Set against the backdrop of the first all-female Mardi Gras krewe at the turn-of-the-century, the acclaimed author’s mesmerizing historical novel tells of two strangers separated by background but bound by an unexpected secret—and of the strength and courage women draw from and inspire in each other. “An undercurrent of New Orleans’s dark side propels the story, heightening the tension and supplying McPhail with a wealth of evocative details.” – Publishers Weekly The year 1900 ushers in a new century and the promise of social change, and women rise together toward equality. Yet rules and restrictions remain, especially for women like Alice Butterworth, whose husband has abruptly disappeared. Desperate to make a living for herself and the child she carries, Alice leaves the bitter cold of Chicago far behind, offering sewing lessons at a New Orleans orphanage. Constance Halstead, a young widow reeling with shock under the threat of her late husband’s gambling debts, has thrown herself into charitable work. Meeting Alice at the orphanage, she offers lodging in exchange for Alice’s help creating a gown for the Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all-female krewe of Mardi Gras. During Leap Years, women have the rare opportunity to take control in their interactions with men, and upend social convention. Piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women, reflecting their progress toward greater independence. But Constance carries a burden that makes it impossible to feel truly free. Her husband, Benton, whose death remains a dangerous mystery, was deep in debt to the Black Hand, the vicious gangsters who controled New Orleans’ notorious Storyville district. Benton’s death has not satisfied them. And as the Mardi Gras festivities reach their fruition, a secret emerges that will cement the bond between Alice and Constance even as it threatens the lives they’re building . . . | Author: Diane C. Mcphail | Publisher: Kensington | Publication Date: Jun 27, 2023 | Number of Pages: 353 pages | Language: English | Binding: Paperback | ISBN-10: 1496738160 | ISBN-13: 9781496738165
12 Budget Friendly Home Improvement Ideas DIY
Easy ways to update your home decor on a budget. Check out these before and after makeovers for your living room, bedroom, kitchen, basement, closet and more.
Colore capelli 2018: tendenze e tinte da sfoggiare in estate!
Sono molti i colori di capelli premiati dalla primavera estate 2018, perfetti per accontentare bionde, castane e rosse. Ecco qui di seguito tutte le tendenze c…
Simple Mix & Match Garden Cocktail Party Bar
A quick and easy cocktail recipe for your summer garden party. This simple mixture of gin, citrus, simple syrup, and spirit that will impress your guests while keeping things light and refreshing.
Special Day Plate
Create a new tradition to celebrate all your special people on their special days! Use this plate again and again on birthdays, graduations, promotions, anniversaries and more. Sign and date the bottom each time it's used so you can look back through the years and remember all the memories shared together!
How we made $250k in 5 days using Hangouts – Female Entrepreneur Association
One of the things we're all trying to do as we grow our businesses, is expand our reach. I'm often trying out new marketing strategies to see whether they work for my business, and something that got me really excited recently is using Google Hangouts. I'd heard about how Yifat Cohen, the G+ Go To
A weekend in Berlin
A leisurely weekend in Berlin - what I did during a weekend in Berlin venturing past the city's main tourist attractions.
32 Low FODMAP Dinner Ideas (Chicken, Pasta & More!) | Feed Me Phoebe
Looking for easy low FODMAP meals with chicken, pasta or vegetarian recipes? I’ve got you covered with this list of 30+ low FODMAP ideas for dinner.
