American Heiress

"The Last Dollar Princess is a skillfully-written and engaging historical novel about a unique young woman struggling against the constraints of society." -Sublime Book ReviewIt must be said. Scandal follows her family like an ever-faithful hound. No matter how hard they kick it away, it comes slinking around time-after-time. Although her relatives are obsessed with social position and the opinions of others, heiress India Elisabeth Petra De Vries Ledbetter is determined to live life by her own terms, family expectations and society's demands be damned.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 believe Mrs. Astor's old 400 are ready to overlook the past and that an advantageous marriage will cement their place in society once more. In fact, they have already selected the prospective bridegroom. The only problem? No one consulted India.With captivating insights into the human spirit and heart, The Last Dollar Princess leads us on a riveting quest for self-determination through the most elegant and glamorous settings of the early 20th century. Perfect for fans of Marie Benedict, Daisy Goodwin, and Julian Fellowes, this sweeping work of historical fiction will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

"Pennell expertly recreates early 1900s Britain through the life of an inspiring heroine and other fascinating characters. The story is a compelling portrayal of courage during chaos and war and enduring love that withstands distance and hardship." -Edith Wairimu, Readers' FavoriteYorkshire Dales, August 1913American heiress India, Lady Kilnsey, enjoys the very comfortable life of an English peeress in her husband's ancestral castle. She is deeply in love with her earl, and he adores her. Her inherited fortune provides a life that is elegant, happy, and peaceful, but ominous clouds are gathering across the Channel. The clang of rattling sabers can be heard throughout Europe. In a few short months, their lives are altered forever. Archduke Ferdinand is assassinated, and the world explodes in war bringing previously unimaginable changes to castle life and in India herself. With her husband amongst the first to volunteer, India is left to shoulder unexpected responsibilities, to deal with dangerous men, and to search desperately for something precious that is lost.Perfect for fans of Marie Benedict, Helen Simonson, and Julian Fellows, The American Countess continues India's story that began with the popular The Last Dollar Princess and takes readers on a journey of discovery, suspense, and resolution of a longstanding mystery. India's determination, courage, and strength make her a character not easily forgotten.