by Siri Mitchell
Bethany House Publishers
Clara Carter is dreading her debut into New York society. When she discovers she's to debut a year earlier than she'd expected, she is not happy. In 1891 the traditional age for young women to make an appearance as a debutante is 18. Despite the fact that Clara is only 17, her aunt and father think it necessary to enter society now in order to secure a marriage to Franklin De Vries, the heir to the coveted De Vries fortune.
Although well educated, Clara is far behind in the social skills necessary to debut, and a crash course ensues for everything from identifying which fork to use when to ballroom dancing. Clara begins a journey into society, one she is barely prepared for, yet one she realizes that she must embark on in order to preserve her family's honor. Her father and aunt care little for her true happiness, or that she find love in marriage. If she is well married, they believe, money will solve anything.
Clara is relieved to hear that her best friend Lizzie will debut as well. Lizzie has been looking forward to this ritual and promises to stand by Clara throughout the process. Clara learns that there are certain rules she must abide by to play the game right and win Franklin's favor. These rules include stepping on toes and potentially alienating Lizzie. Harold De Vries, Franklin's younger brother, becomes a key player in the game, too. Will he help Clara get what she's pursuing? Will Clara learn all the rules of the game or will she follow her heart's desire and marry for love?
Ms. Mitchell writes an intricate tale that entertains and warms the heart. I knew that society debutantes of the day were often their parents' puppets, marrying for wealth and prestige rather than love. I had no idea, however, of how extensive their training was with customs that sometimes endangered their health. My heart went out to Clara, and to those who had to endure what she did. I chafed, as she did, at the expectations and silly rituals undertaken to play this ridiculous game. I won't give the ending away, but I enjoyed this book thoroughly from beginning to end.
So tell me, what's on your summer reading list?
Happy reading!
Karen
