The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte by Ruth Hull Chatlien

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte by Ruth Hull Chatlien
ISBN: 9781937484163
Trade Paperback

Synopsis: As a clever girl in stodgy, mercantile Baltimore, Betsy Patterson dreams of a marriage that will transport her to cultured Europe. When she falls in love with and marries Jerome Bonaparte, she believes her dream has come true—until Jerome’s older brother Napoleon becomes an implacable enemy.Based on a true story, The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte is a historical novel that portrays this woman’s tumultuous life. Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte, known to history as Betsy Bonaparte, scandalized Washington with her daring French fashions; visited Niagara Falls when it was an unsettled wilderness; survived a shipwreck and run-ins with British and French warships; dined with presidents and danced with dukes; and lived through the 1814 Battle of Baltimore. Yet through it all, Betsy never lost sight of her primary goal—to win recognition of her marriage.[provided by the author]

My review: I thought this was a very good book and am glad I decided to read it. This is the first book written by Ruth and I will watch for others by her. The author did a good job with the historical detail of this book. This book will keep you engrossed and turning the pages as the author does a very good job of holding your attention. I did not even know about the Bonaparte so it was nice to read and learn about a new to me historical figure. Betsy was a strong woman and it really showed in the way this story was told. If you are a fan of historical fiction and/or strong women characters then this book is for you. 

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Ruth Hull Chatlien has been a writer and editor of educational materials for twenty-five years. Her specialty is U.S. and world history. She is the author of Modern American Indian Leaders and has published several short stories and poems in literary magazines. The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte (2013) is her first published novel.

She lives in northeastern Illinois with her husband, Michael, and a very pampered dog named Smokey. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found gardening, knitting, drawing, painting, or watching football. You can find Ruth on Website | Twitter | Facebook