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Glasbläser-Saga #2
The American Lady
Tempestuous and beautiful Wanda Miles, daughter of Ruth and Stephen Miles (or so she thinks), aspires to more than the life of a debutante, but the trouble is she doesn’t know precisely what she wants. Then her aunt Marie, the family’s renowned glassblower, arrives from Lauscha, Germany, and Wanda decides that learning about her ancestry may hold the key to her future. When Marie accidentally reveals a long-held secret about Wanda’s parents, Wanda goes to Lauscha to unravel the truth.
While Marie finds herself increasingly swept up in New York City’s bohemian social scene—catching the eye of a handsome young Italian in the process—Wanda explores a past she never knew in the village of her mother’s youth—and begins to build a life that she never expected.
A sweeping tale that takes readers from the small town of Lauscha to the skyscrapers of New York and the sun-kissed coast of Italy, The American Lady is a tribute to the enduring power of family and what we’ll do in the name of love.
While Marie finds herself increasingly swept up in New York City’s bohemian social scene—catching the eye of a handsome young Italian in the process—Wanda explores a past she never knew in the village of her mother’s youth—and begins to build a life that she never expected.
A sweeping tale that takes readers from the small town of Lauscha to the skyscrapers of New York and the sun-kissed coast of Italy, The American Lady is a tribute to the enduring power of family and what we’ll do in the name of love.
455 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 442 reviews
June 2, 2015
Both the Glassblower and the American Lady were mediocre books. They just missed the Mark of being truly interesting. I enjoy generational books, especially of simply people who struggle through life to become some thing. That is what held my interest in these books. The Steinmann sisters (Johanna, Ruth and Marie) struggle to build their father's glassblowing business after he dies (book 1). In book two we see Johanna married and carrying on with the business, Ruth builds a well to do life in America with her husband Steven Miles, the love of her life and her daughter Wanda. And Marie finds love and tragedy with her Beautiful Italian. This book is mainly about Wanda who grows into a beautiful woman and wants to go back to Germany to find her roots. There she finds that she has glassblowing in her veins. And so the story goes. As I said with the first book, it holds your interest but it definitely is not a show stopper! And yes, I will read the last book in the trilogy because I do want to see where this family story ends.
April 8, 2015
I read The Glassblower. I didn't love it but I enjoyed reading about the glass blowing. I decided to get the second book to see what happened next. I stopped reading it. I really didn't care anymore what happened. I realized that there was not 1 character in the book that I liked. The women in this story are not strong and smart. To me they are selfish and not very nice to each other. The only one with the slightest redeeming quality is the oldest sister, Johanna. I don't know who I hated most of all, Ruth, Marie or Wanda. I will not waste my time with the third installment. I don't care about what happens to any of them.
November 2, 2015
4.5 Stars
The American Lady is a good sequel to The Glassblower. But be prepared to have a hankey close by at the end. I'll admit I didn't see it coming though there were clues here and there.
Marie Steinmann is bored and hasn't created a new sketch for her family's glassblowing shop. At 38, she fears that she's all out of ideas. In New York, Wanda Miles is also having trouble finding her way in the world. She doesn't want to be a young wealthy socialite. She wants to make her own path in the world, just like the three Steinmann girls did 20 years ago. She even cuts her beautiful long hair! Remember this is is 1910. Not many "respectable" ladies are wearing their hair short, yet.
When she learns that her Aunt Marie is coming from Lauscha, Germany, Wanda is less than thrilled. That is until Marie gets there. Marie is nothing like Wanda's mother, Ruth. Marie takes in the sights of NYC like a youngster. She enjoys Wanda's company and Wanda's artsy friends. She begins going out with Wanda and her friends and meets a handsome young Italian Count, who seems too good to be true. (A clue there, Marie.) Soon Marie leaves NYC with 2 of Wanda's friends and Franco. Could Marie really leave her family business?
With Marie off in France and Italy, Wanda Miles is in Lauscha, Germany helping her her family. But which one: the Steinmann's or the Heimer's? Marie let slip that her father is not Steven Miles.
Petra Durst-Benning writes beautifully. She captures both women's emotions so well. And the ending broke my heart. I can't wait to read The Paradise of Glass to see how Petra Durst-BenningPetra Durst-Benning finishes The Glassblower Trilogy!
The American Lady is a good sequel to The Glassblower. But be prepared to have a hankey close by at the end. I'll admit I didn't see it coming though there were clues here and there.
Marie Steinmann is bored and hasn't created a new sketch for her family's glassblowing shop. At 38, she fears that she's all out of ideas. In New York, Wanda Miles is also having trouble finding her way in the world. She doesn't want to be a young wealthy socialite. She wants to make her own path in the world, just like the three Steinmann girls did 20 years ago. She even cuts her beautiful long hair! Remember this is is 1910. Not many "respectable" ladies are wearing their hair short, yet.
When she learns that her Aunt Marie is coming from Lauscha, Germany, Wanda is less than thrilled. That is until Marie gets there. Marie is nothing like Wanda's mother, Ruth. Marie takes in the sights of NYC like a youngster. She enjoys Wanda's company and Wanda's artsy friends. She begins going out with Wanda and her friends and meets a handsome young Italian Count, who seems too good to be true. (A clue there, Marie.) Soon Marie leaves NYC with 2 of Wanda's friends and Franco. Could Marie really leave her family business?
With Marie off in France and Italy, Wanda Miles is in Lauscha, Germany helping her her family. But which one: the Steinmann's or the Heimer's? Marie let slip that her father is not Steven Miles.
Petra Durst-Benning writes beautifully. She captures both women's emotions so well. And the ending broke my heart. I can't wait to read The Paradise of Glass to see how Petra Durst-BenningPetra Durst-Benning finishes The Glassblower Trilogy!
May 15, 2018
Installment #2 in the Glassblower trilogy has the focus on Wanda the daughter of Ruth one of three sisters and Marie the middle sister.Wanda, headstrong and spoiled has grown up wanting for nothing. Predictably she rebels against everything, and lands herself in fix after fix. Marie having come to New York to visit(picture country mouse visits city mouse) and becomes involved in a torrid love affair.
Eventually having tired of the New York scene Wanda and Marie journey abroad, Wanda on an attempt to discover her roots and Marie to marry her Italian lover.
I really struggled with this book. All three of the sisters continued to get on my last nerve with their individual selfishness and petty squabbles. Just when I was done(about halfway through) there was actually an uptick in actual drama in the plot and I was able to finish the book.
I won't be finishing the trilogy. I've had enough of the sisters.
Eventually having tired of the New York scene Wanda and Marie journey abroad, Wanda on an attempt to discover her roots and Marie to marry her Italian lover.
I really struggled with this book. All three of the sisters continued to get on my last nerve with their individual selfishness and petty squabbles. Just when I was done(about halfway through) there was actually an uptick in actual drama in the plot and I was able to finish the book.
I won't be finishing the trilogy. I've had enough of the sisters.
March 5, 2015
Wow! I'm pretty much speechless. I loved The Glassblower and could not wait to read the second installment in this Trilogy and, to me, this book exceeded every expectation.
I like to play a game when I read a book... I try to guess why the book is named the way it is. There is always a reason why each author gives the name that he/she does. This book, for the life of me, when I first started reading it, eluded me - after all, the story is about German sisters, what does an American Lady have to do with it? It took me a minute to realize that it's named The American Lady because of Wanda. She becomes our primary main character. She grows and blossoms into a young woman almost in front of your eyes. She becomes responsible and experiences much tragedy on her journey. She falls in love.
The other primary character is Marie - the youngest of the three Steinmann sisters. Her journey in this book is just unbelievable and at times extremely heartbreaking. I loved her the best in the first book because of her artist flare and desire to just pursue her artistic dreams. In this book, I felt that not enough of her art was included in a way that I wanted to see it. Specifically, I wanted to see her, not only evolve as an artist (which she did), but also become known for her amazing artistic abilities (which, unfortunately, she did not). My one complaint - I wanted more of Marie....
The story mostly weaved back and forth between Wanda's and Marie's perspective, giving the reader insight into each one of their lives.
This book represents the journey of life to me. It's not about continuing the story of the Steinmann sisters. It's about the ever present change, growth, and continuation of life. The sisters grew up, they had kids, their kids are growing up and experiencing life, and so on. The story sucked me into their lives and their experiences and their feelings. I did not want to put the book down.
By the end of the book, I was a mess - shedding so many tears that I could barely see the pages as I read them. Ms. Petra Durst-Benning pushed me into her book's story and wrote it with such skill that I became a character in her book and I just couldn't help but feel the happiness, sadness, fear that her characters experienced. Bravo for another wonderful novel... I can't wait to read the third and final installment in The Glassblower Trilogy.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGally.com in exchange for an honest review
I like to play a game when I read a book... I try to guess why the book is named the way it is. There is always a reason why each author gives the name that he/she does. This book, for the life of me, when I first started reading it, eluded me - after all, the story is about German sisters, what does an American Lady have to do with it? It took me a minute to realize that it's named The American Lady because of Wanda. She becomes our primary main character. She grows and blossoms into a young woman almost in front of your eyes. She becomes responsible and experiences much tragedy on her journey. She falls in love.
The other primary character is Marie - the youngest of the three Steinmann sisters. Her journey in this book is just unbelievable and at times extremely heartbreaking. I loved her the best in the first book because of her artist flare and desire to just pursue her artistic dreams. In this book, I felt that not enough of her art was included in a way that I wanted to see it. Specifically, I wanted to see her, not only evolve as an artist (which she did), but also become known for her amazing artistic abilities (which, unfortunately, she did not). My one complaint - I wanted more of Marie....
The story mostly weaved back and forth between Wanda's and Marie's perspective, giving the reader insight into each one of their lives.
This book represents the journey of life to me. It's not about continuing the story of the Steinmann sisters. It's about the ever present change, growth, and continuation of life. The sisters grew up, they had kids, their kids are growing up and experiencing life, and so on. The story sucked me into their lives and their experiences and their feelings. I did not want to put the book down.
By the end of the book, I was a mess - shedding so many tears that I could barely see the pages as I read them. Ms. Petra Durst-Benning pushed me into her book's story and wrote it with such skill that I became a character in her book and I just couldn't help but feel the happiness, sadness, fear that her characters experienced. Bravo for another wonderful novel... I can't wait to read the third and final installment in The Glassblower Trilogy.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGally.com in exchange for an honest review
March 10, 2015
After reading The Glassblower, the first book in the Glassblower trilogy, I was not sure if the second book The American Lady would live up to my expectations, bringing sheer joy and pure pleasure as did the first book. It was a bit nerve-wracking as I browsed through the first few pages but The American Lady by Petra Durst-Benning, and rendered into English by Samuel Willcocks, is as beautiful, if not better, than The Glassblower.
The American Lady is consistent with The Glassblower, and author Petra Durst-Benning sharply focused on the glassblower Marie, the youngest of the Steinmann, and her rich, spoiled niece, Wanda. Marie, the glass artist, is in a creative crisis. It seems she has run out of ideas, and she has no more pleasure and joy in her work. She is stuck in a jam and is looking for a way out of the creative hole she has found herself in. When her sister Ruth, who lives in New York with her husband and daughter invited her, she deems it a good opportunity to escape from her boring life.
What Marie actually hoped to find in New York was an inspiration but it eluded her. Together with niece Wanda and Pandora, a creepy dance teacher, Marie discovers the true, the real New York. During one of their outings Marie meets Franco, an aristocrat from Italy, who is taking care of the business affairs of his father in New York. There is romance in the air, so is family secret and intrigue. When Marie innocently lets out a family secret, Wanda is determined to get to the bottom of it.
Petra Durst-Benning writes particularly well in this book, so vivid and fluid, that one's imagination is excited while reading, allowing the reader to live through the story. As the main protagonist in the story, Marie’s character and presence can be felt all throughout the book. The author spins a truly enjoyable story, without being too outlandish. Superbly imagined, and beautifully translated, The American Lady will transport you from the serene environs of Lauscha, Germany to the social scene of New York, and then even to life in Italy. The detailed and rich descriptions of the different way of life in America, Germany and Italy is both magnificent and well-researched.
The American Lady is consistent with The Glassblower, and author Petra Durst-Benning sharply focused on the glassblower Marie, the youngest of the Steinmann, and her rich, spoiled niece, Wanda. Marie, the glass artist, is in a creative crisis. It seems she has run out of ideas, and she has no more pleasure and joy in her work. She is stuck in a jam and is looking for a way out of the creative hole she has found herself in. When her sister Ruth, who lives in New York with her husband and daughter invited her, she deems it a good opportunity to escape from her boring life.
What Marie actually hoped to find in New York was an inspiration but it eluded her. Together with niece Wanda and Pandora, a creepy dance teacher, Marie discovers the true, the real New York. During one of their outings Marie meets Franco, an aristocrat from Italy, who is taking care of the business affairs of his father in New York. There is romance in the air, so is family secret and intrigue. When Marie innocently lets out a family secret, Wanda is determined to get to the bottom of it.
Petra Durst-Benning writes particularly well in this book, so vivid and fluid, that one's imagination is excited while reading, allowing the reader to live through the story. As the main protagonist in the story, Marie’s character and presence can be felt all throughout the book. The author spins a truly enjoyable story, without being too outlandish. Superbly imagined, and beautifully translated, The American Lady will transport you from the serene environs of Lauscha, Germany to the social scene of New York, and then even to life in Italy. The detailed and rich descriptions of the different way of life in America, Germany and Italy is both magnificent and well-researched.
March 27, 2015
The second book in The Glassblower trilogy, I found The American Lady to be surprisingly , well, surprising in the adventures of the Steinmann sisters and their family members. The plot took so many twists and turns and at times I felt I knew for sure what was going to happen but I was completely wrong. I love it when a novel shakes up my assumptions! I'm excited for the third installment to be available in the US and see how Petra Durst-Benning wraps up this tale. There is so much good stuff in this novel-- exploring relationships of all kinds, between sisters, between previously estranged family members, between lovers, between people who thought were trustworthy and good but perhaps turn out not to be so, and the transformation of a mother-daughter relationship to that of peers. Bringing to life places that I have never seen, Durst-Benning not only provides description but transports the reader to another time and place. I can't wait for the third installment!
February 10, 2020
A wonderful second book in The Glassblower Trilogy.
Following the lives, loves, losses and adventures of the Steinmann sisters and their family. Their adventures span their home town of Lauscha in Germany to New York and Italy.
A remarkable, moving and complex yet gripping story. A great read.
Following the lives, loves, losses and adventures of the Steinmann sisters and their family. Their adventures span their home town of Lauscha in Germany to New York and Italy.
A remarkable, moving and complex yet gripping story. A great read.
May 11, 2016
I enjoyed this more than the last book
A good read. Some minor complaints about a few of the storylines that didn't seem to get anywhere. I will continue with the series. I would recommend. Gbash
A good read. Some minor complaints about a few of the storylines that didn't seem to get anywhere. I will continue with the series. I would recommend. Gbash
February 27, 2018
Petra Durst-Benning writes the most historical fiction novels I have read. This entire series, The Glassblower, is amazing. I highly recommend this author.
July 31, 2016
Tempestuous and beautiful Wanda Miles, daughter of Ruth and Stephen Miles (or so she thinks), aspires to more than the life of a debutante, but the trouble is she doesn’t know precisely what she wants. Then her aunt Marie, the family’s renowned glassblower, arrives from Lauscha, Germany, and Wanda decides that learning about her ancestry may hold the key to her future. When Marie accidentally reveals a long-held secret about Wanda’s parents, Wanda goes to Lauscha to unravel the truth.
While Marie finds herself increasingly swept up in New York City’s bohemian social scene—catching the eye of a handsome young Italian in the process—Wanda explores a past she never knew in the village of her mother’s youth—and begins to build a life that she never expected.
A sweeping tale that takes readers from the small town of Lauscha to the skyscrapers of New York and the sun-kissed coast of Italy, The American Lady is a tribute to the enduring power of family and what we’ll do in the name of love.
As book 1 ... well written and very long.
What was this book about? I'm not really sure. As I read I thought it seemed to be several overlapping stories all being told at once. But in the end, I'm not sure what to think. One story ended. And the other was left with no real closure. As I think back on book one, I realize it was the same way; it was nearly impossible to figure out who was the real focus of the book.
Both books are technically very well written. The characters well developed and full of tragedy (between the two books). For the most part the tragedies (both books) made me think "how horrible", but rather than making me feel a strong sense of sympathy or pity for the victim I was mostly repulsed by what had happened.
Book one has a nice ending. Book two really didn't end. Given the negative events that rarely have a good outcome and the length of the books, I'd say that if I hadn't read these using (mostly) the professional narration that accompanied them on Kindle Unlimited, I may not have finished the books. Because of the professional narration available to me and the fact that book three is shorter, I will probably listen to it just to finish the story (stories) but hold little if any hope for a truly happy ending. After book three, I'll head back to romance books.
While Marie finds herself increasingly swept up in New York City’s bohemian social scene—catching the eye of a handsome young Italian in the process—Wanda explores a past she never knew in the village of her mother’s youth—and begins to build a life that she never expected.
A sweeping tale that takes readers from the small town of Lauscha to the skyscrapers of New York and the sun-kissed coast of Italy, The American Lady is a tribute to the enduring power of family and what we’ll do in the name of love.
As book 1 ... well written and very long.
What was this book about? I'm not really sure. As I read I thought it seemed to be several overlapping stories all being told at once. But in the end, I'm not sure what to think. One story ended. And the other was left with no real closure. As I think back on book one, I realize it was the same way; it was nearly impossible to figure out who was the real focus of the book.
Both books are technically very well written. The characters well developed and full of tragedy (between the two books). For the most part the tragedies (both books) made me think "how horrible", but rather than making me feel a strong sense of sympathy or pity for the victim I was mostly repulsed by what had happened.
Book one has a nice ending. Book two really didn't end. Given the negative events that rarely have a good outcome and the length of the books, I'd say that if I hadn't read these using (mostly) the professional narration that accompanied them on Kindle Unlimited, I may not have finished the books. Because of the professional narration available to me and the fact that book three is shorter, I will probably listen to it just to finish the story (stories) but hold little if any hope for a truly happy ending. After book three, I'll head back to romance books.
February 17, 2015
I'm a sucker for multi-book series and I've really enjoyed books 1 and 2 of the Glassblower Trilogy. In fact, I was anxiously watching for the 2nd book to come out and I wasn't disappointed. This book continues to follow the family of female glassblowers from Germany. It picks up several years later with the Mannheim family well established and younger sister Marie finding herself creatively burned out from years of designing and blowing the delicate glass ornaments that have kept her family for many years. She decides to take a long overdue vacation to New York to visit her sister Ruth and hopefully, break her "artists block". She arrives in NYC and is overwhelmed by the all the sights, not to mention the accumulated wealth enjoyed by Ruth, her husband Steven and their teenage daughter Wanda. The book switches back and forth in narrating the story of Marie and Wanda, following their adventures and growth as independent women, enjoying the jazz age in NYC and beyond. The author's writing and the translation from German is smooth and easy. This book stands alone as a complete story, but I find the reading is a richer experience for having read the first book. There's romance, intrigue, friendship and family woven into a light and pleasant tale, perfect for reading in front of a cozy fire.
May 16, 2016
I didn't enjoy the first 3/4ths of this book. The last quarter, however, made me move my 2 rating to a 3. This was the 2nd book in a series, which takes up 20 years later but it leaves those years of Marie's life mostly in the dark with little explanation to the why on the info the author did disclose about those years. For a series about 3 strong woman and survival I would have thought that the plot would have been set well before the end of the book. I felt as though the first 3/4ths were just a story about someone on a long vacation which wouldn't be that bad if it didn't vary from the first book so significantly. This being said, the book ended in such a way that I'm very intrigued with the remaining saga of the Steinmann girls and will read the 3rd installment.
November 2, 2019
The younger Steinmann sister and family glassblower, Marie, goes to New York. Here she meets her nice, Wanda, who is keen to learn about her ancestors in Germany. Marie lets slip previously hidden and surprising secret about her real parents and this makes Wanda go to Germany to unravel the real truth.
While Wanda gets to know her family in Germany, Marie is swept up in New York City bohemian life where she meets a handsome Italian who takes her to sunny Italy.
Like with the first book in the series, I got all swept up in this one. Eagerly awaited the next release.
I highly recommend this work for readers of historical fiction and fans of Petra Durst-Bunning’s other works, specifically The Glassblower Saga.
(All opinions in this review are my own)
While Wanda gets to know her family in Germany, Marie is swept up in New York City bohemian life where she meets a handsome Italian who takes her to sunny Italy.
Like with the first book in the series, I got all swept up in this one. Eagerly awaited the next release.
I highly recommend this work for readers of historical fiction and fans of Petra Durst-Bunning’s other works, specifically The Glassblower Saga.
(All opinions in this review are my own)
April 3, 2015
The first book in the series follows 3 sisters who must learn the glass-blowing business to survive after the death of their father. Part I transported me to another world. I waited for Part II to be published and ordered it as soon as I could. Perhaps my memory of the first book expanded as I waited, or perhaps the setting in the United States was just not as interesting -- but I felt a little let down. The new characters failed to engage me and at times I felt like I had to plow through the plot. Nevertheless, I'll probably read Part III when it is available.
February 7, 2017
The connection I formed with the characters is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It felt as though I was there with them. Celebrating their joy and sobbing at their sorrows and loss. And how I became whenever one was slighted, as though they were friends of mine to protect!
Well done, Petra. And on to book 3!
Well done, Petra. And on to book 3!
July 26, 2015
Heartwarming
Cannot to read the next book, Love this story of the glass blowers...very fast moving a very easy read. Filled with twists and turns. I highly recommend it...
Cannot to read the next book, Love this story of the glass blowers...very fast moving a very easy read. Filled with twists and turns. I highly recommend it...
July 20, 2016
Can not wait to read the last bk!
May 20, 2017
I adore this author....I loved the first book in this series (The Glassblower), but this one.....well, I was let down by the end. I can't say anything else without spoilers!
January 29, 2018
And the saga continues for the three sisters. This story picks up after 17 years of thriving glass blowing business and the artist Marie finding no more inspiration left to push into her work. And to find the muse, she travels to New York to meet her sister Ruth and her family. And there, she finds more than she bargained for. While she certainly found the muse, she also found love.
Wanda, Ruth's daughter, seems to be a typical teenager, bent on getting on her parents nerves. Surprisingly, she finds a friend in her aunt Marie, on one occasion where she ends up having a temper tantrum that both her parents could not understand her need to find her footing in the world and that they just want her married and happy. That night, when Aunt Marie dusts her parents for wanting what they wanted when they were young, she warms up to her and together, they explore the city of dreams, finding friends in uncommon places.
This novel narrates the story of these two characters, one who wants to find inspiration and other who wants to understand her purpose in life. Will they find what they are looking for?
In another heart touching bard, this author managed to rip my heart in two at the end of the novel!! Ah, the beauty of a good story is that it entwines you in it and unfolds the narrative in a play that fills you with longing - be it for characters, be it for that love or be it for that inspiration. This story touched my heart in more ways than one! I hope it does for you tooo!
Wanda, Ruth's daughter, seems to be a typical teenager, bent on getting on her parents nerves. Surprisingly, she finds a friend in her aunt Marie, on one occasion where she ends up having a temper tantrum that both her parents could not understand her need to find her footing in the world and that they just want her married and happy. That night, when Aunt Marie dusts her parents for wanting what they wanted when they were young, she warms up to her and together, they explore the city of dreams, finding friends in uncommon places.
This novel narrates the story of these two characters, one who wants to find inspiration and other who wants to understand her purpose in life. Will they find what they are looking for?
In another heart touching bard, this author managed to rip my heart in two at the end of the novel!! Ah, the beauty of a good story is that it entwines you in it and unfolds the narrative in a play that fills you with longing - be it for characters, be it for that love or be it for that inspiration. This story touched my heart in more ways than one! I hope it does for you tooo!
August 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this second book in this series. Considering how long it’s been since I read the first book I was surprised how much I remembered which is usually a good indicator of my enjoyment of a book. This was set in a very short time frame compared to the first book but it suited the story line. I look forward to reading the last book in the series.
May 24, 2018
As exciting as book #1
The 2nd book in this trilogy was just as exciting as the first. I ant wait to read book #3,
The 2nd book in this trilogy was just as exciting as the first. I ant wait to read book #3,
July 4, 2017
Petra Durst-Benning continues this family saga with another heart-warming story. The sisters in the family trilogy are such strong characters. Looking forward to the third and last of this trilogy.
June 30, 2017
Good sequel
I enjoyed this as much as the first book but I'm hoping that some loose ends from the first book do get tied up. I would definitely recommend these books as a good summer read.
I enjoyed this as much as the first book but I'm hoping that some loose ends from the first book do get tied up. I would definitely recommend these books as a good summer read.
March 10, 2015
The American Lady by Petra Durst-Benning is the second book in The Glassblowers Trilogy. Ruth Steinmann has immigrated to America with Steven Miles and her daughter, Wanda. After two years Ruth was able to get a divorce from her husband Thomas. It is now seventeen years later. Wanda is a young lady who is a very independent thinker. Despite the fact that her family is wealthy, Wanda wants to work a job. Wanda has just gotten a job a Dittmer’s Deli. Unfortunately, things do not go well and Wanda is fired from another job. Wanda’s problem is that she does not like to follow orders or rules.
Johanna married Peter Maienbaum and has two children (twins), Anna and Johannes. Marie Steinmann has been blowing glass for nineteen years and she is now only one among many women blowing glass. Marie, though, feels like she is in a rut. Johanna suggests that she take a trip to America to see Ruth, Steven, and Wanda. Marie agrees to the trip and sets sail for New York. Ruth is very excited to see Marie. Ruth plans parties and shopping trips for her sister. Marie goes along with the shopping and parties for a while, but then Wanda introduces Marie to her dance teacher, Pandora. Pandora and Marie hit it off. Pandora then introduces Marie to Greenwich Village and its many artists. Marie gets her inspiration back and is out all the time with her new friends. Marie then meets Franco de Lucca. Franco works for his father making and exporting wine (as well as sneaking people into the country). Franco and Marie fall in love. Marie forgets about her obligations to the family and the business.
While Marie was in New York she let it slip to Wanda about her biological father, Thomas. Wanda had never been told about him. Wanda then sets out to learn everything she can about Germany and her family. Wanda is determined to go to Lauscha and when the family is short on help, she volunteers to go. Wanda arrives in Lauscha and immediately becomes sick (with bronchitis). Eventually, Wanda recovers and meets her biological father (and the rest of the family). While Steinmann-Maienbaum Workshop has been doing well, Thomas Heimer (and family) has not. Wanda wants to find a way to help their business. While finding new ideas Wanda meets Richard Stamme. Richard is trying to mix German glass making with Venetian glass techniques. Wanda falls in love with Richard and you know her mother is going to be upset.
Franco is called back home to Genoa and the family business. Marie goes with him. Marie is excited to see Franco’s home and try some new glass ideas. Marie finds herself pregnant and living in a foreign country. Franco’s parents have not welcomed her and Franco is always working. Then Marie finds out something horrible and her life will never be the same again.
I liked The American Lady, but did not love it. I loved The Glassblowers (the first book) and was really looking forward to The American Lady. The first part of the book focuses on Wanda and Marie. Marie is so different in this book. She becomes flighty and forgets about her family. Wanda is an unusual woman for her time. But I found her to be a contradiction. I give The American Lady 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Johanna married Peter Maienbaum and has two children (twins), Anna and Johannes. Marie Steinmann has been blowing glass for nineteen years and she is now only one among many women blowing glass. Marie, though, feels like she is in a rut. Johanna suggests that she take a trip to America to see Ruth, Steven, and Wanda. Marie agrees to the trip and sets sail for New York. Ruth is very excited to see Marie. Ruth plans parties and shopping trips for her sister. Marie goes along with the shopping and parties for a while, but then Wanda introduces Marie to her dance teacher, Pandora. Pandora and Marie hit it off. Pandora then introduces Marie to Greenwich Village and its many artists. Marie gets her inspiration back and is out all the time with her new friends. Marie then meets Franco de Lucca. Franco works for his father making and exporting wine (as well as sneaking people into the country). Franco and Marie fall in love. Marie forgets about her obligations to the family and the business.
While Marie was in New York she let it slip to Wanda about her biological father, Thomas. Wanda had never been told about him. Wanda then sets out to learn everything she can about Germany and her family. Wanda is determined to go to Lauscha and when the family is short on help, she volunteers to go. Wanda arrives in Lauscha and immediately becomes sick (with bronchitis). Eventually, Wanda recovers and meets her biological father (and the rest of the family). While Steinmann-Maienbaum Workshop has been doing well, Thomas Heimer (and family) has not. Wanda wants to find a way to help their business. While finding new ideas Wanda meets Richard Stamme. Richard is trying to mix German glass making with Venetian glass techniques. Wanda falls in love with Richard and you know her mother is going to be upset.
Franco is called back home to Genoa and the family business. Marie goes with him. Marie is excited to see Franco’s home and try some new glass ideas. Marie finds herself pregnant and living in a foreign country. Franco’s parents have not welcomed her and Franco is always working. Then Marie finds out something horrible and her life will never be the same again.
I liked The American Lady, but did not love it. I loved The Glassblowers (the first book) and was really looking forward to The American Lady. The first part of the book focuses on Wanda and Marie. Marie is so different in this book. She becomes flighty and forgets about her family. Wanda is an unusual woman for her time. But I found her to be a contradiction. I give The American Lady 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2015
This review also appears on my blog, Reading Rachael.
I think my expectations were just too high for this follow up to a book that I consider one of my all-time favorites, The Glassblower. A lot of the things that I really enjoyed about the first book in this series were noticeably missing from this installment. In the first book, I really enjoyed reading about the glassblowing process, and the town of Lauscha in Germany, and the relationships between the three Steinmann sisters. All of those elements were either given in sparing amounts, or were missing altogether in this sequel. In fact, the most engaging parts of this novel didn't even begin until about a third of the way into the story.
This volume focuses very heavily on Marie, the youngest of the Steinmann sisters, and on her niece, Wanda, the daughter of Ruth Steinmann. About 17 years have past since the events of the first book, and Marie wakes up on her 36th-ish birthday feeling restless. For years, her art has been her whole life, but lately she has been feeling uninspired. On the advice of an old friend, she travels to America to see her sister, Ruth, for the first time in almost two decades, and becomes swept up in the New York art scene, and takes in the culture and beauty of the big city. She ends up taking an Italian lover, who I did not at all care for. I was pretty surprised that she so quickly forgot about the man who had been her partner for nearly two decades, while following her new beau to Italy on a whim to start a new life.
Where in the first book Ruth was a sweet, hopeless romantic, she and her husband Steven are now fixtures of New York's high society. This Ruth is a far cry from the strong woman we were introduced to in book one, who risked everything to leave her abusive husband and protect her infant daughter. This Ruth is more concerned with planning elaborate parties, and spending countless hours shopping on 5th Avenue. She has never told her daughter, Wanda, the truth about who her father really is, and completely mishandles the situation when Marie does accidentally let the truth slip.
Johanna was probably my favorite character in the last book, and she was noticeably absent for most of this volume. Luckily, I really began to like Wanda's character and enjoyed watching her transformation in this story. In the beginning, Wanda is a little aloof and spoiled, and seems to be struggling to find her own way in the world. She quickly forms an intense bond with her aunt when Marie comes to visit. Marie is also really instrumental in helping Wanda cope with discovering the truth about her father, especially since that was a topic that Ruth refused to discuss. But when Marie essentially abandons Wanda to follow her new boyfriend, Wanda courageously makes the decision to travel to Germany on her own to learn more about her roots, and begins to find herself.
I can only really recommend this novel to true fans of the first installment; if your feelings about The Glassblower were lukewarm, then you should definitely pass on this one.
Disclosure : I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley.
I think my expectations were just too high for this follow up to a book that I consider one of my all-time favorites, The Glassblower. A lot of the things that I really enjoyed about the first book in this series were noticeably missing from this installment. In the first book, I really enjoyed reading about the glassblowing process, and the town of Lauscha in Germany, and the relationships between the three Steinmann sisters. All of those elements were either given in sparing amounts, or were missing altogether in this sequel. In fact, the most engaging parts of this novel didn't even begin until about a third of the way into the story.
This volume focuses very heavily on Marie, the youngest of the Steinmann sisters, and on her niece, Wanda, the daughter of Ruth Steinmann. About 17 years have past since the events of the first book, and Marie wakes up on her 36th-ish birthday feeling restless. For years, her art has been her whole life, but lately she has been feeling uninspired. On the advice of an old friend, she travels to America to see her sister, Ruth, for the first time in almost two decades, and becomes swept up in the New York art scene, and takes in the culture and beauty of the big city. She ends up taking an Italian lover, who I did not at all care for. I was pretty surprised that she so quickly forgot about the man who had been her partner for nearly two decades, while following her new beau to Italy on a whim to start a new life.
Where in the first book Ruth was a sweet, hopeless romantic, she and her husband Steven are now fixtures of New York's high society. This Ruth is a far cry from the strong woman we were introduced to in book one, who risked everything to leave her abusive husband and protect her infant daughter. This Ruth is more concerned with planning elaborate parties, and spending countless hours shopping on 5th Avenue. She has never told her daughter, Wanda, the truth about who her father really is, and completely mishandles the situation when Marie does accidentally let the truth slip.
Johanna was probably my favorite character in the last book, and she was noticeably absent for most of this volume. Luckily, I really began to like Wanda's character and enjoyed watching her transformation in this story. In the beginning, Wanda is a little aloof and spoiled, and seems to be struggling to find her own way in the world. She quickly forms an intense bond with her aunt when Marie comes to visit. Marie is also really instrumental in helping Wanda cope with discovering the truth about her father, especially since that was a topic that Ruth refused to discuss. But when Marie essentially abandons Wanda to follow her new boyfriend, Wanda courageously makes the decision to travel to Germany on her own to learn more about her roots, and begins to find herself.
I can only really recommend this novel to true fans of the first installment; if your feelings about The Glassblower were lukewarm, then you should definitely pass on this one.
Disclosure : I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley.
February 22, 2017
Possibly a 3.5 star, this is the second in the Glassblower series. Although this continued the saga of the Steinman sisters, I felt it was a little flat, as second installments sometimes are. The youngest sister, Marie, is in the midst of an artistic dry spell. She breaks out and goes on a trip from Lauscha to New York City to visit her sister whom she hasn't seen in eighteen years and meet again, her niece who was only a baby all those years ago. Initially, out of place, Marie is soon thriving in the new environment amoungst fellow artists. She also falls in love and begins a new and unexpected chapter in her life while traveling in Austria and then onward to Genoa, Italy. It is in Genoa, where she expects to be delicioulsy happy in both her professional and private life that she discovers hidden secrets and her life takes a turn. In the meantime, Marie's niece, Wanda, desires to find her way in life and returns to her birthplace. The story and characters are well developed at this point in the series. The writng is satisfactory. I did find the story was somewhat drawn out and predictable but there is enough to warrant and to want to continue with the conclusion to the series.
March 9, 2017
Read this as a ebook-which made reading this easy to pick up. Enjoyed this #2 book of trilogy
Interesting to see how "history repeats itself" in the generations . I found the characters very well described (appearance and demeanor that one could almost create a picture in your mind of who they really were.
As the reader you got a sense of the hardships the glassblowers and their families had to endure. Also encouraged by how they did manage to come up with new ways of doing business, create new glass pieces and techniques to appeal to current generation of buyers. They were evolving as proud world class artists.
Now onto the next book 3/3
Interesting to see how "history repeats itself" in the generations . I found the characters very well described (appearance and demeanor that one could almost create a picture in your mind of who they really were.
As the reader you got a sense of the hardships the glassblowers and their families had to endure. Also encouraged by how they did manage to come up with new ways of doing business, create new glass pieces and techniques to appeal to current generation of buyers. They were evolving as proud world class artists.
Now onto the next book 3/3
May 25, 2017
I did not enjoy it as much as the first one.
April 12, 2015
Second in the trilogy
The characters are people we know, most of whom we like and others we cannot. Patterns appear in relationships, in glass, and in families. I look forward to following these family connections across continents in the last book of the trilogy.
The characters are people we know, most of whom we like and others we cannot. Patterns appear in relationships, in glass, and in families. I look forward to following these family connections across continents in the last book of the trilogy.
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