This was such a great book. I didn’t know anything about Simone Jules, Eleanor Dumont, nor Madame Moustache but that quickly changed the more I read this. I was enthralled with the book and couldn’t put it down. It kept getting better and better the more I read. Absolutely loved it!! ( )

Conflicted, I am.

I’d give five stars for the topics found within this book (both primary and secondary background topics): The Gold Rush, The Civil War, The Pony Express, Victoria & Albert, even the gambling I found interesting, etc. Again, some of these topics are merely in the background-only a blurb. But I loved loved loved reading about them all. So interesting!

I’d give five stars for the ease with which the author writes. I was never bored, but rather the opposite. She had my attention the entire time! I love Jenni Walsh’s writing style. I cannot wait to read another of her books. She put a mule-load of research into this book!

Ugh - I’d give two stars to the protagonist. What a selfish beach Madame Dumont was portrayed to be. So selfish (but also very caring, crazy right?) I’m not a betting woman, but I bet if we met in real life I’d not care for her. It’s such a shame this book was written in first person. I only got to see inside her head. I hated her inner dialogue. Such conceit. But man, did she have gumption. Sadly, there were so many other lovable characters and I fell in love with most of them. I’d have loved to be able to read chapters from their perspective. Especially William. Man alive I loved him! It’s such a shame it was 100% Madame.

There was a fabulous quote found on page 280: “a good name was better than great wealth”. I love this!

So the mathematician/accountant in me will average my two five stars and the two stars for Madame. 4 it is. So it goes... ( )

"Little by little the bird makes it's nest." This, my favorite quote from the book, describes the plot of the fictional tale inspired by the real Madame Moustache: Eleanor Dumont, the mother of blackjack.

The book is certainly a fun look back at the Gold Rush era of the 1800's. There isn't a whole lot of concrete data about Ms. Dumont, who was born Simone Jules. This left our author plenty of room to play with in creating the story (do read the Author's Note at the back of the novel) and you may or may not agree with her choices for our Madame Moustache. Regardless, you will enjoy the ride.

Recommended to lovers of stories inspired by historical character sketches, fans of the "Wild West" and it's geographic and social settings, as well as card game aficionados.

I hope you enjoy the novel too! Drop me a comment below to let me know what you thought. ( )