Review

"Ms. Goodwin writes deliciously." --Janet Maslin, The New York Times

"A wonderful, guilty pleasure of a read." --Amanda Foreman

"Deliciously classy. A story that gallops along, full of exquisite period detail." --Kate Mosse

"[An] exceptionally thoughtful and stunning historical novel that will leave you reeling and astonished...and give you the urge to re-read it the instant the last page is turned." --BookReporter.com

"Top-notch writing brings to life the world of wealth on both sides of the Atlantic. This debut's strong character development and sense of place will please fans of historical romance, including book club members." --Library Journal (starred review)

"I was seduced by this book, rather as Cora was seduced by her duke: with great skill and confidence. Intriguing, atmospheric, and extremely stylish, I was still thinking about it long after I had reached the end." --Penny Vincenzi

"Smart, emotional, entertaining writing proves Goodwin is adept at creating the perfect atmosphere and backdrop for the turn of the century and a world where money can buy a title, but not happiness or acceptance. Like Henry James and Edith Wharton, Goodwin delves into this seemingly gracious world of opulence to uncover its harsh side, and brings a cast of fascinating characters into a delicious tale that captivates." --RT Book Reviews (4 1/2 stars)

"A propulsive story of love, manners, culture clash, and store-bought class from a time long past that proves altogether fresh." --Publishers Weekly

About the Author

DAISY GOODWIN is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels The Fortune Hunter and The American Heiress. She is a Harkness scholar who attended Columbia University's film school after earning a history degree at Cambridge University. She founded a leading TV production company in the U.K., in addition to writing reviews and columns for the London Sunday Times and serving as the chair of the judging panel for the 2010 Orange Prize for Fiction.