Under a Gilded Sky

by Imogen Martin

In this epic and unforgettable love story, set in the wilds of Missouri and the glamour of high society Boston at the dawn of the Gilded Age, one woman’s life changes forever the day that a stranger turns up on her doorstep.

Missouri, February 1874: The last thing struggling homesteader Ginny needs is a scandal on her hands. But when a badly injured drifter arrives at Snow Farm in desperate need of medical attention, Ginny’s kind nature and good upbringing means she has no choice but to treat his wounds and care for him until he’s back on his feet, no matter the danger he might pose.

Ginny’s been running the farm and looking after her fourteen-year-old sister Mary-Lou since their papa died two years ago, each morning pulling on his old leather coat and pushing her feet into stout boots that come up to her knees, before heading out to tend to the cattle. She’s determined to hold onto the one thing that connects them to memories of their parents – whatever the cost. And when their uninvited guest – Lex – is well enough he offers his help, and she surprises herself by accepting it.

But not long after Lex moves on, Ginny realises that her heart has gone with him. And when the farm’s fortunes take a turn for the worse, she faces her hardest test yet. Can she save the only home she’s ever known, and everything she holds dear? And what if doing so means risking a chance at love and happiness she never expected to come her way?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook, Westerns

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2023

About the author

Imogen writes sweeping, historical fiction set in nineteenth century America.

As a teenager, she took the Greyhound bus from San Francisco to New York. Over those three days of staring out of the window at the majestic mountains and endless flat plains, stories wound themselves into her head: tales of brooding, charismatic men captivated by independent women.

Since then, she has worked in a coffee-shop in Piccadilly London, a famous bookstore, and a children’s home. She has run festivals, and turned a derelict housing block on one of the poorest estates in the UK into an award-winning arts centre.

During 2020 Imogen was selected by Kate Nash Literary Agency as one of their BookCamp mentees, a mentorship programme designed to accelerate the careers of promising new writers.

Married with two children, Imogen divides her time between Wales and Sardinia.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginny Snow and her younger sister Mary Louise live on a farm in Missouri and their father passed away a two years ago. During a snowstorm Mary Louise finds an injured man, she brings him home and the drifter was thrown from his horse. Two young women living alone have to be careful, Ginny pretends her father is sick upstairs and while she nurses her patient.

Ginny works hard, every morning she dons her dads old leather coat, tends the horses and cattle and Mary Louise takes care of the housework and cooking. Lex Carlton fought for the union towards the end of the American Civil War, Ginny’s father was an abolitionist, living in Missouri they have to be careful and it’s a border state with divided loyalties.

Ginny misses Lex when he leaves, she realises a little of her heart has gone with him and she has to accept it’s not meant to be. When the farms finances take a turn for the worse, Ginny and Mary Louise face losing their home and their only link to their parents. Ginny runs through everything she can do to save it, she has limited options and it might not be enough.

Ginny’s a talented pianist, when her aunt Josephine asks her to play at the governors ball she reluctantly agrees, she has no idea that she and Lex will cross paths again and can a down to earth country girl cope with the glamorous high society life in Boston?

I received a copy of Under a Gilded Sky by Imogen Martin from Storm Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The debut novel is set during the start of the Gilded Age, Ginny's character is a strong and resilient young woman, she’s never thought about falling in love until she meets a handsome drifter called Lex, they share an unlikely passion for books, music and standing in their way is his family and Ginny’s pride.

Four stars from me, I enjoyed reading about the remote Missouri plains and a women running a ranch, traveling by buggy and train, changes in women's fashion and the grand houses in Boston, and the budding romance between the two main characters and I’m keen to read Ms. Martin’s next book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was February 1874 when fourteen year old Mary-Lou brought the bedraggled and injured stranger to the door of their farm in Missouri. The wild winds had not abated in the past hours, so it was lucky for the stranger that Mary-Lou had been outside. Snow Farm had been Genevieve and Mary-Lou Snow's home for as long as they could remember, but with first their mother's death, then their father's only two years prior, both Ginny and Mary-Lou struggled to keep the farm going. But independent and determined, the sisters would let nothing stop them. The pretense of their father upstairs, ill and unable to venture downstairs, was what kept their reputation intact while the stranger - Lex - recuperated in their parlour, but once he went into town, the locals soon set him straight.

Fortunes took a turn for the worst and Snow Farm had to be sold to cover the debts their father had left. Devastated at having let their parents down, Ginny and Mary-Lou wondered how to save their farm. And if it was lost, where would they go? They had family in Jefferson City - her mother's sister and family - but Ginny felt they couldn't intrude. What would they do?

Under a Gilded Sky is my first by author Imogen Martin and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautifully written, the tales of Missouri, Jefferson City and Boston in the 1870s were perfect. Both Ginny and Mary-Lou's characters were easy to like, also Maddie and Phoebe. And Lex was intriguing, strong and determined, pulled in more directions than he felt comfortable. Under a Gilded Sky was a wonderful read which I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Imogen Martin]

Hi, I hope you enjoyed my debut novel Under A Gilded Sky. This story had been with me for a while and it felt wonderful to share it with readers at last. Thank you Vicky and everyone at Storm Publishing.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask them through GoodReads. I hope you will click the Follow button as well.

If you would like to receive my monthly newsletter with updates on new releases, background snippets, sneak peaks and a free bluffers-guide to the Gilded Age, please sign up here. subscribepage.io/EU9Ckx

Or visit my website https://imogenmartinauthor.com/

I look forward to meeting you!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under a Gilded Sky was a debut novel by Imogen Martin. I started listening to this at first and didn’t love the narrator so I switched to the book version. I thought it was a good debut novel and enjoyed the writing. The narrator sounded too young to me and I wished for more romance. But overall enjoyed it.
Thanks Storm Publishing via NetGalley.
3.5⭐️

[Heather Adores Books]

Imogen Martin talks about 'books in my book' on my blog today.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginny and her sister rescue a stranger one day on their farm. With both their parents gone Ginny works hard to keep their farm going. Lex stays to help the two sisters but eventually will need to leave. Can Ginny hold onto the farm or loose it like she has her heart?
I thought this was a good book. I liked Ginny and her sister, both strong women. The story has a few surprises along the way, certain to keep your attention to the end.

[Karen Chiodo · Rating 2 out of 5]

3. Good . Not great. Lacking all
The historical background that could have made this great. And absolutely no ending. Disappointing

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I'd like this book as soon as I saw it and I was right!
Nothing like reading a wonderful story on a stormy evening.
I enjoyed Ginny and Mary Lou's story from beginning until the end
This new to me author did a fantastic job with this novel. It was hard to put down.
The cover of the book was what made me want to read it along with the blurb. So glad I choose it.
A very favorite quote I want to share
"This is where I'm meant to be, " he whispered. “And this is where I’ll always be. Right beside you, holding your hands. "
I feel this is how life should be no matter how hard life gets. In my opinion if it were like this the world would probably be a better place to live.
5 stars for a well written novel. I loved every minute of it.
I highly recommend this sweet novel.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Cindy Hemric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story about Ginny trying to hold onto her family farm with a younger sister. She opens her home to a wounded man, Lex. He seems to be a drifter and she expects him to move along after he regains his health. Ginny gets in financial straits and is forced to auction her farm. What will become of Ginny and her sister.

I loved the story! The author did a great job of holding my attention. I hope you will read and enjoy for yourself.

[Ilaria 🌸 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth my time 🕰️❤️

[Sue Sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved the storyline behind this book, the story of Ginny and Mary-Lou Snow and the help they gave a stranger. This book is so well written and conveys the history of the period it covered.

[Megan Chiodo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fell a little short for me and was hoping there was more historical facts thrown in there. Also the ending was so abrupt I didn’t even realize I was done

[Mrs Penelope A Cottell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweeping saga that is everything you could wish to transport you into the life of Ginny and Lex.
When a stranger near to death arrives at Ginny,s farm little would she know where it would lead and the mad adventure that would lead her to the higher echelons of Boston society.
A great read from the very first page I just couldn’t put it down and read it in a day.

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breath-taking and a novel
Under A Gilded Sky by Imogen Martin is a beautifully written historical fiction and romance novel. It is set on a homestead in 1874 post-Civil War Missouri. The book is the story of two sisters Ginny and Mary-Louise who have lost both their parents. Ginny works hard to keep their farm going from day to day and Mary-Lou does all the cooking and chores inside.
One day Mary-Lou finds a stranger (Lex) in the snow, whose ankle is broken, and she brings him back to the ranch. The sisters both take care of Lex getting to know him a little as they nurse him back to health. Lex then shows his gratitude and comes back to the farm and helps repay the sisters by working for them on the ranch but eventually he must leave.
Lex has found he has started to have feelings for Ginny and Ginny although she is fearlessly independent worries at her own misgivings concerning her feelings for Lex due to the sacrifices her own mother made for love.
Shortly after Lex leaves and after all the challenging work the sisters have put into the ranch since their parents died Ginny finds out that the farm is going to be sold by the bank due to a farm debt from years ago that is now being called in. But can the sisters hold onto the farm, or will they lose it at the auction? After the auction Ginny finds out that a mystery buyer bought the farm and wonders what this means for both sisters and their future.
Without giving any more away the book which celebrates the determination and courage of women who have learnt to rely on themselves. The book is a slow-building romance, with plenty of twists and turns. It has plenty of heart-warming moments and family bonds, passion, and the pursuit of integrity throughout. I absolutely loved the story the Author Imogen Martin brings the characters alive with beautifully written tales of Missouri, Jefferson City and Boston in the 1870s. Both Ginny and Mary-Lou's characters were easy to like, Lex was intriguing, strong, and determined. Under a Gilded Sky is an excellent read which I highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pam Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under a Gilded Sky hauls the reader into the unforgiving wilds of 1874 Missouri via a classic Western trope. A mysterious stranger enters the orbit of a strong-willed woman running an isolated ranch with her younger sister. Their parents are dead, and they're clinging to what remains of their family legacy.

Geneviève "Ginny" Snow lives a balancing act unique to women. A beauty and a gifted pianist, she could be a drawing room ornament in another life. Instead, she endures a rancher's rugged existence without the advantages of male authority over workers, suppliers and the bank. What respect she receives is contingent on her status as a ranch owner and her virtuous femininity. Of course, as a single woman of property, she must be in want of a husband, so she is catnip for every opportunist male with ambitions of land ownership and, inevitably, a topic of tittle-tattle. Unwilling to be cast as the 'Siren of Snow Ranch,' Ginny is guarded in her interactions. Her reserve distances her from the community and is perceived by some as standoffishness. The barren landscape around her seems like a metaphor for her personal life. Cold. Lonely. Inescapable.

When her sister shows up with an injured drifter, Ginny's world shifts on its axis. He probably won't last another day if she turns him away, but his presence is a threat. Despite her qualms, she nurses him back to health and their dual viewpoints reveal a growing, chaste attraction. But who is Lex Carlton and how did a man who does not fit the mold of a gunslinger or cowboy end up out West looking for work as a ranch hand? Who is the elegant girl in the photograph that falls from his vest?

As trust develops between Lex and Ginny, a tender romance evolves. Yet, important questions remain unanswered, leading to doubts and misunderstandings that eventually drive Ginny from post-Civil War Western Missouri to the rarefied drawing rooms of Boston's elite. On a quest to discover the real identity and character of the man she has fallen for, she finds herself in a demoralizing world of snobbish exclusivity where she feels like a trespasser.

When she finally learns the truth about Lex, Ginny faces tough choices about love, autonomy, and belonging.

Under a Gilded Sky is an engaging story that surpasses expectations of a Western-flavored romance. It does not pigeonhole easily as a light, traditional historical romance, but crosses into broader women's fiction with its themes of sisterhood, family loyalty, and self-discovery and the scope of the setting.

Ms. Martin's writing is enjoyable and competent, reflecting her promise as an author. Her narrative is well paced and invites the reader to turn pages, however her evocative setting invites a far richer descriptive treatment than her prose delivered. Ginny is a well-crafted, rounded and relatable MC whose spirit infuses the story and whose prickly exterior never feels petulant. Her love and attraction to Lex is believable and emotionally honest.

Lex is much more than the rough diamond trope I suspected at first glance. He's a natural gentleman: empathetic, honorable, kind, sensitive and protective. Ms. Martin made a few missteps with his character voice in the early chapters, maybe caught up in the quandary of how to reveal him while also keeping his backstory enigmatic to both Ginny and the reader. Inconsistencies in his inner and spoken dialogue jumped out at me. One moment, he's pondering shelves full of books, observing: "Maybe that would show him the sorta people he'd landed on." The next, he's peering through "crepuscular murk" while reflecting that: "folk kept on surprising him. " Soon after, he's familiar - as only an educated man could be - with the "disreputable" contents of Madame Bovary in the original French. We then discover his horse is named Arion, after the divine horse mentioned in Homer's Iliad, not the typical choice of a cowpoke - good clue that there is more to him than meets the eye.

The fact that he and Ginny elected first name address from the get go didn't jive with the 1870s setting, nor with Ginny's mistrust of him and caution around her reputation. Since she discovered his surname 'Carlton' soon after his health improved, I didn't see the point of withholding it in the first place. That seemed like an unnecessary contrivance.

Plot-wise, it's a challenge for both author and reader to juxtapose two very different settings and introduce a whole set of new characters some 80% of the way into the book. For me, it didn't work as well as it might if Ms. Martin had found a way to thread Lex's mysterious other life into the story a bit sooner. By then, Ginny had spent the entire book dealing with ranch issues and caring for her sister, and both priorities seemed to vanish far too readily as she suddenly got swept up into socializing and buying new dresses. Honestly, I feel like this less-than-ideal transition revealed the author's inexperience in structuring a novel. It made the ending feel somewhat rushed and disjointed from the story. Having spent so much time in the Missouri setting, I felt the absence of a homecoming, despite the sisters being reunited.

None of these minor quibbles prevented me from enjoying this heartwarming story. There's a lot to like about Under a Gilded Sky, most of all the emotional honesty, strong female MC, and insights into post Civil War dynamics and divisions. It's a 3.75 rating from Regency Chronicle, rounded up to a 4 for Goodreads and the like.

Our thanks to the author, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an advance copy. Cover image courtesy of Storm Publishing © 2023.  Review by Pam Baker © 2023 The Regency Chronicle.

[Michellel | The Red Fox Mama Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under A Gilded Sky tells the story of two sisters who had to run their family homestead after the rest of their family passed away. This was a beautifully written historical fiction and romance novel. I absolutely loved the story and the romance that happened despite the twists and turns the story took! Perfect setting in the 1870's in MO as the world was changing after the Civil War. I encourage everyone to give this book a chance!

Thank you to Imogen Martin, Storm Publishing & NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Colee Ernst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved. Loved. Loved. Fairly unique story for historical fiction. Great clean romance with a very satisfying ending. Love when authors don’t just end a book with the moment the characters get together but you actually get to see more. And I’m not even talking about the epilogue. Very satisfying read that will have you turning page after page.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Narrated by Katie Beudert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Story by Imogen Martin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

First off, round of applause to Imogen Martin for this stunning debut novel.
This book is not my normal genre, I am however a re-reader of Jane Austen but I've never found another author that I've enjoyed as much in that era. Until now.

I can best describe this as an American Midwestern Pride & Prejudice. It was absolutely lovely.

[Deborah Froelich · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best I have read

This is one of the best books I have ever read. There were a few moments that were predictable but the rest was wonderfully written. I highly recommend this book!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Imogen Martin. I enjoyed the story very much and look forwards to reading her other books. Most set in the Midwest in the mid 1800’s.

[Lisa A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of family, resilience, strength, secrets, and love. I was drawn into the lives of Ginny, Mary Lou, and Lex from the very first page. The author paints a picture of life in the 1870’s, from farm life in a remote town in Missouri to the lives of the aristocracy in Boston, all told with such detail I was able to envisage the scenes as if watching a movie. I loved the strength of the characters and enjoyed each character’s journey. The budding romance, family dynamics and the day-to-day happenings were all very believable and I found myself rooting for Ginny as she endured some very uncomfortable situations. I found it hard to put this book down and look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Imogen Martin for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sydney Rucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The types of romance books I love. My heart was so full reading this 🥰

[Sherrie Boggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Love Worth Forgiving For

This was a wonderful read about how one’s own insecurities can blind us to love. The author gave a main character-Ginny who evolved over the course of the book. Great uplifting read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful. Historical fiction, and clean romance - a beautiful debut novel.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ My Thoughts✨

Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources & the publisher for my spot on this Tour.

I couldn’t stop reading this, the first page had me hooked!.

It’s 1874 on Snow Farm in Missouri during a bad February storm, Ginny and her younger sister Mary Lou have been running the farm by themselves for two years now, determined to keep it going.

During this storm a wounded stranger needs help and finds himself at Snow Farms door.

What can I say about this other than that it’s absolutely magnificent, it’s something really special and I can’t believe it’s the authors debut.

The rugged landscape that Snow Farm sits on had me dreaming of long hot days working on the farm myself, it was so atmospheric.

Ginny & Mary Lou stole my heart during reading this, then Lex did too, all 3 of them are such wonderful characters.

The romance element was sublime, it made my heart so full, I can’t wait to read more from this exciting author.

[Camila Streit · Rating 5 out of 5]

BIGGEST unexpected turn, absolutely adored this book!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one by Imogen Martin. This one could (and should) easily have a sequel!

[Luisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve known about this book for a while and had a feeling I was going to enjoy it. That instinct was right. Under a Gilded Sky swept me away to 19th century Missouri and I was enthralled from the very first page. The settings were vividly described and each character had their own distinct voice, making the story almost cinematic as it was so easy to imagine every scene.
Ginny made for a delightful heroine and who couldn’t fall for the mysterious Lex? Following the ups and downs of their relationship was a joy.
I’ll be recommending this book to everyone - it’s a beautifully told, evocative romance that put a huge smile on my face. I can’t wait to read the sequel (and if that one isn’t about Mary-Lou, I hope book three will be!).
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Raymond Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining as expected

Quickly becoming one of my favorite authors... enjoy the story well written cant wait to read her next exciting story

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

This author has fast become a favourite of mine! I really enjoy her writing! This book was very good, keeping me interested and eager for the end!