An American Scandal
Published on 29. January 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
352 pages
978-0-00-866688-0 (ISBN)
Description
Lose yourself in this Gilded Age historical fiction, perfect for fans of Luisa A. Jones and Beatriz Williams ... 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
'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
Reviews / Votes
'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'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
'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
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 128 mm
Width: 198 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
244 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-00-866688-0 (9780008666880)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
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Person
Theresa Howes lives in London with her husband and Claude, a larger than average cat. When she isn't writing or reading, she enjoys seeing how many more plants she can cram into her tiny London garden, walking, and putting the world to rights over a gin and tonic.