She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

 

My debut read by Siri Mitchell, She Walks in Beauty, was most interesting. Siri delves into New York's high society peopled by the Astors and the Vanderbilts, in addition to the main characters. Clara Carter is the daughter of a prominent physician, and her father has determined that she is to "catch" the De Vries heir. While painting a fascinating picture of New York's Gilded age, Siri also addresses some of the high costs of high fashions of the time, and gives us a glimpse into the early creation of "Celebrity" by the media. Politics and Tammany Hall are also addressed.
 
I enjoyed reading this novel, and am now heading towards little bit of a Siri Mitchell "kick." I was entertained by her sense of humor and lithe descriptions of personalities and historic environs. I also appreciate the irony in the juxtaposition of Siri's description of her fashionable debutante.  Clara is made to feel worthless, in spite of her brains and beauty, by the people who appear to value her the most~  the concept that no matter what she does it will never be enough, unless she succeeds in her quest for the heir. She learns the certainty that God loves us "Just as I am" ~ and that holds for the wealthy as well as the poor~ we all need Him equally, whether residing in a mansion or a tenement.

If you are looking for an interesting, romantic read with some history thrown in for good measure, this might be a good choice. She Walks In Beauty is published by Bethany House.

Blessings~

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this/these item(s)/service for free as part of the Bethany House Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."