The bestselling author of Park Avenue Summer throws back the curtain on one of the most remarkable feuds in history: Mrs. Vanderbilt and Mrs. Astor’s notorious battle for control of New York society during the Gilded Age.

In the glittering world of Manhattan’s upper crust, where wives turn a blind eye to husbands’ infidelities, and women have few rights and even less independence, society is everything. The more celebrated the hostess, the  more powerful the woman. And none is more powerful than Caroline Astor the Mrs. Astor.

 

But times are changing. Alva Vanderbilt has recently married into one of America’s richest families. But what good is money when society refuses to acknowledge you? Alva, who knows what it is to have nothing, will do whatever it takes to have everything. Sweeping three decades and based on true events, this is a gripping novel about two fascinating, complicated women going head to head, behaving badly, and discovering what’s truly at stake.

“…vivid storytelling and impeccable research. …a must read for historical and/or women’s fiction fans.”

Lauren Margolin The Good Book Fairy
Lauren Margolin

“Renee Rosen turns her readers into time travelers as her writing pulls us deep into the pages of The Social Graces and the excesses of society’s Gilded Age.”

Mary O’Malley Skylark Bookshop
Mary O’Malley

“…Not since DANGEROUS LIASONS have readers had the opportunity to indulge in the glorious misbehavior of the upper crust. Feminist writer Renee Rosen pits Alva Vanderbilt and Caroline Astor in a war to be the reigning “Queen of Society” – and they are armed with wit, money, and time….”

Pamela Klinger-Horn Excelsior Bay Books
Pamela Klinger-Horn

“…I can’t remember the last book that made me gasp “Oh, no!” as many times at unexpected reversals. The pages all but turned themselves!”

Julia Claiborne Johnson bestselling author of Be Frank with Me
Julia Claiborne Johnson