I really don't have much to say about this book which is positive; the grammar was terrible, the plot turgid and the main character vapid. There were points in the story when I wanted to take Isabel by the shoulders and give her a good shake, she sleepwalks from one bad situation to the next without an iota of a common sense. I really didn't enjoy it and wasn't interested enough in Isabel to bother finishing it.

*3.75*

"Becoming Belle" is the story of the real life historical figure Isabel Bilton who in 1887 flees her hometown to go to London to sing and dance and to become successful. By 1891 she becomes a Countess, and this story recollects the facts that lead her to this sought-after position.

I quite enjoyed this book, I am a big historical fiction fan, so everytime I read a book like this I feel like coming home. I very much enjoy books set in London (or England) in the 1800s so I have to say I knew I was going to enjoy this one.
It was really interesting reading about a strong woman with a lot of ambition, pursuing what she dreamt of as a child.
I also really liked the frienship/family and love relationships throughout this novel. They are very well thought and they seem very real. I know this is a story based on true events, but as I understood from the author's note, she had very little material to work with regarding Isabel, so she was very good at crafting a story based on so little.

I did not particularly enjoy how the main problem in this book, of which I won't talk about because spoilers, was resolved. It seemed a little bit of a hasty solution in my opinion and I could not see a single ounce of change in William's behavior (Belle's husband and therefore a very important figure in the book).

I also really appreciated how the author included a LGBTQ+ rep in this book, even though we have no source about it. I think it was fitting and very important to also include representation in historical fiction books (it is very rare).

After all, I really enjoyed this book, if it seems something that you might enjoy I really recommend you checking it out.

This story tells the journey of Isabel or Belle who goes from being born in a middle class family to becoming a Countess.

I didn't like someone Belle's character traits and choices. Inspire of her misgivings, the author wrote a good historical fiction book. Belle's story is based on a real one and if you like reading based on real characters ,then I would suggest this one.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC.

I'm a fan of historical fiction, and Becoming Belle was a solid one I enjoyed. It's based on a real person, which made it even more interesting for me. The story takes place in 17th century London. Isabel Bilton is a woman coming from middle-class, and we follow her journey to be able to ascent to the aristocracy, at times there isn't even mention of feminism.
She leaves her home in London, determined to change her life that's given to her by birth. She's ready to walk over anything and everything that stands in her way. She changes her name to Belle and just goes for it.
To me, Belle was a difficult character to like. She also gave some decisions that didn't go with her determined and selfish personality. This inconsistency, and some boring parts made me gave 3 stars to the book.

Other than that, I really liked the writing. It was truly historical, I could feel I was transmitted to another time. It's a solid historical fiction with a strong protagonist. If you're interested in these aspects, it's a book for you.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for granting this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Belle, Isabel Bilton was an actress in the late 19th century. Acting, was a profession that wasn't viewed with good eyes by Victorian society, but actresses did enjoy certain freedoms that other women of the era did not have. In fact, some believe these freedoms are equivalent to those of women in the late 20th century, for example they can sign their own acting contracts and represented themselves, they manage their own money etc. Belle wasn't an exception and she was a successful young actress with a good income.

Nonetheless, Belle is not portrayed as a strong woman, she is more or less a damsel in distress, she prefers the company of men and her only woman friend was her sister Flo, with whom she performed. Keep in mind that this book is based in true events and people, therefore you’ll see in Belle a woman of the era with all her qualities and faults that in a matter of four years raised from being a middle class actress to become the Countess of Clancarty.

˝Oh, Isabel is not for literary pursuits, Mr. Weston. She prefers to live her story˝

Many Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group, Nuala O'Connor and Netgalley for the opportunity.