Review: The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin

The American Heiress
Author: Daisy Goodwin
Published: June 21, 2011
Genre: historical romance
Hardcover: 468 pages
Source: borrowed from the library


My Rating: 3 stars


Synopsis (from GoodReads): 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 Nothing is quite as it seems, however: Ivo is withdrawn and secretive, and the English social scene is full of traps and betrayals.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.


My Thoughts: I have been wanting to read this book for months (my Waiting on Wednesday pick way back in April!), so when I was finally able to get my hands on a copy at the library, I grabbed it. First off, that cover is gorgeous. Second, I love historical fiction, and I find the gilded era to be such an interesting time in American history. Third, it seemed like something that I would love. And for me, it wasn't worth the wait. It was a good book, I might pick up one of Daisy Goodwin's books in the future, but I wouldn't be anxiously awaiting her next release.


For me, the book was just too long. There were so many times in the book where I was bored with what was going on. About 75-100 pages could have been edited out and wouldn't have affected the plot. On the other hand, the last 100 pages of the book were fantastic. I didn't know what would happen, what Cora would decide, what Ivo would do, and what her mother and mother-in-law would say! It had me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.


There are many characters in the book, which could be confusing at times. Once again, I felt like some of the people that are mentioned in the story could have been edited out without the plot suffering. I found Cora to be very interesting. She knows who she is and what she wants, and she also realizes why men would be interested in her (she's the heir to the biggest fortune in America). She doesn't shy away from this and knows that it's her money that will bring her a husband. Ivo, Cora's husband and an English duke, definitely uses her for her family's wealth but he is such a slimeball that you don't care that he used her for the money. There could have been more character development with these two, but it wasn't a huge downside for me.


If you enjoy long, historical novels, then check this book out. However, if you aren't looking to invest a long period of time into reading a novel that seems repetitive at times, then it's best to look for something else.

Review: A Race to Splendor by Ciji Ware

A Race to Splendor
Author: Ciji Ware
Published: April 1, 2011
Genre: Historical Romance
Paperback: 526 pages
Source: borrowed from library


My Rating: 3 stars


Synopsis (from goodreads.com): Early in 1906, the ground in San Francisco shook buildings and lives from their comfortable foundations. Amidst rubble, corruption, and deceit, two women-young architects in a city and field ruled by men-find themselves racing the clock and each other during the rebuilding of competing hotels in the City by the Bay. Based on meticulous research, A Race to Splendor tells the story of the audacious people of one of the world's great cities rebuilding and reinventing themselves after immense human tragedy. Filled with courage, passion, and conflict, Amelia Bradshaw's spirit will capture your imagination as she strives to redraft her life amidst the ruins with both help and hindrance from a wayward son of privilege who pulls her into worlds she'd never have known.


My Thoughts: As misleading as this title and description is, Ciji Ware's novel is a riveting tale set in San Francisco at the turn of the century. As seen through the eyes of Amelia Bradshaw, a young woman who is a trained architect and determined to succeed in a man's world. The earthquake of 1906 turns the entire city of San Francisco upside down and Ware takes you into the corruption, heartache, and rebirth of a city. When I read the description of the book, I thought it would be a great story of two women competing to rebuild two of the city's finest hotels. However, there was little rivalry and no competition. Instead, the book focuses on Amelia's work and relationship with JD Thayer. 


While not quite the story that is described, it is still an enjoyable book. I found Amelia to be an interesting character and the plot to be intriguing. I do wish that there was more of a focus on the rivalry of these two women architect's, but it was still a good book. It's something light and easy while still demonstrating how awful the earthquake was on San Francisco. I didn't know much about the earthquake, but as Ware described the disaster, I felt like I was there and learned more about this event in history.