I won this in a First Reads Giveaway. 
 This book was so much more than I was expecting. I'll admit, I often judge books by their covers, and from the cover of this one I was expecting something on the fluffy and romantic side. What I got was undoubtedly more satisfying. Madame Tussaud is gritty, painful in parts, and full of heart. Moran's portrait of the French Revolution brings you into the story -- it is almost like being present to watch it unfold. Although you are viewing the players through Marie's eyes, the novel is written in a way that allows you to form your own opinions, and then feel them change as reasonableness turns to tyranny. I found Marie herself intensely likeable. Not a wilting flower, she exercises agency and pursues the things she finds important in life. Her outlook on her career is refreshing; it is unfortunately rare to see such strong female characters. Madame Tussaud was beautiful and haunting, and I suspect its echoes will stay with me for some time.