I have recommendations for 2 books that are really good. They are The Social Graces, by Renee Rosen, and The Personal Librarian, by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. The reason I'm lumping them together is that Renee and Marie are my 2 favorite authors for historical fiction featuring women in bygone days. TSG is 1st.
I have read a number of Renee's books. They are all good. This one was very interesting because it's all about society in the Gilded Age (1877-1900). And it focuses on 2 very wealthy women: Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt. But here's the catch. Caroline is old money, and Alva is new. And in this particular time in history, new couldn't break into old. The book centers on how Alva tries so hard to get into Caroline's good graces...not so fast, Alva! It's very enlightening as to how New York Society operated during that time.
Like Renee, I have read a number of Marie's books, too. The Personal Librarian takes place around the same time as The Social Graces. But its emphasis is very different. It's all about how a black woman passes for white and becomes J.P. Morgan's personal librarian (hence the title!). It's truly fascinating to learn how Belle not only turns into an outstanding librarian for Morgan, but also how and why she sees fit to pass as white. Both stories will keep you riveted. And on top of Marie doing what she does so well, she wrote this one with Victoria who brings another viewpoint into the picture.
Take it from me. You can't go wrong with any Renee Rosen or Marie Benedict book.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Personal Librarian. Such a touching and interesting book.
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