The author takes readers on a thrilling journey into the depths of the Gilded Age  in his latest masterpiece. With a career spanning the silver screen and  the realm of literature, Ari Newman's ability to captivate audiences with  his thought-provoking narratives and prophetic insights is unparalleled.  

Step back into the Gilded Age and immerse yourself in the  captivating story of the Vanderbilt family in the highly anticipated  Second Edition of Mrs. Vanderbilt.  This updated edition delves deeper into the lives of three young and  beautiful heiresses as they navigate the complexities of love,  birthright, and the expectations placed upon them by their families.

After  the death of Cornelius (Commodore) Vanderbilt, a fierce rivalry  unfolded between Alva Vanderbilt and Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, known  as Mrs. Astor. Determined to secure their place in high society, the  Vanderbilts, led by Alva, orchestrated a grand ball to challenge Mrs.  Astor's exclusivity. When news of the extravagant event reached Mrs.  Astor, Alva cleverly tricked her into accepting an invitation, forcing  her to acknowledge the Vanderbilts. This pivotal moment marked a shift  in power, breaking down Mrs. Astor's barriers and establishing the  Vanderbilts as influential figures in New York society. The rivalry  between these women reshaped the social landscape of the Gilded Age,  redefining the rules of elite circles.

Then in the summer of  1895, Newport, Rhode Island serves as the summer playground for the  American nobility. Gertrude, a twenty-year-old torn between her own  desires and her parents' insistence on a socially advantageous marriage,  finds herself caught between her true self and the expectations of her  prestigious lineage as a Vanderbilt.

Consuelo, Gertrude's first  cousin, faces a loveless marriage arranged by her mother, Alva  Vanderbilt, who hopes to elevate the family's status by securing a  European Duchess title. Alva believes that Consuelo's union with  England's Duke of Marlborough will rival the position of the reigning  Mrs. Vanderbilt and her rival, Mrs. Caroline Astor, in the hierarchy of  high society.

Meanwhile, Gertrude's brother Neily Vanderbilt has  harbored a lifelong love for Grace, a member of the House of Astor. Yet,  their families disapprove, fearing that marrying outside their social  circle will jeopardize their wealth, status, and power. Neily finds  himself torn between his duty to his family and the pursuit of his own  heart's desires.

Within the pages of this Second Edition, the  stories of these young women and their suitors unfold with gripping  intensity. As the matriarchs and patriarchs of the Vanderbilt and Astor  families manipulate their children's lives to achieve their own aims, a  clash between love and independence, and status and wealth becomes  inevitable. Witness their secrets, betrayals, and the choices they must  make as they navigate a world of privilege, tradition, and societal  expectations.

The Second Edition of Mrs. Vanderbilt is a  must-read for those captivated by the Gilded Age, fans of historical  fiction, and anyone fascinated by the complexities of love and ambition.  Immerse yourself in the opulent world of the Vanderbilts as they strive  to define their own paths amidst the pressures of a society ruled by  tradition and social hierarchy.

Unlike the 1st edition  (Out-of-Print in 2023) that was written in the 2nd person this Second  Edition is told through the 3rd person. It is a captivating tale of  ambition, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love. Will the young  heirs defy their parents' manipulations and forge their own destinies?  Find out in this gripping historical novel that will transport you to a  bygone era of elegance and intrigue.