Shana Abé

As I had never heard of Arabella Huntington, I found it extremely difficult to believe this story of a struggling young woman saved by a wealthy gentleman. The book does not say Collis Huntington moved her and family from Richmond, Virginia to New York City and set them up in the lap of luxury.

Arabella lived as her former boss's wife but tongues still wanted about her friendship with Mr. Huntington. Bell was never accepted into New York society but that did not stop.her for becoming the richest woman in America.… (altro)

"An American Beauty" is the story of Arabella Huntington, from her impoverished beginnings thru to her arrival on the scene of New York's Gilded Age. While this is historical fiction, I became enthralled with Arabella's tale and how she navigated the circumstances of her life. The author writes so beautifully and descriptively. Her atmospheric writings puts you right in the center of a glittering gathering hosted by Mrs. Astor at Delmonico's, the ancient Aztec pyramids in Mexico, the rough and tumble wildness of Texas, and the grace and beauty of Europe. The story keeps surprising, and I found myself doing parallel research as I read.

A wonderful way to wile away the hours.… (altro)