{"product_id":"gilded-summers-9780578506388","title":"Gilded Summers","description":"\u003cp\u003eTwo girls, Pearl and Ginevra, grow up in the singular moment known as the Gilded Age in Newport, Rhode Island--one lives above the stairs, the other below. These two young women must decide who they want to be in this world, and survive what it takes to get there...even if it includes murder.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSurrounded by Astors and Vanderbilts, Pearl fills her days with teatime and shallow friendships, yearning for something more. A chance meeting with Mary Cassatt sparks in her a secret desire to be an artist, a \"new\" woman. Meanwhile Ginevra, fresh off the boat from Italy, finds her own dreams out of reach as she joins the unwelcoming household as a servant and seamstress.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKindred souls, the girls become fast friends but must keep their friendship hidden from Pearl's controlling and social-climbing mother. Each summer, they meet in a hidden spot beneath the weeping beeches to talk of art and life, their struggles to break the barriers of their lives, and to draw inspiration from the writings of Lucy Stone. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut before long, the realities of adulthood begin closing in on them. Accepting a \"suitable\" marriage proposal, Pearl tries her best to fit into her new role, while Ginevra begins to harbor feelings of jealousy and resentment. The two young women must decide who they want to be in this world, and survive what it takes to get there...even if it includes murder.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGoing behind the fa ade of this glittering era, \u003cem\u003eGilded Summers\u003c\/em\u003e is a gripping, richly detailed story of friendship, prejudice, and life-altering choices. The novel will appeal to fans of \u003cem\u003eDownton Abbey\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eRusso Morin, Donna:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - Donna Russo Morin is the internationally published author of eight award-winning historical novels including Da Vinci's Disciples Trilogy: PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY (hailed by B\u0026amp;N as one of '5 Novels that get Leonardo da Vinci Right'), THE COMPETITION (EDITOR'S CHOICE, HNS Review), THE FLAMES OF FLORENCE, and GILDED SUMMERS, an Amazon Bestseller. Other titles include The King's Agent, (starred review: Publishers Weekly) and The Courtier of Versailles (formerly The Courtier's Secret). Recently Donna has spread her genre wings; ONCE, UPON A NEW TIME: BIRTH, the first in a medieval fantasy trilogy released on February 15, 2019. A professional editor\/consultant for over twenty-five years, her work spans more than 40 manuscripts. She holds a BA in Communications and an A.A. in English Literature. Donna teaches at adult learning centers and for Writer's Digest University. As a model\/actor, her appearances include Showtime's Brotherhood and Martin Scorsese's The Departed. Her sons-Devon, an opera singer; and Dylan, a chef-are still, and always will be, her greatest works. www.donnarussomorin.com","brand":"Donna Russo Morin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50626559607058,"sku":"9780578506388","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_79c7a05c-cc88-4508-907f-42c584116a6a.jpg?v=1732661431","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/gilded-summers-9780578506388","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}