High society, the Gilded Age, a feud between Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt - so much to enjoy in this book! Caroline Astor has been at the top of society for decades, but now Alva Vanderbilt is on the scene, intent on breaking into the upper echelons. Alva, having come from nothing but now wanting for nothing, doesn't understand why she can't be accepted by the other wealthy women. It was so interesting to learn about the social norms of the time, the distinctions between old and new money, etc. I've always enjoyed reading about the Gilded Age, and Rosen does a great job of bringing the time period, and the characters, to life. There wasn't perhaps as much interaction between the two women as I was maybe expecting, but I did learn more about each one, especially all the heartache Caroline Astor endured in her life. The story petered out a bit at the end, but it was still an enjoyable read. 4 stars
Edith is recently widowed and biding her time before leaving for a volunteer position in South Africa. She rents a room from what she assumes is an elderly man, who also assumes she's an elderly woman. While they never see each other in the house, they leave notes where they get to know each other, unbeknownst to the fact that they actually keep running into the other in town, forming a growing bond. I thought this book was adorable! I love the mistaken identity aspect and kind of wish it had gone on even longer in the story, where it then moves to a fake dating trope and a little bit of opposites attract. Edith did not have a great marriage, so I was rooting for her from the beginning to open herself up to love again, although I also liked the idea of claiming her independence and doing something for herself. Henry was super charming and I loved his devotion to the family business. The small town setting is very fun, although a little ridiculous with how fast (and wrongly) rumors spread. A sweet, clean romance, I didn't realize it was Christian fiction at first. It didn't really hamper my enjoyment of the story, but it can be nice to know these things ahead of time. 4 stars
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Dear Henry, Love Edith sounds charming. I love the fact that they were communicating by notes while unknowingly running into each other in person.
ReplyDeleteI know, it was so cute!
DeleteDear Henry was on my TBR, but now I know I should read it for sure. I have thing for wounded characters.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll really like it!
DeleteThe Gilded Age would be such a fun and fascinating time to read about
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favorites!
DeleteThe book by Kinzer is on my TBR. Glad you enjoyed the story!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lucy! I hope you enjoy it, too!
DeleteDear Henry, Love Edith sounds wonderful. Thanks for the head's up that it's a Christian fic. I agree that it's nice to know that ahead of time.
ReplyDeleteYep! It's definitely not a deal breaker for me, but it could be for others.
DeleteGlad to hear you enjoyed The Social Graces overall. I thought it was pretty good, too. That time period is so compelling!
ReplyDeleteIt really is! I can't get enough of reading about rich people and their lives!
DeleteSocial Graces sounds like one I might enjoy. Pinned it to my Virtual Book Club board. Sorry the story just petered out in the end. I find a lot of the books I read take forever telling the story then spend one quick chapter resolving everything. Frustrating.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I think sometimes it's hard with historical fiction because there isn't always a natural ending point.
DeleteDear Henry, Love Edith sounds adorable!
ReplyDeleteIt was!
DeleteThe premise of the second one is so cute, I'm glad it was good!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kit!
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