Review: The Gilded Girl

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5. (4.5 stars)

Historical Fiction at Its Finest. This book is really a 4.5 rating. Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the advanced reader copy of this book.

The Gilded Girl is historical fiction perfection. This story completely swept me away, delivering twists I never saw coming, unforgettable characters, and an emotional journey that had me crying, cheering, and swooning all at once. The dual timelines are beautifully woven together, with strong connections that make every revelation even more satisfying. I loved seeing the different perspectives across time and how each storyline enhanced the other. There is so much happening in this novel, yet it never feels overwhelming. Grace and Zennor are exceptional female leads, and one of my favorite aspects of the book was its focus on female empowerment. These women are resilient, determined, and willing to forge their own paths despite the challenges they face. The vivid descriptions of Trelenna House and nineteenth-century America made it easy to become fully immersed in the story. The forbidden romance, heartbreaking misunderstandings, and unexpected plot twists kept me completely invested. Arthur's departure absolutely crushed me—I honestly wasn't sure how the story could recover. But the author masterfully redeemed the storyline in a way I never anticipated. The ending was filled with surprises and left me deeply satisfied. The audiobook deserves special recognition. The narration was fantastic and brought every character and emotion to life.

My only minor criticisms are that a few scenes felt slightly too sentimental, and the final 20 minutes lingered a bit longer than necessary. Even so, these are small issues in an otherwise outstanding novel. I didn't read the first book in the series, and I never felt lost or disconnected from the story, which speaks to how well this installment stands on its own. This book gave me all the feelings, and I can't wait for the third installment.