Gilded Girl

by Pamela M. Kelley

A rags-to-riches saga set in the Gilded Age.

When Eliza Chapman, a London ladies maid, learns that her real father is one of the richest men in New York City her whole world changes. He has sent a one-way ticket for her to join him, his mother and his two daughters at his palatial Manhattan mansion.

Eliza suddenly has her own ladies maid and learns that she is expected to find a husband. As the social season gets underway she is swept into a whirl of teas, luncheons, balls and other events.
But her sisters see her as unwelcome competition, which makes her feel even more like a fish out of water. And Eliza is in no rush to get married...to anyone.

As Eliza settles in she meets new people--among them Minnie--a brilliant married friend, who is a gifted and driven investor. Perhaps Eliza can aspire to more than just finding a husband?

A tragedy leads to a shocking turn of events and Eliza finds her world turned upside down, again.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Historical, Historical Romance, Novels

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2020

About the author

Pamela M. Kelley is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of women's fiction, family sagas, and suspense. Readers often describe her books as feel-good reads with people you'd want as friends.

She lives in a historic seaside town near Cape Cod and just south of Boston. She has always been an avid reader of women's fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers and cook books. There's also a good chance you might get hungry when you read her books as she is a foodie, and occasionally shares a recipe or two. :)

Reviews

[Tina (I can now make 20 comments! Better!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the HBO series, "The Gilded Age" I think you will enjoy this story! I enjoyed it very much!

Eliza works as a ladies maid for an aristocratic family in London, England. She is told about a letter that her employer has received from her father. He is a wealthy and prominent businessman in New York City, USA. He fell in love with her mother on a visit to England many years ago but their different class backgrounds did not allow for a union between the two and her father returned to America. Now Eliza's mother has recently passed and she is summoned to go and live in New York with her father's family.

This was a wonderful story and the descriptions of the New York City society and all the people and places of that time were vividly portrayed. I felt like I had slipped back in time. It had everything from a high society class family, to a big old NY Italian style family portrayed throughout. I very much enjoyed the writing style. I understand this is Pamela Kelley's first historical fiction novel but she does have quite an extensive back catalogue of books set in a modern day Nantucket Beach and Restaurant series that I am interested in checking out. The narration was just lovely and perfect for the story.

I absolutely loved Ms. Kelley's "Nonna's Ravioli" recipe at the end of the book. A nice added touch!

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for granting me access to this Advance Listener Copy.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5🌟
Audiobook (narrated by Leslie Howard)
I love a good Cinderella story, but this novel (set in New York City in the Gilded Age) didn’t work for me. It had characters who thought and talked as if they lived in the 21st century, not the 19th. It was told far more than shown. Then there were research errors such as the mention of tennis bracelets and tea bags; those didn’t come around until the 20th century. But the biggest stretch was the heroine. Eliza was the illegitimate daughter of a British maid who became a maid herself. Yet she could talk well enough to converse with first class passengers on the ship to America and even to fool Mrs. Astor herself. I am a reader who is often able to suspend disbelief when reading fiction, but this book asked too much.

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Enjoyed/loved it. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilded Girl was the first book I had the privilege of reading by Pamela M. Kelley. It was a refreshing historical romance novel set in New York City during the Gilded time period. I loved the way that the author, Pamela M. Kelley described the clothing worn during that time, the carriages that drove their passengers to and from their destinations, the mansions, the traditions and the formal dinners and the food that was served. Her descriptions made me feel like I was actually there and seeing everything first hand. The characters were so well developed and it was well plotted. I listened to the audiobook that was excellently narrated by Leslie Howard.

Eliza Chapman’s mother had been a ladies maid so it was not surprising that Eliza became one when she was old enough to do so. Both Eliza and her mother worked for a wealthy family outside of London until Eliza’s mother got seriously ill and died. Right before her mother died, Eliza’s mother tried to tell Eliza something about a letter. Eliza had no idea what her mother had meant but it was not long until she did. Her mother had written a letter to Eliza’s biological father and informed him about Eliza’s existence. Eliza’s father wrote back and invited her to come to New York City to live with him, her grandmother and two sisters. Her father was one of the wealthiest men in New York City. Eliza’s life was about to change in the most unexpected way.

Upon Eliza’s arrival in New York City, she was met by her father’s driver, Harry. He brought Eliza to her father’s opulent mansion. Eliza soon found out that she would now have her own ladies maid. What a turn in events! Eliza met her family at dinner that night where she was expected to dress for the occasion. Thankfully, the family in England had generously given Eliza lots of beautiful dresses. They realized her own dresses would no longer be appropriate for her new life. Eliza’s father and grandmother welcomed Eliza warmly. Her sisters, though, were cold, distant and rather rude to Eliza, especially the older of the two sisters. The talk that night at dinner revolved around planning a party so everyone who was anybody could meet Eliza. The social season was just beginning. In those days, young women were expected to find husbands during the social season. There were teas, luncheons, nights at the opera and midnight dinners and dancing. It was all quite exhausting and Eliza was not sure she wanted to marry. Eliza always believed that when she fell in love she would marry. She wanted to do things with her life.

The night of the party for Eliza, she was introduced to a woman named Minnie. Eliza spent time talking to Minnie that night. She learned that although Minnie was married she also had a career as an investor. Minnie actually worked, went to an office and it was accepted by her husband. Eliza and Minnie would end up developing a close friendship and Minnie would go on and teach Eliza a lot about investing. Eliza also started to take an interest in her father’s business. She accompanied him to work each morning and assisted him in answering the correspondences he had received. Slowly, her responsibilities in her father’s office grew. Eliza loved accompanying her father to work and learning about his business. Harry and Eliza also developed a strong friendship. Eliza often found herself in Harry’s company as he drove her places and picked her up. Harry was quite ambitious. He was planning to leave his position as the driver for Eliza’s family. Harry was going to start his own clothing business. He had investors and a warehouse all set up. Harry had big dreams! Eliza believed that Harry would be successful. She had developed feelings for Harry. Eliza knew that she shouldn’t have feelings for Harry, but she did. Class distinctions were very strictly enforced during that time. Eliza couldn’t help how she felt, though. Harry was her best friend. At least they could be friends. Then tragedy struck. Once again, Eliza’s life was in total upheaval.

I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Gilded Girl by Pamela M. Kelley. It was charming, uplifting and refreshing. I loved Eliza’s character. She was fair, unbiased, smart, ambitious and resourceful. I was drawn into the story immediately and found myself rooting for Eliza. Overall, I enjoyed Gilded Girl and recommend it to anyone that enjoys historical romances. It reminded me of a Cinderella type story or even a rags to riches story along with a happy ending.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media LLC for allowing my to listen to the audiobook of Gilded Girl by Pamela M. Kelley through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Nancy Varley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very realistic. Author puts modern sensibility on an old time. And I prefer historical fiction to be historically accurate and researched. At one point a servant brought the heroine tea bags. If the book was set in 1890’s tea bags weren’t invented yet and a rich household would have served proper tea in a tea pot with tea leaves. It just bugged me and made me wonder what else she got wrong.

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book completely blind, buying it from a thrift store! I had never heard of this author before. I love a fairytale retellings or books with hints of fairytale woven in. I actually ended up enjoying it! It’s an interesting twist on Cinderella. Cinderella meets the gilded age. The love story was sweet! It was a quick and easy read. I flew through the book in no time! Overall, I really enjoyed the story and the characters!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've never read a Pamela Kelley book, you are missing out! I love all the books she's written- and there are many- but this is her newest and she has outdone herself once again! Even for people like me who don't love historical fiction, I still loved this book and devoured it in a couple of days. Go check it out and then read her other books! She has become a friend to me and my favorite author. Happy reading and thanks again, Pamela! Keep up the great writing.

[Mary: Me, My Shelf & I · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable mostly fiction book with a tad of historical fiction thrown in which deals with stocks.
When Eliza Chapman, a London ladies maid, learns that her real father is one of the richest men in New York City and he has sent her a one way ticket to visit…well, her whole world changes.

[Karen McQuestion · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gilded Age has long been an interest of mine and I loved the premise of this story. Pamela Kelley has a writing style that makes it easy to slide right into the story and that was especially true with this title. I read it in two days and could have read it in one if life hadn't gotten in the way. A charming, impossible-to-put-down novel!

[Laurie Hetherington · Rating 2 out of 5]

How this book is rated 4-5 stars by others I can’t even fathom. Is this the dumbing down of America that this elementary writing is considered 4 star?!?!
The story had potential but the writing was in great need of an editor.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza Chapman is working in London as a lady's maid. Her mother recently died without telling her who her father was. What she didn't know was that her mother sent him a letter about her illness and his daughter. It turns out her father is one of the richest men in New York. He sends for Eliza, but they tell everyone she is his niece. Only his mother, his other two daughters and some very trusted employees know the truth. Eliza's sisters are spoiled and more worried about finding a rich or powerful husband and are not very welcoming to Eliza. She is more comfortable with her maid than her sisters. She meets a married woman at a party named Minnie, who is an investor who handles her own affairs and they become friends. Eliza also goes to work with her father to learn about his real estate business. She is happy, until the unthinkable happens. Her father dies of a heart attack and with her grandmother in London with her sister, Alice and Rose share that she is not in the will, they pay her off and tell her to return to London. Eliza has no intention of returning to London and is a woman who is used to taking care of herself.

Gilded Girl is a rags to riches to rags to riches story that I really enjoyed. I watched the series on television "Gilded Age" and it was fun to hear several of the same names dropped in this book. This is a story of the class structure that was in place at the time, as well as the adage of making money on the backs of the poor or working class. Marriage to get a title in return for money is still taking place. Old money vs new money and married below your station are all in this story. I loved Eliza's character. She was raised differently, so she was kind to everyone, cared about the workers and wanted to marry for love. This was a story I listened to in one afternoon as I really enjoyed it. If you are a fan of the HBO series, The Gilded Age, you will love this well written book. The narration was performed by Leslie Howard and I enjoyed her voices, accents, expression and emotion in this story.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read! My first by the author, I would go back for another. The heroine is smart and brave, tenacious! She never gives up, nor is she a damsel in distress. She's a romantic but she's also very practical.
The little detail I love is how descriptive the author is with food. In these period pieces, so much of the story happens with characters gathered around a lavish table. Being a foodie I can't help but wonder... 'what are they eating?' Seems silly, but I appreciate the attention here. Thank you Pamela!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Worth the Time

This is one of the most poorly written books I’ve read in the last 12 months. The author’s writing “style” is amateurish, her understanding of the American Gilded Age is nearly non-existent, her characters are not believable, the plot leans too heavily on the Cinderella trope, the plot is boring, and the pacing is sluggish.

Of all of the indictments above, for this reader, the most egregious failing is the author’s utter lack of understanding of the Gilded Age, one of the most fascinating and pivotal periods in American History. She makes the struggles of the era seem mere footnotes to the successes of the period and the success themselves seem too easily won to be believable. One just didn’t go from coach driver to opening a store on Madison Avenue in the short period of time covered by this novel.

The main character of Eliza, goes from English ladies maid to society lady with nary a misstep or struggle. She speaks and acts well enough to “pass as quality” for Caroline Astor and Ward McAllister, the self-appointed arbiters of who belonged in Gilded Age society and who didn’t. Eliza grew up living in a single room in a house where her mother worked as a domestic and yet she passes with Mrs. Astor’s inspection with flying colors. I’m not implying that Eliza’s humble beginnings are unworthy, I just want to know where she got the polish to pull that off. And

Finally, the author’s frequent use of modern language and terminology was distracting. Diamond tennis bracelets weren’t known until the late 1970s, the term ‘penthouse’ didn’t come into use until the 1920s. Speech patterns used by the fictional wealthy in this book were too casual. Also, a man who loses his spouse is a widower, not a widow.

Like a flat stone skimmed across the surface of a lake, Ms. Kelly tried to write about a handful of characters living in the Gilded Age, and occasionally got somethings right. However, just as a stone occasionally touches the surface of the water before it sinks, the parts that read true weren’t enough or frequent enough to make this book worth the time I took to read it.

[Kristin Silverman · Rating 1 out of 5]

The premise — a ladies maid finds out she’s the illegitimate (and welcomed) daughter of a millionaire — is cheesy and unrealistic, sure, but it’s ironically the most believable part of the story.

This book is full of anachronisms! It seems like the author wanted to write a wish-fulfillment fantasy based on seeing a few episodes of The Gilded Age or Downton Abbey … without having any real knowledge of how things worked back then, whether it’s society or department stores. (Ready-to-wear dresses hanging on display, with changing rooms for women to try them on? Really?)

The main character, Eliza, was likable … but she had no flaws. She was the prettiest girl of the season. Plus she is smart, selfless, hardworking and friendly.

She was supposedly a ladies maid, and yet she’s shocked that upper class society expects young ladies to get married. And others have to tell her that if she doesn’t get married, she’ll be a “spinster.” She’s smart, but doesn’t know this word yet? Ridiculous.

She’s also shocked and appalled that a man might want to marry a woman for her money … but is worldly enough to discern that a male suitor is gay and in love with another man.

Not much happened in the first 60% of the book. The last 40% gets more exciting … in a predictable, soap opera type of way. All the happy endings are easily achieved with no effort. (Harry’s career trajectory would be more believable if it didn’t all happen within a matter of months.)

I don’t understand why this has such a high rating. It feels amateurish.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author. I am a fan of The Gilded Age and it was fun to hear several of the same names mentioned in this book which I really hoped would be more interesting. Gilded Girl is a very predictable story that bordered on being juvenile. The premise of a lady's maid discovering she's the illegitimate, yet welcomed, daughter of a millionaire appeared unrealistic at first glance. Eliza learning her father wants to acknowledge her and brings her to live in NYC, where she learns the family business and gets introduced into society seems a little far-fetched considering the time and doesn’t seem to be historically accurate. However, Ironically, it turns out to be the most believable aspect of this story. Eliza speaking well enough to converse with first class passengers on the ship to America and even tricking Mrs. Astor? A wealthy employer gifting her daughter’s expensive clothes to a servant? Tennis bracelets? I prefer historical fiction that captures the essence of its time period through accurate research, and Gilded Girl was lacking. The editing was disappointing. There was a moment in the story when a servant presented the heroine with tea bags. Considering the setting in the 1890s, it's important to note that tea bags hadn't been invented yet. In a wealthy household of that era, one would expect the proper serving of tea from a teapot with loose tea leaves. Harry was a dull social climber. Too many discrepancies. Like other reviewers point out, it is too similar to Cinderella. 2/5

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilded Girl by Pamela Kelley [Pamela M. Kelley]
7h 9m narrated by Leslie Howard, 308 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Contemporary

Featuring: London, England; New York City, New York; Somewhere between 1877-1900, Secret Baby Trope, Rags-to-Riches Trope, Inaccuracies and Liberations, High Society, Tea Bags, The Yellow Wallpaper, Author's Note, Hetty Green, Recipe

Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My thoughts: 📱51% 3:39:57 Ch. 21 - This is light and fun, however at the pace it's going I'm surprised it's not a series.

I read this because I enjoy Pamela M. Kelley's books, but more so because I wanted to know what modern historical fiction was like. I already knew this book contained tea bags that weren't available until well into the early 1900s, but it also contains a book that may or may not be available as no exact year was given. I questioned a lot of the foods and the narrator had a terrible British accent. So my understanding is modern historical fiction allows authors to skip the research and write what they want and is more casual for the reader. I never thought I use the phrase popcorn historical fiction but that's pretty much what this was and I enjoyed it. It was very predictable but I found that more comforting than annoying.

Recommend to others?: Maybe. If you like your historical fiction authentic you may want to proceed with caution.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the authors contemporary novels set in Nantucket and happily listened to my first historical romance from her. Eliza Chapman is 21 and a ladies made in London. When her mother was dying to wrote to Eliza’s father letting him know of her existence. He is a very wealthy American, part of the Gilded set and provides funds for her to come to NYC and meet him and his family. Two half sisters are less than thrilled at their new “cousin” as she is being called. But Eliza settles in trying to learn about her father, his work and the society expectations.

I love the gilded age setting and Kelly throws in lots of nuggets of who sets the rules and things like a Vanderbilt dinner after the opera can go to 4 am. But there is a lot of this book that isn’t very plausible. The familiarity between with the staff and a household members would not have been allowed. I like Eliza learning about her fathers business and stock trading with Minnie. But read this not as representation of the time but as a fairy tale like Cinderella. It is enjoyable and a predictable. I always enjoy Kelley’s food and clothing descriptions. It is a proper romance with only a few kisses.

I listened to the audio book narrated by Leslie Howard and it made for easy listening. Accents and voices were used so I knew instantly which character was speaking. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an audiobook in exchange for a review.

[Carol Engler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Hallmark storyline

Eliza finds out she actually the daughter of a very rich man in America. He had been forbidden to marry her mother , who was a woman servant in England. When he fines out he has her brought to America. He loves her and expects his two daughters to embrace her as their sister , which of course they don't. Her grandmother on the other hand expect her and learns to love her.
Then comes many twist which keeps the story fresh.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars ✨

Historical Romance

A Gilded Age Cinderella story...of sorts. When Eliza Chapman, a London ladies maid, learns that Ward Redfield, one of the richest, most successful men in New York City is also her father, her whole world changes.

This was my first book by this author. I came across it on hoopla as a free borrow for the month of November. The blurb sounded interesting enough, especially with references to Cinderella (I love a good retelling) so I gave it a go. While I enjoyed reading it, I did find it to be lacking that special something - it just seemed to be an ok read, it moved at a steady pace but just when I felt like it was about to take off, it never would. The characters we likable, but nothing really stood out about them. There were a few instances that made it seem like a Cinderella retelling but not enough for me to call it one. Decent read but not my favorite :/

[Mary Kamrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilded Girl is a great story with a happy ending. Ms Kelley's books are always a pleasure to read in our troubled world today. A nice break from the daily news.

[Shannan · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know how sometimes we hear about people “whitewashing” history? (According to Webster’ s dictionary that means - to portray (the past) in a way that increases the prominence, relevance, or impact of white people and minimizes or misrepresents that of nonwhite people). Well, I think Ms. Kelley decided to wokewash history with this book! Lol. Now, don’t get me wrong, I sped through this book and really enjoyed my time with it but I couldn’t help but giggle as pretty obvious modern day “woke” point made their way into this book. It’s fine - I mean the TV series Bridgerton has POC playing historically white characters and modern rap music played with strings in the queen’s court. And if she writes a sequel i will probably read it too - i really love the gilded age and the rosy romantic glow it casts in history.

[Tiffany www.instagram.com/tiffs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story

I love everything Pamela M. Kelley writes and this new foray into historical fiction proves that she can write amazing in any genre!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't want this book to end and secretly I hope it will turn into a series.

[Jennifer Koridze · Rating 1 out of 5]

Historically Weak

I enjoyed the idea behind the storyline; however, disliked the inaccuracies with regard to details and the present day idioms used. I equally blame the editor, in many points.
Further, it was too obvious how the story would end and I am usually easily surprised.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, Piping Plover Press for the audio version of this book. Everything I write is of my own thoughts feelings and opinions. I am not compensated in any way for my review.

this was a book about a woman falling in love with a man that is forbidden. a maid can not fall in love with above her class. They both fell in love and a child was born as a result. He doesnt know about the child until the mother of the child is on her death bed. She writes to him in the United States to tell him.. the daughter herself is now a ladies maid. She is sent to America to live with her dad she never met. She now has her own ladies maids. She has step sisters who do not like her at all. SHe is only with her dad and his family a short few month before he dies suddenly. Unknown to her her dad amended his will immediately when he found out about his daughter he never knew about. The step sisters lie and come up with a scam and she is now kicked out and back to being a working girl in a world she doesnt know well. while her dad was alive she met and fell in love with a guy now that she is a working girl this romance is forbidden. Once grandma comes back from her trip a few months after the dad has died there is a funeral. She makes it to the funeral only to find what her step sisters have done. in the end she gets what her dad wanted and she gets the guy.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilded Girl by Pamela Kelley, is Historical Fiction at its best. It tells the story of a young girl woman who goes from rags to riches and finds an unexpected life in the middle. Eliza Chapman is living in England and is a ladies maid. Her life isn’t all that bad but her future seems limited. That is until her unknown father sends for her and brings her to NY. She cannot believe her luck. Who does this happen to? She has a beautiful cabin in the shop that brings her to any. When she gets to NY she moves into a beautiful city mansion. Her father and grandmother immediately give her the life of a princess. The only problem is her sister’s. They aren’t as excited about her as she is about her new life. But her grandmother navigates her way through the new life and things go smoothly. Balls and invitations and fancy dinners and dresses she is in a whole new world. She finds love and friends and hobbies. But can this last forever? How can she keep this life? When will the other shoe drop? I really enjoyed this story. I loved the characters and the story very much. I want to thank Dreamscape Media, Netgalley and the author for my audio copy for an honest review. It was my pleasure to listen to this story and review it. Leslie Howard did an excellent job narrating this story. She made the story come together so well. This was a 4 star listen for me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting Cinderella-like story where Eliza learns her father wants to acknowledge her and brings her to live in NYC, where she learns the family business and gets introduced into society. Some of it seemed a little far-fetched considering the time and doesn’t seem to be historically accurate. Still, the writing drew me into the story and held my interest. It’s a very light story with a predictable plot and a happy ending.

I received a copy from #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on audiobook. I love books by this author so I gave this regency novel a listen. Regency isn’t my favorite genre but I enjoyed the book. Clean read

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this rags to riches tale and I couldn't have happened to a nicer girl!

[Kristen Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 really! The plot twists kept surprising me, and I loved the story. Such cozy writing!

[Lem · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Pamela Kelley book and I loved it! Such a cozy, feel-good read. Never thought I’d actually enjoy a historical romance, but here we are 🩷