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Iron Lace #1
Iron Lace
When Aurore Gerritsen watched her lover kill her father, it was just one act of violence in a long chain of dramatic events.
Years later, behind the iron lace gates of wealthy New Orleans, beneath the veneer of her society name, linger secrets that Aurore Gerritsen has hidden for a lifetime, and truths that threaten to change forever the lives of her unsuspecting family. Now, as Aurore faces her own mortality, she needs to reveal those secrets that have haunted her for so many years.
Aurore seeks out Phillip Benedict and asks him to tell her story. He's intrigued, but wonders why the matriarch of a prominent white family would choose to confess her sins to an outspoken black journalist.
Finally Phillip agrees, but though he thinks he's ready for anything she might say, the truth is that nothing can prepare him for the impact of Aurore's shocking revelations.
Years later, behind the iron lace gates of wealthy New Orleans, beneath the veneer of her society name, linger secrets that Aurore Gerritsen has hidden for a lifetime, and truths that threaten to change forever the lives of her unsuspecting family. Now, as Aurore faces her own mortality, she needs to reveal those secrets that have haunted her for so many years.
Aurore seeks out Phillip Benedict and asks him to tell her story. He's intrigued, but wonders why the matriarch of a prominent white family would choose to confess her sins to an outspoken black journalist.
Finally Phillip agrees, but though he thinks he's ready for anything she might say, the truth is that nothing can prepare him for the impact of Aurore's shocking revelations.
544 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1996
145 people are currently reading
1178 people want to read
About the author
Emilie Richards
189 books947 followersI'm the author of seventy-something novels, including romance, women's fiction and mystery. When We Were Sisters debuted in June 2016, a stand alone novel about two foster sisters traveling back into their past together. I loved writing it and love the cover my publisher chose.
I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.
I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.
Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.
Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.
I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.
I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.
Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.
Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
September 11, 2017
A very interesting read set in the south and New Orleans. A story that explores racial prejudice, hate, love and forgiveness. I look forward to reading the next book in this two book series and find out what happens to Aurora's family next.
November 28, 2012
A gripping, heartbreaking story of a forbidden love from the past in Old Louisiana....as the story begins in the 1960's, an ailing matriarch of an aristocratic family wishes to have her memoirs written, and her unusual choice for a journalist to write her life story will come as a surprise. Old secrets unfold, tragedies and prejudices of the past are revealed, and the destruction of long-held hate and revenge play out across generations. It's a very emotional and intense read.
Great storytelling with spot-on historical accuracy wins high marks from me. The author captured the authentic colors, flavors, and essence of the history of southern Louisiana without being cliche. My only minor quibble with the book is that there is not closure at the book's end...there's are obvious loose threads that will be picked up in the sequel, Rising Tide, which I have already added to my kindle. I must find out more about the unforgettable characters in Iron Lace (a reference to the beautiful decorative ironwork on the balconies of southern mansions),
Great storytelling with spot-on historical accuracy wins high marks from me. The author captured the authentic colors, flavors, and essence of the history of southern Louisiana without being cliche. My only minor quibble with the book is that there is not closure at the book's end...there's are obvious loose threads that will be picked up in the sequel, Rising Tide, which I have already added to my kindle. I must find out more about the unforgettable characters in Iron Lace (a reference to the beautiful decorative ironwork on the balconies of southern mansions),
February 3, 2019
One of the best books I've read about race relations in the South, specifically New Orleans, it starts out in 1965 and relives times all the way back to 1893. Not always easy to read but fascinating nevertheless, it makes you wonder why people don't accept others on their own merits. I have learned over the years to look at what people do and not depend on what they say, particularly when it comes to politicians. In particular a person's color or former nationality isn't the first thing I notice. I don't even much notice their sex. I notice their smiles and eyes first and then hope to know them better and find other things to notice, deeper things. This book has characters that make horrible mistakes and have to learn to live with them and sometimes come out the other side better people. I had trouble getting into it because I was expecting horrors and fatal clashes between blacks and whites. There were some, it's true, but it wasn't the main theme of the book.
January 23, 2016
Emilie Richards' book reveals several intertwining relationships in this story set in New Orleans from 1893 - 1965. The title, "Iron Lace", is ironic since it alludes to a "strong woman who knew what she wanted" and built a house with uncommon iron lace. The book's protagonist, Aurore Gerritsen, was anything but a strong woman. It was disturbing to read Aurore's tale that reveals her racial prejudice, abuse tolerance, child abandonment, and leaving behind her one true love. Even the descriptions of Aurore's romantic trysts with this one true love were painful to read and made me think of a really bad "bodice ripper". The author somewhat redeemed herself with an especially engaging character, Nicky Valentine, who has a small but important role in this story selected by my book club. I think I will pass on the Gerritsen series sequel, "Rising Tides".
July 13, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. Loved all of the characters and gave me an understanding of oppression black people face. The description of the city and landscape was excellent. It was a heartbreaking story and I am glad there is a sequel which I will read next.
October 6, 2025
This book has everything…. Revenge, secrets, racism, history, and love!!!! Couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read the sequel.
January 29, 2010
This will be one of those books that I will think about for the next little while. Very different than the books I usually read. She explores the racial tensions set in history over decades. A very deep and intriguing story, full of unexpected plots and twists.
I had never given a lot of deep thought to the oppression that black people face daily and throughout history. Even if 3/4 of your grandparents are white, your life will be dominated by the influence of your black genes. There were plenty of examples of how society past (1893 - 1965)totally disrespected people and imposed a two tier society where people of colour were often abused and violated.
She tells the story of how a peron can grow by understanding their past and the struggles of the ancestors who came before them. How past decisions have affected the present. How in order to get what you want from the future, you have to come to terms and learn from the past... How revenge and vegence may seem like a good idea at the time, but in the end they will only take away from your future.
There are many loose ends in this story that I assume will be tied up in the sequel.
I had never given a lot of deep thought to the oppression that black people face daily and throughout history. Even if 3/4 of your grandparents are white, your life will be dominated by the influence of your black genes. There were plenty of examples of how society past (1893 - 1965)totally disrespected people and imposed a two tier society where people of colour were often abused and violated.
She tells the story of how a peron can grow by understanding their past and the struggles of the ancestors who came before them. How past decisions have affected the present. How in order to get what you want from the future, you have to come to terms and learn from the past... How revenge and vegence may seem like a good idea at the time, but in the end they will only take away from your future.
There are many loose ends in this story that I assume will be tied up in the sequel.
July 24, 2011
Aurore Gerritsen, an aristocratic woman and owner of the Gulf Coast Shipping enterprise in the 1960's New Orleans area surprises journalist Phillip, a young black man with a request for a visit. She asks him to write her biography for personal use for her and her family. While surprised, Phillip accepts. We see Aurore's story in flashbacks interspersed with her present day. From the terrible hurricane that changed her family's life and destroyed her father's second family we see the difficult outcomes that choices can make on people and their families. The story is a rich history of New Orleans at the time and how race played a key role in the area. Aurore's story is filled with love, tragedy, and several surprising outcomes. We also get to see how her story affects Phillip and changes his outlook and his relationships with his mother and girlfriend. A wonderful, spellbinding story, with more to follow in the sequel.
June 7, 2009
I find that Ms. Richard's books always give you a lot to mull over in your mind. This one is no different. I am at the point where I think that I have figured out the rest of the story, BUT, I will probably be wrong when she throws in a curve or two.
Well, I finished the book last night and I had the book figured out as far as I went.Ms. Richards took it a few steps further once again. A good read, not too light, not too heavy. It tells the story of one woman's life and the many lies she lived during that lifetime. A story of family, race relations and what people will do when faced with adversity.
Well, I finished the book last night and I had the book figured out as far as I went.Ms. Richards took it a few steps further once again. A good read, not too light, not too heavy. It tells the story of one woman's life and the many lies she lived during that lifetime. A story of family, race relations and what people will do when faced with adversity.
September 5, 2016
A story within a story. Set in New Orleans during the civil rights movement, a young black journalist is hired to write the story of an elderly and aristocratic white woman. Her story begins in the late 1800's during a turbulent hurricane that hit southern Louisiana and progresses to the 1960's. Most interesting is the author's telling of the way in which the lives of whites and blacks were intertwined on a daily basis. But once a line was crossed, they were subject to being ostracized by their respective communities. This is a well-crafted and historically accurate tale that will definitely hold the reader's attention.
September 3, 2011
An interesting tangled story of love and revenge, money and loss, black and white, right and wrong. Aurore hires Phillip to write her life story but Phillip is not sure that he should be writing the wealthy white lady's story. He is used to writing about the Civil Rights movement, and making changes for the blacks. Phillip is trying to figure out his own life but Aurore's story changes much of his thinking. The book is written in 1965 but Aurore's story to Phillip begins when she is young so the book goes back and forward in time as Aurore tells her story.
December 27, 2009
I really like this book so far. It takes place in the 60's but goes back to 1893 to the story tellers youth and a terrible storm in New Orleans and a man with his feet in two places at once and what he does about it....and what happens to him because of it! I love it so far, and so will Tracy and Joanne
January 13, 2019
I could not put this book down. The story really drew me in I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I love stories set in New Orleans and this was a truly heartbreaking tale. I wanted Philip to tell Nicky the truth but I am hoping that will happen in the sequel which I will be reading soon! I definitely recommend this book. I will read more from this author.
August 7, 2012
I liked the book but did I miss something about Rory's 2nd son. Hardly a mention of him...like who the father really was...that would have been a little interesting. Thought the other son and the grand daughter involved in it would have made it better.
November 22, 2017
Delightful and entertaining! I bought this book at a supermarket book sale in New Zealand years and years ago. I remembered disliking the cover but being adequately intrigued by the description. I might have bought it only because of a required minimum purchase, that I don’t remember. But so many years later, I finally picked up this rather lengthy paperback and it has been my bedside “light-read” for some time now. I am frankly impressed because I have not been reading such lengthy fictional works in a while, and definitely the genre and style are not what I would normally go for. But not only did I finish the book at a reasonable pace, but I really enjoyed it despite my extremely low expectations. I was originally hoping to learn a little about Louisiana culture and history, and I think the book delivered quite decently in that respect.
Iron Lace has a frame narrative, in which the elderly, upper-class, white Aurore Gerritsen employs black journalist Phillip to write her biography. Her story spans from her father’s generation to her grandchildren’s generation, so a lot is going on across the generations.
Racism, discrimination, class inequality, and gender inequality are all explored in Iron Lace and while the helplessness caused by the one-drop rule is keenly felt, I felt like these issues were offered as a subtext or afterthought. I could not tell if the author was trying to sneak some of the actual history and conditions of that period into her book in order to reach readers that might not typically care for such subjects, or if the issues were only there to give the story some weightiness and realism that might somehow justify its writing and telling and avoid the accusation of being frivolous. Iron Lace would fit perfectly in the Romance section of the bookstore, and many times the dialogue and writing reminded me of Korean dramas, which often shared a similar premise of lovers being torn apart by society’s cruel standards and values, and family drama, revenge, and class struggle converge and end in catastrophe, tears, and miscommunication with consequences affecting multiple generations. And these dramatic flourishes can be entertaining for many, even if they also result in the predictability of the story.
There is nothing surprising about what happens in Iron Lace. In fact, my biggest surprise (although I should have seen it coming) was the fact that this book has a sequel. Why did I not guess that a book I refer to as a New Orleans “Korean drama” would share its serial quality? I am interested in the sequel, and this book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, because a third of Aurore’s story is missing. I have my guesses about what comes next, and maybe my interest in reading the sequel is based off a desire to confirm my deductions. And maybe that’s the appeal of soap operas and Korean dramas - the impression that there is a predictability to life and some sort of basic template and master narrative that we can keep applying to people and their relationships, the appeal of having the same story retold to us with only the slightest changes.
Iron Lace has a frame narrative, in which the elderly, upper-class, white Aurore Gerritsen employs black journalist Phillip to write her biography. Her story spans from her father’s generation to her grandchildren’s generation, so a lot is going on across the generations.
Racism, discrimination, class inequality, and gender inequality are all explored in Iron Lace and while the helplessness caused by the one-drop rule is keenly felt, I felt like these issues were offered as a subtext or afterthought. I could not tell if the author was trying to sneak some of the actual history and conditions of that period into her book in order to reach readers that might not typically care for such subjects, or if the issues were only there to give the story some weightiness and realism that might somehow justify its writing and telling and avoid the accusation of being frivolous. Iron Lace would fit perfectly in the Romance section of the bookstore, and many times the dialogue and writing reminded me of Korean dramas, which often shared a similar premise of lovers being torn apart by society’s cruel standards and values, and family drama, revenge, and class struggle converge and end in catastrophe, tears, and miscommunication with consequences affecting multiple generations. And these dramatic flourishes can be entertaining for many, even if they also result in the predictability of the story.
There is nothing surprising about what happens in Iron Lace. In fact, my biggest surprise (although I should have seen it coming) was the fact that this book has a sequel. Why did I not guess that a book I refer to as a New Orleans “Korean drama” would share its serial quality? I am interested in the sequel, and this book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, because a third of Aurore’s story is missing. I have my guesses about what comes next, and maybe my interest in reading the sequel is based off a desire to confirm my deductions. And maybe that’s the appeal of soap operas and Korean dramas - the impression that there is a predictability to life and some sort of basic template and master narrative that we can keep applying to people and their relationships, the appeal of having the same story retold to us with only the slightest changes.
July 30, 2017
I so enjoyed this book and yet at times my heart broke.
Aurore comes from a wealthy family whose father also has a mistress. His father in law finds out and threatens to destroy him. As he goes to break ties with his mistress a storm comes up and she and his daughter are lost to him or did he let them go?
Unknown to him, surviving the storm, is her son who is of mixed blood. He vows revenge.
In the process he falls in love with Aurore and because of the revenge the love is torn apart.
You must read the story to feel all the emotions, racial tensions, love and heartbreak.
This is an excellent read
Aurore comes from a wealthy family whose father also has a mistress. His father in law finds out and threatens to destroy him. As he goes to break ties with his mistress a storm comes up and she and his daughter are lost to him or did he let them go?
Unknown to him, surviving the storm, is her son who is of mixed blood. He vows revenge.
In the process he falls in love with Aurore and because of the revenge the love is torn apart.
You must read the story to feel all the emotions, racial tensions, love and heartbreak.
This is an excellent read
December 3, 2019
Aurore Gerritson is ready to tell the story of her life and she chooses Phillip Valentine to be the man to hear her story. She tells of misdeeds of her father, her own young love and the revenge that tore her family apart. Phillip in the meantime is trying to decide if he can put down roots in New Orleans where dogs are trained to attack black men and segregation is the rule of the day. I loved the parts about the 1960s with Phillip and his strong teacher girl friend. Aurore and her father made me really mad, I only want to read more to find out what happens with Phillip, Belinda and their life.
April 21, 2023
I was given this book as a gift several years ago - not my usual genre. I just decided recently I might as well read it, as it was taking up space and if I didn’t like it I could give it away.
It took me a while to get into it, but then I *had* to finish. I liked it OK, but it’s not a keeper.
I’d say the second half - or, actually, the final third - of the book was the best part.
It still left a lot of unanswered questions, though.
It’s pretty clear how our protagonist ends up, but what about Aurore?
Does Nicky ever get to hear the other half of the story?
And was Aurore’s younger son a red herring?
I suppose there is room for a sequel…
It took me a while to get into it, but then I *had* to finish. I liked it OK, but it’s not a keeper.
I’d say the second half - or, actually, the final third - of the book was the best part.
It still left a lot of unanswered questions, though.
It’s pretty clear how our protagonist ends up, but what about Aurore?
Does Nicky ever get to hear the other half of the story?
And was Aurore’s younger son a red herring?
I suppose there is room for a sequel…
August 7, 2024
Easy to fall into this historical novel
I very much enjoyed reading this story as it unfolded and will immediately start reading the sequel. You do need to already have some knowledge and understanding of what the consequences of being of mixed races would be like in the early 1900's and the civil unrest of the 60's. Because although the story is set during these era's this is not a history lesson. This delves into the characters thoughts, emotions, experiences and how they ultimately chose to solve their problems.
I very much enjoyed reading this story as it unfolded and will immediately start reading the sequel. You do need to already have some knowledge and understanding of what the consequences of being of mixed races would be like in the early 1900's and the civil unrest of the 60's. Because although the story is set during these era's this is not a history lesson. This delves into the characters thoughts, emotions, experiences and how they ultimately chose to solve their problems.
January 17, 2026
New Orleans, 1965. De rijke Aurore LeDanois Gerritsen besluit haar levensverhaal te vertellen aan de zwarte Phillip Benedict. Ze begint met een storm in 1893 die veel levens heeft vernietigd en bepaald.
Plot: De schokkende onthulling over wat Aurore en Phillip verbindt, is voorspelbaar.
Thema´s: rassenhaat, familie geheimen, wraak, prostitutie, huiselijk geweld, het huwelijk, het afstaan van een kind
Setting: de bayou met haar creolen en acadische inwoners, de stad New Orleans. Het moet hier heel mooi zijn!
Personages: plat
Plot: De schokkende onthulling over wat Aurore en Phillip verbindt, is voorspelbaar.
Thema´s: rassenhaat, familie geheimen, wraak, prostitutie, huiselijk geweld, het huwelijk, het afstaan van een kind
Setting: de bayou met haar creolen en acadische inwoners, de stad New Orleans. Het moet hier heel mooi zijn!
Personages: plat
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2019
I had been told by multiple people I would like this book and put off reading it for years. So glad I finally got to it. I immediately bought the sequel.
I love southern fiction, big family stories, and a little scandal. This novel has all this and more. PLUS, it is set in one of my favorite cities, New Orleans.
No spoilers, but if you love historical fiction this is a must read!
I love southern fiction, big family stories, and a little scandal. This novel has all this and more. PLUS, it is set in one of my favorite cities, New Orleans.
No spoilers, but if you love historical fiction this is a must read!
March 11, 2020
A heartbreaking, gripping and beautiful story. I haven't stopped thinking about the story since I finished and am sure I won't forget it for a long time. When I picked up the book I assumed it would be your typical romance but it was so much more. Love, revenge, forbidden love all set in New Orleans. I look forward to reading more from this author
January 24, 2025
Beautiful story of a forbidden love that would not die even through tragedy, anger, betrayal and years apart. Aurore Gerritsen is at the end of her life and she has hired a reporter to write her story but little does Phillip know that he has a connection to Aurore and her story will change his life.
August 3, 2025
If you enjoy stories about New Orleans, racism, and the handcuffs of culture, I recommend this book to you. A journalist is summoned to tell the tale of one of the cities wealthiest women. The rich and poor are kept in their proper place, according to the rules of society at the time. A book I didn't want to put down.
July 24, 2019
I read this book many years ago and fell in love with it. It's even better than I remember--its so clear through the writing this woman has an intimate relationship with New Orleans and she makes the city come alive with her writing. The story was beautiful, heartbreaking and over far too soon.
February 19, 2020
Enjoyable
I love the way the characters come alive to me as I read. I prefer page turner books, but this one was interesting none the less. Half way though, I struggled to keep reading, but glad I did.
I love the way the characters come alive to me as I read. I prefer page turner books, but this one was interesting none the less. Half way though, I struggled to keep reading, but glad I did.
September 29, 2021
A very good book. It was a love story with an interracial theme. A newspaper writer is summoned by a lady to tell the story of her life. She tells her story from childhood to being an elderly lady with not many months to live.
February 14, 2023
I was learning about a slice of history and appreciated the story line for the 1st half of the book. Then a situation arose that I found totally implausible, and the book went downhill from there. I probably wouldn't read another book by this author.
February 15, 2023
What a haunting story of love and loss! I know we’re not suppose to judge a book by its cover, but I had put off reading it because it didn’t look like something I typically enjoy. I was so wrong and couldn’t put it down.
May 2, 2023
Good story, but felt like sometimes there were too many details that weren't necessary to the story. It's a long book, but it took me longer to read than anticipated. Not necessarily a page-turner that you stay up late reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews