Karen Harper

Before there was Meghan Markle, there was Consuelo Vanderbilt, the original American Duchess. Perfect for readers of Jennifer Robson and lovers of Downton Abbey. Karen Harper tells the tale of Consuelo Vanderbilt, her “The Wedding of the Century” to the Duke of Marlborough, and her quest to find meaning behind “the glitter and the gold.” On a cold November day in 1895, a carriage approaches St Thomas Episcopal Church on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. Massive crowds surge forward, awaiting their glimpse of heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt. Just 18, the beautiful bride has not only arrived late, but in tears, yet her marriage to the aloof Duke of Marlborough proceeds. Bullied into the wedding by her indomitable mother, Alva, Consuelo loves another. But a deal was made, trading some of the vast Vanderbilt wealth for a title and prestige, and Consuelo, bred to obey, realizes she must make the best of things. At Blenheim Palace, Consuelo is confronted with an overwhelming list of duties, including producing an “heir and a spare,” but her relationship with the duke quickly disintegrates. Consuelo finds an inner strength, charming everyone from debutantes to diplomats including Winston Churchill, as she fights for women’s suffrage. And when she takes a scandalous leap, can she hope to attain love at last…? From the dawning of the opulent Gilded Age, to the battles of the Second World War, American Duchess is a riveting tale of one woman’s quest to attain independence—at any price.

A Novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt

American Duchess

Charlotte Rayfield

Really wonderful portrait of an interesting and impactful woman!

Paige Reeds

Summary 
Every family has its problems, now imagine the drama if you all had billions. As a part of one of the wealthiest and most prominent families of the gilded age, Conseulo Vanderbilt was accustomed to family drama. After Consuelos 18th birthday, her mother quickly turned her into a “dollar princess.” She was snatched from her love and shipped off to England to marry the Duke of Marlborough. Confined in a despairing union, Consuelo must persist and complete the duties of being a duchess, which includes bearing the next heir. The young duchess finds purpose when she is able to use her wealth and social standing to lend aid to the less fortunate. Not to mention the man who has been sending Consuelo secret letters. Read how a poor little rich girl turns into an elegant driven woman in Karen Harper's historical fiction novel, American Duchess.

Likes 
Consuelo Vanderbilt is a clear depiction of a round and dynamic character, which I truly appreciate in the books I read. Since the author did a spectacular job developing and complexifying her character, I found myself steadily being drawn to Consuelo. Another aspect I found myself enjoying in the book was the contrast of the goods and evils of money. There were characters that abused their standing in society, while others used wealth to advance social reforms. I especially admired the incorporation of women's suffrage which was definitely prevalent during the gilded age. This novel humanized the glamorous and powerful Vanderbilts. 

Dislikes
Despite the fact that all aspects of the book were seemingly good, looking back there was no “wow factor.” I was never locked in a page turning event and felt I could have dropped it at any time. 

Overall Rating 
If you are looking for a book specifically on the Vanderbilts or looking for a book you could pick up in your spare moments, this is your book. Either way, it is good as a quick read and a fun period piece. I rate this book a 6/10. 


American Duchess A Novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt

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