msnyderk's review against another edition
5.0
I won this as an audiobook. Love Therese Anne Fowler’s book Z and was really looking forward to another book giving a different view of an historical and strong woman. This didn’t disappoint. I love the time period of the Vanderbilts and Fowler has a way of making a characters voice stay with you. Can’t wait to see what she writes next.
bookishlifeofabbyh's review against another edition
4.0
If I could give half stars, I would. I'd like to give this a 4.5 because I really enjoyed this book. I loved that Alva was real and honestly, I had no idea who she was before this. I want to make a road trip to Rhode Island and see The Breaker and Marble House. I am not one for Historical Fiction typically, but this was interesting!
daceymormont's review against another edition
2.0
Alva Vanderbilt was not this nice. Neither was Ward McAllister. DNF at 17%
olive515's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed Z, and wanted to love this one as well. However, for me it lacked depth in character development and in some ways storyline to the point that a few aspects became repetitive. Her struggle with Oliver, for example. How many times can she try to convince herself nothing is there while moping about it? Or her somewhat self righteous attitude. Took much longer to finish than most books because I didn’t much care what happened.
graciegilbear's review against another edition
4.0
Entertaining and historically bound this makes for an amazing read.
kem_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
lehc1984's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lbailey's review
5.0
This book had me down the Google rabbit hole thirsting for more on Alva, her family, and her life, and her work. What an interesting woman. I’m so glad Therese Anne Fowler chose to give Alva depth and purpose through this story, showing Alva was more than “sensationalized sound bites”. (Don’t miss the Author’s Note at the end. It’s the cherry on top of this fabulous book.)