"The Second Mrs. Astor" by Shana Abé

The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe
Call Number: FICTION Abe
Told in rich detail, this novel of sweeping historical fiction will stay with readers long after turning the last page. Madeleine Talmage Force is just seventeen when she attracts the attention of John Jacob "Jack" Astor. Madeleine is beautiful, intelligent, and solidly upper-class, but the Astors are in a league apart. Jack's mother was the Mrs. Astor, American royalty and New York's most formidable socialite. Jack is dashing and industrious-a hero of the Spanish-American war, an inventor, and a canny businessman. Despite their twenty-nine-year age difference, and the scandal of Jack's recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love-and becomes the press's favorite target. On their extended honeymoon in Egypt, the newlyweds finally find a measure of peace from photographers and journalists. Madeleine feels truly alive for the first time-and is happily pregnant. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard an opulent new ocean liner. When the ship hits an iceberg close to midnight on April 14th, there is no immediate panic. The swift, state-of-the-art RMS Titanic seems unsinkable. As Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, he assures her that he'll see her soon in New York... Four months later, at the Astors' Fifth Avenue mansion, a widowed Madeleine gives birth to their son. In the wake of the disaster, the press has elevated her to the status of virtuous, tragic heroine. But Madeleine's most important decision still lies ahead- whether to accept the role assigned to her, or carve out her own remarkable path.

Social Class and Society:
- How does the novel depict the rigid social hierarchy and class distinctions of Gilded Age New York?
- Discuss the expectations and pressures placed on Caroline Astor as a member of the elite upper class.
Characterization of Caroline Astor:
- Analyze the portrayal of Caroline Astor as a character. What aspects of her personality are highlighted in the novel?
- How does Caroline navigate the challenges and responsibilities that come with her social status?
Marriage and Relationships:
- Explore the theme of marriage in the novel. How does Caroline's marriage to William Astor shape her life and social standing?
- Discuss the dynamics of other relationships in the book and their impact on characters.
Women's Roles in Gilded Age Society:
- Consider the role of women in Gilded Age society as depicted in the novel. How do societal expectations influence Caroline and other female characters?
- Are there instances of resistance or challenges to traditional gender roles?
Power and Influence:
- Examine the sources of power and influence in Gilded Age society. How does Caroline Astor wield her influence, and what are the consequences of her actions?
- Discuss the portrayal of power dynamics within the elite social circles.
Evolving Social Landscape:
- Explore how the social landscape evolves throughout the novel. What changes or shifts occur in Gilded Age New York society during Caroline Astor's life?
- Consider the impact of historical events on the characters and their world.
Conflict and Rivalries:
- Discuss the conflicts and rivalries presented in the novel. How do characters navigate social tensions and competition within their circles?
- Analyze the motivations behind characters' actions and decisions.
Legacy and Historical Significance:
- Reflect on Caroline Astor's legacy. How is she remembered in history, and what lasting impact did she have on Gilded Age society?
- Consider the broader historical context and the novel's portrayal of the Gilded Age era.
Writing Style and Narrative Choices:
- Analyze Shana Abe's writing style and narrative choices. How does the author bring the historical setting to life, and what techniques contribute to the storytelling?

John Jacob Astor IV

John Jacob Astor IV, a prominent figure during the Gilded Age, was a businessman, investor, inventor, writer, and a victim of the Titanic disaster. Here is a brief timeline of John Jacob Astor IV's life:

1864: Birth: John Jacob Astor IV is born on July 13, 1864, in Rhinebeck, New York, as the great-grandson of John Jacob Astor, the founder of the Astor family fortune.
1888: Marriage to Ava Lowle Willing: Astor marries Ava Lowle Willing, and the couple has two children, Ava Alice Muriel Astor and John Jacob "Jakey" Astor V.
1890s: Business Ventures: Astor engages in various business ventures, including real estate development, and becomes known for his entrepreneurial activities.
1902: Divorce and Remarriage: Astor divorces Ava Lowle Willing and, in the same year, marries socialite Madeleine Talmage Force.
1910: Writing Career: Astor publishes a science fiction novel titled "A Journey in Other Worlds: A Romance of the Future," where he explores futuristic concepts and technological advancements.
1911: Birth of Son: Madeleine Talmage Force gives birth to John Jacob "Jakey" Astor VI in August.
1912: Titanic Disaster: Astor boards the RMS Titanic with his pregnant wife Madeleine. He perishes in the sinking on April 15, 1912, after helping his wife onto a lifeboat. His body is later recovered.
1913: Posthumous Birth: Madeleine Talmage Force gives birth to their son, John Jacob "Jakey" Astor VI, posthumously.

John Jacob Astor IV's life was marked by wealth, innovation, and tragedy. His legacy is often associated with his business ventures, his diverse interests, and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his death on the Titanic.

Madeleine Talmage Force

Madeleine Talmage Force was known for her association with the prominent figures in history, particularly as the second wife of John Jacob Astor IV. Here is a brief timeline of Madeleine Talmage Force's life:

1893: Born in Brooklyn: Madeleine Talmage Force is born on June 19, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York.
Early 20th Century: Growing Up: Madeleine grows up in a period marked by societal changes and the emergence of the Gilded Age in the United States.
Early 1910s: Meeting John Jacob Astor IV: Madeleine Talmage Force meets John Jacob Astor IV, a wealthy businessman and member of the prominent Astor family.
1911: Sinking of the Titanic: On April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic sinks after hitting an iceberg. Madeleine, who was 18 at the time, survives the disaster, while her fiancé, John Jacob Astor IV, tragically perishes.
1912: Birth of Son: After the Titanic tragedy, Madeleine discovers that she is pregnant with John Jacob Astor IV's child. She gives birth to a son, John Jacob "Jakey" Astor VI, in August 1912.
1916: Remarriage: Madeleine Talmage Force marries William Karl Dick, a childhood friend, in 1916. They have two children together.
1963: Death: Madeleine Talmage Force Dick passes away on March 27, 1963, in Palm Beach, Florida, at the age of 69.

Madeleine Talmage Force's life was significantly shaped by the events surrounding the sinking of the Titanic and her relationships, including her marriage to John Jacob Astor IV. The tragedy of the Titanic and her subsequent life, including her remarriage and family life, add layers to her personal history.

Shana Abé is an American author known for her work in the romance and fantasy genres. Here is a brief biography of Shana Abé based on information available up to that point:

Birth: Shana Abé was born in Texas, USA.
Writing Career: Shana Abé is a prolific author with a focus on romance and fantasy novels. She is particularly known for her romantic fantasy series and historical romances.
Debut Novel: Shana Abé gained attention with her debut novel, "The Smoke Thief," which was published in 2006. The novel is the first book in the Drákon Series, a fantasy romance series featuring shape-shifting drákon characters.
The Drákon Series: Shana Abé's Drákon Series includes several novels that blend fantasy, romance, and historical elements. The series explores the lives of the drákon, a secretive and magical race with the ability to transform into dragons.
Other Works: In addition to the Drákon Series, Shana Abé has written other novels, including historical romances and stand-alone fantasy works. Some of her works incorporate elements of fairy tales and folklore.
Writing Style: Shana Abé is known for her lyrical and imaginative writing style, which often transports readers to richly detailed and fantastical worlds. Her novels often feature strong heroines and intricate plots.
Awards and Recognition: Shana Abé's books have garnered positive reviews and earned her recognition in the romance and fantasy genres. While she may not be as widely known as some mainstream authors, she has a dedicated readership.
Series and Stand-Alone Novels: In addition to her series, Shana Abé has also written stand-alone novels, showcasing her versatility as an author.

The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott
Call Number: FICTION Alcott
Tess, an aspiring seamstress, thinks she's had an incredibly lucky break when she is hired by famous designer Lady Lucile Duff Gordon to be a personal maid on the Titanic's doomed voyage. Once on board, Tess catches the eye of two men, one a roughly-hewn but kind sailor and the other an enigmatic Chicago millionaire. But on the fourth night, disaster strikes. Amidst the chaos and desperate urging of two very different suitors, Tess is one of the last people allowed on a lifeboat. Tess's sailor also manages to survive unharmed, witness to Lady Duff Gordon's questionable actions during the tragedy. Others--including the gallant Midwestern tycoon--are not so lucky. On dry land, rumors about the survivors begin to circulate, and Lady Duff Gordon quickly becomes the subject of media scorn and later, the hearings on the Titanic . Set against a historical tragedy but told from a completely fresh angle, The Dressmaker is an atmospheric delight filled with all the period's glitz and glamour, all the raw feelings of a national tragedy and all the contradictory emotions of young love.
The Other Windsor Girl by Georgie Blalock
Call Number: Fiction Blalock
Diana, Catherine, Meghan...glamorous Princess Margaret outdid them all. Springing into post-World War II society, and quite naughty and haughty, she lived in a whirlwind of fame and notoriety. Georgie Blalock captures the fascinating, fast-living princess and her "set" as seen through the eyes of one of her ladies-in-waiting. In dreary, post-war Britain, Princess Margaret captivates everyone with her cutting edge fashion sense and biting quips. The royal socialite, cigarette holder in one hand, cocktail in the other, sparkles in the company of her glittering entourage of wealthy young aristocrats known as the Margaret Set, but her outrageous lifestyle conflicts with her place as Queen Elizabeth's younger sister. Can she be a dutiful princess while still dazzling the world on her own terms?
The Address by Fiona Davis
Call Number: FICTION Davis
Sara, a servant in 1884 is given the opportunity to move to America and manage the grand New York apartment house, The Dakota. It offers her a world of possibility, including being close to the Dakota's famous architect, Theo. A hundred years later in 1984, interior designer Bailey is fresh out of rehab and is tasked with helping her cousin redesign her apartment in the famous Dakota. Once there, Bailey learns all about the building's history, including its architect Theo, and the mad woman named Sara who stabbed him to death.
The It Girls by Karen Harper
Call Number: FICTION Harper
They rose from genteel poverty, two beautiful sisters, ambitious, witty, seductive. Elinor and Lucy Sutherland are at once each other's fiercest supporters and most vicious critics. Lucy transformed herself into Lucile, the daring fashion designer who revolutionized the industry with her flirtatious gowns and brazen self-promotion. And when she married Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon her life seemed to be a fairy tale. But success came at many costs--to her marriage and to her children...and then came the fateful night of April 14, 1912 and the scandal that followed. Elinor's novels titillate readers, and it's even asked in polite drawing rooms if you would like to "sin with Elinor Glyn" Her work pushes the boundaries of what's acceptable; her foray into the glittering new world of Hollywood turns her into a world-wide phenomenon. But although she writes of passion, the true love she longs for eludes her. But despite quarrels and misunderstandings, distance and destiny, there is no bond stronger than that of the two sisters--confidants, friends, rivals and the two "It Girls" of their day.
A Net for Small Fishes by Lucy Jago
Call Number: FICTION Jago
When Frances Howard, beautiful but unhappy wife of the Earl of Essex, meets the talented Anne Turner, the two strike up an unlikely, yet powerful, friendship. Frances makes Anne her confidante, sweeping her into a glamorous and extravagant world, riven with bitter rivalry. As the women grow closer, each hopes to change her circumstances. Frances is trapped in a miserable marriage while loving another, and newly-widowed Anne struggles to keep herself and her six children alive as she waits for a promised proposal. A desperate plan to change their fortunes is hatched. But navigating the Jacobean court is a dangerous game and one misstep could cost them everything.
The Seeing Garden by Ginny Kubitz Moyer
Call Number: FICTION MOYER
It's 1910, and Catherine Ogden is aching to live a creative and meaningful life. That's not easy to do when her aunt and uncle--and all of New York society--consider a good marriage to be the pinnacle of feminine achievement. But when Catherine visits Oakview, the Northern California estate of handsome bachelor William Brandt, she thinks that it might be possible to satisfy her family's hopes as well as her own. In that beautiful place, she finds the promise of a new start and the opportunity to use her artistic gifts in designing the garden. But as Catherine is drawn into William's hidden life, as well as the secrets of his estate staff, she discovers that Oakview holds both more opportunity and more risk than she ever imagined. It will take all her courage--and the lessons of some shocking revelations from the past--to choose the path that leads to real freedom. Full of rich period detail and complex characters, and set against an unforgettable backdrop, The Seeing Garden explores what it takes for a woman to discern the path to her most authentic life.
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
Call Number: FICTION Pataki
Presidents have come and gone, but she has hosted them all. Growing up in the modest farmlands of Battle Creek, Michigan, Marjorie was inspired by a few simple rules always think for yourself, never take success for granted, and work hard-even when deemed American royalty, even while covered in imperial diamonds. Marjorie had an insatiable drive to live and love and to give more than she got. From crawling through Moscow warehouses to rescue the Tsar's treasures to outrunning the Nazis in London, from serving the homeless of the Great Depression to entertaining Roosevelts, Kennedys, and Hollywood's biggest stars, Marjorie Merriweather Post lived an epic life few could imagine. Marjorie's journey began gluing cereal boxes in her father's barn as a young girl. No one could have predicted that C. W. Post's Cereal Company would grow into the General Foods empire and reshape the American way of life, with Marjorie as its heiress and leading lady. Not content to stay in her prescribed roles of high-society wife, mother, and hostess, Marjorie dared to demand more, making history in the process. Before turning thirty she amassed millions, becoming the wealthiest woman in the United States. But it was her life-force, advocacy, passion, and adventurous spirit that led to her stunning legacy. And yet Marjorie's story, though full of beauty and grandeur, set in the palatial homes she built such as Mar-a-Lago, was equally marked by challenge and tumult. A wife four times over, Marjorie sought her happily-ever-after with the blue-blooded party boy who could not outrun his demons, the charismatic financier whose charm turned to betrayal, the international diplomat with a dark side, and the bon vivant whose shocking secrets would shake Marjorie and all of society. Marjorie did everything on a grand scale, especially when it came to love. Bestselling and acclaimed author Allison Pataki has crafted an intimate portrait of a larger-than-life woman, a powerful story of one woman falling in love with her own voice and embracing her own power while shaping history in the process.
The Social Graces by Renée Rosen
Call Number: Fiction Rosen
In the glittering world of Manhattan's upper crust, where wives turn a blind eye to husbands' infidelities, and women have few rights and even less independence, society is everything. The more celebrated the hostess, the more powerful the woman. And none is more powerful than Caroline Astor. But times are changing. Alva Vanderbilt has recently married into one of America's richest families. But what good is money when society refuses to acknowledge you? When it carries on just as it has done for generations? Alva, who knows what it is to have nothing, will do whatever it takes to have everything. Sweeping three decades and based on true events, this gripping novel follows these two women as they try to outdo and outsmart each other at every turn.
A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams
Call Number: FICTION Williams
As the freedom of the Jazz Age transforms New York City, the iridescent Mrs. Theresa Marshall of Fifth Avenue and Southampton, Long Island, has done the unthinkable: she's fallen in love with her young paramour, Captain Octavian Rofrano, a handsome aviator and hero of the Great War. An intense and deeply honorable man, Octavian is devoted to the beautiful socialite of a certain age and wants to marry her. While times are changing and she does adore the Boy, divorce for a woman of Theresa's wealth and social standing is out of the question, and there is no need; she has an understanding with Sylvo, her generous and well-respected philanderer husband. But their relationship subtly shifts when her bachelor brother, Ox, decides to tie the knot with the sweet younger daughter of a newly wealthy inventor. Engaging a longstanding family tradition, Theresa enlists the Boy to act as her brother's cavalier, presenting the family's diamond rose ring to Ox's intended, Miss Sophie Fortescue--and to check into the background of the little-known Fortescue family. When Octavian meets Sophie, he falls under the spell of the pretty ingénue, even as he uncovers a shocking family secret. As the love triangle of Theresa, Octavian, and Sophie progresses, it transforms into a saga of divided loyalties, dangerous revelations, and surprising twists that will lead to a shocking transgression . . . and eventually force Theresa to make a bittersweet choice.