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3.31 AVERAGE
3.31 AVERAGE
I really loved the premise of this book. That phenomenon of the rich American girls marrying poor English lords is just so interesting to me. This book lead me to read other books on the subject because it's just so fascinating.
This particular book was just okay. I felt like there were some plot holes. The main characters did things that were not adequately explained at the end. For example, during the Prince's visit to Lulworth (which, that name!), at the picnic, Ivo shows up with Catherine on his arm which convinces Cora that they are indeed having an affair. At the end when he convinces her to stay, she never asks him why he did such a bonehead thing. It was so clearly a snub to the spurned wife. No explanation. Nothing.
The writing was fine. It wasn't full of beautiful turns of phrase, but there were some thought-provoking sentences. It was a little more Chick-Lit-y than I like, but not too much. If nothing else it will maintain a place in my heart for starting me off learning about the American Heiress phenomenon.
This particular book was just okay. I felt like there were some plot holes. The main characters did things that were not adequately explained at the end. For example, during the Prince's visit to Lulworth (which, that name!), at the picnic, Ivo shows up with Catherine on his arm which convinces Cora that they are indeed having an affair. At the end when he convinces her to stay, she never asks him why he did such a bonehead thing. It was so clearly a snub to the spurned wife. No explanation. Nothing.
The writing was fine. It wasn't full of beautiful turns of phrase, but there were some thought-provoking sentences. It was a little more Chick-Lit-y than I like, but not too much. If nothing else it will maintain a place in my heart for starting me off learning about the American Heiress phenomenon.
It took a little bit to get into the story but once I did I really enjoyed it. This definitely was a cross between Downton Abbey and something from Jane Austen in my opinion.
There will be no video review for the book.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieuncensored
There will be no video review for the book.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieuncensored
3.5 stars. It took me a while to get through this. It was a love hate situation. I didn't expect it to end this way.
This might win for best vacation fluff of the summer, and I mean that in the awesomest way. I've seen Anna Godbersen's YA Luxe series described as Edith Wharton meets Gossip Girl, and I would say that this novel is a grown-up version of the Luxe books. Or, how about this: ever had a gin fizz? This is the book equivalent of that light, frothy, fruity, delicious cocktail.
I had to post a Teaser earlier today because I was literally delighted by this story from the first handful of pages, and it honestly gets better from there. Set during the Gilded Age, the story follows American heiress Cora Cash as she hunts, and marries, an English noble. Even though Goodwin's writing is effortless it isn't thin: it's clear she's done her research and her tone balances the utterly serious way high society viewed itself with darkly comedic moments and pointed commentary offered in a very pointed manner. It has Gothic elements, fantastic descriptions of houses and dresses and meals, plenty of intrigue, and a heroine who is self-absorbed and guileless in equal part. Cora actually sold me on the story, from the first: she's outrageous and out-of-touch, but young and unsure in her own way. She made me care for her eventual happiness, even if I'm not normally the type to cheer for rich heiresses!
Bottom line: get this book, pour yourself a silly cocktail, and settle in for some very ostentatious fun!
I had to post a Teaser earlier today because I was literally delighted by this story from the first handful of pages, and it honestly gets better from there. Set during the Gilded Age, the story follows American heiress Cora Cash as she hunts, and marries, an English noble. Even though Goodwin's writing is effortless it isn't thin: it's clear she's done her research and her tone balances the utterly serious way high society viewed itself with darkly comedic moments and pointed commentary offered in a very pointed manner. It has Gothic elements, fantastic descriptions of houses and dresses and meals, plenty of intrigue, and a heroine who is self-absorbed and guileless in equal part. Cora actually sold me on the story, from the first: she's outrageous and out-of-touch, but young and unsure in her own way. She made me care for her eventual happiness, even if I'm not normally the type to cheer for rich heiresses!
Bottom line: get this book, pour yourself a silly cocktail, and settle in for some very ostentatious fun!
Almost nothing happens in the first half of the book and the ending was so unsatisfactory.
I started out really liking this book. I felt for Cora and really liked her character. But I just got really frustrated because she let everyone walk all over her. Most frustrating of all was Duke Ivo...a horrible character. He is full of mood swings, doesn't show any kindness to Cora and well I won't spoil it, but his actions in the book made me so angry. I didn't forgive him and in the end I still hated him.
A turn-of-the-century tale about a rich, spoiled American socialite who marries a moody English duke. There's nothing particularly original here -- the characters, the meddling mother-in-law, the clash of cultures, the thwarted lovers -- but it's a pleasant read, albeit ultimately forgettable. You will immediately start confusing this with any number of Jane Austen or Edith Wharton novels or knock-offs.
slow-paced
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Having visited the mansions of Newport I could really picture the extravagance of the Newport scenes.