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Die Jahrhundertwind-Trilogie #3
The Queen of Beauty
Petra Durst-Benning's captivating historical novel pays homage to the trailblazing women of the early twentieth century—like Elizabeth Arden and Estée Lauder—who shaped culture, shattered convention, and strived to make the world around them more beautiful.
Despite all that Clara Berg has achieved as a wife, mother, and chemist—especially for a woman in turn-of-the-century Berlin—ending her abusive marriage comes at great cost. The judge hands her inheritance—her parents' pharmacy—over to her ex-husband. Now, with her reputation in near ruins thanks to the scandal that rocked her marriage, no reputable chemist will hire her. Worst of all, she has lost all rights to her young son and daughter. Only her dearest friends, Josephine and Isabelle, themselves no strangers to hardship, remain steadfast.
With their encouragement, Clara decides to start over in the spa town of Lake Constance, where she creates a homemade cream and launches a cosmetics revolution. Against all convention, she teaches other women and herself how to face the challenges of each new day with confidence and beauty. Soon her renown brings prestige, professional accolades, even new romance. But through it all, her heart beats for her beloved children—will success finally bring the reunion she longs for?
Despite all that Clara Berg has achieved as a wife, mother, and chemist—especially for a woman in turn-of-the-century Berlin—ending her abusive marriage comes at great cost. The judge hands her inheritance—her parents' pharmacy—over to her ex-husband. Now, with her reputation in near ruins thanks to the scandal that rocked her marriage, no reputable chemist will hire her. Worst of all, she has lost all rights to her young son and daughter. Only her dearest friends, Josephine and Isabelle, themselves no strangers to hardship, remain steadfast.
With their encouragement, Clara decides to start over in the spa town of Lake Constance, where she creates a homemade cream and launches a cosmetics revolution. Against all convention, she teaches other women and herself how to face the challenges of each new day with confidence and beauty. Soon her renown brings prestige, professional accolades, even new romance. But through it all, her heart beats for her beloved children—will success finally bring the reunion she longs for?
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2015
435 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 7, 2017
Sigh....this was a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy. I had a happy smile on my face through most of the book, even though poor Clara goes through a lot. I was sorry to say goodbye to the three women featured in this trilogy.
June 30, 2017
What an Ending!
The end of a trilogy about women at the turn of the century. Love, friendship, and all the human emotions involved are nicely wrapped up in this book.
The end of a trilogy about women at the turn of the century. Love, friendship, and all the human emotions involved are nicely wrapped up in this book.
July 7, 2017
The best trilogy ever...
What a way to end the best 3 books I've read as a series in a long time! The same wonderful girls who grew up together riding bicycles in competition at the turn of the century, who grew to be wives and mothers, and entrepreneurs. Clara came from an abused marriage who lost her family so she could seek a divorce. She was a woman who no longer could face anyone in Germany. She gets away with help from her girlfriends and her world changes for the best to the worst, with another bad relationship...but you'll have to read the rest.
Excellent book and I highly recommended it for all of you who love woman who can beat the odds in a time where woman were doormats.
What a way to end the best 3 books I've read as a series in a long time! The same wonderful girls who grew up together riding bicycles in competition at the turn of the century, who grew to be wives and mothers, and entrepreneurs. Clara came from an abused marriage who lost her family so she could seek a divorce. She was a woman who no longer could face anyone in Germany. She gets away with help from her girlfriends and her world changes for the best to the worst, with another bad relationship...but you'll have to read the rest.
Excellent book and I highly recommended it for all of you who love woman who can beat the odds in a time where woman were doormats.
July 3, 2017
This is my second book from this author and every bit as fascinating as the first. The beginning of the cosmetic industry in a time when women were only valued as homemakers and seen as second class, was intriguing. The characters were well delineated and interesting. I will now have to read more in this series, as I missed the first.
November 19, 2017
This trilogy is absolutely amazing. About three women who are close friends (each book centers on a different one) in turn of the century Berlin. They defy all odds to become who they were meant to be. I cannot adequately explain how wonderful this series is. I absolutely highly recommend each book in the trilogy!!!
July 4, 2016
Ein würdiger Abschluss der Jahrhundertwindtrilogie, in der die Erlebnisse von Clara Berg, der dritten im Bund der drei Mädels aus Berlin geschildert werden.
Petra Durst-Benning versteht es, die Zeit der Jahrhundertwende und die Probleme der Frauen, sowie ihre mehr oder weniger gelingenden Versuche, ihre Situation zu ändern, zum Leben zu erwecken.
Wobei doch immer wieder sehr das Gut und Böse - Spiel durchkommt.
Aber es liest sich leicht und locker weg, die Sprache ist nicht anstrengend aber auch nicht zu flach um das Lesevergnügen einzutrüben.
Ein schönes Sommerbuch für den Urlaub oder auch schwere Stunden.
Petra Durst-Benning versteht es, die Zeit der Jahrhundertwende und die Probleme der Frauen, sowie ihre mehr oder weniger gelingenden Versuche, ihre Situation zu ändern, zum Leben zu erwecken.
Wobei doch immer wieder sehr das Gut und Böse - Spiel durchkommt.
Aber es liest sich leicht und locker weg, die Sprache ist nicht anstrengend aber auch nicht zu flach um das Lesevergnügen einzutrüben.
Ein schönes Sommerbuch für den Urlaub oder auch schwere Stunden.
September 21, 2017
I loved it. I think it is the weaker of the 3 books on the trilogy and yes you CAN read them out of order, but I wouldn't. So many bad things happen to poor Clara it would have been nice to actually give her a "happy ending" but it does end on a happy note. I love how much this character changes from how she is in the first book, I think she is the character that develops the most. I think the trilogy also shows how women can change and succeed at any age. It is a lovely story.
March 11, 2024
Auch der letzte Teil hat mir ziemlich gut gefallen. Allerdings war das Ende für mich nicht gut ausgearbeitet, im Vergleich zum Rest des Buches viel zu schnell und plötzlich und irgendwie zu reibungslos.
July 9, 2017
These novels by a German author are my "fun" reads. She tells a great story and her series would be a nice mini series for TV!!
July 3, 2017
I loved the setting of this book in turn-of-the-century Germany. The resort town on Lake Constance sounded beautiful. I appreciated the many historical details, even though the characters are actually fictional. The main character, Clara, starts a beauty shop business, which is fascinating to learn about. Like in many romance novels, I was frustrated at times with the heroine for being so incredibly stupid. Overall though, it was quite an enjoyable book.
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. Yay!
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. Yay!
July 1, 2017
With its 1900 Berlin and Lake Constance setting, an abused divorcee (Clara) builds a cosmetic empire. This well researched novel starts with a German divorce court and how women had no rights in courts against abusive husbands in the early 1900s. Clara, along with her friends (Book 1 & Book 2) are trailblazers. Each forging a different path and supporting each other during difficult times. Well developed characters, twist and turn plot woven with historical details about women's rights, different German regions, and trailblazing the cosmetic industry.
July 3, 2017
1900 Berlin was gery interesting. The ladies were fascinating. Their struggles added to their strengths. I wanted to read this book, now I'll keep it on my shelf to read again.
June 29, 2017
This novel had many historical events which the characters were surrounded by. This made the story of Clara more believable and richer in detail. The difficulties of women's lives during the turn of the century are often overlooked. Clara'a fight to gain respect was finally rewarded. I highly recommend this continuation of the stories of four friends who were seeking their futures.
June 29, 2017
Yet another fantastic Reed
I chose this rating because I have been waiting for this book to come outperiod honestly I had already started another book of a different genre, and when I saw that this one was released, I began to read it right away and could not stop. I will be reading this author again and again.
I chose this rating because I have been waiting for this book to come outperiod honestly I had already started another book of a different genre, and when I saw that this one was released, I began to read it right away and could not stop. I will be reading this author again and again.
October 7, 2017
Nella Berlino dei primi del novecento, in tempi in cui una donna per bene non divorziava, Clara si inventa una relazione per poter divorziare dal marito violento, divorzio che però la porterà a perdere i beni ereditati dalla famiglia (casa e farmacia) e la possibilità di vedere i propri figli. Invece di piangersi addosso, e grazie ad alcune amiche fedeli, lascia la città per trasferisti sul Lago di Costanza dove, grazie alla tenacia e al duro lavoro mette a frutto le ricette di creme e saponi lasciatele da suo padre e diventa, in breve tempo, la regina della bellezza. Storia d fantasia e palese omaggio da parte dell'autrice alle donne che fondarono la cosmetica, e che dovremmo ringraziare ogni volta che la mattina ci mettiamo un po' di crema sul viso permettendo alla nostra pelle di rimanere fresca e giovane. Ottimo spaccato della vita sociale dell'epoca e ritratti impietoso del disprezzo, che a quanto pare è scomparso solo a parole, nei confronti delle donne, considerate animali da fatica, da sfruttare fino al completo disfacimento.
Ringrazio AmazonCrossing e Netgalley per avermi fornito una copia gratuita in cambio di una recensione onesta.
In the early twentieth century Berlin, at a time when a good woman not divorced, Clara invents an affair to divorce her violent husband, divorce that unfortunately will lead to losing the assets inherited by her family (home and pharmacy) and the possibility to see her children. Rather than cry on, and thanks to some loyal friends, she leaves the town and moves to Lake Constance, where, thanks to her tenacity and hard work, she makes good use of creams and soaps recipes her father left her and become, in a short time, the queen of beauty. History of fantasy and clear tribute by the author to the women who founded the cosmetics, the ones we should thank each time in the morning we put a little cream on our faces allowing our skin to remain fresh and young. Great insight into the social life of the time and merciless portrait of the contempt, apparently disappeared only in word, to women, considered fatigue animals, to be used until complete breacking up.
Thank AmazonCrossing and Netgalley for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ringrazio AmazonCrossing e Netgalley per avermi fornito una copia gratuita in cambio di una recensione onesta.
In the early twentieth century Berlin, at a time when a good woman not divorced, Clara invents an affair to divorce her violent husband, divorce that unfortunately will lead to losing the assets inherited by her family (home and pharmacy) and the possibility to see her children. Rather than cry on, and thanks to some loyal friends, she leaves the town and moves to Lake Constance, where, thanks to her tenacity and hard work, she makes good use of creams and soaps recipes her father left her and become, in a short time, the queen of beauty. History of fantasy and clear tribute by the author to the women who founded the cosmetics, the ones we should thank each time in the morning we put a little cream on our faces allowing our skin to remain fresh and young. Great insight into the social life of the time and merciless portrait of the contempt, apparently disappeared only in word, to women, considered fatigue animals, to be used until complete breacking up.
Thank AmazonCrossing and Netgalley for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2017
I won a kindle version of this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
This is the third book in a series, and I have not read the other two, so I can't speak to how it fits in the series. That said, I didn't feel as though I was constantly playing catch up or confused about characters.
The book begins with Clara Berg getting out of an abusive, miserable marriage and trying to make something of herself. She has a slight education, through her father, in working with ointments and such and decides to try to put her life back together by using these skills. She meets with some successes, some setbacks, and meets several interesting people along the way.
I found this book to be quite enjoyable - Clara's point of view was realistic and relatable, and her goals and successes felt grounded in reality. The town of Meersburg is populated with worthy side characters who help or hinder Clara, and who in and of themselves all feel like well-rounded people with their own lives (as opposed to some characters in media where it feels like they only exist to comment on the main characters.) The descriptions of Clara's work were detailed and well-researched without veering into Moby Dick territory.
I only have 2 small quibbles:
1) Some of the events seemed a little too happily coincidental - Clara needs something, 2 seconds later someone walks into her life to provide it.
2) The book was a bit long at 500 pages - I feel the story could have easily been told in 350 or so.
That said, I really enjoyed this book and I want to go back and read the first 2, as well.
This is the third book in a series, and I have not read the other two, so I can't speak to how it fits in the series. That said, I didn't feel as though I was constantly playing catch up or confused about characters.
The book begins with Clara Berg getting out of an abusive, miserable marriage and trying to make something of herself. She has a slight education, through her father, in working with ointments and such and decides to try to put her life back together by using these skills. She meets with some successes, some setbacks, and meets several interesting people along the way.
I found this book to be quite enjoyable - Clara's point of view was realistic and relatable, and her goals and successes felt grounded in reality. The town of Meersburg is populated with worthy side characters who help or hinder Clara, and who in and of themselves all feel like well-rounded people with their own lives (as opposed to some characters in media where it feels like they only exist to comment on the main characters.) The descriptions of Clara's work were detailed and well-researched without veering into Moby Dick territory.
I only have 2 small quibbles:
1) Some of the events seemed a little too happily coincidental - Clara needs something, 2 seconds later someone walks into her life to provide it.
2) The book was a bit long at 500 pages - I feel the story could have easily been told in 350 or so.
That said, I really enjoyed this book and I want to go back and read the first 2, as well.
May 14, 2018
I won a copy of this book through a giveaway on Goodreads.
Since this was the last book of a trilogy, I looked up the other 2, and decided that I should read them all, in order, and I was glad I did that, because it gave me the history of the main characters in this trilogy, Josephine, Isabelle, and Clara, and their deep friendship.
This book's focus is on Clara. Early 1900's, wanting to get out of an abusive marriage, Clara lies about having an affair in order for her husband to then get a divorce. While it worked, and she got her divorce, she also suffered because she lost her 2 children, and her reputation in town was damaged.
So Clara goes to another city, somewhere to start over, and finds herself there.
The storyline was very good, at times very predictable, but overall I enjoyed the book.
Since this was the last book of a trilogy, I looked up the other 2, and decided that I should read them all, in order, and I was glad I did that, because it gave me the history of the main characters in this trilogy, Josephine, Isabelle, and Clara, and their deep friendship.
This book's focus is on Clara. Early 1900's, wanting to get out of an abusive marriage, Clara lies about having an affair in order for her husband to then get a divorce. While it worked, and she got her divorce, she also suffered because she lost her 2 children, and her reputation in town was damaged.
So Clara goes to another city, somewhere to start over, and finds herself there.
The storyline was very good, at times very predictable, but overall I enjoyed the book.
June 24, 2025
The final book in this trilogy about three young women at the turn of the century heralding the start of emancipation for women.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and felt the ending nicely wrapped up the story.Clara had a sad life first coping with an abusive husband then losing her children on obtaining a divorce which was unusual in those times. Then with help from her friends she started her own small business making face and hand creams, her life improved on finding a new love but this was short lived when he began making poor decisions involving her business and helping himself to money for gambling. Not wishing to spoil the story though Clara makes a huge success of her beauty business and eventually gets her happy ending.
A lovely read that I recommend to lovers of historical fiction.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and felt the ending nicely wrapped up the story.Clara had a sad life first coping with an abusive husband then losing her children on obtaining a divorce which was unusual in those times. Then with help from her friends she started her own small business making face and hand creams, her life improved on finding a new love but this was short lived when he began making poor decisions involving her business and helping himself to money for gambling. Not wishing to spoil the story though Clara makes a huge success of her beauty business and eventually gets her happy ending.
A lovely read that I recommend to lovers of historical fiction.
May 16, 2019
Another great book.
I knew Stefan was not a truthful person. He kind of sounded like my ex-husband. I did not like one bit. However, I did like Laszlo. He seemed more genuine and not out for her money. I felt he really did want Clara to succeed in everything she did. And, he truly cared for her and her well being.
I am really glad she got to see her daughter in the end. I wish there would be another book that would show the over throwing of the judgement that she can't see her children. Then she could explain the situation she was in at the time and that she had never meant for them to be separated. Also to be to show them what she has done in her life in order to make it possible for them to be together again.
I knew Stefan was not a truthful person. He kind of sounded like my ex-husband. I did not like one bit. However, I did like Laszlo. He seemed more genuine and not out for her money. I felt he really did want Clara to succeed in everything she did. And, he truly cared for her and her well being.
I am really glad she got to see her daughter in the end. I wish there would be another book that would show the over throwing of the judgement that she can't see her children. Then she could explain the situation she was in at the time and that she had never meant for them to be separated. Also to be to show them what she has done in her life in order to make it possible for them to be together again.
January 6, 2018
Yet another inspiring book from Petra.
It hasc taken me about 2 weeks to read this trilogy from Petra and I was hooked from the start. Clara, Isabelle and Josephine are three women ahead of their time. Set in the turn of the century Europe the three women became firm friends. This book focuses on Clara and her love of pharmaceuticals and especially soap and lotion for women. It takes us through an abusive marriage and the difficulties divorce brought to her. Through plenty of ups and downs we are eventuality brought to an emotional conclusion.
This is a trilogy of books that leaves you thinking about the characters long after you've finished reading about them!
It hasc taken me about 2 weeks to read this trilogy from Petra and I was hooked from the start. Clara, Isabelle and Josephine are three women ahead of their time. Set in the turn of the century Europe the three women became firm friends. This book focuses on Clara and her love of pharmaceuticals and especially soap and lotion for women. It takes us through an abusive marriage and the difficulties divorce brought to her. Through plenty of ups and downs we are eventuality brought to an emotional conclusion.
This is a trilogy of books that leaves you thinking about the characters long after you've finished reading about them!
April 10, 2019
I HIGHLY recommend this trilogy. I finished it quite quickly (easy read), and I truly hope there are more books about these women. The books were written by a German author about the turn of the century in Berlin, Reims (France), and Meersburg (near Switzerland). This is a time period I don't normally read about, even though I love historical fiction, and a place I don't know much about. The writer has a magical way of describing the surroundings so that you truly feel like you are there, down to the smells. The journey the characters go on from the time they are teenagers in the first book to women in their 40s in this last is enchanting. Predictable, sure, but totally worth your time.
August 1, 2020
Thanks for the memories
Past 40 years I've been to Berlin (was in Ulm night wall came down) , Stuttgart, Munich, Barvaria, Meersburg, Baden-Baden, the entire of Switzerland, had blue trout in village near Goddard Pass, 10 days on Rhine. My husband and I only vacation in Europe. We crossed Atlantic 82 times. I'm 85. Last October our final trip cruised Medeterain 12 days. Now with present situation our travels are finished. This book was so well written. I couldn't put it down. I'm truly sorry I won't be going back to all mentioned above but I can't wait to read this authors next book.
Past 40 years I've been to Berlin (was in Ulm night wall came down) , Stuttgart, Munich, Barvaria, Meersburg, Baden-Baden, the entire of Switzerland, had blue trout in village near Goddard Pass, 10 days on Rhine. My husband and I only vacation in Europe. We crossed Atlantic 82 times. I'm 85. Last October our final trip cruised Medeterain 12 days. Now with present situation our travels are finished. This book was so well written. I couldn't put it down. I'm truly sorry I won't be going back to all mentioned above but I can't wait to read this authors next book.
August 15, 2017
I was swept away in Durst-Bennings entire trilogy. I loved the feeling of being transported back in time. It reads almost like a fairy tale come true, but knowing that women like Estée Lauder and others struggled to create their place and brand in a society that believed women were to be servants and house aids to their husbands, reminds me that in any era, in any class, women can overcome great challenges and find true happiness and success. I'm going to miss Clara, Josephine and Isabelle, and hope to read much more from Petra. She is a favorite!!
February 26, 2018
Fascinating social history, I came to like all three main characters and learned how
Berlin is not so different from any English city with hierarchy and social manoeuvring both for status and open doors for more equality.
My only reason for not giving 5* is that I feel uncomfortable with all 3 having such perfect love story endings, it is a novel and many readers prefer that so maybe just me wanting a little more reality.
Thank you to the translator for making it so readable, the English felt so natural, it just flowed.
Berlin is not so different from any English city with hierarchy and social manoeuvring both for status and open doors for more equality.
My only reason for not giving 5* is that I feel uncomfortable with all 3 having such perfect love story endings, it is a novel and many readers prefer that so maybe just me wanting a little more reality.
Thank you to the translator for making it so readable, the English felt so natural, it just flowed.
August 10, 2018
Wow... What a beautiful conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. The book was as well written as the other 2 books in the series. This one shares the journey of a woman who is married off young and has always been in the shadow of her domineering mother and fails to stand up for herself in her 1st marriage. The journey is breathtaking and a sure-shot page turner as you travel along with Carla as she matures.The fascinating story of friendship and strong that truly shows how strong women supporting each other can overcome every possible set back with a flick of their well manicured fingers!
November 27, 2023
I have mixed feelings about the final book in the Century Trilogy, it was well written and engaging but I just felt so bad for Clara and her lot in life. She finally gets out of an abusive marriage but loses access to her children and she starts a successful cosmetic company but entrusts it to the wrong person, aka the new abusive scam artist she marries. After a lot of trials and tribulations, things started looking up at the end of the story luckily so I was able to end this series with the speculation that Clara gets a little bit of happiness in her life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2024
Petra Durst-Benning gelingt mit "Bella Clara" ein wunderschöner Abschluss der Jahrhunderttriologie.
Besonders gefällt mir, dass Baden-Badener Figuren aus ihrer Blumenreihe und Lilo wieder auftauchen. Aber auch Josephine und Isabelle bekommen schöne Gastauftritte in der Geschichte.
Insgesamt überzeugt die Story mit einem roten Faden, der auch mit Nebenschauplätzen nicht das Ziel vor Augen verliert.
Natürlich ist auch die Kulisse des Bodensees ein wunderschönes Detail, besonders, da ich selbst aus der Region stamme.
Besonders gefällt mir, dass Baden-Badener Figuren aus ihrer Blumenreihe und Lilo wieder auftauchen. Aber auch Josephine und Isabelle bekommen schöne Gastauftritte in der Geschichte.
Insgesamt überzeugt die Story mit einem roten Faden, der auch mit Nebenschauplätzen nicht das Ziel vor Augen verliert.
Natürlich ist auch die Kulisse des Bodensees ein wunderschönes Detail, besonders, da ich selbst aus der Region stamme.
July 22, 2017
Book 3 of the Century Trilogy. I have loved this entire series, and this one did not disappoint. Oh, I got viciously angry, rightously upset, horribly indignant. But I also was deliriously happy, overwhelmingly satisfied, and emotionally drained and uplifted throughout this book. This entire series is a must read (as is The Glassblower Trilogy). Petra Durst-Benning is one of my favorite women authors.
August 1, 2017
Petra Durst-Benning Trilogy
This trilogy is one of the most intriguing set I think I have ever read. These ladies serve as excellent teachers of "never give up, life has many surprises". The characters seem to jump off the pages and grab you and pull you in. Plus, when reading you will learn about the different life styles of these three friends and each of their challenges in different areas of Germany and France. Good read!!
This trilogy is one of the most intriguing set I think I have ever read. These ladies serve as excellent teachers of "never give up, life has many surprises". The characters seem to jump off the pages and grab you and pull you in. Plus, when reading you will learn about the different life styles of these three friends and each of their challenges in different areas of Germany and France. Good read!!
November 16, 2017
Before I start my review I just want to say that I downloaded this book to my Kindle by mistake. But it turned out to be a good thing.
This is a great book to read on vacation. It started a little slow but as it progressed I liked it more and more. It about a young women's perseverance and how she learned that she is a smart and talented business women. This historic novel takes place in the turn of the century Germany. I definitely recommend it.
This is a great book to read on vacation. It started a little slow but as it progressed I liked it more and more. It about a young women's perseverance and how she learned that she is a smart and talented business women. This historic novel takes place in the turn of the century Germany. I definitely recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews