American Duchess: A Novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt

Beautiful, young, and wealthy, heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt has everything going for her.

She’s got a love– except he’s not the man she’s marrying.

She’s about to achieve every girl’s dream and become a duchess, yet her new husband, the Duke of Marlborough, is cold and unloving. She never wanted this life but tries to make the best of things.

American Duchess by Karen Harper is the ultimate coming-of-age tale with a real-life heroine you’ll fall in love with from page one. Consuelo develops from a virginal young bride, bred to obey, to a young wife determined to do her duty and mother her children as best she can despite her unhappiness. The real growth occurs when her marriage disintegrates and she must bravely choose to either separate from the Duke and pursue philanthropic cases or live out her days in unhappiness.

Her eventual divorce could turn her into a pariah, but the outspoken and unafraid Consuelo lives her best life. She thrives. She fights for the rights of women and the less fortunate. She uses her fortune to improve the world. She dares to think a second chance at true love might be possible.

Consuelo’s development is incredible and inspiring. Harper does a beautiful job bringing her story to life. If you don’t know Consuelo Vanderbilt, you’re missing out! American Duchess is historical fiction at its finest. I read it in two sittings and simply couldn’t wait to find out what happens next. This is a contender for the best historical fiction of 2019!