Gilded Dreams by Donna Russo Morin
Publication Date: June 16, 2020
Magnum Opus
Paperback & eBook; 495 pages
Series: Newport's Gilded Age, Book 2
Genre: Historical Fiction
From the bestselling author of GILDED SUMMERS comes a powerful novel of the last eight years of the American Women’s fight for suffrage.
The battle for the vote is on fire in America. The powerful and rich women of Newport, Rhode Island, are not only some of the most involved suffragettes, their wealth - especially that of the indomitable Alva Vanderbilt Belmont - nearly single-handedly funded the major suffrage parties. Yet they have been left out of history, tossed aside as mere socialites. In GILDED DREAMS, they reclaim their rightful place in history.
Pearl and Ginevra (GILDED SUMMERS) are two of its most ardent warriors. College graduates, professional women, wives, and mothers, these progressive women have fought their way through some of life’s harshest challenges, yet they survived, yet they thrive. Now they set their sights on the vote, the epitome of all they have struggled for, the embodiment of their dreams.
From the sinking of the Titanic, through World War 1, Pearl and Ginevra are once more put to the test as they fight against politics, outdated beliefs, and the most cutting opponent of all... other women. Yet they will not rest until their voices are heard, until they - and all the women of America - are allowed to cast their vote. But to gain it, they must overcome yet more obstacles, some that put their very lives in danger.
An emotional and empowering journey, GILDED DREAMS is a historical, action-packed love letter to the women who fought so hard for all women who stand on the shoulders of their triumph.
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Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐Set in Newport in 1912, Gilded Dreams features best friends Ginerva and Pearl who first were introduced in the first book in the series, Gilded Summers. I haven't read the first book yet but the author recaps things well and it really made me want to go back and read it.
Gilded Dreams begins with the horrific news that Pearl's parents and her brother and sister-in-law are all lost in the sinking of the Titanic and that Pearl must go and ID them. Make sure you have tissues at the ready for these scenes - it was heartbreaking! Due to the lack of women's rights at that time, Pearl is told that she is unable to inherit her family's estate and that everything would go to her husband. Infuriated at this she and Ginerva take up Alva Vanderbilt's (yep...that Vanderbilt) invitation to attend a suffrage meeting and they soon take to the movement and begin recruiting other women. And then WWI kicks off and the life of both women are thrown into their new roles.
As we just celebrated the 90th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment, Gilded Dreams could not be more timely. It's a fascinating look at the women who fought before us and for us. I know that I think of them every time I step into the voting booth and when I vote this year I will definitely be thinking of Ginerva and Pearl and all of the brave women that sacrificed so much for our freedoms.
Morin's writing is as stellar as ever! She really knows how to pull at your heartstrings and there is never a dull moment in her books. I can't wait to pick up Gilded Summers soon and get back into Ginerva and Pearl's world. Thanks to Donna for the great read!
About the Author
Donna Russo Morin is an award-winning historical fiction author. Donna has dabbled as a model and actor, working on Showtime's Brotherhood and Martin Scorsese's The Departed. Branching out with her storytelling skills, Donna is now a screenwriter. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Donna lives on the south shore of Rhode Island close to the ocean she loves so very much. She is the proud mother of two sons, Devon and Dylan, her greatest works in progress.
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Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, August 10Review at Books, Cooks, and Looks
Wednesday, August 12
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
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Review at Books, Writings, and More
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Review at Reading is My Remedy
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Review at Books and Zebras
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Interview at Passages to the Past
Monday, August 31
Review at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, September 2
Excerpt at Bookworlder
Friday, September 4
Review at A Darn Good Read
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of the book + a painting of a scene from the book painted by the author! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.Giveaway is open to US residents only and on September 4th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Gilded Dreams
Hi Amy! What a super review! It would be great if you would share this with everyone over at Books You Loved: September edition. Cheers from Carole's Chatter
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