“The American Heiress” by Daisy Goodwin unfolds in the 1890s during the end of America’s Gilded Age. Goodwin tells the story of the Cash Family, a family where opulence is not just a lifestyle but a defining characteristic. Mrs. Cash is resolute on getting her daughter, Cora, a royal title... the only thing her money can’t buy.
When they arrive in England, Cora has a serendipitous encounter with a Duke, leading to a quick engagement. However, what lies beneath the surface of this seemingly fortuitos match lies a concealed past and undisclosed intentions.
This book had a lot of potential, and in theory, it was good. I love a Gilded Age/Bridgerton-esque story. I’ve always found that era so romantic. But, this plot was so surface level. Every character was selfish, and I found it was hard to root for any of them. I don’t even know whether I would call it character driven or plot driven. There isn’t really a plot, and there isn’t really character development. The book ended in what seemed like the middle of a chapter, but honestly, I was just relieved to finish it at that point.
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