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A Betting Woman: A Novel of Madame Moustache
"Walsh (Becoming Bonnie) hits the jackpot with an impressive fictionalization of the life of Eleanor Dumont." — Publishers Weekly
"A rollicking ride of a story.” — New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis
Walsh’s snappy voice, innate sense of pacing, and skillful narration make for a rollicking good read. A Betting Woman is a winner!” - USA Today bestselling author Heather Webb
"An enjoyable search-for-identity tale with a strong female protagonist." - Kirkus
Born Simone Jules, reinvented as Eleanor Dumont, and largely remembered as Madame Moustache, A Betting Woman is a historical novel inspired by the tumultuous life, times, and loves of America’s first professional croupier of modern-day blackjack, bringing to life an intrepid and entrepreneurial real-life woman who lived on her own terms.
When her whole family dies in a fire, young Simone flees her grief and travels west to reinvent herself in burgeoning San Francisco. Down to her last dollar and facing some unsavory options, Simone quick-wits her way to a gambling table where she begins to deal vingt-et-un—modern-day blackjack. Word travels fast among of this French-speaking, card-playing novelty, and she begins to build a new life for herself.
Self-sufficient Simone doesn’t count on falling for an artist— not to mention a man of a different skin color—who society, and the law, says she can’t have. When he is murdered, Simone is devastated and sets off to find closure for his death.
Finding her way to a new boomtown, she adopts a new name, Eleanor Dumont, and opens her very own gambling emporium. "Dumont's Place" is a great success, drawing mountain men and fortune seekers from far and wide.
But the boom and bust of the gold rush stops for no one, nor do the challenges of a man’s world. Eleanor must continue to fight—for her livelihood, for her self-worth, and most of all, for her legacy.
A gripping and endearing tale, A Betting Woman brings to life an intrepid and entrepreneurial female who lived on her own terms... a Molly's Game for lovers of the American West. Fans of Thelma Adams, Therese Anne Fowler, and Marie Benedict will root for the quick-witted, charming, and self-sufficient Eleanor as she paves her way in a man’s world and into the pages of history.
"A rollicking ride of a story.” — New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis
Walsh’s snappy voice, innate sense of pacing, and skillful narration make for a rollicking good read. A Betting Woman is a winner!” - USA Today bestselling author Heather Webb
"An enjoyable search-for-identity tale with a strong female protagonist." - Kirkus
Born Simone Jules, reinvented as Eleanor Dumont, and largely remembered as Madame Moustache, A Betting Woman is a historical novel inspired by the tumultuous life, times, and loves of America’s first professional croupier of modern-day blackjack, bringing to life an intrepid and entrepreneurial real-life woman who lived on her own terms.
When her whole family dies in a fire, young Simone flees her grief and travels west to reinvent herself in burgeoning San Francisco. Down to her last dollar and facing some unsavory options, Simone quick-wits her way to a gambling table where she begins to deal vingt-et-un—modern-day blackjack. Word travels fast among of this French-speaking, card-playing novelty, and she begins to build a new life for herself.
Self-sufficient Simone doesn’t count on falling for an artist— not to mention a man of a different skin color—who society, and the law, says she can’t have. When he is murdered, Simone is devastated and sets off to find closure for his death.
Finding her way to a new boomtown, she adopts a new name, Eleanor Dumont, and opens her very own gambling emporium. "Dumont's Place" is a great success, drawing mountain men and fortune seekers from far and wide.
But the boom and bust of the gold rush stops for no one, nor do the challenges of a man’s world. Eleanor must continue to fight—for her livelihood, for her self-worth, and most of all, for her legacy.
A gripping and endearing tale, A Betting Woman brings to life an intrepid and entrepreneurial female who lived on her own terms... a Molly's Game for lovers of the American West. Fans of Thelma Adams, Therese Anne Fowler, and Marie Benedict will root for the quick-witted, charming, and self-sufficient Eleanor as she paves her way in a man’s world and into the pages of history.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
36 people are currently reading
2998 people want to read
About the author
Jenni L. Walsh
16 books638 followersJenni L. Walsh is the USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books for adults and children, spending her days knee deep in words in Philadelphia’s suburbia. Beyond words, Jenni is a mama (of a soulful eleven-year-old, a soccer-loving nine-year-old, and six needy furbabies), a wife, a Philly and 'Nova sports fan.
But where did it all begin? Jenni spent her early years dabbling in various forms of writing and with her nose in a book. Her writing chops first began to develop through one-page stories. Never fail, the storyline followed the same progression: girl meets boy, girl marries boy, girl and boy have baby. That's it.
Now Jenni has moved on to stories with a bit more depth and, for the mamas, Side by Side is a historical women's fiction story of America’s most infamous crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde told in the raw and honest voice of the woman who lived it, Bonnie Parker. In Becoming Bonnie, a prequel set in the Roaring Twenties, a picture of Bonnie's earlier life, before and while she meets Clyde, is brought to life. Jenni's third historical women's fiction book A Betting Woman takes us to the California gold rush, featuring a little known woman from history, Eleanor Dumont, but who is largely remembered by the moniker Madame Moustache. In The Call of the Wrens, Jenni introduces readers to the Women's Royal Naval Service (the Wrens), who carried wartime secrets on their shoulders as motorcycle dispatch riders during both world wars. Unsinkable is Jenni's first bestselling novel, hitting the USA Today bestsellers list, and is about two resilient women, one of which is the real-life Violet Jessop who survived the Titanic and two additional maritime disasters. Jenni's next historical novel Ace, Marvel, Spy features Alice Marble, who was the world's number one women's tennis player, an editor for the Wonder Woman comics, and a spy during the Second World War. Up next from Jenni, in October 2025, is Sonora, a historical novel about performer Sonora Carver, one of the first women to dive from a forty-five foot tower on the back of a horse and who inspired the film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.
For the kiddos, Jenni's debut middle grade books, She Dared, features true stories from women who, at a young age, accomplished daring feats of perseverance and bravery. She is also the author of I Am Defiance, inspired by a real-life resistance group, known as the White Rose. Jenni has contributed Hettie and the London Blitz: A World War II Survival Story to the Girl's Survive series. Revolutionary War hero Sybil Ludington, who is often known as the "female Paul Revere," is brought to life in By the Light of Fireflies, Jenni's first historical novel with a touch of magical realism. Over and Out is a thrilling and fast-paced espionage and escape story that is inspired by real stories of life in East Berlin during the Cold War. Operation: Happy, set during the attack on Pearl Harbor, tells the story of a real-life survivor and includes the POV of her dog, Happy, to soften the events of one of America's most notable moments in history. In May 2025, Jenni is excited to be releasing her first contemporary novel, a mystery/adventure story called The Bug Bandits, which is inspired by a real heist and the shenanigans of Home Alone.
But where did it all begin? Jenni spent her early years dabbling in various forms of writing and with her nose in a book. Her writing chops first began to develop through one-page stories. Never fail, the storyline followed the same progression: girl meets boy, girl marries boy, girl and boy have baby. That's it.
Now Jenni has moved on to stories with a bit more depth and, for the mamas, Side by Side is a historical women's fiction story of America’s most infamous crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde told in the raw and honest voice of the woman who lived it, Bonnie Parker. In Becoming Bonnie, a prequel set in the Roaring Twenties, a picture of Bonnie's earlier life, before and while she meets Clyde, is brought to life. Jenni's third historical women's fiction book A Betting Woman takes us to the California gold rush, featuring a little known woman from history, Eleanor Dumont, but who is largely remembered by the moniker Madame Moustache. In The Call of the Wrens, Jenni introduces readers to the Women's Royal Naval Service (the Wrens), who carried wartime secrets on their shoulders as motorcycle dispatch riders during both world wars. Unsinkable is Jenni's first bestselling novel, hitting the USA Today bestsellers list, and is about two resilient women, one of which is the real-life Violet Jessop who survived the Titanic and two additional maritime disasters. Jenni's next historical novel Ace, Marvel, Spy features Alice Marble, who was the world's number one women's tennis player, an editor for the Wonder Woman comics, and a spy during the Second World War. Up next from Jenni, in October 2025, is Sonora, a historical novel about performer Sonora Carver, one of the first women to dive from a forty-five foot tower on the back of a horse and who inspired the film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.
For the kiddos, Jenni's debut middle grade books, She Dared, features true stories from women who, at a young age, accomplished daring feats of perseverance and bravery. She is also the author of I Am Defiance, inspired by a real-life resistance group, known as the White Rose. Jenni has contributed Hettie and the London Blitz: A World War II Survival Story to the Girl's Survive series. Revolutionary War hero Sybil Ludington, who is often known as the "female Paul Revere," is brought to life in By the Light of Fireflies, Jenni's first historical novel with a touch of magical realism. Over and Out is a thrilling and fast-paced espionage and escape story that is inspired by real stories of life in East Berlin during the Cold War. Operation: Happy, set during the attack on Pearl Harbor, tells the story of a real-life survivor and includes the POV of her dog, Happy, to soften the events of one of America's most notable moments in history. In May 2025, Jenni is excited to be releasing her first contemporary novel, a mystery/adventure story called The Bug Bandits, which is inspired by a real heist and the shenanigans of Home Alone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
October 29, 2020
“Born Simone Jules, reinvented as Eleanor Dumont, and largely remembered as Madame Moustache.”
It’s 1849. Simone Jules, at nineteen years old, arrives at the booming town of San Francisco to reinvent herself. While on a ship, she was eavesdropping for any ideas of reinvention. She is of good manners and couldn’t imagine encouraging men to play, drink and stay a while at saloon. But when she sees a deck of cards waiting to be dealt, she sees herself doing just that. She becomes a croupier of modern-day blackjack.
When a tragedy strikes her again, she is off to another place and another chance at life. She learned how to be an independent woman. Now, she wants to be an independent businesswoman. She starts the first gambling house in the California town of Nevada. Moreover, her own gambling house. She indulges men in evenings of sophisticated gambling.
Loved the grasping prose, the word choice, the speed of lyrical like sound carrying the story constantly forward. “I’d learned at Papa’s shop (…) that men often needed a velvet voice and a smattering of flattery for encouragement.”
Loved the classy and quick-witted character who at the game of cards is mostly surrounded by rogues with crude, unrefined tongues. She knows how to sassy them with her beauty, cleverness and French-ish background. Can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this phenomenal woman. Petit in stature, but larger than life in character. Beautifully developed character of a self-sufficient woman during a time when it was almost impossible.
The injections of historical background are brief but they happen often, giving depth and a good sense of time and period. There is a constant reminder of that. This is the level of historical fiction I greatly appreciate. It’s not just a one-time long description of a time period and then forgotten throughout the story.
The feelings shine throughout the story. Her contagious excitement about someone or a grief over losing someone or the coldness of the mountains that gets to you or a warmness of a place she creates for herself that you enjoy as well.
Spellbinding novel. Superbly written by amazing talent crafting such an intriguing and clever story.
P.S. Kudos to cover designer(s) for such original cover.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s 1849. Simone Jules, at nineteen years old, arrives at the booming town of San Francisco to reinvent herself. While on a ship, she was eavesdropping for any ideas of reinvention. She is of good manners and couldn’t imagine encouraging men to play, drink and stay a while at saloon. But when she sees a deck of cards waiting to be dealt, she sees herself doing just that. She becomes a croupier of modern-day blackjack.
When a tragedy strikes her again, she is off to another place and another chance at life. She learned how to be an independent woman. Now, she wants to be an independent businesswoman. She starts the first gambling house in the California town of Nevada. Moreover, her own gambling house. She indulges men in evenings of sophisticated gambling.
Loved the grasping prose, the word choice, the speed of lyrical like sound carrying the story constantly forward. “I’d learned at Papa’s shop (…) that men often needed a velvet voice and a smattering of flattery for encouragement.”
Loved the classy and quick-witted character who at the game of cards is mostly surrounded by rogues with crude, unrefined tongues. She knows how to sassy them with her beauty, cleverness and French-ish background. Can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this phenomenal woman. Petit in stature, but larger than life in character. Beautifully developed character of a self-sufficient woman during a time when it was almost impossible.
The injections of historical background are brief but they happen often, giving depth and a good sense of time and period. There is a constant reminder of that. This is the level of historical fiction I greatly appreciate. It’s not just a one-time long description of a time period and then forgotten throughout the story.
The feelings shine throughout the story. Her contagious excitement about someone or a grief over losing someone or the coldness of the mountains that gets to you or a warmness of a place she creates for herself that you enjoy as well.
Spellbinding novel. Superbly written by amazing talent crafting such an intriguing and clever story.
P.S. Kudos to cover designer(s) for such original cover.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2021
She's mine, and I'm partial -- but let me tell you a little about why I wrote A BETTING WOMAN. My interest in Eleanor Dumont’s story bloomed as I began researching the women of the California gold rush. It wasn’t long before I came upon a name unknown to me, Madame Moustache. As it turned out, Madame Moustache was the sobriquet for Eleanor Dumont, who was born as Simone Jules, and who had popularized vingt-et-un, now known as blackjack.
The presence of three names for a single woman intrigued me. I wondered how one name bled into the next and how life winded to a nickname—one I didn’t initially find particularly endearing—that Eleanor lived with for over a decade. I wondered if she endured the moniker for all those years or if she was accepting of the name, which was spat at her after taking a man’s last dime during a game of vingt-et-un and offering him a glass of milk, Eleanor having been claimed to have said, "Any man silly enough to lose his last cent to a woman deserves a milk diet.”
In all the anecdotes I found of Eleanor, she was warmhearted, quick-witted, business savvy, courageous, and tenacious. The attributes led me to believe that perhaps Eleanor didn’t tolerate the nickname but instead embraced it. After that, there was no stopping me from telling her story.
The presence of three names for a single woman intrigued me. I wondered how one name bled into the next and how life winded to a nickname—one I didn’t initially find particularly endearing—that Eleanor lived with for over a decade. I wondered if she endured the moniker for all those years or if she was accepting of the name, which was spat at her after taking a man’s last dime during a game of vingt-et-un and offering him a glass of milk, Eleanor having been claimed to have said, "Any man silly enough to lose his last cent to a woman deserves a milk diet.”
In all the anecdotes I found of Eleanor, she was warmhearted, quick-witted, business savvy, courageous, and tenacious. The attributes led me to believe that perhaps Eleanor didn’t tolerate the nickname but instead embraced it. After that, there was no stopping me from telling her story.
November 11, 2020
Have you read Jenni L. Walsh yet? If not, you are missing out on a quiet master of historical fiction. In Madame Moustache, Walsh brings the story of an engaging and spirited woman to us in a style that makes us feel as if we are in the intrepid heroine’s skin. From the moment we meet the highly intelligent Simone Jules, we come to understand that her adaptive, take-no-prisoners attitude will serve her well through life and help her carve a path that no woman before had traveled. Bravo to Walsh for her elegant prose - every word in this novel is finely wrought and lovingly chosen. Highly recommend!
June 30, 2021
2.5
This book started out (and sounded) so promising, but it just fell way flat for me. The structure wasn’t ideal, the characters itself were those I didn’t really care for...it just wasn’t it.
Which sucks, because I feel like Once Upon a Book Club always hits it out of the park with their book choices (even the ones I don’t like as much as others), but this one was just on its own level.
I can understand the appeal though - of Madame Dumont taking charge and beating the odds and becoming a career woman in the 1800s. But for me, it was just the flat characters, the things that went on, and just not my kind of writing style. I can appreciate the time and research that went into this book, and making it as accurate as possible.
If you love historical fiction set in the 19th century, I think you’ll enjoy this more than me!
This book started out (and sounded) so promising, but it just fell way flat for me. The structure wasn’t ideal, the characters itself were those I didn’t really care for...it just wasn’t it.
Which sucks, because I feel like Once Upon a Book Club always hits it out of the park with their book choices (even the ones I don’t like as much as others), but this one was just on its own level.
I can understand the appeal though - of Madame Dumont taking charge and beating the odds and becoming a career woman in the 1800s. But for me, it was just the flat characters, the things that went on, and just not my kind of writing style. I can appreciate the time and research that went into this book, and making it as accurate as possible.
If you love historical fiction set in the 19th century, I think you’ll enjoy this more than me!
June 20, 2021
I just dont know where to start with this. It began normal her family dies in a fire and she wants to get away so she leaves her fiance and flees across the country. Well then she meets a man named arthur who she knew for like (maybe) a few months?? Not really clear and he dies defending her honor and then she refers back to him the whole book even though she never refers to her old fiance who she was with for over a year... weird but whatever. So then theres ANOTHER FIRE where everything is lost and she decides to move on to another town. Shes with some weird group for like 2 years (im going to be honest I almost stopped reading here) and then she restarts in a new town and like gets this emporium for her card game. Okay but like she wont let women in at all... like not to play cards or anything and idk but i think thats pretty sus. So then the ex fiance finds her and he ends up being her business partner and he moves in and they are kinda in love? And then its her one year anniversary there but in the same paragraph it says its her third year so apparently time doesn’t exist here. Then she saves this girl who was being beaten and forces her to dress like a boy for YEARS because she doesnt hire women... this is legit only 2/3 of the book. I feel like it is just SO much rolled into it that it doesnt make sense. And the time never adds up and like the last 50 pages has almost 0 content. I just hated it and needed to let it out. Thanks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2021
I am sadly disappointed by this book. The main character comes off as naive and selfish, and everything that happens is just too convenient.
It was an ok story, it was entertaining, but unbelievable. Very annoying as a historical fiction, way too romanticized and white washed, hardships mentioned in passing but just glazed over. I never really cared about the main character, and the farther the story progressed the less I cared. I don't feel this author has a very good understanding of who her character was and the entire time i felt like we were missing some part of her and who she was and why she really made the choices that she did. Perhaps I'm also just not a fan of the liberty some authors take when writing historical fiction.
At one point the character is saddened by the fact that her lips never touched another characters, when in fact they did, twice. I hate blazingly obvious edit mistakes like this. And referring to the rains in the sierra foothills as 'monsoons', especially when she supposedly came from New Orleans, just weird. And carrying a canvas around for a year+ in the dust and dirt and no mention of it's state damaged or faded or dirty? There were a lot of details like this that bothered me making it difficult to enjoy this book.
It was an ok story, it was entertaining, but unbelievable. Very annoying as a historical fiction, way too romanticized and white washed, hardships mentioned in passing but just glazed over. I never really cared about the main character, and the farther the story progressed the less I cared. I don't feel this author has a very good understanding of who her character was and the entire time i felt like we were missing some part of her and who she was and why she really made the choices that she did. Perhaps I'm also just not a fan of the liberty some authors take when writing historical fiction.
At one point the character is saddened by the fact that her lips never touched another characters, when in fact they did, twice. I hate blazingly obvious edit mistakes like this. And referring to the rains in the sierra foothills as 'monsoons', especially when she supposedly came from New Orleans, just weird. And carrying a canvas around for a year+ in the dust and dirt and no mention of it's state damaged or faded or dirty? There were a lot of details like this that bothered me making it difficult to enjoy this book.
June 8, 2021
What a fantastic, wild ride of a story A BETTING WOMAN is! Madame Moustache, aka Eleanor Dumont, was the real-life woman who popularized one of my favorite gambling games, blackjack. Eleanor is fierce, independent, smart as a whip, and able to hold her own in a world not terribly known for its kindness to women. This is a WOW read that will keep you thinking about the world and the story long after you put the book down. Definitely snag this for the top of your TBR pile...you won't be disappointed!
June 25, 2021
2 stars is a gift for this Ouabc box subscription. I truly dislike a book where the lead behaves as if all other women are the enemy. Fails the bechdel test for me as most every man wants her and most every woman is jealous of her. The black character’s story is weak. Poor Arthur. Better editing would have been helpful.
October 23, 2020
when you finish a book and feel very sad that the story is over - you know you've read a great book. When you finish a historical fiction story and want to read everything that has to deal with the main subject - you know that the author has done his or her job in presenting a piece of history.
And when you enjoy the authors note as much as the story you know that you admire the author and will read everything he or she has written.
on the author side, full disclosure, i am A HUGE FAN of Jenni L walsh as not only a writer but as a person. I have had the opportunity to spend time with her as both a friend and a fan and never leave the room unimpressed.
Prior to hearing about this book I did not know anything about the history of Black Jack. I was so surprised to hear that it was not only invented by a woman but that men allowed themselves to be held almost hostage by said woman to play. I adored the character of Madame Mustache in all 3 of her iterations. When the book opens we are introduced to Simone - a well to do lady, betrothed to her first love, living happily with her parents and twin sister. Simone is pleasant and nice and hardworking she is a force. when she is orphaned she follows her heart somewhere knew and leaves it all behind. All except the card game that reminds her of her mother. Simone lands in san fransico where she is tough and brave. she experiences another awful lose and follows her heart to seek revenge. I loved the story of her and Arthur. the thought that she would do something different than what is expected. I love how Jenni uses her imagination to create a love story and a back story. So when Simone has to start over she develops a new image this one of Eleanor Dumont - again a strong lady and one who is all about class. I loved the backstory that is created here and how Eleanor is so determined to make a name for herself. I love how she befriends and saves other women. And then finally, Madame Mustache - given the name out of spite, she is still full of class
I love finding out what parts are imagined and what are true. And I loved all aspects of this story.
Walsh's first two books humanized the villian - Bonnie Parker. I loved that this character was likeable all the way through and I can tell that the research and story was a labor of love.
I am so honored to be one of the first readers of this book and implore everyone to get it when it hits shelves this summer. jenni states she likes to transport readers with her words well with her stories Id say MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
thanks to netgalley, the publisher and the author for an early read! I loved it. And I miss this story already. It will stay in my heart.
And when you enjoy the authors note as much as the story you know that you admire the author and will read everything he or she has written.
on the author side, full disclosure, i am A HUGE FAN of Jenni L walsh as not only a writer but as a person. I have had the opportunity to spend time with her as both a friend and a fan and never leave the room unimpressed.
Prior to hearing about this book I did not know anything about the history of Black Jack. I was so surprised to hear that it was not only invented by a woman but that men allowed themselves to be held almost hostage by said woman to play. I adored the character of Madame Mustache in all 3 of her iterations. When the book opens we are introduced to Simone - a well to do lady, betrothed to her first love, living happily with her parents and twin sister. Simone is pleasant and nice and hardworking she is a force. when she is orphaned she follows her heart somewhere knew and leaves it all behind. All except the card game that reminds her of her mother. Simone lands in san fransico where she is tough and brave. she experiences another awful lose and follows her heart to seek revenge. I loved the story of her and Arthur. the thought that she would do something different than what is expected. I love how Jenni uses her imagination to create a love story and a back story. So when Simone has to start over she develops a new image this one of Eleanor Dumont - again a strong lady and one who is all about class. I loved the backstory that is created here and how Eleanor is so determined to make a name for herself. I love how she befriends and saves other women. And then finally, Madame Mustache - given the name out of spite, she is still full of class
I love finding out what parts are imagined and what are true. And I loved all aspects of this story.
Walsh's first two books humanized the villian - Bonnie Parker. I loved that this character was likeable all the way through and I can tell that the research and story was a labor of love.
I am so honored to be one of the first readers of this book and implore everyone to get it when it hits shelves this summer. jenni states she likes to transport readers with her words well with her stories Id say MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
thanks to netgalley, the publisher and the author for an early read! I loved it. And I miss this story already. It will stay in my heart.
November 4, 2020
B O O K R E V I E W
Triggers : domestic/sexual abuse
What I thought :
I DID NOT want this book to end!! I really enjoyed getting to know Eleanor Dumont. She was a fierce female character and it was fun seeing how she changed and grew into a very strong woman. There was conflicts, drama, romance and SO MUCH detail. You can tell A LOT of research was done to tell this story from accurate points of time. I continued to want to know what happened next in the life she lived. It felt so exciting like I was physically there. I loved all of it.
Characters :
Some were short lived and some were carried throughout. This book has one main character and that was Simone Jules - Eleanor Dumont.
Read if you like : strong female lead
Would I pick it up again? Yes
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Triggers : domestic/sexual abuse
What I thought :
I DID NOT want this book to end!! I really enjoyed getting to know Eleanor Dumont. She was a fierce female character and it was fun seeing how she changed and grew into a very strong woman. There was conflicts, drama, romance and SO MUCH detail. You can tell A LOT of research was done to tell this story from accurate points of time. I continued to want to know what happened next in the life she lived. It felt so exciting like I was physically there. I loved all of it.
Characters :
Some were short lived and some were carried throughout. This book has one main character and that was Simone Jules - Eleanor Dumont.
Read if you like : strong female lead
Would I pick it up again? Yes
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 10, 2023
Great story telling. I loved the main character. After suffering terrible loss, she reinvented herself and found comfort, challenge and respect in a very male dominated society. While it is fiction, it is based on a real character and Walsh did a great job of filling in the blanks. Well worth a read.
January 21, 2021
A Betting Woman is a fascinating read that expertly weaves sparse fact and imaginative fiction into a story that introduces readers to a little-known but remarkable woman. Bold, pioneering, romantic, and intriguing, this novel will delight historical fiction fans and all who love a good tale about the strength and resilience of women.
July 25, 2021
"Little by little the bird makes it's nest." This, my favorite quote from the book, describes the plot of the fictional tale inspired by the real Madame Moustache: Eleanor Dumont, the mother of blackjack.
The book is certainly a fun look back at the Gold Rush era of the 1800's. There isn't a whole lot of concrete data about Ms. Dumont, who was born Simone Jules. This left our author plenty of room to play with in creating the story (do read the Author's Note at the back of the novel) and you may or may not agree with her choices for our Madame Moustache. Regardless, you will enjoy the ride.
Recommended to lovers of stories inspired by historical character sketches, fans of the "Wild West" and it's geographic and social settings, as well as card game aficionados.
I hope you enjoy the novel too! Drop me a comment below to let me know what you thought.
The book is certainly a fun look back at the Gold Rush era of the 1800's. There isn't a whole lot of concrete data about Ms. Dumont, who was born Simone Jules. This left our author plenty of room to play with in creating the story (do read the Author's Note at the back of the novel) and you may or may not agree with her choices for our Madame Moustache. Regardless, you will enjoy the ride.
Recommended to lovers of stories inspired by historical character sketches, fans of the "Wild West" and it's geographic and social settings, as well as card game aficionados.
I hope you enjoy the novel too! Drop me a comment below to let me know what you thought.
May 21, 2021
4.5/5 Stars.
This is an absolutely fascinating novel about the truly unusual woman who reinvents her life and becomes the world's first professional croupier - male or female! Read more in my review here.
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2021/05/2...
This is an absolutely fascinating novel about the truly unusual woman who reinvents her life and becomes the world's first professional croupier - male or female! Read more in my review here.
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2021/05/2...
October 21, 2020
I’m a woman. I love blackjack. What could go wrong? This was a great first look into Madame Moustache, one of the first female professional blackjack dealers and I have to admit, I’m hooked! Jenni Walsh takes us back to the California gold rush and into the life of this confident woman who broke barriers in her own time! I loved every second of it and can’t wait to see more from this author! I received an free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 5, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this fictionalized account of a historical figure I never knew about before! Who knew that a woman popularized the game Blackjack?? (OK, probably some people knew, but I didn't! ha!) I'm assuming this is largely fiction with some historical details and settings and instances from Simone/Eleanor's life that are accurate (the author does explain the liberties she took and mentions some of the true historical details in her notes at the end of the book). There are some major editing errors in this (I mention them because they were pretty big ones -- different spellings of the same person's name multiple times in the same chapter and also completely incorrect word usage a few times). Overall, it was intriguing to learn about the mother of Blackjack and the setting of the Gold Rush in California, but the pacing was pretty slow and it took so very, very long for the Madame Moustache moniker to be brought into the book. Overall, though, I enjoyed this fictionalized account of the first famous female gambler.
***Spoilers for Once Upon a Book Club Box***
**Warning-- Do NOT read these spoilers if you want to be surprised about the gifts if you purchased this subscription book. This list also contains some book spoilers as well.**
I received this book as part of my subscription to Once Upon a Book Club, which includes gifts to be opened as you come upon certain spots throughout the book. For this book, the gifts were as follows:
p. 39- A deck of cards, representing the cards that Simone is holding.
p. 75 - A reproduction line drawing of a woman, as described of the one Arthur does of Simone. (Waste of a gift. This is not something that can be displayed. It's too large to just keep tucked into the book to pass on to someone else. Went right into the recycle bin. This is an older box that I'm just now getting around to reading, but I do not like these types of gifts at all. I want them to be worth my money and reusable. I know others appreciate them, but I do not. I understand their purpose as relating to the book and the gifts, but long-term they're just not reusable or worth my money.)
p. 197 - A boxed game of Chuck-a-Luck, the dice game David teaches Simone/Eleanor how to play and add to her gambling hall (casino).
p. 218 - A white umbrella with black polka dots, representing Simone/Eleanor's parasol.
Bonuses: OUABC custom bookmark to coordinate with the book (gray with cream lace print and the quote, "There wasn't much a woman could possess in this world. But we could surely keep our wits about us."); full-color brochure with info about the book, Q&A with the author, discussion questions, read-along dates, instructions on how to play Vingt-et-Un (AKA 21/Blackjack), a signed bookplate from the author, and a letter from the author on the back of the quote card.
Printed Quote Card: "There wasn't much a woman could possess in this world. But we could surely keep our wits about us."
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this fictionalized account of a historical figure I never knew about before! Who knew that a woman popularized the game Blackjack?? (OK, probably some people knew, but I didn't! ha!) I'm assuming this is largely fiction with some historical details and settings and instances from Simone/Eleanor's life that are accurate (the author does explain the liberties she took and mentions some of the true historical details in her notes at the end of the book). There are some major editing errors in this (I mention them because they were pretty big ones -- different spellings of the same person's name multiple times in the same chapter and also completely incorrect word usage a few times). Overall, it was intriguing to learn about the mother of Blackjack and the setting of the Gold Rush in California, but the pacing was pretty slow and it took so very, very long for the Madame Moustache moniker to be brought into the book. Overall, though, I enjoyed this fictionalized account of the first famous female gambler.
***Spoilers for Once Upon a Book Club Box***
**Warning-- Do NOT read these spoilers if you want to be surprised about the gifts if you purchased this subscription book. This list also contains some book spoilers as well.**
I received this book as part of my subscription to Once Upon a Book Club, which includes gifts to be opened as you come upon certain spots throughout the book. For this book, the gifts were as follows:
p. 39- A deck of cards, representing the cards that Simone is holding.
p. 75 - A reproduction line drawing of a woman, as described of the one Arthur does of Simone. (Waste of a gift. This is not something that can be displayed. It's too large to just keep tucked into the book to pass on to someone else. Went right into the recycle bin. This is an older box that I'm just now getting around to reading, but I do not like these types of gifts at all. I want them to be worth my money and reusable. I know others appreciate them, but I do not. I understand their purpose as relating to the book and the gifts, but long-term they're just not reusable or worth my money.)
p. 197 - A boxed game of Chuck-a-Luck, the dice game David teaches Simone/Eleanor how to play and add to her gambling hall (casino).
p. 218 - A white umbrella with black polka dots, representing Simone/Eleanor's parasol.
Bonuses: OUABC custom bookmark to coordinate with the book (gray with cream lace print and the quote, "There wasn't much a woman could possess in this world. But we could surely keep our wits about us."); full-color brochure with info about the book, Q&A with the author, discussion questions, read-along dates, instructions on how to play Vingt-et-Un (AKA 21/Blackjack), a signed bookplate from the author, and a letter from the author on the back of the quote card.
Printed Quote Card: "There wasn't much a woman could possess in this world. But we could surely keep our wits about us."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2021
I'm actually obsessed with Jenni L. Walsh's writing style.
Every book she's written gives voice to a girl who society never understood.
I actually got A Betting Woman in the Once Upon a Book Club box. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this subscription box, Once Upon a Book Club sends you a book and goodies to open at specific pages throughout the book. This enhanced reading experience has me giddy each time I get to a page that says "Open your gift!"
So A Betting Woman is set during the California Gold Rush.
In New Orleans, Simone Jules has just lost her entire family to a fire. Not wanting to continue on living with constant reminds of her twin sister, she leaves everything behind......her house, her shop, even her fiance. She starts new in San Fransisco. To pay for her housing, she accepts a job downstairs in the saloon. But she refuses to be a saloon girl. Instead she propositions Monsieur Sullivan for her very own card table. Vingt-et-un is her game of choice, better known in today's world as blackjack or 21.
After losing everything in another fire, Simone continues to travel with the miners and muleteers. At each stop, she knew men would flock to her table. Who wouldn't want to lose their money to a mysterious, exotic, French-tongued woman? Upon landing in Nevada, Simone decides to reinvent herself. She decides to start fresh with a new name.... Madame Eleanor Dumont.
Under this guise, she quickly buys a storefront and begins crafting her very own emporium, aptly named Vingt-et-un. She expects men to be respectable when entering her establishment. No weapons, no cussing, no fighting, and no beer. Just card tables, rolled cigarettes, and whiskey.
For several years, business is booming. Miners from all over are coming to Nevada for work and winding down at Madame Dumont's. Being a croupier is in her blood, but what is she to do when all the gold dries up in this town? Be someone's wife? Absolutely not. She follows the miners wherever they may go. Dealing cards and taking names. Her legacy and quirks follow her. The miner's know who she is. They've all heard of the French woman who has no problem taking money from men. They respect her and she always listens to them.
At times, this book really felt like nothing was happening.
But I think that comes with the comfort Eleanor was experiencing.
This story literally spans over 15 years.
If you like historical fiction, strong women, and the Gold Rush then you'll absolutely love this book.
This review and reviews of other books by Jenni L Walsh can be found at A Reader's Diary!
Every book she's written gives voice to a girl who society never understood.
I actually got A Betting Woman in the Once Upon a Book Club box. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this subscription box, Once Upon a Book Club sends you a book and goodies to open at specific pages throughout the book. This enhanced reading experience has me giddy each time I get to a page that says "Open your gift!"
So A Betting Woman is set during the California Gold Rush.
In New Orleans, Simone Jules has just lost her entire family to a fire. Not wanting to continue on living with constant reminds of her twin sister, she leaves everything behind......her house, her shop, even her fiance. She starts new in San Fransisco. To pay for her housing, she accepts a job downstairs in the saloon. But she refuses to be a saloon girl. Instead she propositions Monsieur Sullivan for her very own card table. Vingt-et-un is her game of choice, better known in today's world as blackjack or 21.
After losing everything in another fire, Simone continues to travel with the miners and muleteers. At each stop, she knew men would flock to her table. Who wouldn't want to lose their money to a mysterious, exotic, French-tongued woman? Upon landing in Nevada, Simone decides to reinvent herself. She decides to start fresh with a new name.... Madame Eleanor Dumont.
Under this guise, she quickly buys a storefront and begins crafting her very own emporium, aptly named Vingt-et-un. She expects men to be respectable when entering her establishment. No weapons, no cussing, no fighting, and no beer. Just card tables, rolled cigarettes, and whiskey.
For several years, business is booming. Miners from all over are coming to Nevada for work and winding down at Madame Dumont's. Being a croupier is in her blood, but what is she to do when all the gold dries up in this town? Be someone's wife? Absolutely not. She follows the miners wherever they may go. Dealing cards and taking names. Her legacy and quirks follow her. The miner's know who she is. They've all heard of the French woman who has no problem taking money from men. They respect her and she always listens to them.
At times, this book really felt like nothing was happening.
But I think that comes with the comfort Eleanor was experiencing.
This story literally spans over 15 years.
If you like historical fiction, strong women, and the Gold Rush then you'll absolutely love this book.
This review and reviews of other books by Jenni L Walsh can be found at A Reader's Diary!
May 24, 2021
A year ago I wouldn’t have been interested in reading a book set in the 1800’s, and certainly never the Wild West! I think years of being tortured in my childhood with John Wayne movies my dad loved to watch have fulfilled my time in that period! Last year a friend of mine wrote a book set in the early 1900’s and even though I wasn’t interested initially I wanted to support my friend. I LOVED it, just like I loved A Betting Woman! Lesson here is....get out of your comfort zone and read books you wouldn’t normally consider and you will learn so much about the world and yourself!
When a fire takes Simones whole family all she can think about is running. Leaving her home, her families business, even her fiancé behind. She is devastated and can’t be around anything that reminds her of what she lost. Simone travels west and reinvents herself as a the first woman croupier. Woman are in the bars for paid pleasure, never accepted as anything else, but Simone is willing to prove she has what it takes. With a new identity Eleanor Dumont rents a table and gets started with her cards. It takes time to win the men’s trust but quickly she has her regulars coming in to play at her table.
Eleanor does so well she’s able to open her own establishment and run things the way she wants. Everything from the decor to the types of alcohol to be served, no expense is spared. With a thriving business and respect from the men Eleanor seems to have it all but the loneliness is always there. She has lost too many people she loves so her business and helping women thrive will become her passion that fulfills her.
When a fire takes Simones whole family all she can think about is running. Leaving her home, her families business, even her fiancé behind. She is devastated and can’t be around anything that reminds her of what she lost. Simone travels west and reinvents herself as a the first woman croupier. Woman are in the bars for paid pleasure, never accepted as anything else, but Simone is willing to prove she has what it takes. With a new identity Eleanor Dumont rents a table and gets started with her cards. It takes time to win the men’s trust but quickly she has her regulars coming in to play at her table.
Eleanor does so well she’s able to open her own establishment and run things the way she wants. Everything from the decor to the types of alcohol to be served, no expense is spared. With a thriving business and respect from the men Eleanor seems to have it all but the loneliness is always there. She has lost too many people she loves so her business and helping women thrive will become her passion that fulfills her.
January 15, 2021
What a great way to kick off my reading year! I loved reading about Madame Moustache (do yourself a favor and wait to Google her photo until you've finished) and Walsh's storytelling really brought the Gold Rush to life. This story of reinvention and an unconventional woman breaking the rules was such a nice escape. Historical fiction and women's fiction fans should definitely check this one out! (I received an advance copy from Netgalley)
November 16, 2020
Wow,wow,wow, I didnt want this to end! An amazing story based on a real person. Theres heartache, thrills and spills. This story will captivate you and take you along for the ride, which is thoroughly enjoyable and interesting. Such detail in the tale brings it fully to life. Six stars out of five, it's better than you can imagine.
August 15, 2021
DNF. I got this book with my Once Upon a Bookclub subscription, and it led me to cancel that subscription entirely. I could say a lot of things about how I really feel about this book, but to not insult to much, I will just say, DID THE EDITORS JUST NOT ACTUALLY READ THIS?
February 28, 2022
Conflicted, I am.
I’d give five stars for the topics found within this book (both primary and secondary background topics): The Gold Rush, The Civil War, The Pony Express, Victoria & Albert, even the gambling I found interesting, etc. Again, some of these topics are merely in the background-only a blurb. But I loved loved loved reading about them all. So interesting!
I’d give five stars for the ease with which the author writes. I was never bored, but rather the opposite. She had my attention the entire time! I love Jenni Walsh’s writing style. I cannot wait to read another of her books. She put a mule-load of research into this book!
Ugh - I’d give two stars to the protagonist. What a selfish beach Madame Dumont was portrayed to be. So selfish (but also very caring, crazy right?) I’m not a betting woman, but I bet if we met in real life I’d not care for her. It’s such a shame this book was written in first person. I only got to see inside her head. I hated her inner dialogue. Such conceit. But man, did she have gumption. Sadly, there were so many other lovable characters and I fell in love with most of them. I’d have loved to be able to read chapters from their perspective. Especially William. Man alive I loved him! It’s such a shame it was 100% Madame.
There was a fabulous quote found on page 280: “a good name was better than great wealth”. I love this!
So the mathematician/accountant in me will average my two five stars and the two stars for Madame. 4 it is. So it goes...
I’d give five stars for the topics found within this book (both primary and secondary background topics): The Gold Rush, The Civil War, The Pony Express, Victoria & Albert, even the gambling I found interesting, etc. Again, some of these topics are merely in the background-only a blurb. But I loved loved loved reading about them all. So interesting!
I’d give five stars for the ease with which the author writes. I was never bored, but rather the opposite. She had my attention the entire time! I love Jenni Walsh’s writing style. I cannot wait to read another of her books. She put a mule-load of research into this book!
Ugh - I’d give two stars to the protagonist. What a selfish beach Madame Dumont was portrayed to be. So selfish (but also very caring, crazy right?) I’m not a betting woman, but I bet if we met in real life I’d not care for her. It’s such a shame this book was written in first person. I only got to see inside her head. I hated her inner dialogue. Such conceit. But man, did she have gumption. Sadly, there were so many other lovable characters and I fell in love with most of them. I’d have loved to be able to read chapters from their perspective. Especially William. Man alive I loved him! It’s such a shame it was 100% Madame.
There was a fabulous quote found on page 280: “a good name was better than great wealth”. I love this!
So the mathematician/accountant in me will average my two five stars and the two stars for Madame. 4 it is. So it goes...
August 30, 2021
It is about a young lady who lost it all. It is set in 1848. Ms. Simone Jules live a pleasant life face when the very day life of a woman waiting to break free…. to live a life where women have rights; but what lies ahead for her will change her world.
To lose everything you love in one night can change one for a life time. When faced with the hard times what would you do? After the lost what will you do? And to be face with the constant reminder of it all what is there to do for a woman in this century?
This story is filled courage, strength, and lots of charism.
If one had to bet on a women who stood the test of time…..then certainly Eleanor Dumont also known as Madame Moustache would be the lady to bet upon.
To lose everything you love in one night can change one for a life time. When faced with the hard times what would you do? After the lost what will you do? And to be face with the constant reminder of it all what is there to do for a woman in this century?
This story is filled courage, strength, and lots of charism.
If one had to bet on a women who stood the test of time…..then certainly Eleanor Dumont also known as Madame Moustache would be the lady to bet upon.
June 6, 2021
In the style of Isabel Allende, Jenni Walsh tells the tale of an enigmatic and courageous woman and the settlement of the western United States during the Gold Rush. I found myself transfixed by the story of Madam Dumont and her entrepreneurial spirit. While following her story you explore and are part of the mad Gold Rush of the mid 19th century. Dumont's travels take her to all types of boom and bust towns along the west coast and into Canadian territory where she interacts with a cast of colorful characters. The writing is superb, I felt the dust in my mouth whenever Dumont got on her mule and took off on the next high adventure.
August 28, 2021
I liked following Simone's life in the gold rush as a black jack dealer. One aspect of the story that I appreciated was the communication with the east about the Civil War. In history classes the gold rush and the civil war are always talked about as completely separate events, so it was interesting to think about how they actually were intertwined. My initial thoughts on Madame Dumont moving around so much seemed a little disjointed, however we learn at the end that she is based on a real person and those moves were indeed true. A Good Read.
July 3, 2021
Interesting subject
Interesting subject, but it fell flat. I am a big fan of the realitively newer growing literary trend in historical fiction, that makes the important "woman in the background" the main character and tells their story. This book is in that vein, about the real woman who was the recognized first female croupier. Her story has so much potential, but the writing and the characters were shallow and bland. Instead of portraying this incredible woman as a strong pioneering female, she comes off as a selfish woman who is only worried about her image and runs away as soon as things get tough. Hopefully, someone will see this book and run with a better and more accurate telling of her story.
Interesting subject, but it fell flat. I am a big fan of the realitively newer growing literary trend in historical fiction, that makes the important "woman in the background" the main character and tells their story. This book is in that vein, about the real woman who was the recognized first female croupier. Her story has so much potential, but the writing and the characters were shallow and bland. Instead of portraying this incredible woman as a strong pioneering female, she comes off as a selfish woman who is only worried about her image and runs away as soon as things get tough. Hopefully, someone will see this book and run with a better and more accurate telling of her story.
July 3, 2021
I ended up feeling like A Betting Woman was kind of melancholy and sad! I mean it was an entertaining story none the less, but truthfully it wasn’t quite the heroic feminist novel I had thought it was going to be.
I really had a problem with the fact that Eleanor refused to hire woman at her emporium. Here she was able to actually protect these woman and ensure their safety. Instead they’ll have to get a job at some other saloon where they likely won’t be safe.
A name is just a name.
I really had a problem with the fact that Eleanor refused to hire woman at her emporium. Here she was able to actually protect these woman and ensure their safety. Instead they’ll have to get a job at some other saloon where they likely won’t be safe.
A name is just a name.
June 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It isn't one I would have chosen on my own, but it was a Once Upon a Book Club book for June (a Mother's Day present for me). It's historical fiction based on the life of Simone Jules who became Madame Dumont (Eleanor Dumont) and also known as Madame Moustache during the California Gold Rush. It's an entertaining read about the lady who became the first known professional croupier of Vingt-et-Un.
July 3, 2021
This was definitely not my style read, a mid 1800 saloon/mining era; however, Simone Jules’s character intrigued me and quickly hooked me in. What really grabbed me was her taking control over her journey in life as a betting woman. She became another person entirely when cards were in her hands. I loved it!!! Her story, her journey, was courageous!! To find out this story was created around true events regarding Simone Jules aka Eleanor Dumont was incredible to me and had me love it even more. Enjoy!
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