Gilded Dreams by Donna Russo Morin
Book Review - Blog Tour - Giveaway (US only)

Publication Date: June 16, 2020
Magnum Opus
Paperback & eBook; 495 pages
Series: Newport's Gilded Age, Book 2
Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis

From the bestselling author of GILDED SUMMERS comes a powerful novel of the last eight years of the American Women’s fight for suffrage.

The battle for the vote is on fire in America. The powerful and rich women of Newport, Rhode Island, are not only some of the most involved suffragettes, their wealth - especially that of the indomitable Alva Vanderbilt Belmont - nearly single-handedly funded the major suffrage parties. Yet they have been left out of history, tossed aside as mere socialites. In GILDED DREAMS, they reclaim their rightful place in history.

Pearl and Ginevra (GILDED SUMMERS) are two of its most ardent warriors. College graduates, professional women, wives, and mothers, these progressive women have fought their way through some of life’s harshest challenges, yet they survived, yet they thrive. Now they set their sights on the vote, the epitome of all they have struggled for, the embodiment of their dreams.

From the sinking of the Titanic, through World War 1, Pearl and Ginevra are once more put to the test as they fight against politics, outdated beliefs, and the most cutting opponent of all... other women. Yet they will not rest until their voices are heard, until they - and all the women of America - are allowed to cast their vote. But to gain it, they must overcome yet more obstacles, some that put their very lives in danger.

An emotional and empowering journey, GILDED DREAMS is a historical, action-packed love letter to the women who fought so hard for all women who stand on the shoulders of their triumph.

My Thoughts

Twelve years have passed since Pearl, a socialite, and Ginevra, an Italian immigrant, fled Newport, Rhode Island, to escape a scandal and follow their dreams. They have since returned to Newport as wives, mothers and graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design, with successful careers in their chosen fields: Pearl as an artist and Ginevra as a fashion designer.

Their lives are happy until Pearl receives the shocking news that her parents, her brother and his wife are victims of the Titanic sinking. When Pearl learns she cannot inherit her father's estate, as by law it passes to her husband, she is devastated, hurt and angry. Ginevra is equally dismayed to learn that if her husband dies, even though she is a naturalized American citizen, she is liable to be deported back to Italy.

The unfairness of these two laws act as a catalyst for Pearl and Ginevra to become actively involved in the suffragette cause. Over the following eight years, as the campaign escalates, they are subjected to violence, harrassment and vandalism. Their livelihoods are also threatened. However, they refuse to be intimidated and continue to work steadfastly towards their goal, bemoaning the set backs and celebrating the small victories, and sometimes jeopardising their friendship.

No scene has touched me more than Pearl's harrowing and heartbreaking task of identifying her family in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster. The horror of seeing all those bodies laid out and then having to look at each one until she found her relatives remains imprinted on my mind. This is not the only emotionally charged event in the novel, for World War I also brings sadness and loss for Pearl and Ginevra.

I'm not as familiar with the struggle for women's votes in America as I am of that in my own country, although I am familiar with the various historical figures who appear in this novel: Susan B. Anthony, Julia Ward Howe, Consuelo Vanderbilt and her mother, Alva, who sheds her socialite persona to become a driving force for women's rights. No matter which country, women from all classes of society were united in a common cause and the sacrifices made were the same.

While Gilded Dreams does well as a standalone, if possible, I recommend you read the series in order. Reading Gilded Summers first gave me a better understanding of Pearl and Ginevra's friendship and the way of life that Pearl relinquished to pursue her dreams.

Gilded Dreams is a wonderful novel. Donna Russo Martin has delivered a compelling, informative and emotionally engaging story that will resonate with all readers. It is definitely a must-read for all historical fiction fans who enjoy novels with strong female characters.



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Meet the Author

Donna Russo Morin is an award-winning historical fiction author. Donna has dabbled as a model and actor, working on Showtime's Brotherhood and Martin Scorsese's The Departed. Branching out with her storytelling skills, Donna is now a screenwriter. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Donna lives on the south shore of Rhode Island close to the ocean she loves so very much. She is the proud mother of two sons, Devon and Dylan, her greatest works in progress.

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Blog Tour Schedule


Monday, August 10
Review at Books, Cooks, and Looks

Wednesday, August 12
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Friday, August 14
Review at Books, Writings, and More

Saturday, August 15
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, August 17
Review at Amy's Booket List

Wednesday, August 19
Review at Book Bustle

Friday, August 21
Guest Post at The Intrepid Reader

Monday, August 24
Review at Books and Zebras

Tuesday, August 25
Feature at What Is That Book About

Wednesday, August 26
Review at The Love of Books

Friday, August 28
Interview at Passages to the Past

Monday, August 31
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, September 2
Excerpt at Bookworlder

Friday, September 4
Review at A Darn Good Read

Giveaway (US only)

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of the book + a painting of a scene from the book painted by the author! To enter, please use the Gleam form HERE.

Giveaway is open to US residents only and on September 4th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

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