Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Spotlight and Giveaway: Mademoiselle Eiffel

We're pleased to celebrate the publication of Aimie K. Runyan's latest historical fiction novel, Mademoiselle Eiffel. Whether or not you've visited the iconic Eiffel Tower, this story is sure to be of interest. Thanks to William Morrow, we have TWO copies to give away!

Claire Eiffel, the beautiful, brilliant eldest daughter of the illustrious architect Gustave Eiffel, is doted upon with an education envied by many sons of the upper classes, and entirely out of the reach of most daughters. Claire’s idyllic childhood ends abruptly when, at fourteen, her mother passes away. It’s soon made clear that Gustave expects Claire to fill her mother’s place as caregiver to the younger children and as manager of their home.

As she proves her competence, Claire’s importance to her father grows. She accompanies him on his travels and becomes his confidante and private secretary. She learns her father’s architectural trade and becomes indispensable to his work. But when his bright young protégé, Adolphe Salles, takes up more of Gustave’s time, Claire resents being pushed aside.

Slowly, the animosity between Claire and Adolphe turns to friendship…and then to something more. After their marriage in 1885 preserves the Eiffel legacy, they are privileged by the biggest commission of Eiffel’s career: a great iron tower dominating the 1889 World’s Fair to demonstrate the leading role of Paris in the world of art and architecture. Now hostess to the scientific elite, such as Thomas Edison, Claire is under the watchful eye not only of her family and father’s circle, but also the world.

When Gustave Eiffel’s involvement in a disastrous endeavor to build a canal in Panama ends in his imprisonment, it is up to Claire to secure her father’s freedom but also preserve the hard-won family legacy.

Claire Eiffel’s story of love, devotion, and the frantic pursuit to preserve her family’s legacy is not only an inspired reflection of real personages and historical events, but a hymn to the iconic tower that dominates the City of Lights.


"For anyone who has ever admired the Eiffel Tower, this fascinating tale of a woman ahead of her time will leave a mark on your heart, in much the same way that Claire Eiffel left her mark on the world." 
— Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter
 
“The story of one of the most iconic landmarks in the world is entwined not only with its architects but with the families of those who built it. Its creation is due in large part to the efforts and support of Claire Eiffel, a young woman forced to grow up too soon but who rose to the challenge. MADEMOISELLE EIFFEL shines a glorious light on an unseen woman from history.”
— Erika Robuck, National Bestselling Author of The Last Twelve Miles

 “Atmospheric, immersive, and brimming with fascinating details surrounding the construction of the Eiffel Tower, Aimie Runyan’s Mademoiselle Eiffel will delight historical fiction lovers. A powerful tribute to the incredible life and legacy of Claire Eiffel!"
— Chanel Cleeton, New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author 

Aimie K. Runyan is a multi-published and bestselling author of historical and contemporary fiction. She has been nominated for a Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Writer of the Year Award, a Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice selection, and a four-time finalist for the Colorado Book Awards. She is an adjunct instructor for the Drexel University MFA in Creative Writing program and endeavors to be active in the literary community in Colorado and beyond. She lives in the Rocky Mountains with her wonderful husband, two (usually) adorable children, two (always) adorable cats, and a dragon.

Visit Aimie online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here

Giveaway ends September 15th at midnight EST.

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15 comments:

Mary C said...

No, I have never been. It's on my list.

traveler said...

I haven't visited the Eiffel Tower but this is definitely on my list.

Toni Laliberte said...

I've never been there. I'd love to, though.

Michael Law said...

I've never been there but would love to.

Angie said...

I haven't been but would love to.

Mary Preston said...

It is on my list. I'd love to visit.

diannekc said...

I've never been to Paris, on my list of places to visit.

Deborah Wellenstein said...

I have never been to Paris. I no longer am able to travel, so it is not on my list.

Tatum Rangel said...

It's my dream to see the Eiffel Tower.

Lisa D said...

I've never been to the Eiffel Tower. In fact, I've never been to Paris! It is on my list of places to go though!

Nancy P said...

My ancestors are from France & I would rather visit the small villages than tourist attractions.

Emily Cheang said...

I visited Eiffel Tower during early 1990s, and it's magnificent and the golden moment of my lifetime!

holdenj said...

Yes, I have and I loved looking out over the cty.

Xia Lee said...

Have not but on the list

bn100 said...

yes