The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe

The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Historical
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In 1880 a baby was stolen from the wealthiest family in America. Though no ransom was ever demanded, the Pendelton family never gave up hope . . . and their reward became the stuff of legend.

After being raised in a children’s asylum, Josie Smith ends up on the streets and quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her singing voice draws crowds on every corner, and she’ll stop at nothing to become famous and travel the world, loved and adored by all. Maybe then she won’t think about the family who gave her away as an infant.

Leo Hardy isn’t afraid to use his charm and wits to make a fast buck, especially with a mother and five siblings to support. When he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman singing on the street, Leo notices her striking resemblance to the infamous missing baby’s mother, Mrs. Thomas Pendelton. The Hardys lost everything thanks to the Pendeltons, and once Leo sees Josie, he seizes the opportunity to settle the score. All he needs to do is pull off the biggest swindle of his career.

As the two are catapulted into Knickerbocker High Society, they grow closer to their goal, as well as to each other. But secrets can only stay hidden for so long. Soon the truth unfolds, and both Josie and Leo must separate what’s real from what’s just gilding.

They’ll both get what they want, no matter who they take down in the process.

I have to admit, I’m not much for histoicals these days, but when I saw this book, I had to pick it up. I’ve not read other Joanna Shupe books, but I have to admit was captivated by the story. It reads like a gilded era Anastasia.

The writing is crisp and kept me entertained. I wanted to know what would happen next and liked the spice in the story. I liked the connection between Josie and Leo.

But there were a few quibbles with the story. It’s remarkably close to the Anastasia story. I get it, there are only so many tropes, but it read very close to the movie plot. The other thing that was a bit jarring to me was that Josie is upset that her family abandoned her, but she’s very self-righteous and didn’t seem to embody the opulence of the Gilded Age. Many people, especially those of wealth, flaunted their wealth and felt above the rest of the people. She didn’t really do that, which is good. It made me like her more, but it also felt out of place for the era.

That said, the connection between her and Leo is wonderful and I did root for them to get together. I enjoyed this book and suggest it for someone wanting a fall read. Definitely try this one out.