July 2011

THE AMERICAN HEIRESS, Daisy Goodwin's debut novel, opens in Newport, Rhode Island, in its glory days when the Astors ruled the social scene and midnight balls were all the rage. But money is not everything, and Cora Cash's mother wants what many mothers of the day want for their society daughters --- a royal title. Thus they travel to England in search of one, and they learn that this is a time when money really does buy anything. These lush times set the scene for a look at the steamy and darker sides of this world. The fashions, customs and other historical details are just pitch perfect. Goodwin's spirited and upbeat writing style is completely entertaining.

For humor, I actually read this book in manuscript form last summer, and along the way I misplaced the last few pages. When I realized they were missing, I flew up from the hammock and dashed into the house to find them as I HAD to know how it ended. The suspense is there right to the end. Doubt me? Get to the last few pages! And may I say I have looked forward to sharing this one with readers for months.

It's a perfect read for those who enjoyed "Downton Abbey," the PBS Masterpiece Theatre series, and anyone who enjoyed all the details of the Royal Wedding. There's a treasure trove of discussion material for book clubs who enjoy historical fiction.