The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: "Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways." - Back Cover

My Thoughts

This novel was not at all what I was expecting. I haven't read something this engaging in a while. Old Hollywood, complicated relationships, unexpected twists, this one is just *chef's kiss*.  The way the author creates characters that are relatable and likeable, who you want to root for, but are also human and flawed... it keeps the reader wanting more, dying to know what happens next. The storytelling and suspense build at just the perfect pace. It doesn't get dull, but it also isn't overwhelming. Sometimes I'm dubious of really popular best sellers like this one, but this one deserves the accolades. I'll be recommending this novel to anyone who asks me what they should read next.

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The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power by Alison Weir

Title: The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power

Author: Alison Weir
Genre: Historical Fiction

Other books I've read by this author: Innocent Traitor, Queen Isabella

Synopsis: "Cardinal Thomas Wolsey enjoyed one of the most meteoric careers in history. His rise from humble beginnings coincided with young Henry VIII's ascension to the throne in 1509. The two grew to be cherished friends, and by 1515 Wolsey, now a cardinal, had become the controlling figure in all matters of church and state.

Wolsey operated on an international stage and worked hard to broker universal peace. All was going dazzlingly well until Henry fell in love with Anne Boleyn--the woman whom Wolsey would one day call "the night crow"--and sought to end his marriage to his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. Swept up in the maelstrom of "the Divorce," Wolsey, who had successfully given his master everything he wanted, found himself in an impossible situation. As he drew the ire of the future queen, the cardinal found his privileged life and his relationship with Henry crumbling around him." - Back Cover

My Thoughts

I've read both fiction and nonfiction works by Alison Weir, and I have to say that this is my favorite so far! I was so excited to receive this novel as a Christmas gift, I knew it had to be the first book I read this year. I've read A LOT of historical fiction featuring the Tudors, many from the perspective of women during the period (see all my reviews of Philippa Gregory's novels). It was refreshing to get a new point of view on Henry VIII and learn more about the personal life of Thomas Wolsey. This novel has ambition, love, loss, corruption, and coming of age all wrapped into one engaging story. It was such an enjoyable read, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh perspective on the Tudors.

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