When Maude Pichon runs away from provincial Brittany to Paris, her romantic dreams vanish as quickly as her savings. Desperate for work, she answers an unusual ad. The Durandeau Agency provides its clients with a unique serviceÑthe beauty foil. Hire a plain friend and become instantly more attractive.

Monsieur Durandeau has made a fortune from wealthy socialites, and when the Countess Dubern needs a companion for her headstrong daughter, Isabelle, Maude is deemed the perfect adornment of plainness.

Isabelle has no idea her new "friend" is the hired help, and Maude's very existence among the aristocracy hinges on her keeping the truth a secret. Yet the more she learns about Isabelle, the more her loyalty is tested. And the longer her deception continues, the more she has to lose.

Inspired by a short story written by Emile Zola, Belle Epoque is set at the height of bohemian Paris, when the city was at the peak of decadence, men and women were at their most beautiful, and morality was at its most depraved.

A YASLA William C. Morris Award Finalist

A Junior Library Guild Selection

ÒBoth touching and fun, this is a story about many thingsÑtrue friendship, real beauty, being caught between two worldsÑand it will delight fans of historical fiction.ÓÑPublisherÕs Weekly

ÒA refreshingly relevant and inspiring historical venture.ÓÑKirkus Reviews

ÒA compelling story about friendship, the complexity of beauty, and self-discoveryÉfull of strong female characters.ÓÑSchool Library Journal

ÒWith resonant period detail, elegant narration, and a layered exploration of class and friendship, this provocative novel is rife with satisfaction.ÓÑBooklist

ÒMuch to offer a contemporary YA audienceÉflirtation and match-making to tantalize romance fansÉprime book-club fare.ÓÑThe Bulletin

"This delectable Parisian tale left me sighting with sweet satisfaction. J'adore Belle Epoque!"-Sonya Sones, author of What My Mother Doesn't Know and To Be Perfectly Honest