A Beautiful Rival

In this stunning new novel, bestselling author Gill Paul reveals the unknown history of cosmetic titans Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein and their infamous rivalry that spanned not only decades, but also broken marriages, personal tragedies, and a world that was changing dramatically for women—perfect for fans of Fiona Davis, Marie Benedict, and Beatriz Williams. Who would have guessed that the business of making women beautiful was so cutthroat? They could have been allies: two self-made millionaires who invented a global industry, in an era when wife and mother were supposed to be the highest goals for their sex. Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein each founded empires built on grit and determination...and yet they became locked in a feud spanning three continents, two world wars, and the Great Depression. Brought up in poverty, Canadian-born Elizabeth Arden changed popular opinion, persuading women from all walks of life ­to buy skincare products that promised them youth and beauty. Helena Rubenstein left her native Poland, and launched her company with scientific claims about her miracle creams made with anti-ageing herbs. And when it came to business, nothing was off-limits: poaching each other’s employees, copying each other’s products, planting spies, hiring ex-husbands, and one-upping each other every chance they had. This was a rivalry from which there was no surrender! And through it all were two women, bold, brazen, and determined to succeed—no matter the personal cost...M.F The world is at war, but on the gilded streets of Fifth Avenue, New York, a battle of a different kind is brewing... New York, 1915.Elizabeth Arden has been New York's golden girl since her beauty salon opened its famous red door five years prior. Against all odds, she's built an empire. Enter Helena Rubinstein: ruthless, revolutionary – and the rival Elizabeth didn't bargain for. With both women determined to succeed – no matter the personal cost – a battle of beauty is born. And as the stakes increase, so do the methods: poaching employees, planting spies, copying products, hiring ex-husbands. But as each woman climbs higher, so too does what she stands to lose. Because the greater the height, the harder the fall... In this stunning new novel, internationally bestselling author Gill Paul reveals the unknown history of cosmetic titans Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein and their infamous rivalry that spanned not only decades, but also broken marriages, personal tragedies, and a world that was changing dramatically for women – perfect for fans of Fiona Davis, Dinah Jefferies and Karen Swan. Readers adore A Beautiful Rival: 'I knew absolutely nothing about the lives of the women behind the iconic products, or about the fierce competition between them, but, as she always does so wonderfully, Gill Paul has taken the known facts about their lives (her research is as meticulous as ever), added a dash of her extraordinary imagination, and woven a wonderful story – breathing life into her characters and transporting the reader into their fascinating world.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A terrific read and a wonderful insight into these two giants of the beauty world. I was transfixed throughout. Highly recommend.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This book cemented my thoughts that any book by Gill Paul is an excellent one. I loved how the rivalry between Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein was portrayed, it had me hooked.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The knives out jealousy that forged high end glamour. This is such compulsive reading, shocking and cheekily funny... The spying on practices and aesthetics, the poaching of employees and advisors, the tit for tat copying and meddling in strategies, the upward mobility efforts and petty insecurities ... The author blew me away with her blend of historically accurate, imaginatively realised and dramatically portrayed narrative. I can't wait for her next book, she is an auto buy author for me now!' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The focus on real historical characters, albeit fictionalised, makes this a fascinating story. I like the evocative historical detail, the complex characters and the emotion that runs through this story.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This book is rife with rivalry, rage, and rouge. I love how Paul has been sharing tidbits about each woman on her social media channels. Beauty is not for the weak and both women were powerhouses of powder, lipstick, and looking one's best.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The women in the book were strong characters who didn't suffer fools ... Everytime I read one of Gill Paul's books I end up being lost down the rabbit hole which is Google looking for more information about the historical characters she has written about. Gill's research is amazing and she must take so much time before she even starts writing the book.' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐