Status
Checked out
Collection
Publication
St. Martin's Paperbacks (2015), Edition: Reissue, 464 pages
Description
"Be careful what you wish for. Traveling abroad with her mother at the turn of the twentieth century to seek a titled husband, beautiful, vivacious Cora Cash, whose family mansion in Newport dwarfs the Vanderbilts', suddenly finds herself Duchess of Wareham, married to Ivo, the most eligible bachelor in England. Nothing is quite as it seems, however: Ivo is withdrawn and secretive, and the English social scene is full of traps and betrayals. Money, Cora soon learns, cannot buy everything, as she must decide what is truly worth the price in her life and her marriage. Witty, moving, and brilliantly entertaining, Cora's story marks the debut of a glorious storyteller who brings a fresh new spirit to the world of Edith Wharton and Henry James. "For daughters of the new American billionaires of the 19th century, it was the ultimate deal: marriage to a cash-strapped British Aristocrat in return for a title and social status. But money didn't always buy them happiness." --DAISY GOODWIN IN THE DAILY MAIL"--… (more)
Media reviews
A shrewd, spirited historical romance with flavors of Edith Wharton, Daphne du Maurier, Jane Austen, Upstairs, Downstairs and a dash of People magazine that charts a bumpy marriage of New World money and Old World tradition.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Smiler69
There was a crash from the kitchen behind and the hummingbirds stirred, their short futile flights disturbing the air like sighs.
'What colour are they this time?' asked Bertha, welcoming the distraction.
'I was told to make 'em all gold. Wasn't easy. Hummingbirds don't like to be painted; some of
Bertha knelt down and lifted up the cloth. She could see flickers of brightness moving in the darkness. When all the guests sat down for supper at midnight they would be released into the winter garden like a shower of gold. They would be the talking point of the room for maybe a whole ten minutes; the young men would try and catch them as favours for the girls they were flirting with. The other hostesses would think a touch grimly that Nancy Cash would stop at nothing to impress, and in the morning the maids would sweep the tiny golden bodies into a surrendered heap.
The Almighty Mrs. Cash prides herself as being the most elegant hostess in Newport and Fifth Avenue, and there is little she isn't willing to sacrifice for appearance's sake, as we find out in the first chapters of the novel. Mrs. Cash always has her way, even with her headstrong daughter, the regrettably named Cora Cash, and she is determined that Corra must marry a titled heir; preferably a prince, though a duke might do. As the heiress to the largest fortune in America and a beautiful young woman with a winning figure to boot, Cora has little doubt that she will find a suitable prospect with ancient and noble lineage and a desperate need for cold hard cash. But she intends to marry for love as well. And as in a fairy tale crossed with a page from a Jane Austen novel, she meets cute with just the right sort of fellow in the form of Lord Ivo Maltravers, a handsome Byronic young Duke with a penchant for Brahms and Schubert, who falls in love with her right on cue, and soon the couple have the most celebrated marriage of their time, with droves of fans come to admire Cora's superlative wedding gown.
But once ensconced at Lulworth, Lord Ivo's family domain since the 13th century, the spirited young woman finds herself at odds with the expectations that are placed on her as the lady of an ancient estate. With her American optimism and can do approach, she does her best to make her new home more habitable and happily throws money toward improvements which, instead of earning her the favour of her noble husband, seem to backfire and garner his wrath instead. And then there is Lady Charlotte, who has contrived to introduce our young Lady to the celebrated artist Louvain who insists he must paint her portrait as his inspiration dictates.
I signed up for this Early Reviewers book when I saw this emerging author described as a "glorious storyteller who brings a fresh new spirit to the traditions of Edith Wharton and Jane Austen", which was hard to resist. I received the novel against great odds, and immediately decided I wouldn't like it, having reverted to my inherent distrust of marketing stratagems. There was not much to like about any of the characters. The story itself felt familiar, and didn't present many real surprises, but I found I could only put down this novel with great difficulty and was drawn to this Upstairs Downstairs world which forever fascinates. Does this debut novel compare to Wharton and Austen? One sees it has been strongly inspired by their influences, but I have not read enough of either to consider myself an authority on the subject. Recommended? Why not? It's pure fun and filled with enough melodrama to offer the perfect kind of light entertainment. I probably liked it more than I will willingly admit.
'What colour are they this time?' asked Bertha, welcoming the distraction.
'I was told to make 'em all gold. Wasn't easy. Hummingbirds don't like to be painted; some of
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'em just give up, just lay themselves down and don't fly no more.'Bertha knelt down and lifted up the cloth. She could see flickers of brightness moving in the darkness. When all the guests sat down for supper at midnight they would be released into the winter garden like a shower of gold. They would be the talking point of the room for maybe a whole ten minutes; the young men would try and catch them as favours for the girls they were flirting with. The other hostesses would think a touch grimly that Nancy Cash would stop at nothing to impress, and in the morning the maids would sweep the tiny golden bodies into a surrendered heap.
The Almighty Mrs. Cash prides herself as being the most elegant hostess in Newport and Fifth Avenue, and there is little she isn't willing to sacrifice for appearance's sake, as we find out in the first chapters of the novel. Mrs. Cash always has her way, even with her headstrong daughter, the regrettably named Cora Cash, and she is determined that Corra must marry a titled heir; preferably a prince, though a duke might do. As the heiress to the largest fortune in America and a beautiful young woman with a winning figure to boot, Cora has little doubt that she will find a suitable prospect with ancient and noble lineage and a desperate need for cold hard cash. But she intends to marry for love as well. And as in a fairy tale crossed with a page from a Jane Austen novel, she meets cute with just the right sort of fellow in the form of Lord Ivo Maltravers, a handsome Byronic young Duke with a penchant for Brahms and Schubert, who falls in love with her right on cue, and soon the couple have the most celebrated marriage of their time, with droves of fans come to admire Cora's superlative wedding gown.
But once ensconced at Lulworth, Lord Ivo's family domain since the 13th century, the spirited young woman finds herself at odds with the expectations that are placed on her as the lady of an ancient estate. With her American optimism and can do approach, she does her best to make her new home more habitable and happily throws money toward improvements which, instead of earning her the favour of her noble husband, seem to backfire and garner his wrath instead. And then there is Lady Charlotte, who has contrived to introduce our young Lady to the celebrated artist Louvain who insists he must paint her portrait as his inspiration dictates.
I signed up for this Early Reviewers book when I saw this emerging author described as a "glorious storyteller who brings a fresh new spirit to the traditions of Edith Wharton and Jane Austen", which was hard to resist. I received the novel against great odds, and immediately decided I wouldn't like it, having reverted to my inherent distrust of marketing stratagems. There was not much to like about any of the characters. The story itself felt familiar, and didn't present many real surprises, but I found I could only put down this novel with great difficulty and was drawn to this Upstairs Downstairs world which forever fascinates. Does this debut novel compare to Wharton and Austen? One sees it has been strongly inspired by their influences, but I have not read enough of either to consider myself an authority on the subject. Recommended? Why not? It's pure fun and filled with enough melodrama to offer the perfect kind of light entertainment. I probably liked it more than I will willingly admit.
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LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
I found The American Heiress to be a fascinating read about the very rich and titled at the turn of the century. The main character, Cora is the daughter of an American multi-millionaire, the cream of American society where roots weren’t as important as the cash you were able to acquire.. Cora
Cora and her mother go to England to find that title. Cora meets and is immediately attracted to the Duke of Wareham. The Duke is a bit of a dark horse, he was born the second son but due to his older brothers death his life changed and the title became his. This was a position he never wanted to fill. Now he needed to marry for money, to find someone to restore the crumbling family seat, to shore up his properties and set the dynasty back on its feet.
The book is well researched and is filled with tidbits about the very rich and titled and how they lived, dressed and ate. Cora’s black maid is also a fairly main character so the book has a slight feel of Upstairs/Downstairs as well. The story moves slowly as secrets are revealed and Cora, who married as much to escape her mother as for love, learns she must move carefully in this intricate society that is all to willing to allow this American to make a misstep. And when she does misstep, she learns her Duke is more concerned with the appearance of things rather than concern for her.
I enjoyed this book, an escape into the past and into a culture that had very attractive packaging but could hide a very dark and steamy side. The American Heiress is well written, filled with descriptions of the fashions of the day, great houses, and the lifestyle of the upper class. I appreciate that the author took us beyond “happily ever after“ and showed that the story was just beginning with the marriage. A great book to curl up with and lose yourself in for a few hours.
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has a very ambitious mother, and, as was often the custom, the one thing she wanted for both herself and her daughter was an English title.Cora and her mother go to England to find that title. Cora meets and is immediately attracted to the Duke of Wareham. The Duke is a bit of a dark horse, he was born the second son but due to his older brothers death his life changed and the title became his. This was a position he never wanted to fill. Now he needed to marry for money, to find someone to restore the crumbling family seat, to shore up his properties and set the dynasty back on its feet.
The book is well researched and is filled with tidbits about the very rich and titled and how they lived, dressed and ate. Cora’s black maid is also a fairly main character so the book has a slight feel of Upstairs/Downstairs as well. The story moves slowly as secrets are revealed and Cora, who married as much to escape her mother as for love, learns she must move carefully in this intricate society that is all to willing to allow this American to make a misstep. And when she does misstep, she learns her Duke is more concerned with the appearance of things rather than concern for her.
I enjoyed this book, an escape into the past and into a culture that had very attractive packaging but could hide a very dark and steamy side. The American Heiress is well written, filled with descriptions of the fashions of the day, great houses, and the lifestyle of the upper class. I appreciate that the author took us beyond “happily ever after“ and showed that the story was just beginning with the marriage. A great book to curl up with and lose yourself in for a few hours.
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LibraryThing member Sarahursula
Although this book cannot live up to the review on the back - Alison Pearson's 'Henry James with belles on' is entertaining hyperbole – but it is engrossing and perfect for curling up with cocoa in pyjamas imagining the houses, jewels, clothes and men. And what a treat they are! The mysterious
When reading this I kept thinking of Stewart Granger as the dark mysterious Duke of Wareham, Margaret Lockwood as Charlotte Beauchamp and perhaps Phyllis Calvert as the brilliantly named Cora Cash the richest American heiress in the whole wide world. Bring back Gainsborough Pictures to make this film please. And Daisy Goodwin is apparently writing another novel with a love triangle between a man, his fiancée and the Empress of Austria. Hurray!
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Duke of Wareham and adorable Teddy van der Leyden are a treat and also soppy hopeless Reggie Greatorex. The introduction of Miss Cash (and her money) into the British upper classes creates lots of delicious implications; jealous mothers (Mrs Cash is the victim of a great tragic-comic scene at the beginning of the novel) and the Double Duchess Fanny, unreliable friends and servants with their own agendas. Plus a baby. The most touching part of the novel has to be that of Bertha, Cora’s mixed race maid, who doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere until she meets the Duke’s valet Jim. There are developments… When reading this I kept thinking of Stewart Granger as the dark mysterious Duke of Wareham, Margaret Lockwood as Charlotte Beauchamp and perhaps Phyllis Calvert as the brilliantly named Cora Cash the richest American heiress in the whole wide world. Bring back Gainsborough Pictures to make this film please. And Daisy Goodwin is apparently writing another novel with a love triangle between a man, his fiancée and the Empress of Austria. Hurray!
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LibraryThing member dieseltaylor
Grossly over-rated if one were to go by the blurbs on the cover. It is OK and one of the scene setting devices is good. Unfortunately the heroine is not very likeable and as the book wavers between a romance and "real" life one is not entirely comfortable in reading it. The storyteller has lost her
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bearings and you feel it. Show Less
LibraryThing member Twink
When I saw the cover of American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin, my first thought was of Grace Kelly. But Goodwin's novel takes place before that time period, set in the Gilded Age. I found Goodwin's inspiration behind the writing of American Heiress quite fascinating.
"Daisy has long been fascinated with
Goodwin has created Cora Cash, an incredibly wealthy young socialite living in Newport, Rhode Island in 1893 at the time of her 'debut'. Cora's mother is determined that Cora will make the best match possible. And what she wants cannot be bought in the United States - a title. So they debut continues in England. And Mrs. Cash finally has her wish - Cora marries a Duke. But life is not the fairytale that Cora had imagined. Does her husband truly love her? Her mother-in-law seems determined to thwart her at every turn. The staff don't respect her. And she is alone in a strange country with no friends and really no idea of how things are done in England.
Cora is spunky and full of life, determined to succeed at everything. I enjoyed her enthusiasm, but found her to be a bit of a spoiled brat at times. Certainly this can be explained by her upbringing, but I found her treatment of her maid Bertha discouraging. Bertha's story was for me just as interesting as Cora's. Bertha's attempts to find happiness for herself don't even register on Cora's radar. The Duke and his mother (and Cora's mother) were somewhat cliched and almost 'over the top'. I had trouble really 'buying' the love that Cora felt for Ivo - it read like childish infatuation. I wanted to shout at her more than once to open her eyes and really 'see' things. Duke Ivo never really graduated from moneygrubber to devoted husband for me.
What I did really enjoy was the dialogue - the barbed intent behind the politest of phrase. Goodwin has done a wonderful job with this and depicting the social mores of the time. The difference between the servants and their masters was interesting and eye opening. I enjoyed the descriptions of the settings.
American Heiress was good light historical fiction and a strong debut effort, but serious historical fiction readers might be disappointed.
"Daisy has long been fascinated with
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the Gilded Age, and she decided to write about it when she was visiting Blenheim Palace and saw a portrait of Consuelo Vanderbilt looking absolutely miserable. Consuelo is the inspiration behind this book: the American heiress who went to England, married the Duke of Marlborough, lived at Blenheim...Daisy's "aha' moment, which precipitated her to write this novel, revolved around wondering who these girls were, what happened to them in England, how they lived, coped, adjusted, etc."Goodwin has created Cora Cash, an incredibly wealthy young socialite living in Newport, Rhode Island in 1893 at the time of her 'debut'. Cora's mother is determined that Cora will make the best match possible. And what she wants cannot be bought in the United States - a title. So they debut continues in England. And Mrs. Cash finally has her wish - Cora marries a Duke. But life is not the fairytale that Cora had imagined. Does her husband truly love her? Her mother-in-law seems determined to thwart her at every turn. The staff don't respect her. And she is alone in a strange country with no friends and really no idea of how things are done in England.
Cora is spunky and full of life, determined to succeed at everything. I enjoyed her enthusiasm, but found her to be a bit of a spoiled brat at times. Certainly this can be explained by her upbringing, but I found her treatment of her maid Bertha discouraging. Bertha's story was for me just as interesting as Cora's. Bertha's attempts to find happiness for herself don't even register on Cora's radar. The Duke and his mother (and Cora's mother) were somewhat cliched and almost 'over the top'. I had trouble really 'buying' the love that Cora felt for Ivo - it read like childish infatuation. I wanted to shout at her more than once to open her eyes and really 'see' things. Duke Ivo never really graduated from moneygrubber to devoted husband for me.
What I did really enjoy was the dialogue - the barbed intent behind the politest of phrase. Goodwin has done a wonderful job with this and depicting the social mores of the time. The difference between the servants and their masters was interesting and eye opening. I enjoyed the descriptions of the settings.
American Heiress was good light historical fiction and a strong debut effort, but serious historical fiction readers might be disappointed.
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LibraryThing member idroskicinia
This review is based on an ARC copy.
"Traveling abroad with her mother at the turn of the twentieth century to seek a titled husband, beautiful, vivacious Cora Cash, whose family mansion in Newport dwarfs the Vanderbilts’, suddenly finds herself Duchess of Wareham, married to Ivo, the most
When I saw for first time this book, I immediately fell in love with the cover. So clean, so beautiful, so lovely. The plot seemed really good, so when I started reading it, I was sure I would love it. And I wasn't wrong. I loved the first part of the book, when we met Cora Cash, a rich american heiress, who has everything she wants. Her mother wants her to marry a duke, so Cora will become a duchess. But there are secrets that Cora doesn't know about her husband..... I don't want to spoil anything more, the main idea of the book was just great.
But the second part of the book was really slow. The author wants to show us how Cora's live is after her marriage with too much descriptions and with lot of details of unimportant things.
The story continues with the same slow steps until the end. I thought for a moment that there would be a lot of mystery and more intrigue, but I didn't find anything. The story was predictable, and a little bit boring with all of those details.
For a moment I thought there would be a change at the end. I was looking for the mystery, for something different, more intense or exciting. But the story finished almost the same thing like in the beginning. So I'm a little bit disappointed. I really enjoyed Bertha's story, but I would love to see more about her.
So, what can I say? The story is quite bit large, I mean, this ARC copy has 465 pages (large pages) full of details about that period. So if you like History, specially that time, you will enjoy being transported to the 1880s, but if you like something with more movement and more development of the plot, you should read something else, because you will lose time getting bored.
3/5 I like it.
I received this ARC copy of The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you.
"Traveling abroad with her mother at the turn of the twentieth century to seek a titled husband, beautiful, vivacious Cora Cash, whose family mansion in Newport dwarfs the Vanderbilts’, suddenly finds herself Duchess of Wareham, married to Ivo, the most
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eligible bachelor in England. Nothing is quite as it seems, however: Ivo is withdrawn and secretive, and the English social scene is full of traps and betrayals. Money, Cora soon learns, cannot buy everything, as she must decide what is truly worth the price in her life and her marriage."When I saw for first time this book, I immediately fell in love with the cover. So clean, so beautiful, so lovely. The plot seemed really good, so when I started reading it, I was sure I would love it. And I wasn't wrong. I loved the first part of the book, when we met Cora Cash, a rich american heiress, who has everything she wants. Her mother wants her to marry a duke, so Cora will become a duchess. But there are secrets that Cora doesn't know about her husband..... I don't want to spoil anything more, the main idea of the book was just great.
But the second part of the book was really slow. The author wants to show us how Cora's live is after her marriage with too much descriptions and with lot of details of unimportant things.
The story continues with the same slow steps until the end. I thought for a moment that there would be a lot of mystery and more intrigue, but I didn't find anything. The story was predictable, and a little bit boring with all of those details.
For a moment I thought there would be a change at the end. I was looking for the mystery, for something different, more intense or exciting. But the story finished almost the same thing like in the beginning. So I'm a little bit disappointed. I really enjoyed Bertha's story, but I would love to see more about her.
So, what can I say? The story is quite bit large, I mean, this ARC copy has 465 pages (large pages) full of details about that period. So if you like History, specially that time, you will enjoy being transported to the 1880s, but if you like something with more movement and more development of the plot, you should read something else, because you will lose time getting bored.
3/5 I like it.
I received this ARC copy of The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you.
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LibraryThing member sydamy
If Edith Wharton wrote chick lit, this is how it would read. Set in the Gilded age, when very wealthy American travelled to England in search of a titled gentleman to marry. Young Cora does indeed find herself a duke. But does her love her or her money? The book describes very well the lifestyle
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and the times of the late 1800's. Even though it is story that has be told many times, the setting made it quite enjoyable to read. Show Less
LibraryThing member birdsam0610
I wanted to like this book. Really. Considering I had ordered it from halfway around the world, I wanted to enjoy it. I saw that Downton Abbey also has a American heiress called Cora; I wanted to enjoy this. But all throughout this book I was wondering, is this it? Where is the suspense, the moment
The plot is straightforward – Cora Cash, rich American heiress has anything money can buy (including gold hummingbirds and digging for gem treasures – and that’s just at parties). However, her mother wants her to be titled. After Cora is caught in a compromising clinch with Teddy (rich, but not titled) and Mrs Cash is disfigured when her electricity dress catches fire, Cora goes to England to find a suitably titled husband in need of her money. After falling off her horse, she is discovered by Ivo, the new Lord of Wareham. She falls in love with him and they get married very early on in the book. The intrigue involves a portrait, a friend who is not all she seems, an increasingly distant husband and a snooty mother-in-law. It’s kind of predictable and the ending is quite rushed, with feelings changing each paragraph. I still wonder if Cora got what she wanted – or even knew what she wanted, after pressures from family and friends.
Some characters were drawn better than others – the Duke remained an enigma to me, dipping in and out of the action frequently. Cora’s mother was determined while Cora was confused for me. Was the naming of the rich heiress – ‘Cash’ deliberate? I think it was a pun this book didn’t need to have. The historical setting is dealt with lightly, we get the gist of the time but none of the politics or defining events.
Yes, it was predictable but perhaps this is a new fashion – historical chick lit. Some have likened this book to those written by Jane Austen or Edith Wharton but I believe that the prose is too simple for that.
Note that this book also goes by the title The American Heiress.
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of crisis? Was I missing it? Was it too subtly written? Have I read too many books like this one? This book brought back memories of the Luxe series by Anna Godbersen in the way dresses are lavishly described, the writing is similar and the rich American girl setting. I liked it marginally better than the Luxe series but I don’t think I’ll be going back for more any time soon – it’s confusing whether this is a long book for young adult readers or a light read for older readers.The plot is straightforward – Cora Cash, rich American heiress has anything money can buy (including gold hummingbirds and digging for gem treasures – and that’s just at parties). However, her mother wants her to be titled. After Cora is caught in a compromising clinch with Teddy (rich, but not titled) and Mrs Cash is disfigured when her electricity dress catches fire, Cora goes to England to find a suitably titled husband in need of her money. After falling off her horse, she is discovered by Ivo, the new Lord of Wareham. She falls in love with him and they get married very early on in the book. The intrigue involves a portrait, a friend who is not all she seems, an increasingly distant husband and a snooty mother-in-law. It’s kind of predictable and the ending is quite rushed, with feelings changing each paragraph. I still wonder if Cora got what she wanted – or even knew what she wanted, after pressures from family and friends.
Some characters were drawn better than others – the Duke remained an enigma to me, dipping in and out of the action frequently. Cora’s mother was determined while Cora was confused for me. Was the naming of the rich heiress – ‘Cash’ deliberate? I think it was a pun this book didn’t need to have. The historical setting is dealt with lightly, we get the gist of the time but none of the politics or defining events.
Yes, it was predictable but perhaps this is a new fashion – historical chick lit. Some have likened this book to those written by Jane Austen or Edith Wharton but I believe that the prose is too simple for that.
Note that this book also goes by the title The American Heiress.
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LibraryThing member Booklady123
I won an ARC of this book from Goodreads.
The American Heiress tells the story of Cora Cash, a wealthy young American beauty from the turn of the Twentieth Century. The only child of a “new money” family, Cora is her mother’s entrée into society. Mrs. Cash is determined to make the ultimate
To be honest, I’m still trying to figure out how I feel about this book. I thought it was well written. Godwin included just the right amount of detail to give the reader a sense of the time period. I found Cora to be a very likable character. I was very interested in her story and wanted to know how it would end. However, I had a real hard time reading this book. I kept finding it way too easy put it aside. In the end, I had to force myself to sit down and not move until I finished the book. In fairness, that could be due to the fact that I would classify this book as a romance, not a genre I read very often.
What I liked about the book: Cora. She’s a very strong woman, but not so strong as to be unbelievable. She is the reason I kept reading. The setting – I’m an Anglophile and I enjoy stories with a British or Irish twist. The ending – I won’t post any spoilers, but I have to admit I was a little concerned about how she was going to wrap it all up – would it be believable. It wasn’t a Pollyanna ending, but it fit the story rather well
What I didn’t like about the book: There were several characters I didn’t like, but I don’t think the reader is meant to like them very much. There is more than one villain in this story. The main thing I did not like about this book was the pacing. It was a good story, but it just didn’t grab me. It often felt like a chore to read this book and that is why I only gave it three stars.
If you enjoy romances, stories about turn of the century England and are not looking for a fast paced, grab you by the collar read – then this could be the book for you.
The American Heiress tells the story of Cora Cash, a wealthy young American beauty from the turn of the Twentieth Century. The only child of a “new money” family, Cora is her mother’s entrée into society. Mrs. Cash is determined to make the ultimate
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marriage match for her daughter – one with a title. On a trip to England, Cora finds herself in a whirlwind courtship with an impoverished duke with secrets. After an over the top wedding, Cora finds herself trying to navigate the pitfalls of being American among British nobility. For once, her wealth can’t solve everything.To be honest, I’m still trying to figure out how I feel about this book. I thought it was well written. Godwin included just the right amount of detail to give the reader a sense of the time period. I found Cora to be a very likable character. I was very interested in her story and wanted to know how it would end. However, I had a real hard time reading this book. I kept finding it way too easy put it aside. In the end, I had to force myself to sit down and not move until I finished the book. In fairness, that could be due to the fact that I would classify this book as a romance, not a genre I read very often.
What I liked about the book: Cora. She’s a very strong woman, but not so strong as to be unbelievable. She is the reason I kept reading. The setting – I’m an Anglophile and I enjoy stories with a British or Irish twist. The ending – I won’t post any spoilers, but I have to admit I was a little concerned about how she was going to wrap it all up – would it be believable. It wasn’t a Pollyanna ending, but it fit the story rather well
What I didn’t like about the book: There were several characters I didn’t like, but I don’t think the reader is meant to like them very much. There is more than one villain in this story. The main thing I did not like about this book was the pacing. It was a good story, but it just didn’t grab me. It often felt like a chore to read this book and that is why I only gave it three stars.
If you enjoy romances, stories about turn of the century England and are not looking for a fast paced, grab you by the collar read – then this could be the book for you.
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LibraryThing member BaileysAndBooks
What a fun way to start off the summer. [The American Heiress] is a nice piece of fiction that could be a prequel to [The Great Gatsby] (although certainly not on the same writing level, or with characters equally complex/compelling).
I found myself swept up in the world of Cora Cash, although not
This book is definitely one to pack in the bag to read by the pool, at the shore or on your way to summer travels.
I found myself swept up in the world of Cora Cash, although not
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immediately since she is not specifically a likable character. I did want to know her story, and see what would happen with her and the Duke as she settled in to life in England, and Goodwin painted a portrait of 1890s life that I found very interesting.This book is definitely one to pack in the bag to read by the pool, at the shore or on your way to summer travels.
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LibraryThing member ForeignCircus
Though I found this book slow going for the first 50 or so pages, I eventually found myself pulled into the story. The improbably named American heiress Cora Cash is wealthy enough to be the prime catch of the season, and her mother is determined to use that status to marry into a titled English
Though there was nothing unexpected about the plot, I did find the characters engaging, and welcomed the few glances into the life and views of the servants involved in all these family machinations. Cora's naivete can be annoying at times, and she certainly isn't the brightest heroine, but she is nevertheless a well-meaning girl who does attract the reader's sympathy as the story develops.
A good summer read once you sink into the story. 3.5 stars.
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family. Cora is determined to get married to escape from her overbearing mother, especially after her first love turns down her proposal to dedicate himself to art.Though there was nothing unexpected about the plot, I did find the characters engaging, and welcomed the few glances into the life and views of the servants involved in all these family machinations. Cora's naivete can be annoying at times, and she certainly isn't the brightest heroine, but she is nevertheless a well-meaning girl who does attract the reader's sympathy as the story develops.
A good summer read once you sink into the story. 3.5 stars.
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LibraryThing member barpurple
This book was an impulse buy for me. The title, My last Duchess, is from one of my favourite Robert Browning poems. I was impressed by the way Dasiy Goodwin created a whole glittering world filled will social danger and convention. The fact that I read this book in less than a day should give you
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some idea of how engaging the story of Cora Cash and her social circle proved to be. Hints and subtle elements of Browning's poem run through the story like an undercurrent, surfacing occasionaly like the dark threat of a shark's fin. Ultimatley the story has a happier ending than the poem, but thanks to Goodwin's skill there are moments when you feel that all smiles will stop. Show Less
LibraryThing member SalemAthenaeum
In 1893, eve without a monarchy, the American society still has the social hierarchy that calls for coming of age balls for those in the uppermost echelon of society. Cora Cash is the richest heiress of the United States, and the closest thing the country can come to calling a princess. After her
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American coming out, Cora's mother whisks her away to England in hope of garnering the one thing that her father's success in America cannot - a title. But as she falls in love with a member of English high society, Cora learns that there are long understand laws of conduct that can put even the most well mannered young outsider. In order to survive in this style of life, she must mature from a spoiled girl into a poised woman of substance. Show Less
LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
I did not truly care for Cora Cash, the central character in The American Heiress, at the outset of the novel when she appeared to be nothing more than a spoiled, wealthy girl who cared only for getting her own way. However, Cora's trials through her marriage to an impoverished English duke help
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her to grow into a much more likable and sympathetic character. I also enjoyed the secondary character of Bertha, Cora's maid, who is more down-to-earth and immediately likable. The American Heiress paints a glittering portrait of the Gilded Age and reads a bit like a gossip column, with royalty, fortune hunters, and social climbers present in force. A fun read for fans of historical fiction. Show Less
LibraryThing member Sensory
This is a great summer read about a young heiress and the societal intrigues and machinations that encompass her life. The story was engaging and very readable and I really liked the main character. The historical aspect with the accompanying atmosphere was excellent. Highly recommended for an
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enjoyable, light read. Show Less
LibraryThing member rglossne
I really enjoyed this book--not a lot of deep themes here, but a lot of fun to escape to the world of the very very rich in the Gilded Age, and their quest for titles for their daughters. Cora Cash makes a feint at independence, falls in love with her duke, and then learns how to make a marriage
Entertaining and witty.
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with him.Entertaining and witty.
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LibraryThing member amanderson
3.5 stars. Quite enjoyable historical novel set in the 1890s, a debut by a Brit. I was fascinated by the views of and contrasts between the society of the Newport, Rhode Island über rich and the British peerage of that time, as seen through the eyes of a young woman born into American wealth. The
The storyline was engaging enough, but kind of petered out at the end. Double storyline, actually, we follow the story of Cora's "colored" maid, Bertha, as well. More sympathetic character, but less well depicted.
Young Cora Cash (based on one of the Vanderbilts) lives in one of the opulent mansions of Newport (now I want to tour those mansions again); her family is one of the nouveau riche there who have set up a rarified society of balls, parties, and attempts to outdo each other with extravagances. The Cash family is one of the most extravagantly wealthy there, and Cora's domineering mother's dearest wish is to pull off the social coup of having her daughter marry into the British peerage. To that end, they travel to England. Cora is a fairly sympathetic character, despite being spoiled by her wealth, and is more concerned with marrying for freedom and love. She does marry, the marriage is held in the U.S. and is one of the media events of the year. When they return to England, she finds that navigating the British society of peers is a challenge for a forthright American accustomed to different standards about wealth and society.
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fashion, the opulence, the lack of indoor plumbing in the cash-strapped British mansions, the 9-13 course meals, the fact that the wealthy Americans were in pursuit of titles, and vice versa, that there even magazines and businesses set up to facilitate this, and that "by the end of the century a quarter of the House of Lords had a transatlantic connection", good lord it was all fascinating. The author's website and her article "Cash for Titles" (she links to it) are all well worth a read.The storyline was engaging enough, but kind of petered out at the end. Double storyline, actually, we follow the story of Cora's "colored" maid, Bertha, as well. More sympathetic character, but less well depicted.
Young Cora Cash (based on one of the Vanderbilts) lives in one of the opulent mansions of Newport (now I want to tour those mansions again); her family is one of the nouveau riche there who have set up a rarified society of balls, parties, and attempts to outdo each other with extravagances. The Cash family is one of the most extravagantly wealthy there, and Cora's domineering mother's dearest wish is to pull off the social coup of having her daughter marry into the British peerage. To that end, they travel to England. Cora is a fairly sympathetic character, despite being spoiled by her wealth, and is more concerned with marrying for freedom and love. She does marry, the marriage is held in the U.S. and is one of the media events of the year. When they return to England, she finds that navigating the British society of peers is a challenge for a forthright American accustomed to different standards about wealth and society.
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LibraryThing member speedy74
The Cashes of Newport, Rhode Island have most anything money can buy, but strive for a title. This ambition leads Mrs. Cash and her beautiful daughter across the ocean to find a suitable husband. Ultimately she marries well having accidentally found a Duke after an incident with a horse. Will Cora
A charming tale of 19th century English society with a bit of romance. A nice beach read of a book.
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be able to learn all the hidden rules of English high society?A charming tale of 19th century English society with a bit of romance. A nice beach read of a book.
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LibraryThing member arielfl
I just loved this book. It was so up my alley. Two of my favorite books are Gone With the Wind and Forever Amber and this was sort of a mash up of those. Okay, this was not as a sweeping saga as those two books but it borrowed elements from them. There may have been nothing really new offered here
The story centers around Cora Cash (love the name) who is rich beyond belief as we are reminded every other page. Her mother lacks only one thing that money can't buy, a royal title, so she dispatches Cora off across the pond to land a duke. Cora is rich and pretty, Duke is handsome and poor, bingo! The Duke and Cora come to the marriage with their baggage from the past in the form of Charlotte and Teddy respectively. Of course the path to happily ever after cannot be smooth or their wouldn't be a story. Cue the misunderstandings and lost opportunities and you have the bulk of this book with a dollop of happy ending like a cherry on top. The supporting members of the cast such as Cora's maid and mother and the Duke's best friend round out the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book like a hunk Godiva chocolate.
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but I don't care. It was the exact kind of story that keeps me turning the pages and removes me from the drudgery of housework. The story centers around Cora Cash (love the name) who is rich beyond belief as we are reminded every other page. Her mother lacks only one thing that money can't buy, a royal title, so she dispatches Cora off across the pond to land a duke. Cora is rich and pretty, Duke is handsome and poor, bingo! The Duke and Cora come to the marriage with their baggage from the past in the form of Charlotte and Teddy respectively. Of course the path to happily ever after cannot be smooth or their wouldn't be a story. Cue the misunderstandings and lost opportunities and you have the bulk of this book with a dollop of happy ending like a cherry on top. The supporting members of the cast such as Cora's maid and mother and the Duke's best friend round out the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book like a hunk Godiva chocolate.
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LibraryThing member karenlisa
The American Heiress By Daisy Goodwin Cora Cash is the wealthiest debutant in America. It is the late 1800's and every wealthy family in America has but one dream for their daughters, and that is the one thing money cannot exactly "buy", a title. Cora is a smart, outspoken, beautiful girl of 19.
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Her mother's dream is to have Cora marry an English aristocrat, which is exactly what Cora does. Duchess Cora quickly learns how very different English society and social circles work. She learns that she cannot trust her closest friends and even her husband has mountains of secrets that all of London seems to be whispering. Cora has to make hard choices. She married for love and dreams and is still young enough and rich enough to believe in them. This book is a light, airy read that takes the reader on a short enjoyable journey through another time. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookishDame
Please see my full review on The Bookish Dame blog. I thought this book missed the mark although the author writes well. In my humble opinion, she failed to carry through her story with a suitable ending, and her woman protagonist was weak and unbelievable.
LibraryThing member etxgardener
Sometimes I'm in the mood for a juicy trash read and this book fits that bill to a "T". Set in the late 19th Century, the story centers on Cora Cash, the heiress to the Golden Miller flour fortune, who goes to England and meets the love of her life (conveniently a Duke) when she falls from her
The story proceeds predictably - the ambitious mother, the snooty mother-in-law, the dark, Heathcliff-like husband, and the evil other woman. We've all read novels like this many times - at least you have if you're a woman. This one however, is remarkably well written and well researched. This is a breezy & enjoyable read for when you don't want to think too much.
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horse.The story proceeds predictably - the ambitious mother, the snooty mother-in-law, the dark, Heathcliff-like husband, and the evil other woman. We've all read novels like this many times - at least you have if you're a woman. This one however, is remarkably well written and well researched. This is a breezy & enjoyable read for when you don't want to think too much.
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LibraryThing member BluesGal79
After reading a number of novels with dark themes I was ready for a change of pace, and American Heiress filled the bill -- and then some.
Set during the Gilded Age, complete with its wretched excess,excruciating social codes, this novel of American heiress Cora Cash and her marriage to a titled
A wonderful read for this summer, light without being fluff, beautifully descriptive, and a fine escape from the darker corners of contemporary novels.
Set during the Gilded Age, complete with its wretched excess,excruciating social codes, this novel of American heiress Cora Cash and her marriage to a titled
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Englishman was just great good fun that became increasingly more charming and involving with every turn of page. A wonderful read for this summer, light without being fluff, beautifully descriptive, and a fine escape from the darker corners of contemporary novels.
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LibraryThing member jakesam
1893 Newport, Rhode Island and England . Very engaging, a little insite into the world of the rich and the way the English lived compared to the rich in America. On the back of the book it said if you like Downton Abby you will like this. True
LibraryThing member namaste374
Not a lot happens in this book but the background setting of the tension between American "new money" and British "Old Money" at the start of the centuary is very interesting. Didn't really like any of the characters, but loved the descriptions of the dresses.
Awards
British Book Award (Shortlist — Popular Fiction — 2011)
Waverton Good Read Award (Longlist — 2010)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2010
Physical description
464 p.; 4.27 inches
ISBN
1250068347 / 9781250068347