Pamela Binnings Ewen's newest novel tells the story of Emilienne, once the most beautiful and sought-after woman in Paris and star of the Folies Bergère. As she starts to age, she worries her career will soon be over and leaves the stage for the safety and security of a life with Etienne, a married man. Soon, she realizes she is only an object to Etienne, and he is beginning to lose interest.

As Emilienne's star diminishes, she watches as Coco Chanel's rises. Coco gains fame and fortune as Emilienne's feelings of jealousy grow, and Emilienne must find a way to survive that does not depend on her beauty or support from married lovers.