Mixed feelings. Loved India's character development; I liked Clarissa's complexity; Petra her character shift wasn't convincing enough nor was Charlie's love. I think India and Charlie were better as friends. It was very predictable and felt a little rushed. None of the 'love' felt natural/organic, but I suppose India's character makes up for it - I admire her strength. Overall, very Downton Abbey (India = Cora), though I prefer Robert over Charlie.

I enjoyed this novel set during the gilded age first in North Carolina, then in New York City and finally in England.

India the main focus of this story wants rights for women. Her mother and grandmother want to marry her into a British title. During this time young women were placed in marriages without any input of their own.

I don’t want to spoil the rest of the story but I enjoyed this different setting for historical fiction and you will too.

India Ledbetter wants to be in charge of her own life and dreams. However, her family has other plans. They plan to marry her to a nobleman. However, India does not want to marry him. India will do anything to stop her family from making their plans come to fruition. Will India marry the English lord or will she forge a path of her own choosing?

I adore India. She is a strong-willed woman. She is very rebellious and is determined to defy her family’s expectations and society. Therefore, it was fun to see how she tries to ruin her family’s plans. I also love her relationship with Charlie, her noble suitor. At first, they were not interested in each other. Later, they become friends and much more. They had a cute ‘will they or won’t they’ romance. Thus, their slow burn romance was the best aspect of the novel. It reminded me of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. Their romance was very sweet, charming, and satisfying. From the moment they met, I kept rooting for the two of them. I was not disappointed.

Overall, this novel is about love, social class, and family. Some characters were extremely annoying, especially India’s ambitious mother and grandmother. However, I did like the other characters. The story was very simple and is a straightforward romance. There were many historical details that I like in this novel, especially the Gilded Age and the coronation of George V. Thus, The Last Dollar Princess is a very captivating, light, and romantic read! For those that love historical romances, this is not a novel that you should miss! I guarantee you will not find this a disappointing read! I recommend this novel for fans of Shaye Muir, Roseanna M. White, and Jen Turano!

A historical fiction story about American Heiresses and the Gilded Age. India want to live her life on her terms. But, her family have other plans. Her mother who married a rich man is determined to be a part of New York society. Mrs. Astor thinks she her as a social climber and not a part of her exclusive circle. India marries a foreign aristocrat and her mother thinks that this will elevate their status in society. A well written account of these dollar princesses, their social climbing families and greed. The author gives the reader a glimpse into a life of India’s frustrating life.

Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for this review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was drawn to this book because years ago on a visit to England, I became fascinated by the stories of wealthy American young women who were basically "sold" to be brides to members of the English aristocracy who were in need of cash flow. This book was pretty well written, and I enjoyed the setting, but I struggled to stay interested. I think truth may have been more interesting than fiction in this case.

I highly recommend this book! A captivating story set in early 20th century, a time when women had little to say and control over their lives. Our main character, India, fights against her mother that is looking to sell her own daughter. India is determined to fight for her rights and seeks to find her own way in life.

This was a captivating and emotional read. We explore a time in history when wealthy American families were willing to sell their daughters for British titles and prestige. it speaks to a time when women had no say over what happened to them and were under the control of parents and husbands. Our heroine in this book supports women’s rights and is desperately seeking more independence, but her mother is still determined to sell her for a title.

I think this book puts a happier spin on the reality of that situation, and the loveless marriages these women were forced into so their families could buy prestige. However, it is still a well done and intriguing historical romance.

I received a free copy of this book from Black Rose Writing via Netgalley. My review is voluntary, and the opinions expressed on my own.

I ultimately dnf'd this book 10% of the way in as the story was not to my liking, the racism made me feel icky (although I understand individuals will say that was normal for the time but nonetheless made me feel awkward), the characters weren't interesting and I just couldn't get into the writing.

This book started out with a lot of promise; a family mystery, a power struggle, a obedient child becoming an independent woman. A lot of the plot lines could have been followed up with to make this a more intriguing story, but about half way through it started becoming more predictable. There was also a big issue with the spelling of the maid's name, even over the course of 2 pages I could see the maid's name as either Althea or Aletha and it was not consistent, so as a reader, I found that kind of irritating. I would love to see this story with maybe a different ending.

Dry and unemotional. I couldn’t get into this story. There wasn’t anything I felt that I could be interested into in the characters

This book has everything of the Edwardian era, really everything. It has been filled to the brim with the cliches of Edwardian life, so much so that it lacks story focus.

At the heart of all is a little girl trying to get out from under a controlling mother. Sprinkle in a marriage for money, a few big ships and family drama galore.
Of all the characters I like Althea, the maid, seeing it all from her perspective could have been better. The others were weak and shallow. India was annoying and lacking in any substance.

If you love everything Edwardian and need a little mindless, predictable fluff then this is the book for you.

Born into a wealthy family, India would prefer to stay at home, open a schoolhouse, and avoid the social obligation of a Gilded Age family. Instead, her mother and grandmother launch a plan to marry her into a titled family.

The plot of this book was fairly straightforward, there were not a lot of twists and turns. India was a bit boring, she tried to defy her parents and rail against her lot in life, but it all seemed lackluster. The characters seemed a bit stereotypical and most were hard to like. Overall 3 out of 5 stars.

1910 From the mountains of North Carolina to the glittering society of New York, I was captivated by the writing and story of India as she makes her way into society.

Her family wants her to make a society match, but she would rather be home in her beloved mountains. Luckily India has determination and feisty nature.

I love history and this is one of my favorite time periods. With the author's descriptions, you feel you are there. Highly recommend!

Pisgah, North Carolina - 1910

India Ledbetter, 10, loves the beautiful mountains of Pisgah where she has been raised. Her father, Robert, was also raised in this area and has built a very large home. He is the son and heir of Wall Street oil tycoon, Thomas Jefferson Ledbetter. Her mother, Petra, doesn’t like living there and prefers her hometown of New York. Her mother, Elizabeth ”Betsy” de Vries Van de Berg of New York, was once quite wealthy and part of the 400, but now she has fallen on hard times and depends upon Robert to fund her lifestyle. While living well on his wealth, she shuns him as he is considered part of the nouveau riche. Petra is taking India to New York for her first season. They are staying with her grandmother.

As India attends some soirees, she meets different men. Charles Westmorland 15th Lord Kilney is from the UK and suspected to be penniless. Another man, William Connor, Esq. is an attorney and India sneaks out to see him.

India’s mother is determined to “sell” her daughter off to the “highest bidder.” She has dreams of her marrying a Duke. Soon, India tires of her mother pushing her all the time and is determined to follow her own heart.

This is a very good book of the Gilded Age which is one of my favorite times in history to read about. Women are beginning to come into their own and are fighting for their rights to vote and do what they want in life. I liked India but there were times that she made me frustrated. That’s when I had to remind myself that she was only 19-20 years old. Her mother is a true “piece of work.” Oh, but India’s maid, Althea, is a lovely woman and my favorite character. It all seems historically accurate which makes this book one I am happy to recommend to readers.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book was okay. The storyline was a little too predictable and the dialogue was overly sappy. I struggled to get all the way through to the end.

Scandal has always followed heiress India Elisabeth Petra De Vries Ledbetter. Yet despite her relatives obsessing over their societal position, she is determined to live her life as she pleased. Reared away from the social whirl of Gilded Age New York, India would prefer a life of philanthropy in her native Appalachia, but Mother and Grandmama have far grander plans. They would like her to have an advantageous marriage that will ultimately cement their place in society. So they go about selecting a husband for India, without her knowledge.
Such great, well developed characters! The women in India’s life highlight societal expectations of early twentieth century young women and marriage. However, I loved how India had the courage and strength to determine her own life. This is a cleverly written book and well worth savouring.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Last Dollar Princess is set in the “Gilded Age”, when wealthy American “new money” heiresses were often married to struggling British aristocrats – the money brought to the marriage would save crumbling ancestral homes, whilst the heiress would get a “fast pass” into high society and secure her family’s position amongst the great & good.
India Ledbetter is 18 years old, and the product of a marriage of convenience - her father comes from “new money” (of slightly dubious origins) and her mother from “old money” New York society. Her parents married for the money that her father would bring to the family, and it has not been a happy marriage. India has grown up in North Carolina, away from “society” and loves nothing more than being in the countryside with her devoted father. Her socially ambitious mother takes India to New York to participate in “the season” and launch her daughter onto the marriage market in the hopes that she will make a very fortuitous marriage. Unfortunately India’s grandmother is not the well-respected society hostess that she thinks she is, and she is snubbed by the “old money” families that she considered her “equals”.
Charles Westmorland (Charlie) is the 15th Lord Kilnsey who is in New York staying with his sister (married to a successful businessman) to search for a “dollar princess” who could bring some much needed money to bailout his ancestral estate. He is still harbouring affection for a local farm-girl that he has had a brief dalliance with, and not really interested in marriage but knows that he must bow to societal demands.
Charlie seems smitten but has not declared his love. Charlie, is introduced and is cool towards India, but his family has decided that “she is to be the one.” India is not open to the pursuit of a relationship with Charlie. But the two find a compatible friendship and alliance to support one another against each other's family. Tragedy will strike and plans will change as India's mother finds she has more power, but so does India when things do not go her way. India will become her own person and show a strength to all that will surprise even herself.
The two are introduced and neither is interested in the other, but they do become friends and the relationship between them progresses in a believable fashion evolving realistically into a friendship/alliance that helps them both through the tedium of the coming months. They support each other as they battle against their families and what society expects from them.
The author cleverly weaves a storyline that could change direction at any moment and whilst there is an assumption that they will eventually “fall in love and live happily ever after”, it is not guaranteed and there are moments when you will be left wondering what will happen next. The ending of the book does leave some unanswered questions, not least what really happened to India’s paternal grandmother – there is definitely room for a sequel!

The author captures the gilded age well, with evocative descriptions and historical touches whilst the characters are interesting and well rounded. Neither Charlie or India are perfect, they are headstrong, flawed and neither wants the situation they have found themselves in. I liked that their actions are sometimes unexpected yet never unbelievable. I found myself wanting more of India’s father, and less of her arrogant and quite frankly snobbish mother & grandmother. Their characters were domineering, but came across as quite harsh and did not seem to show any love or care for India. She was simply a pawn in their game.
The book will appeal to readers of historical fiction, particularly those with some knowledge of the Gilded Age and/or “Dollar Princesses”.

4.5 stars! The Last Dollar Princess is the story of India Ledbetter, the only daughter and heiress of a father who comes from “new” money and a mother from “old money” New York society. India grows up in North Carolina on a huge estate, and away from the society her mother was raised in, but as India comes of age at the end of the Gilded Age, her mother takes her to NYC to participate in the season, and find her a titled husband from across the pond, who is worthy of the daughter of old society. The problem is that India wants no part in NYC, society, or finding a husband. In spite of her mother’s best laid plans, the family soon find out that scandal has followed them and has turned Mrs. Ledbetter’s plans sour. Meanwhile, India just wants to return to her mountain home, her father, and her horse. Will she find a husband suitable for her free-spirited character?

This was a well written and engaging story. The characters leapt off the page and I couldn’t wait to see where the story took India. I enjoyed the clash between old and new money. The only thing that bothered me, was that at the beginning of the book, every time a British man said something, it started with “I say”. It was a bit tedious. But, if you loved Downton Abbey, or the Gilded Age, you will enjoy this story.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Controlled with an iron fist by her stepmother and grandmother, India grows up in North Carolina where her stepmother wants her to be titled. Her father moved to North Carolina to get away from the oppressive status seekers. Meanwhile, the stepmother takes her to every society ball she can muster to expose India to the elite of both American and English society. Her substantial dowry is the bait.

Charles Kelnsey is looking for a bailout for his ancestral estate. His title attracts her stepmother and so the tale expands. Charlie, as he prefers to be called, is attracted to India, particularly because of her large inheritance. The courtship lags as India realizes that she is a bargaining chip for her stepmother. At nineteen years old she is beginning to rebel against the intrigues that hobble her life. Charlie seems smitten but has not declared his love.

A trip to Kelnsey manor discloses an 18th century castle without running water, proper electricity nor indoor toilet facilities. Additionally, Charlie is still carrying a torch for a woman he met before India. The story is well developed with a satisfactory ending and marvelous character development. Enjoy! 4.5 stars CE Williams

The Last Dollar Princess is fabulous story about wealthy daughters being married off to save titled well born families in England that have mismanaged their own wealth. All too often we have heard and read of this type of alliance. Some marriages were successful and some were not. India is the product of a family with unsuccessful marriages. As a result her mother and grandmother are bitter snobs that are overly critical of those they deign beneath them. India was well and truly loved by her father. With her fathers support she goes on a trip with her mother for her coming out to society. Knowing she is a tool for her mother and grandmother to show off for society she is resistant to making it easy for them. Unfortunately society has a surprise for them when the most affluent do not show for her coming out ball. Embarrassed from the "cut" they head home.

Charlie, is introduced and is cool towards India, but his family has decided that “she is to be the one.” India is not open to the pursuit of a relationship with Charlie. But the two find a compatible friendship and alliance to support one another against each other's family. Tragedy will strike and plans will change as India's mother finds she has more power, but so does India when things do not go her way. India will become her own person and show a strength to all that will surprise even herself.

This is a wonderful story of a era gone by. It is a time period that most cannot relate. I love the story of India and Charlie. Each has so much to overcome before they can find a deep and abiding love.