About the Book
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?
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Guest Review from Donna
What I think you should know:
A Summer on Bellevue Avenue by Lorri Dudley is part of the Romance at Gilded Age Resort Series. The books are standalone. This book is set in Newport Rhode Island in the summer of 1895. It features heiress Amanda Klein and her suitor Wesley Jansen.
What I think about this book:
This was such an intriguing story. I always enjoy stepping back in time to read about such a romanticized era. Dudley is one of my go to authors so i did not hesitate when given the opportunity to read this book. It exceeded all of my expectations. Amanda was born into the world of the elite, but after scandal she was raised in a simple life by her governess. When she is thrust back into society she struggles to know who to trust. Wesley is determined to prove his innocence and above all his genuine love for Amanda, but when unknown forces are working against them it is an uphill battle. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more from the series and the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
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.
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.
Blog Stops
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 26
Devoted To Hope, January 26
Texas Book-aholic, January 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28
Sylvan Reads, January 28
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 30
Betti Mace, January 31
Alena Mentink, January 31
For Him and My Family, February 1
Simple Harvest Reads, February 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
An Author’s Take, February 2
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 3
Cover Lover Book Review, February 4
Blossoms and Blessings, February 5
Holly’s Book Corner, February 5
Life on Chickadee Lane, February 6
Pause for Tales, February 6
Connie’s History Classroom, February 7
Book Looks by Lisa, February 7
Lily’s Corner, February 8
She Lives To Read, February 8
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/299bf/a-summer-on-bellevue-avenue-celebration-tour-giveaway