About this item:
4.5 out of 5
90.77% of customers are satisfied
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, enthralling
What a wonderful biography, capturing the essence of the characters and keeping one reading, seeking to know these persons even more. Ms. Abe certainly seems to capture the essence of these persons, even though it is fiction based on real-life. I cannot wait to read more of her writing - I was kept engaged throughout the book with the realism and depth of the characters. Totally loved it!!!
4.0 out of 5 stars Historical Fiction
Opening chapter is captivating. No waiting for interest to arrive. I have visited the beautiful estate and gardens of the Huntington Library and gardens in Pasadena , California but never knew anything of the mistress and how this luxury property came to be. It's an easy read and a pleasure to pick up in the middle of the night, time and time again. My book club enjoyed this book, not the book of the year but a good and solid read. No complaints
5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite
Top caliber writing. (And I am very discerning!) Perfect tension between inner and outer lives. Prose abounds with shades of color, but never overreaching. Pacing, points of view, all natural and intriguing. Well done!
5.0 out of 5 stars Historical fiction at its finest!
I can only start this review one way. Wow! What a story!The author begins near the end of 1902, with Lucy, a sales clerk, from The Town Topics Publishing Co. arriving to see Mrs Huntington. Lucy’s employer is trying to gouge the widow of Collis P. Huntington to pay the hefty price of $10,000 for a copy of its newest publication “Fads and Fancies of Representative Americans at the Beginning of the Twentieth Century: being a Portrayal of their Tastes, Diversions, and Achievements.” From there, the author sends the reader back to 1867 and into the life of Arabella D. Yarrington - a beautiful 17 year old- who is working as a champagne girl at one of the many illegal drinking and gambling houses that Johnny Worsham owns in Richmond. Arabella’s father has died and left behind his wife and five children on the verge of starvation. Arabella’s job makes the difference between their eating or starving.Arabella is not only beautiful, she is smart. She is determined. She is a planner. And she wants her family out of poverty. When she meets Collis P. Huntington, she believes she has found her way out. But only if she consistently plays her part.This well researched novel takes the reader through all the feels. Emotionally hard at times, Arabella (Belle) moves forward in her planned out life to rescue not only her mother and siblings but herself. When she needs to reinvent herself, she does just that.The story, set in The Gilded Age, takes the reader to glorious places and the opulent buildings and homes that were popular during that time. During this period of her life, Belle, with thoughtfulness and grace, faces rejection from a very judgmental society. She is judged. She is shunned. But, she perseveres in creating the life she wants for her family.This beautifully written, well researched novel is historical fiction at its best as the author tells the story of the real Arabella Yarrington and how she fought, planned, changed, and honed her skills to become the richest woman in the country.I loved this book. The author’s beautifully written descriptions make the Gilded Age, and all its excess, come alive for the reader. Not only a solid five star read for me but a new author discovered! Well done, Shana Abe.
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable reading
It was very interesting and highly readable. Some passages seemed too lengthy and detailed (descriptions of art, decor, etc.), and I would have liked to read more about her marriage to Henry Edward. As another reviewer wrote, "Part 2?"
3.0 out of 5 stars A nice biography
Story was a bit lumbering. I wish the author didn't end the story so abruptly. Maybe there's a part 2??
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!
This book is the kind of book that takes you away to another time. It holds you in its spell from the first page until the last. I thoroughly enjoyed it.. If you like historical fiction with a strong female lead, this book is for you. Splendid!u
5.0 out of 5 stars Historical Fiction at its Best
This beautifully written work of historical fiction vividly captures the romance (and excesses) of the “gilded age” in late nineteen century America. I am now anxious to find a biography of Colles P. Huntington, the fabulously successful railroad baron, with more details about his life and those exciting times. I also look forward to reading more books by this incredibly creative and talented author. - David B. Crawley, M.D. – Author of “Steep Turn: A Physician’s Journey from Clinic to Cockpit” and “A Mile of String: A Boy’s Recollection of his Midwest Childhood.”
Excellent Read
Loved this book and really didn’t want it to end.
A slow start
It began slow as the characters were introduced. A bit of a "wader" story at this point. Then midway through it sped up finishing well.
Loved it!
Really enjoyed the storyline, characters and style of writing! Two thumbs up!
Great story
A page turner
Absolute Delight
I loved this book so much that I’ll be reading her other one immediately! With fascinating characters, this historical fiction captures the age and keeps the reader engrossed from beginning to end.
Visit the Kensington Store
BHD9405
Quantity:
Order today to get by
Free delivery on orders over BHD 20
Product origin: United States
Electrical items shipped from the US are by default considered to be 120v, unless stated otherwise in the product description. Contact Bolo support for voltage information of specific products. A step-up transformer is required to convert from 120v to 240v. All heating electrical items of 120v will be automatically cancelled.
Or share with link
https://bolo.com/