Romance Books Set During the Gilded Age
Immortalized by its glitz, glamour, and prestige, the Gilded Age is one of history’s most iconic eras. During this period, families such as the Astors, Vanderbilts, Carnegies, and Rockefellers rose to the upper echelons of American society, despite most of the country being bottlenecked at near poverty. This period has regained popularity thanks to HBO Max’s series, The Gilded Age, which perfectly captures the unprecedented wealth, salacious social scene, and, most intriguing, romances. If you fell in love with Marian Brook’s will-they-won’t-they banter with Larry Russell, or Peggy Scott’s scandalous affair with her editor, you need these Gilded Age romance books on your TBR list immediately! From classical novels written by a member of New York society’s “aristocracy”, Edith Wharton, to stories highlighting minorities’ experiences during this unique chapter of history, these stories will have you swooning in no time.
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Add to BookshelfThe Age of Innocence
by Edith Wharton
There’s no better person to tell a Gilded Age story than someone who lived among the upper crust of New York polite society. Wharton was so wealthy that the phrase “keeping up with the Joneses” allegedly referenced her family. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel features the love triangle between Newland Archer, May Welland, and Countess Ellen Olenska. It is a must-read for anyone craving romance with a healthy serving of mischief among NYC’s elite during the 1870s.
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$28.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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The Buccaneers
by Edith Wharton and Marion Mainwaring
Now an original series on Apple TV+, Wharton’s final novel tells the story of five American heiresses whose money, despite its large sum, was deemed “too new” for New York’s old money set. When their families exchange hefty dowries for titles with European aristocracy, they set sail for London for new adventures. An unforgettable story reflective of the Gilded Age’s Dollar Princesses comes to life through Wharton’s novelistic skill and critical intelligence.
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$17.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Murder at Marble House
by Alyssa Maxwell
The second book of the famous Gilded Newport Mystery series follows the adventures of Emma Cross, a member of the Vanderbilt family. When a murder happens at Marble House, the family’s grand estate in Newport, Rhode Island, Consuelo Vanderbilt knows her cousin, Emma, is the only one who can solve the mystery. But when Consuelo mysteriously vanishes, Emma must use all her sleuthing skills to uncover the truth. As Emma works the case, she also finds herself caught in a love triangle between the local detective, Jesse Whyte, and her friend, Derrick Andrews. Set in the backdrop of oceanside Newport, Rhode Island, this cozy mystery explores the dark side of wealth and privilege.
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The Heiress Gets a Duke
by Harper St. George
While most of her friends are married off to the British aristocracy, heiress August Crenshaw’s goal is to gain control of Crenshaw Iron Works. Due to its great success, the railroad and steel business skyrocketed her family to elite status. But when her parents offer up her sister to a loveless marriage to the Duke of Rothschild, along with the family business, August will stop at nothing to keep it from happening … even if she has to take the duke as her husband. But can it be that the duke is the headstrong heiress’s true match? Courtney Milan and Scarlett Peckham fans will fall in love with this strong-willed protagonist and her rebellious personality.
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The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post
by Allison Pataki
As the daughter of C.W. Post, Marjorie Merriweather Post was always destined for greatness. Despite her humble beginnings, she became one of America’s greatest businesswomen and socialites of the Gilded Age. This national bestseller tells her spectacular story, from her dazzling jet-setting adventures to her enthralling love life, including four marriages. Acclaimed author Allison Pataki captures the Post’s larger-than-life story in an immersive and sweeping tribute.
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$19.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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The Davenports
by Krystal Marquis
Inspired by the real daughters of automobile magnate C.R. Patterson, this instant New York Times bestseller follows four empowered and passionate Black women navigating 1910s Chicago society. Amazingly researched and beautifully written, Krystal Marquis’s debut novel explores the lesser-known Black history following the Reconstruction era. The four women’s stories have it all: glamour, splendor, scandal, and — most importantly — romance and love.
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The Davenports: More Than This
by Krystal Marquis
The highly anticipated sequel to The Davenports picks up right where its prequel left off. Drama is heating up in the Chicago social scene as Ruby, Olivia, Amy-Rose, and Helen — four empowered and passionate young Black women — navigate the next chapters of their lives and loves. This escapist historical fiction full of heart and humor captures societal pressures, love, heartbreak, and everything in between. Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, the Davenports are among the few Black families with immense wealth and status in a changing United States during the early 20th century. Readers will fall in love with this smart and witty series.
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$12.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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The Downstairs Girl
by Stacey Lee
Critically acclaimed author Stacey Lee tells the story of Jo Kuan, a 17-year-old Chinese American living in Atlanta in the 1890s. By day, she works as the lady’s maid for the daughter of one of Atlanta’s richest men. At the encouragement of her neighbor, Nathan, she starts anonymously penning “Dear Miss Sweetie,” a Southern newspaper advice column that also exposes the dark side of society. The column is a hit, and sparks begin flying between Nathan and Jo. But not everyone is a fan of “Dear Miss Sweetie.” Some of Atlanta’s most notorious criminals have made it their mission to find its author and silence her for good. Elegantly written and downright compelling, this historical novel explores themes of identity, racism, sexism, and finding the courage to live your truth.
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The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba
by Chanel Cleeton
From New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton comes a story inspired by Evangelina Cisneros, the legendary Cuban woman who changed history. Set in the backdrop of a newspaper war between Gilded Age New York City newspaper tycoons William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, this riveting novel follows three women during the Cuban War of Independence. Their lives and loves are intertwined in this powerful, addictive, and vibrant novel.
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$18.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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A Golden Cage
by Shelley Freydont
Deanna Randolph is more than just an heiress in Gilded Age Newport. She’s also an amateur sleuth with a solved murder under her belt. Unlike her fellow socialites, Deanna enjoys partaking in what her mother can only describe as “devious behaviors” like buying a bathing suit and joining the ladies’ bicycling club. When a dead body is discovered after a party, Deanna knows what needs to be done. She enlists the help of her former beau, Joe, to help figure out what happened. The two make a good team, but while romantic sparks linger between them, are they skilled enough to solve a murder?
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$16.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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An American Beauty
by Shana Abe
Shana Abé, New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mrs. Astor, delivers another captivating historical fiction. Arabella Huntington’s humble beginnings didn’t stop her from catching the eye of Collis Huntington, a well-to-do railroad tycoon. Their mutual attraction soon turns into a passionate (and controversial) affair. Soon, he moves her to New York City, at the heart of Gilded Age high society. But “The Four Hundred” do not welcome new members with open arms. Arabella must use all her charm, cunningness, and grit to prove she belongs. Full of romance and intrigue, this historical fiction is perfect for readers looking to escape.
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