Confessions of a Courtesan

THIS BOOK HELD MY INTEREST FROM BEGINNING TO END. THE RESEARCH BY THE AUTHOR DEBORAH HALE WAS SO THOROUGH AND HAD TO BE A LOT OF FUN. I REALLY FELT CONNECTED TO ALL THE CHARACTERS AND WAS DELIGHTED TO FIND OUT THEY TRULY EXISTED. APPRECIATED THE EPILOGES ON EACH ONE. TEARS BEGAN TO FLOW READING THE ENDINGS. THANK YOU DEBORAH.....5 STARS AND MORE IF I COULD.

It was actually somewhat educational. I was interested in the birth control techniques used for the courtesans. It was also very sad the life that these women lived. When they got any disease, they were unceremoniously dismissed and thrown to the world as rubish.

While much is not known about Elizabeth Fox, this accounting was well researched and very entertaining. The author has brought life and vividness to a historical time of significance. Her characters are intriguing and she made the time and its history come alive. It was an interesting work of fiction with a great deal of substantiated truth.

It kept my attention until about half way through. Then it got it to the main character trying to make it through hard times. This is not a hot and steamy romance if that is what you are looking for.

I picked this up just before Christmas and had a great time reading it over the holidays. Lots of interesting characters and history. I was very surprised at the end to find out how much of this was based on real history and that even though the details may be fiction that the characters really existed.

I would recommend to anyone who enjoys drama, romance and history.

Some of the transitions were awkward and I kept thinking I missed something. For example,
there was a part about the main character receiving gifts from her many admirers who were
awaiting her response and then the next paragraph went on to something different.
It was an interesting story but what was more interesting was the bibliography at the end of the book
about the real people that the story was loosely based on.

I haven't finished this book, but I would like to offer up a warning. The small amount I have read is a rewrite of the BBC's Diary of a Call Girl. I'm a firm believer that the first few lines should be a selling point, I loved the first lines....when I heard them from Billie Pipers mouth the first time. This version is a pale alternative and shockingly close to Plagiarism.

So, this book is not so great. But, you wouldn't know that based on the other reviews. I am halfway through it and have decided to give it up. The plot is still not apparent. The main character has been with countless men, has had feelings for more than one of those men....and yet, still no romance. So odd. The "plot" is also very hard to follow. Lots of characters that show up intermittently whom the reader does not get to know or feel invested in. Odd writing.

I feel totally duped for actually paying for this one, especially since I can't bring myself to even finish it.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I love reading stories set in England between 1100 - 1948, especially when they're about real people and real events. I also tend to judge a book by its cover and this one looked like something I would like. This story takes place between 1760 - 1835. This was a first person account of the life and struggles of Elizabeth Bridget Cane who is all alone in the world after the deaths of her mother, brother, and father while she's in her teens. Her life takes many twists and turns, none of them boring, and she pulls you into her story from the very start. There are historical references throughout the story, but it's not bogged down by it. It's a light, easy read.

Obviously there are references to sex, but it's not vulgar or constant and really isn't the theme of the story, but a means of survival for a girl with no family, no money, and no marketable skills. Elizabeth is a very likeable character, and so are her core group of friends. Charles is precious, but Richard was my fave of the 3. For me, the theme was all about friendship and love.

The author included a "What Happened To" section at the end about the main characters that was very interesting.

This is not a story about sex or sexuality. Rather, this is the story of a most extraordinary women who does what she must to survive, and through her own wit and a little luck actually thrives. This is also a love story. Elizabeth Armistead (Fox) was an actual courtesan who lived the life of the highest courtesan during the Georgian era in England. She was highly sought after and courted by numerous well-heeled and titled men including the young Prince of Wales. I found her story so unique and interesting that I read the entire book in less than a day! This story is extremely well-researched and includes real characters of the day participating in and discussing the politics of the day including the American Revolution which was taking place during this time period. The story is interesting on several levels. Not only do we learn about Elizabeth's life as a courtesan, we also learn how the revolution affected life in England and the lives of British aristocrats. The life of a courtesan was not as easy as it appeared. Most of her ilk lasted for short periods only before falling under the wheels of the fickle aristocrats who controlled the entire existence of the courtesian. Yet Elizabeth lived as a courtesan for more than a decade, eventually falls in love, and marries a renowned British politician. Elizabeth is a women who manages to control her own destiny and lives a long life with a happy ending during a time when women were little more than playthings for men. Her story is really quite amazing and is well worth reading.

As a reader of actual Georgian novels, my preferred author being Samuel Richardson, this book reads as a series of known historic 'trappings or events' sloppily strung together in a 2000's era voice (with a tid bit of historic terminology thrown in for good measure) and a perspective that pulls the reader out of the story multiple times, which might make sense if she was a modern woman time traveling, but she is not. Moreover, if the research is so 'remarkable' or the story so 'true', how does a plot twist rely on a belt buckle? This is a clothing item that wasn't even worn in Men's fashion of the Georgian era!! They wore breeches through the Regency and even up through the 1920's suspenders were the number one way to hold up one's leg coverings, call them what you will. If you read it as a torrid romance and expect little, it's a fine book, as a historical novel.. MEH.

I borrowed this book from Prime Reading as I couldn't find anything that intrigued me. I wasn't sure if I would like this book. And to be perfectly frank, it did take me a few chapters to get into it, and then I was totally hooked. Elizabeth Charles, an orphan, grew up poor, and starving, decides to become a prostitute just to have food to eat. She starts work in a whorehouse, and decides that becoming a courtesan is the way to go. Soon, she is highly sought after by the richest and most titled men in the land. She has houses, clothes, gives elegant parties. goes to the opera. This book follows her journey from childhood (briefly, to show she was much loved and adored) to her old age. At the end of the book, I was surprise to find this was a real woman, and while largely fiction, it's based on as much of her life as is know.

I'm a bit torn in summing up my opinion of this book about the infamous/famous Mrs. Armistead. I had a time getting through the first half as it read more like a titillating description of a young woman much like Fanny Hill, and I found that part boring. The book became much more interesting as the politics of the latter 1700's unfolds and I would have liked to know more about the dinners held at the lady's home by so many important politicians of the times. Her interactions with a core group of supporters that actually launched her career was very interesting, especially as this group of men became her lifelong friends. The fact that she ends up with the most unlikely of her original supporters is pretty astounding. So the second half of the book caught my undivided attention. I would recommend to readers of historical fiction with the caveat that the first half is necessary, though not very well written, and the second ha!f is very good.

I can only give this one 3 stars. The writing didn't draw me in; rather, it left me cold. I felt that distance throughout the entire book. It wasn't due to the stilted language. I had expected that. The tone was mechanical, and gaps in time felt as if they were chosen for convenience.

Finally, there were numerous editing errors that made it clear that a final, careful read-through was never done. Spellcheck should never be used as the final edit.

This is what I like to call painless history - you learn a little something without noticing because you're too busy enjoying the fiction sections of the book. While I loved the first 2/3 of this book, I loved the last third slightly less, hence the missing star. I don't believe the author is completely at fault for this, since she relied on actual historical events to shape the story and her hands were tied, but (mild spoilers ahead!) I found her last love interest to be a bit lifeless compared to her past lovers. I would definitely recommend the book overall, however!

Confessions of a Courtesan by Elizabeth Charles AKA Deborah Hale
I am overwhelmed with emotions after haven read this breathless love story.
I would give this book 7 stars but I am only allowed 5 stars!
If you wish to read a beautiful story about a Courtesan who really lived and reigned
as Queen of the Cyprians, then I strongly suggest this book. I always enjoy historical
romance and this one was a real delight to discover. You will fall in love with her main character
Elizabeth Bridget Cane AKA Mrs. Armistead. All events and details are based on her true story.
I also loved her second character Charles Fox. Ms. Hale very well documented the facts concerning
the lives of young women who became prostitutes, mistresses and famous courtesans. She used words
that flew on the pages and I simply could not put it down. I loved the time period. I wanted to know more about
Elizabeth and the men that had influenced her during her life. Ms. Hale is a high quality writer that
I highly recommend reading her other books. Story filled with beautiful emotions!

Love the wild roller coaster ride of this book! This young girl makes the best of a bad situation plus" relies on the kindness of strangers". Her life
does have a happily ever after despite the dreadful start after her dear father dies. I learned a lot of very exciting real history about the last part of the 18th century in London. It's a sexy book,though ,so if that offends you, it's not for you.

Pleasant!y surprised. I was afraid this would be another gothic romance with gratuitous sexual activity. This story was full of history and characters that I wanted to continue my association with. I was so taken by the characters that I have googled all to understand who they were and what they looked like. Caution is advisable unless you want to know the ending for our heroine before you complete the book. So true does our author detail her writing. Enjoyable I read I 2 days
???

This is a book of historical fiction. Though it reads like a romance novel, the author's research and source notations are brilliant. If the novel had less sex and more history, I would have given it a higher rating. For those interested in the History of Georgian England, there are some wonderful books listed in the bibliography!

I'm not fond of romance novels (and this one got surprisingly steamy), but I really appreciate the view of the late 18th century from the point of view of a well-connected English woman and the considerable research that went into it (along with the bibliography)

Confessions of a Courtesan by Deborah Hale, writing as Elizabeth Charles will leave you breathless with passion stirring in your heart and dread at the same time. The plight of the beautiful Elizabeth Cane, known as Lizzy, is strikingly honest for many women of the late 18th century. Once Lizzy's parents die she's left to fend for herself. When Ned, her friend helps her, she's thrown into a world of pleasure that she tries to resist. What is a young woman to do when her only claim to fame is her beauty? Luckily Elizabeth has wit and smarts and she uses that to scheme a fortune of chance together to become `Mrs. Armistead' but in the end her heart will do her in. I loved the scenery, the street language of the time and how realistic Hale portrayed the life of Elizabeth. Hale does not disappoint. This book is bursting with passion that had me turning the pages like they were on fire.

This was an interesting read and its always interesting to get a view of a successful woman during the Georgian period, which had so few ways for a woman to succeed. And I had no idea that Charles Fox had even been married!

I don't know when I've enjoyed a book this much! I don't usually read books in this genre, but this one was simply delightful. Along with the bawdy sex, it included politics of the time. I'm not a student of the 1700-1800s, but if the book was researched as the author claims, I learned a lot too. I definitely recommend this book. ???

Loved this book. Just finished it for the third time and loved reading of this young lady's life from a youngster until her passing. Elizabeth is loved by all and ends up with true love, Charles Fox. Great story.

Imagine my surprise when I found out that Elizabeth was indeed an 18th century courtesan of wide fame. Ms. Charles has done a wonderful job of bringing the past to life. Very enjoyable and a great read.

This book was so well written, I literally could not put it down. I didn't even stop to eat. I love the way the author shined a light on the fact that someone's profession is not necessarily indicative of their character. I'm actually sad that I've finished it.

I loved this book! I read it in 4 hours, I just couldn't put it down. The history, real & imagined, enthralled me. I was aware of many of the people in the book- now they are alive & I want to know more.

I'm not sure what I had expected, but this narrative was little more than a mini soap opera. I was hoping for something specifically redeemable or a moral to the story. Unjust didn't find it in this book.

This book was a surprise to me. I never expected it to be so interesting . I didn't want it to end and the writers style is very clear; without all the innecesary sexual repeated descriptions . Don't miss it. Camilla

Sweet story. I enjoyed how the author added depth and life to the story of historical characters. It was fascinating learning about the life of a courtesan. Although they lived a life with glamorous elements, it was still a difficult life.

Confessions of a Courtesan is one of the most fascinating historicals I've read in a very long time. Writing as Elizabeth Charles, Deborah Hale has taken her remarkable research skills and crafted a story that delves into a side of Georgian life rarely seen in romantic fiction.

Elizabeth Armistead's unfortunate circumstances lead her into the kind of life most women of the time would have done anything to avoid if they'd had other options. Many would have withered and died. Elizabeth, however, flourishes. This is not a tragic tale. Rather, Elizabeth is a beautiful, kind, compassionate woman whose qualities make her one of the most sought after courtesans of her time. Devoted friends help guide her career, and in the end, Elizabeth remains a woman truly deserving of all the good she receives.

As I finished Confessions, my own confession is that I would have loved to know before I began reading that although fictionalized, the story was drawn from fact. Elizabeth lives and breathes on these pages, and I can't begin to tell you how much I loved her story.

Too much sex and not enough story/character development, which is too bad because I believe the writer has talent. There was potential here to really move the reader, but unfortunately the story didn't seem to rise to the occasion.

This story tells of the life of a woman that was left on her own after losing both of her parents. How different life was back then. No one to care if a young woman died on the streets with no money or home. With a strenght and desire to never end up penniless she does what she feels is the only thing to do. It also means she has to give up any chance to find love and happiness. A very compelling story. I recommend it for anyone who loves historical novels. Not just a love story.

There are so many historic romances from the right side of the tracks. The story of Elizabeth Bridget Cane forced into prostitution by life's circumstances paints for the reader a portrait of a much more respected and liberated woman than her society bound sisters. A truly interesting portrait of Georgian period in England.

This story tells of the life of a woman that was left on her own after losing both of her parents. How different life was back then. No one to care if a young woman died on the streets with no money or home. With a strenght and desire to never end up penniless she does what she feels is the only thing to do. It also means she has to give up any chance to find love and happiness. A very compelling story. I recommend it for anyone who loves historical novels. Not just a love story.

There are so many historic romances from the right side of the tracks. The story of Elizabeth Bridget Cane forced into prostitution by life's circumstances paints for the reader a portrait of a much more respected and liberated woman than her society bound sisters. A truly interesting portrait of Georgian period in England.

This was a new author for me, and I will look for more from her. It was an interesting story, well written, good description and characterization. My big surprise was that the characters were real people! Don't miss thse author's notes at the end. There are some editing errors in the kindle version.

LOVED IT!
Deb Hale, writing as Elizabeth Charles, brings the reader right along with her as she paints a wonderful picture of 18th century England and especially of the heroine, Elizabeth Armistead, who's tough and strong, a fighter, yet insecure with the life fate has thrown at her - the death of her family. I felt her fear, her hunger, the damp cold, and loved Charles' deft descriptions of the seamier side of England.
Confessions of a Courtesan tells of how Elizabeth battled what seemed to be insurmountable odds to become a high-end courtesan and then, to ultimately accept herself as a loving and loved person and marry for love.
This is a spectacular read!

I enjoyed this book immensely. I hate typos of which there are several throughout the book. It was distracting to me. Overall the story was compelling, leaving one with the feeling that everyone can overcome their past, even what one must do to survive.

This isn't your average romance--based on actual events you are introduced to some interesting historical figures. If you like this era, and read other books that take place around the same time, you will recognize some names. Very entertaining.

Elizabeth Bridget Cane, known as Elizabeth Armistead, was a busy girl. Left penniless in her early teens upon her father's death, she makes a living the hard way. She is not without ambition, however, and sets her mind to becoming the top courtesan in 18th century London and Bath society, known as the ton. Along the way she learns that men can be friends as well as providers, not all people can be trusted, and that women can be as cruel as men. If you enjoy reading about this era, you will most likely find this fictionalized story of an actual courtesan interesting. I found little new in the story, just a fleshing out of the details.

This is a beautifully written story, well crafted by Deborah Hale. Her characters are developed and sympathetic, the history and setting rich, and story well told. I particularly enjoyed the heroine's voice in her telling of her tale. The language and style suited the book brilliantly. A truly good, sensual read. I highly recommend this one.

This is the fictional story of the life of a nonfictional lady and Courtesan. I was so engrossed in the reading of this book which was filled with so many interesting facts of the Georgian era in which Mrs. Armestead lived. The writing was excellent and the story flowed smoothly. I would recommended this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance or even just an excellent book!

While much is not known about Elizabeth Fox, this accounting was well researched and very entertaining. The author has brought life and vividness to a historical time of significance. Her characters are intriguing and she made the time and its history come alive. It was an interesting work of fiction with a great deal of substantiated truth.

I borrowed this book from Prime Reading as I couldn't find anything that intrigued me. I wasn't sure if I would like this book. And to be perfectly frank, it did take me a few chapters to get into it, and then I was totally hooked. Elizabeth Charles, an orphan, grew up poor, and starving, decides to become a prostitute just to have food to eat. She starts work in a whorehouse, and decides that becoming a courtesan is the way to go. Soon, she is highly sought after by the richest and most titled men in the land. She has houses, clothes, gives elegant parties. goes to the opera. This book follows her journey from childhood (briefly, to show she was much loved and adored) to her old age. At the end of the book, I was surprise to find this was a real woman, and while largely fiction, it's based on as much of her life as is know.

I enjoyed reading this book because it is like if you are seeing the courtesan’s life when you are reading it. It’s like if you are right there with her. I’m so glad that she found true love after looking for it in all the wrong places.