The Gilded Heiress: A Novel

by Joanna Shupe Narrated by Eva Kaminsky, Aaron Shedlock

Overview

From USA Today bestselling author Joanna Shupe comes a spicy Anastasia story full of secrets and betrayal, set among the glittering streets of New York City's Gilded Age.

In 1880 a baby was stolen from the wealthiest family in America. Though no ransom was ever demanded, the Pendelton family never gave up hope . . . and their reward became the stuff of legend.

After being raised in a children's asylum, Josie Smith ends up on the streets and quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her singing voice draws crowds on every corner, and she'll stop at nothing to become famous and travel the world, loved and adored by all. Maybe then she won't think about the family who gave her away as an infant.

Leo Hardy isn't afraid to use his charm and wits to make a fast buck, especially with a mother and five siblings to support. When he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman singing on the street, Leo notices her striking resemblance to the infamous missing baby's mother, Mrs. Thomas Pendelton. The Hardys lost everything thanks to the Pendeltons, and once Leo sees Josie, he seizes the opportunity to settle the score. All he needs to do is pull off the biggest swindle of his career.

As the two are catapulted into Knickerbocker High Society, they grow closer to their goal, as well as to each other. But secrets can only stay hidden for so long. Soon the truth unfolds, and both Josie and Leo must separate what's real from what's just gilding.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A strong finish to a strong-willed Gilded Age series…The book is also notable for showing a different side of Manhattan, as Nellie’s mother was an Irish maid and her family in Hell’s Kitchen is central to the story. Historically accurate details, especially surrounding the battle for information about birth control in the 1890s, round out this resonant tale.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) on The Duke Gets Even

“Joanna Shupe vividly evokes 1890s New York, from glamorous restaurants to a Bowery boxing hall to the original Madison Square Garden.” — New York Times Book Review on The Rogue of Fifth Avenue

“Swoon! With The Rogue of Fifth Avenue, Shupe continues to build on the sterling legacy she’s building for herself as a gifted weaver of glittering Gilded Age tales (complete with lots of nod to real historical figures), while also deepening the contemporary resonance of her themes.” — Entertainment Weekly

“Shupe’s well-loved Fifth Avenue Rebels series returns with a very saucy friends-with-benefits story. As ever, her command of historical details enlivens the story as much as her command of intimate ones… The Mrs. Astor of Gilded Age romances provides another smart and sexy read.” — Kirkus Reviews on The Bride Goes Rogue

“Shupe (the Uptown Girls series) opens her Fifth Avenue Rebels series with this effortlessly diverting Gilded Age romance... [Harrison and Maddie’s] sexual chemistry and dynamic banter, especially during intimate moments, convey an alluring blend of love and playfulness. This character-driven historical romance is sure to delight.”  — Publishers Weekly on The Heiress Hunt

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160590424
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	03/25/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged