Kaaren Christopherson

Reminiscent of Edith Wharton novels, this novel captures the spirit of high society in the 1890s New York. Filled with wealthy heiresses, fortune hunters, fallen women, and newly made millionaires, this novel chronicles the trials of Francesca Lund, an orphan and an heiress, as her engagement to Edmund Tracey begins to falter as new revelations emerge about her fiance. Definitely fun reading, with a few character transformations (especially with Blanche Wilson) that were unexpected and certainly satisfying.… (altro)

I don't know why I love the 1800's so much, but I do. There's also something so stifling about that time period as well. Way too many rules for me. Particularly if you're a woman. In Decorum, the characters of the novel are under the thumb of society. Some are trying to find their way. Others are trying to make it the best they can in the circumstances they are dealt.

Francesca is an heiress with an independent spirit; Conner is a wealthy up and coming hotel tycoon; Edmund is a handsome, charming, and shady character, and Blanche is a opportunist. These fascinating characters and their relationships are what drive this book. Kaaren Christopherson does a fantastic job of weaving a tale that had me enraptured.

This book wasn't exactly what I expected when I started reading, but it was so much more. Francesca's naivete and Edmund's cunning had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't wait to find out the whole background story with Edmund. Blanche also was a formidable character to be dealt with. It was like a soap opera, but only like a really good soap opera.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and I look forward to Kaaren Christopherson's next book!

Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2015/09/review-decorum-by-kaaren-christopherson...… (altro)

Decorum is a long complex novel set in early 1890’s New York that literally begins with a bang. That explosion leaves Francesca wealthy but on her own. A woman living in that time period was considered unable to take care of herself and how Francesca manages to eventually take control of her finances, her property, and her life within the rules and guidelines of society is the underlying theme of the book. The descriptions of clothing, décor, etiquette, transportation and personal interactions are given in detail. The characters are well developed with some to be loved and others to be disliked intensely. I enjoyed the book after I got into it but wondered at times if some of the information in the side stories was necessary or enhanced the overall storyline. This is a book that I would recommend to people who like historical novels that will keep them busy reading for more than a day or two.

Thank you to Net Galley, Kensington Publishing Corp and the author for offering this book for reading and review.… (altro)