Such a well-written, historically accurate telling of New York society at the turn of the last century. Fans of Downtown Abbey should find this an enjoyable read. I know I sure did.

Welcome to the Gilded Age in New York City. The war is over and the elite of the city are getting back to balls and debuts and other pursuits. In Helen Wilcox’s case, it means finding suitable matches for her two daughters on a shoestring budget.

While Helen comes from money, She has married for love. And boy were those people snobby and just plain mean.

But it is 1874 and the times were different. Classes were important and old money trumped the new money. So how will Helen find suitable men for her two daughters? Her husband has dreams of an elevated rail in NYC. It’s a genius idea but it will take a lot of money! When it leads to financial ruin, Helen is questioning her husband’s dream but not his love for her or hers for him.

And as their fortunes change, they along with daughters Jemima and Alice must take a hard look at the world as it is, not as it was, and think long and hard about what they want.

To Marry an English Lord was written by Wallace. The inspiration for Downton Abbey so if you are missing it or Bridgerton, this should hold you until Mr. Fellowes brings us more! And thank goodness he will bring The Gilded Age to life!

NetGalley/January 11th, 2022 by G P Putman’s Sons

Our Kind of People by Carol Wallace Gilded Age story of the high society elite of New York city told in alternative POVs. Main focus is on Mrs Wilcox's defiance of society norms in planning her daughter, Jemina's, Debutante Ball. “Old Money” versus “New Money” traditions are brought to life in this entertaining, fast paced story. Interesting read.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I wish to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group – G. P. Putnam's Sons Publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reading this book is very enjoyable. It is glimpse back to the culture of the wealthy in New York City in the late 1800’s. It outlines the lives of the wives and daughters as they prepare to “Come Out” in high society. The descriptions of table settings, fashions, modes of transportation and accepted behaviors are beautifully described . It was told in a manner that made me feel that I was sitting in the parlor with them. The social differences between the families described as “old money” and “new money” are evident. The book was offered from many points of view and the reader really enjoys all of them. What happens when one of the newly rich defies customs and plans a grand catered ball instead of a traditional gathering at home? You will just have to read it to see?

I hope the Carol Wallace will continue to write stories in this era. I look forward to them. Don’t a lot of us yearn to have been a part of that Golden Age?

Set in New York City’s Gilded Age, one family defies convention.

1874. Helen Wilcox’s family roots go back to the Dutch settlers. She did not meet her husband Joshua through the New York society. Instead, he comes from upriver, with no family money and no helpful relatives. As a result, the society members distance themselves from Helen as they refuse out flat to be associated with a stable boy as Joshua is called, and as they claim to be obligated to maintain family’s standards.

Now, her daughter Jemima is on the brink to enter the society, which poses some challenges. The US might be a democracy, but the NY society is run by a self-appointed committee judge on which Helen’s daughter’s entry to Dancing Classes depends, which further allows her to come out into society and find a husband. Furthermore, those social events are pretty costly and the money in the Wilcox family starts being an issue.

Joshua was forced to find an acceptable position when he married Helen. Now, he is an owner of a transport company, but his newest venture the Hudson Elevated Railroad isn’t earning money fast enough. Thus, he is forced to borrow money, making risky decisions, which leads him to a ruthless businessman Felix Castle. Felix is clever but scandalous, and a stock speculator. And there is more, he also promotes the careers of some of the female singers. His vulgar taste of house design and bright carriage with four horses doesn’t help his reputation.

Joshua’s risky ventures and Felix’s callousness make it an edgy read. Helen trying to make amends between her husband and mother and her resourcefulness in trying to save money with household expenses to help her husband bring a touching tone to the story. She is between fitting and defying the society, which makes her very human. All characters are likeable, including Felix who is ruthless, but there is a tinge of humanity in him. It upsets him that Joshua could put his family in such risky situation. Joshua as a man wanted to support his family, but it turned out the other way around as he was forced to find an acceptable position for which he needed investment. He had his own business and a plan, but it didn’t fit the acceptability of the society and his mismanagement of the acceptable venture might be the ruin of his family. All three characters are authentic in their depiction who try to fit or defy the standards of society.

The story gives a vivid portrayal of a closely guarded society, engrossingly depicted characters with crisp narrative colored with humor. The society’s strict rules present an uptight atmosphere giving an authentic feel appropriate for this storyline.

4 stars: The first third of the book has the strongest character development and the most engrossing part of the story. Afterwards, I found the pace uneven. An unexpected event with preparations for two daughters to enter society absorb the story, but there is not much moving it forward. With another event, it picks up the pace again.

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com

High society in the late 1800's is the setting of this fascinating novel. Helen married “down. She and her husband suffered snubs and financial difficulties before reaching success. The launched their daughters into high society with great success.

New York society during the turn of the century was all important to the elite upper crust families who would have their daughters’ debuts in order to find the right husband, meaning one with money and class.

In Our Kind of People by Carol Wallace, we follow the Wilcox family as Helen Wilcox tries to help her daughters, Jemima and Alice, a good marriage match. Helen did not marry into one of the elite families of New York, but married a man with integrity and a thirst for new adventures. He heavily invested in the first elevated railroad which would become the mode of travel for large cities.

I enjoyed this book because it gave a slice of life of that time period and in following the Wilcox’s, I was relieved that they finally decided not to follow the norm and held their daughters’ debuts their way in spite of the snubs of the socially elite of New York.

Reading this book was like putting on a fuzzy robe and sipping a cup of tea on a cold night. It just gives you all the warm and fuzzies.

I was in the mood for a little light romance. I usually slip into Regency romances for my escape. This one was different than the rest.
First of all, it took place in NY and not London.
The story was told from alternating view points
There was no fake, manufactured angst
I really liked all of the characters and even the bad guy/woman rang true.
There was some interesting history in the book which I found fascinating.
There were multiple story lines going on and I enjoyed them all

I was actually disappointed when it ended. Although it was kind of the perfect ending, I wanted an epilogue - I wanted more of the story.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and to #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.

This book presents a lovely view of the complicated New York society of the post Civil War era. It focuses on the Wilcox family, and the important rite of passage, the “coming out” of daughters, Jemima and Alice.

It is that moment that becomes a turning point in NY society as their mother upends tradition and essentially pioneers the Debutante Ball. Not only is the family involved in changing society, but also In revolutionizing transportation with the first elevated train in NYC. The writer brings the era to life. Her descriptions helped me to visualize the era.

I really enjoyed this and I am so glad that Netgalley gave me this opportunity to read and review this book. I can’t wait to read Wallace’s next book.