Mrs. Vanderbilt

Second Edition

By: Ari Newman

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Step back into the Gilded Age and immerse yourself in the captivating story of the Vanderbilt family in the highly anticipated Second Edition of Mrs. Vanderbilt. This updated edition delves deeper into the lives of three young and beautiful heiresses as they navigate the complexities of love, birthright, and the expectations placed upon them by their families.

After the death of Cornelius (Commodire) Vanderbilt, a fierce rivalry unfolded between Alva Vanderbilt and Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, known as Mrs. Astor. Determined to secure their place in high society, the Vanderbilts, led by Alva, orchestrated a grand ball to challenge Mrs. Astor's exclusivity. When news of the extravagant event reached Mrs. Astor, Alva cleverly tricked her into accepting an invitation, forcing her to acknowledge the Vanderbilts. This pivotal moment marked a shift in power, breaking down Mrs. Astor's barriers and establishing the Vanderbilts as influential figures in New York society. The rivalry between these women reshaped the social landscape of the Gilded Age, redefining the rules of elite circles.

Then in the summer of 1895, Newport, Rhode Island serves as the summer playground for the American nobility. Gertrude, a twenty-year-old torn between her own desires and her parents' insistence on a socially advantageous marriage, finds herself caught between her true self and the expectations of her prestigious lineage as a Vanderbilt.

Consuelo, Gertrude's first cousin, faces a loveless marriage arranged by her mother, Alva Vanderbilt, who hopes to elevate the family's status by securing a European Duchess title. Alva believes that Consuelo's union with England's Duke of Marlborough will rival the position of the reigning Mrs. Vanderbilt and her rival, Mrs. Caroline Astor, in the hierarchy of high society.

Meanwhile, Gertrude's brother Neily Vanderbilt has harbored a lifelong love for Grace, a member of the House of Astor. Yet, their families disapprove, fearing that marrying outside their social circle will jeopardize their wealth, status, and power. Neily finds himself torn between his duty to his family and the pursuit of his own heart's desires.

Within the pages of this Second Edition, the stories of these young women and their suitors unfold with gripping intensity. As the matriarchs and patriarchs of the Vanderbilt and Astor families manipulate their children's lives to achieve their own aims, a clash between love and independence, and status and wealth becomes inevitable. Witness their secrets, betrayals, and the choices they must make as they navigate a world of privilege, tradition, and societal expectations.

The Second Edition of Mrs. Vanderbilt is a must-read for those captivated by the Gilded Age, fans of historical fiction, and anyone fascinated by the complexities of love and ambition. Immerse yourself in the opulent world of the Vanderbilts as they strive to define their own paths amidst the pressures of a society ruled by tradition and social hierarchy.

Unlike the 1st edition (Out-of-Print in 2023) that was written in the 2nd person this Second Edition is told through the 3rd person. It is a captivating tale of ambition, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love. Will the young heirs defy their parents' manipulations and forge their own destinies? Find out in this gripping historical novel that will transport you to a bygone era of elegance and intrigue.