The American Adventuress: A Novel by C. W. Gortner
No one writes bright, bold, bad, and beautiful women of history like C.W. Gortner, and he outdoes himself with his latest heroine: Jennie Jerome, American heiress, royal mistress, and mother of Winston Churchill. The American Adventuress shines on every page with Jennie's irrepressible thirst for adventure, love, and everything else life has to offer! - Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose CodeThe story of Jennie Jerome Churchill, mother of Winston, a New York born heiress who always lived life on her own terms.Daughter of New York financier Leonard Jerome, Jennie was born into wealth - and scandal. Upon her parents' separation, her mother took Jennie and her sisters to Paris, where Mrs. Jerome was determined to marry her daughters into the most elite families. The glamorous city became their tumultuous finishing school until it fell to revolt. Fleeing to Queen Victoria's England, Jennie soon caught the eye of aristocrat Randolph Spencer-Churchill, son of the Duke of Marlborough, one of Britain's loftiest peers. It was love at first sight, their unconventional marriage driven by mutual ambition and the birth of two sons. Undeterred by premature widowhood or society's rigid expectations, Jennie brashly carried on a lifelong intimate friendship with Edward, Prince of Wales - a notorious bon vivant - and had two later marriages to younger men.
- Author - C. W. Gortner
- Publisher - HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date - 09-20-2022
- Page count - 384
- Paperback
- Adult
- Fiction
- Product dimensions - 7.8 W x 5.3 H x 1 D
- ISBN-13 - 9780063035805
Web ID: 14966475
American Sass Meets 19th Century Rich Brits
During the 19th century, it became acceptable (if not exactly fashionable) for titled but impoverished British aristocrats to marry American heiresses, to help shore up their dwindling fortunes and stately historical homes. (Think Downton Abbey) In exchange, these heiresses received entrée into the privileged upper class world of royals, dukes and duchesses, and “old money.” THE AMERICAN ADVENTURESS is a novel about the first wealthy American woman to make such a marriage, the fascinating Jennie Jerome. Daughter of American financier Leonard Jerome, Jennie was raised in New York City amid Mrs. Astor’s 400. Later, with her mother and sisters, Jennie traveled in Europe, to provide the finishing touch to an elite education. It was there she met Lord Randolph Churchill, the second son of the 7th Duke of Marlborough. Sparks flew and despite family objections and financial hassling — the two eventually married. Ultimately becoming the parents of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his younger brother Jack. Jennie’s strong-willed, non-conforming American spirit was bound to clash with the restrictive nature of Victorian England. Which is exactly what makes her life and this novel so interesting. She flaunts so many of the “rules” of society, scandalizing friends and relatives. But somehow never losing status. And along the way provides some extraordinarily worthwhile and patriotic services. The book chronicles Jennie’s life from childhood until her death in 1921. It’s entertaining to read how her spirit and confidence face off against traditional British formality. And it’s just plain run to read a book that takes the reader deep inside the world of English politics, class, boarding schools, military service, even royal infidelity.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Intriguing little-known fiction...
Many thanks to partners BiblioLifestyle and William Morrow Books for this gifted review copy! I am under no obligation to write a review, but I am happy to do so! I just LOVE discovering little known history from historical fiction novels! Who knew Winston Churchill's mother was and American woman from Brooklyn?! This novel was absolutely fascinating, and I enjoyed Mr. Gortner's portrayal of a feisty lady who definitely made waves! There was so much detail in this novel and quite a bit of scandal for the time. If you're looking to learn a wealth of knowledge about a lady who was ultimately responsible for the success of one of the most influential people in Great Britain's history, this is the novel for you!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Good but not as good as I wanted it to be
I enjoy historical fiction. I enjoy books about lesser known historical figures. I'm a fan of the Gilded Age. I liked this book, unfortunately I wanted to love it. Jennie Jerome Churchill was the mother of Winston Churchill, and he was a product of a mishandled prophylactic, or at least that's what this book suggests! I certainly never knew that!! I understand the times were different then, but who leaves their firstborn child with their mother-in-law, when she didn't even like her? The beginning of this saga was just so slow for me. Did I really need all the information about her life as a young girl? It seemed to go on forever. When we got to the 'good stuff' it was just OK. Her dalliances with the nobility were interesting and truthful if one has read anything about her. I guess I just wanted to LIKE her better. The book was informative and I did do some searches to find out more details of her life, her husband's death, and what happened to her other child. For that reason, I think this is a worthwhile 3.5 to 4 star read. It made me think, but I still didn't love it.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A must read for historical fiction fans
This is the first book that I have read by C.W. Gortner and found it to be well written and it was brilliantly narrated by Ell Potter. Before listening to this book I didn't know anything about Jennie Jerome or that she was the mother of Winston Churchill. By the end of the first chapter I was enthralled with the story and couldn't wait to find out what Jennie would do next. She was strong willed even in her youth and did not lose this trait throughout her life. She was definitely a woman who lived life to the fullest and was ahead of her times in many ways. This is a must read for fans of historical fiction that feature real life characters. I received a complimentary copy of this audio book from Harper Audio through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fantastic
TITLE: The American Adventuress AUTHOR: CW Gortner PUB DATE: 09.20.2022 Now Available Alluring Captivating Scandalous The American Adventuress is a the story of Winston Churchill’s mother Jennie Jerome Churchill who is an American, an heiress, and a force to be reckoned with. She lived a bold life, and a passion for life and love. Written as a memoir, The American Adventuress highlights an important woman in historical fiction that influenced one of the most iconic leader of the free world, Winston Churchill. I love historical fiction novels written like this that is historically accurate yet so much fun and intriguing to read. Well done!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com