The Secret Life of Violet Grant: 1 (The Schuler Sisters Novels) Paperback – 5 May 2015

High society, a sex scandal and murder may be an over done storyline but Beatriz Williams in The Secret Life of Violet Grant adds in some original plot twists that really spices things up! This is historical fiction,pre-conceived WWI at its best!Beatriz Williams starts with dual era's; 1964 with the Vietnam War, and the age of awareness and female empowerment , and the Edwardian era, the time just prior to WWI. The latter era had many similarities for women's rights as did the 60's. Sprinkle in a high society family scandal and the quest to learn the truth about the mystery, a modern 60s career woman who shares many traits with her black sheep family member, and the intrigue that surrounded Europe just prior to when Austria declared war in the Balkans, Beatriz Williams created a fascinating story that captured my attention from page 1.The depth of personality Ms. Williams revealed in her characters was magnificent, a true work of art. I loved the snarkiness of her main character Vivien, especially as she refused to quietly acquiesce to her family's and society's trappings. Vivien is a woman we all can cheer on! And then there is Violet Grant, who is the subject of all this mystery. A woman trying to make a name for herself in a mens world of atomic physics, holding her own with the likes of Einstein and his colleagues. I was mesmerized!I also loved the romance, the struggle to open yourself up and trust a man when everything around you is screaming that he can't be trusted. But they say the heart wants what the heart wants and that is certainly a theme in The Secret Life of Violet Grant! And just when you think that all the characters are about to get their happily ever after, Beatriz drops a plot bomb on us , that has us catching our breath. I about came out of my chair, and I know I scared the dogs when I screamed "No" at just that spot!Along with the scientific race to split the atom, Beatriz includes military and civilian spies and double agents to the mix. The pre-war espionage, the sex scandle, murder, and escape from Germany before the war starts, sure got the adrenaline flowing. I really couldn't put this book down. I am not sure Ms Williams can top this book ! But I have wishlisted her next in the series already and I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt!

Ich habe als englisches Kindle Buch gekauft .Zuerst setze ich am Anfang 3 Sterne, die ich später bei vollen Zufriedenheit ändern werde !!Das Buch lese ich als Kindle App und bin zufrieden !

So many novels are essays in disguise these days. The writer feels compelled to narrate the plot, tell us all we need to know, rather than have the characters reveal themselves through actions and words, interacting meaningfully with other characters. Sometimes the author of the essay throws in a little dialogue, but the result is stilted, unsatisfying.That is not the case with this book. The reader lives the experience, rather than simply reading about it. The writer is clearly gifted, creates interesting original characters, and gifts them with witty dialogue that keeps us riveted to every page.The proof of this is that I can recall the plot and characters a week after finishing the book. Most novels I read disappear into forgetfulness within a day or two.Well worth the read.

What a wonderful story flows beautifully. Well deserved star's interesting and easy to read.Unable to put this book down.

The book was very entertaining and an easy read. I especially liked the link to history and the love story was nice too.