American Gilt: Scandal

by J.D. Peterson

“American Gilt – Scandal” (Vol 3) Now with 9 Million pages read on Kindle! Find out why ‘The American Gilt Trilogy’ is an Amazon Best Seller in "Biographies" ‘Gilded Age Historical Romance’, ‘U.S. Historical’ and ‘Coming of Age’ categories.Based on the life of Sara Swan Whiting, ‘Scandal’ the final book in the American Gilt Trilogy continues in 1884 as Sara Swan Whiting, once a popular gilded age débutante finds herself disgraced by divorce and left with a child to raise alone. Previously an admired member of the social set, Sara is now shunned and the target of harsh judgment and criticism by her contemporaries in the wake of a divorce from her short-lived marriage to socialite Oliver H.P. Belmont, who continues his life unscathed by the scandal due to a double-standard of acceptable conduct for men.But how much is truth and how much is propaganda generated by rumors and the newspapers? In this exciting finale to the American Gilt Trilogy readers are transported through time to the wealth and confines of America’s elite Gilded Age society.Based on the true story readers are transported through time as ‘American Gilt – Scandal’ concludes. With information gathered from family letters, historical newspapers and personal interviews, author J. D. Peterson weaves a compelling trilogy based on the historical account of the Belmont-Whiting Scandal of 1883.What readers are “This was the best gilded age novel I have read in such a long time." – Ted M. "I literally could not put this book down! I felt like I’d been transported to another time." – Amy H. “You will get hooked”!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction

444 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2016

Reviews

[Carmen Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 The End

I'm sad to see this come to an end. Being with these characters through three books, it's going to take a bit to move on. In book 3 the author returned with much more history and facts. The story moved along very quickly, however, because the final book had to cover life to the end. What was best about this set was that unlike other sets the author didn't spend time repeating info from previous books unnecessarily. Often an author takes ⅓ to ½ of following books summarizing the first book. This author continued the story with the assumption that you finished one and continued to the next. I loved it.

[Nellie Kampmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the final novel of the American Gilt trilogy, real life Gilded Age heiress Sara Swan Whiting finally finds some happiness. Yet even that is marred by tragedy and betrayal. Can't a gal ever catch a break? Rich in historical detail, American Gilt: Scandal glides from Sara's life to that of her daughter Natica, who has her own challenges to face. The whole trilogy is a touching mix of hopefulness and heartache that is made more poignant by the knowledge that it all really happened.

[Janet Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs more careful attention to proper use of language.

I found this series to be very interesting and enjoyed reading all three books. I did have a bit of trouble understanding why the author and the editors consistently allowed the misuse of the word "lay" for the word "lie" and frequently had the case of pronouns after a preposition wrong. They should know better.

[Tracey S Choat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat interesting but...

American history interests me and I do enjoy reading historical fiction but I feel these books could not be placed into either category. Its like the author was reading historical facts about this family and would write a few paragraphs as fiction. Reading it was choppy and there words didn't flow.

[Marianne Lopapa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review:

I generally don't read historical books but the cover was what intrigued me ....Oh, but I loved the book ...The storyline was so engrossing and the character's were all so interesting ....I fell in love with the main character Sara she was such a gentle beautiful loving soul ....As she was wealthy she had a sad start to her life. Her failed marriage but she had her daughter who was a blessing to her ....Sara tried very hard to live a fulfilled life and in the end she did ....Her life wasn't easy but she overcame her hardships for her other children ...She finally had the marriage she wanted but lived with sadness over the failure of her first one ....She lead a very interesting life and was so well liked and loved ....A great read ...Thank- you ...M.L.😊

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited until I finished the trilogy before writing a review because as someone who loves a good long family saga I thought of these three books as one big book which explains why I read them one right after another something I very rarely do. This was such a great story especially if the Gilded Age interests you. So many stories about how they lived their lives in an unforgiving society that judged them on everything from what they wore, to how they looked, who they married and always how much money they had. It's really a very sad and restrictive life even with their money and power. I loved the whole trilogy and am so happy I stumbled on it. Definitely a historical fiction 5-star read. Happy Reading!

[Tani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not well written

While it is an interesting look at late Victorian and Gilded Age New York society, the writing is at times painfully bad. Chief issues: completely anachronistic dialogue, editorial lapses ("tact" for "tack"), Bellevue Avenue in Newport being placed randomly in New York City when it was supposed to be referring to 5th Avenue, and a lot of exposition being shoved into very stilted dialogue.

[Deanna Utt · Rating 5 out of 5]

binge read at its finest

Loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed comparing it to the actual facts of the Belmont and Whitig families and it was quite accurate. I felt like I was at the balls and in Newport with each scene. Definitely recommend the series.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last book of the trilogy. Absolutely fabulous. Truly enjoyed all three. Now to read The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton.

[Kha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only reason this book got two stars was the obviously painstaking research done by the author. I’m not sure if the author or the editor is at fault. Was there an editor? The language was annoyingly modern and the grammar and syntax were shoddy. I’ve never really been interested in this time period and read the trilogy for maybe some insight. Someone from that level of society would never have used the expression “Okay”. It happens about every other paragraph. The same as a girl or a boy from that era referring to their parents as “mom and dad”. This kind of writing destroys all of the aforementioned painstaking research. It would have been better with a half way decent editor. Not worth the time. It shouldn’t take three separate books to EXHAUST this story of bad choices, too much money and no life purpose.

[Venke Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the effort

I am interested in the Gilded Age, and this trilogy didn't stop that. It has encouraged it further. Though this is as factual as possible, the characters on the fringes are well known and I can garner more reading cues as I proceed. Sara's life was interesting with it's challenges, but she loved, lost, and loved again, which is rare in that day. Her mother was a loon for thinking accompanying her daughter and new husband while on honeymoon AND LIVING WITH THEM WHILE IN PARIS was fine. Gobsmacked is the only word that comes to mind. Oliver was only 49 when he died. A life not well lived to die so young. But deserved. A very interesting story told in 3 volumes and we'll worth the time.

[Maryelizabeth Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

All that glitters.

Ms.Peterson amazing research must be applauded throughout the entire series.Weather you approve or disapproved of this period of America history, is not relevant. I found myself entrenched from the first chapter to the last.So informative, without passing judgement.A totally enjoyable read.Congregations and thank you, Ms. Peterson, your work deserves 10 stars.

[Allison O'Malli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend

Very good book, I couldn't put the book down & read it in a day, a nice novel to get immersed into a totally different time period, that was unimaginable for our time, not only thay, the amount of changes to society during that time frame is amazing. Thanks author for the great read!

[Kbarker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third book just ok

This book was more like a report than a story. Most of the characters die and Natica finally confronts her father. The series was an interesting glimpse into what it was like during the age of debutant's, ball invitations and being in society. It is a story of real people and their lives and friends, Astors and Vanderbilts.

[Claire Ehrenfeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

The American Gilt Trilogy is the story of Sara Swan Whiting's marriage and divorce to Oliver H. P. Belmont . As a woman in those years, Sara was shunned by society, and her daughter from this marriage is denied by Belmont much to his later regret.

[ROCKY · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING & INTERESTING TRIOLOGY!!!

I was sad to finish these books the story was tremendously interesting & it had me crying towards the end. I love family sagas & this is one of the most interesting ones I've read. Way to go J.D. Peterson!!!

[jeannette Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean38no

I enjoyed the reading of all three books in the series . The authors knowledge of the period made you feel a true since of connection with the characters. All these names that you read about in history books really come to life under Peterson’s pen,

[Debra Tokach · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a wonderful trilogy

I especially love that this trilogy is based on real people…real life. Tragedy struck often but so did joy. It describes a completely different way of life during the late 1800’s. I loved and enjoyed all 3 books

[Linda Berger]

American Guilt: Scandal

Such a good series! Makes me want to do more research on the individual people of this extended family and friends. Well written account of this interesting time period.

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very detailed, well written look into the life of Alva Vanderbilt Belmont and Oliver Belmont for anyone interested in the Gilded Age. Of course this is historical fiction but definitely based on many facts known about both of them. I really enjoyed this series of three books.

[Staci Suhy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free as part of a first reads promotion

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the series. Entire series was excellent.

[Sandridge Octavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This was one of the best series I have read and I can't wait to see what else this author has in store!

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life then!

The book was wonderful, very descriptive that you could easily see it all in your mind easily. A great series, would definitely recommend.