My Review
I've always loved reading about Jackie Kennedy Onassis but if I'm honest I didn't know too much about her and her life..
That is all about to change for me.

Whilst it is fiction, The Second Marriage gave me such a great insight into the glitz and glamour of the era and I'm hoping it has set me off on a path to find out more about that period in history.

This story focuses on Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her love rival Maria Callas..
Both remarkable women in their own right.
We are taken back to the fateful day of the assassination of Jackie's husband John F Kennedy and the devastation left in its aftermath.
We see how in love Jackie was with her husband and how she handled the rumoured infidelity throughout their marriage..

Tragedy marred this young woman's life losing two children, two husbands, a brother in law and she carried the trauma of it with her all through her life..

Maria Callas I simply adored. Such a fabulous, talented opera singer.
She was so in love with Aristotle Onassis, the first person to love her for who she was, not what she could give him.
Such a strong woman and my heart ached for her when Ari married Jackie Kennedy. A man so full of promises but ultimately I felt destroyed her.

Gill Paul you can tell has done her research and delivers this novel with finesse and passion for her subjects.
I simply adored the era and most especially the glamour of it all.
I believe it will stay with me for quite a time to come 💕

I raced through Gill Paul’s beguiling, entrancing and enjoyable tale The Second Marriage which charts the story of two of the twentieth century’s most iconic women – Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas – and the man they both fell in love with: Ari Onassis.

Maria was a girl with a dream: to showcase her singing talent and perform in some of the world’s most prestigious theatres. But with her short-sightedness and weight problems, Maria’s ambition seemed set to be thwarted by rejection after rejection as nobody seemed willing to see that beneath her shy and frumpy image lay a young woman with a unique talent. Just when Maria was about to give up and become a secretary she got her lucky break. Finally the world could hear the majesty of her voice and be moved by its immeasurable power and excellence. Having long resigned herself to a lonely future, Maria had been flabbergasted when Battista, her manager many years her senior, had proposed marriage. With romance having thus far eluded her, Maria had accepted Battista’s proposal and although it breaks her heart that she hasn’t been blessed with a child, she has resigned herself to that fact and dedicates herself wholly to her career. However, Maria hadn’t counted on meeting a man who was going to turn her life upside down. A man she would want at all cost and whom she would fight for with ever fibre of her being: Aristotle Onassis…

Jackie has known her fair share of heartache. She might have been born to great privilege, but she is not impervious to sorrow and anguish. Her husband is neglectful, distant and selfish and she has had to contend with the agony of not being able to carry a pregnancy to full term. When her marriage ends in tragedy, Jackie thinks that she will never know love ever again – until fate intervenes. Ari Onassis is a powerful, distinguished and charismatic man with whom she soon falls head over heels in love with. When he proposes marriage, Jackie is absolutely over the moon. The happiness that she had given up on is finally within her reach. But the man she believed could make her happy has kept a dangerous secret very close to his chest. Jackie might be his new wife, but Ari’s heart belongs to another: world-famous soprano, Maria Callas.

Jackie and Maria both want Ari and they will do whatever it takes for the man they love. With the stakes being higher than ever and the battle lines drawn, which woman will lay claim to one of the world’s richest and most notorious men in the world? How far will they go for Ari Onassis? And what price will they pay for the sake of true love?

Gill Paul is a phenomenal storyteller who brilliantly captures the style and spirit of the era she is writing about and has written a gripping and spellbinding tale of scandalous desires, dangerous secrets and ruthless obsession. Gill Paul’s The Second Marriage is an evocative historical novel that sweeps the reader away to a glamorous and opulent world so vividly described that readers will feel as if they are experiencing the story alongside her characters.

The Second Marriage is the story of two infamous figures of the twentieth century and Gill Paul succeeds in exploring what lies beneath the glitz and the glamour and goes straight to the heart of these richly drawn and wonderfully nuanced characters.

An escapist, scandalous and captivating page-turner, Gill Paul’s The Second Marriage is absolutely sensational.

The Second Marriage by Gill Paul is a fictional account of the love triangle that emerged between Maria Callas, Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis. Covering the years 1957 – 1973 Gill Paul makes us voyeaurs in to the lives of these three very famous characters, the glamour, glitz, the highs and the lows and the secrets and lies. The chapters are split between the narrative of Maria and Jackie, two very different women, and how they came into the sphere of Onassis, the richest man in the world, and the catalyst for their rivalry. Beautifully told, this is a book that had me captivated from page one.

The Second Marriage is a book I just had to read as I love my historical fiction and there is still the glamour and intrigue around the life of Jackie Kennedy. I have read a few books about her and always wondered why she married Aristotal Onassis; I always found it a strange choice, but Gill Paul gives some answers. As central characters you can’t get more iconic than Maria Callas and Jackie Kennedy. Maria was a world famous Opera star, taking on the most iconic roles, singing in the most celebrated Opera Houses and mixing with the rich and famous.This fame is how she met Onassis, a man she left her husband for, and spent ten years with without being able to get married; a man who completely stole her heart. Jacke Kennedy, is still the most famous and iconic First Lady of the White House. Beautiful, intelligent and wife to America’s most famous President, who had to live her life in the glare of the public. What I loved about this book is that we saw how Jackie and John Kennedy met, what life was like before the White House and how she felt about all the attention, and the pressure. It is a fascinating story, as looks at Kennedy’s affairs and the horror that what his assassination. The Second Marriage title refers to Jackie’s marriage to Onassis that doesn’t happen until the later stages of the book. Whilst Maria and Jackie seem to be very different characters, Gill Paul brings their similarities to light. Both were in realationships with rich and powerful men who had affairs , both had to face the devastaion of miscarriage, and both had insecurities even though they appeared strong and confident. Gill Paul’s characterisation is stunning, really getting into the psyche of both women and making them relatable and accessable to the reader; I really felt I knew them by the end of the book. Aristotle Onassis is the catalyst that brings joins he lives of both women. Said to be the richest man in the world he thrived on money and power and mixing with the rich and famous; from royalty, to presidents, ex prime ministers, world leaders and beautiful women. It is his charm and charisma that drew women to him like moths to a flame. Even though he also faces personal tragedies of his own, he is still a character that I disliked.Blog

I always love reading Gill Paul’s books, and feel that this may be her best book yet. She writes with skill, drawing the reader into the book with her depth of characters and fascinating plot lines taking the reader into the loves of the rich and famous. With such three strong characters, it would be easy to make this book salacious, and sensational, but Gill Paul has a subtitly and empathy in her writing, and her mix of fact and fiction makes for a spellbinding and emotive read.

The. Second Marriage is an intoxicating read and my only fault is that is that it had to end. I loved her characteriation of Jackie, Maria and Onassis,three powerful people, whose lives were lived in the public eye and seemed to be perfect, but like icebergs, underneath they were floundering with insecurities and ultimately tragic in love. Beautifuly written with the combination of love, loss, betrayal, and tragedy this is a stunning read.

One of the most famous love triangles of the twentieth century has to be the one at the centre of this book-that between Maria Callas, Aristotle Onassis and Jackie Kennedy. Based mostly on fact, Paul shows the passion between Callas and Onassis, who nevertheless never married her, and his brutal decision to leave her in order to marry America’s most famous widow, an obvious mismatch. Paul’s greatest strength is her assertion that Jackie was haunted by the assassinations of JFK and his brother Bobby, was terrified about the safety of herself and her children and hated the constant attention and harrassment she received after her husband’s death, making the wealth, security and privacy Onassis offered her irresistable. It did not, however, bring happiness. Truth is stranger and more fascinating than fiction here, but I felt the author did not often dig deeply enough into the personalities involved and, for me, they remained celebrity figures who we read about but whose true characters can never really be known.

„The Second Marriage“ introduces us to two very well known characters – Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas, whose lives, so different yet so similar, connected through Ari Onassis. The history, even though it dictates the events, is not the most important or major part of the story, and I would say this book is more literal - than historical fiction.

I read tons about Jackie, I think that every female in this world was a bit obsessed with her, and the picture described in „The Second Marriage“ introduced me to a very different woman to the one I though she was. She was presented like a mimose, a trophy – wife, a woman without a backbone and I think there was much more to her. Maria Callas – this is absolutely different, I didn’t know much about her and thanks to the book I googled a bit, I listened to her singing, and it was brilliant. Also, I loved the way she was described in the story, a woman with a great sense of humour, knowing her worth, a strong one but with weaknesses and her story was very compelling, and I think she was the strongest point of this book, even though there were moments that you could yell at her and wanted to shake her and tell her to wake up. Hovewer, you could also see why she made those decisions.

Now. Sadly, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I hoped. I mean, the problem with writing about real, existing people (even if they’re dead) is that – I think – we should stick with the reality. I know that when I want to read truth then I should reach for biographies, nevertheless I still think that fiction can only go as far. I wouldn’t like to read about my mother, should she be Jackie O., with absolutely different personality and things that she has never done or said. Also, the book felt chopped. It followed some significant events in the characters’ lives and truly it felt as if we were ticking the things off the list, especially when it comes to Jackie – her marriage, her leaning heavily on Bobby Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe are heavily highlighted but this is actually everything I already know. I didn’t learn anything new about those women and I couldn’t be sure if I am reading about facts or it is fiction.
It mostly felt like a one, huge excuse for Mr Onassis, to be honest, even though he was pictured as a manipulative liar and I am not sure if this is really this what I wanted to stay with me after reading this book.
Maybe the author tried to tie in too many things into this book, I don’t know. Or maybe we simply know too much about the characters already and it’s not easy to accept the fiction? I couldn’t help but wonder which of the things were real and true, I simply thing the line between fiction and reality is too blurred here.

“The Second Marriage“ is a love story with a difference, full of glamour, parties, jewellery and luxurious yachts. It is fast paced – no wonder, as the lives of Maria and Jackie were filled with events – and easy to read. It is very well written, like all Gill Paul’s books, the writing style is lovely, rich and flowing. If it was about fictional characters, it would be a perfect read, I think – as it was really enjoyable and full of fascinating gossip. Even though I am truly torn about this book would I recommend it? Absolutely – if you’re in need of a light, glamorous love story and a piece of great historical fiction.

Gill Paul's Jackie and Maria is a "can't-put-it-down" fictionalized account of two of the world's most famous and privileged women - of their time - Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Maria Callas - and their love for the same man... It comes with the cover tagline "First comes love. . .then comes betrayal " and it alternates each of the key female voices as it traces the history of their relationship with Aristotle Onassis, the world's richest man at that time.
Painstakingly researched, it provides hair raising intimate details of the rivalries, betrayals, and heart-rending losses that both of these international stars faced. Power, wealth, and fame were no protection when it came to double-dealing and duplicity.
An addictive read that offers readers a front row seat to an infamous rivalry and the opportunity to hobnob with the rich and famous.
I loved this book, which offers spellbinding yet sympathetic insights into two - and if you include Jackie's marriage to JFK - three - renowned love stories, each doomed for disaster.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Harper Collins for a copy of the book. (Also published as The Second Marriage in UK, Australia and NZ)

This was my first novel by Gill Paul and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
It had everything politics, adultery, passion, money, love .... everything you need in a good read! The fact it was based on one of the most famous love triangles in history was the icing on the delicious cake!

The Kennedies, Callas, Aristotle Onassis are all figures I remember so well from my youth, their glamorous lifestyles so many miles removed from mine. This book was entirely enthralling, as Gill Paul – in her own inimitable fashion – brings them vividly to life and tracks their turbulent lives.

I’m an immense fan of the way Gill Paul puts her stories together – extensive research, which she then stitches together, selecting and discarding, building in all those little details, filling in the gaps through the use of her imagination and creativity, building a story with such depth and emotion by using her superlative story-telling skills. And do read the book’s “Historical Afterword” when you finish the story – I found it almost as fascinating as the book itself.

I really don’t want to take you through the story step-by-step: I guess most of us will have some awareness of Ari’s long relationship with Maria Callas, and his subsequent – intriguing and unexpected – marriage to the widowed Jackie Kennedy. At heart, this is an exceptionally moving love story – by telling much of the story from Maria’s viewpoint, she keeps your sympathy throughout, and is treated quite appallingly. Ari is seen entirely through the eyes of others – which makes your sympathy and understanding considerably more ambivalent, and many of his actions all the more reprehensible and difficult to understand. He’s an absolute rogue, constantly attracted by celebrity and those trophy relationships – until he grasps the ultimate trophy, to find it wasn’t what he really wanted after all.

And then we have Jackie’s viewpoint – less likeable at first, perhaps the product of her upbringing and the era in which she lived – but her love for Jack (JFK) is wonderfully conveyed, despite the fact that his behaviour at times was quite dreadful. Why did she marry Onassis? Was it just for the blank chequebook – or did he give her that elusive sense of safety and security that she so desperately needed?

The supporting cast in this book is a complete (and fascinating) “who’s who” of the 60s, from Winston Churchill in later life to Marilyn Monroe nearing the end of hers, with every shade of the celebrity spectrum in between. The way the author recreates the world of the rich and famous, the privileged and the notorious, in all its excess, making you part of it all, is entirely engrossing and quite wonderful. And although you might think you know how the story ends, it makes you no less engaged by its many twists and turns – this isn’t a biography after all, it’s a novel, but quite fascinatingly manages to bring the best of both.

I really loved this book. I learned a lot about the history, and there were quite a few surprises along the way – if I started with the “I never knew…” I’d be writing this review until Christmas. But as well as intriguing me with its insights and revelations and exercising my brain, the whole story totally engaged my heart. Just wonderful – and very highly recommended.

This is a modern Greek tragedy, an epic love triangle, played out amidst the political and social turbulence of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

This fictional story delves behind the headlines to the people who make them. Two iconic women, one with an incredible musical gift and the other a magnet for power are drawn to an enigmatic man. One wants his love the other wants his protection. He wants them both surely a recipe for disaster?

Compelling and enthralling, this is an enticing mix of fact and fiction. Flawed, fragile and glamorous characters authentically written with flaws and incredible presence drive this story. Research underpins every scene making them believable and relatable.

Sensitively portrayed tragedy and sensual romance make this must-read story.

I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This is my first Gill Paul novel and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I was aware that Jackie Kennedy had been married to Aristotle Onassis after her first husband, Jack died, but I knew very little about the story before reading the book.

Gill Paul explains at the end of the book how she has mixed factual details (such as the death of Jack in Dallas), with fiction. This is primarily a piece of fiction based on real people. Many young people dream of being famous but this book shows why fame and money don’t guarantee happiness.

Without giving away any spoilers, I found myself feeling sorry for both Maria and Jackie. Both experienced tragedies and betrayals, and both loved Ari in very different ways. I feel that Gill Paul has been sympathetic to the plight of both her main female characters. My opinion of Ari worsened as the book progressed but as Gill Paul notes, the era this book is set in was was very different to 2020.

I loved the details of the story, including the places they visited, the food and drink they enjoyed, the outfits they wore. I’m happy to recommend this as an excellent and enjoyable piece of historical fiction – with a reminder that it is not a true story.

This was a fascinating story about a period of modern American history that I knew very little about. Subsequent to reading, I was frequently searching the internet to find out more about Jackie, Maria and Ari.

This is a perfect example of a historical novel as Paul tells the story of the love between Maria Callas, Jackie Kennedy and Ari Onassis. I knew next to nothing about the love triangle, apart from the obvious JFK connections that I had heard about from my parents. Therefore, whilst this period of time has been fictionalised, I felt that the writer brought the characters alive, re-telling their story as I imagine they would want it to be done.

Structurally, the narrative moves between Maria and Jackie over many years. At first I found the large cast of characters a little confusing and had difficulty placing who belonged with which group. However, this only last for a few chapters before I “found my feet” with the narrative. Paul goes into immense detail about what happens to these women and there are many occasions where the same day is recounted in the following chapter, except this time from the different character and usually in a different country!

I had not realised all of the background story behind Jackie’s marriage to John Kennedy. Jackie’s relationship with her sister, Lee, added a further dimension to her character, particularly after her husband’s death. I was surprised at how Paul portrayed Jackie’s growing relationship with Ari; I found it difficult to believe how it resulted in marriage. I think it is because this section of the story felt a little rushed; perhaps the writer was aware of the length of the novel and had to remove sections of the story?

This was such a great summer read. The cover is inviting but did not prepare me at all for what was between the pages. I sympathised with all of Ari’s conquests because he seemed like a man who would never be satisfied. The number of deaths that occur in this story added to the pain of the characters and I felt like I was sharing in their grieving process.

This is a global story that takes place in many countries and makes reference to many historical moments from the 1950s and 1960s. Paul has seamlessly created a historical novel that was interesting and not too heavy-going. My first read by Paul and if this is what her books are like, then I am excited to read more of hers.

With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Gill Paul’s The Second Marriage vividly recreates an era spanning the 1950’s through to the 1970’s featuring one of the most powerful families in American history, the Kennedys. At its heart, in this lighthearted, most enjoyable piece of historical fiction is the love triangle that existed between Jackie Kennedy, Aristotle Onassis and Maria Callas, with the emphasis placed upon the lives of these two fascinating women. The beauty of weaving fact with fiction and reinventing this time in history is that the author can make full use of artistic licence and create her own slant on events and her own impressions of the main players in this sordid love triangle. Knowing very little of this period, apart from the basic key facts meant that I could enjoy and immerse myself in the storyline, oblivious to what may or may not be representative of actual events, relishing every detail. I loved the feeling of glamour and opulence the author invokes with tales of the many parties aboard Onassis yacht Christina. The writing speaks of glorified self indulgence, wealth, politics, power, corruption, adultery, tragedy and love, so that together with the Greek element you could imagine this was a contemporary retelling of parts of the Odyssey. Some historical fiction can be rather dry but this novel reads more like a scandalous, gossipy tale you’d read in a glossy magazine, which makes it highly entertaining and accessible. I became so swept up in Maria and Jackie’s lives, with writing that is rich in detail and captures the flavour of Jackie and John Kennedy’s marriage, his political rise to presidency, his assassination plus the illustrious career of La Callas and the playboy lifestyle of Aristotle Onassis.

There is plenty in this novel to comment on but rather than divulge much of the storyline, I’ll focus on my thoughts surrounding the three individuals that make up this love triangle. In terms of Jackie and Maria, who is most deserving of the reader’s sympathy? Certainly in the author’s imagination Maria Callas, or La Callas has been treated with the utmost compassion, so in spite her fiery,diva like temperament I found her a fascinating and likeable character. I’m not a fan of opera and before reading this novel knew of her name only but I enjoyed learning of Maria’s career, clearly a talented woman yet one who really suffered in her personal life. A troubled and unhappy childhood seems to follow her into adulthood, allowing others to treat her despicably, just as her mother did. She is a character who deserved to be loved on her own terms and it pained me that she lived her life besotted with a man who chose to deny her first place in his life and give her what she most desired. I kept asking myself why she was never enough for Onassis, especially as her life was beset with tragedy and loss. Maria’s dignity and her ability to enjoy and embrace the good times make her an interesting, larger than life (sorry for the pun!) character.

Whilst in many ways Jackie and Maria are complete opposites, in terms of their backgrounds, they have much in common, not just the fact they ‘love’ the same man. Both are forgiving of adulterous lovers/husbands, willing to turn a blind eye to indiscretions, accepting that is their lot in life. I had to ask myself if this is indicative of women in this era but I suppose when money is at stake, maybe most things are excusable? I did find it quite funny the ways in which both women marked their territory, each vying to show that they have the upper hand when it comes to Aristotle’s attention, yet remaining remarkably civilised in the process. Not something you’d probably witness now with our tendency to make public our innermost feelings. Of course Jackie and Maria are familiar with tragedy and loss and both are victims of unwanted press intrusion. The hounding of Jackie Kennedy after John’s assassination is well documented and referenced by the author, prompting me to draw parallels with the way Princess Diana was treated by the press and paparazzi. I could sympathise with the way this unwelcome attention affected Jackie’s mental stability, desperate for a more secure life that marriage to Onassis could potentially provide but actually remained elusive. I think a woman of her standing and being a style icon to boot meant she would never escape the glare of publicity. Having married into the rich and influential Kennedy family, then marrying the equally successful, powerful and wealthy Onassis, Jackie became American royalty, an iconic figure, a fact this novel pays tribute to. Her main aim in life, as recommended by her mother seems to be simply to marry well so it’s hard not to view her as a gold digger, marrying for money rather than love, a feeling this narrative supports. For this reason there is a coldness about her unlike Maria who exudes warmth and passion. Still her self composure and dignity in the wake of Kennedy’s death are commendable.

I ended up loathing Aristotle Onassis, a rich powerful character so vain,self centred and greedy, a man who treats the women in his life with contempt. I couldn’t help feeling he was a man used to getting his own way, acting like the cat that got the cream yet who could blame him when by their own actions these women condone his behaviour, indulging his every whim. Obviously power and money are the most potent aphrodisiacs which is clearly what make him so attractive. Through the author’s writing I could imagine what a presence this man had, few immune to his charm but ultimately I found it impossible to forgive his treatment of Maria Callas and wished many a time that she could resist his advances, that his many attempts to inveigle himself back into her life were thwarted or denied.

I absolutely loved the ending which is a fitting conclusion to all the drama and I’m now inclined to read more about these iconic figures. Whether or not you believe these individuals were cursed or brought about their own downfall, this is a novel that brings prominent people in history back to life, letting the reader indulge their imagination.If you’re new to historical fiction then I can thoroughly recommend The Second Marriage as a lovely lighthearted introduction to the genre. This was my first time reading a Gill Paul novel and it won’t be my last.
My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

The Second Marriage by Gill Paul. This book tells the story of two women and how their lives and paths crossed over time. Maria , a famous opera singer who met and fell in love with one of the richest men in the world . Jackie, who met and fell in love with a man who would go on to be President of the USA. The author has written a brilliant book about the lives of these two women. I started this book and knew from the first chapter I was going to love it and I certainly did. The characters are described so well as is the description of all the places described in the book. At times I felt I was there with these people. This is a book of historical fiction but with some true facts also given in this book. 5⭐️

The Second Marriage is a historical fictional read that had I done my research properly I would not have read this as it’s not a genre I am a fan of.
I have read a couple of books by Gill Paul before and enjoyed them but unfortunately this one fell short fro me. This book has been raved about by many so am sad it didn’t hit the mark for me. The book is basically gossip mixed with proper information about Jackie and her marriage to JFK and her rise to being Jackie O and the love triangle between herself and Ari Onassis and his lover Maria Callas. It follows Jackie’s life with JFK and his fight to the whitehouse and his numerous affairs, including Jackie’s sister. Unfortunately this is not a love story as one woman falls for the lure of money whilst the other has a life in an abusive relationship.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book and couldn’t put it down.It’s about the relationship between Maria Callas, Ari Onassis and Jackie Kennedy, told over 20 years.It’s a fascinating story, sympathetic to both women, which tries to explain Maria’s genuine love for Onassis and the reason why Jackie married him.Perfect reading materials for these troubled times-it had me gripped!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review which reflects my own opinion.

I highly enjoyed this book that delves into the private lives of Maria Callas and Jackie Kennedy. The narrative switches between the two women's lives throughout the book.

It made me fascinated to learn more about the real lives of the two women.

A great read.

I have to admit to not knowing a lot about Maria Callas, Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis other than from old black and white footage on TV. Onassis is mega-rich, ruthless in business and not much better where affairs of the heart are concerned. I ended up feeling sorry for both of these women. A charismatic individual, he could be incredibly devious, playing one off against the other. The book, written from both Maria and Jackie's point of view, covers Jackie's life with JFK and Maria's from the moment she was first introduced to Aristotle. It was a departure from my normal choice of read but nevertheless interesting and worthy of four stars.

Gill Paul brings to life the complicated, fascinating worlds of Maria Callas and Jackie Kennedy as their worlds intersect through enigmatic Aristo Onassis. This is a fictionalised account, not a biography, so some events have been adapted to fit the narrative. Having long been obsessed by Onassis and his rise to fame and fortune, this book goes a long way to demystifying some of the enigma surrounding him. The joy is in the relationships between the three of them and the fact that despite the glitz and the glamour, underneath they experienced the same suffering as everyone else. The kindest description of Onassis would be a 'lovable rogue' yet I can't help feeling he didn't deserve either of those women. Now I feel inspired to research more about this era which is depicted in such great detail by the author.

Fans of novels which reimagine the lives of famous women will enjoy this one! Maria Callas and Jacqueline Kennedy might seem very different but they are more alike than you might have known and share more than a famous cad of a man in Aristotle Onassis. The outlines (and details) of Kennedy's life are well known but Callas' less so except, sad to say, to opera fans. Born with a magnificent voice, she rose to become one of the famous sopranos but her path was not easy. She didn't live an entirely gilded life; nor did Jackie. This tells the story of both women and their relationship with Onassis. It's dishy for sure. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

The Second Marriage is an eloquent, moving novel about two famous women navigating their way through life’s hardships.

“It was the saddest thing in the world to hold the hand of the person you loved and not feel any response at all, not even the tiniest flicker of a muscle. There was only one person she wanted to tell about this, and he had gone forever. She was alone.”

The Second Marriage is creatively based on the lives of Jackie Kennedy, wife of JFK and Maria Callas, a world-renowned opera singer. Both women live a life of privilege many can only dream of. Flights on private jets, multiple homes, winters on a privately owned boat in the Caribbean. Yet both women experience hardships and excruciating loss. Although it is not documented that the two women ever met, they both want to marry the same man. Aristotle Onassis is one of the wealthiest men of his time. What Ari wants; he must have. After the tragic assassination of JFK, Jackie needs protection. Maria left her older husband for her love of Ari. Ari must choose between conquest or love.
“It’s acute anxiety. I’ve seen this in soldiers coming out of war zones. I think you need professional help.”

The story follows Maria and Jackie throughout the years from the 1950’s-1970s, swapping character every chapter or so. Usually I have a favourite character with this type of storytelling, but I equally enjoyed reading about both women. Reading a story from Jackie’s perspective of loss allowed me to view the assassination of JFK from a different perspective. I was absorbed in this story and really enjoyed reading a historical fiction about two incredibly famous women. I will miss spending my winter days huddled up reading about cruising the Caribbean and dining in Paris. I started reading this knowing very little about Jackie and nothing about Maria. This is my first novel by Gill Paul and I really enjoyed it.

This story includes assassination, miscarriage, infant death, PTSD and addiction.