The mesmerizing biography of one of the world's richest, most intriguing women—philanthropist and socialite Lily Safra In the early morning of December 3, 1999, Lily Safra stood shivering in her nightgown on the grounds outside her sumptuous Monte Carlo penthouse where, just hours before, her fourth husband, reclusive billionaire Edmond Safra, died in a fire. An American nurse employed by the Safra family was eventually convicted of the arson death. Overnight, Lily became one of the wealthiest widows in the world. The Brazilian-born Lily Safra was no stranger to tragedy. In 1969, her second husband, the Brazilian multimillionaire Alfredo Monteverde, died from two gunshots to the chest. The Brazilian authorities ruled it a suicide. In 1989, her beloved eldest son and four-year-old grandson died in a car accident. But just who is Lily Safra? Despite having become a fixture in society columns for her generous charity work and lavish parties, the elegant and enigmatic widow has remained in the background. Gilded Lily tells Lily Safra's story for the first time. Using archival sources, court documents, and interviews with childhood friends and former employees in South America, investigative journalist Isabel Vincent chronicle's Safra's rise from humble origins in Brazil to fabled wealth in London, New York, and Monaco.

Business & Economics.

When everything seems lost, hope is all that remains... Gilding the Lily is a heartrending tale of two sisters and their quest for a place to belong, from much-loved author Rita Bradshaw. Perfect for fans of Kitty Neale and Josephine Cox. Lily and Sarah Brown's childhood is an unhappy one. Sarah escapes by marrying Ralph Turner, a Sunderland dock worker, but Lily doesn't trust Ralph - a dark volatile man with a hidden cruel streak. When he tries to seduce Lily on his wedding day, her worst fears are confirmed. Ralph's younger brother John is cut from a different cloth, though, and Lily is increasingly drawn to him. But just when Lily sees a future for them, a terrible incident destroys her happiness. Heartbroken, Lily agrees to accompany the family she works for as a nursemaid to New York. As Lily boards RMS Titanic little does she realise that her decision will change the course of her life for ever... What readers are saying about Gilding the Lily: 'I enjoyed this novel. It held glimpses of an era long gone, well described and with a satisfying ending' 'I loved every minute of it' 'Five stars'

Change is coming. After centuries of peace, came war; after war, came questions about the succession. What will come next? In Gilding the Lily: And Other Stories of Myrcia, see how some of the major players in the next phase of Myrcia's history became people willing to do anything to win the throne. (Includes a preview of Siege of Kings, Reign of the Eagle, Book 2! Coming soon!)