During New York City's Gilded Age, Clara Carter is given her orders: secure a marriage proposal or your family is doomed. But she cannot just marry anyone. No, she must marry Franklin De Vries, The Heir. The dizzying plot of a young girl learning endless lists of etiquette rules, dance steps, proper attire, cinching of corsets (to the determent of her health), and the art of being able to carry on a conversation with someone who doesn't speak is intriguing. A story I enjoyed, thankful every page that I did not have to experience this scenario, and realizing that many young women in the not-to-distant past, did.

Share/Like this Review?

I loved this story!! It was so interesting to learn what women really had to go through to get a husband so many years ago. Things were so strict and women had no choice but to do what their parents ordered them to do. Most did not marry for love but married for wealth and good standing in the community. It took great courage to go against tradition and against your family.Very good read, I feel all women will love this story as much as I did.

Share/Like this Review?

I have always fancifully wished myself in some other era other than my own - preferably one with gorgeous fashion, busy social events, and an enviable last name - but after reading Siri Mitchell's tale of Guilded Era New York with it's tight corsets and marrow shovels, I think my wishing days are over. Siri's portrayal of a young 17-year-old debutante hoping to catch the hand of uber-rich Franklin de Vries was both entertaining as well as heartbreaking. Truly, this novel overflowed with opulence and finery, but the cost such beauty exacted was far too high. Sadly, our culture has not changed over the years in spite of the fact that women no longer wear lacing corsets, but we are still surrounded by the noise and imagery of whether we are "pretty enough." I applaud Siri for tackling such a difficult subject matter amidst the backdrop of the Guilded Era, but I shouldn't be surprised. She has become one of the best authors in Christian historical fiction, and I always appreciate that I gain a bit of history paired with an exciting tale in every one of her novels.

Share/Like this Review?

What a great book. I love stuff about debut's, coming outs, etc from the 19th century. I can't believe all that a girl had to do back then to catch a husband. This book really goes into details about corsets, how a lot of women back then suffered from anorexia BECAUSE of the corsets and lots of other things.

The story-line itself I absoutely loved. I found myself really liking Clara's character although I was a bit disappointed towards the middle of the book when she succumbed to some of the pressures of being told what to do.

It ended on a good note though and so I was happy. :) Looking forward to reading more from Siri Mitchell.

Share/Like this Review?

Excellent treatment of the time period through the main character's eyes. The characters were very realistic and the interaction between family members and society "friends" was well portrayed. The word pictures were visible as I read. A very, very good book.

Share/Like this Review?