Mademoiselle Eiffel
A Novel
Aimie K. Runyan
368 Pages
On-Sale Date: 10/09/2024
ISBN: 9780063329287
Trim Size: 5.300in x 7.950in x 1.000in
From the author of The School for German Brides and A Bakery in Paris, this captivating historical novel set in nineteenth-century Paris tells the story of Claire Eiffel, a woman who played a significant role in maintaining her family’s legacy and their iconic contributions to the city of Paris.
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
“Mademoiselle Eiffel is a charming and affecting portrait of a young woman caught between the long arm of grief and her own hopes for her future, who is thrust into adulthood before her time and yet builds a life worthy of the tower that bears her family’s name. Comme le tour Eiffel, c’est magnifique!” — Bryn Turnbull, internationally bestselling author
“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 whips up a feast of a novel, full of the warmth and heart characters give each other during two despairing periods of French history. Recipes for boulangerie classics remind us of the power of simple ingredients, artfully assembled. Lisette and Micheline walk their own unique paths to happiness, fighting for their independence and finding loves that support their true selves. As delicious and satisfying as a perfect cup of chocolat chaud.” — Kerri Maher, international bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller, on A Bakery in Paris
“This captivating story is a tantalizing blend of history and culinary inspiration, weaving a poignant dual narrative that links two women to one Paris Bakery. From the pivotal moment of the Commune of Paris uprising to life in the aftermath of the world wars, Runyan provides a mouth-watering journey through French history with delicious baking recipes sprinkled throughout the narrative. This book is sure to satisfy your senses so don’t miss out on this delicious read!” — Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author, on A Bakery in Paris
“Two remarkably strong women—one under siege during the War of 1870 and the other struggling in the aftermath of WWII—both find strength and hope within the walls of a tiny Parisian bakery. With meticulous attention to rich historical detail, heartfelt characters and a page-turning tale that’s peppered with recipes, Aimie Runyan has the perfect ingredients for a most satisfying work of historical fiction.” — Renee Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces, on A Bakery in Paris
“The School for German Brides is a fascinating deep-dive into the German home front during World War II. Aimie K. Runyan deftly paints the details of Nazi-run Berlin through the eyes of two lovable heroines destined to cross paths at one of the Fuhrer’s sinister Bride Schools: independent Hanna, fighting her engagement to a high-profile SS officer tooth and nail; and Tilde, a resourceful Jewish dressmaker struggling simply to survive. Moving, unsettling, unforgettable!” — Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye
“In The School for German Brides, Aimie Runyan has penned the thoughtful and original story of an SS officer’s bride and a young Jewish mother, whose lives collide in unexpected ways in World War II Germany. This is a moving and memorable tale of sisterhood, strength and survival, which will resonate deeply with readers of historical fiction.” — Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue Star
