American Gilt

Newport, R.I. 1880 - American débutante Sara Swan Whiting has been trained for one purpose: to marry well into society. Together with her friends Carrie Astor and Edith Jones (Wharton), Sara débuts into society and is introduced to the bachelors of New York’s wealthy families, hoping to find the perfect marriage. ‘Ethereally beautiful’ and ‘the spirit of the ball’, Sara garners many suitors. But none steal her heart, until she is introduced to Oliver Belmont.

Raised in the privileged style of his family’s wealth, Oliver is pressured to find a suitable vocation, but prefers a gentleman’s life of leisure. Sent to the naval academy by his parents, he begs to resign, and then shows up at his mother’s Paris suite unannounced – away without leave. Realizing marriage will offer him freedom from his father’s constant insistence on a career, Oliver sets his sights on the naïve and beautiful Miss Whiting.

While on an afternoon outing Oliver spontaneously proposes marriage, breaking protocol by not getting his parents approval first. Sara accepts the proposal – only to discover his parents disapprove of the match. In an age when royal titles and large dowries were exchanged through marriage, Oliver and Sara find themselves forced to deal with the decorum of Gilded Age society while embracing their newfound love.

Based on the true account of the Belmont-Whiting Scandal of 1883.

Previously published as "SWAN SONG - The Vocation of Marriage"

Excellent!!
By Ted S. Mayo 9/16/2015
This was the best gilded age novel I have read in such a long time. It was full of colorful details of the era and very believable characters.
Five Stars 5.0 out of 5 stars

5.0 out of 5 stars
By Amy Holmgren 9/16/2015
I literally could not put this book down! I felt like I had been transported into another time and place! I love the settings, and I love the characters. I feel like I know them personally.

5.0 out of 5 starsTotally hooked!
ByL. Colveron October 4, 2015
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
I love true history and I love novels..This is the best of both worlds. It typically takes me a little while to get into a book, but this one grabbed me fast. If you love period pieces, this is so fun to read and to know that these people really did live these decadent lifestyles just takes your imagination away.

By Steve Ehret on October 3, 2016
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
I began reading the series before it was completed and I t was painful to wait for for the next books. I can also say that I became more hooked as I dove into the second and third book feeling like I really knew and cared about the characters.

5.0 out of 5 starsI
By Shane on August 25, 2015
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
I could not put this book down!!!! It kept me up late into the night.