An American Beauty

What made me want to read this book is that a true story inspires it. According to Wikipedia, Arabella Huntington was a philanthropist and, at one time, the wealthiest woman in the country.

The year is 1867, and Arabella is 17 years old and working in a gambling parlor. With the aftermath of the Civil War and its devasting impact on the South, she and her family are very poor and rely heavily on her income.

So when a railroad tycoon wants to court her, she realizes this is her chance to get herself and her family out of poverty. Collins Huntington is married but declares he can't live without her and offers to buy her an apartment near his Park Avenue residence. And so begins their lifelong affair. Each offers something lacking in the other. They do not hide their relationship, and they marry when Collin's wife dies.

Throughout their relationship, Arabella is savvy and, with Collin's help, purchases jewelry, real estate, and valuable art.

She is a fascinating woman to read about- she knows what she wants and goes after it. This book is excellent and perfect for those who love historical fiction, reading about the Gilded Age, or solid and determined women.