same way of media today, reinforcing that a woman and her beauty has always been a commodity traded by men for gain, be it financial profit or for pleasure.
The Beauties is also a love story between two artists, but I enjoyed how this simmered in the background, not overtaking the larger story. This is very much a novel of female emancipation, using one’s beauty as a weapon, just as much as an asset. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction with a feminist gaze.
January 17, 2025
"I thought about all the women I knew - mothers, sisters, daughters, mistresses, wives. Did they know how strong they were, that those roles, assigned by society failed to define them? Did they ever see themselves in all their wonderful complexity? Did anyone ever hold up a mirror to show them how well they were doing? How far they'd come, how much they'd grown? The sacrifices, the daily drudgery of domestic labor, caring for family, putting your dreams on hold. If a painting could inspire in me the determination to face down my enemies, what further power was it capable of bestowing? Men commissioned portraits of themselves to demonstrate their wealth and status. Why shouldn't women see themselves as they truly were - strong powerful intelligent? Instead of gazing outwards, I wanted them to look within, identifying the unique skills and accomplishments that would allow them to endure the trials every woman must face."
May 5, 2024
The Beauties is Lauren’s latest book and it is set in the 1600s during the exile and restoration of King Charles II. It tells a story of two women as they work to find themselves in a society where a woman’s beauty is her only leverage.
‘A painting, Sire?’ The King leans towards her, affecting a confidential air. ‘Actually, it’s a series of portraits of the most beautiful women at court. We are calling them the Windsor Beauties.’
The story takes place both in London and The Hague during the restoration period. It tells the story of Emilia whose husband’s family have had their titles and estate taken away for assisting a traitor. Then there is Anne Hyde, Duchess of York and one of Princess Mary’s ladies in waiting. Finally Henry Greenhill, an assistant painter working for Dutch court painter Peter Lely. The latter is commissioned to paint a series of portraits called ‘The Beauties’ which will be part of a collection for Windsor castle.
‘I thought about the women I knew - mothers, sisters, daughters, mistresses, wives. Did they know how strong they were, that those roles, assigned by society, failed to define them? Did they ever see themselves in all their wonderful complexity? Did anyone ever hold up a mirror to show them how well they were doing, how far they’d come, how much they’d grown?’
This is such an interesting and educational book as I have not read much from this time period. With real life characters and events it was interesting to learn about events that shaped rule in England during this Restoration period. Then there are other events such as female owned and run theatre and of course much about art history of the period. 1665 is also the year of the Great Plague of London and it was insightful to learn how this impacted the city. Yet at its heart this is a book about women of the period, their lack of power, individually and collectively, that led to exploitation. Beauty, in many a sense, was their only bargaining tool.
‘Why shouldn’t women see themselves as they truly were - strong, powerful, intelligent? Instead of gazing outwards, I wanted them to look within, identifying the unique skills and accomplishments that would allow them to endure the trials every woman must face.’
The Beauties is all encompassing for history buffs from playhouse to painting, from palace to plague. If this is your interest, follow along with characters and the many trials and tribulations as they seek out security, creativity, passion and love.
‘There is rebirth and connection, desire and self-knowledge. And there is the possibility of transformation even in the darkest times. All it requires is the courage to move beyond the frame.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘A painting, Sire?’ The King leans towards her, affecting a confidential air. ‘Actually, it’s a series of portraits of the most beautiful women at court. We are calling them the Windsor Beauties.’
The story takes place both in London and The Hague during the restoration period. It tells the story of Emilia whose husband’s family have had their titles and estate taken away for assisting a traitor. Then there is Anne Hyde, Duchess of York and one of Princess Mary’s ladies in waiting. Finally Henry Greenhill, an assistant painter working for Dutch court painter Peter Lely. The latter is commissioned to paint a series of portraits called ‘The Beauties’ which will be part of a collection for Windsor castle.
‘I thought about the women I knew - mothers, sisters, daughters, mistresses, wives. Did they know how strong they were, that those roles, assigned by society, failed to define them? Did they ever see themselves in all their wonderful complexity? Did anyone ever hold up a mirror to show them how well they were doing, how far they’d come, how much they’d grown?’
This is such an interesting and educational book as I have not read much from this time period. With real life characters and events it was interesting to learn about events that shaped rule in England during this Restoration period. Then there are other events such as female owned and run theatre and of course much about art history of the period. 1665 is also the year of the Great Plague of London and it was insightful to learn how this impacted the city. Yet at its heart this is a book about women of the period, their lack of power, individually and collectively, that led to exploitation. Beauty, in many a sense, was their only bargaining tool.
‘Why shouldn’t women see themselves as they truly were - strong, powerful, intelligent? Instead of gazing outwards, I wanted them to look within, identifying the unique skills and accomplishments that would allow them to endure the trials every woman must face.’
The Beauties is all encompassing for history buffs from playhouse to painting, from palace to plague. If this is your interest, follow along with characters and the many trials and tribulations as they seek out security, creativity, passion and love.
‘There is rebirth and connection, desire and self-knowledge. And there is the possibility of transformation even in the darkest times. All it requires is the courage to move beyond the frame.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
April 17, 2024
I am not usually a fan of historical fiction, but I enjoyed The Beauties! I liked learning about the 1660s royal family in England and the Netherlands.
There are three parts to the story; one is the story of (real life Royal figure) Anne Hyde, one is Henry the painter’s assistant, and one is Emilia, the one described in the blurb.
Emilia’s story I thought was the least interesting. It definitely felt the least believable and it mostly was not that engaging. Yeah she was grappling with the offer from the king, but mostly she was just living a surprisingly easy and fun life with her famous actress BFF and a handy random woman who had oodles of money to employ them both.
Henry was lovely and I liked reading about painting back in the day and his apprentices.
Anne Hyde’s story was by far my favourite, living in the Princess’s royal court and figuring out life. I think it definitely elevated the book from a fairly superficial and predictable love story to something a bit deeper.
There are three parts to the story; one is the story of (real life Royal figure) Anne Hyde, one is Henry the painter’s assistant, and one is Emilia, the one described in the blurb.
Emilia’s story I thought was the least interesting. It definitely felt the least believable and it mostly was not that engaging. Yeah she was grappling with the offer from the king, but mostly she was just living a surprisingly easy and fun life with her famous actress BFF and a handy random woman who had oodles of money to employ them both.
Henry was lovely and I liked reading about painting back in the day and his apprentices.
Anne Hyde’s story was by far my favourite, living in the Princess’s royal court and figuring out life. I think it definitely elevated the book from a fairly superficial and predictable love story to something a bit deeper.
February 18, 2024
What a beautie. I absolutely loved The Beauties. Set in the 1660s but completely such a relatable contemporary story. I loved all of our beauties. I could absolutely see their day to day lives and struggles. This was a beautifully told story, I just loved all of the imagery and description. I was so lucky to have received an early copy, although it will make the wait for the next Lauren Chater all the longer…what a work of art
April 10, 2024
The reader is authentically transported and immersed into the Restoration period of England so seamlessly by the very talented Lauren Chater.
You’re in safe hands when you embark and take the journey into one of her historical accounts.
Beauty was a currency in an environment of struggle, repression and ego.
Emilia Lennox discovers what her beauty can yield and the price she will pay for it.
After her husband’s family lose their estate and social standing she is thrust into a world that will not only open her eyes but allow her passion for art and the arts to flourish.
Determined to plead her case to the King and restore her family’s estate and status she finds herself desired by the Monarch.
She has caught his eye and has to navigate carefully without creating havoc for her marriage or offending the King.
This story is so rich in detail, texture and colour that I’ve only touched the surface.
I was wowed how effectively and realistically I was taken back to a period, witnessing the importance of Art and how the flair for creativity was extolled.
The effort and talent behind this narrative is incredible.
You’re in safe hands when you embark and take the journey into one of her historical accounts.
Beauty was a currency in an environment of struggle, repression and ego.
Emilia Lennox discovers what her beauty can yield and the price she will pay for it.
After her husband’s family lose their estate and social standing she is thrust into a world that will not only open her eyes but allow her passion for art and the arts to flourish.
Determined to plead her case to the King and restore her family’s estate and status she finds herself desired by the Monarch.
She has caught his eye and has to navigate carefully without creating havoc for her marriage or offending the King.
This story is so rich in detail, texture and colour that I’ve only touched the surface.
I was wowed how effectively and realistically I was taken back to a period, witnessing the importance of Art and how the flair for creativity was extolled.
The effort and talent behind this narrative is incredible.
May 15, 2024
By a long margin, the worst book I have ever read.
Characters: thinner and flimsier than balsa wood.
Style: clumsier than a 1 legged horse.
Prose: dull and entirely literal. No sharp humour or intrigue.
Plot: nonsensical and disconnected.
Avoid at all costs.
Characters: thinner and flimsier than balsa wood.
Style: clumsier than a 1 legged horse.
Prose: dull and entirely literal. No sharp humour or intrigue.
Plot: nonsensical and disconnected.
Avoid at all costs.
July 7, 2025
To be honest this is a very hard book for me to grade… so forgive the lengthy review I am about to write lol.
I completely judged this book by its cover - I’d never been recommended it or heard of it or heard of the author. I saw its nice cover on the shelf at the library and grabbed it. Pretty early into reading I realised that if someone decided to write me a guilty pleasure book tailored to my inner loves this would be it - art, beauty, princesses and love stories - what more could I want to read about lol.
It follows three people - an artist, a very beautiful Lady who lost her title, and one of the Princess’s Ladies-In-Waiting - and keeps switching tenses between first and third person depending on whose storyline we are following. When I finished the book I could understand why the author wrote it that way but I still found it annoying. That was my first pet peeve. The writing is also not particularly unique or inspired - it’s enjoyable, but the same energy as doing creative writing in high school and using ‘synonyms’ on every descriptive word to make your vocab seem more advanced. I also noticed two editing/publishing errors in word choice that kinda undermined the quality in my mind and I thought the storyline’s dragged and were melodramatic at times.
HOWEVER I absolutely love the premise. I used to really enjoy reading historical fiction, and this particular book is based on a real series of 17th century portraits commissioned by the Duchess of York, Anne Hague, and painted by Sir Peter Lely. The series is called ‘The Windsor Beauties’ and depicts 10 different women of the English court - from royalty to the King’s mistresses. The author suggested that Anne Hague, who was widely disliked for marrying into the royal family as a ‘commoner,’ commissioned the paintings to empower women to overcome the challenges they faced at that time and explore the ways these women utilised their beauty in a patriarchal society to gain favour and hopefully some form of autonomy.
This book loses stars for the writing faux pas I mentioned above, but the author has won me over with her ‘easy reading’ style and our shared interests. I will give her most popular and praised book ‘The Lace Weaver’ a go, which is a big deal considering I’ve rarely cared to read multiple books by the same author since Enid Blytons ‘The Secret Seven.’ Stay tuned.
I completely judged this book by its cover - I’d never been recommended it or heard of it or heard of the author. I saw its nice cover on the shelf at the library and grabbed it. Pretty early into reading I realised that if someone decided to write me a guilty pleasure book tailored to my inner loves this would be it - art, beauty, princesses and love stories - what more could I want to read about lol.
It follows three people - an artist, a very beautiful Lady who lost her title, and one of the Princess’s Ladies-In-Waiting - and keeps switching tenses between first and third person depending on whose storyline we are following. When I finished the book I could understand why the author wrote it that way but I still found it annoying. That was my first pet peeve. The writing is also not particularly unique or inspired - it’s enjoyable, but the same energy as doing creative writing in high school and using ‘synonyms’ on every descriptive word to make your vocab seem more advanced. I also noticed two editing/publishing errors in word choice that kinda undermined the quality in my mind and I thought the storyline’s dragged and were melodramatic at times.
HOWEVER I absolutely love the premise. I used to really enjoy reading historical fiction, and this particular book is based on a real series of 17th century portraits commissioned by the Duchess of York, Anne Hague, and painted by Sir Peter Lely. The series is called ‘The Windsor Beauties’ and depicts 10 different women of the English court - from royalty to the King’s mistresses. The author suggested that Anne Hague, who was widely disliked for marrying into the royal family as a ‘commoner,’ commissioned the paintings to empower women to overcome the challenges they faced at that time and explore the ways these women utilised their beauty in a patriarchal society to gain favour and hopefully some form of autonomy.
This book loses stars for the writing faux pas I mentioned above, but the author has won me over with her ‘easy reading’ style and our shared interests. I will give her most popular and praised book ‘The Lace Weaver’ a go, which is a big deal considering I’ve rarely cared to read multiple books by the same author since Enid Blytons ‘The Secret Seven.’ Stay tuned.
April 29, 2025
1.5 ⭐️
This story was so superficial. There were SO MANY inconsistencies it became distracting. I'm not usually one to pick up on these but they were glaringly obvious.
The characters were two-dimensional and boring. The author completely skips over much of the story that would have caused interesting tension for the characters (i.e. Emilia's eviction and subsequent move to London; consequences of the plague) and so we hardly get a sense of what has shaped them and thus never really feel that they grow and mature. The ending was also very convenient and lazy.
Plus, typos galore.
This story was so superficial. There were SO MANY inconsistencies it became distracting. I'm not usually one to pick up on these but they were glaringly obvious.
The characters were two-dimensional and boring. The author completely skips over much of the story that would have caused interesting tension for the characters (i.e. Emilia's eviction and subsequent move to London; consequences of the plague) and so we hardly get a sense of what has shaped them and thus never really feel that they grow and mature. The ending was also very convenient and lazy.
Plus, typos galore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2024
I picked it cause I liked the cover. The storyline was fine.
March 4, 2024
*I was provided an ARC for an honest review*
The Beauties by Lauren Chater was an interesting and enjoyable read. I found that the author wove in true historical events within this fictitious story intriguing and entertaining, and was crafted in a way as to not feel like a history lesson.
Each time I picked up this book I found myself drawn into the story wondering how the plot was going to unfold. Each perspective felt different enough that I was never confused as to who I was following and where the story was progressing, both location wise and time wise.
I will admit that if I were to pick up this book in a store and based whether I would purchase the book on it's first line I wouldn't have read this book. I found myself reading the first line a couple of times to fully understand what I was reading. However I realise that this is probably a personal dopey brain moment for myself.
This is a slower paced novel that had both a lot of things happening and nothing happening at the same time. I found myself comparing the story within the pages to the synopsis on the back of the book and a few times wondered when we were going to actually get to the plot. Even though it felt like the plot wasn't progressing there was enough character development and movement within the story to continue to progress in a way that lent a hand in the impact of the plot.
Finally, I did find the ending a little rushed. It felt like bam, bam, bam, end. With everything so carefully laid out and timed within the book the ending felt a little out of place. It did fit within the story and continued the plot in a way to provide an ending fit for these characters. Possibly if the ending was laid out more it would have been too long? Regardless, it was enjoyable.
The Beauties by Lauren Chater was an interesting and enjoyable read. I found that the author wove in true historical events within this fictitious story intriguing and entertaining, and was crafted in a way as to not feel like a history lesson.
Each time I picked up this book I found myself drawn into the story wondering how the plot was going to unfold. Each perspective felt different enough that I was never confused as to who I was following and where the story was progressing, both location wise and time wise.
I will admit that if I were to pick up this book in a store and based whether I would purchase the book on it's first line I wouldn't have read this book. I found myself reading the first line a couple of times to fully understand what I was reading. However I realise that this is probably a personal dopey brain moment for myself.
This is a slower paced novel that had both a lot of things happening and nothing happening at the same time. I found myself comparing the story within the pages to the synopsis on the back of the book and a few times wondered when we were going to actually get to the plot. Even though it felt like the plot wasn't progressing there was enough character development and movement within the story to continue to progress in a way that lent a hand in the impact of the plot.
Finally, I did find the ending a little rushed. It felt like bam, bam, bam, end. With everything so carefully laid out and timed within the book the ending felt a little out of place. It did fit within the story and continued the plot in a way to provide an ending fit for these characters. Possibly if the ending was laid out more it would have been too long? Regardless, it was enjoyable.
March 5, 2024
There are three key protagonists telling this story that’s set in 1660s England, and encompasses the years shortly before, and after the Restoration of King Charles ll - a monarch renowned throughout history as a lover of beautiful women.
But in an era when beauty was a weapon to be exploited to advance ambition it could be a blessing and a curse, and for talented artist and natural beauty Emilia, it was both. For artist Henry, assistant to court painter Peter Lely, his ability to capture beauty on canvas was an opportunity to further his career, while Anne learned the hard way that beauty was more to do with character, than with physical attributes that may be deceptive.
Although I found the plot and premise of the story thin and not always credible, Chater blends her fictional and historical characters believably, and certainly did her research when it comes to 17th century painting, and the techniques that were used. She also shines a light on the constraints placed on talented, intelligent and unconventional women of all classes who weren’t content to simply marry and bring up children, and who challenged the status quo.
But in an era when beauty was a weapon to be exploited to advance ambition it could be a blessing and a curse, and for talented artist and natural beauty Emilia, it was both. For artist Henry, assistant to court painter Peter Lely, his ability to capture beauty on canvas was an opportunity to further his career, while Anne learned the hard way that beauty was more to do with character, than with physical attributes that may be deceptive.
Although I found the plot and premise of the story thin and not always credible, Chater blends her fictional and historical characters believably, and certainly did her research when it comes to 17th century painting, and the techniques that were used. She also shines a light on the constraints placed on talented, intelligent and unconventional women of all classes who weren’t content to simply marry and bring up children, and who challenged the status quo.
May 1, 2024
Told through three POV - Anne Hyde, one of Princess Mary’s ladies at The Hague, Emilia Lennox, who is trying to assist her husband in regaining his lands, and Henry Greenhill, the assistant of court painter Peter Lely; this book will take you to a journey visiting the 17th century during the court of King Charles II.
As Emilia travelled to London to seek an audience with The King, she ended up requested by The King to be his mistress. Emilia requested for her to be painted by Henry Greenhill to delay The King's request.
The author certainly did heaps of research in the 17th century paintings, and personally, I was more fixated on those chapters narrated by Emilia and Henry.
The setting is described so detail and will surely interest readers who have a passion for historical novels.
As Emilia travelled to London to seek an audience with The King, she ended up requested by The King to be his mistress. Emilia requested for her to be painted by Henry Greenhill to delay The King's request.
The author certainly did heaps of research in the 17th century paintings, and personally, I was more fixated on those chapters narrated by Emilia and Henry.
The setting is described so detail and will surely interest readers who have a passion for historical novels.
August 31, 2024
I was very disappointed with this novel, especially after reading this author's previous book, 'The Winter Dress'.
Despite being set in the 17th Century, the characters appeared to have a 21st-century mindset with the feminist aspect about strong independent women taking charge of their lives in a male-dominated world.
Anyone knowledgeable about the 17th Century will notice a few glaring errors throughout the book, including Anne Hyde's family fleeing from Cromwell's soldiers in 1642 and King Charles II's Coronation in 1660, not 1661. Maybe the aftermath of the Restoration celebrations?
Despite being set in the 17th Century, the characters appeared to have a 21st-century mindset with the feminist aspect about strong independent women taking charge of their lives in a male-dominated world.
Anyone knowledgeable about the 17th Century will notice a few glaring errors throughout the book, including Anne Hyde's family fleeing from Cromwell's soldiers in 1642 and King Charles II's Coronation in 1660, not 1661. Maybe the aftermath of the Restoration celebrations?
February 19, 2025
"I thought about the women I knew - mothers, sisters, daughters, mistresses, wives. Did they know how strong they were, that those roles assigned by society failed to define them? Did they ever see themselves in all their wonderful complexity? Did anyone ever hold up a mirror to show them how well they were doing, how far they'd come, how much they'd grown? The sacrifices, the daily drudgery of domestic labour, caring for family, putting your dreams on hold. If a painting could inspire in me the determination to face down my enemies, what further power was it capable of bestowing? Men commissioned portraits of themselves to demonstrate their wealth and status. Why shouldn't women see themselves as they truly are - strong, powerful, intelligent? Instead of gazing outwards, I wanted them to look within, identifying the unique skills and accomplishments that would allow them to endure the trails every woman must face.
I took Lely's hand. 'One day,' I said, 'when things are settled and you are established in your studio, I want to commission a series of portraits.'
'Of what?'
'Of the beauties.'
We love historical fiction! The Windsor Beauties is a real series of paintings, completed by artist Peter Lely during the 1660s. The women in these portraits all had a connection to King Charles ll. Anne Hyde, a commoner who married the Kings brother James, commissioned the work.
Emelia is propositioned by King Charles to begin an affair in exchange for her and her husbands land & title to be restored. Emelia agrees with a condition - to be painted and placed in the Beauties portraits before beginning the affair. With the help of court artist Henry, the pair hatch a scheme to delay progress. We hear the perspectives of Henry, Arabella (Emelia's closest friend), and Anne. Meanwhile, no good husband Robert doesn't actually care less - he doesn't respond to Emelias' letters asking for guidance and approval for the situation. (Spoiler: he has a whole family elsewhere and just wants the title & land to provide for said family). We see the connection grow stronger between Henry and Emelia, but then there's a plague! Separated for two years, and a rumour spred that Emelia has died of the plague to evade the Kings deal, they reconnect at the tale end of the book.
I took Lely's hand. 'One day,' I said, 'when things are settled and you are established in your studio, I want to commission a series of portraits.'
'Of what?'
'Of the beauties.'
We love historical fiction! The Windsor Beauties is a real series of paintings, completed by artist Peter Lely during the 1660s. The women in these portraits all had a connection to King Charles ll. Anne Hyde, a commoner who married the Kings brother James, commissioned the work.
Emelia is propositioned by King Charles to begin an affair in exchange for her and her husbands land & title to be restored. Emelia agrees with a condition - to be painted and placed in the Beauties portraits before beginning the affair. With the help of court artist Henry, the pair hatch a scheme to delay progress. We hear the perspectives of Henry, Arabella (Emelia's closest friend), and Anne. Meanwhile, no good husband Robert doesn't actually care less - he doesn't respond to Emelias' letters asking for guidance and approval for the situation. (Spoiler: he has a whole family elsewhere and just wants the title & land to provide for said family). We see the connection grow stronger between Henry and Emelia, but then there's a plague! Separated for two years, and a rumour spred that Emelia has died of the plague to evade the Kings deal, they reconnect at the tale end of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2024
Fans of historical fiction writer Lauren Chater will fall in love with her latest novel, The Beauties (Simon and Schuster 2024), a meticulously researched and well-written story set in the 17th century which showcases the lush, rich and glorious appreciation of beauty at the time, and the inner workings of the lower and middle classes who spent their lives making beautiful art, music and words for King Charles II.
Told from the point of view of several protagonists, the story centres on the Duchess of York, Anne Hyde, who commissions a series of paintings of the most beautiful women in the court entourage, with the hope that the collection, The Beauties, will capture not only the loveliness of each individual woman, but in total will encapsulate and communicate something about beauty itself.
For most women, it is an honour to be chosen to sit for this special portrait. But for the stunning Emelia Lennox, it is a double-edged sword. She has arrived in London intent on convincing the King to restore her husband’s lands, estate and reputation, after it was all confiscated as a punishment for his family’s treason. Hoping to appeal to the King’s mercy, and his capacity to forgive any crime and restore her husband’s good name and faithfulness to the crown, she approaches Court with an anxious optimism. Once the King sees her beauty, he agrees to grant her request, but only if she agrees to become his mistress (yet another in a long line). Unable to contact her beloved husband away on business, Emilia is faced with an unbearable decision but decides to keep the king at arm’s length by asking for a condition of her own: that she will become his mistress only if he includes her portrait in the collection of the Windsor Beauties. Paintings take many months to complete and Emilia hopes that before the painting is finished, her husband will be home to clarify his wishes and approve her decision.
Peter Lely is the court painter, charged with finishing the portraits, but he has two ambitious assistants, Henry and Mary, and a contingent of young boys training in portraiture. The assistants are especially involved in completing the initial sketches of the women and adding specialised touches and techniques to make them truly shine. Henry Greenhill in particular sees this collection as an opportunity to make a name for himself and become a noted painter in his own right. But Emelia Lennox is proving difficult to pin down, even for an initial sitting, and the more elusive she becomes (as she waits for word from her husband), the more he gets to know and respect her, not only for her charming visage but for her personality.
The Beauties is researched in much detail and the court of the day (and the many minor players that people the canvas of this story with colour and sparkle) is painstakingly recreated through evocative scenery, authentic dialogue and a wholly realistic sense that the reader has fallen through a rabbit hole into the esteemed court of the King and his entourage. Themes include love, friendship, artistic integrity and ambition, rivalry, passion, intimacy, seduction, hardship, loyalty, sacrifice and determination, threaded with the fascinating details of 17th century painting techniques and etiquette. What is the price of beauty? And what woman is willing to pay that price for others, or to gain what she most wants for herself?
Told from the point of view of several protagonists, the story centres on the Duchess of York, Anne Hyde, who commissions a series of paintings of the most beautiful women in the court entourage, with the hope that the collection, The Beauties, will capture not only the loveliness of each individual woman, but in total will encapsulate and communicate something about beauty itself.
For most women, it is an honour to be chosen to sit for this special portrait. But for the stunning Emelia Lennox, it is a double-edged sword. She has arrived in London intent on convincing the King to restore her husband’s lands, estate and reputation, after it was all confiscated as a punishment for his family’s treason. Hoping to appeal to the King’s mercy, and his capacity to forgive any crime and restore her husband’s good name and faithfulness to the crown, she approaches Court with an anxious optimism. Once the King sees her beauty, he agrees to grant her request, but only if she agrees to become his mistress (yet another in a long line). Unable to contact her beloved husband away on business, Emilia is faced with an unbearable decision but decides to keep the king at arm’s length by asking for a condition of her own: that she will become his mistress only if he includes her portrait in the collection of the Windsor Beauties. Paintings take many months to complete and Emilia hopes that before the painting is finished, her husband will be home to clarify his wishes and approve her decision.
Peter Lely is the court painter, charged with finishing the portraits, but he has two ambitious assistants, Henry and Mary, and a contingent of young boys training in portraiture. The assistants are especially involved in completing the initial sketches of the women and adding specialised touches and techniques to make them truly shine. Henry Greenhill in particular sees this collection as an opportunity to make a name for himself and become a noted painter in his own right. But Emelia Lennox is proving difficult to pin down, even for an initial sitting, and the more elusive she becomes (as she waits for word from her husband), the more he gets to know and respect her, not only for her charming visage but for her personality.
The Beauties is researched in much detail and the court of the day (and the many minor players that people the canvas of this story with colour and sparkle) is painstakingly recreated through evocative scenery, authentic dialogue and a wholly realistic sense that the reader has fallen through a rabbit hole into the esteemed court of the King and his entourage. Themes include love, friendship, artistic integrity and ambition, rivalry, passion, intimacy, seduction, hardship, loyalty, sacrifice and determination, threaded with the fascinating details of 17th century painting techniques and etiquette. What is the price of beauty? And what woman is willing to pay that price for others, or to gain what she most wants for herself?
August 12, 2024
The Beauties by Lauren Chater is a sumptuous historical fiction novel set during the Restoration Period in 1665. I was swept away by the fascinating story of Emilia and the lush historical backdrop, and intrigued by the questions raised about art and beauty.
The story is told in three perspectives. Emilia travels to King Charles’s II court to beg for her husband’s land and titles to be restored. She only has one bargaining chip – her beauty. But when the king offers to help her husband in exchange for her becoming his mistress, she comes up with a deal that buys her time. She will become the king’s mistress only after she has sat for a painting as part of the famous Windsor Beauties series.
Emilia is a captivating protagonist who I wanted to succeed. She is tough as nails and doesn’t let her beauty go to her head. She knows she’s attractive, but sees it as more of a hindrance than a help until it becomes the only attribute she possesses that could help save her husband.
Henry is the painter who is commissioned to paint Emilia’s portrait. He has his own troubles when it comes to work. The last thing he needs is a subject who refuses to sit for him. It was a nice touch to include a working class point of view and I enjoyed Henry’s story about working for a famous artist.
Anne’s point of view is set a couple of years before Emilia’s and tells the story of how an English woman in exile in the Dutch court became the Duchess of York, sister in law to the king. She went on to commission the Windsor Beauties as a way to uplift women and to appreciate their beauty.
I thoroughly enjoyed the feminist perspective of The Beauties. It raises important points about art and beauty and how women have been represented in art historically. It’s also a love story between two artists and a story of female emancipation. Highly recommended.
The story is told in three perspectives. Emilia travels to King Charles’s II court to beg for her husband’s land and titles to be restored. She only has one bargaining chip – her beauty. But when the king offers to help her husband in exchange for her becoming his mistress, she comes up with a deal that buys her time. She will become the king’s mistress only after she has sat for a painting as part of the famous Windsor Beauties series.
Emilia is a captivating protagonist who I wanted to succeed. She is tough as nails and doesn’t let her beauty go to her head. She knows she’s attractive, but sees it as more of a hindrance than a help until it becomes the only attribute she possesses that could help save her husband.
Henry is the painter who is commissioned to paint Emilia’s portrait. He has his own troubles when it comes to work. The last thing he needs is a subject who refuses to sit for him. It was a nice touch to include a working class point of view and I enjoyed Henry’s story about working for a famous artist.
Anne’s point of view is set a couple of years before Emilia’s and tells the story of how an English woman in exile in the Dutch court became the Duchess of York, sister in law to the king. She went on to commission the Windsor Beauties as a way to uplift women and to appreciate their beauty.
I thoroughly enjoyed the feminist perspective of The Beauties. It raises important points about art and beauty and how women have been represented in art historically. It’s also a love story between two artists and a story of female emancipation. Highly recommended.
July 26, 2024
“The Beauties” is a lush historical fiction that follows multiple stories. It’s not a fast paced novel, but an interesting one. It’s highly satisfying when finally we see in the last pages how the stories we’ve been following fit together.
In the early 1660’s, Emilia Lennox’s husband and family lose everything. The king confiscates their estate as punishment for what the king sees as treason. A few years later Emilia is desperate, and travels to London to plead with the king to restore their fortunes. The king is taken with Emilia and agrees on one condition: she must become his mistress.
So Emilia makes a condition of her own to hold him at bay. Her portrait must be painted to hang with the Duchess of York’s famed Windsor Beauties.
Stepping back more than a decade, we meet Anne Hyde. Anne is young and exceptionally naïve, and not well suited to life in the court of the widowed Princess Mary. The court is a place of intrigues, both romantic and political – Mary is the sister of Charles, who’s fighting to reclaim the English throne.
The two women are connected through their love of art, appreciation of a good portrait, and desire to survive on their terms in a man’s world.
Readers who have a passing familiarity with the time period and significant historical events will probably enjoy this a little more. There’s enough information to follow the story whether you have any historical knowledge or not. However, knowing a bit about what’s going on in the background will add depth and color to the novel.
I found the pace of this novel on the sedate side; there’s not a lot of action and excitement. This is a character based novel, set in a time when people’s behaviour was highly constrained by social mores. It was never slow, however, and I found that my interest didn’t flag.
There’s no doubt that this treads some familiar ground, such as the double standards imposed on men and women. This tends to be particularly familiar ground – almost unavoidable – in historical novels, and Chater doesn’t linger over it much.
The two main stories (of Anne and Emilia) are separated by only a small period of time, but it’s an important one. I thought the final dovetailing of the stories was particularly neat and very satisfying.
You’ll enjoy this if you appreciate well researched historical fiction with a focus on characters. The pacing suits the story being told, and the language is modern without being obtrusive. The characters are strong, and most are engaging. (We’re not meant to like the others.)
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
In the early 1660’s, Emilia Lennox’s husband and family lose everything. The king confiscates their estate as punishment for what the king sees as treason. A few years later Emilia is desperate, and travels to London to plead with the king to restore their fortunes. The king is taken with Emilia and agrees on one condition: she must become his mistress.
So Emilia makes a condition of her own to hold him at bay. Her portrait must be painted to hang with the Duchess of York’s famed Windsor Beauties.
Stepping back more than a decade, we meet Anne Hyde. Anne is young and exceptionally naïve, and not well suited to life in the court of the widowed Princess Mary. The court is a place of intrigues, both romantic and political – Mary is the sister of Charles, who’s fighting to reclaim the English throne.
The two women are connected through their love of art, appreciation of a good portrait, and desire to survive on their terms in a man’s world.
Readers who have a passing familiarity with the time period and significant historical events will probably enjoy this a little more. There’s enough information to follow the story whether you have any historical knowledge or not. However, knowing a bit about what’s going on in the background will add depth and color to the novel.
I found the pace of this novel on the sedate side; there’s not a lot of action and excitement. This is a character based novel, set in a time when people’s behaviour was highly constrained by social mores. It was never slow, however, and I found that my interest didn’t flag.
There’s no doubt that this treads some familiar ground, such as the double standards imposed on men and women. This tends to be particularly familiar ground – almost unavoidable – in historical novels, and Chater doesn’t linger over it much.
The two main stories (of Anne and Emilia) are separated by only a small period of time, but it’s an important one. I thought the final dovetailing of the stories was particularly neat and very satisfying.
You’ll enjoy this if you appreciate well researched historical fiction with a focus on characters. The pacing suits the story being told, and the language is modern without being obtrusive. The characters are strong, and most are engaging. (We’re not meant to like the others.)
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
September 26, 2024
Inspired by the Windsor Beauties (a series of portraits by Peter Lely of women hailing from the mid 1660s court of King Charles), The Beauties plunges us deep into the intrigue, decadence and despair of the era, told from three contrasting perspectives. While Lauren’s writing talent and knowledge of the period are equally dazzling, I was especially in awe of the way she writes about the paintings themselves, both aesthetically and technically, hence I found myself most captivated by the chapters narrated by Henry, an artist working for Lely, who falls for a beautiful young woman upon whom the King has also cast his eye.
November 20, 2024
In the King Charles era. Lovely historical read (listen)
The Windsor Beauties are a collection of paintings displayed in Hampton Court Palace. The King's sister-in-law, Anne, knew the king had a weakness for a pretty face, so she commissioned the beauties, a series of the most beautiful women in court, to put them directly in the king's line of sight. The key to influence was beauty, so Anne wielded beauty to claw back some control. Barbara was first and it said to the court that Barbara was a woman of importance and Anne had the power to anoint her as such.
The Windsor Beauties are a collection of paintings displayed in Hampton Court Palace. The King's sister-in-law, Anne, knew the king had a weakness for a pretty face, so she commissioned the beauties, a series of the most beautiful women in court, to put them directly in the king's line of sight. The key to influence was beauty, so Anne wielded beauty to claw back some control. Barbara was first and it said to the court that Barbara was a woman of importance and Anne had the power to anoint her as such.
December 2, 2024
2.5 stars
Look this was a little mid. I don’t generally pick up historical fiction but I thought I’d like the themes of this book. I wasn’t wrong, I did, but I don’t love how it was all just explained to us. Like ah yes she is a strong and independent woman and these are therefore her exact thoughts about her situation and her future - like yeah I could’ve figured that out for myself.
Look this was a little mid. I don’t generally pick up historical fiction but I thought I’d like the themes of this book. I wasn’t wrong, I did, but I don’t love how it was all just explained to us. Like ah yes she is a strong and independent woman and these are therefore her exact thoughts about her situation and her future - like yeah I could’ve figured that out for myself.
February 22, 2025
This book is rather poorly structured. It follows Anne Hyde, later Duchess of York, Emilia Lennox (fictional) and Henry Greenhill (also fictional), an assistant to the artist Peter Lely. These characters rarely intersect, and much of the Anne Hyde sections could have been edited right down. There is also a lot of romance. Too much for me.
September 19, 2025
I could not work out how the different story / time lines would come together. About 3/4 through I decided to look at the notes at the end and read about the inspiration for some of the characters. I could then enjoy seeing how they all came together even though I kind of knew where we were headed.
A simple entertaining read of a period in history I have not read much about.
A simple entertaining read of a period in history I have not read much about.
September 4, 2024
This was fine
[R]
[R]
November 2, 2024
Beautifully written historical fiction, which gives much food for thought on the ruthlessness of life.
November 6, 2024
DNF at 20%
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