The Social Graces

was no longer vital, no longer so important. It was inevitable. It happened to everyone, sooner or later. The elders, who should have been revered, sought out for their knowledge and experience, instead were pushed into corners, forgotten and invisible to those whose time had come. But for now, surely Caroline was at her peak. No longer riddled with self-doubt, apologizing for who and what she was. She wished she could stop time, stay in this spot forever.



Yes, William had a reputation, and if Augusta knew about his latest lapse, others were already talking. If there was one thing Caroline detested, it was gossip. She imagined the matrons strolling down Bellevue Avenue saying, If it weren't for her pedigree, he never would have married her.



William Backhouse Astor Jr. was still a handsome man. Though slightly balding now, he had large brown eyes and that lovely horseshoe mustache that called attention to his cleft chin. Caroline knew she was no beauty, having inherited her grandfather's square jaw and prominent nose, but what those society ladies didn't know was that no matter how many women caught William's eye, no matter how many he'd take up with, she would be the one he'd come back to. Every time. Always.



She heard footsteps and turned to see Emily standing in her bedroom. She seemed tentative, even skittish. A random noise in the hallway had just made her jump, and that made Caroline forget about her headache and all that had caused it.



"What is it? What's wrong?"



"Nothing," said Emily, her fingers reaching for her necklace, touching each peridot, every emerald. Knowing Emily, she was adding up the number of gemstones in her head. Some people related to the world in terms of words or colors, maybe sounds or music. For Emily it was math. She'd look at a wheel and focus on the number of spokes. A bouquet translated into the number of flowers, sometimes down to the number of petals. Before her second birthday she had learned t

utterly charming pages, not always sure which of these majestic women I should be rooting for.
Stephanie Dray, New York Times Bestselling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette

Both an intimate portrait of two intriguing women and a sweeping depiction of Gilded Age society. Rosen s characters leap off the page with vivid description and poignant emotion. Richly detailed and meticulously researched historical fiction readers will love The Social Graces!
Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Train to Key West
 
"Meticulously researched and absolutely absorbing, The Social Graces chronicles the eye-popping extravagances and catty magnificence of the brassy nouveau riches who fought to seize control of high society during the Gilded Age. 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

By turns tender and devastating, this beautifully written novel kept me in thrall to the end.
Kerri Maher, author of The Girl in White Gloves
 
Renée Rosen at her finest! Pulling back the curtain on the blood-sport world of Gilded Age high society, Rosen s captivating story of rivals Alva Vanderbilt and Caroline Astor shows what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.
Bryn Turnbull, author of The Woman Before Wallis

Renée Rosen s The Social Graces is a fascinating 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 of Courage 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 York s 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 women s fiction fans.
Lauren Margolin, The Good Book Fairy