Gilded Age Glamour

I love a good historical fiction book, so I decided to give “A Summer on Bellevue Avenue” a read. This was my first foray into Dudley’s writing, and let me tell you, it was like being whisked away to another era.

From the moment I cracked open the book, I was transported to the upscale world of Newport, Rhode Island, with its sprawling mansions and bustling society scene. Dudley’s descriptive flair brought every detail to life, from the opulent surroundings to the intricacies of high society etiquette.

Heart of the Story

But beyond the glitz and glamour, the heart of the story lies in the tumultuous journey of Amanda Mae Klein and Wesley Jansen. Their love story is far from smooth sailing, fraught with scandal and danger that kept me turning pages late into the night.

What I appreciated most was Dudley’s ability to craft characters that felt real and relatable. Amanda and Wesley’s struggles felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. Their journey challenged their beliefs and tested their love, making for a truly gripping read.

As someone who loves a good historical romance, “A Summer on Bellevue Avenue” ticked all the boxes for me. It’s a story of love, betrayal, and redemption that resonates long after the final page is turned. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or simply looking for a captivating read, I highly recommend giving this book a try.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

A Summer on Bellevue Avenue is on Tour with Celebrate Lit.

Book: A Summer on Bellevue Avenue

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre: Christian historical romance

Release Date: January 9, 2024

In the world of the elite, reputation is everything…

Wealthy heiress Amanda Mae Klein is set to marry the man she loves, Wesley Jansen—the only person she trusts to help ease her anxiety among the social climbers of high society. Until the daughter of a union boss falls down a flight of stairs at Wesley’s office in the middle of the night…and the woman claims Wesley pushed her.

Seeking solace from the growing scandal, Amanda flees to the mansion-dotted seaside of Newport. Wesley follows to disprove the rumors and win back the trust of Amelia and her father. But soon, Amanda finds not only her social status but her life at risk. As dire events pit the two against each other, will their love find a way to survive?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts, with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone-filled household.

More from Lorri

Moguls, Millionaires, and Midas

Imagine parties where the dining guests could dig through a sand centerpiece for rubies, diamonds, sapphires, and other precious stones to take home as party favors. Or celebrating elaborate pet birthdays, where dogs are seated around a formal dining table and served liver, rice, and cake. Fancy dining on horseback as guests eat while riding. At the mention of the Gilded Age in Newport, Rhode Island, Robin Leach’s voice naturally pipes in my head, “These are the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”

Imposing wrought iron gates, expansive manicured lawns and gardens, and opulent French chateaus or Italian palazzos—the summer “cottages” of Newport’s famous self-made moguls of America’s Gilded Age stir the imagination and leave us wondering if we glimpsed a bit of what heaven may look like. What was accomplished, built, and achieved still impresses, and I had oodles of fun researching the era and its eccentric society walkers.

Old Money and New Money

One of my favorite stories regarding the elites was the rivalry between “old money” Caroline Astor and “new money” Alva Vanderbilt. Legend has it that Caroline Astor frowned upon the Vanderbilts and did much to prohibit the new money Vanderbilts from having true social standing. Alva Vanderbilt concocted a plan to pry her way into old-money elitism by planning a fabulous costume party with all the who’s who of New York’s knickerbockers. Alva personally delivered Mrs. Astor’s invitation, and when Mrs. Astor refused to receive her, Alva Vanderbilt rescinded Caroline Astor’s daughter, Carrie’s, invitation. Hearing she was uninvited to the event, Carrie bent her mother’s ear and got her to acquiesce. Caroline Astor formally visited Alva Vanderbilt and attended the costume party, solidifying the Vanderbilt’s arrival into high society.

Living a little over an hour from Newport, I’ve toured many of the mansions and hiked the cliff walk along the luxurious shoreline. It was during one of these tours that the plot idea struck for Summer on Bellevue Avenue and the romance between two Gilded sweethearts torn apart by scandal was born.