An incomparable beauty. A promise to a king. A portrait that can never be completed.
When Emilia Lennox loses everything after her husband’s lands and title are confiscated, her beauty is her best bargaining chip with the only man who can restore their fortunes: King Charles II himself.
But the king’s favour comes at a price. He will pardon Emilia’s husband only if she agrees to be his mistress. Torn, Emilia comes up with a condition of her own: she will consent, but not until her portrait hangs among the famed Windsor Beauties, a series commissioned by the Duchess of York to showcase the fairest women in the royal retinue.
For Henry Greenhill, ambitious assistant to the court painter, the opportunity to paint Emilia’s portrait is a chance to step out of his master’s shadow. But his sitter proves as evasive as she is beautiful, and with barely a sketch to show for his efforts, Henry’s career is on the line.
As the king’s patience wears thin, it’s clear that more than creative talent will be needed to capture this incomparable beauty on canvas…
From the bestselling author of The Lace Weaver comes this seductive story of rivalry, artistic passion and a woman bold enough to wield her beauty as a weapon.
Buy a copy of The Beauties here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
The Beauties by Lauren Chater I’ve loved all of Lauren Chater’s previous books and The Beauties is her latest work and it is definitely a must-read. I love that she can take a period of history and it’s people and bring them back to life through her writing. Treason, loss, love, friendship, professional rivalry, and choices made for survival. This is a story that is full of history and its events but told from a personal perspective of each of its characters. Emilia Lennox a talented and beautiful woman. Henry Greenhill understudy to court painter Peter Lely. King Charles II. Anne Hyde Duchess of York who commissioned ten paintings of the most beautiful women in the entourage, The Windsor Beauties. Between London and The Hague when many nobility are in exile through unrest in England. This story tells their story and it kept me interested and invested in it’s characters from beginning to end. I highly recommend Lauren Chater’s latest book The Beauties. Kylie, SA, 5 Stars
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and this novel did not disappoint. Beautifully structured and descriptive, it transports the reader to seventeenth-century London and The Hague as it weaves fact and fiction together, following the lives of three main characters, set against the backdrop of power struggles for the English throne. One of the compelling aspects of the novel is its exploration of the societal expectations and constraints placed upon women during this era, intricately woven around the theme of ‘beauty.’ The complexities of beauty in a patriarchal society are masterfully depicted by those who desire it, those who resent it, those whose ambition it is to immortalise it on canvas, and those who not only possess it but who are bold enough to wield it as a weapon. ‘The Winter Dress’ is the only other Lauren Chater I’ve read – I enjoyed this one even more, so her other works have earned a place on my ‘to read’ list. Kylie, VIC, 5 Stars
The Beauties by Lauren Chater is a delightful and enthralling story set in the 17th-century court of King Charles ll. Anne Hyde, the Dutchess of York commissions paintings of the most beautiful women in the entourage. Emilia Lennox arrives at court to convince the king to restore her husband’s estate that had been confiscated. The king wants her to become his mistress but Emilia adds the condition that her own portrait is done and hung with other portraits. This is a beautifully written historical novel that is a wonderful read. Gai, NSW, 5 Stars
A delightfully interesting view of 17th-century history, The Beauties is a moving look into the lives of some of Europe’s most interesting personalities. In this novel, Chater discusses what it means to be a woman in a man’s world and the need for love and understanding on the journey to finding one’s self. Shannan, NSW, 5 Stars
For lovers of historical fiction Lauren Chater’s “The Beauties” is the book for you! Set in Chrles II’s seventeenth court, The Dutchess of Yory, Anne Hyde commissions a series of paintings of ten buatiful women in her entourage. Anne, herself is an interesting women who tries to fit in to her new role. Flicking ahead a couple of years is Emilia Lennnox who makes a deal with the King to become his mistress to save her husband’s estate. The cavet being her portraihangs amongst the beauties first. Enter the ambitious painter Henry Greenhill assigned to paint Emilia’s portrait and sparks begin to fly. The story is filled with strong women and colourful characters to take the reader down the path of a time and place that comes alive again through the story. Jennifer, QLD, 5 Stars
Art really is beauty in The Beauties by Lauren Chater, which is a stunning read from start to finish. The story is told from different characters perspectives, with each chapter labelled by name, location and date which helps set the scene. Reading of their beginnings, helped me understand where they are now and the importance of their actions to where they are going. The passion flows through this story, as each character wields what they have for what they believe, with those that are brave seeing reward. Their individual stories all weave beautifully to the end point, with mystery, intrigue, and art all playing a role. This was a luxurious tale, and I can only wish that an illustrated version become available. Jodie, WA, 5 Stars
This is the first Lauren Chater book that I have read, and I was not disappointed. As one of the main characters in the book commented, “the sensation of losing oneself for a few hours in someone else’s imagination is like a powerful restorative.” I certainly experienced similar feelings while reading this book. Set in Europe during the mid-1660s, the novel tells the story behind the creation of a series of fictionalised portraits called “The Windsor Beauties.” Told through three interconnecting perspectives, the novel discusses the struggle that women faced to be defined by more than their beauty. Following the experiences of Emilia Lennox as she seeks to restore her husband’s confiscated lands and title, up-and-coming artist Henry Greenhill and Anne Hyde, who would later become the Duchess of York, I found the characters, imagery and pace of the novel to be excellent. I was probably most invested in the Anne Hyde’s story as the novel went on and I particularly enjoyed her relationship with artist Peter Lely and her development of inner strength. Overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable and satisfying read. I would recommend to other readers who have enjoyed the writings of Phillipa Gregory, Jean Plaidy and Jackie French. Kaylie, NSW, 5 Stars
An interesting read that explores the challenges and struggles of two beautiful women in a seventeenth-century aristocratic society and the artist, in a master’s shadow, who has been tasked with capturing their beauty on canvas. Joanne, VIC, 5 Stars
I really appreciate this novel The Beauties. “There are more important things in life than names. Things like loyalty and sacrifice, beauty and art, courage and endurance, galleries of paintings waiting to be explored…” I did really enjoy reading about Emilia in 1600s England. What an intricate woven intelligent novel and Lauren Chater should be proud. Preeya, QLD, 5 Stars
A fabulous and entertaining read. Lauren has used a historical event and a period from history to write an engrossing tale that was a pleasure to read. Judy, QLD, 5 Stars
Emilia Lennox loses everything in her life. Her lands and her title. Emilia appeals to the king’s favours but it comes at a price. The king agrees only if Emilia becomes his mistress. Emilia also puts her condition on the deal as well by having the King have beautiful portraits painted of her to hang among the beauties of the York Court. A tale of twists and turns at every corner. A brilliant novel by Lauren Chater. Well recommended. Noeleen, WA, 5 Stars
This book was a great engaging read and written well. The setting is 17th Century London and The Hague during Charles II restoration period. The characters include Emilia whose husband’s family have had their titles and estate removed for harbouring a traitor. Anne Hyde, Duchess of York features as well as one of Princess Mary’s ladies in waiting, and also Henry Greenhill, as assistant painter. He works for Dutch court painter Peter Lely who paints a series or portraits called The Beauties to be hung at Windsor. This book explores the struggles for the women at this time. It is a great historical fiction and the setting is described so well. It is noticeable that it is well-researched and explores art history. A great read which I recommend highly. Maryanne, VIC, 4 Stars
This novel is set in the 17th century. In a world where beauty is a woman’s only currency, who pays the price? The introduction of the heroine, Emilia Lennox, begins in 1662 in West Sussex, UK. Her husband Robert is often away visiting friends in the country, leaving his wife of 7 years at home. Home is Walden House, Robert’s parents, Sir John and Lady Agnes and their many servants. It is discovered by the Royal Court , that forebearers of Walden Hall had not been loyal to the previous King Charles 1 reign . So Walden was confiscated, losing their land, titles and bulk of possessions. In London, Emilia managed to have an audience with the King and plead for the injustice done by relatives not living and regain their land and titles. In London, she stays with her childhood friend Arabella, who is now an actress. When the king meets Emilia, he is so infatuated by her beauty, grants her wish, wants his royal artist to paint her portrait, and she is to become his mistress. Emilia has her own conditions to be met – her portrait is to be hung among the famed Windsor Beauties. LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN. Edith, SA, 4 Stars
I went it to this book thinking it would be another Girl With a Pearl Earring, which I am a big fan of. There were some similarities in style. The Beauties is based on a real life series of paintings painted for King Charles the Second in 17th Century England which are now known as The Windsor Beauties. The story definitely gave insight in to the artist’s studio and the process of producing such a series of paintings at that time. What I particularly loved about this story was the focus on women’s lives and the following of a few key fascinating characters as they tried to make decisions about how they wanted to live their lives, and the circumstances that hampered them. The theme of beauty, what it was, what it meant and how it related to power engaged me just as much as the plot and storyline and my wish to find out what would happen next for all the characters. I really enjoyed reading this historical fiction and will look out for the author’s other books to read. Rebecca, QLD, 4 Stars
This story is set in 17th Century London and The Hague during Charles II restoration period. It tells the perspectives from three main characters. Emilia whose husband’s family have had their titles and estate taken away for harbouring a traitor. We also have Anne Hyde, Duchess of York and one of Princess Mary’s ladies in waiting, and also Henry Greenhill, an assistant painter trying to make a name for himself, and working for Dutch court painter Peter Lely, who is commissioned to paint a series of portraits called ‘the beauties’ to be hung at Windsor. Emilia travels to London to hold court with the King, whom is immediately taken by her beauty. He agrees to restore the families estate, if she will be his mistress. But, she has condition of her own that her portrait be painted and hung with the other ‘beauties’. We follow two beauties stories in Anne and Emilia, where they learn to navigate society and forge a path forward in a world that values beauty so highly, and where beauty is regarded as a woman’s only currency. But they learn that beauty, whilst it can harbour lots of unwanted attention and leave them vulnerable to being exploited, it can also be a source of power, and more than that, a woman can use her wit and intelligence to be respected. Overall, I enjoyed learning about this period, it gave insight into the roles and struggles of women of the time, not unlike a contemporary setting. The story is told beautifully, as historical and fictional characters are woven in, and the descriptions and setting makes you feel as if you are right there. Very well researched, especially with the glimpses into the art history aspects, it felt like a real history lesson. Melissa, VIC, 4 Stars
Who says it’s wrong to use ones beauty to their advantage? In a time when women were little more than the property of the men in their lives, this novel follows the journey of Anne from 1654 and Emilia from 1662, as well as Henry, a talented artist who through the actions of Anne, crosses paths with Emilia. Anne, the daughter of a political advisor to the late King Charles I, is a lady in waiting to Charles 1’s daughter, now Princess Mary of Orange living in Holland’s Dutch court. Young and naive, she learns much about love and lust in her journey back to England. Emilia is the wife of a disgraced nobleman, whose family titles and lands were stripped due to their actions during the reign of Thomas Cromwell. She begs the reinstated King, Charles II, to return her husbands land and titles and he agrees, on one condition. She become his mistress. Love, beauty and art sit at the heart of this novel, and the power of a clever woman reinforces that beauty can also include brains. Jessica, QLD, 4 Stars
This is the second novel I have read from Lauren Chater after enjoying “Gulliver’s Wife” a while back. Now romance stories do not grab me at all but I can tolerate the genre when it is told with great settings and historical detail that really sets the time and place. I love sorting the fact from fiction and researching the events and characters that are unfamiliar to me. It is refreshing to see the period just before and during the Restoration through the eyes of our three characters, two “Beauties” (who are actually much more)…. Anne Hyde the Duchess of York and Emilia Lennox, charged by her disgraced husband to petition the King for the restoration of his estate and title at any cost, and Henry Greenhill working at a busy art studio under Peter Lely, commissioned to paint a series of portraits known as the “Windsor Beauties”. I learnt some art history and also a little of the dramatic tradition of the playhouse, felt immersed in the machinations of the exiled court in The Hague and its subsequent joyous return to London and followed the highs and lows of our protagonists as they sought happiness and love despite all odds. Lesley, QLD, 4 Stars
I love historical fiction and this book combines the things I love the most: I don’t want to just be told a story – I want to feel as though I can see, hear, smell, and experience what the characters do; I like there to be a connection to ‘real’ figures in history, even if their story is not completely factual; and I think it’s important for historical fiction characters to have depth, or that they are fleshed out well, because I like to put myself in the story and need more from a character in historical fiction, than a modern story. This book delivered. The way this story weaves the art world with the thought at the time that a woman’s worth is directly attributable to their beauty (well, not just at that time, really), only to have the protagonists learn that is not the truth, was very well written. I feel like the writing is deceptive, like nothing but everything was happening at the same time. I enjoyed both Anne and Emilia’s storylines and felt like they were believable characters, doing what needed to be done to get by and get the best for their lives. Aotea, QLD, 4 Stars
Set in the 1600 during the exile and restoration of King Charles II, The Beauties tells a story of two woman as they work to find themselves in a society where a woman’s beauty is her only currency. Told through the perspectives of Anne Hyde, one of Princess Mary’s ladies at The Hague, Henry, an artist working with his master to paint The Beauties and Emilia, a woman travelling to London to seek audience with The King, The Beauties gives an intriguing insight into the lives of women at that time. While the multiple timelines confused me a bit at the beginning, once I got into the story, I could see how they converged together and linked all the characters. I liked that there was a similarity to Anne and Emilia in how their beauty was a part of their innocence and naivety at the beginning and how they also used it as a chance to grow, embracing it in their own ways. It’s a beautiful story and is a fun light read that sheds some light on English history at the time when the royal family were exiled from England. Liat, NSW, 4 Stars
This is the third Lauren Chater novel I have read and once again she has done a wonderful job. This is an historical fiction told from the viewpoint of 3 characters. Anne Hyde is the Duchess of York and she has commissioned a set of paintings “The Beauties.” Emilia Lennox has come to London to have her husband’s estate restored. Henry Greenhill is an artist and assistant to Peter Lely the court painter. Their worlds collide in the court of King Charles II. The author delves into the world of portrait painting which was really popular in the seventeenth century. The descriptions are detailed and the language is appropriate to the time. We learn about Anne’s back story and dip into the world of London theatre at that time. It is a interesting look at the role of women in society as well as a story of love and art. Yvette, TAS, 4 Stars
I loved this book. There were three loosely intertwining storylines that gradually pulled together over the course of the novel, and all three were intriguing in and of themselves. The writing was accomplished, the characters unique and the historical context interesting without being overbearing (or the author trying their hardest to stuff all their knowledge of the era into the novel unnecessarily). Great work. Cathryn, TAS, 4 Stars
The Beauties by Lauren Chater was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed how the author wove true events throughout the story in a compelling manner which didn’t feel like a history lesson. With every page I was compelled to continue reading to learn more about these characters. I did find the chapters on the long side but this is more of a personal preference. Hannah, NSW, 4 Stars
Fascinating historical fiction. It is always interesting to read about how things were done in an earlier era. The settings are very well described and I was imaging me as part of the court. Anne’s naivety regarding certain issues and how men treated women in general was well written. A bit far fetched that the king would wait that long for Emilia to keep up her part of the bargain. I liked how Anna’s, Emilia’s and Henry’s stories show the aspects on how they ended up where they did. Overall, a very good book. I was lucky enough to be given this book to review, as it is not a genre I usually read. Sandra, NSW, 4 Stars
The story is set in the 17th century in both London and The Hague. Emilia is the wife of the former Earl of Lennox who has lost his title and the property Walden which he had inherited. He is deemed a traitor for having harboured a known regicide. Emilia travels to London to beg King Charles 11 to restore their fortunes. The King is taken by her outstanding beauty and agrees but only on the condition that she becomes his mistress. Emilia agrees to the Kings proposal but only if he arranged to firstly have her portrait painted to hang with others in Windsor Place where the Duchess of York has a collection of paintings known as ‘The Beauties’. Henry Geenhill is the assistant to the court painter and helps Emilia in delaying the finishing of her portrait. He is also taken by her natural beauty and her great interesting in painting techniques. The other story within the novel is one of the beauties Anne Hyde who serves as lady-in-waiting to Princess Mary in Holland’s Dutch court. It is here where she meets the Duke. I found this a most interesting book and will be greatly enjoyed by lovers of historical fiction. Marg, VIC, 4 Stars
This is the first book that I have read that is set in the 17th Century. It’s not an era that particularly interested to me, until reading The Beauties. The book provided a great education on this period in history. The skullduggery behind the grab for power of the royal throne was interesting to read. But what I enjoyed more was learning about the role of women during this era. Women’s lack of economic power left them extremely vulnerable to exploitation. It is little wonder that many learnt to use their beauty and sexuality to improve their social and economic position. Organising the book into chapters focused on the stories of Anne and Emilia, parallel though separated by 5 years, led me to think that the time frames and women were going to intersect more overtly toward the end of the book. I was surprised and perhaps a little disappointed when this didn’t happen. Despite this, The Beauties was a very enjoyable read. Joanne, QLD, 4 Stars
This was an enjoyable read and a fascinating insight into life in the 1660’s. Women’s struggles to survive in an era where men thought they were rulers of their kingdoms. A story where women come together to support each others lives and dreams with a love story thrown in. Definintly worth a read. Jo, VIC, 4 Stars
I have just finished The Beauties and enjoyed it. Set in an era when women were treated like a second class citizen. Women relied on men for everything and had to marry for a roof over their heads and were treated terribly. Emelia the main character was a strong woman whose life was controlled by men. The king thought he could buy any woman he desired and took what ever he wanted for his own desires. I enjoyed the history lesson in this book but l am glad l live in the 21st century. Kaye, VIC, 4 Stars
The Beauties is an intriguing story of how beauty is used in the 1600’s to create a satisfactory life for women during the downfall of a King and the misfortune of being betrayed by those with influence and the return to favour of the King. It’s also about artists and their use of their talents to gain favour. Then the plague that killed so many but saved some from betrayal. It may have been the beginning of when women gained power from their talent rather than only their beauty. Gloria, SA, 4 Stars
The Beauties is a great choice for fans of historical fiction and love stories. I loved the resilience shown by Emilia and Anne despite their situations. The detailed descriptions of the places, people, language and costumes transported me back in time to the seventeenth century. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Beauties. KJ, QLD, 4 Stars
The Beauties transports the reader to the 1660s, and the court of Charles 11. It is the story of a woman, Emilia, who is trying to assist her husband in regaining his lands, after they were confiscated by the crown. Emilia finds herself trying to avoid becoming the kings mistress, and hatches a plot to delay him until after her portrait is completed, to hang with the other Beauties. I really enjoyed this story, told from the perspective of a number of the principal characters in the book. The characters are believable, and likable, making this a historical novel well worth reading. I would definitely recommend The Beauties to anyone with an interest in historical fiction, and in how women of the time had to manage their lives when they were held to be subservient to men. Karen, VIC, 4 Stars
Interesting novel that is well written and has lots of colourful characters to follow on their journeys (especially Anne & Emilia). A little confusing to follow at times but overall a good solid read and a nice escape from reality! Bianca, NSW, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed it! The setting was really interesting and well described. I loved reading about Anne’s life in the court and I learned a lot about the royals in this period. The theme of strong women at a time when women had little power was wonderful (if occasionally a bit hard to believe). Henry was just gorgeous and his relationship with the apprentices was wonderful. Honestly Emilia’s story was the weakest and least interesting to me, but bits of it (Robert’s manipulation and her relationship with Arabella) were still excellent. Kestrel, NSW, 4 Stars
This was not a book I would normally read but I am glad I did .it kept you guessing had a touch of history and I really enjoyed reading it. Sharon, NSW, 4 Stars
It took me a little while to get into this book but once I did I enjoyed it. It was interesting to read a book from the 1600’s where women were claiming their rights when all of life was in men’s favour. The 2 heroines of the book- Anne and Emilia- were inspirational in the way they forged their own way in life irrespective of what society expected of them. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical romances and those interested in the processes painters go through to produce the final painting. Rhonda, VIC, 3 Stars
Historical fiction at its best, where women had little chance of prospering unless they found a suitor, but even this is not always enough. Blessed with beauty, there is still a price one must pay and consol oneself of the choices made. A happy ending one hopes prevails. Maryanne, NSW, 3 Stars
“The Beauties” is a lush historical fiction. It’s not a fast-paced novel, but an interesting one. It’s highly satisfying when finally we see in the last pages how the stories we’ve been following dovetail. Readers with a passing familiarity with the time period and significant historical events will probably enjoy this a little more. There’s enough information to follow the story whether you have any historical knowledge or not. However, knowing a bit about what’s going on in the background will add depth and color to the novel. The pace is on the sedate side; there’s not a lot of action. This is a character-based novel, set in a time when people’s behaviour was highly constrained by social mores. This treads some familiar ground, such as the double standards imposed on men and women. This tends to be particularly familiar ground – almost unavoidable – in historical novels, and Chater doesn’t linger over it much. You’ll enjoy this if you appreciate well-researched historical fiction with a focus on characters. The pacing suits the story being told, and the language is modern without being obtrusive. The characters are strong, and most are engaging. Lorraine, ACT, 3 Stars
The Beauties by Lauren Chater is set at the court of King Charles II. The story is brought to life via three narrators who each provide a vivid description of seventeenth century life – having finished the book, I think it may have been a richer story told from the perspective of only one, as at times the story felt as though it were being disrupted when switching. Overall though an enjoyable read. Jennifer, QLD, 3 Stars
“The Beauties,” by Lauren Chater transports the reader back in time to the 17th century and the court of King Charles II. However, although the story centres around the natural beauty Emilia and those in her orbit, what fascinated me was the parallel to today. There is much lamentation about modern women getting Botox and fillers to enhance their appearance but women in in the 17th century were also under pressure to look a certain way. Lauren Chater has captured the spirit of the 17th Century and the court of King Charles II and I enjoyed the references to real life characters and actually googled more information about them. It was a good read but would probably interest people most who have a passion for historical novels. Susan, NSW, 3 Stars
Historical fiction isn’t my usual cup of tea, but Chater’s easy writing style sucked me in. A story about the power and cost of beauty. Mopsy, VIC, 3 Stars
The Beauties gives us an insight into the world of the seventeenth century. Told from the interwoven three perspectives of Anne, Emilia and Henry, we follow along as Emily has her portrait painted by Henry as part of a series of portraits commissioned by Anne, a portrait she does not want completed. Historical fiction is not my favourite genre, but this novel was easy to follow, the pacing was good, and the writing was such that it taught me about this time that I am not familiar with while still keeping me interested. It is a story of women, the roles they must play, royals, art, theatre and above all, love. Jodi, QLD, 3 Stars
Lauren Chater has written a great historical novel in The Beauties. An insight into power, privilege and beauty in the seventeenth century. Christine, WA, 2 Stars
The Beauties ties in the hardships faced by women the 1600s with the passion of art. Definitely a go-to book for lovers of Phillipa Greggory novels. Although I couldn’t really get into the book, that doesn’t mean it won’t appeal to others. I personally found the story a bit slow and felt it didn’t really go anywhere. However, I did enjoy the chapters from 3 perspectives, and seeing how they all joined together. Alexandra, TAS, 2 Stars
The Beauties by Lauren Chater, told in 3 different viewpoints – Anne, Emilia & Henry with alternating chapters for each person set in 19th century London. I struggled to really get into the story to be honest. The constant changing between Anne, Emilia & Henry got confusing at times. It was a story I tried to get into & enjoy, but unfortunately I just couldn’t. It is my first Lauren Chater novel, but definitely won’t be my last as I do plan on giving her other novels a go. Amanda, NSW, 2 Stars
I struggled with this story and liking any of the characters. I do appreciate the details the author has researched in providing typical accounts of 1660s, however this is not a book I enjoyed. Jonathan, NSW, 2 Stars
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