In 1872, expecting her cousin and brother-in-law, the famous painter Edgar Degas, Estelle has no idea that her request t have him paint their family members' portraits will change the trajectory of her life, or that Edgar will forever be indebted to her. . . in more ways than one.

A century later, in 1970, Anne Gautier, a descendant of the Degas famly's friends, is trying to figure out how to get her ducks in a row with the recent discoveries of her mixed-race half-sister, as well as inheriting a dilpidated mansion, not to mention navigating her career and dating life. One day, however, Anne finds a mysterious journal, and its in there that she learns about Estelle De Gas and of the influence Estelle wielded over everyone she met. How will this journal influence Anne Gautier's life? 

The best parts of ESTELLE by Linda Stewart Henley has to be the vast research that was put into the historical aspect of this book because there is a lot of wonderful information about how French-Creole people lived, as well as their traditions and thoughts. I also have learned a lot of fascinating facts about the infamous Mardi Gras party too through this book! I also enjoyed learning about French Impressionism and about the complex character of Edgar Degas. While the portions of the book set in the 1870s practically leapt off the page and enveloped everything with its history, the 1970-set storyline was more muted and subdued. However, the character of Ann Guatier stood out and it was easy to relate to her struggles and attempts at smoothing ou her life. ESTELLE felt true to life and  was enthralled with this story of two women's struggles a century apart. There is much to enjoy in this novel: the celebration of French-Creole culture, the enigmatic Edgar Degas, and it's themes of perseverance. 

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