I'm amazed that so many people—beta readers, editors, agents—read this and thought, Yes, it's worthy of publication. As an outline for a novel, or maybe a first draft, it has potential, but... Major events are glossed over (the protagonist, Mimi, gives birth at age 15 or 16—there seems to be some discrepancy—apparently alone, and then boom! she's happily bouncing a healthy baby boy; a major character dies and after a paragraph of weeping, Mimi goes on her merry way). We're told that Mimi is charming, smart, etc., but given little proof. Things happen, lots of things, but except when necessary for plot purposes, they leave little impact on the characters.

And so many telling details, the sort of details that make a novel come alive, are omitted. How did Mimi happen upon Matthew as the name for her son? It's not one she's likely to have heard down in the Lower East Side at that time. How did she lose her accent so that no one guessed she was from there? Did she light yahrzeit candles for her mother? Did Matthew have a bris? Why did Jonathan take such an interest in Matthew? How did she manage to be completely unaffected by World War I—I don't think the war is mentioned even once. I could go on and on...

Despite my disappointment, I'd like to thank NetGalley and Harper Perennial for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The enchanting and sweet story of a woman who decided nothing would stop her from living her dreams, even when the world told her she had to settle.

The Winthrop Agreement by Alice Simpson is a gripping historical novel that takes the reader on a journey through the Gilded Age in New York City. The plot is engaging and full of surprises, with a touch of gothic mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the end. The Winthrop Agreement is a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption that will appeal to fans of historical romance and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, character-driven story.

While the novel is well-written and engaging, there are moments when the pacing lags, and some plot points could have been more fully explored. Overall, I would give The Winthrop Agreement 4.5 stars, as it is an excellent addition to the genre of historical fiction and a worthy read for fans of the era.