An American Scandal
- Author Theresa Howes
- Narrator Kate Handford
- Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
- Publish Date 29 January 2026
- Run Time 11 hours and 5 minutes
- Format x-book®
- Genre Family life fiction, Historical fiction, Historical romance, Narrative theme: Love and relationships.
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What to expect
Lose yourself in this Gilded Age historical fiction, perfect for fans of Luisa A. Jones and Beatriz Williams. PRE-ORDER NOW.
‘Offers a glimpse into the lives and dilemmas of women in America’s Gilded Age … a clever reworking of Mansfield Park’ Luisa A. Jones
Newport, 1895. After failing to make a positive impression on New York’s ‘old money’, Madeline Crosby and her beloved brother and protector, Hugh, escape to their inherited summer house in Newport. As Hugh’s half-sister who spent most of her childhood in a brothel until her mother died – something society is unwilling to forgive – Beachlands is the fresh start Madeline desperately needs.
The siblings expand their social circle, making ‘new money’ acquaintances. Despite his good nature, Hugh is prone to flirting and Madeline captures the unwanted attention of the man whose family destroyed her mother and continues to exploit women.
As lines are crossed and reputations threatened, Madeline becomes determined to ignore her heart and fix the situation. But can she keep her tarnished past buried? And will she ever allow herself to love?
*****
‘This meticulously researched book is a delight for lovers of American historical fiction … Howes recreates the glittering world of polo, picnics and parties’ Imogen Martin
'A deliciously fresh take on Jane Austen's Mansfield Park set in Gilded Age New York and Newport. Socially conscious, intrepid, and soulful, Madeline is a heroine to root for!' Hope C. Tarr
Praise for Theresa Howes:
‘Truly gripping… I loved it’ Jill Mansell
‘I absolutely loved this… Vivid and heartbreaking’ Lana Kortchik
‘War, passion and tragedy unite in this atmospheric and moving tale’ S D Sykes
‘A wonderfully immersive, emotional read’ Annabelle Thorpe
'Achingly romantic with lashings of Gilded Age glamour.' Jessica Bull
Critics Review
'Offers a glimpse into the lives and dilemmas of women in America’s Gilded Age, when choices might be dictated by social class and reputation by the actions of a parent. With a satisfyingly romantic redemptive arc, this novel is a clever reworking of Mansfield Park, set nearly a century further forward in time but in a similarly status-conscious society’ Louisa A. Jones
n'The story cleverly draws on the family tensions of Mansfield Park and the mismatched lovers of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This meticulously researched book is a delight for lovers of American historical fiction, as Therese Howes recreates the glittering world of polo, picnics and parties’ Imogen Martin
n'A deliciously fresh take on Jane Austen's Mansfield Park set in Gilded Age New York and Newport. Socially conscious, intrepid, and soulful, Madeline is a heroine to root for!' Hope C. Tarr
n nPraise for Theresa Howes:n‘Truly gripping… I loved it’ Jill Mansell
n‘I absolutely loved this… Vivid and heartbreaking’ Lana Kortchik
n‘War, passion and tragedy unite in this atmospheric and moving tale’ S D Sykes
n‘A wonderfully immersive, emotional read’ Annabelle Thorpe
n'Achingly romantic with lashings of Gilded Age glamour' Jessica Bull
nMore from the same
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