The Glory Days of Aimée Bonnard

by Maria Elena Sandovici

From the bestselling author of Storms of Malhado comes a new historical novel delving into a captivating element of Galveston’s past: the world of prostitution.

Nobody comes to a brothel seeking a true story. But you will want to learn the truth about Aimée Bonnard, the best-paid woman in Galveston. Formerly known as Yvonne LaCroix, Aimée arrives on the Island in the summer of 1898. She’s looking for work in a high-end brothel, but she is also outrunning the consequences of a deadly night in New Orleans – a night in which a rival prostitute lost her life. Mistress of deception, Aimée charms and entices her way into an existence of extravagance and adventure in one of the most exclusive brothels of Galveston. But does the life of a high-end prostitute offer as much freedom as Aimée craves? And will her past catch up with her?

Befriending artists, architects, merchants, and gamblers, as well as a modest but kind-hearted doctor, Aimée falls in love with Galveston Island and discovers aspects of her own personality that surprise her. As a talented courtesan, her glory days are only just beginning. But a different Aimée surfaces, one that wants things that could stand in the way of her professional success, including allowing herself to fall in love. Meanwhile the past is closing in on her and Aimée will have to choose between the protection of a despotic madam and the uncertainty of taking matters into her own hands.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2020

About the author

Maria Elena Sandovici has been loitering around Galveston Island for twenty years now. In this time, she's befriended some very interesting people, learned many Island stories, and made up many more. Have you heard about the horses, for example? If you visit the historic Leage Kempner House, the Broadway mansion that inspired Storms of Malhado, you might just hear their hoofbeats going up the stairs. Or not. Island lore, fiction, and history blend seemslessly in a universe scented with sea salt, jasmine, and perhaps the faintest whiff of manure.
Recently, the author has acquired a tiny Island cottage that survived the Great Storm of 1900 and resolves to spend more time on Galveston Island, giving historic walking tours, doing book signings, and soaking up inspiration. We'll let you know how that goes.

Reviews

[Gayle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful woman's story. Young Aimee/Yvonne and her friend are enticed into the "glamour", money and all around culture of the world of high end prostitution at a young age after being sent out to work in not so glamorous conditions by their families. One intriguing thread of the story is what happened to Aimee's "coworker" Marie. Aimee is running from New Orleans after Marie is found dead. The question is - did Aimee kill Marie? Aimee changes her name and the story of her past and methodically works her way into a new upscale house. She meets some men that give her pause, reflecting on her life and her future. These men are not all clients but who by circumstances see in her things she does not see in herself; her true heart, her intelligence, her potential. This was such a good story about Aimee's life, her past and her future. Wonderful ending. You won't be able to put it down.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.

[Maria Sandovici]

My readers gave lots of valuable feedback on this cover. What do y'all think?

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick, fun read. I came to really like the protagonist, and I enjoyed her thoughtful inner dialogue.

[Donna Birdwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandovici's latest foray into historical fiction again demonstrates her gifts as a story-teller. The unexpected heroine is a prostitute in late 19th-century Galveston, fleeing a dark past and--whether she realizes it or not--seeking a better future. Her troubled relationships with the assorted men and women she must deal with are set out in detail as the reader cheers her on.

[Irina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delightful book. I loved Aimee very much. I admired her inner strength, her power, her charm, her playfulness and her curiosity, but most of all the fact, that she rose above her condition and always wanted more from her life, than just being a prostitute. Her job did not describe who she truly was. I recommend this book and all other books of this author, I loved them all.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this; Sandovici captures Yvonne's voice so well here and the plot is engaging and kept me reading.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 5 stars all the way to about 75%. The book is written first person. I really got into Aimee’s character.. she was insightful, intelligent, interesting, and most importantly, relatable. Okay, not relatable for her profession, of course.. it was her thought processes. She was just an normal woman with ordinary everyday thoughts. I could have read hundreds of more pages about her life as the highest paid woman at a “reputable” brothel. The writing was so rich and colorful. I was able to completely immerse myself in her world and her life. But around the 75% mark, the story took on a cheesy vibe and the ending felt too rushed, tied up with a big red bow.

[Anita Rohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life

It is a life she didn't really choose to live. But, she tries to be happy and make it a good life. Her dreams are of something more and she finds support from folks who see the real person.

[Donna Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I truly enjoyed this historical fiction, i could almost see Aimee strolling on the beaches of Galveston., before entertaining a client. At least read the first chapter and give it a whirl!

[Andrea Olmos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with Aimee and the people that she met throughout her endeavors.. I swear I feel like I dated a version of Aristotle. Beautiful storyline and the imagery was impeccable. Recommending to everyone who needs a little escape.

[Susan Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story with unfamiliar subject matter! Looking forward to meeting the author at our next KKG book club meeting!

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short book, so a quick read. I'd never read anything about prostitution in 1898 Galveston before, so I was very curious. It's a good read.