Overview

A captivating historical novel set in Gilded Age New York City about an immigrant daughter’s ascent from a miserable tenement to the heights of haute couture, driven by an insatiable hunger for a place in society and secrets she must not betray. When Rivkah Milmanovitch arrives at Ellis Island, her husband is not waiting for her as promised. Alone and pregnant, she makes her way to the Lower East Side tenement of an old friend. Lottie Aarons, whose husband went out for a newspaper and never returned, takes Rivkah in and they work side-by-side in dispiriting sweatshops. Rivkah gives birth to a daughter, Mimi, determined that her child will have a better life in America. Frederick Winthrop, slum landlord, lives in one of Fifth Avenue‘s sumptuous mansions—and preys on young girls. When he serendipitously meets fifteen-year-old Mimi, who dreams of silks, satins and velvets, imagines costumes and ball gowns, she is easily seduced, and her life takes an unexpected turn. To avoid scandal, the Winthrop family offers Mimi a rare opportunity. While Lottie, now a bookkeeper in the employ of the Winthrops, wisely advises her, Mimi knows exactly what she wants. But as she rises to international fame, she must struggle with the secrets of her past and protect those she loves. Part history, part romance, with a twist of gothic, The Winthrop Agreement is a spellbinding tale of a determined heroine who will entrance Bridgerton and all historical fiction fans.  

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9780063304086

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Reviews

“Simpson’s lush prose will envelop readers in the sights, sounds, and textures of the dance hall. . . . Fans of Jennifer Haigh and those welcoming a many-voiced, richly drawn experience will enjoy the poignant and emotional Ballroom.” — Booklist on Ballroom “Simpson is a master at creating realistic characters who are flawed . . . yet sympathetic. . . . Readers who enjoy seeing inside the hearts and minds of others will relish sharing the lives of Simpson’s creations.” — Kirkus Reviews on Ballroom “Well-crafted. . . . This touching debut captures the intricacies and the unexpected of personal relationships.” — Library Journal on Ballroom

Simpson's lush prose will envelop readers in the sights, sounds, and textures of the dance hall. . . . Fans of Jennifer Haigh and those welcoming a many-voiced, richly drawn experience will enjoy the poignant and emotional Ballroom. - Booklist on Ballroom Simpson is a master at creating realistic characters who are flawed . . . yet sympathetic. . . . Readers who enjoy seeing inside the hearts and minds of others will relish sharing the lives of Simpson's creations. - Kirkus Reviews on Ballroom Well-crafted. . . . This touching debut captures the intricacies and the unexpected of personal relationships. - Library Journal on Ballroom

Author Information

Alice Simpson is an accomplished visual artist who has a profound passion for dance. Ballroom is her first novel. She lives in South Pasadena, California.

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