The American Heiress

April 25, 2011
It's a battle of the New and Old Worlds, and for much of this lush look at Edwardian excess and scandal on both sides of the Atlantic, it's tough taking sides. American Cora Cash is the impetuous and spoiled-brat daughter of a flour-making millionaire and a nouveau rich mother from hell, growing up in mansions on Fifth Avenue and Newport at the tail end of the 19th century and introduced to society at a ball where gold-sprayed hummingbirds are released at midnight. But Cora's mother has her one good eyeâthe other was mangled in a bizarre wardrobe malfunctionâon just one prize for her only daughter: a title. Cora, only too happy to free herself from her overbearing mother, happily obliges and, once in Jolly Ol' England, literally falls in front of, and in love with, the handsome and mysterious ninth duke of Wareham. But plopped into a chilly English castle and laughed at for her American ways by high- and low-brow alike, Cora discovers she's merely traded prisons and has to use some Yankee resilience and resourcefulness to unravel her stubbornly aloof husband's dark secrets, win his heart, and earn her place. Television producer Goodwin's debut is a propulsive story of love, manners, culture clash, and store-bought class from a time long past that proves altogether fresh.

Dripping with acerbic affectation and perfect British and Newport upper-crust accents, Katherine Kellgren deliciously portrays wealthy, beautiful, na•ve Cora Cash, whose ambitious mother longs to gain a titled son-in-law. Ivo, the Duke of Wareham, who is in need of the infusion of American money, fits the bill. This story is filled with a full cast of unlikable characters: the mean-spirited "Double Duchess," Ivo's nasty mother; Cora's ambitious, social-climbing, and equally unsympathetic mother; Cora's pilfering, long-suffering maid; Ivo's cold, disloyal butler; and a pack of disrespectful servants and snooty, insincere friends. Kellgren delivers each perfectly and convincingly conveys the worst that lack of character has to offer on both sides of the Pond. A.C.P. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

October 1, 2011

Pampered 19th-century Newport, RI, heiress Cora Cash lives a life of luxury and excess. Her mother insists on taking her to England to find a titled husband. Cora accidentally finds a duke, marries him, and produces an heir. Her struggle with the duke's mysterious past and the former lover who pursues him is entwined with mastering the intricacies of social life in an unfamiliar culture. The historical details are accurate and add texture to the story. The characters are varied and lively and brought to life skillfully by narrator Katherine Kellgren. Those who read Daphne du Maurier and other authors in the genre will enjoy this title. Recommended. ["Top-notch writing brings to life the world of wealth on both sides of the Atlantic," read the starred review of the New York Times best-selling St. Martin's hc, LJ 4/1/11.--Joanna Burkhardt, Univ. of Rhode Island Libs., Providence

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.