All the Pretty Places: A Novel of the Gilded Age, by Joy Callaway — A Review

From the desk of Jayda Justus:  

A heartfelt coming-of-age story set in the beautiful gardens of Gilded Age mansions.

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

Rye, New York, 1893: Sadie Fremd dreams of taking over her family’s nursery catering to the large Gilded Age estates of business tycoons, but her overbearing father dismisses her desire to be part of the business. As the local economy goes bust, he believes the only way to secure Sadie’s future is to force her into a wealthy yet loveless marriage, ensuring a life of security but also complacency. She refuses to go along with his schemes, choosing instead to find new business for the now-struggling nursery in a unique way and to bring hope to the poor and downtrodden filling the town. Along with the man she loves but cannot have, Sadie finds a way to open the hearts of the townspeople to beauty, planting a seed that grows into hope for those who have lost everything. 

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MY THOUGHTS

Love Never Fails 

The love story between Sadie and Sam is sweet and romantic, a first love broken by the weighty expectations of society and family. I was rooting for them the whole book, even as they were torn apart by misunderstandings, and delighted in their close bond over the redemptive value of plants. Sam saw Sadie for the beacon of hope that she was to countless people, someone of value and worth outside of her looks and place in society. His constant, supportive presence was honorable and upstanding, just what Sadie needed among the frivolous and deceptive society matches made by her father.  

 Beauty Transforms Minds

This book is such a delight to read! I loved learning more about the nursery business in the Gilded Age and pictured huge gardens full of exotic plants and lush flowers from visits to mansions in Newport and The Biltmore while reading. I’d never thought about gardens transforming from something for only the wealthy at these palatial estates to public spaces available to all until this book. Sadie’s determination to provide access to peaceful gardens with fragrant blooms for all citizens uplifted those who were hopeless, a needed public service during tough times which we still recognize as important today. 

A True Story Close to the Author’s Heart 

The book is based on the author’s own family history, which I love (especially as an aspiring author who is writing about my own family!). I can only imagine Callaway’s joy in writing about her great-great-grandmother’s strength and power amidst the social constructs of the repressive late 19th century. What an amazing tribute to the real Sadie’s legacy, one that would make her most proud. Callaway’s writing exudes love for her subjects while crafting an illuminating tale of love, friendship, and the power of discovering your own voice. Knowing it’s a true story just makes it even more poignant!

5 out of 5 Stars

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WE RECOMMEND ALL THE PRETTY PLACES FOR THOSE WHO:

❤️ Like stories where women defy societal expectations to reach for what they want

❤️ Are fans of the HBO show, The Gilded Age

❤️ Want a sweet yet romantic love story in a relatively unknown time and place

❤️ Love to meander in the elaborate gardens of vast estates and want to learn more about how those gardens came to be

This book and its gorgeous cover would make a great gift for the special plant lover in your life, particularly paired with heirloom seeds or lovely new garden gloves. 

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BOOK INFORMATION

• All the Pretty Places: A Novel of the Gilded Age, by Joy Callaway
• Harper Muse (May 9, 2023)
• Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
• ISBN: 978-1400234400
• Genre: Biographical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction

AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

We received a review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cover image courtesy of Harper Muse © 2023; text Jayda Justus © 2023, austenprose.com, an Amazon affiliate.

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