The Social Graces

(Paperback)

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A peek behind the curtain at 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, from the bestselling author of Park Avenue Summer TheUSA Today Bestseller! Named one of2021's Most Anticipated Historical Novels by Oprah DailySheReadsFrolic BookReporterand more... The author of Park Avenue Summer throws back the curtain on one of the most remarkable feuds in history- Alva Vanderbilt and theMrs. Astor's notorious battle for control of New York society during the Gilded Age. 1876. In the glittering world of Manhattan's upper crust, women are valued by their pedigree, dowry, and, most importantly, connections. They have few rights and even less independence-what they do have is society. The more celebrated the hostess, the more powerful the woman. And none is more powerful than Caroline Astor-theMrs. Astor. But times are changing. Alva Vanderbilt has recently married into one of America's richest families. But what good is dizzying wealth 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 the mesmerizing story of two fascinating, complicated women going head to head, behaving badly, and discovering what's truly at stake.

Reviews

Rosen always writes whip-smart women, and I cant wait for her depiction of notorious social dragons Alva Vanderbilt and Mrs. Astor, who battle for control of New York society during the Gilded Age. Bridgertons Lady Whistledown and Lady Danbury have nothing on these two!
Parade

"Witty and beautifully imaginedRosen delights with breezy dialogue and keen insights into the era.Historical fans will love this."
Publishers Weekly(starred review)

"[P]aints a vivid and ravishing picturercommended for fans of Rosens other works and readers who enjoy historical fiction and authors such as Kristin Hannah and Elizabeth Gilbert.
Library Journal(starred review)

Rosens novel opens with a sly wink to that grande dame of the Gilded Age, Edith Wharton, before she deftly spins a captivating tale of her own,based upon the legendary rivalry between Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt.And what a rich story it is, full of opulent balls and monstrous mansions, yet firmly rooted in the parallel struggles of two very different heroines as they fight for their dignity and rights as wives, as mothers, and as women.
Fiona Davis, bestselling author of GMA Book Club PickThe Lions of Fifth Avenue

"As ever,Rosen shines with impeccable research and eloquent prose.Readers will relish this peek behind the curtain of New Yorks most rich and famous families and follow with interest, amusement and even shock, the escapades of these strong and savvy women.Enjoy!
Pam Jenoff,New YorkTimes bestselling author ofThe Lost Girls of Paris

Delightful!Prepare to be caught up in a high society feud between The Mrs. Astor and upstart Alva Vanderbilt in thiswonderful novel of manners and social survival in a time before women could vote. The Social Graces is written with the talented Renee Rosen's unique blend of heart and humor and I flew through the utterly charming pages, not always sure which of these majestic women I should be rooting for.
Stephanie Dray,NewYorkTimesBestselling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette

Both an intimate portrait of two intriguing women and a sweeping depiction of Gilded Age society. Rosens characters leap off the page with vivid description and poignant emotion. Richly detailed and meticulously researchedhistorical fiction readers will loveThe Social Graces!
Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Train to Key West

"Meticulously researched andabsolutely absorbing,TheSocial Graces chronicles the eye-popping extravagances and catty magnificence of the brassy nouveau richeswho fought to seize control of high society during the Gilded Age.I cant 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 ofBe Frank With Me

By turns tender and devastating, this beautifully written novel kept me in thrall to the end.
Kerri Maher, author ofThe Girl in White Gloves

Rene Rosen at her finest! Pulling back the curtain on the blood-sport world of Gilded Age high society, Rosens captivating story of rivals Alva Vanderbilt and Caroline Astor shows what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.
Bryn Turnbull,author ofThe Woman Before Wallis

Rene Rosens The Social Graces is afascinating look into the lives of women who created their own power in a world that granted them none.Rosen weaves a captivating story full of mounting rivalries, glittering balls, and social intrigue, but it's also a tale of women striving to manage their own lives and legacies.Enthralling, thought provoking, and memorable, this is a must read!
Kristin Beck,author ofCourage My Love

Rosen presents an engaging novel of 1870s high-society foibles that will please book clubs and fans of glittering frock flicks.
Booklist

"Rosen once again brings history to life with vivid storytelling and impeccable research. Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt are formidable opponents as old money clashes with new money in the battle to reign among New Yorks upper crust. Rosen shares the details of their infamous parties, the salaciousness of society's scandals as well the small, personal moments that show their humaneness and vulnerability. This is a must read for historical and/or womens fiction fans.
Lauren Margolin, The Good Book Fairy

Author Bio

Renee Rosen is the bestselling author of Park Avenue Summer, Windy City Blues, White Collar Girl, What the Lady Wants and Dollface. She is also the author of Every Crooked Pot, a YA novel published in 2007. Renee lives in Chicago.