The title of this book sounds like it could be a soap opera, but it isn't. This is a book about three generations of women who have made their mistakes, lived under the oppression of their husbands, and overcome the hardships thrown at them.
Junietta is the matriarch of the story, but I don't think that title really fits her. Her father-in-law, Arthur Benton Stanhope II, was a ruthless businessman with no scruples. He would bulldoze his way to get what he wanted and what he wanted most was money and social standing. Junie is blackmailed into marrying Arthur's son, Art. Theirs was not a happy marriage but it was for the most part a peaceable one. She was able to
Sylvia married Junie's son, A.B., and allowed him to stifle her true nature to become a society maven. She is an artist at heart, but she learns to do what other society mavens do: raise money for charitable ventures, host lavish parties and galas, and look good on her husband's arm.
Adelaide is Sylvia's and A.B.'s daughter and she is being put on the marriage market to find a husband to help keep their standard of living. The book opens with A.B.'s sudden death and the reading of his will, where the business goes to his cousin, but the house (read: mansion) remains with his wife and daughter. Sylvia tries matchmaking with several unsuitable men who are lechers at best, and drunks at worst. Addy is willing to put herself on the auction block for the family, but she wants a modicum of control over her life.
Each of the women disclose secrets they've held for a long time, and as the secrets unfold, the reader gets drawn further and further into the story. Lynn Austin has such a way with her writing that pulls readers into her narratives and keeps them engaged until the very end. There are very few books Lynn has written that I haven't read and all of them keep me enthralled. I love the way that Lynn brought out the pointlessness of chasing after money and status when it really does no good, and in many cases wreaks havoc on the families of those who do pursue money above all else.
Her characters are revealed as they reveal their secrets and there is a depth to them that makes most of them truly likable and the ones that aren't likable deserve their reputations. The settings only add to the ambience of the story and strengthen it. I LOVED THIS BOOK! Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a passion to drive your life.
Tyndale House Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
No comments:
Post a Comment