Mysterious and seductive, Libby Durant is a woman with a past. Running from a world of nightmares, she escapes to a land of illusion, Hollywood in the 1920s. With skills bordering on the occult, she turns silent screen shadows into silver screen legends, and in a few short years builds a powerful commercial empire. But at what cost? No one knows Libby’s greatest accomplishment is her own … disguise. Will she be swallowed up in this maelstrom of danger and deceit?
Join Amanda Hughes as she immerses you in the decadent world of wealth and power that is Prohibition America of the 1920s.
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Not your run of the mill story.
Well written. Entertaining.
The terror and tragedy endured by two children exemplifies the inner strength of one child and the inherent mental illness of second child. The children of an alcoholic and mentally ill parents demonstrate survival and the need to stop the insanity along with pain.
The Looking Glass Goddess (Bold Women of the 20th Century #1) by Amanda Hughes is a romance thriller. Set in Minneapolis and Hollywood during the 1st World War, the early days of moviemaking , Prohibition and organized crime, this book has been meticulously researched. The storyline seems to move effortlessly along through descriptions of the times and actions of interesting characters. There are a few editing issues, but the book is well worth reading and a fascinating look into early 20th Century history.
What makes this book tragic? The characters that lived at the beginning of the 20th century era, The Great War (WWI), the Spanish Flu and mental illness. In the aftermath of WWI the Flu took many lives including those of Libby’s mother and sister of mental illness, estates chauffer and theater friend Rudy dying from the flu. All are realistic in the event of how one would perceive history.
I enjoy historical fiction, so thought this would be a good choice. 1900’s…speak easies…flappers…prohibition… And then, wouldn’t you know it, author Amanda Hughes throws in some crime drama…with a real who-done-it! Absolutely believable story and characters. Great writing that keeps you riveted until the very end!
I would have given it more stars if it hadn’t ended so abruptly. It’s as if the author decided it was time to be done and then in one chapter or less, wrapped up everything and put a bow on it. I enjoyed the h’s ingenuity and persistence. The time period of early Hollywood was interesting.
I felt as if I was reading the story of one of the makeup magnets like Elizabeth Arden or Max Factor. I loved that it combined the history of the beginnings of motion pictures and the impact of makeup and costumes. On top of all that, I was intrigued by the main character’s story away from her business.
This book has a little bit of everything thrown in. Beautiful, ambitious main character, crazy, violent relatives, elegant, loving grandmother, abusive, opportunistic men, mysterious, elusive love interests, tangled relationships, mobsters, secrets, secrets, and more secrets. The last few chapters took me by surprise—I never saw that one coming!
not my choice to waste time with
Somewhat interesting in terms of time period,with the beginning of ” women’s liberation” from traditional roles and mental illness. However, , the rather abrupt change from that story to one of muderous intrigue was a bit jolting.
The writing was fairly descriptive but most characters weren’t fully developed.
Interesting look at the challenges women faced in business in the early 20th century and fun look behind the scenes in Hollywood. It’s not the great American novel, and the romantic tension was a little forced, but it was a fun read. I’d be tempted to look at other books in the series.
Enjoyed the period references and information. Had some unexpected plot twists, too.
Pour yourself a stiff drink before starting this novel. If you don’t, you will be the only sober participant in this story. I’ve never read such an alcohol-driven tale—and it’s set during prohibition.
I’m guessing the flowing alcohol is responsible for the run on sentences and grammar errors. Authors and editors need clear heads.
A little unrealistic
Not a page turner
Simply a lovely read. Amanda Hughes never fails. She truly has a magical pen.
Recommended to my friend