Title
An American Beauty: A Novel of the Gilded Age Inspired by the True Story of Arabella Huntington Who Became the Richest Woman in ,Used
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Ab is an exquisite storyteller.' Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia PalaceThe New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mrs. Astor returns with a spellbinding new book perfect for fans of HBOs The Gilded Age and readers of Marie Benedict, Karen Harper, and Allison Pataki. This sweeping novel of historical fiction is inspired by the true ragstoriches story of Arabella Huntingtona woman whose great beauty was surpassed only by her exceptional business acumen, grit, and artistic eye, and who defied the constraints of her era to become the wealthiest selfmade woman in America.1867, Richmond, Virginia: Though she wears the same lowcut purple gown that is the uniform of all the girls who work at Worshams gambling parlor, Arabella stands apart. Its not merely her statuesque beauty and practiced charm. Even at seventeen, Arabella possesses an unyielding grit, and a resolve to escape her background of struggle and poverty.Collis Huntington, railroad baron and selfmade multimillionaire, is drawn to Arabella from their first meeting. Collis is married and thirty years her senior, yet they are wellmatched in temperament, and flirtation rapidly escalates into an affair. With Colliss help, Arabella eventually moves to New York, posing as a genteel, welltodo Southern widow. Using Colliss seed money and her own shrewd investing instincts, she begins to amass a fortune.Their relationship is an open secret, and no one is surprised when Collis marries Arabella after his wifes death. But The Four Hundredthe elite circle that includes the Astors and Vanderbiltshave their rules. Arabella must earn her place in Societynot just through her vast wealth, but with taste, style, and impeccable behavior. There are some who suspect the scandalous truth, and will blackmail her for it. And then there is another threatan unexpected, impossible romance that will test her ambition, her loyalties, and her heart . . .An American Beauty brings to vivid life the glitter and drama of a captivating chapter in historyand a remarkable woman who lived by her own rules.This story of one womans ascent offers a fascinating look at the choices she made to become a Gilded Age titan. Kirkus Reviews
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of 'An American Beauty'? A: This book contains three hundred eighty-four pages. It offers a comprehensive narrative of Arabella Huntington's life during the Gilded Age.
- Q: What is the binding type of this novel? A: The book is available in paperback binding. This makes it lightweight and easy to carry for reading on the go.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The dimensions of 'An American Beauty' are five point five one inches by eight point two seven inches. This size is standard for paperback novels.
- Q: Who is the author of 'An American Beauty'? A: The author is Shana Abé. She is known for her historical fiction that often explores themes of strong female characters.
- Q: What genre does 'An American Beauty' belong to? A: This book is categorized as biographical historical fiction. It presents a fictionalized account based on real events and figures from the Gilded Age.
- Q: What themes does 'An American Beauty' explore? A: The novel explores themes of ambition, romance, and societal constraints. It vividly depicts the life of a self-made woman in a male-dominated era.
- Q: Is 'An American Beauty' suitable for young readers? A: This book is primarily targeted toward adult readers. It contains mature themes and complex relationships that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- Q: What is the main setting of the novel? A: The main setting includes Richmond, Virginia, and New York City during the late nineteenth century. These locations highlight the social dynamics of the Gilded Age.
- Q: How does Arabella Huntington’s character develop in the story? A: Arabella evolves from a girl in poverty to a wealthy socialite. Her journey is marked by her resilience and strategic thinking in a challenging society.
- Q: What is the target audience for this book? A: The target audience includes readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories about strong, independent women. Fans of the Gilded Age will particularly appreciate it.
- Q: What should I know about the author Shana Abé? A: Shana Abé is recognized for her engaging storytelling and well-researched historical narratives. Her works often feature rich historical details and compelling characters.
- Q: Can I find similar books to 'An American Beauty'? A: Yes, readers who enjoy this book may also like works by Marie Benedict and Karen Harper. These authors similarly write about strong historical female figures.
- Q: Where is 'An American Beauty' published? A: The book is published by Kensington Publishing Corporation. They are known for their diverse range of fiction and non-fiction titles.
- Q: What is the significance of the title 'An American Beauty'? A: The title reflects both the main character's beauty and her journey through the complexities of wealth and society in America. It symbolizes the duality of appearance and reality.
- Q: Does the book contain any illustrations or photos? A: No, 'An American Beauty' does not include illustrations or photos. It is a traditional narrative-driven novel focusing on character and plot.