An American Scandal

by Theresa Howes

Lose yourself in this Gilded Age historical fiction, perfect for fans of Luisa A. Jones and Beatriz Williams.

Newport, 1895. After failing to make a positive impression on New York’s ‘old money’, Madeline Crosby and her beloved brother and protector, Hugh, escape to their inherited summer house in Newport. As Hugh’s half-sister who spent most of her childhood in a brothel until her mother died – something society is unwilling to forgive – Beachlands is the fresh start Madeline desperately needs.

The siblings expand their social circle, making ‘new money’ acquaintances. Despite his good nature, Hugh is prone to flirting and Madeline captures the unwanted attention of the man whose family destroyed her mother and continues to exploit women.

As lines are crossed and reputations threatened, Madeline becomes determined to ignore her heart and fix the situation. But can she keep her tarnished past buried? And will she ever allow herself to love?

Genres: Historical Fiction

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 29, 2026

About the author

Theresa Howes lives in London with her husband and Claude, a larger than average cat. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys seeing how many more plants she can cram into her tiny London garden, walking, and putting the world to rights over a gin and tonic.

Her first two novels, THE SECRETS WE KEEP and THE FRENCH AFFAIR are set in occupied France during WWII. Her third novel, A MATTER OF PERSUASION, is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, set in America’s Gilded Age. AN AMERICAN SCANDAL, a reimagining of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, will be published in 29 Jan 2026

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newport, Rhode Island, 1895. Madeline Crosby and her half-brother Hugh leave New York as the elite snobs turn their noses up at her and where she’s from. They move to their summer house called Beachlands and for a fresh start.

Like many wealthy men of the time their father had mistresses and Madeline’s mother was one of them, unfortunately she spend part of her childhood growing up in a brothel and until her mum passed away, then her dad rescued and adopted Maddie.

Here they meet the Booth family, who are classed as ‘new money’, the eldest son Theo works for his father and Edward’s a lawyer and he has two sisters Marianne and Jane.

After what their father did, Hugh and Madeline plan on remaining single, despite being engaged Marianne flirts with Hugh and Madeline admires Edward and his charitable deeds. When she connects the business empire his father owns to the exploitation of women, she wonders how much the family in Newport know, she wants to make him accountable for his actions and needs to be very careful in doing so.

I received a copy of An American Scandal by Theresa Howes from NetGalley and HQ Digital in exchange for an unbiased review. Set in the Gilded Age, the narrative explores the importance of class, reputation over happiness and how society was at the time, the double standards they had and exploitation of women.

I really liked Hugh and Madeline, Edward and his cousin Flora, all were strong and resilient characters and despite having to overcome obstacles and problems, they put others first and not selfish.

I could tell the Ms. Howes is a fan of classic books written by Jane Austen, she didn’t copied her and highlighted similar themes around love, arranged marriage, matchmaking mothers, financial security and five stars from me.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Reputation was nothing but an illusion, a state of grace or disgrace, imposed by others, and it had little to do with anyone’s true nature.” An American Scandal offers a glimpse into the lives and dilemmas of women in America’s Gilded Age, when choices might be dictated by social class and reputation by the actions of a parent. With a satisfyingly romantic redemptive arc, this novel is a clever reworking of Mansfield Park, set nearly a century further forward in time but in a similarly status-conscious society.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first arc review of 2026 & many thanks to HQ & Theresa Howes for sending me a copy 🫶🏻

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Will they choose love over duty?

This was a much needed palette cleanser after all the festive reads in December and a lovely historical fiction to finish 2025 with.

Set in the Gilded Age of America, the story follows Madeleine in 1895 as she tries to find her place amongst the ‘old money’ society within New York’s social circles.

Looked down upon & blacklisted by the female members due to her partial upbringing in a brothel, Madeline is taken to her family’s beach house in Rhode Island by her loving half-brother, Hugo, in the hopes that her biased reputation doesn’t follow.

There they meet the Booth family who are ‘new money’ and are keen to flaunt their wealth & success. Madeline meets Edward Booth who instantly falls for Madeline and asks for her hand in marriage. However, all is derailed when Madeline discovers how the Booth family made their fortune and she must choose between following her heart or her head.

Perfect for fans of Jane Austin & a different take on Mansfield Park, I particularly liked the in depth descriptions of almost everything in the book. The cities, the houses, the clothes, the food… it was really well written & really set the scene. I liked Madeleine’s drive & stubbornness to not conform to societal standards and her constant fight to help women who are less fortunate than she is.

Some great supporting characters including Hugo, Edward, Flora & Marianne. All strong & resilient who I found myself cheering for throughout the book.

A delightful & easy read if you want to step back in time & lounge about New York & Rhode Island for a while 🥰