The Lacemaker's Fortune: A Novel

by Andrea Catalano

In the 1870s, the fate of an immigrant desperate to escape the factories of New York City collides with the ambitions and passion of two men in an enthralling and darkly sensual novel by the author of The First Witch of Boston.

New York City, 1879. Eileen Maguire is a factory lacemaker limited by her humble circumstances and dreaming of a better life. Lawrence Barnard is the sole heir of one of Manhattan’s wealthiest families, but his means keep him confined by the expectations of society. When their paths cross one fateful winter night, Eileen and Lawrence become caught under the spell of the charismatic and enterprising Stanley Jones, who extolls the boundless opportunities awaiting in the West. The millinery shop Eileen dreams of owning with her sister is possible, as is the freedom to make his own choices that Lawrence so craves.

What begins as an idealistic journey westward quickly becomes something unexpected and sinister once the group lands in Leadville, Colorado, a wild silver mining boomtown high in the Rocky Mountains. A love triangle emerges, pitting promises and passion against betrayals and lies. With their starry-eyed intentions gone terribly awry and forbidden desires threatening to undo them, it will take heartbreak and a shocking secret to shake Eileen and Lawrence out of their blinded stupors and remind them that their fortunes are entirely in their own hands. Set against the backdrop of the Gilded Age, this is a dark tale of dangerous, suspenseful seduction.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Coming Of Age

381 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2026

About the author

Andrea Catalano is a historical novelist who holds a master of philosophy in historical studies degree from University of Cambridge, UK. Originally from the Boston area, she currently lives in Texas with her husband, children, two fluffy cats, and many, many books.

Reviews

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction novel that gives a very realistic view of the hardships of life in this time period. While some readers will view this story as dark and depressing other readers such as myself will appreciate the realistic mood of this novel. We have a young woman who is trying to create a better life for herself encountering all the curveballs that seem to be thrown at her. However, she is constantly wondering if she made the right choice. I will say I was very intrigued by the struggles that the other characters faced in matters of the heart. This novel will go to show you that achieving your dreams does come at a risk and sometimes the outcome isn't always so positive. I will say this is a novel readers will enjoy if they are looking for something with drama.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the author’s debut novel The First Witch of Boston, so to say I was excited to start this one would be an understatement.

This book is dark, atmospheric, and a little intoxicating, I was completely immersed from the very start. I loved the Gilded Age setting and how it contrasts big dreams with the harsh realities of ambition and desire.

If you love historical settings mixed with intense love stories, this one is definitely for you.

[Keshav Raju · Rating 5 out of 5]

No justification whatsoever about the nature of characters in this novel, by it self makes it a great read! Weaving the story around 3 key personas whose shades we all carry in one way or the other, with the backdrop of Gilded Age makes it even more phenomenal! Kudos, @andreacatalano!

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Irish immigrant sisters have come to America for a better life, but so far it's been nothing but struggles. Mary has become a lady of the night to earn money, and Eileen's skill of lacemaking has served her well in a factory. The two dream of one day making it west to open their own lacemaking shop. Mary will do anything to keep her sister from becoming like her. When a new male border Stanley moves in, all the women have eyes for him but he seems to be captivated with Eileen. When he announces he is heading west to Colorado and he wants Eileen to go with, the sisters agree to accompany him and the group he has put together to start anew. The generous benefactor Lawrence has agreed to fund the move for all and soon they are in Leadville, Colorado learning how life in the west is lived. Eileen knows her and Stanley can never become anything, as he has given himself to being a disciple of God. When she gets an unexpected marriage proposal, she can only accept. She will have all the wealth she could ever imagine, her sister will be taken care of never again will she have to worry about anything. As called the Wild West, wild things happen with betrayals, secrets, affairs and murder that brings everything to the surface and rips families apart, all from the actions of one. I really enjoyed reading about life in the west during the silver boom in Colorado as well as how this storyline all played out. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. I will be reading her other novel very soon! This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book without reading anything about it. From the title,I honestly thought it was about a lacemaker that becomes a famous lacemaker. FYI- I was wrong.

This is a pretty steamy historical fiction read set in the Gilded Age time period in both New York City and Leadville, Colorado. The lacemaker is Eileen Maguire an Irish immigrant who marries an already wealthy man named Lawrence. Thanks to silver mining Lawrence becomes the wealthiest man in Leadville.

There is a lovers triangle between Eileen, Lawrence, and a charismatic preacher named Stanley. Stanley is the one who encourages Eileen and Lawrence to go to Leadville.

This book goes fast. In part one, we get the background and build up of the characters. In part two, we are in Leadville where Eileen finds herself depressed and addicted. Help comes in the form of a cook from New Orleans.

I think it was so interesting that we get the points of view of both Eileen and Lawrence but not Stanley. Stanley is a huge catalyst for these characters so I liked the mystery of Stanley. The ending has a thriller level twist which I really enjoyed.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book in a short while that has Colorado mines as a part of the story, but this one is very focused on the characters - Laurence "Laurie", Stanley, and Eileen.

Laurie had grown up rich but he doesn't know what he wanted to be in the world. Eileen is a poor Irish immigrant, who with her sister, long to go to California to make their own, better way than what life has given them. They are both pulled in by Stanley who wants to preach the word of God in the West..... though his dark secrets will put strain on their lives.

This was a super fascinating look into a love triangle (involving two men) in the 1800s when it wasn't out in the open. All 3 of these characters made me frustrated. There are so many surprises in store at the end of the story. I highly enjoyed my time with this book and really appreciate how well the author took a small part of her family history and made this tale of it.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE LACEMAKERS FORTUNE is a slow burn character driven historical fiction story taking place in New York and Chicago during the Gilded age. Thank you @acatnovelist @amazonpublishing and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the #gifted book.

Eileen Maguire and her sister Mary immigrate from Ireland to New York in search of a better life. Eileen is a lacemaker in a factory and Mary is a prostitute. They are saving money to open their own Millinery shop in San Francisco. Lawrence Barnard is the sole heir to one of Manhattan's wealthiest families. He is bored with society's expectations. Stanley Jones is a charismatic con man saying he is helping the Lord and convinces Eileen and Lawrence the opportunities they seek will be found in Colorado.

Leaderville, Colorado is not what they expected. There is a love triangle, secrets, lies, betrayals, manipulation and forbidden desires. This is a story of family hopes and dreams. Trigger warning of adultery and addiction. The ending caught me by surprise

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Catalano writes another fascinating historical fiction novel that takes place in NYC and Leadville, Colorado during the mining days there. I have visited Leadville many times and I very much enjoy reading stories of it's past that connect what was then with what I know now. The characters in this novel struggle in their own ways and are seeking to create the life they want, but this desire is overshadowed by passion, secrets, and intriguing twists to the story. The words flow effortlessly and transported me back in time as I escaped into a world richly drawn filled with details that had me captivated for hours.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane Sattler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t Stop Reading This

A lovely blend of New York and Colorado history made this a book I couldn’t put down. I’m a native Coloradan and also lived in New York for a few years. Besides the plot of “The Lacemakers Fortune” - intriguing and also unbelievable at times, the history of the setting(s) were so well documented. The author’s skill with words was delightful and often painted the most memorable visions in my head. Off to read her other book now- can’t wait.

[Bookish Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the author’s debut novel The First Witch of Boston, so to say I was excited to start this one would be an understatement.

This book is dark, atmospheric, and a little intoxicating, I was completely immersed from the very start.

If you love historical settings mixed with intense love stories, this one is definitely for you.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought the book would be more about the lacemaking. But they barely touched on lacemaking. I didnt connect with none of the characters and my favourite one was the new cook (i forget her name). I feel like it didnt have a purpose. Just went on and stopped all of a sudden.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

[crafty.jenn.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic offering from the same author as The First Witch of Boston.

Once again, the author’s attention to detail and research shine through.

The story isn’t always glamourous or pretty, and it’s full of people making all sorts of bad decisions within bad circumstances, but you come to really care for (most) of the characters.

I can’t wait to see what era this author writes next.

[Alyssa Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just was so intrigued by this & wanted to know what was going to happen!

I feel like the moral of the story - Stanley was just a hot mess. TBH in my opinion there wasn’t much of a plot outside of the secret love triangle (or actually love hexagon I guess lol) but I give it 4 stars because I did just want to keep reading

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE LACEMAKER’S FORTUNE is a great historical fiction story set in the 1870s. I was drawn in right away with this one and the multiple POVs held my interest. I don’t recall reading anything similar and I appreciated the unique historical subject matter. If you are into historical fiction, you don’t want to miss this one!

Many thanks to Andrea Catalano for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Catalano, the Author of “The Lacemaker’s Fortune” has written a powerful, passionate, seductive, and captivating Historical Fiction Novel. The Genres for this novel are 19th Century Historical Fiction, American Historical Fiction, Romance, and Fiction. In this well written novel, the author vividly describes the landscape, scenery, plot, and dark and dramatic characters. (including a comforting cat) The timeline for this novel is set in the 1870’s and takes place in New York City and Colorado. This novel is filled with twists and turns, dark secrets, exotic secrets, betrayals, lies, manipulation and psychological gaslighting. There is also some wit, I love how the author describes the characters, and labels their goals, problems and solutions.

The author contrast the disparity between classes, and rich and poor people. Some immigrant had a harder time finding employment, and had to do what it takes to survive. Two sisters, Eileen and Mary are in New York and trying to work. Eileen is an artistic lacemaker, and works in a factory, and outspoken Mary finds herself working as a Prostitute. They have dreams of moving to California and opening a shop. Their new charismatic, and enchanting neighbor, Stanley Jones, enters their lives and everything will be different. Stanley helps people in trouble, with his second job. Stanley has helped a very wealthy man, Lawrence Barnard, after he gets sick, and sets the stage for Lawrence and Eileen to meet. Stanley Jones hopes to bring his church followers to Colorado for a better life. This intrigues Lawrence, who is bored with conventional society expectations. This also motivates Eileen and Mary to go on this journey.

Somehow this move seems more sinister, and there are promises not kept, passions that will cause problems, and imminent danger. I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of self-worth, and every person has to make a moral choice. It takes courage, strength, emotional support, and work. I was dumbfounded and surprised by the ending. Actual several parts of the ending were surprising! Don’t do it!!!!!!— turn to the end pages!!! I highly recommend this book, and start from the beginning!

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seriously sayin'......

Someone has kidnapped Andrea Catalano or she has an evil twin who grabbed her pen. I sit with disappointment etched all over my face. This is just not the same author who wrote the outstanding The First Witch of Boston (2025). Rather than abundance as in that previous novel, we got emptiness and dead-end streets. No rhyme nor reason.

Eileen and Mary McGuire are two lassies reaching the shores of New York City in 1879 from Ireland. Their mother prompted them to make a better life for themselves in America. Eileen had been taught by the Irish nuns to create near perfect lace. She found a job in a factory and toiled late into the evening. Mary, on the other hand, found herself in the local bar working as a prostitute. Both lived in a boarding house where they hoped to move out West to California and open a millinery shop.

Enter Stanley Jones. Tall, handsome and stunning. Stanley befriends the two women as well as Lawrence Barnard, a wealthy businessman from Manhattan who tended to frequent the Bowery for pleasure and adventure. In a matter of time, all their paths will cross. Lawrence promises to finance a trip to the Rocky Mountains in Leadville, Colorado to the silver mines. And we readers are filled with the prospect of what will happen to these interesting characters.

And then the plug was pulled. Catalano does not advance this storyline. It sits in a soup of rancid broth. We feel as if we are suffering from whiplash. What happened to the great potential of being out West? The characters now tread water or possibly soup with a standstill plot. No advancement. Just plot points thrown at them to see if anything sticks. Catalano went for cleverness and ended up with no shock and no awe.

The Lacemaker's Fortune had so much potential. Catalano proved herself brilliantly in The First Witch of Boston. I'm not giving up on this author. Somewhere in time the original Andrea Catalano will once again appear. I'm counting on it.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to Andrea Catalano for the opportunity.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
👀 like books that expose the dark side of history
💞 enjoy a good love triangle
📖 loved the author’s debut novel
🤩 always keep your eye on the prize

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

New York City, 1879. Eileen Maguire is a factory lacemaker limited by her humble circumstances and dreaming of a better life. Lawrence Barnard is the sole heir of one of Manhattan’s wealthiest families, but his means keep him confined by the expectations of society. When their paths cross one fateful winter night, Eileen and Lawrence become caught under the spell of the charismatic and enterprising Stanley Jones, who extolls the boundless opportunities awaiting in the West. The millinery shop Eileen dreams of owning with her sister is possible, as is the freedom to make his own choices that Lawrence so craves.

What begins as an idealistic journey westward quickly becomes something unexpected and sinister once the group lands in Leadville, Colorado, a wild silver mining boomtown high in the Rocky Mountains. A love triangle emerges, pitting promises and passion against betrayals and lies. With their starry-eyed intentions gone terribly awry and forbidden desires threatening to undo them, it will take heartbreak and a shocking secret to shake Eileen and Lawrence out of their blinded stupors and remind them that their fortunes are entirely in their own hands. Set against the backdrop of the Gilded Age, this is a dark tale of dangerous, suspenseful seduction.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

The First Witch of Boston was amazing, so I knew I’d enjoy this one just as much, if not more! Andrea is adept at writing characters that you just love to hate - they are not always likable, but they are almost always relatable, whether we like to admit it to ourselves or not! I enjoyed the different POVs in this story (except for Stanley’s) which helped me get into each character’s mindset and desires. I was shocked by the attention to detail (in a good way) and enjoyed the love triangle that I truly never saw coming. Overall, a dark but delicious read!

[Stacey Reads It All · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction with a dark edge is exactly my kind of audiobook, so The Lacemaker’s Fortune by Andrea Catalano had my attention from the first chapter.

The setup is genuinely compelling. Eileen Maguire wants out of the grinding poverty of 1879 New York and has a concrete dream to anchor that want, a millinery shop with her sister. Lawrence Barnard wants out of a different kind of trap, the suffocating expectations of Gilded Age wealth. When Stanley Jones sweeps into both their lives with his charismatic pitch about opportunity waiting in the West, it definitely gives a too good to be true vibe. Leadville, Colorado as a silver boomtown setting is vivid and well-researched, and the sinister turn the story takes once they arrive has real momentum.

Where it lost some ground for me was in the love triangle itself. The push and pull between promises, passion, and betrayal is focus of the second act, but it ran a little longer than it needed to before the pieces clicked into place. I wanted to shake Eileen and Lawrence both at several points, and I got really frustrated. Still, the Gilded Age atmosphere is rich and the final reveal landed well. If you love darkly romantic historical fiction with a Western detour, you’ll like this book.

The narrators were great. Michael Crouch and Alana Kerr-Collins make a strong narrator pairing. Kerr-Collins gives Eileen a grounded weariness that suits a woman who has spent her life working in factories and dreaming past them, and Crouch handles the male perspectives with enough range to keep Lawrence and Stanley distinct. Brilliance Audio delivered clean, polished production throughout, and that consistency matters more than people give it credit for on a dual-narrator listen.

Thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda Bennett at passionforprose · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ll start by saying every book has its audience—but this one wasn’t for me.

The Lacemaker’s Fortune is a double entendre reflecting on both the wealth and the life young Irish immigrant Eileen McGuire unexpectedly inherits. Arriving in New York City with her sister Mary, the two struggle to build a future, setting their sights on something better out west. When Stanley Jones enters their boarding house, his charisma quickly captivates the residents, even catching the attention of wealthy Lawrence Barnard during a chance encounter in the Bowery.

The story takes a turn when Eileen, her sister, Lawrence, and others follow Stanley west to establish his church in Leadville. Unfortunately, it’s here—amid the Colorado mountains—that the novel begins to lose momentum. What starts as a compelling narrative slows to a simmer, weighed down by a lack of development and direction.

An unexpected love triangle emerges that will shock some. Eileen, initially a sympathetic character, becomes increasingly difficult to root for, her perspective tinged with a sense of privilege that grates as the story progresses.

While I was invested early on, I found myself speeding through the latter half in search of resolution. Stanley, meant to be magnetic, instead comes across as underdeveloped, making it hard to understand his hold over others.

With tighter pacing and more depth in the second half, this novel could have delivered on the promise of its strong beginning, but ultimately, it fell short for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and author Andrea Catalano for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Lacemaker’s Fortune is out on March 31st. All opinions are my own.

[Gwendalyn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

· · ─ ·𖥸· ─ · ·
The Lacemaker’s Fortune
𝙱𝚢: Andrea Catalano
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: Historical Fiction
𝙿𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚛: Lake Union Publishing
𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝙾𝚗: 3.31.2026
𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔𝚜 𝚝𝚘: @suzyapprovedbooktours and @acatnovelist @lakeunionauthors for my gifted copy

💭 𝙼𝚢 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
I was hooked from page one and didn't see that ending coming — at all.
The Lacemaker's Fortune is set in 1879 and follows Eileen Maguire, a factory lacemaker with big dreams, and Lawrence Barnard, a wealthy Manhattan heir suffocating under society's expectations. When the smooth-talking Stanley Jones sweeps into both their lives promising freedom and opportunity out West, they follow him straight into Leadville, Colorado — and into a whole lot of trouble.

The characters are what make this book. Stanley Jones is the kind of charismatic that makes your skin crawl in the best way. Eileen and her sister Mary are resilient, complicated, and completely real. Lawrence is easy to root for even when he's making all the wrong choices. The drama between them — the lies, the manipulation, the gaslighting, the love triangle — kept me turning pages faster than I expected.
Historical fiction can sometimes feel like a chore. This is not that. Catalano writes with a sharpness that keeps things moving, and the Gilded Age setting feels lived-in rather than like a history lesson.

The ending has multiple twists. Do not skip ahead. I mean it.
If you love dark, dramatic historical fiction with characters that get under your skin, pick this one up. Highly recommend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🏷#thelacemakersfortune #suzyapprovedbooktours #lakeunionauthors

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrea Catalano’s The Lacemaker’s Fortune is a story stitched together with secrets, resilience, and the quiet strength of women finding their way. Set against the backdrop of Lake Union Publishing’s trademark blend of heartfelt drama and atmospheric detail, it follows characters whose lives are as intricate and fragile as lace itself.

Catalano writes with a gentle yet assured hand, weaving threads of family, memory, and identity into a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive. The novel’s emotional pull lies in its exploration of how the past shapes us, and how courage—sometimes found in unexpected places—can help us face the future.

What makes this book so engaging is its balance: the prose is elegant without being heavy, the characters flawed yet deeply relatable, and the themes universal while still grounded in the specifics of their world. It’s the kind of novel you can sink into on a quiet evening, letting its atmosphere wrap around you like a shawl.

The Lacemaker’s Fortune is ultimately about finding beauty in fragility, and strength in connection. A thoughtful, heartfelt read that lingers long after the final page.

My thanks to Andrea Catalano, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Patti (GenreHopper) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eileen is a talented lacemaker working in a factory. Her sister Mary has turned to prostitution to make ends meet while they are trying to save for their future. Eileen is longing for the better life that she and her sister came to America for. Along comes charming Stanley with promises of the better life she dreams of out west. Before you know it she's married to wealthy Lawrence, thanks to the matchmaking of Stanley. Her dreams of owning a shop seem to be within reach.

This New York immigrant story turned into a dark romance with a love triangle in the Colorado Rockies. Promises are broken and passions are dangerous. Could Stanley be a conman?

The ambience of the Gilded Age turns quickly to a silver mining town in Colorado.

They must learn how to seize control of their own fate.

Why I deducted two stars:
Minus 1 Star for the title being a little [and by a little I mean a lot] misleading to me. This is not a story of how Eileen makes her fortune with her lacemaking craft.
Minus 1 Star for not finding the characters very likeable so I wasn't invested in them finding their way to a fulfilling life.

Not yet published. Expected 3-31-2026

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Julie B. (readingonthebrink)]

Queue 🎵 music 🎶 from the Vienna Philharmonic's "Don Giovanni, Act 1: Overture"

At its heart, The Lacemaker's Fortune is truly about a young immigrant (Eileen Maguire) coming of age and forging her path in the late 1800s America.

From the onset, Catalano drew me into the grittiness of the late 1870's New York City's Bowery District. The hardships her characters faced, the dichotomy of the wealthy versus the working classes, the strive for better lives, all were palpable off the pages. And then Catalano whisks us by train to the Colorado frontier!

As the characters seek potential betterment by journeying west towards Colorado and the land of silver, their initial dreams and desires are not only tested, but stretched beyond recognition. The mining Colorado town is nothing they expected, and the grips of desire, deception and despair take hold. Ultimately, true grit plays out among the pages.

I appreciated the research that went into the novel, especially with regards to the mining town of Leadville, CO. And I'll admit, I found myself liking the supporting characters (Seamus and Justine) even more than the main ones (Eileen, Laurie, and Stanley), as the support staff had a better handle on their flaws. I also think there should be some type of content /trigger mentioning, as it deals with some deep issues including adultery / church scandal, addiction, among others, and some might have a tough go of the novel.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and Andrea Catalano for my #gifted signed copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the author’s first novel and I was still a little surprised by how dark this one is. It reflects the struggles of some during the gilded age.

It’s really a historical romance, but definitely the opposite of what you might imagine. It’s dark and sensual and not a Jane Eyre or Bronte type of book. There’s a love triangle that for the time is a little bit forbidden.

While I liked some of the characters at the start, the more they developed, the less I liked them. That was a little hard for me in a romance, but it fit in well with the class issue. It felt a little secondary to me, but there is an underlying theme of us versus them as it relates to class and wealth.

I was a fan of that twist. I did not see it coming and I wasn’t expecting in this genre.

This will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you like drama atmosphere and seduction, you should check this out.

I did an immersive read along with the audiobook. Michael Crouch and Alana Kerr-Collins did a good job with their narration helping set and enhance the mood and atmosphere. Their performances drew me in and had me feel like the story was all around me.

[wellreadtraveler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eileen and her sister Mary dream of a life outside of New York and the life of humble Irish immigrants. The sisters put whatever coin they save into a tin and pray that one day they can get to San Francisco. Eileen works as a Lacemaker and Mary also works a trade but not one to be proud of. Eileen wants a better life for her and her sister and when she meets a handsome man out one night she knows this man will be their way out. Stanley Jones speaks of all the blessing the Lord has to offer and how he can give these women a new life.
Stanley Jones is not only handsome and charming but an expert in deception. Everyone around him is dazzled and will do pretty much anything he asks. Stanley convinces a very wealthy man to not only join him on a journey to the west but to pay for everyone’s passage, their food and lodging, and help to fund the build of a church once they arrive. Lawrence has been looking for a new start and the promise of a whole new life in Leadville Colorado sounds like the opportunity he’s been looking for.
Eileen, Mary, Lawrence, and many more will be deceived by Stanley Jones and have hard decisions to make for their futures. Everyone loved Stanley in their own way but when his deception is revealed hearts will be broken and everything they worked so hard for will crumble.
When the initial shock wears off Eileen will find clarity like she’s never know, and this will be the greatest gift of all.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 25%.

Alana Kerr‑Collins and Michael Crouch did a fine job narrating. Unfortunately, I went in expecting something closer to Kate Quinn, and this simply wasn’t it. Try as I might, I couldn’t get into the story.

For one, there was no actual lacemaking. As a crocheter, I was disappointed by this! With a title like The Lacemaker’s Fortune, I expected the narrative to split its focus between the craft and the promised love triangle. Instead, the plot felt thin, and the characters didn’t hold my attention. I can’t tell if it’s the place I’m at in life or the writing itself, but nothing here grabbed me.

I was also surprised by how prominent the religious elements were. I don’t mind religious characters, but the evangelical, flawed preacher-sort storyline is personally distasteful to me and turned me off quickly.

From what I can tell, Andrea Catalano saw commercial success with her first book, so I may revisit her work another time, just not this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and the author for sharing an ALC in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the gritty streets of New York City to a rugged, mining boomtown of Colorado to the haze-filled opium dens, the striking atmosphere will draw you in, but the forbidden liaisons will keep you glued to the pages.

Eileen and her sister are Irish immigrants trying to make their way in New York City, at any cost. Eileen meets Lawrence, a very wealthy man hiding his proclivities, and then, both are charmed by Stanley Jones, who convinces them that the West is where all the opportunities lie.

The journey out West turns out to bring about more than the business ventures they all sought. It becomes a sensual and suspenseful story of passion and betrayal, as a love triangle threatens to undo them all.

This book is full of surprises, characters are not what you expect, and there are twists you won’t see coming. With plenty of suspense and romance, this is dark and scandalous Gilded Age fiction at its best.


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @acatnovelist for this gifted book.

[TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Andrea Catalano’s bewitching debut, The First Witch of Boston, and it was a pleasure to read her newest, The Lacemaker’s Fortune.

Eileen is an immigrant working in a lace factory in NYC, dreaming of an easier life. Her paths cross with Lawrence, the sole heir to a vast fortune, living a controlled, well-defined life he wants to escape. Their paths cross, along with a man named Stanley Jones, who tells them about the West and new opportunities. It speaks to each of them. Their dreams will be fulfilled.

The journey embarks west, and when they make their way to Colorado, drama and darkness ensues. The Gilded Age is top of mind these days, and I thought the journey west amid that backdrop was unique and fascinating. This book has a different feel from Catalano’s debut. It’s dark, seductive, and mysterious with a strong historical backdrop.

I received a gifted copy.


Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Larae Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lacemaker’s Fortune by Andrea Cataland was a beautifully written and atmospheric read that pulled me into its historical setting with ease. The attention to detail and the delicate weaving of past and present gave the story a rich, almost immersive quality that I really appreciated.
I especially enjoyed the themes of resilience, artistry, and the quiet strength of the women at the center of the story. The concept behind the lacemaking and its symbolism added a unique layer that set this book apart.
That said, parts of the pacing felt a bit slow for me, and I found myself wanting a stronger emotional connection to some of the characters. While the story was intriguing, it didn’t fully grip me the way I had hoped.
Overall, this was a solid and thoughtful read, especially for fans of historical fiction with a softer, more reflective tone.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Meg Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eileen and Mary are sisters who immigrated from Ireland at the insistence of their mother, who wanted a better life for them. Eileen is a talented lacemaker who works in a millinery but Mary's sharp tongue gets her fired and has her seeking work as a prostitute. One fateful night out, they meet Stanley Jones and their lives are forever changed.
I think my favorite thing about this book was watching Eileen come into her own. She is so meek and quiet but as her life progresses, she learns to find her footing a bit more. I love the sister relationship and enjoy sibling dynamics in a book. The author does a great job describing how Stanley seems to put everyone he meets under his spell. He is charismatic and charming and all the people around him seem to get swept up in it. I read this book in a whirlwind two days and was glad I got to keep reading and find out what happened next. The end had me flummoxed and caught off guard, but in a good way.