I received an advanced review copy of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.
My Review:
The Gilded Age is one of my favorite time periods in American History. I have always thought that it would make a spectacular setting for an historical fiction novel, so I was thrilled to find Renee Rosen’s book which captures all of the glamor, opulence and bombast of this period.
The book opens with an enthralling introduction when Delia Spencer, a wealthy socialite, is on her way to a party with her family to mingle with Chicago’s other elite citizens. While they are enjoying an extravagant party, the great fire breaks out and at the young age of 17 Delia witnesses the destruction of much of the city, including her family’s dry goods business and their elaborate home.
Delia eventually marries Arthur Caton but from the beginning something is not quite right with their marriage. Arthur rarely visits Delia’s bed and, although they are friends and genuinely like each other, they never share a deep passion for one another. When Delia meets Marshall Field, the great “Merchant Prince” of Chicago, she is immediately drawn to this fierce man with the blue-gray eyes. Continue reading
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