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Die Farben der Frauen
England, 1918: Obwohl das Tragen roten Lippenstifts noch als skandalös gilt, stellt die junge Leonora in der Apotheke ihres Vaters heimlich Kosmetika her. Als ihr Vater an der Spanischen Grippe stirbt, sucht sie ihr Glück in Amerika und lernt den charmanten Everett kennen – und lieben. Doch um diese Liebe muss sie ebenso kämpfen wie um ihren Traum von einer Kosmetikfirma, denn auch in Manhattan gibt es Widerstand gegen den Wunsch der Frauen, selbst über ihr Aussehen zu entscheiden. New York, 1939: Alice, eine aufstrebende junge Ballerina, erhält das Angebot, das Gesicht einer Kosmetikkampagne zu werden – aber warum wollen ihre Eltern ihr das um jeden Preis verbieten?
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2017
176 people are currently reading
2713 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Lester
18 books3,459 followersNatasha Lester is the multi-award winning and New York Times best-selling author of THE PARIS SEAMSTRESS, THE PARIS ORPHAN, THE PARIS SECRET and THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ASTRID BRICARD. Her new book, THE MADEMOISELLE ALLIANCE, the story of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, the only female leader of a French Resistance network in WWII, is coming in April 2025.
Prior to writing, she worked as a marketing executive for L’Oreal, managing the Maybelline brand, before returning to university to study creative writing.
Natasha's books have been translated into twenty-one different languages and are published all around the world. She lives in Perth, Western Australia with her 3 children and loves fashion history, practising the art of fashion illustration, collecting vintage fashion, travelling and, of course, books.
Prior to writing, she worked as a marketing executive for L’Oreal, managing the Maybelline brand, before returning to university to study creative writing.
Natasha's books have been translated into twenty-one different languages and are published all around the world. She lives in Perth, Western Australia with her 3 children and loves fashion history, practising the art of fashion illustration, collecting vintage fashion, travelling and, of course, books.
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December 18, 2023
EXCERPT: what was she going to do? It was a question Leo turned over in her head all night. She'd lost Everett, of that she was certain. But before she'd ever known Everett, she'd had a dream. He'd helped her shape it a little, and her conversation with Benjamin had helped her to see just how much she wanted to do it. Men could kill one another at war, could gamble away their family's entire fortune, could drink so much that they couldn't perform their medical duties on a ship and would be seen as valiant, or it would be hushed up, or it would be ignored, but a woman might wear a little rouge to work and it was a national disgrace. Leo was in the mood for a fight. And she had nothing to lose.
ABOUT 'HER MOTHER'S SECRET': 1918, England. Armistice Day should bring peace into Leonora's life. Rather than secretly making cosmetics in her father's chemist shop to sell to army nurses such as Joan, her adventurous Australian friend, Leo hopes to now display her wares openly. Instead, Spanish flu arrives in the village, claiming her father's life. Determined to start over, she boards a ship to New York City. On the way she meets debonair department store heir Everett Forsyth . . . In Manhattan, Leo works hard to make her cosmetics dream come true, but she's a woman alone with a small salary and a society that deems make-up scandalous.
1939, New York City. Everett's daughter, Alice, a promising ballerina, receives a mysterious letter inviting her to star in a series of advertisements for a cosmetics line. If she accepts, she will be immortalized like dancers such as Zelda Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker and Ginger Rogers. Why, then, are her parents so quick to forbid it?
Her Mother's Secret is the story of a brave young woman chasing a dream in the face of society's disapproval.
MY THOUGHTS: Natasha Lester has just ripped the heart right out of my chest, tied it in knots, and then stamped on it. I had only previously read her contemporary fiction which I enjoyed, but her historical fiction is nothing short of magnificent.
I am going to liken this novel to a steam train. It starts of slowly, building momentum as it progresses until it is racing at full steam to a most exciting and satisfying conclusion.
I loved the characters - even the ones I didn't like! It seemed that there was always someone getting in the way of first Leo's and then Alice's ambitions. But both are strong women in their own ways, and nothing seemed to hold them back for long. Their struggles are interesting and realistic, with no 'out of the blue' resolutions. Everything is worked for and worked for hard.
Her Mother's secret is a story of a passionate love, a passion for success, rivalry, jealousy and secrets.
I am now going to read this author's entire backlist.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#NatashaLester @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
THE AUTHOR: Natasha lives in Perth, Western Australia with her 3 children and loves fashion history, practicing the art of fashion illustration, collecting vintage fashion, travelling and, of course, books. Prior to writing, she worked as a marketing executive for L’Oreal, managing the Maybelline brand, before returning to university to study creative writing.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'HER MOTHER'S SECRET': 1918, England. Armistice Day should bring peace into Leonora's life. Rather than secretly making cosmetics in her father's chemist shop to sell to army nurses such as Joan, her adventurous Australian friend, Leo hopes to now display her wares openly. Instead, Spanish flu arrives in the village, claiming her father's life. Determined to start over, she boards a ship to New York City. On the way she meets debonair department store heir Everett Forsyth . . . In Manhattan, Leo works hard to make her cosmetics dream come true, but she's a woman alone with a small salary and a society that deems make-up scandalous.
1939, New York City. Everett's daughter, Alice, a promising ballerina, receives a mysterious letter inviting her to star in a series of advertisements for a cosmetics line. If she accepts, she will be immortalized like dancers such as Zelda Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker and Ginger Rogers. Why, then, are her parents so quick to forbid it?
Her Mother's Secret is the story of a brave young woman chasing a dream in the face of society's disapproval.
MY THOUGHTS: Natasha Lester has just ripped the heart right out of my chest, tied it in knots, and then stamped on it. I had only previously read her contemporary fiction which I enjoyed, but her historical fiction is nothing short of magnificent.
I am going to liken this novel to a steam train. It starts of slowly, building momentum as it progresses until it is racing at full steam to a most exciting and satisfying conclusion.
I loved the characters - even the ones I didn't like! It seemed that there was always someone getting in the way of first Leo's and then Alice's ambitions. But both are strong women in their own ways, and nothing seemed to hold them back for long. Their struggles are interesting and realistic, with no 'out of the blue' resolutions. Everything is worked for and worked for hard.
Her Mother's secret is a story of a passionate love, a passion for success, rivalry, jealousy and secrets.
I am now going to read this author's entire backlist.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#NatashaLester @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
THE AUTHOR: Natasha lives in Perth, Western Australia with her 3 children and loves fashion history, practicing the art of fashion illustration, collecting vintage fashion, travelling and, of course, books. Prior to writing, she worked as a marketing executive for L’Oreal, managing the Maybelline brand, before returning to university to study creative writing.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
April 8, 2017
The elation of everyone around in Leonora East’s small village of Sutton Veny was high – the war was over; it was Armistice Day 1918 in England and the celebrations continued long into the afternoon. But joy soon turned to despair as Spanish Flu struck viciously – Leo spent her time dispensing medicine from her father’s chemist shop, praying that it would help. Late in the night, as she wearily entered the home where her father was waiting, she was devastated to find him struggling to breathe.
After his death, a grieving Leo decided she could no longer remain in the country. Her desire to create cosmetics that women the world over would want to wear had her sailing to New York City with her best friend Joan. Leo had made herself a deep rich red lipstick in her father’s chemist shop – but the shock from the self-righteous at the scandal she was causing by wearing it only caused Leo’s determination to strengthen. Meeting up with Everett Forsyth on the journey was fortuitous; he was one of the department store Forsyths from London and he was going to build another in Manhattan. His interest in Leo’s cosmetics gave her some confidence…
1939, twenty years later, Leo had been through much – a widow and continuing to work hard, she always looked to the future. Meantime, Everett’s nineteen year old daughter Alice was a devoted and extremely promising ballerina. But the letter Alice received one day at the dance studio was to change her life in a most unexpected way. Why though were her parents so angry? Confusion filled her mind – what could she do?
Her Mother’s Secret by Aussie author Natasha Lester is brilliant! The strength of character of Leo is phenomenal – the way women were treated in the early part of the century; the heartache and loneliness as she was ostracised by the elite of society – and she still held her head high! The author has historical fiction down to a fine art; her meticulous research is obvious. I thoroughly enjoyed Her Mother’s Secret, reading it in a matter of hours. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette Australia for my ARC to read and review.
After his death, a grieving Leo decided she could no longer remain in the country. Her desire to create cosmetics that women the world over would want to wear had her sailing to New York City with her best friend Joan. Leo had made herself a deep rich red lipstick in her father’s chemist shop – but the shock from the self-righteous at the scandal she was causing by wearing it only caused Leo’s determination to strengthen. Meeting up with Everett Forsyth on the journey was fortuitous; he was one of the department store Forsyths from London and he was going to build another in Manhattan. His interest in Leo’s cosmetics gave her some confidence…
1939, twenty years later, Leo had been through much – a widow and continuing to work hard, she always looked to the future. Meantime, Everett’s nineteen year old daughter Alice was a devoted and extremely promising ballerina. But the letter Alice received one day at the dance studio was to change her life in a most unexpected way. Why though were her parents so angry? Confusion filled her mind – what could she do?
Her Mother’s Secret by Aussie author Natasha Lester is brilliant! The strength of character of Leo is phenomenal – the way women were treated in the early part of the century; the heartache and loneliness as she was ostracised by the elite of society – and she still held her head high! The author has historical fiction down to a fine art; her meticulous research is obvious. I thoroughly enjoyed Her Mother’s Secret, reading it in a matter of hours. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette Australia for my ARC to read and review.
April 5, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Last year, the author of Her Mother’s Secret, Natasha Lester, blew me away with her novel A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald. In fact, I recall stating this novel was my firm favourite for the best historical fiction novel I had read in 2016. Lester is back, with a bang and a fabulous new release that I rate another firm five stars.
Natasha Lester’s fourth novel, Her Mother’s Secret, features Leonora (Leo) East as the central character. The book opens in the year 1918 and we are first introduced to Leo when she is living in a quaint English village of Sutton Veny, where she works in her father’s chemist. Leo is an enterprising young lady, we learn she dabbles in both creating and selling her own cosmetics. This is a niche in the market due to the restrictions of the war and Leo’s customer base is mainly Army nurses based locally. The little village of Sutton Veny is overjoyed when the war draws to an official close. This happiness is short lived, as around the corner lurks the onset of a terrible bout of Spanish influenza that decimates the remaining population of the village. Tragically, it takes with it Leo’s nearest and dearest. With nothing to tie her to Sutton Veny and ambition in her sights, Leo decides to make the journey to New York City. A glitch in her travel arrangements leads her straight into the path of Everett Forsyth, heir to a department store empire. A night of passion follows, which has huge implications for Leo. When Leo arrives in New York, she and Everett part ways. It is clear that Leo cannot forget Everett, but she is forced to block out all memory of him, especially when he is forced into marriage for appearance sake. Leo in turn becomes preoccupied with making a go of her cosmetics line but it will test the strength of her spirit. And, why can’t Leo forget Everett?
I have been greatly anticipating the release of Her Mother’s Secret for many months, especially after I was given a little teaser of what to expect from the author at an event I attended last year. I firmly believe Lester’s second foray into the historical fiction genre is just as successful as her first. I absolutely adored Her Mother’s Secret. I ripped through this novel in less than 24 hours, which is perhaps a good indication of how highly I rate this novel.
I immediately gravitated to this novel due to the time period and the era in which the novel is set. I am fascinated by the aftermath of World War I and the years prior to World War II, so Her Mother’s Secret was bound to hold great appeal. Lester proves again that she is extremely adept in transferring her historical knowledge and period detail to the page. I felt like I had been whisked away in a time machine, emerging in the years 1918 to 1939. Lester ensures the reader feels every aspect of the historical period in which her novel is set, from the sights, sounds, dialogue, fashions and more importantly, the societal expectations of the time. In particular, I must mention Lester’s coverage of the cosmetics element of her narrative, which was a shining feature of her novel. Lester conveyed these sections with a depth of understanding of the common practices of these bygone years – and it made for a truly fascinating read. On that note, I loved the addition of real life historical figures such as Elizabeth Arden to this part of the narrative, it contributed further to the strong historical aspect of the novel.
In addition to the well drawn historical details and setting, are the fabulous characters featured in Lester’s book. It is impossible not to develop a strong sense of affection for the main protagonist Leo. Lester takes care to outline this character boldly and as a result, Leo bursts to life with qualities I deeply admired – tenacity, ambition, loyalty and passion. I championed her cause for the entire novel, from her deep desire to make her mark in the cosmetics industry, to her efforts to break free from the constraints placed on women of this age, to her enduring love for Everett. In any capacity, Leo came across as a completely likeable character. Leo is supported by her first love interest Everett, a true gentleman and another winning character created by Lester. A love triangle of sorts develops in the novel, introducing the reader to another player for Leo’s heart, Benjamin Richier. There are also minor characters that provide friendship and support to Leo, such as Australian nurse Joan and an ally in her business, a young Chinese woman named Jia. Finally, Lester rounds off her character base with a couple of not so nice characters that add complications to the storyline.
Although Her Mother’s Secret is a billed as a historical fiction novel, there are also elements of romance, as well as mystery tying the novel together. The device of using a letter of invitation sent to a young ballerina Alice, in the year 1939, is the link that draws this story together. Initially I thought I predicted this section of the narrative early on in the piece but I was surprised to be proven wrong. A nicely tied together ending, rounds off Her Mother’s Secret perfectly.
If I could, I would award all the stars for Her Mother’s Secret. This is a beautifully drawn piece of historical fiction that I am certain will occupy a piece of my heart for some time. Natasha Lester’s contribution to the historical fiction genre is another superb effort in my eyes and I just cannot wait to see what she offers her readers next.
*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes through Beauty and Lace.
Last year, the author of Her Mother’s Secret, Natasha Lester, blew me away with her novel A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald. In fact, I recall stating this novel was my firm favourite for the best historical fiction novel I had read in 2016. Lester is back, with a bang and a fabulous new release that I rate another firm five stars.
Natasha Lester’s fourth novel, Her Mother’s Secret, features Leonora (Leo) East as the central character. The book opens in the year 1918 and we are first introduced to Leo when she is living in a quaint English village of Sutton Veny, where she works in her father’s chemist. Leo is an enterprising young lady, we learn she dabbles in both creating and selling her own cosmetics. This is a niche in the market due to the restrictions of the war and Leo’s customer base is mainly Army nurses based locally. The little village of Sutton Veny is overjoyed when the war draws to an official close. This happiness is short lived, as around the corner lurks the onset of a terrible bout of Spanish influenza that decimates the remaining population of the village. Tragically, it takes with it Leo’s nearest and dearest. With nothing to tie her to Sutton Veny and ambition in her sights, Leo decides to make the journey to New York City. A glitch in her travel arrangements leads her straight into the path of Everett Forsyth, heir to a department store empire. A night of passion follows, which has huge implications for Leo. When Leo arrives in New York, she and Everett part ways. It is clear that Leo cannot forget Everett, but she is forced to block out all memory of him, especially when he is forced into marriage for appearance sake. Leo in turn becomes preoccupied with making a go of her cosmetics line but it will test the strength of her spirit. And, why can’t Leo forget Everett?
I have been greatly anticipating the release of Her Mother’s Secret for many months, especially after I was given a little teaser of what to expect from the author at an event I attended last year. I firmly believe Lester’s second foray into the historical fiction genre is just as successful as her first. I absolutely adored Her Mother’s Secret. I ripped through this novel in less than 24 hours, which is perhaps a good indication of how highly I rate this novel.
I immediately gravitated to this novel due to the time period and the era in which the novel is set. I am fascinated by the aftermath of World War I and the years prior to World War II, so Her Mother’s Secret was bound to hold great appeal. Lester proves again that she is extremely adept in transferring her historical knowledge and period detail to the page. I felt like I had been whisked away in a time machine, emerging in the years 1918 to 1939. Lester ensures the reader feels every aspect of the historical period in which her novel is set, from the sights, sounds, dialogue, fashions and more importantly, the societal expectations of the time. In particular, I must mention Lester’s coverage of the cosmetics element of her narrative, which was a shining feature of her novel. Lester conveyed these sections with a depth of understanding of the common practices of these bygone years – and it made for a truly fascinating read. On that note, I loved the addition of real life historical figures such as Elizabeth Arden to this part of the narrative, it contributed further to the strong historical aspect of the novel.
In addition to the well drawn historical details and setting, are the fabulous characters featured in Lester’s book. It is impossible not to develop a strong sense of affection for the main protagonist Leo. Lester takes care to outline this character boldly and as a result, Leo bursts to life with qualities I deeply admired – tenacity, ambition, loyalty and passion. I championed her cause for the entire novel, from her deep desire to make her mark in the cosmetics industry, to her efforts to break free from the constraints placed on women of this age, to her enduring love for Everett. In any capacity, Leo came across as a completely likeable character. Leo is supported by her first love interest Everett, a true gentleman and another winning character created by Lester. A love triangle of sorts develops in the novel, introducing the reader to another player for Leo’s heart, Benjamin Richier. There are also minor characters that provide friendship and support to Leo, such as Australian nurse Joan and an ally in her business, a young Chinese woman named Jia. Finally, Lester rounds off her character base with a couple of not so nice characters that add complications to the storyline.
Although Her Mother’s Secret is a billed as a historical fiction novel, there are also elements of romance, as well as mystery tying the novel together. The device of using a letter of invitation sent to a young ballerina Alice, in the year 1939, is the link that draws this story together. Initially I thought I predicted this section of the narrative early on in the piece but I was surprised to be proven wrong. A nicely tied together ending, rounds off Her Mother’s Secret perfectly.
If I could, I would award all the stars for Her Mother’s Secret. This is a beautifully drawn piece of historical fiction that I am certain will occupy a piece of my heart for some time. Natasha Lester’s contribution to the historical fiction genre is another superb effort in my eyes and I just cannot wait to see what she offers her readers next.
*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes through Beauty and Lace.
December 29, 2019
What This Book Is About
Setting - Sutton Verny, England, November 1918.
.
We jump into the first chapter with Leonora and Joan, conversing about how to make mascara, back then soap flakes and vaseline made it too gooey. Now these two were friends, Joan, a nurse, Australian, Leonora (Leo for short) works with her Dad who is the pharmacist.
.
So introducing .... Harold East, Leo's Dad. Both Harold and Leo live on the premises. You see, grief had struck Harold when his wife died giving birth ... his appetite, floundered, the war had made it differcult with rationing.
.
The war was near ending but the Spanish flu was also on the arise.
.
Bells rang and rang and people came out laughing that the war was over, things were left that day, cows were not milked, breakfasts uneaten.
.
The next day there was a knock at the door of the East residents. Leo opened the door to find not one, but many facing her. The Spanish flu had spread. Time, there was no time as Leo's father also developed the dreaded lurgy, like a fever running a race it won in the end. The father, dead, living was just a faint memory. Leo's father left a small fortune so Leo decided to go to New York to find herself.
.
Before she even got to New York, infact even before she left the country an incident occurred which resulted in Leo meeting Everett ... and this was the start of a passion, a love like no other, a smouldering between two that was going to make wildfires and fires of destruction, however, now on a ship, there was a wildfire brewing, in the shape of Mattie, she was sharp, she burned and if you looked and crossed her you would crumble into ashes and smoulder.... Mattie had family flames and together ... well, you can imagine the uncontrollable flames and flesh burning .... and we haven't even got to New York yet. So how are things going to work out? .... is leadership sorely needed by Everett that much? Is the family of flames going to erupt into a fire frenzy .... with the fire brigade trying to douse it down? It will be interesting to see just how things pan out.
.
Then there is the cosmetic side, the business side of Leo, with her knowledge of a few ingredients she used to meddle with at her fathers chemist, could she apply these and more in a place like New York?
.
talking about cosmetics
Quote
"Because if I want it and you want it and other women want it, then why can't we find it anywhere?"
.
My Thoughts On This Book
Firstly I want to say a very belated thank you for Hachettenz for giving me the ARC of Her Mothers Secret in exchange for an honest review .....This is my first introduction to Natasha Lester's writing and I'm very impressed. I really got into the cosmetic side of it and was quite intrigued by the science behind it all and I had no idea how lipstick was made and I could quite understand how this could become an issue of a new introduction of new material back in those days... after the war when products were scarce.
.
Natasha explained this very well, and I understood quite plainly. Gosh, I learnt alot about lipstick. "Using carnauba wax, one of the hardest setting waxes, but also has softening properties and doesnt cause rashes".
.
Interesting to see how this era copes with "pregnant woman" ... that need to be shut away for no one to see for months on end... it was a bit of an eye opener. Boy, it made me realise how the times have changed for the better, thank goodness.
.
I learnt alot from this book, for example ... the classes of distinction between, the high society high rich party goers that are never to be seen wearing the same dress twice and drinking only champagne.
.
I was totally fascinated by a drink that Everett seemed to have, curiosity got the better of me and I had to Google, Old Fashioned .... this is what it said ....- The Old Fashioned is one of the most venerable of cocktails, predating not only the motorcar but the presidency of Abe Lincoln. All it takes is serving whiskey, sugar, bitters and, if you like, a cherry or orange garnish on the rocks.
.
This book is so full of plot twists, love, historical facts, bitter sweet moments, sadness ... never guessing what was comming next.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
.
Recommendation
Comming very highly recommended by me, it held my interest over the busy Christmas which I was not distracted once over. Please try this book if you are interested in Historical Fiction, America, Fashion in the 1920s, Cosmetics, but more lipsticks, bonus read if you like red lipstick, if you are interested in the high Society roaring 20s era, if you like Ballet, and if you like tormented souls and a main character that keeps on getting punched below the belt, blow after blow, yet getting up every single time just in the name of love.
Setting - Sutton Verny, England, November 1918.
.
We jump into the first chapter with Leonora and Joan, conversing about how to make mascara, back then soap flakes and vaseline made it too gooey. Now these two were friends, Joan, a nurse, Australian, Leonora (Leo for short) works with her Dad who is the pharmacist.
.
So introducing .... Harold East, Leo's Dad. Both Harold and Leo live on the premises. You see, grief had struck Harold when his wife died giving birth ... his appetite, floundered, the war had made it differcult with rationing.
.
The war was near ending but the Spanish flu was also on the arise.
.
Bells rang and rang and people came out laughing that the war was over, things were left that day, cows were not milked, breakfasts uneaten.
.
The next day there was a knock at the door of the East residents. Leo opened the door to find not one, but many facing her. The Spanish flu had spread. Time, there was no time as Leo's father also developed the dreaded lurgy, like a fever running a race it won in the end. The father, dead, living was just a faint memory. Leo's father left a small fortune so Leo decided to go to New York to find herself.
.
Before she even got to New York, infact even before she left the country an incident occurred which resulted in Leo meeting Everett ... and this was the start of a passion, a love like no other, a smouldering between two that was going to make wildfires and fires of destruction, however, now on a ship, there was a wildfire brewing, in the shape of Mattie, she was sharp, she burned and if you looked and crossed her you would crumble into ashes and smoulder.... Mattie had family flames and together ... well, you can imagine the uncontrollable flames and flesh burning .... and we haven't even got to New York yet. So how are things going to work out? .... is leadership sorely needed by Everett that much? Is the family of flames going to erupt into a fire frenzy .... with the fire brigade trying to douse it down? It will be interesting to see just how things pan out.
.
Then there is the cosmetic side, the business side of Leo, with her knowledge of a few ingredients she used to meddle with at her fathers chemist, could she apply these and more in a place like New York?
.
talking about cosmetics
Quote
"Because if I want it and you want it and other women want it, then why can't we find it anywhere?"
.
My Thoughts On This Book
Firstly I want to say a very belated thank you for Hachettenz for giving me the ARC of Her Mothers Secret in exchange for an honest review .....This is my first introduction to Natasha Lester's writing and I'm very impressed. I really got into the cosmetic side of it and was quite intrigued by the science behind it all and I had no idea how lipstick was made and I could quite understand how this could become an issue of a new introduction of new material back in those days... after the war when products were scarce.
.
Natasha explained this very well, and I understood quite plainly. Gosh, I learnt alot about lipstick. "Using carnauba wax, one of the hardest setting waxes, but also has softening properties and doesnt cause rashes".
.
Interesting to see how this era copes with "pregnant woman" ... that need to be shut away for no one to see for months on end... it was a bit of an eye opener. Boy, it made me realise how the times have changed for the better, thank goodness.
.
I learnt alot from this book, for example ... the classes of distinction between, the high society high rich party goers that are never to be seen wearing the same dress twice and drinking only champagne.
.
I was totally fascinated by a drink that Everett seemed to have, curiosity got the better of me and I had to Google, Old Fashioned .... this is what it said ....- The Old Fashioned is one of the most venerable of cocktails, predating not only the motorcar but the presidency of Abe Lincoln. All it takes is serving whiskey, sugar, bitters and, if you like, a cherry or orange garnish on the rocks.
.
This book is so full of plot twists, love, historical facts, bitter sweet moments, sadness ... never guessing what was comming next.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
.
Recommendation
Comming very highly recommended by me, it held my interest over the busy Christmas which I was not distracted once over. Please try this book if you are interested in Historical Fiction, America, Fashion in the 1920s, Cosmetics, but more lipsticks, bonus read if you like red lipstick, if you are interested in the high Society roaring 20s era, if you like Ballet, and if you like tormented souls and a main character that keeps on getting punched below the belt, blow after blow, yet getting up every single time just in the name of love.
April 27, 2017
Her Mother’s Secret is the second novel by Natasha Lester that I read this year. It has a few things in common with A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald: it’s set mostly in the interbellum New York; the main heroine, Leonora (Leo) East is a young woman ahead of her times, who’s determined to make it, no matter what.
Leo East is the only daughter of the chemist in a small English village. She works in her father’s shop, and in her spare time, she mixes rouge and mascara formulations. She dreams to make them mainstream. November 1918 brings the good news about the end of the war, but also the dreaded Spanish influenza, which kills lots of people in the village, including Leo’s beloved father. Orphaned and only nineteen, Leo sells everything and makes her way to America, to start a new life, unencumbered by the past and small village mentalities.
A powerful storm delays her passage to America. While waiting in an inn for the storm to pass, Leo meets the charming Everett Forsyth, heir to a department store empire. They fall for each other and a passionate night of lovemaking ensues. But unforeseen events take place, which prevent Leo and Everett’s new love to bloom. Everett, being a true gentleman, is forced by circumstances to marry someone else.
Leo is determined to forge ahead, to make her dreams come true. She has two jobs, a place where she can mix and trial her concoctions. There is a hic-cup in her plans. But she deals with it the best way she knows how, helped by her Australian friend, Joan, and the Chinese American, Jia.
Leo eventually marries Benjamin Richier, who provides her with the funds and production facilities to start her cosmetics line. Because of that, she’s in the same circles as Everett, but they manage to stay away from each other.
Twenty years on, we meet Alice Forsyth, Everett and his unpleasant wife’s daughter. She’s a ballerina, with the potential to become the prima ballerina in Balanchine’s latest production. At rehearsals, she meets the new gorgeous lead man, Jesse Valero. The chemistry is out of this world, but he’s not the type of man Alice’s mother wants her to marry. What will she do?
I so loved this last part of the novel, as it’s fair to say I have a soft-spot for anything ballet.
I think I’ll leave it here, I’m afraid I’ve already given away too much.
Her Mother’s Secret was even better than A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald, in my opinion, anyway. It has the required ingredients for a good historical romance fiction: interesting lead characters, the required adversaries to make life difficult, passionate love, secrets, coincidences, great settings.
Natasha Lester managed to add the right ingredients to concoct a beautifully packaged novel that will enthral you to the very end.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
I’ve received this novel via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publishers, Hachette Australia, for the opportunity to read and review this lovely novel.
This novel also goes towards the Aussie Authors Challenge on www.Bookloverreviews.com
http://bookloverbookreviews.com/readi...
Leo East is the only daughter of the chemist in a small English village. She works in her father’s shop, and in her spare time, she mixes rouge and mascara formulations. She dreams to make them mainstream. November 1918 brings the good news about the end of the war, but also the dreaded Spanish influenza, which kills lots of people in the village, including Leo’s beloved father. Orphaned and only nineteen, Leo sells everything and makes her way to America, to start a new life, unencumbered by the past and small village mentalities.
A powerful storm delays her passage to America. While waiting in an inn for the storm to pass, Leo meets the charming Everett Forsyth, heir to a department store empire. They fall for each other and a passionate night of lovemaking ensues. But unforeseen events take place, which prevent Leo and Everett’s new love to bloom. Everett, being a true gentleman, is forced by circumstances to marry someone else.
Leo is determined to forge ahead, to make her dreams come true. She has two jobs, a place where she can mix and trial her concoctions. There is a hic-cup in her plans. But she deals with it the best way she knows how, helped by her Australian friend, Joan, and the Chinese American, Jia.
Leo eventually marries Benjamin Richier, who provides her with the funds and production facilities to start her cosmetics line. Because of that, she’s in the same circles as Everett, but they manage to stay away from each other.
Twenty years on, we meet Alice Forsyth, Everett and his unpleasant wife’s daughter. She’s a ballerina, with the potential to become the prima ballerina in Balanchine’s latest production. At rehearsals, she meets the new gorgeous lead man, Jesse Valero. The chemistry is out of this world, but he’s not the type of man Alice’s mother wants her to marry. What will she do?
I so loved this last part of the novel, as it’s fair to say I have a soft-spot for anything ballet.
I think I’ll leave it here, I’m afraid I’ve already given away too much.
Her Mother’s Secret was even better than A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald, in my opinion, anyway. It has the required ingredients for a good historical romance fiction: interesting lead characters, the required adversaries to make life difficult, passionate love, secrets, coincidences, great settings.
Natasha Lester managed to add the right ingredients to concoct a beautifully packaged novel that will enthral you to the very end.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
I’ve received this novel via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publishers, Hachette Australia, for the opportunity to read and review this lovely novel.
This novel also goes towards the Aussie Authors Challenge on www.Bookloverreviews.com
http://bookloverbookreviews.com/readi...
April 6, 2017
4.5 stars.
From the moment I opened Her Mother's Secret I was caught up in a story that entertained me and had me reading on into the night. It ranges in setting from England to New York, from the time at the end of World War 1 to the beginning of World War 11.
It is the story of a young woman - Leonora who has a dream, to become a maker of cosmetics. She has just a little money, a lot of knowledge and a couple of really good friends she finds along the way. She is both talented and tenacious. But its not easy because the other thing that you need is money to produce the cosmetics in quantities to interest shops in buying them. The whole story of cosmetics was fascinating, these days we don't really think about it, they are just there, but in 1918 you were regarded by many as a bit of a hussy if you had red lips. Leo set out to change attitudes and produce the best cosmetics she could.
On her way to New York she meets Everett, a man she is immediately attracted to, and perhaps even comes to love in a very short time. However there are devious women at work who thwart the young lovers and inevitably come between them. One woman in particular is mean and calculating and nasty, the other rich and spoiled - by drugs and alcohol, although I did feel a little sympathy for her. In the end who will win out?
Everett has a daughter Alice, as time moves on to near the second world war she is becoming a dancer of note. She too is experiencing a love with a male dancer, something her mother does not approve of. Will she follow the path her mother has mapped out for her or will she follow her heart?
I loved the era this was set in, the resilience with which Leo worked on her cosmetics line, refusing to let setbacks take over. There is a little romance, a little mystery and considerable drama.
It is an extremely well written novel, throughly captivating and I so look forward to whatever Natasha Lester will write next.
From the moment I opened Her Mother's Secret I was caught up in a story that entertained me and had me reading on into the night. It ranges in setting from England to New York, from the time at the end of World War 1 to the beginning of World War 11.
It is the story of a young woman - Leonora who has a dream, to become a maker of cosmetics. She has just a little money, a lot of knowledge and a couple of really good friends she finds along the way. She is both talented and tenacious. But its not easy because the other thing that you need is money to produce the cosmetics in quantities to interest shops in buying them. The whole story of cosmetics was fascinating, these days we don't really think about it, they are just there, but in 1918 you were regarded by many as a bit of a hussy if you had red lips. Leo set out to change attitudes and produce the best cosmetics she could.
On her way to New York she meets Everett, a man she is immediately attracted to, and perhaps even comes to love in a very short time. However there are devious women at work who thwart the young lovers and inevitably come between them. One woman in particular is mean and calculating and nasty, the other rich and spoiled - by drugs and alcohol, although I did feel a little sympathy for her. In the end who will win out?
Everett has a daughter Alice, as time moves on to near the second world war she is becoming a dancer of note. She too is experiencing a love with a male dancer, something her mother does not approve of. Will she follow the path her mother has mapped out for her or will she follow her heart?
I loved the era this was set in, the resilience with which Leo worked on her cosmetics line, refusing to let setbacks take over. There is a little romance, a little mystery and considerable drama.
It is an extremely well written novel, throughly captivating and I so look forward to whatever Natasha Lester will write next.
May 27, 2017
Leonora (Leo) leaves England for New York at the end of WWI with a dream of making cosmetics. While on the trip over she meets some young, rich NY socialites who change her life, in some ways for the better, and in other ways not at all.
Natasha Lester is a great Australian author. I have read all of her novels and perhaps that is why this one so so particularly disappointing. Her earlier work has actually been her best, and for reasons that I can only assume are commercially driven she has stopped writing novels that tear at your emotions and make you think and instead has written.... this.
Soap opera gone wild.
There were just so many cliches and it was very predictable, and at times bordered on ridiculous.
Having said that, I can see the appeal, and I do understand the high reviews, because this is a novel that is very "marketable" and can appeal to the masses. If this is indicative of where Lester is taking her writing then I guess I am no longer the target market.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Natasha Lester is a great Australian author. I have read all of her novels and perhaps that is why this one so so particularly disappointing. Her earlier work has actually been her best, and for reasons that I can only assume are commercially driven she has stopped writing novels that tear at your emotions and make you think and instead has written.... this.
Soap opera gone wild.
There were just so many cliches and it was very predictable, and at times bordered on ridiculous.
Having said that, I can see the appeal, and I do understand the high reviews, because this is a novel that is very "marketable" and can appeal to the masses. If this is indicative of where Lester is taking her writing then I guess I am no longer the target market.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2017
Last year I read an amazing historical romance called A KISS FROM MR FITZGERALD by Natasha Lester. So I was very excited when Hachette Australia sent me this ARC.
Leonora East is a simple girl living in a small English village. She works in her father's chemist shop and loves experimenting with cosmetics, which she sells to army nurses and hopes to one day sell openly. Leo also loves spending time with her friend, Joan--an Australian nurse--and looking after her father.
When the war is over, everyone's rejoicing and keen to get back to living normal lives. But the Spanish influenza has other ideas, and when it hits Leo's village it devastates her personally. That's when she decides to embark on an ambitious adventure and moves to New York City.
But on the way, during a weather delay, Leo meets the dashing Everett Forsyth and he sweeps her off her feet. What she thought would be one fantastic night she would fondly remember, turns into the event that changes her life forever. Because suddenly, Everett is everywhere.
They travel in the same social circles and asociate with the same people, so she can't get away from him and certainly can't be with him. So she throws herself into her work. Leo makes good friends and several enemies, finds a wealthy benefactor, and suffers the long-term consequences of a very hard life decision...
Oh my. This story is SO good! *sigh*
Wow. How do I capture the true scope of this book? I don't think words can really express how deeply this story grabbed me and then dragged me through the many ups and downs, until I was an emotional wreck.
I loved Leo instantly. She's kind and smart and ambitious and beautiful. She fills the pages with excitement and happiness and so much hope, even despair. No matter what, she never forgets who she is or what she wishes to achieve. And Everett. Wow. What an awesome and dashing hero. An honorable man who sacrifices his own happiness to help others.
The supportive characters are also awesome. From the strong Jia, to the talented Lottie and the fresh-faced Alice. As well as the awful Faye and the conniving Mattie. And Ben, the man with his own dreams and the many fears holding him back.
Yeah, I absolutely LOVED this book. And found the cosmetics revolution absolutely intriguing. Not to mention the determination of these strong, yet different women seeking their wildest dreams during a time when the world was trying to keep them in 'their place'.
Her Mother's Secret is the lavish, inspiring, adventurous, sad story of an ambitious woman determined to chase her dreams in a glitzy city promising so much more. It's also a wonderful, yet heartbreaking love story that spans decades and proves true love never dies. And the amazing way that Natasha Lester captures the feel of this exciting historical era, is perfect!
I enjoyed every moment of this roller-coaster of emotions. Can't wait to see what other thrilling stories this wonderful author has to tell.
Leonora East is a simple girl living in a small English village. She works in her father's chemist shop and loves experimenting with cosmetics, which she sells to army nurses and hopes to one day sell openly. Leo also loves spending time with her friend, Joan--an Australian nurse--and looking after her father.
When the war is over, everyone's rejoicing and keen to get back to living normal lives. But the Spanish influenza has other ideas, and when it hits Leo's village it devastates her personally. That's when she decides to embark on an ambitious adventure and moves to New York City.
But on the way, during a weather delay, Leo meets the dashing Everett Forsyth and he sweeps her off her feet. What she thought would be one fantastic night she would fondly remember, turns into the event that changes her life forever. Because suddenly, Everett is everywhere.
They travel in the same social circles and asociate with the same people, so she can't get away from him and certainly can't be with him. So she throws herself into her work. Leo makes good friends and several enemies, finds a wealthy benefactor, and suffers the long-term consequences of a very hard life decision...
Oh my. This story is SO good! *sigh*
Wow. How do I capture the true scope of this book? I don't think words can really express how deeply this story grabbed me and then dragged me through the many ups and downs, until I was an emotional wreck.
I loved Leo instantly. She's kind and smart and ambitious and beautiful. She fills the pages with excitement and happiness and so much hope, even despair. No matter what, she never forgets who she is or what she wishes to achieve. And Everett. Wow. What an awesome and dashing hero. An honorable man who sacrifices his own happiness to help others.
The supportive characters are also awesome. From the strong Jia, to the talented Lottie and the fresh-faced Alice. As well as the awful Faye and the conniving Mattie. And Ben, the man with his own dreams and the many fears holding him back.
Yeah, I absolutely LOVED this book. And found the cosmetics revolution absolutely intriguing. Not to mention the determination of these strong, yet different women seeking their wildest dreams during a time when the world was trying to keep them in 'their place'.
Her Mother's Secret is the lavish, inspiring, adventurous, sad story of an ambitious woman determined to chase her dreams in a glitzy city promising so much more. It's also a wonderful, yet heartbreaking love story that spans decades and proves true love never dies. And the amazing way that Natasha Lester captures the feel of this exciting historical era, is perfect!
I enjoyed every moment of this roller-coaster of emotions. Can't wait to see what other thrilling stories this wonderful author has to tell.
June 8, 2017
Once again I am absolutely blown away by Natasha Lester's writing. This book is magnificent! It tells the story of Leo who goes from a girl creating mascara in her father's shop in the first world war to a pioneer of women's cosmetics in New York City. After her father's death from the killer flu, she travels by ship to NYC to start a new life and realise her dream of manufacturing cosmetics. On the ship she meets Everett Forsyth, and the consequences of that meeting will affect her life in the future. I am so impressed with the research that Natasha obviously did on the era, the history of cosmetics, even the clothing that they wore, even though its fiction, I could visualise the descriptions of everything therein which was great. I finished the last portion of this book in one sitting as I was desperate to find out what happened in the end. Highly recommended for readers of Historical Fiction, Womens Fiction or Life lit.
March 31, 2017
Natasha Lester writes her characters with empathy and sympathy, even the antagonists. She has written a story of strength and love and compassion. I loved the history behind the story, the fashion and colour. I found myself cheering Leo in her experiments, I wanted to boo the irritating men. (I find myself frustrated that we still haven't come far enough in a near century.) Natasha Lester has a wonderful skill in moving the story swiftly but missing nothing along the way, and of introducing new characters in such a way that they have always been there, just a little out of sight.
I apologise to my family because dinner was late; I couldn't put the book down until I had finished, holding my breath towards the end, desperately wanting the woven mystery solved. Highly recommend.
I apologise to my family because dinner was late; I couldn't put the book down until I had finished, holding my breath towards the end, desperately wanting the woven mystery solved. Highly recommend.
March 29, 2017
Natasha Lesters' previous book "A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald" stormed its way into the romance genre as imho the best book of 2016, and "My Mothers Secret" follows the same formula, also set in New York between the world wars. I didn't see the ending coming, the hallmark of a great author and a 5* rating is well deserved.
April 16, 2017
I was hooked on this book from the very first chapter. Such a captivating story with likable characters, one of those books that I consciously slowed down my reading in the second half because I didn't want to finish the book so soon! This book captures the era so believably and has a great pace through the story. Even though there is romance, I feel it carries more depth in the story than some others and as such was utterly entertaining and enjoyable to read. It's always exciting to discover a new author and I can't wait to track down other books from this author.
Thank you to both @Beautyandlace and Hachette Aus for the chance to read this book.
Thank you to both @Beautyandlace and Hachette Aus for the chance to read this book.
July 23, 2017
This is the story of Leo, a pharmacist's daughter, who is determined to revolutionise the cosmetics industry by starting her own company. She wants it all, though—business success and love! The story begins in England at the conclusion of WWI, then moves to New York in the 1920's.
I'm not usually a reader of historical romance, but I make exceptions in support of fellow Western Australian authors! This story picks you up and whisks you away from day-to-day life, and it doesn't let up until the final sentence. It's steeped in historical detail of the cosmetics industry and New York in the 1920s, and I thoroughly enjoyed escaping the humdrum of the everyday with it.
I'm not usually a reader of historical romance, but I make exceptions in support of fellow Western Australian authors! This story picks you up and whisks you away from day-to-day life, and it doesn't let up until the final sentence. It's steeped in historical detail of the cosmetics industry and New York in the 1920s, and I thoroughly enjoyed escaping the humdrum of the everyday with it.
May 31, 2017
Her Mother’s Secret tells the story of Leo East, a young woman devastated by the loss of her father to influenza at the end of WWI. With no family left in England, she embarks on a journey to New York where she overcomes great odds to establish a successful cosmetics empire.
In an era where women are scorned for wearing lipstick and men hold all the power in business, she has to work hard to pursue her dream of producing quality cosmetics that are beautifully packaged and easily available to all women.
She is an intelligent, strong-willed woman ahead of her time and she cleverly formulates an advertising campaign that presents her make-up in a fun and luxurious light – a distinct improvement on the shame-inducing approach of the day.
Lipstick and mascara are something I have always taken for granted and I found this as a story angle quite interesting. I had not realised makeup was previously considered scandalous, having to be purchased under the counter or by mail order. Natasha Lester’s prior career as a marketing executive for L’Oreal in Australia contributes to her realistic portrayal of the industry – and it is obvious that she has done a great deal of research into the many historical aspects of her novel which help bring the settings and characters to life. It was easy to picture Leo’s trans-Atlantic boat passage, as well as the party lifestyle among the young, fashion-conscious set, who are eager to leave the austerity of the Great Depression and WWI behind them.
Written in four parts, the novel has a gap of twenty years between two different timelines, which is blended seamlessly. The first timeline commences in 1918, just after the WWI armistice when Leo loses her beloved father, while the second timeline begins in 1939, after Leo has built up her makeup empire.
There is further loss and tragedy throughout the novel, but the reader is left with an uplifting ending. There’s also a delicious dollop of romance along the way.
One aspect of Natasha’s books I enjoy is that her female protagonists pursue big dreams that fly in the face of accepted conventions of patriarchal societies, at great personal sacrifice and at the risk of ostracisation. These are women who love deeply and passionately, but not where it means giving up on their dreams and careers.
Congratulations on a great follow-up novel to A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald, Natasha! It was an enjoyable read and the book cover is divine.
In an era where women are scorned for wearing lipstick and men hold all the power in business, she has to work hard to pursue her dream of producing quality cosmetics that are beautifully packaged and easily available to all women.
She is an intelligent, strong-willed woman ahead of her time and she cleverly formulates an advertising campaign that presents her make-up in a fun and luxurious light – a distinct improvement on the shame-inducing approach of the day.
Lipstick and mascara are something I have always taken for granted and I found this as a story angle quite interesting. I had not realised makeup was previously considered scandalous, having to be purchased under the counter or by mail order. Natasha Lester’s prior career as a marketing executive for L’Oreal in Australia contributes to her realistic portrayal of the industry – and it is obvious that she has done a great deal of research into the many historical aspects of her novel which help bring the settings and characters to life. It was easy to picture Leo’s trans-Atlantic boat passage, as well as the party lifestyle among the young, fashion-conscious set, who are eager to leave the austerity of the Great Depression and WWI behind them.
Written in four parts, the novel has a gap of twenty years between two different timelines, which is blended seamlessly. The first timeline commences in 1918, just after the WWI armistice when Leo loses her beloved father, while the second timeline begins in 1939, after Leo has built up her makeup empire.
There is further loss and tragedy throughout the novel, but the reader is left with an uplifting ending. There’s also a delicious dollop of romance along the way.
One aspect of Natasha’s books I enjoy is that her female protagonists pursue big dreams that fly in the face of accepted conventions of patriarchal societies, at great personal sacrifice and at the risk of ostracisation. These are women who love deeply and passionately, but not where it means giving up on their dreams and careers.
Congratulations on a great follow-up novel to A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald, Natasha! It was an enjoyable read and the book cover is divine.
August 24, 2017
I really got caught up in this story, I couldn't put it down! I loved the 1920's/1940's New York portrayed, the rebuilding of people and hope after war and disease and tragedy, I loved all the female characters- even the vindictive Faye, because a good 'villain' is so much fun to read! The strong friendships between Leo, Jia, Joan, and Lottie were really sweet, and I also really enjoyed all the historical details Natasha Lester weaves throughout the narrative. The only annoyance for me was the whole 'love at first sight' concept which I pretty much always have an issue with when it comes up in books. The idea that one night of passion would lead anyone to claim someone as the love of their life and then pine over them for 20 years seems a bit far fetched to me, but, I enjoyed the story so much that I just rolled my eyes at a few paragraphs throughout the book and moved on happily, and overall I loved Her Mother's Secret! I don't read a lot of historical fiction, so it was an unusual choice for me, but I met the lovely Natasha Lester at a few events and always like to support local writers, so I thought I'd give it a go and I was pleasantly surprised that I loved it so much! I will definitely be reading Lester's previous and future works.
January 30, 2017
4.5 stars.
There's a lot to love about Natasha Lester's writing - not only does she weave captivating stories, but she embroiders them with details that make the stories pop. As I read Her Mother's Secret, I found myself cross-referencing Lalique perfume bottles (and wishing I had some). I was drawn into Leo's world in her small town in England, on the ship as she crossed the Atlantic, and in exciting and challenging New York; I became part of her journey of dreams. Natasha's stories have that way about them.
Expect drama, tears, and smiles as Leo follows her dream but hibernates her heart. Expect a story that will draw you in with clever prose. Expect heartache, heartbreak and heartwarming moments. And above all, expect to be inspired by strong characters in restrictive societal and gender circumstances who don't give in easily. You won't be disappointed.
There's a lot to love about Natasha Lester's writing - not only does she weave captivating stories, but she embroiders them with details that make the stories pop. As I read Her Mother's Secret, I found myself cross-referencing Lalique perfume bottles (and wishing I had some). I was drawn into Leo's world in her small town in England, on the ship as she crossed the Atlantic, and in exciting and challenging New York; I became part of her journey of dreams. Natasha's stories have that way about them.
Expect drama, tears, and smiles as Leo follows her dream but hibernates her heart. Expect a story that will draw you in with clever prose. Expect heartache, heartbreak and heartwarming moments. And above all, expect to be inspired by strong characters in restrictive societal and gender circumstances who don't give in easily. You won't be disappointed.
April 25, 2017
Her Mother's Secret is a captivating new novel by Natasha Lester.
It's set in three different eras, starting with 1918 England, Armistice Day, the 1920's through to the 1930's.
The early years in England see Leonora (Leo) making some of the very first modern cosmetics but after a family tragedy she sets sail to New York city with new hopes and dreams of displaying and selling her newly made products.
Autumn in New York sets the scene for falling in love and pursuing her new career.
A lot of research was done into the history of cosmetics to tell this story.
This story was inspired by early manufacturers in the cosmetic industry.
See if you can unravel the mystery that is Her Mother's Secret ... and, whose mother?
Her Mother's Secret will keep you guessing as you unravel the truth.
Another fabulous story by author, Natasha Lester.
It's set in three different eras, starting with 1918 England, Armistice Day, the 1920's through to the 1930's.
The early years in England see Leonora (Leo) making some of the very first modern cosmetics but after a family tragedy she sets sail to New York city with new hopes and dreams of displaying and selling her newly made products.
Autumn in New York sets the scene for falling in love and pursuing her new career.
A lot of research was done into the history of cosmetics to tell this story.
This story was inspired by early manufacturers in the cosmetic industry.
See if you can unravel the mystery that is Her Mother's Secret ... and, whose mother?
Her Mother's Secret will keep you guessing as you unravel the truth.
Another fabulous story by author, Natasha Lester.
January 17, 2018
Her Mother's Secret is a captivating and beautiful, beautiful love story by Natasha Lester. I couldn’t put this historical novel down set from 1918 England to the 1930’s New York. Leonora and Everett have become my favourite couple in a long time and I enjoyed the research done to bring to life the beginning of women wearing make up in that era - from the back yard experimenting in her father’s chemist at the end of the war to having a multi-million dollar company. Then in the last ¼ of the book we have the story of Alice who was just as captivating. Loved every single page and highly recommend 5++
May 20, 2017
I have a lot of fun reading Natasha's historical fiction and Her Mother's Secret is a fabulous book. Her characters are sassy and the story keeps a cracking pace. But it is the details of the fashion that make her work stand out. I wanted to stroke the silks, pour myself into the ballgowns and spin around with all the ruffles and try that pot of glossy red lipstick smelling of patchouli. Heaven ...
June 1, 2017
Another stunning book by Natasha Lester. A gripping read, well paced, with an underlying tension which had me holing up in my bedroom, unable to put it down. As with "A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald" there is a backbone of meticulous research which elevates the story to the next level. A bloody good read!
June 1, 2020
Absolutely loved the storyline in this book. Kept me wanting to turn the page. Thanks Natasha for an awesome read.
April 13, 2017
Her Mother’s Secret is a delightful novel, entirely captivating from start to finish. It reminded me a lot of an old favourite of mine, A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford, although nowhere near as thick! It’s that idea though, that if you have a dream and you work at it, even if you need to become fierce over what you want, then you can make it and still be a good person in the process; it’s that notion which connects these two novels for me, and I love it. Leo East is a fierce but honourable woman who has a dream ahead of her time, yet she perseveres, a pioneer for women and their right to look and feel beautiful; feminism from a different angle. But beneath the drive and tenacity is a young woman who has loved and lost, and this vulnerability, which she keeps close to herself, shapes her, along with her ambition, in equal measure.
There is plenty to love about this novel, not least of all the strong character development, of not only Leo, but her supporting cast. I particularly liked Ben, and believe it or not, his sister Faye, who was both endearing and maddening, yet you never knew which Faye you would be getting, her nature like a pendulum swinging wildly and stopping abruptly when you least expected it. Yet, it’s characters like these that make a story fuller and more interesting. If everyone was lovely all the time, or downright nasty each time they entered the room, things would get boring rather quickly. Natasha seems to have a solid grasp on characters, both main and supporting, and the vital role they play in making or breaking a story. I love this about her work. The passion and angst comes through in a realistic and entirely relatable way.
As an historical novel, I found the era and setting particularly enjoyable. Those years between the two world wars are always fascinating to read about. Changing attitudes, not only about the roles of women and migrants, but also about how lives should be lived. The throwing off of war time deprivation and the embracing of a new and racy era; Natasha has clearly made herself familiar with life during that era and this shone through and gave the story a whole lot of extra shine. It’s often the small details that give the most enjoyment to a reader, the types of food, how it was served, what people drank, what they wore, what they did in their spare time. It’s quite a skill to weave this into a narrative without subjecting the reader to what seems like a history lesson.
This novel was aided greatly by the inclusion of different historical aspects of the cosmetics industry. I will happily confess that I love makeup, I always have, so I found all of this wonderfully fascinating and enjoyed conjuring up images of beautiful compacts while imagining the scent of the makeup from the point of view of a woman who had never seen such items before. To think how far we’ve come in a hundred years!
Overall, I’d like to say Bravo! to Natasha Lester. Her Mother’s Secret is a gorgeous book, one that will have you devouring and savouring in equal measure. It’s certainly a novel I will be recommending to all of my friends and it’s sure to be included in my gift shopping throughout the year.
#aww2017
There is plenty to love about this novel, not least of all the strong character development, of not only Leo, but her supporting cast. I particularly liked Ben, and believe it or not, his sister Faye, who was both endearing and maddening, yet you never knew which Faye you would be getting, her nature like a pendulum swinging wildly and stopping abruptly when you least expected it. Yet, it’s characters like these that make a story fuller and more interesting. If everyone was lovely all the time, or downright nasty each time they entered the room, things would get boring rather quickly. Natasha seems to have a solid grasp on characters, both main and supporting, and the vital role they play in making or breaking a story. I love this about her work. The passion and angst comes through in a realistic and entirely relatable way.
As an historical novel, I found the era and setting particularly enjoyable. Those years between the two world wars are always fascinating to read about. Changing attitudes, not only about the roles of women and migrants, but also about how lives should be lived. The throwing off of war time deprivation and the embracing of a new and racy era; Natasha has clearly made herself familiar with life during that era and this shone through and gave the story a whole lot of extra shine. It’s often the small details that give the most enjoyment to a reader, the types of food, how it was served, what people drank, what they wore, what they did in their spare time. It’s quite a skill to weave this into a narrative without subjecting the reader to what seems like a history lesson.
This novel was aided greatly by the inclusion of different historical aspects of the cosmetics industry. I will happily confess that I love makeup, I always have, so I found all of this wonderfully fascinating and enjoyed conjuring up images of beautiful compacts while imagining the scent of the makeup from the point of view of a woman who had never seen such items before. To think how far we’ve come in a hundred years!
Overall, I’d like to say Bravo! to Natasha Lester. Her Mother’s Secret is a gorgeous book, one that will have you devouring and savouring in equal measure. It’s certainly a novel I will be recommending to all of my friends and it’s sure to be included in my gift shopping throughout the year.
#aww2017
April 8, 2017
I adored Natasha's previous novel, A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald, and I think Her Mother's Secret is even better. Although both novels are set in New York in the 1920s, they are independent stories of independent women with no crossover (though I think you should read them both).
I found this story emotionally engaging from the beginning. I was intrigued to see how the romance would be resolved, at one point I couldn't see any way for it to work out. I loved Leo's strong character and her drive to achieve against all odds. The novel was well researched and the portrayal of day to day life in the 1920s was authentic and fascinating. And the plot twists... Kept me turning the pages.
The perfect red lipstick may be a different shade for different women, but this is a book that would suit everyone.
I found this story emotionally engaging from the beginning. I was intrigued to see how the romance would be resolved, at one point I couldn't see any way for it to work out. I loved Leo's strong character and her drive to achieve against all odds. The novel was well researched and the portrayal of day to day life in the 1920s was authentic and fascinating. And the plot twists... Kept me turning the pages.
The perfect red lipstick may be a different shade for different women, but this is a book that would suit everyone.
June 21, 2018
Wow, I don't think my review can do Natasha Lester's novel justice. What a beautiful, heartbreaking rollercoaster of a ride this book took me on. To find a love like the one these two characters found, yet not be able to be together.... To reach for a dream and see it come to fruition in a way you never dreamt... To fight for what you want, what you dream, what you love... I don't know what to say about this novel but that it was fabulous and I highly recommend it, it is definitely a story that moved me more than once, from beginning to end I lived through everything Leo went through and survived.
April 16, 2017
Another really enjoyable book from Natasha Lester.
April 17, 2017
My Thoughts - http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
Last year I read ‘A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald’ by Natasha and just loved it. Therefore I had been greatly anticipating the release of ‘Her Mother’s Secret’ for many months - could it possibly live up to the same standards? Well, I am here to tell you that indeed it does! Natasha’s novel, without doubt, firmly places her at the forefront of Australian historical literature. I adored this book, whipping through it in record time.
Right from the beginning this tale will capture you, placing you under a spell until completion. It’s difficult to review as you simply don’t want to give anything away. Yet truly this tale has a little something for everyone: a sweeping saga from post World War I to World War II, where you will find friendship, love, intrigue, mystery and plenty of drama.
‘Denial was the only option. Because to move past denial meant asking a question that was at once so irresistible and so catastrophic that Leo couldn’t begin to contemplate it.’
What becomes apparent right from the outset is the depth of research undertaken by Natasha, especially concerning the cosmetics industry. Also included is the specified gender roles of the time, the impact of war on industry, glorious fashion and most importantly, the role of women in this new world order - strong, ambitious and determined women trying to make a place for themselves outside of the traditional home.
‘To battle the barbarism of dancing, flirting and lipstick. I see men hit their wives or their children almost every day down by the tenements and nobody blinks an eye. But a woman dares to rouge her cheeks and they cry out for guns to defeat her.’
Just as in ‘A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald’, Natasha demonstrates a real talent in presenting characters that you feel you know. You become a part of the story and take each step along their journey. There will be ones you admire like Leo and ones you love to hate like Faye. Character development is so rich, that the array of supporting characters, (crucial to the development of this story) like Ben and Faye, will develop to the point where you will come to not only understand, but accept and in the end, sympathise with.
I believe this book cements Natasha at the forefront of historical fiction with meticulous research, endearing characters involved in a mystery set against the backdrop of between world wars. I cannot recommend it highly enough and can’t wait to see what Natasha comes up with next.
‘...unable to stop the tears from falling, feeling at last defended, like a single musical note that had finally found the symphony to which it belonged.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release
Last year I read ‘A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald’ by Natasha and just loved it. Therefore I had been greatly anticipating the release of ‘Her Mother’s Secret’ for many months - could it possibly live up to the same standards? Well, I am here to tell you that indeed it does! Natasha’s novel, without doubt, firmly places her at the forefront of Australian historical literature. I adored this book, whipping through it in record time.
Right from the beginning this tale will capture you, placing you under a spell until completion. It’s difficult to review as you simply don’t want to give anything away. Yet truly this tale has a little something for everyone: a sweeping saga from post World War I to World War II, where you will find friendship, love, intrigue, mystery and plenty of drama.
‘Denial was the only option. Because to move past denial meant asking a question that was at once so irresistible and so catastrophic that Leo couldn’t begin to contemplate it.’
What becomes apparent right from the outset is the depth of research undertaken by Natasha, especially concerning the cosmetics industry. Also included is the specified gender roles of the time, the impact of war on industry, glorious fashion and most importantly, the role of women in this new world order - strong, ambitious and determined women trying to make a place for themselves outside of the traditional home.
‘To battle the barbarism of dancing, flirting and lipstick. I see men hit their wives or their children almost every day down by the tenements and nobody blinks an eye. But a woman dares to rouge her cheeks and they cry out for guns to defeat her.’
Just as in ‘A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald’, Natasha demonstrates a real talent in presenting characters that you feel you know. You become a part of the story and take each step along their journey. There will be ones you admire like Leo and ones you love to hate like Faye. Character development is so rich, that the array of supporting characters, (crucial to the development of this story) like Ben and Faye, will develop to the point where you will come to not only understand, but accept and in the end, sympathise with.
I believe this book cements Natasha at the forefront of historical fiction with meticulous research, endearing characters involved in a mystery set against the backdrop of between world wars. I cannot recommend it highly enough and can’t wait to see what Natasha comes up with next.
‘...unable to stop the tears from falling, feeling at last defended, like a single musical note that had finally found the symphony to which it belonged.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release
May 24, 2017
I have only just finished Her Mother's Secret, yet I am desperate to start it again from the beginning. Oh how I adored this book, Natasha.
Love, such pure and unconditional love, just oozes out of these pages in the most powerful and romantic of ways.
Natasha's paints the era so vividly. But it's the love between Leo and Everett that is the stand out.
Cliché as it may be, Her Mother's Secret is a roller coaster (or maybe a Coney Island Big Wheel..) of glorious and heartbreaking moments. But it is such a feel good, empowering, stunning read.
Believe me, I'm hugging this book right now! The love within these pages will stay with me long after the final word.
Love, such pure and unconditional love, just oozes out of these pages in the most powerful and romantic of ways.
Natasha's paints the era so vividly. But it's the love between Leo and Everett that is the stand out.
Cliché as it may be, Her Mother's Secret is a roller coaster (or maybe a Coney Island Big Wheel..) of glorious and heartbreaking moments. But it is such a feel good, empowering, stunning read.
Believe me, I'm hugging this book right now! The love within these pages will stay with me long after the final word.
August 15, 2017
Wow what a beautiful read!!! I absolutely loved the strength and conviction of the protagonist. In fact all characters were brilliantly portrayed. I loved the gentle detail throughout the book and I really enjoyed all the factual information about time eras, women and make up. The only thing that upset me was Joan disappearing ... but Lester explains this perfectly as the text continues. Such a lovely book to read!!!
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April 8, 2017I really liked this book by Natasha Lester. I read it in a matter of days, staying up (far too) late and picking it up first thing in the morning.
I love how Natasha can weave all the threads together of her stories, and I love the details in the clothing and things that hit you out fo the blue in the plot.
If you like Historical Fiction, you will love this
I love how Natasha can weave all the threads together of her stories, and I love the details in the clothing and things that hit you out fo the blue in the plot.
If you like Historical Fiction, you will love this
April 30, 2017
I loved this book and read it in 24 hours. I loved the twists and turns in the plot and enjoyed all the characters - even the villans. I especially liked the second part of the book which focuses on the next generation and could not put the book down at this point. I didn't feel like I was reading a story but was actually there with the characters. A great book which was a real pleasure to read.
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