The Wedding Veil

(Paperback)

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This masterfully wovenliterary home run (New York Journal of Books) follows four women across generations, bound by a beautiful wedding veil and a connection to the famous Vanderbilt family from the New York Times bestselling author of the Peachtree Bluff series.

Four women. One family heirloom. A secret connection that will change their livesand history as they know it.

Present Day: Julia Baxters wedding veil, bequeathed to her great-grandmother by a mysterious woman on a train in the 1930s, has passed through generations of her family as a symbol of a happy marriage. But on the morning of her wedding day, something tells her that even the veils good luck isnt enough to make her marriage last forever. Overwhelmed, she escapes to the Virgin Islands to clear her head.

Meanwhile, her grandmother, Babs, is also feeling shaken. Still grieving the death of her beloved husband, she decides to move into a retirement community. Though she hopes its a new beginning, she does not expect to run into an old flame, dredging up the same complicated emotions she felt a lifetime ago.

1914: Socialite Edith Vanderbilt is struggling to manage the luxurious Biltmore Estate after the death of her cherished husband. With 250 rooms to oversee and an entire village dependent on her family to stay afloat, Edith is determined to uphold the Vanderbilt legacyand prepare her free-spirited daughter Cornelia to inherit itdespite her familys deteriorating financial situation. But Cornelia has dreams of her own, and as she explores more of the rapidly changing world around her, shes torn between upholding tradition and pursuing the exciting future that lies beyond Biltmores gilded gates.

In the vein of Therese Anne Fowlers A Well-Behaved Woman and Jennifer Robsons The Gown, The Wedding Veil is a sparkling, fast-paced joy of a book that celebrates love, family, and the right to shape ones own destiny (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author).

Reviews

Praise for THE WEDDING VEIL
"Masterfully woven...[a] literary homerun.This split-time narrative will delight readers of both contemporary and historical novels. As with all her books, Harveydeliversher trademark glamour and lighthearted spirit, all while weaving in fashion, architectural design, and the dramas that play out in daily life.Its a delightful, well-shaped novel that leaves readers with a burst of joy in the end.And who knows Readers may even close the book believing that with a little magic, a family may be able to survive all the hardships to create their own little happy ever after."New York Journal of Books

"Bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harveywill undoubtedly knock this out of the park."Zibby Owens, Katie Couric Media

"The author easily switches between the time periods to locate momentous events in the characters lives and connect each story line with the veil at the center. Harvey, ever a fine storyteller, manages to keep the pages turning."Publishers Weekly

"Finding inspiration in the true story of Edith Vanderbilt and her mysteriously disappeared wedding veil, Harveyintertwines a veil's generations-spanning journey, the lives of the women who wore it, and the strength required to remove the veil and follow one's heart instead."Booklist

"The author ofthePeachtree Bluffseries brings her signature warmth and Southern charm to this story aboutfour women across generations that are bound by a beautiful wedding veil and a connection to the famous Vanderbilt family. Like sweet tea, Woodson Harvey's writing coats your soul with heart."E! Online

"Connecting the early days of the Vanderbilt dynasty in 1914 to a panicked family in present day American south,The Wedding Veilis an awe-inspiring novel."Brit & Co

"From Asheville, N.C., to the British Virgin Islands, and from Manhattan to Raleigh, four women across the generationsall of them shaped by love and circumstancefind a way to summon their inner strength against the odds. A delightful, glamorous fairy talelaced with a slice of history, a bit of fashion, and a lot of Harvey's signature wit and warmthfor those of us who know that 'happily ever after' only arrives after we've learned to stand on our own."Kristin Harmel,New York Timesbestselling author ofThe Forest of Vanishing Stars

"Woodson Harveys latest is a knockouta perfect blend of historical fiction (two generations of Vanderbilts and their iconic North Carolina mansion) and modern love (a runaway bride and her grieving grandmother). Her masterful intertwining of the storylines makes for a read thats both sweeping yet incredibly intimate, with perfect pacing and characters who surprised at every turn. I didnt want it to end."Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author ofThe Magnolia Palace

Kristy Woodson Harvey seamlessly intertwines the past and present in a multi-generational tale as elegant and charming as the elusive Vanderbiltveil itself. Through an exploration of love, family, and identity,The Wedding Veilguided me on a heartfelt journey brimming with endearing characters and delightful twists. I absolutely loved it.Kristina McMorris,New York Timesbestselling author ofSold on a Monday

"Kristy Woodson Harvey weds history and modern day into a fascinating and astonishing marriage. With Harveys signature charming and heartfelt prose, The Wedding Veil explores love in all its dazzling facets across four generations and two families.Seeking answers to the extraordinary mystery of the Vanderbilts lost heirloom, Harvey unveils the past to bring truth to the future. Including an unrivaled and elegant Biltmore setting, The Wedding Veil is enchanting, surprising and Harvey at her story-telling best.Patti Callahan,New York Timesbestselling author ofBecoming Mrs. Lewis

"Kristy Woodson Harvey expertly weaves together the mystery of the missing Vanderbilt wedding veil with the stories of four incredible women, all searching for their independence, their purpose, and ultimately their happiness. Told with her signature wit and warmth,The Wedding Veilis as glittering as the women at the heart of it!"Julia Kelly, international bestselling author ofThe Last Garden in England

"Kristy Woodson Harveys entre into historical fiction is breathtakingly charming.While Harvey has been a major player in contemporary womens fiction for a number of years, her historical voice, her research, and her elegant prose earn her a place of respect in this new genre as well. A beautifully told story that is sure to be one of the years best."Aimie K. Runyan, bestselling author of The School for German Brides

"[A] sweet, multiperiod saga...Harvey treats her subjects with gentle care, smoothing their trials with wisdom and hope. With its lavish central symbol and peek into Vanderbilt history,The Wedding Veilhas a strong, sentimental allure."Historical Novel Society

Author Bio

Kristy Woodson Harvey is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, including The Wedding Veil, Under the Southern Sky, and The Peachtree Bluff series, which is in development for television with NBC. A Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills school of journalism, her writing has appeared in numerous online and print publications, including Southern Living, Traditional Home, USA TODAY, Domino, and O. Henry. Kristy is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize. Her books have received numerous accolades, including Southern Livings Most Anticipated Beach Reads, Parades Big Fiction Reads, and Entertainment Weeklys Spring Reading Picks. Kristy is the cocreator and cohost of the weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction. She blogs with her mom, Beth Woodson, on Design Chic, and loves connecting with fans on KristyWoodsonHarvey.com. She lives on the North Carolina coast with her husband and son where she is (always!) working on her next novel.