Jillian Cantor crafts compelling historical fiction, often delving into hidden secrets and personal betrayals. Her narrative style is characterized by engaging storytelling and a knack for bringing past eras to life. Readers appreciate her ability to create strong female characters navigating the challenges of their time. Her novels are known for their unexpected twists and emotional depth.
In a tale of love and ambition, a glamorous romance novelist and an aspiring starlet uncover a shared secret that intertwines their lives. As they navigate the complexities of their ambitions, the story explores the lengths they will go to safeguard their hearts amidst the challenges of fame and desire.
Exploring the life of Marie Curie, the narrative unfolds across two parallel timelines: one follows her actual pioneering journey in science, while the other imagines the repercussions of a pivotal choice she could have made differently. This dual structure not only highlights her groundbreaking contributions but also delves into the broader implications for both her personal life and the scientific community. The reimagining offers a unique perspective on the sacrifices and triumphs of a remarkable woman.
Can she rewrite the fate of the women who came before her? The once-rising literary star Olivia Fitzgerald is down on her luck. Her most recent novel--a retelling of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca--was a flop, her boyfriend of nine years just dumped her and she's battling a bad case of writer's block. So when her agent calls her with a high-paying ghostwriting opportunity, Olivia is all too willing to sign the NDA. At first, the write-for-hire job seems too good to be true. All she has to do is interview Henry "Ash" Asherwood, a reclusive mega billionaire, twice named People's Sexiest Man Alive, who wants her help in writing a book that reveals a shocking secret about his late grandmother and Daphne du Maurier. But when Olivia arrives at his Malibu estate, nothing is as it seems. The more Olivia digs into his grandmother's past, the more questions she has--and before she knows it, she's trapped in a gothic mystery of her own. With as many twists and turns as the California coast, The Fiction Writer is a page-turner that explores the boundaries of creative freedom and whose stories we have the right to tell.
When Jay Gatsby is shot dead in his West Egg swimming pool, it appears to be an open-and-shut case of murder/suicide when the body of George Wilson is found in the woods nearby. Then a diamond hairpin is found in the bushes by the pool, and three women fall under suspicion. Each holds a key that can unlock the truth to the mysterious life and death of the millionaire. Daisy Buchanan once thought she might marry Gatsby, before her family was torn apart by a tragedy that sent her into the arms of Tom Buchanan. Jordan Baker, Daisy's best friend, guards a secret that threatens to ruin her friendship with Daisy. Catherine McCoy fights for women's freedom, especially for her sister, Myrtle Wilson, who is trapped in a terrible marriage. Their stories unfold in the years leading up to that fateful summer of 1922, when all three of their lives are on the brink of unraveling. Each woman is pulled deeper into Jay Gatsby's romantic obsession, with devastating consequences for all of them
In Poland in 1891, Marie Curie (then Marya Sklodowska) was engaged to a budding mathematician, Kazimierz Zorawski. But when his mother insisted she was too poor and not good enough, he broke off the engagement. A heartbroken Marya left Poland for Paris, where she would attend the Sorbonne to study chemistry and physics. Eventually Marie Curie would go on to change the course of science forever and be the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.But what if she had made a different choice? What if she had stayed in Poland, married Kazimierz at the age of twenty-four, and never attended the Sorbonne or discovered radium? What if she had chosen a life of domesticity with a constant hunger for knowledge in Russian Poland where education for women was restricted, instead of studying science in Paris and meeting Pierre Curie?Entwining Marie Curie's real story with Marya Zorawska's fictional one, Half Life explores loves lost and destinies unfulfilled--and probes issues of loyalty and identity, gender and class, motherhood and sisterhood, fame and anonymity, scholarship and knowledge. Through parallel contrasting versions of Marya's life, Jillian Cantor's unique historical novel asks what would have happened if a great scientific mind was denied opportunity and access to education. It examines how the lives of one remarkable woman and the people she loved - as well as the world at large and course of science and history--might have been irrevocably changed in ways both great and small. --amazon.com
Set in a modern context, this contemporary romcom reimagines Jane Austen's classic Emma, exploring the intricate and often unpredictable nature of love. The narrative delves into the complexities of relationships and the challenges of matchmaking, all while maintaining a humorous and engaging tone. With a fresh perspective, it captures the essence of romance in today's world, making it relatable for a new generation of readers.
In 1931 Germany, bookshop owner Max meets concert violinist Hanna and falls in love, but Hanna is Jewish and Hitler is coming to power; in 1946 outside Berlin, Hanna wakes up in a field with no memory of the past ten years
Exploring the boundaries between reality and illusion, this narrative delves into the protagonist's awakening to a world that challenges their perceptions. As they navigate a landscape filled with unexpected twists, the story raises profound questions about truth, identity, and the nature of existence. Themes of self-discovery and the fragility of belief intertwine, leading to a gripping journey that blurs the lines between what is real and what is imagined.
“A gorgeous and thrilling novel… Perfect for book clubs and fans of The Nightingale.” –PopSugar A historical novel of love and survival inspired by real resistance workers during World War II Austria, and the mysterious love letter that connects generations of Jewish families. A heart-breaking, heart-warming read for fans of The Nightingale, Lilac Girls, and Sarah's Key. Austria, 1938. Kristoff is a young apprentice to a master Jewish stamp engraver. When his teacher disappears during Kristallnacht, Kristoff is forced to engrave stamps for the Germans, and simultaneously works alongside Elena, his beloved teacher's fiery daughter, and with the Austrian resistance to send underground messages and forge papers. As he falls for Elena amidst the brutal chaos of war, Kristoff must find a way to save her, and himself. Los Angeles, 1989. Katie Nelson is going through a divorce and while cleaning out her house and life in the aftermath, she comes across the stamp collection of her father, who recently went into a nursing home. When an appraiser, Benjamin, discovers an unusual World War II-era Austrian stamp placed on an old love letter as he goes through her dad's collection, Katie and Benjamin are sent on a journey together that will uncover a story of passion and tragedy spanning decades and continents, behind the just fallen Berlin Wall. A romantic, poignant and addictive novel, The Lost Letter shows the lasting power of love.
This historical novel follows Millie Stein, who befriends Ethel and Julius Rosenberg in 1947 New York. As the Rosenbergs face espionage charges, Millie navigates her own struggles with motherhood, trust, and political loyalty. Caught in a web of intrigue, she must fight for her beliefs and loved ones amidst chaos.