This novel is a family saga, following the lives of a New York financier, Fred Praeger III and his family. Praegers Bank has been the family legacy for generations but Fred's son, Baby, takes no interest in carrying on the tradition. He is a reckless playboy who shirks responsibility and although his sister Victoria shows more potential, she is not given the option to go into banking. While making a name as a successful interior designer, Victoria meets Alexander, Earl of Caterham and the two marry. Soon, she learns there are secrets about her husband that she cannot understand. The American banking heiress begins to fear she will never figure out the British aristocrat who seems more enchanted by his palatial country estate, Hartest, than he does with his growing family. The couple have three children over the years but oddly enough none of them belong to Alexander. When these secrets come to a head, many family members are affected and as a result forced to deal with circumstances that forever alter their lives.
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Best part of story, including ending:
I really liked this story because of the dramatic plot twists. There are so many connections between the family members and friends of the family. In addition, there are many conflicts surrounding the estate of Fred Praeger III which makes for intense reading. I never wanted to put this book down.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene is when Victoria and Alexander arrive in Italy for their honeymoon. It is such a beautiful hotel overlooking the city and an endless sea. I loved the majesty of this scene because the setting made up for Victoria's disappointment in her new passionless husband.
Opinion about the main character:
I liked how Victoria had everything; born into wealth, married into it and was generally surrounded by loving people, but she was still unhappy. This character was believable and moving, effectively conveying human issues do not go away based on what might seem to be ideal circumstance. This character was both inspirational and tragic.
