I am a die hard book lover. I love to read books. I used to read books all the time. Sadly my time is a bit more limited then it used to be so squeezing in quality time to indulge in a good book is not as easy as it used to be. None the less I make an effort to read as often as I can – whenever I can.
I tend to read a lot of books about true crime. I also enjoy books about animals, ghosts, science fiction and the occasional non-fiction.
Recently I received an interesting book to review. It’s called Madame Picasso.
In the bestselling tradition of The Paris Wife, Z, and The Aviator’s Wife, Madame Picasso illuminates the untold story of the powerful woman behind one of the most famous men in history. A veteran writer and historian, Anne Girard takes readers from the salon of Gertrude Stein to the glamorous Moulin Rouge and inside the studio and heart of history’s most influential artist. Part love story, part history, Madame Picasso is perfect for book clubs and reading groups.
The book was written by Anne Girard. In addition to being a writer Anne is a historian who holds a degree in both English literature and clinical psychology.
Here is a brief synopsis about the book.
Novelist Anne Girard brings to life the mesmerizing and untold story of Eva Gouel, the unforgettable woman who stole the heart of the greatest artist of our time.
When Eva Gouel moves to Paris from the countryside, she is full of ambition and dreams of stardom. Though young and inexperienced, she manages to find work as a costumer at the famous Moulin Rouge, and it is here that she first catches the attention of Pablo Picasso, a rising star in the art world.
A brilliant but eccentric artist, Picasso sets his sights on Eva, and Eva can’t help but be drawn into his web. But what starts as a torrid affair soon evolves into what will become the first great love of Picasso’s life.
With sparkling insight and passion, Madame Picasso introduces us to a dazzling heroine, taking us from the salon of Gertrude Stein to the glamorous Moulin Rouge and inside the studio and heart of one of the most enigmatic and iconic artists of the twentieth century.
I have to admit that this is not the genre of book that I would normally read. I’m not into romance novels nor am I into historical novels. Personally I think they would be boring to read. Surprisingly that is not the case with this book. I have been reading this book off and on for the past few weeks and like it, much to my surprise. I thought I wouldn’t be able to get into this story but it did sweep me up.
I don’t know too much about Picasso, the artist. I have seen his work but other then that I didn’t know much about him. I liked this little insight to the man, not just artist.
I actually visited the Moulin Rouge when I was in Paris back in the mid-80’s. It’s a beautiful building. Reading about it in the book was a great trip down “memory lane”. I was just a teenager when I visited the Moulin Rouge. After reading a bit about it in the book it only adds to my personal experience with the infamous Paris attraction.
If you would like to read an excerpt from the book you can read it here.
If you would like to learn more about Anne Girard you can visit her official website and check her out on Facebook. The official hashtag is #MadamePicasso.
Harlequin would love to help one lucky reader see the Golden Age come to life by giving away a “Golden Experience” Prize Package. The lucky winner will receive a copy of Madame Picasso PLUS a film collection including Moulin Rouge, Midnight in Paris, and The Great Gatsby.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end on October 11, 2014 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply or a new winner will be chosen in their place.
To enter please comment on this post and tell me why you’d like to win this prize package.
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the initial entry requirement or the additional entries wont’ qualify (I do check). Extra entries are optional.
Kimberly
*I received a free copy of the book to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way. Prizing & samples courtesy of Harlequin.
Cynthia R says
I’d like to win this prize pack because it sounds like a good book, I love to read. And I haven’t seen the Great Gatsby yet.
Robin Abrams says
I would love to win because these are some great movies
Danielle D says
I love all these and it looks like fun!
Michele L says
I saw this book on Goodreads – I’d love to read it and I’ve promised myself not to spend so much money on books…but it looks like such a good one!
Anne Marie Carter says
I would love to win this prize package because I love to read historical fictions.
Thanks for the chance…
Vicki Wurgler says
the book sounds good and I haven’t seen any of those films
Darlene Jones-Nelson says
I would like to win this because I have read a few reviews on other blogs and it sounds like it could be a good read!
Margie says
All these books look rich in history about this time period. The reader will learn a little as well as get a great story. Thanks for the giveaway.
D Schmidt says
I would like to win because I think I would enjoy these.
Jennifer Rote says
I’d like to win because the are all great movies.
Katie Amanda says
I’d love this prize because I’m an avid reader, and this book seems great. I also enjoy a good movie. Thanks!
sherry butcher says
I would like to win because a friend and I both love to read historical fictions. Then I have 3 friends who love the movies. TFS.
Nancy says
I’d like this prize package to learn more about Picasso’s life.
Dixie Neitzel says
I love to read and would love to win this prize!!
Joseph Stowell says
The book looks interesting and I would like to win the movies.
Olivia Hamilton says
Great post! I would love to win bc reading is my favorite past time plus i have only seen one out of the three movies! They are a great added bonus. Thank you very much!
bill norris says
the book sounds like a good read and i would totally enjoy the movies.
Geoff K says
I’d love to win this because I love biographical novels about obscure, fascinating figures behind their more famous spouses or family members! And the movies included are some of my favorites from the past few years, especially Moonlight in Paris!
Annmarie W. says
I loved the Aviator’s Wife…so I know I’d love this book too! And the movies would be an added bonus…and the Great Gatsby is my favorite book!
Carolsue says
I want to win because these are some of my favorite books/movies and I want to own them!
Nicole C. says
I would like to win because I have really been wanting to read this book. Also, those are some really good movies, especially The Great Gatsby!
Denise S says
I’d like to win because I love reading about all kinds of things.
Ken Ohl says
time for a few new books. thankyou, ken
darby says
It would be great on a rainy day!
Joanne Willey says
I love to read and these are classics that I have never read! I would love the chance to win these
Erica B. says
There are great movies in this pack!
Daniel M says
book sounds good but the Midnight in Paris is one of me mom’s fav movies!
Sarah Jestings says
I would like to win this for my best friend she would love this stuff.
Brittney House says
I really liked these movies and would love to add them to my collection.
jules m. says
Id love to read the book, and i LOVE all those movies!!
Michelle D says
I’d like to win because this sounds like a good book to curl up with and read this fall – and I love all those movies as well!
Karen Drake says
I would like to win because I really want to read the book, it sounds interesting.
Lisa says
I would love to own these films.
susan smoaks says
i want to win this because i love the great gatsby. i haven’t seen it since high school but it’s a great one.
Candice Hull says
I want to win because it sounds like an interesting book and I love all the movies and don’t own them
thank you
Susan Smith says
I would love to win because these are great movies
Leslie Davis says
Great movies and think I’d love the book. 🙂
Lisa Garner says
I would love to win because I like romance genre books and Madame Picasso sounds great.
Breanne says
The book looks interesting and I love those movies!
Erin M. says
I want to win because it sounds like a great book and I love the movies.
kathy dalton says
i WOULD LOVE TO WIN BECAUSE i LOVE READING AND THE MOVIES LOOK AWESOME
Sumer B says
I would love to win because I would love to add these to my collection.
Charlene Kuser says
I would like to win this giveaway because I have been wanting to read this book and love all the movies too.
Mihaela Day says
I’d like to win this prize pack because it sounds like a good book to read
Denise W says
Because I am a hopeless romantic and they will fulfill my need for such things!
Beverly Metcalf says
I would love to win this. Sounds like a really good book and some great movies! Thanks.
Trisha McKee says
Because I’m all about the Golden Age and this would be perfect for me to enjoy!
Sand says
I would like to win because I love those movies!
Bryan E. says
Thanks for the giveaway…my wife is a Francophile & would love to read the book; and we both want to watch the movies !