The Test of Gold

I’ve never been known to be a fan of historical fiction. But I think I’m learning that there are niches of historical fiction that I enjoy. I’ve been wanting to read a book like this for a while, and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to read A Test of Gold. I loved the dynamics between the characters: Lindy and her mom, Lindy and Jack and their forbidden romance. This was a great read and it didn’t disappoint.

The Test of Gold follows Evangeline "Lindy" Lindenmayer as she prepares to be presented to high society. Only, she's more interested in spending her days reading in the family's library, where she meets a young man studying. She is distraught that they must say goodbye, but her mother will not be swayed from her plans. Until Lindy is inspired to stand her ground that is.

I really resonated with Lindy as a character, I too preferred books over boys when I was 18. I enjoyed watching Jack and Lindy bond over their shared love of books. My heart broke for Lindy, what kind of mother treats their child that way?

There were a few things that I paused and though, "Hm, that doesn't seem accurate to the time period.", but historical accuracy isn't too important to me.

Overall this book was a well written and enjoyable romance.

*This eARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Sorry, I really tried to get into it. But it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I don’t think I’ll be recommending this book. A little too dull for my taste.

While I really enjoyed the Gilded age setting and getting to see parts of New York in this time, this story and the romance was just missing something for me.
I really enjoyed how much our characters loved reading and their discussions on literature were great. But the characters had such a short time together before having to go their separate ways I just didn’t believe they were truly in love. They are apart for a big chunk of the book and basically pining after each other but I just needed more chemistry to believe they could still fight for each other after that long.
It should also be noted that this book is very low on the steam level and I would have loved to see at least a kiss but if that is something you like in your historicals this one might be for you.

So - this book and I had a love hate relationship. I adore golden age stories and I loved the author's detailed descriptions of the fashion and the surroundings. But here's the thing - the hero and heroine could not have had more than 7 scenes together in the entire book - and I'm not even sure if they even kiss at any point - I don't think they did. And this was not a short book. In fact I reached the 26% mark and was shocked that the book wasn't over yet. I did read the whole - thing - but at the end I wasn't satisfied or even happy I did.

Beyond the lack of interaction between the hero and heroine - I also took issue with the number of characters that appear and disappear throughout the book. Like Lindy's cousin Emma - who was fascinating - and when she appeared I thought we might be getting to a transition point in the book, but no. She disappears never to be seen again. Or the introduction of the truly unstable Gillian at the end of the book.

I also thought Lindy's mother Vera, who is truly abusive to all around her, and a complete sociopath was handled in a way that was shocking. The woman locks Lindy in her room for a long time and then fakes serious illness to force Lindy into doing what she wants - ending with serious threats to murder the man Lindy loves. Even with all of this, Lindy is upset that her mother won't talk to her and hopes she'll forgive her someday? What??? There is absolutely no satisfying resolution there.

In fact, I really left the book feeling wholly unsatisfied. Yes Lindy and Jack finally find each other and vow to get married. But that is the end of the book. No glimpse in to what happens to them - no resolution with Lindy's parents. Nothing.

Overall - and I never say this - I would not recommend this book. The author wrote so beautifully about the time period - that it pains me to say that. But the story - the story just wasn't there for me.

I received this as an ARC from Goodreads, but these opinions are my own.

Heiress Evangeline "Lindy" Lindenmayer has been groomed since childhood to marry into the British aristocracy as her mother's ultimate ambition is a royal title for the family name. But literature fascinates Lindy far more than ballroomss, and she spends all her free time in the library, the only room in the Fifth Avenue mansion where she can safely indulge her passion for reading and find refuge from the prying eyes of her mother. Jack Winthrop is studying for the ministry at Union Theological Seminary and has been invited to use the Lindemayer's library for his studies. His sole experience of upper-class young women has occurred at his uncle's church, where he has found these young debutantes universally featherbrained. When he meets Lindy, he is pleasantly surprised to discover she has wide-ranging interests and is highly intelligent.
A new author to me & it certainly won’t be the last I read. A well written book with charming characters. I really liked both Jack & Lindy & how their secret & forbidden romance progressed. I also perversely liked Lindy's mother even though her aspirations were annoying but humorous. I loved how Lindy grew throughout the book. An engaging read which kept my interest all the way through
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I received this copy from NetGalley as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was was long and drawn out at times, And it took a while for Lindy and Jack to get things right. I did like the setting of the gilded age in America.

I found this book a bit disappointing, the story was very long and drawn out. I found it hard to connect with the characters as they were underdeveloped. This story had too much unnecessary description for me for example each scene in the opera was written as if you were watching it, I found it a struggle to finish.

I somehow missed that this was set in America, but here we are. It was a tad long, but an enjoyable read. The main characters were full of emotions and their actions were understandable, a thing that gets blown over in a lot of romances. I'd recommend this book to people who love regency romances, but want a little flavor.

When Evangeline "Lindy" Lindenmayer decides to challenge her mother’s plans for her, she finds the challenge nearly insurmountable. Lindy has always found reading more interesting than any societal event. Yet when she meets Jack Winthrop, a young seminary student, she knows that her life will never be the same. Jack makes her question her current lifestyle and the privileges that she has enjoyed. Lindy must face the reality of whether she can agree to her mother’s demands or follow her heart.
This is a book set at the end of the 1800s and is based on a true story, making for a most interesting read. I found the descriptive images of the backdrop, added to the story, giving life to this story. This book is fast moving and kept me reading with the unknown future of this delightful couple. Whilst theirs was a forbidden love story, I found their lively discussions well delivered and thoughtful.

Once again, Ms Yancy has written a page-turner which will have a reader interested from start to finish.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Such a well written story. Characters are well written, and allowed me to be emotionally involved. Good plot, with lots of ups and downs. I would have enjoyed come comeuppance for the mother though!!

Evangeline “Lindy” Lindemayer is a wealthy young heiress who feels stifled by society’s expectations. Jack Winthrop is a seminary student of modest means who has been given permission to study in the Lindemayer mansion’s vast library. When the two find a common interest in books, an attraction develops. The problem? Lindy’s mother is determined to marry Lindy off to a member of the British aristocracy. Will Jack and Lindy be able to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of their happily-ever-after ending? Find out in this novel of high society during New York’s gilded age.

This is a long drawn out tale. It is good in some respects but detailed beyond belief. It should have been termed as religious fiction.
Lindy and Jack have a terrible time getting together.
I haven't read this Author before and don't think I will again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and I have left this review voluntarily.

A sweet historical romance that sweeps you up from the get-go. Evangeline, Lindy, is the daughter of a powerful and influential socialite who has determined that Lindy WILL marry a British title, regardless of what, or who, gets in the way. Jack is a highly intelligent seminary student who wants to make a difference in the lives of others. He knows he is out of league with Lindy, but his heart will not accept this fate. Can true love withstand power, money, and titles? Don’t miss this exciting new book from Renee Yancy to see what happens.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

I wanted to like this story as it's very much in my wheelhouse, but sadly I found the writing seemed to be that of an author still finding their feet in the genre. The characters seemed as though they were younger teenagers, and the language they used didn't befit the time. Characters acted contrary to their own beliefs and had such an immediate change in reactions to things, you'd easily be mistaken for thinking some of the characters had split person disorder. Sad to say I wouldn't recommend