A rags to riches story based on the life of Arabella Huntington, a woman who reinvents herself and becomes a very rich woman. Arabella uses both her beauty and brains to change her family’s poor circumstances in life. Takes place in the late 1800s, Guilded Age New York.

This novel caught my eye because it was a novel of the “Gilded Age”. After loving watching Downton Abbey I was willing to give The Gilded Age a try and I was not disappointed. Although the royals in the UK draw me the most, the equivalent high society lifestyle in America during the late nineteenth century is still intriguing. All this to say, I expected to be interested in this book for the same reasons.

However, it was not very telling of the time period. It was more a story of a relationship than anything else. This book tells the story of Arabella “Belle” Huntington, a true figure of the time period. Hers is a story from rags from riches, but it isn’t a glamorous one.

Personally, I didn’t understand Belle. And as a mother, I was just really disappointed with some of the sacrifices that Belle made and did not agree with them. I thought this book was too long and drawn out. It could have been much more interesting at a much faster pace but in my opinion it was too detailed and too serious.

I wish it had been more entertaining but all in all it was still a decent representation of the time period.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC of this book.

Ifyou enjoyed The Second Mrs. Astor, this should be next on your TBR. I found it a bit more engaging than the former. Perhaps Arabella's southernness made her more appealing than Mrs. Astor or perhaps it was just that I found her pluck more endearing. Either way, as with all stories from The Gilded Age, I found myself wishing that I could spend even a few moments living the high life!

This is a really remarkable fictional telling of the story of Arabella Huntington. I love novels set in the gilded age and this one did not disappoint. Longer review later.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

I adore historical romance and am even more intrigued when I get to learn about things that I have not learned about before. This book was one of those opportunities for me. It was very well-researched and supported by a lovely writing style that kept me entertained and interested in reading more! For those of you who are familiar with this content, you would not be bored because the writing style, at the heart of it, tells an incredible story that is flat-out entertaining. I recommend this for a wide variety of readers as it is sure to delight!

An American Beauty is a rags to tickets story or Arabella Huntington, the second wife of C. P. Huntington, the railroad tycoon of the gilded age. At one time the wealthiest self made woman in America, this story is about her fight for survival, the decisions she made, and the love she had for her family and husband.

This is truly an amazing story that is well researched and documented. I do feel at times that this book read very slow and was filled with anecdotes and backstory that were at times distracting to the story line. The Gilded Age, which led the rise of Industrial Revolution, was known for its “patina or splendor” as described by Mark Twain, and is described in full force in this book and is a great example of the focus on art, architecture, and great wealth. Overall a interesting read that was slow at times.

An American Beauty follows the life of Arabella from the death of her father to the horrific aftermath of post-Civil War Richmond, Virginia to her life in New York. The journey takes her poverty and the struggle to survive and her strength and perseverance that made her one of the richest women in America.
Honestly, I do not know why but I started the book twice and put it down. The story of the “other” woman was just not interesting me. The third time, I could not put it down. I became completely consumed by Arabella, the people around her and her decision to protect her and family ensuring that they would never worry about living in poverty again. Shana Abe does an amazing job of setting the scene and the difficulties of living in post-Civil war Richmond but even more clear is the moment when she describes the change in Arabella as she becomes determine to provide for herself through property investments and fine arts. Abe’s use of moments in time where certain things trigger Arabella’s memories of the past added a certain effect that I don’t think I would have appreciated as much if it was told all at once. One of these moments was her memory of working for Worsham. The reader knew from the beginning what that he ran a house of prostitution but her memory of him in the end brought back all the reasons we did not like him in the beginning. Abe does a good job of introducing Clara and showing moments that Arabella and Clara being to bond even though Clara’s loyalty and devotion to her mother remain as it should. I have many times stayed awake at night reading but until now I have never had a book that made me want to come home from work early just to start reading more about the life of Arabella Huntington. Shana Abe documented her struggles, her perseverance, and her ingenuity all written in a way that will keep her story and philanthropy alive much longer that those of the “The Four Hundred.”
Thank you NetGalley, Shana Abe and Kensington Books for the advanced e copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is the first time in many years that I have rated a 5 star book.

A must-read for historical romance readers!

I am pretty confident I'll now read any release from Shana Abe. This was a delightful read and I found it a bit different than the typical historical romance heroine.

I loved the writing. My only criticism would be that I was a little put off by the multiple POV that started to happen throughout the book - but don't let that stop you from grabbing this one.

The true tale of a woman who fought her way to the top in the Gilded Age captivated me from the beginning. I loved the descriptions of post-war Richmond, Virginia since I live there myself. I could smell the charred ruins and feel the hunger pains from Abé’s descriptive writing.

Arabella was a young woman who knew what she needed to do to get her family out of abject poverty. While having an affair with an older, married man isn’t the moral choice, it was her only choice. I could feel her resolve and determination coming through the pages as she fought and clawed her way to the top of the financial world, becoming the wealthiest self-made woman of her times.

I enjoyed how Abe dealt with the nuances of Arabella’s romantic life. From her affection for Collis Huntington to a forbidden desire for true love, she was caught in the constraints of her time and station, but she found a way to rise above. The interactions with her family were believable as well; she had a lot of responsibility on her small shoulders.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves reading about the Gilded Age and strong, self-made women. It’s a gem!

I knew I would like this book, but I didn’t know I would love it! I was introduced to the force of nature that is Arabella Huntington through this book. I was immediately enthralled.

I love a good book that is based on real historical characters and events! It's fascinating to read about the actions of real people and to learn about how things were in the past. I spent a lot of time Googling to find out more after I finished the book 😆. I totally searched for photos of Arabella Huntington to see what the beautiful woman really looked like.

An American Beauty is the story of Arabella Huntington. It is told in a journal entry type story but also by different characters. There are flashbacks to give background to the story as well.

Belle is working in a saloon after the Civil War and is struggling to survive with her family in the South. She meets Collis- a married railroad tycoon- and her life is changed. She becomes his mistress and he moves her family to be closer to him in New York. Belle later has a son with Collis which further cements their relationship.

Belle claws her way out of poverty to become a very rich woman. Howevern it seems that no matter how many material possessions she accumulates, she cannot outrun her past.

I really enjoy books about the post Civil War era. I haven't read anything before about Belle or her family, so this was a nice new angle from which to view the time. The descriptions are exquisite and the history is romantic but raw. This is a great historical fiction novel!

Based on the rags to riches story of Arabella Huntington.

Such a legacy story beautifully written by Shana Abe. I enjoy her storytelling and the way she crafts a storyline. Arabella is such an interesting character - a strong mind to leave the poverty of her childhood behind, she grabs at a big change and lifts herself and her family out of war torn Richmond. What an incredible life! I really enjoyed her story.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a digital, temporary ARC in return for my review.

Based on a true story, this is a highly entertaining, well crafted story of one of the earliest railroad barons and his romance with a poor Southern woman, Arabella (Belle). Arabella's life is a whirlwind and she is beautiful, crafty and smart. Starting right after the Civil War, it is a sweeping narrative of Gilded Age NY Society in all it's depredations and snarky-ness as well as the beautiful people and their beautiful playgrounds. Belle, and her family and Collis Huntington and his family make for fascinating characters and situations. I'll say no more but if you like historical fiction, this is your book!

I love stories that take place during the Gilded Age in New York. It’s a time of wealthy dynasties and growth and expansion in the city. Having lived there for years it’s fascinating to learn about how it was then. Central Park was new. Alma Vanderbilt had just finished their mansion on Park Ave. the wealthy were mixing uptown. Trains were being built to cross the country. I really liked this book that spans from the end of the civil war in 1867 to 1900..

The other thing I love about historical fiction set in the late 1800s is when it focuses on women finding agency in their own way in a time when few opportunities were given to women. This story is about Arabella Huntington who paves her own way with the help of her ambitious mother Catherine, out of poverty and provides for her siblings and mother.

Belle is a stunning beauty with brunette hair green eyes and a subtle wit and becomes the mistress of Collis Huntingdon, who owns a railroad company. He is wealthy and calls her “his demon” because he is besotted. Despite being shunned by NY society she sticks by his side and he moves her family into their own house as he lives a double life.

And Belle is smart. She buys land and homes through auction (even outbidding Rockefeller!) and become wealthy in her own right. There is suspense and many character POVs. But does money bring her happiness? You will have to read to find out.

If you are a fan of historical fiction of the Gilded Age I highly recommend this one!

1867 richmond Virginia. A mother desperately trying to hold her family together on the
borderline of gentility, a facade really. Catherine knows that her daughter Bella holds
the key to dragging the family out of poverty. Right now Bella works at a gaming saloon,
gritting her teeth against the liberties taken not just by clients but by the owner Johnny.

When she catches the eye of Collis Huntington, Bella and more importantly her mother Catherine
,nows that their future is now secured. Negotiating for a settlement with the finesse of
a peace agreement, the terms are all beneficial for the whole family. Bella becomes a part
of society never acknowledged, never recognised but Bella is pragmatic and sets herself
on a goal and future which can never be shaken. Acquiring real estate, bringing up her son,
remaining loyal to her benefactor despite being attracted to his nephew, she steers a very
lever path up the ladder eventually marrying Collis when his wife dies.

The story is good because it lies in the cleverness of the story telling of the author
who keeps you enthralled every step of the way. The characters were beautifully depicted,
weaknesses and strengths in equal measure.

Thank you Kensington Books for the advanced e copy of this book! An American Beauty is a historical fiction novel that takes readers on a journey through the late 1800s in America, with a focus on the elite circles of New York society. The novel follows Arabella, a young woman who works at Worsham's gambling parlor in Richmond, Virginia, and Collis Huntington, a wealthy and powerful railroad baron who is immediately drawn to her.

Despite the fact that Collis is married and thirty years older than Arabella, the two are well-matched in temperament and soon become involved in a passionate affair. With Collis's help, Arabella eventually moves to New York and begins posing as a genteel, well-to-do Southern widow. Using Collis's seed money and her own shrewd investing instincts, she quickly amasses a fortune and becomes a force to be reckoned with in society.

Their relationship is an open secret, and while no one is surprised when Collis's wife dies and he marries Arabella, the elite circle known as "The Four Hundred" has their own rules about who is accepted into their ranks. Arabella must not only prove herself with her vast wealth, but also with her taste and style.

The novel is full of drama, scandal, and romance, and the characters are richly drawn and complex. Arabella is a woman ahead of her time, fiercely independent and determined to succeed in a world that often denies women agency. Collis is a complex and flawed character, torn between his love for Arabella and his duty to his family and society.

The novel also offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of New York society in the late 1800s, with its strict codes of behavior, lavish parties, and cutthroat competition for status and wealth. The descriptions of the clothes, the food, and the opulent surroundings are vivid and immersive, transporting the reader back in time to a world of elegance and excess.

Overall, this book is a captivating and entertaining read, full of twists and turns and unexpected revelations. It is a story of love, ambition, and the high price of success in a society that values wealth and status above all else.

Great story of wealthiest woman in the Gilded Age who went from rags-to-riches. Historical background added to this fascinating book.Thanks to #NetGalley and #AnAmericanBeauty

A very interesting book about Arabella Huntington, the mistress of Collis Huntington. I really enjoyed this book eventhough I didn't always agree with or understand Arabella.

I was totally engrossed in this beautifully written story of Arabella Huntington, from her ignominious start in a gambling hall to her only-in-America rise to the wealthiest woman in the Gilded Age, though never fully accepted. The characters, the history, the settings, and Belle's absolute guts, beauty and intelligence made for a addictive read. Highly recommended!

Richmond, Virginia - 1867

At age 17, Arabella Duvall Yarrington worked for Johnny Worsham at his gambling saloon as a champagne girl serving drinks. The nights she worked were long and tiring. She was trying to make money to help her widowed mother, Catherine, and her siblings. Her mother ran a rooming house. Any food went to feed the residents and the family ate what little they could afford.

It was at the saloon that she met Mr. Collis Huntington as very wealthy railroad tycoon. She moved with him to New York City and became his mistress. She took her mother and siblings along with her.

Collis was married to Elizabeth who hated Arabella with a passion. Unable to have children of her own, she adopted a child from her sister named Clara. When Arabella became pregnant by Collis, she gave birth to a son named Archer. Collis was smitten by his son.

Arabella was a shrewd and intelligent woman who slowly began buying up properties and eventually became an extremely wealthy woman.

We see her life as she faces the hostility of society against her and the time she sent Archer to live with her sister because Elizabeth did not want him in New York. (This was ridiculous in my opinion.) Her travels and the collections of art and jewelry were vast.

The descriptions in this book are beautiful and extensive. While I have read a lot about the wealthy people of this time period, I had not heard about this woman. This is a story of love of family and the love of Arabella and Collis and later of Arabella and Henry. I’m sure readers will enjoy it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.