Hello Friends
Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of, Gilded Dreams by Donna Russo Martin, which is being hosted by HFBT!
@DonnaRussoMorin @hfvbt
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GILDED DREAMS
BY DONNA RUSSO MORIN
Publication Date: June 16, 2020
Magnum Opus
Paperback & eBook; 495 pages
Series: Newport’s Gilded Age, Book 2
Genre: Historical Fiction
From the bestselling author of GILDED SUMMERS comes a powerful novel of the last eight years of the American Women’s fight for suffrage.
The battle for the vote is on fire in America. The powerful and rich women of Newport, Rhode Island, are not only some of the most involved suffragettes, their wealth – especially that of the indomitable Alva Vanderbilt Belmont – nearly single-handedly funded the major suffrage parties. Yet they have been left out of history, tossed aside as mere socialites. In GILDED DREAMS, they reclaim their rightful place in history.
Pearl and Ginevra (GILDED SUMMERS) are two of its most ardent warriors. College graduates, professional women, wives, and mothers, these progressive women have fought their way through some of life’s harshest challenges, yet they survived, yet they thrive. Now they set their sights on the vote, the epitome of all they have struggled for, the embodiment of their dreams.
From the sinking of the Titanic, through World War 1, Pearl and Ginevra are once more put to the test as they fight against politics, outdated beliefs, and the most cutting opponent of all… other women. Yet they will not rest until their voices are heard, until they – and all the women of America – are allowed to cast their vote. But to gain it, they must overcome yet more obstacles, some that put their very lives in danger.
An emotional and empowering journey, GILDED DREAMS is a historical, action-packed love letter to the women who fought so hard for all women who stand on the shoulders of their triumph.
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound
Gilded Dreams by Donna Russo Martin
The Journey to Suffrage
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Gilded Summers (Newport’s Gilded Age Book 1)
Gilded Dreams Newport’s Gilded Age Book 2
The Fight for The suffrage rights of women,
the battle to have our voices heard, began in earnest on July 19, 1848.
It would be a 72 year journey.
This is the tale of the last eight years.
-Donna Russo Martin
This second installment in Newport’s Gilded Age Series. From the previous book the Gilded Summers, we met Ginevra, who immigrated from Italy, and Pearl, a debutante’s daughter.
The story opens up with the devastating news of the sinking of the Titanic, April of 1912. Socialite Pearl Worthington Wright entire family was among the long list of souls lost aboard the ocean liner called the “Unsinkable Ship”
Pearl’s heartbreak is deep, especially since she had not reconciled with her mother. Upon the reading of her parents will, some key information comes to light. Questioning everything, Pearl and those around her are caught off guard when she is notified that since she was a married woman thelaws about inheritance did not allow married women to have control over their estates,
This means that all money and property goes into your husband’s hands to do as he sees fit, which is to say once you are married you become invisible.
This strikes a cord deep within Pearl. With a determined mind Pearl, along with her dearest friend Ginevra, seek to learn more about the gross injustice that is leaved on women. In a late fall day they take a brave step, and attend one of Ava Alma Vanderbilt Belmont, suffrage meetings.
This powerful Newport socialite Alma Vanderbilt Belmont, was one the driving forces in the suffrage movement in Newport, and most important financial benefactor within the Suffrage movemWith her money and status she was a force to be reckoned with. This meeting that Pearl and Ginevra attend ignites a fire that takes the two friends and those fighting the good fight as they meet head on the resistance from the ”Antis” who stone-walledthe movement given every when chance they can. The “Antis”movement also included the very woman that would eventually come to benefit when given the the right to vote.
As the story unfolds it takes the friends and movement through the devastating WW1, where woman began to fill the roles that once where held by men.
Still they are not given a voice, but continue unrelenting to protest and demand equality. Even to the point of violence and horrible mistreatment the protesters endure as they are jailed and beat during the Night of Terror.
An impeccable historical fiction that will ultimately transports he reader to a middle of pivotal time in history. Seamless narration that gives the reader two distinctive points of view. Wonderful character development and vibrant historical imagery. The pace flows perfectly and the historical people along with the author imaginative characters are stunningly portrayed.
An inspiring story that reminds us that the ability to vote as women was a fight for many long years. That came from those individuals who had the unwavering courage to make a stance against inequality. Through their voices and blood and tears we are able to stand up and cast a vote. As women we are not invisible, we have a voice.
This is incredible moving thought provoking book, that reminds us that the ability to vote as women was a fight of blood and tears form many years.
This book reminds us to look how far we have come and how far we still need to go for justice.
Alva Smith Vanderbilt Belmont
Suffragists on picket line in front of the White House, circa 1917. One banner reads: “Mr. President How Long Must Women Wait For Liberty”.
From the Library of Congress
Alva Belmont (1853-1933)
Often referred to as “Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont” in suffrage literature, wealthy New Yorker Alva Belmont was the most important financial benefactor among the leaders of the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage (CU) and its successor organization, the National Woman’s Party (NWP). Her 1895 divorce from William Vanderbilt, the grandson of mogul Cornelius Vanderbilt, brought her a personal fortune, along with Marble House, the Vanderbilt summer mansion in Newport, Rhode Island.
For More important information click the link below
https://www.history.com/news/night-terror-brutality-suffragists-19th-amendment
Donna Russo Morin is an award-winning historical fiction author. Donna has dabbled as a model and actor, working on Showtime’s Brotherhood and Martin Scorsese’s The Departed. Branching out with her storytelling skills, Donna is now a screenwriter. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Donna lives on the south shore of Rhode Island close to the ocean she loves so very much. She is the proud mother of two sons, Devon and Dylan, her greatest works in progress.
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Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, August 10
Review at Books, Cooks, and Looks
Wednesday, August 12
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Friday, August 14
Review at Books, Writings, and More
Saturday, August 15
Review at Reading is My Remedy
Monday, August 17
Review at Amy’s Booket List
Wednesday, August 19
Review at Book Bustle
Friday, August 21
Guest Post at The Intrepid Reader
Monday, August 24
Review at Books and Zebras
Tuesday, August 25
Feature at What Is That Book About
Wednesday, August 26
Review at The Love of Books
Friday, August 28
Interview at Passages to the Past
Monday, August 31
Review at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, September 2
Excerpt at Bookworlder
Friday, September 4
Review at A Darn Good Read
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of the book + a painting of a scene from the book painted by the author! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.
Giveaway is open to US residents only and on September 4th. You must be 18 or older to enter.