It is rare that I am captivated from the very first page, but I was. It is also rare that I am this invested in a story, but I was. With a fast paced life filled with lots of little boys, so many commitments, and a list of things I want or should do that stretches well beyond what is humanly possible I tend to select books that are quick totread oror a dare I say short. I asked around with those on the review team before agreeing to read this story. I am so grateful they had rave reviews about Allison Pittman and will always be grateful they encouraged me to pick up this bookPittman beautifully developed not one but two main characters in this novel. Cousins in the late 1700’s in France who are more like sisters that bicker, fight, love and hurt. Their crushes on the same men that grow in wildly different ways were masterfully developed and so enthralling to read about. I loved the way Pittman dipped in and out of each girl’s story. These tandem story lines kept me riveted. I also loved the different perspective on Marie Antoinette. Usually portrayed as a heinous queen she is humanized and motherly which is a different and unique perspective. The Women’s March on Versailles (an actual historic event) was brutal to read about, but that is a part of historical fiction that I appreciate most. Renee’s utmost devotion to the queen, was both bizarre and riveting. I am so grateful for a fiction story that leaves me wanting to learn more about a real historical event. And that leads me to read classics like A Tale of Two Cities. I have no desire to ruin the story for you, but every hope my pure enthusiasm for the author and this story in particular will lead you to grab a copy.I will tell you that Pittman has accomplished what she set out to do by ” ‘finishing’ other author’s works, fleshing out the stories of neglected characters.” The stories she chose to extend and explore took neglected characters and gave them the attention they deserve, creating beautiful tales of their lives and stories.The good news for me is that she has a “Sister Wife” duo and so many more that I can now add to my “to read” list! Again so many thanks to Celebrate Lit Bloggers for exposing me to yet another author who I now will follow with baited breath, and for a copy of the book. All these thoughts are honest and my own, and I hope they leave you wanting to READ!