The TRAIL OF MRS. RHINELANDER is one filled with twists, turns and more at a time in history when society judges you on everything from who you marry to your ancestry. Denny S. Bryce’s newest book (coming July 2024) delivers a look into a time where jazz clubs’ rule, prohibition is in effect and upper society is the leader in society in places like New York City and beyond. For myself, delving into this time in United States history was fascinating and a little disturbing. The way Alice and her family were besieged by the press was awful as well as hints at how the press ruled during that time frame. There was no internet or 24-hour news cycle back then but as articles the author used for research showed in the book, it was a cutthroat time in journalism and being a woman in that field that was dominated by men is a risky venture for any woman dreaming of reporting the news in newspapers and magazines. The story flowed smoothly, and the characters were intriguing, especially as the author delves between Alice’s life in the 1920’s and then in the 1940’s. I found the actual facts behind the story of THE TRIAL OF MRS. RHINELANDER to be a fascinating one and I appreciated how rich the author did in capturing the main character, Alice Jones, and her family.

THE TRIAL OF MRS. RHINELANDER is a story that will capture the interest to all who enjoy historical fiction and is based on a true story. This was the first book of this author I have read, and I am eager to see what else she has published to dive into. It’s an interesting premise that delves into a story that enthralled me and captured my imagination. If you enjoy a different sort of historical fiction, then try THE TRIAL OF MRS. RHINELANDER and settle in to get lost within the pages of a story that will leave you breathless.

I had a bit of a hard time connecting with the characters. I am still really intrigued by the book description though, so I will pick this up again another time and see if I connect with it.

I do think historical fiction is a genre you need to be in the right frame of mind for. I still recommend this book and love when I see new stories being told!

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you love historical fiction get ready to go back in time to the roaring 20’s! A beautiful love story turned into a nightmare and two families are forever changed. Rich, poor, lawyers, newspapers, the one drop rule and love. It will take forgiveness and help from a new generation to uncover the truth. Y’all this is a true story!! I’m fascinated with it!

The writer uses the imagery of the 1920’s; the music, clothing, language and the excitement of a young America. I appreciate the writer’s care to convey what it meant to be Black or a fair skinned Black American during this time.

The love story was so beautifully written and I have no words for it! And to know that this is a TRUE story fascinates me!!!

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley. It wasn't appealing at all in the beginning and I almost put it down, but I pushed on and then it got so much better to where I couldn't put it down and needed to finish it to see what happens. There is a lot of controversy obviously about people passing for other races especially in the 1920s when much of this book takes place. I was pretty horrified by how poor Alice is treated by her husband, the courtroom, and the press when she was still lovesick. A thought-provoking read.

This spectacular historical novel, set in the 1920s in the U.S., is based on the true story of a young woman, Alice Jones, whose father-in-law wants her marriage to his wealthy white son to be annulled. She and her family immigrated from England, where the "one drop of Black blood" rule didn't apply. But in the U.S., where it does, Alice tries to pass as white despite her Jamaican father.

Denny S. Bryce perfectly captures the racism and classism that pervade this high profile divorce case, as well as the incredible efforts of pioneering Black female reporter Marvel Cunningham to uncover the truth.

Such a heartbreaking story, meticulously researched and beautifully written. Highly recommended for loyal Bryce fans and readers who love gripping historicals about brave women of color fighting to be seen, heard, and treated with respect.

This was very similar to Wild Women so for a moment, I thought this was a copy and paste job. Once I got introduced to new characters, I tried to become invested in them, but I simply couldn't care. It dragged on and on to the point I felt Mrs. Rhinelander's pain of how long the court case went on. I lost interest in the characters and then the end seemed quite rushed.

From the start, this book had "Evelyn Hugo" vibes, which isn't a bad thing. So sad that people had to deny their race and their love for one another just be accepted. This book was well researched, because of course I had to comb the internet looking for pictures and further info to satisfy my curiosity.

Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was an intriguing but sad story: a seemingly average girl falls in love with and marries a socialite but then has her whole world turned upside down when his family and the media (and then just about everyone else) accuses her of fraud, deception, and passing as white. I can only imagine how traumatic the whole experience must have been. I felt the author did an excellent job of portraying Alice's turmoil. I am glad that the book didn't end when the trial finished but showed a bit of what happened to Alice later. Personally, I would have enjoyed seeing more of how the relationship between Alice and Roberta evolved, but I do understand it was not a major part of the plot. I'm always grateful for and excited to read the author's notes. In this case, I especially appreciated that the author shared the sources she used.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or has an interest in sensational court cases.

Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the early read.

I love it when I’m reading a book and run to the internet to find out the true story behind the story. This is the case with the Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander. Told in dual timeline, at first I was pulled in by the relationship between Alice and her niece: why didn’t her niece like her aunt? Why as Aunt Alice a recluse? And then I learned more about the love affair between Alice and Lenny Rhinelander. And what she had to go through to justify her role as his wife married into a family that wanted nothing to do with her. Bryce excels at relaying the indignation and tribulations Alice went through during the trial. There are poignant moments that break your heart. It’s a great read.

4.5 stars
HIGHLY recommend

This is the third book by Denny S. Bryce. I love the characters that she finds that I never knew about and creates a fantastic historical fiction novel.

This time, the story is about Alice Beatrice Jones who married Kip Rhinelander during the 1920's in NYC. The wild thing is that Alice's dad is darker and has Jamaican blood while her mom is a white Englishwoman =- they were immigrants to the USA. Interestingly, as soon as Alice's parents enter the USA, the "one drop of Black blood" applies which wasn't an issue in England. Alice and her two sisters "pass" as white which becomes an unbelievable issue in her marriage.

The story is well-written, interesting, and so timely. We have learned nothing as a country in a hundred years about race.

I was very excited to read this book about Alice Rhinelander, the daughter of English immigrants. This is based on a true story about her marriage to Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander and the threat from his father to disinherit him, if he refuses to dissolve their marriage. Alice is not part of the elite society, and is also passing for white. Her father is of Jamaican descent, and the one drop rule has caused quite a stir. Denny S. Bryce weaves a wonderful story about Alice fighting for her marriage in court. I loved learning about this piece of history that took place in the twenties.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.