Review for The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe

 

The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe

Published:  August 26, 2025 by Avon

Genre:  Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Fantasy

 

Taken from Goodreads:  From USA Today bestselling author Joanna Shupe comes a spicy Anastasia story full of secrets and betrayal, set among the glittering streets of New York City's Gilded Age.

In 1880 a baby was stolen from the wealthiest family in America. Though no ransom was ever demanded, the Pendelton family never gave up hope . . . and their reward became the stuff of legend.

After being raised in a children’s asylum, Josie Smith ends up on the streets and quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her singing voice draws crowds on every corner, and she’ll stop at nothing to become famous and travel the world, loved and adored by all. Maybe then she won’t think about the family who gave her away as an infant.

Leo Hardy isn’t afraid to use his charm and wits to make a fast buck, especially with a mother and five siblings to support. When he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman singing on the street, Leo notices her striking resemblance to the infamous missing baby’s mother, Mrs. Thomas Pendelton. The Hardys lost everything thanks to the Pendeltons, and once Leo sees Josie, he seizes the opportunity to settle the score. All he needs to do is pull off the biggest swindle of his career.

As the two are catapulted into Knickerbocker High Society, they grow closer to their goal, as well as to each other. But secrets can only stay hidden for so long. Soon the truth unfolds, and both Josie and Leo must separate what’s real from what’s just gilding.

 

My Thoughts:  I have read quite a few historical fiction books.  The Gilded Heiress is a different type of historical fiction.  It is a story that I had never heard before.  It is a unique story of a stolen baby and parents who never gave up finding her.  The story of a young women set free from the children’s asylum and finding her way in life.

I quickly put together where the story was taking me.  There was no big surprises but the path taken entertained me the entire way through.  I enjoyed watching Josie find her way.   I wish there was a big twist or turn but the story was pretty matter of the fact, it was stated what was happening and it went there.  Josie was pretty easy going, she went along with whatever people told her without much push back.  I would have liked her to be stronger and more confident in herself. 

The Gilded Heiress is a fun and easy read.  

 

Thank you Avon for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

 

Add to your MUST-READ list on Goodreads

Purchase your own copy on Amazon

 

About the author (Taken from her website): A USA Today bestselling author, Joanna Shupe has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. Her books have appeared on numerous yearly “best of” lists, including Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Kobo, and BookPage. She lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and dashing husband. 

 

Praise for Joanna Shupe & THE GILDED HEIRESS:

 

“Historical romance fans will be thrilled to see another book by the queen of steamy Gilded Age stories.”

— Library Journal

 

“An appealing historical romance with enchanting touches.”

— Kirkus

 

               “Affable characters, sizzling romance, and a sparkling setting make this shine.”

— Publishers Weekly

 

“Swoon! With The Rogue of Fifth Avenue, Shupe continues to build on the sterling legacy she’s building for herself as a gifted weaver of glittering Gilded Age tales (complete with lots of nod to real historical figures), while also deepening the contemporary resonance of her themes.”

   — Entertainment Weekly