{"title":"Allison Pataki","description":"\u003cp\u003eAllison Pataki's novels immerse readers in richly textured worlds where history and human drama intertwine. Through sweeping narratives and vivid characters, she brings to life the complexities of the past with a focus on remarkable women and the fortunes they navigate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExpect stories that blend \u003cem\u003ehistorical fiction\u003c\/em\u003e with compelling personal journeys, capturing the spirit of eras gone by while exploring timeless themes of ambition, love, and resilience.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-queens-fortune-by-allison-pataki-9780593128206","title":"The Queen's Fortune","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sweeping novel about the extraordinary woman who captured Napoleon's heart, created a dynasty, and changed the course of history—from the \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eSisi\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA sweeping novel about the extraordinary woman who captured Napoleon's heart, created a dynasty, and changed the course of history—from the \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Traitor's Wife\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Accidental Empress\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eSisi\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI absolutely loved \u003cem\u003eThe Queen's Fortune\u003c\/em\u003e, the fascinating, little-known story of Desiree Clary—the woman Napoleon left for Josephine—who ultimately triumphed and became queen of Sweden.\u003c\/em\u003e — Martha Hall Kelly, \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eLilac Girls\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the French revolution ravages the country, Desiree Clary is faced with the life-altering truth that the world she has known and loved is gone and it's fallen on her to save her family from the guillotine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA chance encounter with Napoleon Bonaparte, the ambitious and charismatic young military prodigy, provides her answer. When her beloved sister Julie marries his brother Joseph, Desiree and Napoleon's futures become irrevocably linked. Quickly entering into their own passionate, dizzying courtship that leads to a secret engagement, they vow to meet in the capital once his career has been secured. But her newly laid plans with Napoleon turn to sudden heartbreak, thanks to the rising star of Parisian society, Josephine de Beauharnais. Once again, Desiree's life is turned on its head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSwept to the glittering halls of the French capital, Desiree is plunged into the inner circle of the new ruling class, becoming further entangled with Napoleon, his family, and the new Empress. But her fortunes shift once again when she meets Napoleon's confidant and star general, the indomitable Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. As the two men in Desiree's life become political rivals and military foes, the question that arises is—must she choose between the love of her new husband and the love of her nation and its Emperor?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the lavish estates of the French Riviera to the raucous streets of Paris and Stockholm, Desiree finds herself at the epicenter of the rise and fall of an empire, navigating a constellation of political giants and dangerous, shifting alliances. Emerging from an impressionable girl into a fierce young woman, she discovers that to survive in this world she must learn to rely upon her instincts and her heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAllison Pataki's meticulously researched and brilliantly imagined novel sweeps readers into the unbelievable life of a woman almost lost to history—a woman who, despite the swells of a stunning life and a tumultuous time, not only adapts and survives but, ultimately, reigns at the helm of a dynasty that outlasts an empire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46511303688428,"sku":"9780593128206","price":32.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/4271853482399.jpg?v=1748818490"},{"product_id":"the-magnificent-lives-of-marjorie-post-by-allison-pataki-9780593355701","title":"The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post","description":"NATIONAL BESTSELLER . \"Marvelous . . .I just had to be there with the Post cereal heiress through every twist and turn.\"-Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls\n\n\"New-money heiress Marjorie Post isn't content to remain a society bride as she remakes herself into a savvy entrepreneur, a visionary philanthropist, a presidential hostess, and much more.\"-Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code\n\nMrs. Post, the President and First Lady are here to see you. . . . So begins another average evening for Marjorie Merriweather Post. Presidents have come and gone, but she has hosted them all.Growing up in the modest farmlands of Battle Creek,Michigan,Marjorie was inspired by a few simplerules- always think for yourself, never take success for granted, and work hard-even when deemed American royalty, even while covered in imperial diamonds. Marjorie had an insatiable drive to live and love and to givemore thanshe got. From crawling through Moscow warehouses to rescue the Tsar's treasures to outrunning the Nazis in London, from serving the homeless of the Great Depression to entertaining Roosevelts, Kennedys, and Hollywood's biggest stars, Marjorie Merriweather Post lived an epic life few could imagine.\n\nMarjorie's journey began gluing cereal boxes in her father's barn as a young girl. No one could have predicted that C. W. Post's Cereal Company would grow into the General Foods empire and reshape the American way of life, with Marjorie as its heiress and leading lady. Not content to stay in her prescribed roles of high-society wife, mother, and hostess, Marjorie dared to demand more, making history in the process. Before turning thirty she amassed millions, becoming the wealthiest woman in the United States. But it was her life-force, advocacy, passion, and adventurous spirit that led to her stunning legacy.\n\nAnd yet Marjorie's story, though full of beauty and grandeur, set in the palatial homes she built such as Mar-a-Lago, was equally marked by challenge and tumult. A wife four times over, Marjoriesought her happily-ever-after with the blue-blooded party boy who could not outrun his demons, the charismatic financier whose charm turned to betrayal, the international diplomat with a dark side, and the bon vivant whose shocking secrets would shake Marjorie and all of society. Marjorie did everything on a grand scale, especially when it came to love.\n\nBestselling and acclaimed author Allison Pataki has crafted an intimate portrait of a larger-than-life woman, a powerful story of one woman falling in love with her own voice and embracing her own power while shaping history in the process.","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47398050824428,"sku":"9780593355701","price":58.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/6546803482399.jpg?v=1773738640"},{"product_id":"it-girl-by-allison-pataki-9780593873410","title":"It Girl","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sweeping, sensational novel of America's first \u003cem\u003eIt Girl\u003c\/em\u003e, whose dramatic journey to centre stage echoes through the decades—from the New York Times bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"As stunning as the incomparable leading lady who inspired it... unputdownable, with a twist that will leave you breathless.\" - Emily Giffin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the dawn of the twentieth century, New York's streets teem with change—electricity, automobiles, the brash young President Teddy Roosevelt—and the It Girls. As artists' muses and working models, these independent young women soar to stardom not because of their pedigrees or inherited wealth, but because of their talent, charisma, and irresistible beauty. Pop culture is born, and in a world alight with Mr. Edison's new bulbs, no one shines brighter than America's sweetheart, Evelyn Talbot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut the journey to stardom is not simple or straight. While working as a shopgirl, the young Evelyn is recruited as a studio model and soon catches the eye of the preeminent artists of the age. When Broadway comes calling, Evelyn solidifies her status as the first self-made American female celebrity—the iconic Gibson Girl, the most sought-after figure and face of her time. Enter a parade of powerful and power-hungry men, from world-famous architect Stanley Pierce, the visionary behind Manhattan's mansions and iconic landmarks, to Hal Thorne, the shockingly wealthy railroad heir and premier \"playboy\" of high society. Each man promises comfort, glamour, security—even love. But fame and fortune are cruel teachers, and Evelyn learns that the only person she can rely on is herself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Evelyn finds herself at the centre of a murder of passion declared \"the Crime of the Century,\" she is blamed for the acts of the men in her life. In the media frenzy that spirals around her, Evelyn realises that to survive, she will have to write her own ending. But can this artists' muse turned showgirl pull off the greatest act of her life?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt Girl\u003c\/em\u003e is a breathtaking ride inspired by a singular artist and icon who captured the collective imagination of American society. Allison Pataki has crafted yet another unforgettable leading lady, a heroine who must find the power to change not only the world around her but her own destiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47463343063276,"sku":"9780593873410","price":85.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780593873410-it-girl.jpg?v=1775031303"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/allison-pataki.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}