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Bold Women of the 20th Century #1
Beneath a Blazing Sky
The dawning of the Twentieth Century and it is a world in chaos. Raised on Coney Island among scoundrels, cheats, and dreamers, Piper Albrecht is apprenticed to violence at an early age. Not until she is rescued by her aunt and moves to the elegant Upper East Side of Manhattan does she experience a different life, the life of a well-educated, forward-thinking young woman. But the roller coaster ride is far from over. After building the most fashionable millinery house in America, Piper spearheads relief efforts in Belgium during The Great War, bringing food to civilians trapped behind enemy lines. Once again, she is immersed in turmoil, misery, and violence. Partnering with her is Bret Collier, a charismatic adventurer who hides not only his past but his future. She is drawn to his easy charm and cavalier exterior, but this American is not who he appears to be. Choosing the right path can mean life or death for Piper, and she must move swiftly because the war is intensifying, and her entire world is on fire.Join Amanda Hughes with another host of unforgettable characters on a wild ride in Beneath the Blazing Sky.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2020
580 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 3, 2020
Historical fiction is my favorite genre and when I read the author's notes at the end of the book, I really appreciated that she went the extra mile to research pieces of history in the early 1900s that were new to me. My 2x great grandmother was a suffragette and I liked the bit of the story that talked about a secondary character who had devoted her life to women's suffrage and really loved that the author wrote about relief efforts in Belgium after it had been taken over by Germany during WWI. Unfortunately, if I share my thoughts about the book, it will lead to spoilers for sure. So I will just note that on the plus side, it's an easy-read and the story is really great and I loved that I learned about new events in history about which I knew nothing. On the negative side, I would love if authors wouldn't introduce fictional characters who just happen to also have various famous people as family friends; for some reason I find that off-putting.
June 12, 2022
I've never read Amanda Hughes' work before, but the subject matter of "Beneath a Blazing Sky" greatly appealed to me. My initial enthusiasm gradually waned, however, and I started skimming at around 65% on my Kindle.
There are a few reasons why I lost interest. This book is too long. While this sounds contradictory, there is simply too MUCH history in this historical fiction tome. There's the Great Molasses Flood and the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Add to this the suffragette movement and the Great War. As our intrepid heroine grew up on Coney Island, it is an important location, as well. And there's Bloomingdales, Le Bon Marché, and lots of hats. So.Many.Hats.
Modern woman Piper Albrecht smokes, drinks and has casual sex (the latter is not explicit). She hikes through Belgium delivering food to the needy, marches in support of women's suffrage and lest we forget, designs hats. Love interest Bret Collier is equally determined to help the oppressed. They are perfect candidates for energy shots. This book is so exhausting.
Amanda Hughes' prose is lovely, albeit a bit dry. So much happens in this book, and there's not even an HEA at the end. Some readers may consider the conclusion differently. That being said, I might give this this author another try.
There are a few reasons why I lost interest. This book is too long. While this sounds contradictory, there is simply too MUCH history in this historical fiction tome. There's the Great Molasses Flood and the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Add to this the suffragette movement and the Great War. As our intrepid heroine grew up on Coney Island, it is an important location, as well. And there's Bloomingdales, Le Bon Marché, and lots of hats. So.Many.Hats.
Modern woman Piper Albrecht smokes, drinks and has casual sex (the latter is not explicit). She hikes through Belgium delivering food to the needy, marches in support of women's suffrage and lest we forget, designs hats. Love interest Bret Collier is equally determined to help the oppressed. They are perfect candidates for energy shots. This book is so exhausting.
Amanda Hughes' prose is lovely, albeit a bit dry. So much happens in this book, and there's not even an HEA at the end. Some readers may consider the conclusion differently. That being said, I might give this this author another try.
April 18, 2024
I liked it. Piper is a fascinating character and her exploits kept me reading. As much as I enjoy historical fiction, the events piled into this plot were too much to be believed.
Also, I never got the title or its connection to the events in this novel.
Also, I never got the title or its connection to the events in this novel.
July 9, 2020
Wonderful story
The historical content along with the story itself got the 5 stars. The story was so enjoyable, couldnt help feeling that I knew these characters! The world wars are my favorite historical stories, am always learning something I never knew and go look up more on it. Most books are on WW2. This one was WW1 and learned a lot of what went on in Belgium, another area hardly written about. I love learning these things. Amanda's stories are great.
The historical content along with the story itself got the 5 stars. The story was so enjoyable, couldnt help feeling that I knew these characters! The world wars are my favorite historical stories, am always learning something I never knew and go look up more on it. Most books are on WW2. This one was WW1 and learned a lot of what went on in Belgium, another area hardly written about. I love learning these things. Amanda's stories are great.
July 21, 2020
Her life has been, “like walking through Coney with an endless amount of admission tickets”
Ms. Hughes, I am in awe!!
Amanda Hughes has once again taken us on a trip through history with knowledge, flare, and pizzazz. I’ve read every one of her published work, and she has again amazed me.
Early 20th century, US history isn’t really my thing, but Amanda snatched my attention with molasses in January and then a little girl living on Coney Island. Then she takes us to the little girls life there then inti New York City, where she discovers a talent she didn’t know she had. A passion for fashion that she never would have thought she would ever possess. Piper, grows and develops into a fascinating young woman. She designs take her life on a ride into WW1, a cause she believed in, an adventure that would shape her for the rest of her life.
Little known events that Amanda has masterfully worked into her story. I feel she was well researched before she weaved her tale into a delightful story. Another great story from a great author. You keep writing, I’ll keep reading!
Ms. Hughes, I am in awe!!
Amanda Hughes has once again taken us on a trip through history with knowledge, flare, and pizzazz. I’ve read every one of her published work, and she has again amazed me.
Early 20th century, US history isn’t really my thing, but Amanda snatched my attention with molasses in January and then a little girl living on Coney Island. Then she takes us to the little girls life there then inti New York City, where she discovers a talent she didn’t know she had. A passion for fashion that she never would have thought she would ever possess. Piper, grows and develops into a fascinating young woman. She designs take her life on a ride into WW1, a cause she believed in, an adventure that would shape her for the rest of her life.
Little known events that Amanda has masterfully worked into her story. I feel she was well researched before she weaved her tale into a delightful story. Another great story from a great author. You keep writing, I’ll keep reading!
April 21, 2021
Good Read
The book was easy to read and there were few errors, hence two stars. The book was based in a historical period, but the main characters were fictitious. Our heroine, Piper Albrecht, had a penchant for straw hats! She designed hats for a living and came out with a new straw hat for most occasions where women would wear a hat. Her love interest, Brett, was one of those perfect guys who could do anything, but he was not real, either. They loved like Abelard and Heloise--from afar and infrequently.
Some of the people involved in the women's right to vote were real. Some people mentioned in the Great War were real. The real people served as a backdrop for an unlikely love story. The historical events mentioned gave the book some credibility.
Thank you, Ms. Hughes, for the read.
The book was easy to read and there were few errors, hence two stars. The book was based in a historical period, but the main characters were fictitious. Our heroine, Piper Albrecht, had a penchant for straw hats! She designed hats for a living and came out with a new straw hat for most occasions where women would wear a hat. Her love interest, Brett, was one of those perfect guys who could do anything, but he was not real, either. They loved like Abelard and Heloise--from afar and infrequently.
Some of the people involved in the women's right to vote were real. Some people mentioned in the Great War were real. The real people served as a backdrop for an unlikely love story. The historical events mentioned gave the book some credibility.
Thank you, Ms. Hughes, for the read.
May 22, 2023
Suspenseful and full of heart-riveting espionage with a bit of a love story to make it spicy
I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book as much as I did, but I couldn't put it down. Piper grew up on the wrong side of the tracks on Coney Island, learning by street smarts and her plucky nature. When she is sent to live with her aunt, her world changes dramatically and she is thrown into a world of high fashion and success, ultimately bringing in her into Europe at the start of WWI. She gets involved in bringing aid to residents in Belgium while that country is under German occupation. Her bravery brings her back into enemy territory and she winds up with friends she thought she wouldn't see again, as well as the man who she thought she had lost forever. It was a very captivating read about goings on in the Great War.
I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book as much as I did, but I couldn't put it down. Piper grew up on the wrong side of the tracks on Coney Island, learning by street smarts and her plucky nature. When she is sent to live with her aunt, her world changes dramatically and she is thrown into a world of high fashion and success, ultimately bringing in her into Europe at the start of WWI. She gets involved in bringing aid to residents in Belgium while that country is under German occupation. Her bravery brings her back into enemy territory and she winds up with friends she thought she wouldn't see again, as well as the man who she thought she had lost forever. It was a very captivating read about goings on in the Great War.
January 21, 2024
Great read!
Follow little Piper Albrecht from the rough and tumble life on Coney Island in the early 20th century to the wartorn fields of Belgium during WWI as a young woman.
Watch as she turns from a scrapper, fighting to be accepted, into a young sophisticated, successful millinery designer.
Met the Abelmans, her German Jewish aunt and uncle who are responsible for Piper's transformation. Aunt Tilly, the suffragette, and Uncle Saul, the millinery manufacturer, through whom Piper meets Uncle Saul's brother Ezra and his wife Isadora, who live in Brussels and through whom Piper becomes involved in the war effort.
Along the way, Piper meets some interesting people, all of whom in one way or another help her to become a fascinating young adult.
A good, entertaining read with just enough suspense and romance to keep the reader interested.
Follow little Piper Albrecht from the rough and tumble life on Coney Island in the early 20th century to the wartorn fields of Belgium during WWI as a young woman.
Watch as she turns from a scrapper, fighting to be accepted, into a young sophisticated, successful millinery designer.
Met the Abelmans, her German Jewish aunt and uncle who are responsible for Piper's transformation. Aunt Tilly, the suffragette, and Uncle Saul, the millinery manufacturer, through whom Piper meets Uncle Saul's brother Ezra and his wife Isadora, who live in Brussels and through whom Piper becomes involved in the war effort.
Along the way, Piper meets some interesting people, all of whom in one way or another help her to become a fascinating young adult.
A good, entertaining read with just enough suspense and romance to keep the reader interested.
May 5, 2023
I found this novel, free on Kindle Unlimited, while I was recovering from surgery and needed something entertaining. I like a good mix of history and fiction and this started out well. But this protagonist's life became such a whirlwind of activity it was a bit dizzying. How did one feisty little girl grow up and get into so many difficult situations? And how did she always manage to come away unscathed? As for the love story portion, it felt a little too modern for the time. I'm not saying there weren't other women who chose to thrust aside social conventions and live as they pleased, but would they have been so glib about it? Certainly, the protagonist's wealthy family and suffragette aunt enabled her to brave being unconventional in her lifestyle but this woman was over the top.
April 12, 2025
Fantastic! Starting with growing up in bazaar environment of carnival life of Coney Island in Brooklyn to being gentrified by then living with her famous Suffragette Aunt, she became a renowned
designer of millinery during it’s hey day. She then went on to being involved with WW1 in the capacity of many dangerous adventures primarily in Belgian in order to give help to the suffering citizens who were occupied by the Germans at that time. All in all she placed her life in peril to help the brutal effects of the conquering German invasion. ..but she survived
Loved the heroin and her adventurous spirit. My only disappointment was that the story ended abruptly.
designer of millinery during it’s hey day. She then went on to being involved with WW1 in the capacity of many dangerous adventures primarily in Belgian in order to give help to the suffering citizens who were occupied by the Germans at that time. All in all she placed her life in peril to help the brutal effects of the conquering German invasion. ..but she survived
Loved the heroin and her adventurous spirit. My only disappointment was that the story ended abruptly.
December 29, 2021
Piper’s life is captured through flashbacks and the present time as moments in history are mentioned like the Great Molasses Flood and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Other historical topics, like the Women’s Suffrage Movement and life in Belgium during World War I, are more deeply explored. Though Piper had many more adventures than a typical girl of her era would have had, Hughes finds a way to tie them together into a storyline that will keep readers interested. Read more on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....
October 22, 2022
Really could give it 3.5 stars because it was an easy read and I did enjoy it. I did learn some things about WW I that I did not know, especially taking interest in little known historical facts such as the Great Molasses Flood and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. But there were too many daring adventures that were resolved too easily and unrealistically. The writing style felt a little bare. There were a number of typos and the type justification was frequently way off; both were distracting. All in all, I will still try other books in Bold Women of the 20th Century series.
April 19, 2021
Piper's life!
This story is about the era of women fighting for the right to vote and continues into the WWl years and a lot of struggles with the overtaking of the German war. Piper rises from a little ragamuffin on the Coney Island boardwalk to the head of a huge millinary business in Europe, England and the US.
This story is filled with real facts of the time, including the molasses flood in Boston.
This story is about the era of women fighting for the right to vote and continues into the WWl years and a lot of struggles with the overtaking of the German war. Piper rises from a little ragamuffin on the Coney Island boardwalk to the head of a huge millinary business in Europe, England and the US.
This story is filled with real facts of the time, including the molasses flood in Boston.
April 29, 2022
Engaging
The first two decades of the 20th century were filled with challenging events. Class distinctions and prejudices with derogatory name calling... Women seeking independence and the vote... Industrial safety neglect... and World War I for just a few. The quick takeover in Belgium by Germany and the apocalyptic destruction they levied is sadly similar to today's bombardment of Ukraine by Russia.
The first two decades of the 20th century were filled with challenging events. Class distinctions and prejudices with derogatory name calling... Women seeking independence and the vote... Industrial safety neglect... and World War I for just a few. The quick takeover in Belgium by Germany and the apocalyptic destruction they levied is sadly similar to today's bombardment of Ukraine by Russia.
May 2, 2022
The beginning of the story was very interesting but I realized very quickly that the writing was bland. I kept up with the story because it is a historical fiction about real women that did bold things in their times but I just couldn't read word for word and soon starting skimming and skipping a lot to the end.
For me, the very high rating would be for the historical part but it still wasn't enough for me to recommend this book.
For me, the very high rating would be for the historical part but it still wasn't enough for me to recommend this book.
July 19, 2022
Beneath a Blazing Sky was an easy read filled with history. However, I found the writing style to be simplistic and unrealistic as Piper successfully went from one adventure or career opportunity to another. I enjoy reading historical novels and did appreciate the history in this story. I was particularly moved by the descriptions of the Triangle fire and suffering of the people in Belgium during World War I.
April 22, 2025
Highly recommend
What an incredible story. The whole book is cliffhangers keeping you completely involved in this story. The characters Are so well developed even the peop!e That are not the main characters I couldn't put it down at times I was so anxious for the people in situations that I could not read before I went to bed. What a wonderful writer. I plan on looking for more of this author's books
What an incredible story. The whole book is cliffhangers keeping you completely involved in this story. The characters Are so well developed even the peop!e That are not the main characters I couldn't put it down at times I was so anxious for the people in situations that I could not read before I went to bed. What a wonderful writer. I plan on looking for more of this author's books
May 7, 2021
An amazing read
There was nothing I didn't like about this book. It was amazingly well crafted, entertaining. The characters were believable. I loved the background history of the suffragettes, the Boston Molasses factory explosion, and WW1. I needed some escapism and feel I benefited by this book. Thank you Amanda Hughes.
F. Diehl
There was nothing I didn't like about this book. It was amazingly well crafted, entertaining. The characters were believable. I loved the background history of the suffragettes, the Boston Molasses factory explosion, and WW1. I needed some escapism and feel I benefited by this book. Thank you Amanda Hughes.
F. Diehl
April 26, 2022
Beneath a Blazing Sky
What to say? I hate writing reviews, but this book is awesome. It kept me riveted from beginning to end. I would have read it in one go except for the fact I haven't Ben sleeping well and was to tired to keep reading. Keep up the fabulous work.
Thanks,
Pat
What to say? I hate writing reviews, but this book is awesome. It kept me riveted from beginning to end. I would have read it in one go except for the fact I haven't Ben sleeping well and was to tired to keep reading. Keep up the fabulous work.
Thanks,
Pat
November 13, 2022
Beneath a Blazing Sky by Amanda Hughes
A very interesting story during the women’s suffrage movement and the beginning of WWI. The transformation of the main character from her life growing up in Cony Island to a successful business woman takes one through many adventures and world events. It is a story one can lose themselves in.
A very interesting story during the women’s suffrage movement and the beginning of WWI. The transformation of the main character from her life growing up in Cony Island to a successful business woman takes one through many adventures and world events. It is a story one can lose themselves in.
January 28, 2024
wonderful
Slow start but became a story i could not put down! Being a women who fallowed her life, as she wanted too which included two loves death and much travelling over the years, i felt like i was in this story! Very interested in history including first and second world wars and a father who spend 4 years in the second one, Bold women touch me immensely.
Slow start but became a story i could not put down! Being a women who fallowed her life, as she wanted too which included two loves death and much travelling over the years, i felt like i was in this story! Very interested in history including first and second world wars and a father who spend 4 years in the second one, Bold women touch me immensely.
February 2, 2024
The sky sees you thru everything
You meet piper as an adult, who just experienced a terrible lost. As she reflexes on her past you see how much she has grown from a little kid who's life wasn't easy to a woman that fights for the rights of others thru war, friendships, Love and more. I feel like you grow with Piper as she grows!
You meet piper as an adult, who just experienced a terrible lost. As she reflexes on her past you see how much she has grown from a little kid who's life wasn't easy to a woman that fights for the rights of others thru war, friendships, Love and more. I feel like you grow with Piper as she grows!
July 21, 2020
Amanda has done another great job. Her characters are always well written. Aunt Tilly is a great influence on Piper after she runs into trouble at home on Coney island.
From New York city to Paris and Antwerp piper has one adventure after another.
From New York city to Paris and Antwerp piper has one adventure after another.
September 8, 2020
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book. I think Ms. Hughes may have written some of her best characters yet. The story is engaging and the historical events included were not just interesting but added a lot of depth to the storytelling.
April 17, 2021
Well crafted historical novel
Well crafted historical novel, with. View into life of the carmiesmon Coney Island, women’s sufferage, WWI and the,lives impacted from the US to Europe.
Well crafted historical novel, with. View into life of the carmiesmon Coney Island, women’s sufferage, WWI and the,lives impacted from the US to Europe.
April 25, 2021
Terrific Read
I enjoyed this book very much. Piper, the main character, grew up in an amusement park with unconventional parents. Through many adventures, she ended up as a fashion designer and as a civilian participant in the war in Europe.
I enjoyed this book very much. Piper, the main character, grew up in an amusement park with unconventional parents. Through many adventures, she ended up as a fashion designer and as a civilian participant in the war in Europe.
May 1, 2021
A Good Historical Story with Interesting Character Development.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about the women’s movement and life at the turn of the 20 th century. A nice mix of history with very good character development.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about the women’s movement and life at the turn of the 20 th century. A nice mix of history with very good character development.
May 12, 2021
Heads up look around
I loved Piper her bulldog attitude and all of the many wonderful characters she met along the way. It was fun to have this story include many historical events I had both heard and read about. Fasten your seatbelt before starting this delightful read.
I loved Piper her bulldog attitude and all of the many wonderful characters she met along the way. It was fun to have this story include many historical events I had both heard and read about. Fasten your seatbelt before starting this delightful read.
June 20, 2021
Fabulous read!
I have a discovered a new favorite Author! Her writing is so exciting ! All independent women. I have just finished the second one in this series and am about to start the 3rd one!
I have a discovered a new favorite Author! Her writing is so exciting ! All independent women. I have just finished the second one in this series and am about to start the 3rd one!
July 5, 2021
Great read.
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Beautifully written and the descriptions of everyone and everything were great. From clothes and hats to the devastated landscape of war. Wow. So we’ll done.
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Beautifully written and the descriptions of everyone and everything were great. From clothes and hats to the devastated landscape of war. Wow. So we’ll done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews