ABOUT THE BOOKBestselling author Lynn Austin returns with a luminous work of historical fiction set amid the opulence of Gilded Age New York, where three generations of women in one family must reckon with the choices they have made and their hopes for the future.
New York, 1898. The only thing more shocking than Arthur Stanhope III’s unexpected death is the revelation that his will bestows his company―and most of the vast fortune that goes with it―to the nearest male heir, leaving his mother, wife, and daughter nearly impoverished. His widow, Sylvia, quickly realizes she must set aside her grief to ensure their daughter, Adelaide, is launched into society as soon as the appropriate mourning period passes. If Sylvia can find a wealthy husband for Addy before anyone realizes they’re practically destitute, there will be little disruption to the lifestyle they’re accustomed to.
Sylvia’s mother-in-law, Junietta, believes their life could use a little disruption. She has watched Sylvia play her role as a society wife, as Junietta once did, despite what it cost them both. Junietta vows to give her granddaughter the power to choose a path beyond what society expects.
But for Addy to have that chance, both mother and grandmother must first confront painful truths about their own choices. Only in bringing their secrets to light can they hope to reshape their family inheritance into a legacy more fulfilling than they ever dared dream.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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New York, 1898. The only thing more shocking than Arthur Stanhope III’s unexpected death is the revelation that his will bestows his company―and most of the vast fortune that goes with it―to the nearest male heir, leaving his mother, wife, and daughter nearly impoverished. His widow, Sylvia, quickly realizes she must set aside her grief to ensure their daughter, Adelaide, is launched into society as soon as the appropriate mourning period passes. If Sylvia can find a wealthy husband for Addy before anyone realizes they’re practically destitute, there will be little disruption to the lifestyle they’re accustomed to.
Sylvia’s mother-in-law, Junietta, believes their life could use a little disruption. She has watched Sylvia play her role as a society wife, as Junietta once did, despite what it cost them both. Junietta vows to give her granddaughter the power to choose a path beyond what society expects.
But for Addy to have that chance, both mother and grandmother must first confront painful truths about their own choices. Only in bringing their secrets to light can they hope to reshape their family inheritance into a legacy more fulfilling than they ever dared dream.
MY THOUGHTS....
It's been a while since I read a book by this author but this story has made Lynn Austin a must-read author for me! All My Secrets is the tale of three generations of Stanhope women who've known joy, grief, and heartache. Sylvia, the daughter-in-law, was a little harder for me to love but I adored the matriarch, Junietta Stanhope. Mimi Juni proved that wealth and power must never take precedence over love and family, and it was such a joy to witness her wisdom. As the story developed, I was thrilled to see that her granddaughter, Addy, showed great promise in becoming just as special as her grandmother!
All My Secrets is set in New York during the last years of the 19th century and Austin gives readers an intriguing view into the lives of the wealthy and affluent families who lived during the Gilded Age. This was a time when women were dependent on their wealthy husbands and most were content to allow this to happen! Most, that is, until Junietta Stanhope arrived on the scene! There are also flashbacks to the mid-1800s and the events that created the secrets that ruled the Stanhope women. It is a compelling chronicle with romance, mystery, and intrigue, but the faith element is what I enjoyed most. Junietta's story was especially touching, as she worked to atone for her mistakes. She appreciated the grace of forgiveness and she would extend her thankfulness by helping others!
This is a stunning story that I won't forget and I'd love to see it made into a movie. If you enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance, please grab a copy of this book. I believe that you'll be as entranced as I was!!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
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