Madame Aurora

Madame Aurora by Sarah Aldridge This novel begins in the year 1897 and details the lives of Elizabeth Beaufort and Hannah Morgan who have been lovers for 30 years. Their travels have led them to Washington D. C. where Liz, a historical scholar, intends to research material at the Library of Congress for her second book. However, their fortunes are at a very low point when Liz becomes ill. With little money and on the edge of being thrown out on the street Hannah makes a decision; she has always had a 'knack' for knowing certain things and becomes Madame Aurora, spiritual adviser. She quickly develops a large following and also becomes the adviser to a dying silver tycoon, Colonel William Head, incredibly wealthy and incredibly afraid of his coming death, and a bastard of the first order, doing whatever it took, including murder, to acquire his fortune. Daisy, the niece of the Colonel's wife, meets and falls in love with Nell, a librarian newly hired to catalog books at the Library of Congress. Daisy interacts with Madame Aurora, a constant visitor at her home while attending to her Uncle, while Nell is enthralled by Liz as she assists her in researching materials at the library. Sarah Aldridge has a distinct writing style, one which I adore and, as with her other books, the words fairly leapt from the page into my eyes. This captivating story of women in love is cast against the first fifty years of the women's movement. There is no graphic sex but this work is immersed in the joy of women loving women. I loved it and it's going into my collection for many future readings. On the hot meter this is a 3, on the love meter it's a 10. **Remember - if you want your favorite authors to keep writing for us they have to be able to earn a living doing it. Always buy a NEW book. I know it sucks but if you're not going to keep it in your collection recycle it.**