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Newport's Gilded Age #1
Gilded Summers
Two girls, Pearl and Ginevra, grow up in the singular moment known as the Gilded Age in Newport, Rhode Island—one lives above the stairs, the other below. These two young women must decide who they want to be in this world, and survive what it takes to get there…even if it includes murder.
Surrounded by Astors and Vanderbilts, Pearl fills her days with teatime and shallow friendships, yearning for something more. A chance meeting with Mary Cassatt sparks her a secret desire to be an artist, a “new” woman. Meanwhile Ginevra, fresh off the boat from Italy, finds her own dreams out of reach as she joins the unwelcoming household as a servant and seamstress.
Kindred souls, the girls become fast friends but must keep their friendship hidden from Pearl’s controlling and social-climbing mother. Each summer, they meet in a hidden spot beneath the weeping beeches to talk of art and life, their struggles to break the barriers of their lives and draw inspiration from the writings of Lucy Stone.
But before long, the realities of adulthood begin closing in on them. Accepting a “suitable” marriage proposal, Pearl tries her best to fit into her new role, while Ginevra begins to harbor feelings of jealousy and resentment.
Going behind the façade of this glittering era, Gilded Summers is a gripping, richly detailed story of friendship, prejudice, and life-altering choices. The novel will appeal to fans of Downton Abbey and The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood.
Surrounded by Astors and Vanderbilts, Pearl fills her days with teatime and shallow friendships, yearning for something more. A chance meeting with Mary Cassatt sparks her a secret desire to be an artist, a “new” woman. Meanwhile Ginevra, fresh off the boat from Italy, finds her own dreams out of reach as she joins the unwelcoming household as a servant and seamstress.
Kindred souls, the girls become fast friends but must keep their friendship hidden from Pearl’s controlling and social-climbing mother. Each summer, they meet in a hidden spot beneath the weeping beeches to talk of art and life, their struggles to break the barriers of their lives and draw inspiration from the writings of Lucy Stone.
But before long, the realities of adulthood begin closing in on them. Accepting a “suitable” marriage proposal, Pearl tries her best to fit into her new role, while Ginevra begins to harbor feelings of jealousy and resentment.
Going behind the façade of this glittering era, Gilded Summers is a gripping, richly detailed story of friendship, prejudice, and life-altering choices. The novel will appeal to fans of Downton Abbey and The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2018
653 people are currently reading
1254 people want to read
About the author
Donna Russo Morin
18 books486 followersDonna Russo is a bestselling author of historical, biographical, and women's fiction, as well as fantasy. She has made a significant impact in the literary world with her detailed writing and compelling characters. Her notable works include multi-award-winning Vincent’s Women and her internationally bestselling Novels of Newport: Gilded Age series, Gilded Summers and Gilded Dreams. Her historical fantasy, The King’s Agent, earned a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly.
An award-winning screenwriter, ghostwriter, and artist, Donna has over thirty years of experience as a certified book coach and has been a writing instructor for Writer’s Digest for over a decade. Donna has also worked as an actor and model with appearances in such notable works as Martin Scorsese’s THE DEPARTED and Showtimes THE BROTHERHOOD. Donna is also one of the oldest practicing yoga aerialists in the country. www.authordonnarusso.com
Donna enjoys meeting with book groups in person and via Skype chat. Visit her website at www.donnarussomorin.com;
friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Donna.Russo.M...
Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/donnarussom...
Follow her on Twitter @DonnaRussoMorin.
An award-winning screenwriter, ghostwriter, and artist, Donna has over thirty years of experience as a certified book coach and has been a writing instructor for Writer’s Digest for over a decade. Donna has also worked as an actor and model with appearances in such notable works as Martin Scorsese’s THE DEPARTED and Showtimes THE BROTHERHOOD. Donna is also one of the oldest practicing yoga aerialists in the country. www.authordonnarusso.com
Donna enjoys meeting with book groups in person and via Skype chat. Visit her website at www.donnarussomorin.com;
friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Donna.Russo.M...
Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/donnarussom...
Follow her on Twitter @DonnaRussoMorin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 25, 2018
Pearl is the daughter of wealthy parents in the world of the Astor and the Vanderbilt families. Her father is kind, intelligent and artistically inclined. Pearl’s first encounter with the art of Mary Cassatt changes Pearl’s vision of the future, inclining her to become an artist like the woman who has challenged the world of the Gilded Era. Pearl’s mother is only interested in aspiring to be as well-loved, respected and inspired as the wealthy, surrounding neighbors who live in gilded castles filled with the finest paintings, architecture and furniture. But she tries too hard and is scorned for her over-exertive efforts. The reader is enthralled with this world but gradually grows to dislike the snooty airs and disdaining dialogue and gossip that fill the days of these women who could have done so much more with their influence.
Ginevra and her father are immigrants from Italy. Her father has been hired by Pearl’s father to build elegant European furniture and create the best violins to play European classical music. Ginevra is hired as a maid and eventually will rise to become Pearl’s lady’s maid. However, Ginevra is embraced by Pearl and they gradually become best friends. Ginevra is an extremely talented seamstress. Together these two friends become confidants to handle the demands of their generation and social positions. They then plan to become artists who will create their own houses of beautiful creations in art and fashion.
Both will fall in love with the same men which the reader will discover in unimaginable scenes of violence and lies. The outcome is sheer stunning fiction!
What is most notable about this novel that glorifies and satirizes the well known Gilded Age of America focuses on the narrative voices of Pearl and Ginevra. Their inner thoughts and external conversations are intimate and gradually revealing, including questions, dreams, visions and plans that flow seamlessly and naturally, with no sense of contrivance. They alternate between mundane and revolutionary ideas, foreshadowing the future that will emerge to surpass the glory of the Gilded Age into an individual sense of worth and social responsibility. They will become the foundations of new artistic perspectives. They will literally change the world and the way persons perceive wealth, poverty, art and design! They will become glorious rather than gilded!
This is remarkable historical fiction that this reviewer highly recommends. Donna Russo Martin’s writing has evolved into something more meaningful, serious but joyfully engaging, and memorable in a creative, new style sure to endear readers of all ages! Wonder-full!
Ginevra and her father are immigrants from Italy. Her father has been hired by Pearl’s father to build elegant European furniture and create the best violins to play European classical music. Ginevra is hired as a maid and eventually will rise to become Pearl’s lady’s maid. However, Ginevra is embraced by Pearl and they gradually become best friends. Ginevra is an extremely talented seamstress. Together these two friends become confidants to handle the demands of their generation and social positions. They then plan to become artists who will create their own houses of beautiful creations in art and fashion.
Both will fall in love with the same men which the reader will discover in unimaginable scenes of violence and lies. The outcome is sheer stunning fiction!
What is most notable about this novel that glorifies and satirizes the well known Gilded Age of America focuses on the narrative voices of Pearl and Ginevra. Their inner thoughts and external conversations are intimate and gradually revealing, including questions, dreams, visions and plans that flow seamlessly and naturally, with no sense of contrivance. They alternate between mundane and revolutionary ideas, foreshadowing the future that will emerge to surpass the glory of the Gilded Age into an individual sense of worth and social responsibility. They will become the foundations of new artistic perspectives. They will literally change the world and the way persons perceive wealth, poverty, art and design! They will become glorious rather than gilded!
This is remarkable historical fiction that this reviewer highly recommends. Donna Russo Martin’s writing has evolved into something more meaningful, serious but joyfully engaging, and memorable in a creative, new style sure to endear readers of all ages! Wonder-full!
July 6, 2018
I love historical fiction because it speaks of bygone eras and social norms we find unfathomable today. Gilded Summers perfectly illustrates the lives of women in the 19th century and how little rights they had at the time. Even more enlightening is the idea that women of privilege had even fewer rights because of the strict social constraints of their set.
Pearl, born into a life of privilege, and a card carrying member of the Newport elite, does the unthinkable by befriending her lady's maid. Pearl and Ginevra become fast friends, as they both share dreams of a different life from what they are destined for, and what is expected. Pearl soon learns of the scandal and undesirable behavior behind the scenes of the privileged set. Ginevra learns that a kind word or gesture from those in high society often leads to much more menacing behavior underneath. These revelations culminate in a shocking denouement.
I have long been a fan of this author. She knows how to vibrantly tell a historical story while still staying true to the historical side of things. Her passion for the Newport area shines through in her words. Gilded Summers is an insightful glimpse into an age and place where women, even women of power, were merely objects and ornamentation. It is also an inspiring story of two women who chose to buck convention and live lives of their choosing; women who pioneered the way for the women of future generations.
(I received this book free of charge from the author or publisher.)
Pearl, born into a life of privilege, and a card carrying member of the Newport elite, does the unthinkable by befriending her lady's maid. Pearl and Ginevra become fast friends, as they both share dreams of a different life from what they are destined for, and what is expected. Pearl soon learns of the scandal and undesirable behavior behind the scenes of the privileged set. Ginevra learns that a kind word or gesture from those in high society often leads to much more menacing behavior underneath. These revelations culminate in a shocking denouement.
I have long been a fan of this author. She knows how to vibrantly tell a historical story while still staying true to the historical side of things. Her passion for the Newport area shines through in her words. Gilded Summers is an insightful glimpse into an age and place where women, even women of power, were merely objects and ornamentation. It is also an inspiring story of two women who chose to buck convention and live lives of their choosing; women who pioneered the way for the women of future generations.
(I received this book free of charge from the author or publisher.)
July 1, 2019
A vivid and well-researched novel of Gilded Age high society, from both the above-stairs and below-stairs points of view. Pearl and Ginerva's friendship is wonderfully rendered and truly draws the reader in. I tore through this one in a day. This book would make a great movie!
September 24, 2018
A remarkable insight into the lifestyles of the rich and (in)famous of America's gilded age. Superb writing; touching characters. Love it.
July 16, 2019
GILDED SUMMERS is a sumptuous novel about 19th century Newport society. A compulsive read that pulls you breathlessly through the pages, as you experience heady East Coast monied realms. You learn the truth of women’s lives then ... corseted by strangling societal expectations. Makes this reader glad to be a woman now, albeit a Middle Class one ... and ever so glad to have had the chance to review this lovely, accomplished book. 5/5
Thanks to the author for the advance copy. Opinions are fully mine.
Thanks to the author for the advance copy. Opinions are fully mine.
November 11, 2022
Another good read about the Gilded Age.
September 14, 2018
Great Read
Loved historical part of book. Found myself on goggle for people mentioned. Will read more of this author. Thanks for hours of history.
Loved historical part of book. Found myself on goggle for people mentioned. Will read more of this author. Thanks for hours of history.
May 12, 2021
In 1895 people had few choices when they wished to escape the oppressive heat of summer. The upper class would go to Newport, Rhode Island. Tea parties. Parades of coaches. Coming out parties. Life was elegant and refined if you happened to be a member of high society. The Vanderbilts, Astors, Worthingtons, and other members of society entertained themselves in luxury.
The staff below the stairs kept life running smoothly. When two new staff members arrive from Italy, the Worthington’s youngest child, Pearl, is intrigued. The young immigrant daughter, Ginevra, is near Pearl’s age. In spite of the class divide, the girls become friends. They share secrets and laugh at the crazy society rules. Over the next few summers the girls develop a deep bond. Maturity brings new challenges to their bond. Will society win Pearl over, causing her to abandon Ginevra? As Pearl falls in love, how will this change their friendship?
Gilded Summers offers an intimate look at friendship, loyalty, the class divide, and changing times. The lush descriptions of the homes and fashions put you in the midst of this iconic time. The main characters are flawed but charming. Donna Russo Morin has crafted such a wonderful story you won’t want it to end.
The staff below the stairs kept life running smoothly. When two new staff members arrive from Italy, the Worthington’s youngest child, Pearl, is intrigued. The young immigrant daughter, Ginevra, is near Pearl’s age. In spite of the class divide, the girls become friends. They share secrets and laugh at the crazy society rules. Over the next few summers the girls develop a deep bond. Maturity brings new challenges to their bond. Will society win Pearl over, causing her to abandon Ginevra? As Pearl falls in love, how will this change their friendship?
Gilded Summers offers an intimate look at friendship, loyalty, the class divide, and changing times. The lush descriptions of the homes and fashions put you in the midst of this iconic time. The main characters are flawed but charming. Donna Russo Morin has crafted such a wonderful story you won’t want it to end.
October 26, 2020
Gilded Summers by Donna Russo Moran is a very intriguing, interesting story of two young women, Pearl and Ginevra, who grow up under vast social differences during the Gilded Age era. One socializes with the Astors and Vanderbilts while the other is a seamstress. In spite of the difference in their stations in life the girls become friends, but it is a secret that must be kept hidden. Without giving away any spoilers, this book was masterfully created by the author and provides an in-depth view into the immense differences in cultural and economic stations in life during the Gilded Age. I rated it a five and wished I could have given it a higher rating.
January 5, 2021
Throughly enjoyed this book. Having been to Newport many times it was delightful to be acquainted with the places mentioned in the book. But the story line was great.
December 2, 2021
Bought it after spending some time in Newport- loved relating the book to my experience. Well done
May 28, 2022
Absolutely loved it! Beautiful friendship between the two main characters, which I adored.
August 20, 2018
This is a delightfully written story of the friendship of two young girls from different cultures and economic stations in life during the Gilded Age. It is an absolute pleasure to read as you are transported back in time to a luxurious style of living in an American mansion. I loved that it touched on women's rights, women's education, and the need to have a voice and life focus. Highly recommend this book!
July 21, 2020
Friendship in a time of Servants
Ginevra and Pearl were not meant to be friends. Pearl was of high society and Ginevra was the seamstress. That didn't stop these two. They met in Newport every summer and they met in secret. They formed a bond of friendship that most didn't know in the late 1800s.
This book surprised me with it's wit, humor, and female friendship that developed before my eyes. I couldn't put it down from the moment I picked it up. I can't wait to read the next one.
Ginevra and Pearl were not meant to be friends. Pearl was of high society and Ginevra was the seamstress. That didn't stop these two. They met in Newport every summer and they met in secret. They formed a bond of friendship that most didn't know in the late 1800s.
This book surprised me with it's wit, humor, and female friendship that developed before my eyes. I couldn't put it down from the moment I picked it up. I can't wait to read the next one.
September 18, 2018
A thoroughly enjoyable read ! great account of the gilded era ...thrilling development that kept me captivated to the end !
May 7, 2018
A wonderful peek at the Gilded Age of Newport,RI, filled with the Astors and Vanderbilts and a bit of mystery. The story is an Upstairs/Downstairs tale told from two perspectives, that of Pearl Worthington, daughter of one of the wealthy Newport families and that of Genevra Costa an Italian immigrant who along with her father, comes to work in the home of the Worthingtons. Pearl is a teen at the beginning of the story, pushing back against the societal mores and the restrictions her domineering mother forces on her. She and Ginevra become fast friends, sharing secrets, and dreams for the future. As the story progresses, told in alternating chapters as the girls grow more mature, Ginevra becomes Pearl's ladies maid, Pearl attends glittering parties and dances, eventually making the acquaintance of several eligible bachelors. It was interesting to see how bicycles riding, tennis playing, and beach-going without stockings covering a woman's leg was scandalous at the time. The suffragette movement was coming onto the scene. The era was quite a time for major change, it was the time of Edith Wharton's Age of Innocence.
November 19, 2018
Waiting for good plot......
I’m sorry to say that this book is not worth reading. When choosing it there was a lot promise to learn something of historical significance with research etc. however, was very disappointing. The ending seemed like the writer was just tired of writing and quit.
I’m sorry to say that this book is not worth reading. When choosing it there was a lot promise to learn something of historical significance with research etc. however, was very disappointing. The ending seemed like the writer was just tired of writing and quit.
October 30, 2020
Oh the gilded age
A bit of a cage whether you have the money or not. Interesting look into the world combined with a great friendship , the dawn of women’s rights and a myrder mystery. Nicely done
A bit of a cage whether you have the money or not. Interesting look into the world combined with a great friendship , the dawn of women’s rights and a myrder mystery. Nicely done
December 18, 2021
Great story
I highly recommend this book for anyone to read and I highly suggest you learn more about the gilded years.
I highly recommend this book for anyone to read and I highly suggest you learn more about the gilded years.
February 26, 2022
nice surprise at the end
September 12, 2018
This is a wide ranging story of the creme de la creme of Rhode Island's society,
It details the people,the magnificent houses and how every summer the elite
flock down to Rhode Island for the summer.
In the midst of this is Pearl who's parents are well off and who desire nothing
more then to see in the society. Also in this is Ginerva over from Italy and
despised by the downstairs crowd. And yet somehow Pearl and Ginerva become
the best of friends. As the years roll by every summer's end brings a bit of
sadness since the friends will have to wait for the next season, Then one summer
Pearl changes into a snob in so many ways and Ginerva must watch her drift from
her friendship leaving her terribly alone.
This book was so well written it swept one up into the parties,strolling and visiting
while all the while waiting for something to fall and it does quite dramatically.
At one point I got really annoyed with Pearl and her actions with Ginerva but this
was also part of the plot!
Good book
It details the people,the magnificent houses and how every summer the elite
flock down to Rhode Island for the summer.
In the midst of this is Pearl who's parents are well off and who desire nothing
more then to see in the society. Also in this is Ginerva over from Italy and
despised by the downstairs crowd. And yet somehow Pearl and Ginerva become
the best of friends. As the years roll by every summer's end brings a bit of
sadness since the friends will have to wait for the next season, Then one summer
Pearl changes into a snob in so many ways and Ginerva must watch her drift from
her friendship leaving her terribly alone.
This book was so well written it swept one up into the parties,strolling and visiting
while all the while waiting for something to fall and it does quite dramatically.
At one point I got really annoyed with Pearl and her actions with Ginerva but this
was also part of the plot!
Good book
August 4, 2018
Set in about the same time period as Downton Abbey; story of the friendship between a young Italian immigrant girl assigned to the sewing room and the daughter of the affluent family who summers at their summer ‘cottage’ in Newport, named ‘The Beeches’ (the House, not the family). They are each others’ only true friends, which the heiress almost loses sight of when blinded by love. A climatic occurrence in the cottage leads to both young women holding fast to their friendship and reveals the lengths to which they will go to protect one another. I have to admit, I kept wondering if this friendship was going to take a homosexual turn, but it did not, and I was so glad because I would have stopped reading it as that’s not something I care to read about. I really enjoyed this book and kept picturing the scenes as they would have been inside the Downton castle and grounds.
June 13, 2018
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this title from the author. This was such an intimate read. It explores the complexity of relationships and the disparity between classes. Morin impeccably describes the gilded world of Newport society in the late 19th century. She provides insight into the personal struggles women faced between doing what was expected of them and being courageous enough to explore their passions and embark on change. While it is hard to say whether or not I particularly cared for either of the main characters, I was certainly affected by their individual challenges. Morin does not take this story to excesses. There was the perfect mix of glint and glamour and harsh reality. A very well crafted and moving tale by Morin.
October 7, 2018
This is the first book that I have read about the Gilded Age, 1870-1900. And it is the first book that I have read by Donna Russo Morin but, not the last. Truly loved learning about this time in history, loved the amazing friendship between Pearl and her servant/seamstress, Ginevra, and loved that women’s rights were part of the story. The story drew me in so well that I felt that I was there experiencing this story as it unfolded. An incredible read that I highly recommend to others.
March 5, 2019
Good book
I really enjoyed this book. If I could go back in time and live, I would certainly pick the Gilded age. I love to read about the Vanderbilts, the Carnegie’s and all the other families that did so much for our country building the railroads, industries etc and how lavishly they lived. This book, set in this time period, was very good. The relationship between the daughter and her ladies maid was so real I felt like I was there too. It really was a great story and well written. I am going to read more of her books.
I really enjoyed this book. If I could go back in time and live, I would certainly pick the Gilded age. I love to read about the Vanderbilts, the Carnegie’s and all the other families that did so much for our country building the railroads, industries etc and how lavishly they lived. This book, set in this time period, was very good. The relationship between the daughter and her ladies maid was so real I felt like I was there too. It really was a great story and well written. I am going to read more of her books.
July 22, 2020
Unique.
A portrait of the gilded age approached from a somewhat different point of view. The story of two women; one a scion and one a servant. True friends, and sisters under the skin, experience what it means to be women at the dawning of the 20th century when women’s roles were changing, and the fabric of the gilded age was being to tatter.
Looking forward to the next book...
A portrait of the gilded age approached from a somewhat different point of view. The story of two women; one a scion and one a servant. True friends, and sisters under the skin, experience what it means to be women at the dawning of the 20th century when women’s roles were changing, and the fabric of the gilded age was being to tatter.
Looking forward to the next book...
August 20, 2025
Love this era …and coming of age story of one of the wealthiest daughters who becomes best friends with an Italian immigrant on the lowest ladder of the servants. There friendship becomes a bone of contention with the “haves” especially Pearl’s mother. A scandal occurs and sets the stage for both women to declare wealth for one, servitude for the other or make their way in the world together. Good one!
July 18, 2018
Fantasy vs. Reality
Beautifully described, the elegant mansions of Newport hide stories that show the ultra rich in whatever era are not so different from us. They love,they hate, they lie and cheat but sometimes through it all there are those abiding friendships that make life worthwhile.
Beautifully described, the elegant mansions of Newport hide stories that show the ultra rich in whatever era are not so different from us. They love,they hate, they lie and cheat but sometimes through it all there are those abiding friendships that make life worthwhile.
May 28, 2019
Excellent read
Tender and touching with a cold truth underneath a this book tells a story of friendship that blurs lines of class but is truer than any other. What a real friend will go through, and still come out the other side. There's many obstacles if this time facing a girl coming if age, and times are changing. But it's amazing how some things never change. How far would you go for your truest friend?
Tender and touching with a cold truth underneath a this book tells a story of friendship that blurs lines of class but is truer than any other. What a real friend will go through, and still come out the other side. There's many obstacles if this time facing a girl coming if age, and times are changing. But it's amazing how some things never change. How far would you go for your truest friend?
July 28, 2019
Really enjoyed this gem of a book, which portrayed the above- and below-stairs lives of Newport wealthy girl, Pearl, and that of Italian “poor” but intelligent girl Ginevra, the daughter of an Italian violin maker. The mores of Newport wealth, especially pertinent to Pearl as a young woman in terms of proper behavior, versus the drudgery and prejudice against Italians, are well-portrayed. The growing friendship between these two young women is a delight and plays a crucial role in the plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews