Overview

From A Vindication of the Rights of Woman to Frankenstein, a tale of two literary legends-a mother and daughter-discovering each other and finding themselves along the way, from USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Marie Thornton. From A Vindication of the Rights of Woman to Frankenstein, a tale of two literary legends-a mother and daughter-discovering each other and finding themselves along the way, from USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Marie Thornton. 1792. As a child, Mary Wollstonecraft longed to disappear during her father's violent rages. Instead, she transforms herself into the radical author of the landmark volume A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, in which she dares to propose that women are equal to men. From conservative England to the blood-drenched streets of revolutionary France, Mary refuses to bow to society's conventions and instead supports herself with her pen until an illicit love affair challenges her every belief about romance and marriage. When she gives birth to a daughter and is stricken with childbed fever, Mary fears it will be her many critics who recount her life's extraordinary odyssey... 1818. The daughter of infamous political philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft, passionate Mary Shelley learned to read by tracing the letters of her mother's tombstone. As a young woman, she desperately misses her mother's guidance, especially following her scandalous elopement with dashing poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Mary struggles to balance an ever-complicated marriage with motherhood while nursing twin hopes that she might write something of her own one day and also discover the truth of her mother's unconventional life. Mary's journey will unlock her mother's secrets, all while leading to her own destiny as the groundbreaking author of Frankenstein. A riveting and inspiring novel about a firebrand feminist, her visionary daughter, and the many ways their words transformed our world.

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9780593198421

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Reviews

A stunning homage to two legendary women writers-Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley-Her Lost Words is a poignant and page-turning work of historical fiction. Stephanie Marie Thornton's ability to bring historical women to life for the reader is unparalleled as she chronicles their passions, struggles, and legacy with impeccable research and emotional resonance. An extraordinary read! -Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of Our Last Days in Barcelona Stephanie Thornton once again delivers a compelling story of two women ahead of their time, bound by their words and their blood. Though Mary Shelley lost her mother Mary Wollstonecraft at birth, she had her feminist writings to sustain and shape her. One would be hard pressed to find two stronger or more significant female writers and both are brought back to life with elegant prose and wisdom under Thornton's skillful hand, making her one of my favorite historical novelists. -Renee Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces Immersive, elegant, engaging--readers will savor the details of this fascinating account of the making of two brave, brilliant women--mother and daughter--who defy the odds as authors and early feminists. -Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling author of Strangers in the Night An extraordinary work of historical fiction, weaving together the journeys of two brilliant thinkers and writers who lived and wrote with a daring that was centuries ahead of their time.... Thornton never disappoints, with that perfect blend of fine scholarship and creative flair that brings her characters, their work, their loves, and their losses vividly to life. -Christine Wells, author of Sisters of the Resistance A powerful and sympathetic account of two extraordinary women who fought to influence how 18th century politics and society regarded the roles of women. Stephanie Thornton doesn't merely breathe life into Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter Mary Shelley, she brings them blazing onto the page with all their ideals, flaws, and passions. No matter where the chapters are set - in England, Italy, or the terrors of the French Revolution -- this masterful narrative is hard to put down. -Janie Chang, bestselling author of Dragon Springs Road and The Library of Legends Praise for the novels of Stephanie Marie Thornton Thornton is a rare talent who always pairs fast-pace writing with excellent research, and A Most Clever Girl is a fascinating true Cold War story by a gifted storyteller. -Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette Take a firecracker of a plot and add to it the true story of a female double agent and the result is one explosive and unforgettable story. Elizabeth Bentley is a complicated and absorbing woman and her life as a spy for both the Russians and the Americans makes for a fascinating tale, told with immense skill by Stephanie Marie Thornton. -Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress Thornton's novel hews closely to the factual details of Elizabeth's life but adds the emotional underpinnings that make her more than a lurid headline....The wily Elizabeth snatches center stage and propels readers through the Red Scare and the opening years of the Cold War. Even though fictional, Thornton's interpretation rings true and tragic. Library Journal Twisty and well plotted, A Most Clever Girl...unravels the threads of love, espionage and complicated friendships in postwar New York. -Shelf Awareness And They Called It Camelot is the book club pick of the year. Stephanie Marie Thornton brings an American icon to life: Jackie the debutante, the First Lady, the survivor who at last becomes the heroine of her own story. -Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Huntress Stephanie Thornton has compellingly and sympathetically humanized an American icon. Well researched and beautifully written, And They Called It Camelot is compulsively readable historical fiction! -Laura Kamoie, New York Times bestselling co-author of My Dear Hamilton In her rich, fascinating account of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis' life, author Stephanie Marie Thornton effortlessly transports us back in time....A powerful and uplifting portrayal. -Woman's World This book grabbed me from page one and wouldn't let me go. A multi-dimensional imagining of the trials and triumphs of Jaqueline Bouvier Kennedy, And They Called It Camelot will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about this remarkable First Lady. Full of glamour, scandal, and heartache, this is a novel you will want to discuss with all of your friends. -Kerri Maher, Author of The Girl in White Gloves Students of history will appreciate Thornton's exacting research and convincing portrayal of the first lady and style icon, and Kennedy aficionados will feel as if they have an unparalleled access to Camelot. Thornton's magnificent portrayal of Onassis will delight fans of Kennedy-related fiction. -Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) And They Called It Camelot is a sumptuous, propulsive, scandal-filled peek behind the curtain of American royalty. Thornton gives the reader a fascinating look at the masks worn by those who live in the public life. One might not agree with all of Jackie's choices, but the force of her instinct for survival cannot be denied. -Erika Robuck, National bestselling author of Hemingway's Girl Her Jackie steps out of the pages a convincing, three-dimensional character, complete with contradictions and self-doubt. It's like reading her private diary - witty, warm and full of color. The shining heart of the novel is her love for (and frustration with) Jack, who is described as a golden figure, so sexy any of us would swoon at his feet. Their attraction is tangible and sizzling hot. All the way through, Stephanie's writing is vivid, with lots of memorable images (like those lemon-lipped Rah-Rah Sisters!). I'm going to have to go back and read it all again in a few weeks. -Gill Paul, Author of The Lost Daughter Tackling a larger-than-life person such as Jackie Kennedy is a daunting undertaking, and Stephanie Marie Thornton handles that challenge splendidly. Thornton's decision to have Jackie narrate her own story lends an intimate feel to the tale...a fascinating and personal portrait of one of America's most iconic women. -Bookreporter As juicy and enlightening as a page in Meghan Markle's diary. -InStyle

An extraordinary work of historical fiction, weaving together the journeys of two brilliant thinkers and writers who lived and wrote with a daring that was centuries ahead of their time.... Thornton never disappoints, with that perfect blend of fine scholarship and creative flair that brings her characters, their work, their loves, and their losses vividly to life. -Christine Wells, author of Sisters of the Resistance Thornton is a rare talent who always pairs fast-pace writing with excellent research. -Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette Praise for A Most Clever Girl Take a firecracker of a plot and add to it the true story of a female double agent and the result is one explosive and unforgettable story. Elizabeth Bentley is a complicated and absorbing woman and her life as a spy for both the Russians and the Americans makes for a fascinating tale, told with immense skill by Stephanie Marie Thornton. -Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress Harrowing anecdotes and juicy spycraft will keep readers turning the pages. Publishers Weekly Thornton's latest blends Cold War espionage thriller and biographical fiction into an engaging, difficult-to-put down story that readers will savor. ... Readers who enjoyed Lara Prescott's The Secrets We Kept (2019) will be engrossed by this biographical novel about America's Red Spy Queen. Booklist This rich, captivating story of loyalty, love and espionage based on true events! takes place during WWII and the Cold War. Woman's World John Le Carre has nothing on Stephanie Thornton. She takes the Cold War spy novel to a whole new level with this fast-paced, multifaceted drama about Elizabeth Bentley, the real-life Russian Spy turned FBI informant. Thornton gets to the heart of a woman seeking redemption after leading a tortured life of bad politics and impossible choices. I couldn't put A Most Clever Girl down and now I can't stop thinking about it. Bravo! -Renee Rosen, author of Park Avenue Summer Stephanie Marie Thornton's A Most Clever Girl, the harrowing tale of an American Cold War spy, is as moving as it is thought provoking. Brimming with danger, unexpected twists, and heart-shattering love, the pages of this novel all but turned themselves. Nuanced, complicated characters not only kept me guessing until the very end, but stayed with me long after I finished the book. Captivating and unforgettable, this is a must read! -Kristin Beck, author of Courage, My Love Thornton's novel hews closely to the factual details of Elizabeth's life but adds the emotional underpinnings that make her more than a lurid headline....The wily Elizabeth snatches center stage and propels readers through the Red Scare and the opening years of the Cold War. Even though fictional, Thornton's interpretation rings true and tragic. Library Journal With meticulous research and a rare gift for breathing life into historical figures, Stephanie Marie Thornton follows the true story of a complex and fascinating woman-American spy Elizabeth Bentley. Filled with danger, intrigue, love and loss, A Most Clever Girl is a powerhouse novel, exquisitely written and utterly gripping. -Christine Wells, author of Sisters of the Resistance Twisty and well plotted, A Most Clever Girl...unravels the threads of love, espionage and complicated friendships in postwar New York. -Shelf Awareness Praise for And They Called It Camelot And They Called It Camelot is the book club pick of the year. Stephanie Marie Thornton brings an American icon to life: Jackie the debutante, the First Lady, the survivor who at last becomes the heroine of her own story. -Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Huntress An extraordinary profile of the courage and grace of the indomitable Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, And They Called it Camelot is impeccably researched and richly drawn. Thornton celebrates the former First Lady's life in a sweeping account filled with poignant intimacy. Readers are instantly transported to Jackie's version of Camelot as they immerse themselves in the fascinating and tumultuous history of the times. An unputdownable, unforgettable read. -Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Train to Key West Addictive, dishy, and emotionally haunting, this novel paints an intimate portrait of a tumultuous marriage that played out on the world's stage and ended in national tragedy. Loving and losing one of history's most charismatic American presidents marks Jaqueline Kennedy's life ever after, but oh, how she rises up from the ashes. Vivid, engrossing, and utterly unforgettable, And They Called It Camelot is Thornton's best work yet. -Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling co-author of America's First Daughter Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis leaves an enduring (and intimidating) legacy; for a writer, finding something new and meaningful to say about her is a daunting task. Thornton harnesses her immense talent for historical fiction and combines it with a biographer's immersive research to create a rich portrait that is both intimate and thoughtful while also wildly addictive. I tore through these pages and you will too. Thornton gifts her readers with a fresh appreciation for the indomitable woman behind the iconic sunglasses. -Steven Rowley, author of The Editor Stephanie Thornton has compellingly and sympathetically humanized an American icon. Well researched and beautifully written, And They Called It Camelot is compulsively readable historical fiction! -Laura Kamoie, New York Times bestselling co-author of My Dear Hamilton In her rich, fascinating account of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis' life, author Stephanie Marie Thornton effortlessly transports us back in time....A powerful and uplifting portrayal. -Woman's World Thornton captures a celebrity with whom the world mourned in November 1963, but her down-to-earth approach has given us the opportunity for a more intimate and less sensational look at Jackie, the wife and mother. Highly recommended. -Historical Novel Society Even if you think you know the story of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, you're in for rare behind-the-scenes look at the former First Lady's life. Stephanie Thornton has channeled this iconic woman and delivers such an intimate portrait, at times I had to remind myself that this is a novel and not Kennedy's own memoir. Such an ambitious undertaking and Thornton not only pulls it off, she hits it out of the park. This book is nothing short of magical. -Renee Rosen, Author of Park Avenue Summer This book grabbed me from page one and wouldn't let me go. A multi-dimensional imagining of the trials and triumphs of Jaqueline Bouvier Kennedy, And They Called It Camelot will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about this remarkable First Lady. Full of glamour, scandal, and heartache, this is a novel you will want to discuss with all of your friends. -Kerri Maher, Author of The Girl in White Gloves Students of history will appreciate Thornton's exacting research and convincing portrayal of the first lady and style icon, and Kennedy aficionados will feel as if they have an unparalleled access to Camelot. Thornton's magnificent portrayal of Onassis will delight fans of Kennedy-related fiction. -Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) And They Called It Camelot is a sumptuous, propulsive, scandal-filled peek behind the curtain of American royalty. Thornton gives the reader a fascinating look at the masks worn by those who live in the public life. One might not agree with all of Jackie's choices, but the force of her instinct for survival cannot be denied. -Erika Robuck, National bestselling author of Hemingway's Girl Her Jackie steps out of the pages a convincing, three-dimensional character, complete with contradictions and self-doubt. It's like reading her private diary - witty, warm and full of color. The shining heart of the novel is her love for (and frustration with) Jack, who is described as a golden figure, so sexy any of us would swoon at his feet. Their attraction is tangible and sizzling hot. All the way through, Stephanie's writing is vivid, with lots of memorable images (like those lemon-lipped Rah-Rah Sisters!). I'm going to have to go back and read it all again in a few weeks. -Gill Paul, Author of The Lost Daughter Lush, smart, and sumptuously elegant, Stephanie Marie Thornton's And They Called It Camelot captures Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy's life in all its many complexities, drawing back the curtain on a legend to reveal the all-too-human woman beneath. A beautiful portrait of an American icon. -Bryn Turnbull, Author of The Woman Before Wallis And They Called It Camelot, by Stephanie Marie Thornton, is simply spellbinding. This intimate story of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis portrays a woman finding her way in a landscape dominated by men, and, with grace and astounding resilience, forging an identity the world will never forget. A tale of love and devastation, greatness and sacrifice, this remarkable novel will grip readers until the last page. -Kristin Beck, Author of Courage, My Love Readers will enjoy this heartbreaking story of a wife's fierce pride and loyalty to her president and country, despite years of marital loneliness and loss. -Library Journal Thornton brings Jackie's compelling voice to life. -BookTrib Tackling a larger-than-life person such as Jackie Kennedy is a daunting undertaking, and Stephanie Marie Thornton handles that challenge splendidly. Thornton's decision to have Jackie narrate her own story lends an intimate feel to the tale...a fascinating and personal portrait of one of America's most iconic women. -Bookreporter Praise for American Princess As juicy and enlightening as a page in Meghan Markle's diary. -InStyle A rare behind-the-scenes tale of a spunky woman who relies on her independent spirit to face down each challenge with courage and grace. -Woman's World Readers who enjoy sweeping family sagas will devour this novel with its feisty protagonist and host of well-known historical figures. It comes highly recommended. -Historical Novel Reviews The wild, wonderful, outsize personality of presidential daughter Alice Roosevelt is on full and fantastic display in this lightly fictionalized take on her unapologetic, unconventional life....Alice herself would undoubtedly have loved this take on her unorthodox life-as will the many destined to read it. -Publishers Weekly An absorbing portrait of a woman who lived life on her own terms. -Booklist Readers will be enthralled by Alice's wit and adventures...as Thornton expertly weaves the events of her life. -Library Journal

"“A stunning homage to two legendary women writers—Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley—Her Lost Words is a poignant and page-turning work of historical fiction. Stephanie Marie Thornton’s ability to bring historical women to life for the reader is unparalleled as she chronicles their passions, struggles, and legacy with impeccable research and emotional resonance. An extraordinary read!"" —Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of Our Last Days in Barcelona ""A  beautifully crafted, spellbinding, heartbreaking tale of a mother and daughter whose paths tragically cross for only a handful of days—but who share the same passion, creativity, and thirst for understanding the depths of the human heart. This novel is a masterpiece I won’t forget, an ode to motherhood, to love, and to two brilliant women who changed the world with their words. One of the best historical fiction books of the year, and one that I’ll be thinking about for a long time to come."" —Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Forest of Vanishing Stars ""Stephanie Thornton delivers a stunning historical fiction with lyrical prose and vivid description that reveals the lives of Mary Shelley and her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft - both women of talent and intellect who seek equal rights in a world dominated by men. Set amid a cast of literary names we all recognize and love, Her Lost Words, is sure to be a reader favorite."" —Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Librarian Spy ""I could not turn these pages fast enough! The dual tales of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley are brilliantly interwoven by Thornton, whose prose sparkles with wit and wisdom about literature, romance, and family. The Marys are heroines for their time and ours, remarkable women with independent hearts and minds, true inspirations to anyone who dreams of making the world a better place."" —Kerri Maher, national bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller “As passionate and fiercely intelligent as its protagonists, Her Lost Words is a fitting tribute to two women whose literary achievements reshaped the world….Brilliant.” —Shelf Awareness “Thornton deftly maneuvers through her subjects’ lives in alternating chapters, highlighting the ways both women defy expectations regarding marriage, motherhood, and women’s roles in society. Readers who enjoy sweeping, emotional biographical fiction about iconoclastic women will be hooked.” —Booklist ""Stephanie Thornton once again delivers a compelling story of two women ahead of their time, bound by their words and their blood. Though Mary Shelley lost her mother Mary Wollstonecraft at birth, she had her feminist writings to sustain and shape her. One would be hard pressed to find two stronger or more significant female writers and both are brought back to life with elegant prose and wisdom under Thornton’s skillful hand, making her one of my favorite historical novelists.”   —Renée Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces “Immersive, elegant, engaging--readers will savor the details of this fascinating account of the making of two brave, brilliant women--mother and daughter--who defy the odds as authors and early feminists."" —Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling author of Strangers in the Night ""What a vibrant, immersive portrait of two brilliant women! Both highlights as well as humanizes the Marys' extraordinary achievements. A timely inspiration."" —Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman “A novel that explores the relationship between mothers and daughters and the human condition, Thornton grips our hearts with prose on love and loss, grief and survival, and the power of art and expression to heal our very souls. An extremely moving and enlightening novel that is an absolute must read!”  —Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author of The Mayfair Bookshop “Thornton brings a sense of urgency to the women’s inner lives, as well as a fair amount of insight into their work. Much has been written about the authors, but Thornton does justice to their singular lives.” —Publishers Weekly “Thornton writes lyrically about the two Marys, and readers will sympathize, deeply, with their struggles to find their own paths.” —Library Journal ""An extraordinary work of historical fiction, weaving together the journeys of two brilliant thinkers and writers who lived and wrote with a daring that was centuries ahead of their time.... Thornton never disappoints, with that perfect blend of fine scholarship and creative flair that brings her characters, their work, their loves, and their losses vividly to life."" —Christine Wells, author of Sisters of the Resistance “A powerful and sympathetic account of two extraordinary women who fought to influence how 18th century politics and society regarded the roles of women. Stephanie Thornton doesn’t merely breathe life into Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter Mary Shelley, she brings them blazing onto the page with all their ideals, flaws, and passions. No matter where the chapters are set – in England, Italy, or the terrors of the French Revolution -- this masterful narrative is hard to put down.” —Janie Chang, bestselling author of Dragon Springs Road and The Library of Legends ""A stunning novel about two towering real-life heroines, mother and daughter. Thornton brings Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley to vibrant life as women of searing intelligence and creative power, who make mistakes, take terrible risks, defy society and love immoderately. I feared for them, cried for them, admired them, and will be haunted by them. Thornton's research is meticulous, and her writing is a delight. I loved it and recommend it most highly."" —Maggie Brookes, author of Acts of Love and War Praise for the novels of Stephanie Marie Thornton “Thornton is a rare talent who always pairs fast-pace writing with excellent research, and A Most Clever Girl is a fascinating true Cold War story by a gifted storyteller.” —Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette “Take a firecracker of a plot and add to it the true story of a female double agent and the result is one explosive and unforgettable story. Elizabeth Bentley is a complicated and absorbing woman and her life as a spy for both the Russians and the Americans makes for a fascinating tale, told with immense skill by Stephanie Marie Thornton.” —Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress “Twisty and well plotted, A Most Clever Girl…unravels the threads of love, espionage and complicated friendships in postwar New York.” —Shelf Awareness “And They Called It Camelot is the book club pick of the year. Stephanie Marie Thornton brings an American icon to life: Jackie the debutante, the First Lady, the survivor who at last becomes the heroine of her own story.” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Huntress ""Stephanie Thornton has compellingly and sympathetically humanized an American icon. Well researched and beautifully written, And They Called It Camelot is compulsively readable historical fiction!"" —Laura Kamoie, New York Times bestselling co-author of My Dear Hamilton ""In her rich, fascinating account of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis’ life, author Stephanie Marie Thornton effortlessly transports us back in time….A powerful and uplifting portrayal.” —Woman’s World “As juicy and enlightening as a page in Meghan Markle's diary.” —InStyle"

Author Information

Stephanie Marie Thornton is a high school history teacher and lives in Alaska with her husband and daughter.

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