An American Beauty

By: Shana Abe

Narrated by: Gail Shalan

Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mrs. Astor returns with a spellbinding new book perfect for fans of HBO's The Gilded Age and fans of Marie Benedict, Karen Harper, and Fiona Davis. This sweeping novel of historical fiction is inspired by the true rags-to-riches story of Arabella Huntington—a woman whose great beauty was surpassed only by her exceptional business acumen, grit, and artistic eye, and who defied the constraints of her era to become the wealthiest self-made woman in America.

1867, Richmond, Virginia: Though she wears the same low-cut purple gown that is the uniform of all the girls who work at Worsham's gambling parlor, Arabella stands apart. It's not merely her statuesque beauty and practiced charm. Even at seventeen, Arabella possesses an unyielding grit, and a resolve to escape her background of struggle and poverty.

Collis Huntington, railroad baron and self-made multimillionaire, is drawn to Arabella from their first meeting. Collis is married and thirty years her senior, yet they are well-matched in temperament, and flirtation rapidly escalates into an affair. With Collis's help, Arabella eventually moves to New York, posing as a genteel, well-to-do Southern widow. Using Collis's seed money and her own shrewd investing instincts, she begins to amass a fortune.

Their relationship is an open secret, and no one is surprised when Collis marries Arabella after his wife's death. But "The Four Hundred"—the elite circle that includes the Astors and Vanderbilts—have their rules. Arabella must earn her place in Society—not just through her vast wealth, but with taste, style, and impeccable behavior. There are some who suspect the scandalous truth, and will blackmail her for it. And then there is another threat—an unexpected, impossible romance that will test her ambition, her loyalties, and her heart . . .

An American Beauty brings to vivid life the glitter and drama of a captivating chapter in history—and a remarkable woman who lived by her own rules.

"This story of one woman's ascent offers a fascinating look at the choices she made to become a Gilded Age titan."—Kirkus Reviews

©2023 Five Rabbits, Inc. (P)2023 Tantor

I’d make one change…

I wished the male voices would have been narrated by a male. Gail Shalan spoke the female character roles beautifully. The male voices were not convincing enough for these men of power.

Well built characters and story

loved loved loved this historic fiction piece! the only dislike I had was the narrator. Her raspy voice sounded like she was whispering through the book. several times I turned the volume up on my headphones, only to become temporary deaf when I forgot and switched to music. despite this, loved the story enough that I'll listen to it again, and probably make myself temporary deaf again, in the distant future.

Wonderful

Takes you away and fiils you with the life and times of this amazing woman. Narration was excellwnt.

Stunningly beautiful story

The author has shared the amazing life of Arabella Huntington with the readers. I found her grit, determination, & cleverness to be an interesting & important story of the time period. I was also happy to uncover that she was also a true philanthropist. What an amazing woman during a time when women were often discounted.

Excellent depiction of it’s time

The story was brilliantly brought to life by Shana writing skills. I felt every emotion Arabella was expressing. The performance enhanced the experience!

Interesting historical romance.

I was not fond of the author’s man voices. It was a bit off putting.

One of the Best Reads!!!

From the first word to the last word I loved this book. An American Beauty is captivating. It’s so well written one feels as if they have been transported in time!

Great story with terrific narration

Growing up near the beautiful grounds of the Huntington Library is what intrigued me to select this book. Even as a child I was in awe of the collections, gardens and library. The details that developed in this book were made so colorful by it’s outstanding narration. The characters were easily identified and memorable as the storyline unfolded. I really enjoyed this selection and encourage you take take this journey as well. Thumbs up!

Excellent Read

Amazing story full of incredible facts. Narrator is wonderful!! Highly recommend this book to all.

Really enjoy this author and love the narrator, she reads beautifully. Recommend.

Even though it is required that I dislike something about this… I cannot oblige. I enjoy it thoroughly.