I would like to share a new book with you called Champagne Widows: First Woman of Champagne, Veuve Clicquot (Champagne Widows Novels) by Rebecca Rosenberg (Author) that I received the PDF copy of from Voracious Readers in exchange for this review. Inside this post are my affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage from the products you purchase.
I’ve always loved learning about women from History like Rosie the Riveter, I love Pinup Girls which Charlie isn’t to crazy about. I was excited when I saw the information for Champagne Widows: First Woman of Champagne, Veuve Clicquot which is the perfect book to read during a Girls Club and don’t forget the Champagne. Although I preferred to read the book during Sunday Brunch with a Bellini.
For Charlie’s History Class I had him look up Champagne Widows to see if they really existed and I would like to let you know she did and we will be studying her this week and no, I do not condone minors drinking or but alcohol has been a part of our life’s since Jesus parted the Sea. I showed the book to David and Charlie and they liked the lady on the cover and said with her red hair she must have a heck of a temper which is true.
There is two books in this series and they can be read as stand-alone books which I like even though I plan on reading the other book in the series. This is a Historical Fiction and gave me new information to share with Charlie in his Homeschool History Class. Each chapter begins with a French saying, and its English translation. Some of them are unusual, but some are quite familiar to English speakers, such as “death by a thousand cuts” and “easier said than done.” Leading Charlie and I into looking for a French Class to take this year.
Champagne Widows: First Woman of Champagne, Veuve Clicquot takes place during rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Napoleonic Wars he fought to take over Europe through his exile to the Island of Elba in 1812. Our protagonist established the world-famous Veuve Clicquot Champagne Winery during this period in history, and they are making Champagne there to this day!The laws did not allow married women to own property but if you were a widow, it was legal. Because of this, Barb-Nicole had to make some very difficult decisions. Her father also had to make a lot of difficult political decisions along the way, as well, to survive the tumultuous times they lived. There is tragedy in the story but also perseverance of the women running a business in a time when it shouldn’t have happened.
I learned so much about Napoleon Bonaparte and the making of Champagne that I was able to impress my husband and for once. I’ve been able to share the book with my girlfriends and now they can’t wait to read the book and have asked to start a Book Club which I’ve been wanting to do for a while.
About the book:
Best Champagne Book of All Times. ~Book Authority Editor’s Choice Historical Novel Society
The First Champagne Queen’s Daring Legacy of Love, Loss, and Courage
Reims, France, 1800s. Young widow Barbe-Nicole Clicquot possesses an extraordinary gift: Le Nez, an exquisite sense of smell required to craft the world’s finest champagne. Despite crippling grief and laws against women owning businesses, she negotiates a way to take over her late husband’s struggling winery.
Napoleon’s Code shackles her with business restrictions, his wars strangle the economy, and competitors block her every step. Yet, Barbe-Nicole rises like a defiant bubble, confronting prejudice and even clashing with the Emperor himself.
Then, amidst the chaos, love throws a tempting yet perilous curveball: a passionate connection with her sales manager. But marrying him means forfeiting the winery, forcing her to choose between love and her life’s calling. Will Barbe-Nicole defy the odds and become the first female champagne mogul, or will her dream be crushed by Napoleon himself?
The captivating story of Veuve Clicquot, a woman who dared to rise above treacherous times, personal loss, and an emperor, leaving an indelible mark on the world of champagne.
“Barbe-Nicole is captivating, particularly with her inheritance of “Le Nez” and the effect on her life. From grapes to pigs, the adventures she gets into with her nose are fascinating and are described in detailed and engaging ways. The champagne empire she builds is admirable, as is her relationship with Francois and its challenges. ~ WRITER’S DIGEST
Meet the Author: Rebecca Rosenberg
Award-winning novelist, Champagne geek, and Lavender farmer. Rebecca first fell in love with Methode Champenoise in Sonoma Valley, California. Over decades of delicious research, she has explored the Wine cellars of France, Spain, Italy, and California in search of fine Champagne. When Rebecca discovered the real-life stories of the Champagne Widows of France, she knew she’d dedicate years to telling the stories of these remarkable women who made Champagne the worldwide phenomenon it is today. Rebecca is a champagne historian, tour guide, and Champagne Cocktail expert for Breathless Wines. Other award-winning novels include The Secret Life of Mrs. London and Gold Digger, the Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor.
“This effervescent historical novel paints a richly detailed portrait of the enterprising Veuve Clicquot. The twinned plots of Clicquot and Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise and fall are filled with detail that give life to this far-off time. The prose is light, yet detailed, and peppered with moments of wry humor. Rosenberg’s characterization of Napoleon is well-crafted and give his character new life. Clicquot’s character is charming, and readers will love getting to know her. Rosenberg has a superb eye for blending humor with drama.”
~Publisher’s Weekly BookLife Prize
“For anyone who loves champagne, a must-read novel about Veuve Clicquot.”
~ Judithe Little, best-selling author of The Chanel Sisters
“The Sun-drenched Vineyards of France, a real-life heroine who against all odds refuses to give up her dreams… and Champagne. What’s not to love? And that’s just what Rebecca Rosenberg delivers in Champagne Widows. Barbe-Nicole Clicquot was a woman ahead of her time, a fascinating blend of ingenuity, heart, and sheer tenacity, with a nose for Wine and a head for business. A 19th Century widow who built an empire as War raged all around her. Note: This richly woven tale is best savored slowly, though with all delicious things, it won’t be easy.” ~ Barbara Davis, best-selling author of The Last of the Moon Girls.
Champagne Widows is a witty, accomplished novel, featuring a tough and charming heroine of the first order. One can’t help but root for Barbe-Nicole, an astute businesswoman who brilliantly holds her own against none other than Napoleon Bonaparte. Although the events unfold two Centuries ago, the story feels so modern, the characters could be your friends and neighbors. As easy to love as a glass of Veuve Clicquot, this may be Rebecca Rosenberg’s best book yet. ~Michelle Richmond, best-selling author of The Marriage Pact
Champagne Widows is an inspired story based on the real-life Grande Dame of Champagne, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, who built her famous Champagne empire amidst the turbulence of 19th Century France. Barbe-Nicole is my kind of heroine: a woman with passion, courage, family loyalty, and a killer business sense. Rebecca Rosenberg’s sensual details make every scene of this intimate novel come alive. A true reading pleasure! ~ Martha Conway, best-selling author of The Underground River and The Physician’s Daughter
“Award-winning author, Rebecca Rosenberg returns with another Historical Fiction jewel in CHAMPAGNE WIDOWS. Meet the women who succeeded in creating world class Champagne in a time men ruled business and society. Lovers of history, romance, and French culture will relish the multi-layered plot and cast of characters including the ultimate French icon, Napoleon Bonaparte.” ~Johnnie Bernhard, award-winning author of Sisters of the Undertow
“Champagne Widows takes the reader back in time for an intimate look at the building of the iconic brand Veuve Clicquot. In the aftermath of Napoleon’s rise to power, Barbe-Nicole and her husband Francois share a vision of creating a Champagne that will astound the world. Despite War, death, blockades, and failed harvests, Barbe-Nicole ultimately succeeds. An epic story featuring love, family, and the sustaining power of courage. ~ M.K. Tod, author of Paris In Ruins and award-winning blog A Writer of History
“Just as a Champagne bottle pops bringing delectable flavors and delicious aromas, Rebecca Rosenberg delights the senses with her engrossing novel. She treats the reader to a perfect blend of history and story – with lots of Champagne! Sit back and savor the tale of Veuve Clicquot. Raise a glass to her and all the women, from history to the present, who have broken the mold and overcome obstacles to succeed in what was believed to be all-male professions.” ~ Linda Rosen, author of Sisters of the Vine
“Rebecca Rosenberg has penned a spectacular saga of the first of the “Champagne Widows” of France, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot. With her gift, known as Le Nez (the nose), Barbe-Nicole can “smell the stink of a lie or the perfume of a pure heart. Or the heartbreaking smell of what could have been.” Along with her expertise, she possesses courage and vision, overcoming incredible odds during the time of the Napoleonic Code, which left widows without property rights—in Barbe-Nicole’s case, her Champagne business. Seamlessly interwoven with historical letters from Napoleon, the book sweeps the reader into the early Nineteenth-Century world. But it’s her imaginative tale of Veuve Clicquot’s personal life that captured me and wouldn’t let go until the end, leaving me wanting more!” ~Susan Cushman, author of John and Mary Margaret
With crisp writing, Rebecca Rosenberg serves us the sparkling story of Veuve Clicquot, an independent woman of indomitable strength, determined to find her way in a man’s world. Champagne Widows is vintage storytelling. ~Jean M. Roberts, author of The Heron
“Rebecca Rosenberg transforms history into literary art. Her prose sparkles, bringing centuries-old characters to life with wit, heart and bon mots. Treat yourself to Champagne Widows, and marvel at Rosenberg’s gift for making every sense sing.” ~Carol Van Den Hende, award-winning author of Goodbye, Orchid
“Like the best Wines, Rosenberg’s Champagne Widows will entice you with its complexity as it balances the story of a widow’s determination to produce the world’s greatest champagne in the face of Napoleon’s path of destruction. If you love France, historical fiction, underdog stories, strong women, or Wine, then pop a cork to celebrate this perfect blend of a novel.” ~Mary Helen Sheriff, author of Boop and Eve’s Road Trip
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Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
