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She Walks In Beauty

3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 · rating details · 2,642 ratings · 415 reviews

For a young society woman seeking a favorable marriage in the late 1890s, so much depends on her social season debut. Clara Carter has been given one goal: secure the affections of the city's most eligible bachelor. Debuting means plenty of work--there are corsets to be fitted, dances to master, manners to perfect. Her training soon pays off, however, as celebrity's spotli...more

Paperback, 392 pages

Published April 1st 2010 by Bethany House

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Dec 22, 2012 Gaile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 19th-century, emery-s-2012-challenge-gaile-kenne, gilded-age, rhfl-2012-challenge

I admit some readers may find this boring. I am fascinated with the gay nineties. As a result I found this novel mesmerizing!
Clara Carter's mother died when she was ten. She then became close to her governess, Miss Miller but when her father's sister moved in, Miss Miller was kicked out. Clara wants to go to Vassar. Her aunt informs her she is to have a season and entice the DeVries heir into marrying her. Clara has no idea how to entice, how to dance, how to use her fan, how to flirt. She cons...more

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Mar 02, 2011 chanceofbooks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-read

EDITED--This is free on Kindle right now (3/2/11)--Snatch it up! This haunting, lovely tale was timeless and worthy of Austen-eque comparisons. It's ostensibly billed as Christian Historical, but I would more accurately describe it as YA historical as it's the 17 year old first person narrator who defines the book. It's a "sweet" book with none of the steamy stuff found in more mainstream regencies, but it really doesn't suffer from the lack of it at all and any "Christian" elements are extremel...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Kaye rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2011, historical-inspy-romance

After being somewhat disappointed with one of Mitchell's previous historicals (which was more because of my expectations and not her beautiful writing), because I enjoyed her writing style so much I wanted to try another one of her books. And I'm so glad I did. She Walks in Beauty takes a non-gilded look at what's known as the Gilded Age in America. Mitchell slowly peels away the layers of comfort and unawareness of the young heroine and allows her (and thus the reader) to see that not everythin...more

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Jan 21, 2013 Natalie rated it 3 of 5 stars

This came highly recommended by my sister. It was enjoyable but I am now thinking twice about using my free Amazon Prime rental for the month on it. The author did a great job of creating the story within the time period of high-society New York in the 1890's and it was quite entertaining and low stress to read about the debutantes of the day and their trivial problems. Learning more of the health risks of the necessary corset of these young girls was quite an eye opener, especially such common...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I picked up this book I wasn't sure if I was really in the mood for it since I figured it would just be "another romance." Especially because I feared it might be a cheesy Christian romance. But I was pleasantly surprised. The book dealt a lot with the challenges of daily life for the middle-upper class women of the 1890s in New York. I loved that this fictional piece brought to life so many startling and sad facts about society back then, and how it illustrated a truth that still rings tru...more

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Nov 21, 2012 Saskia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kurzbeschreibung:
Clara ist gerade mal 17 Jahre alt und soll schon in den New Yorker Kreisen um 1890 debütieren. Sie selbst interessiert sich jedoch eher für Musik, Gedichte und Menschenrechte als für Tänze, Bälle und der dazugehörige Glamour. Doch da eine Frau damals nicht viel zu entscheiden hatte, begab Clara sich in die Hände ihrer Tante, um ihr Debüt zu feiern und spätestens ein Jahr später verheiratet zu sein. Aufgrund vorangegangener Geschehnisse, muss sich Clara auch noch einem bestimmte...more Kurzbeschreibung:
Clara ist gerade mal 17 Jahre alt und soll schon in den New Yorker Kreisen um 1890 debütieren. Sie selbst interessiert sich jedoch eher für Musik, Gedichte und Menschenrechte als für Tänze, Bälle und der dazugehörige Glamour. Doch da eine Frau damals nicht viel zu entscheiden hatte, begab Clara sich in die Hände ihrer Tante, um ihr Debüt zu feiern und spätestens ein Jahr später verheiratet zu sein. Aufgrund vorangegangener Geschehnisse, muss sich Clara auch noch einem bestimmten Erben zuwenden, damit die Familienehre wieder hergestellt werden kann. Doch das Herz der jungen Frau schlägt ganz bald für jemand anderen...

Meine Meinung:
Die Geschichte rund um Clara, ihr Debüt und die Vorkommnisse wurden aus der Ich-Perspektive erzählt. Diese Sichtweise wurde von Siri Mitchell klug angewandt, da ich die Gefühle der Protagonistin nachempfinden konnte und den Eindruck hatte, als sei Clara eher eine gute (Buch-)Freundin als nur ein Charakter.

Außerdem beschrieb die Autorin die damaligen Umstände des New Yorkes und der jungen Frauen um 1890 sehr authentisch. Die einzige Bestimmung: Eine elegante junge Frau werden, debütieren, sich einen reichen Mann angeln und heiraten. Zwar war es hier schon so, dass man nicht geschockt war, wenn eine Frau, hier also Clara, intelligent erschien. Dennoch werden die Meinungen und das Wissen der Damen belächelt. Außerdem war New York gerade wieder im Aufschwung - Firmen wurden gebaut, Häuser errichtet. Doch zu welchem Preis? Der, der Migranten. Das hat Siri Mitchell ebenso eingebaut. Zwar etwas personifiziert, indem sich eben Clara mit dem Thema auseinander gesetzt hatte, aber ich fand es schön, dass es nebst der schillerenden Seite der Bälle auch eine dunkle gab, so war die Geschichte ausgeglichen und thematisch breiter gestrickt.

Die Charaktere waren wunderbar ausgearbeitet, sei es nun Clara, ihre Tante, ihr Vater oder die Gentlemen, die die junge Frau bezirzen sollte. Clara war anfänglich etwas naiv, schüchtern und beugte sich dem Willen anderer. Doch im Verlauf der Geschichte wurde sie selbstbewusster. Das ist einer der netten Nebeneffekte, dass sie auf Bällen umgarnt wurde. Doch Clara suhlte sich nicht im Dasein einer Debütantin, sondern begann auch Hinterfragungen aufzustellen. Auf welchen Kosten strebt der Stern New York gen Himmel, wieso kann eine Frau nicht selbst entscheiden, wen sie heiratet und ist die Welt der Debütantinnen wirklich so aufregend? Clara's Tante war augenscheinlich eine verbitterte ältere Dame, die zwar Ahnung von den hohen Kreisen der Gesellschaft hatte, aber überhaupt keine Empathie besitzt. Sie kann sich nicht in die Lage anderer versetzen, hat ihr eigenes Ziel und quält damit auch ein bisschen Clara. Doch auf der anderen Seite hatte ich den Eindruck, dass sie sich auch wünschte, wenigstens ein kleines Stück wie ihre Nichte zu sein. Nicht, nochmal debütieren zu können, sondern ihren Gedanken und Wünschen freien Lauf zu lassen. Franklin de Vries ist der junge Erbe, den sich Clara zuwenden soll. Auch er wurde wunderbar ausgearbeitet. Ein verwöhnter, gut aussehender junger Mann, der weiß, was er hat und kann. Genau das stellt er gerne zu Schau. Er ist aber keineswegs absolut eingebildet, in ihm steckt ein sehr guter Kern. Doch Geld verwöhnt und macht zu sehr selbstbewusst und das spiegelte sich in diesem Charakter wider.

Die Geschichte an sich, war wunderschön, auch wie sie sich entwickelte. Sprachlich ist "Der erste Ball der Clara Carter" auch etwas für mich. Die altertümliche Sprache, das etwas hochgesteckte, stets siezen, selbst wenn der erste Kuss heimlich geraubt wurde und vieles mehr. Das lässt mich schnell in die Welt des Buches abtauchen. Doch leider gab es Stellen, die extrem langatmig und thematisch oft wiederkehrten. So gab es beispielsweise Partien, in denen Clara ihrem eigentlich Herzbuben nachweinte, da sie mitbekommen hattw, dass er einer anderen Dame eher zugewandt war. (Was sie allerdings falsch verstanden hat, was sich im Nachhinein herausstellt) Zu oft waren dann diese Monologe, in denen Clara mit sich selbst diskutierte und sich versuchte, diesen jungen Mann auszureden. Ein paar Dialoge zwischen Tante und Nichte waren auch ein bisschen überflüssig. Das ganze tat dem Lesegenuss zwar an sich keinen Abbruch, aber ich war das ein oder andere Mal verführt, gewisse Stellen zu überspringen.

Fazit:
Bei vorangegangenen Rezensionen habe ich gelesen, dass die Geschichte ein schöner Lesegenuss sei, für die (vor-) weihnachtliche Zeit. Der Meinung bin ich nicht. Denn "Der erste Ball der Clara Carter" ist einfach zeitlos. Zu jederzeit sollte bzw. kann man sich der Geschichte annehmen und verweilt während der Lesezeit in dem aufstrebenden New York um 1890, debütiert mit einer unglaublich tollen Clara und lässt sich von ihrem Handeln anstecken. (less)

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Nov 19, 2012 Hillari Delgado rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

Siri Mitchell's 'She Walks in Beauty' has been widely praised. I am afraid I must offer the contrarian view, not because I dislike 'Beauty' but because it could have been so much more. I sense Mitchell's creative expression has been constricted by editorial dictates as her characters were constricted by their corsets.

Christian publishing still struggles with the concept of 'Christian Romance.' Indeed, it was not too long ago that fiction in general was regarded with suspicion as 'lies' at worst,...more Siri Mitchell's 'She Walks in Beauty' has been widely praised. I am afraid I must offer the contrarian view, not because I dislike 'Beauty' but because it could have been so much more. I sense Mitchell's creative expression has been constricted by editorial dictates as her characters were constricted by their corsets.

Christian publishing still struggles with the concept of 'Christian Romance.' Indeed, it was not too long ago that fiction in general was regarded with suspicion as 'lies' at worst, or as an idle waste of time at best. We see that bedrock unease today in Christian Romance's tendency to lecture, educate and exhort. Books read as entertainment have Discussion Guides. Fiction must, somehow, be 'improving.'

In the case of 'She Walks in Beauty,' our heroine Clara is a brilliant scholar who dreams of attending college. She becomes aware of the plight of the poor through the work of crusading journalist Jacob Riis. She sees her family's luxurious lifestyle as frivolous and yearns for the simple life. When she learns her inheritance was earned through fraud, she gives it all away. She fights the convention of tight laced corsets, though the more gruesome effects of prolapsed organs is kept as a climactic revelation. And she learns, and we learn with her, all the social graces and conventions of 1890's high society, though Clara sees them as hollow and artificial.

That's a lot of social consciousness for a seventeen year old girl. And somewhere in there is a romance. A tiny little one.

The majority of the book is taken up with Clara's intensive preparation for her debut, and the events she attends afterwards. Hence most of the action involves talking or dancing at parties which becomes monotonous. The subplots are given little attention once they are introduced. Even the 'romance' is given short shrift: Clara is attracted to each of two brothers then the romance takes a standard 'misunderstanding' turn. The resolution is hasty and without evidence of what character growth will provide for a lasting love. Loose ends are neatly wrapped up, again off stage, by conveniently placed friends and relatives. Clara is absent from the final pages except by report of a fairy tale ending.

Mitchell writes with graceful assurance. Her dialogue is excellent, her characterizations are detailed and appealing. I just wish she had not felt compelled to educate me, and had simply spun a rich, multilayered story about interesting people and their striving for love. I feel certain, in Ms. Mitchell's hands, that book would have been edifying and inspiring.(less)

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Jul 17, 2012 Mandi Ellsworth added it

I enjoyed this book, set in the late 1800's, in New York City. I was surprised by how much like London it was, and I'm not sure if that's because it actually was, or if it was because Ms. Mitchell wanted it to be like that. I liked the story. I liked how nefarious the baddies were and that there actually were good and honest people around the heroine. I kept expecting one or two of them to be working against her behind their friendly faces, but they weren't.

I appreciated Harry (Henry?) and his...more

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Feb 16, 2012 Debbie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, historical, romance

"She Walks in Beauty" is a historical romance set in 1891 in New York City. The story was rich with historical detail, especially about the social season and fashions. The author focused on the extreme of tight-lacing corsets for waist-size reduction (and so readers might develop wrong ideas about their normal usage--corsets were the "bras" of the time).

The characters were engaging and acted realistically. I liked what Clara learned about romance. It wasn't a typical "oh, he makes my heart beat...more

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Jul 03, 2011 Violet Crush rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library

“It is worth remembering that when, as a society, we deem something absolutely necessary to beauty or happiness, some people will do absolutely anything to obtain it.”-Note at the end of book by the author.

This sentence more or less sums up what this book is about. Like me, don’t get fooled with the cover and think it’s a historical bodice ripper. It’s far from that. It’s about Clara Carter and Lizzie, both 17 years old, entering their first season in New York. If you’ve read enough bodice rippe...more “It is worth remembering that when, as a society, we deem something absolutely necessary to beauty or happiness, some people will do absolutely anything to obtain it.”-Note at the end of book by the author.

This sentence more or less sums up what this book is about. Like me, don’t get fooled with the cover and think it’s a historical bodice ripper. It’s far from that. It’s about Clara Carter and Lizzie, both 17 years old, entering their first season in New York. If you’ve read enough bodice rippers or historical YA, you’ll know what a season is. But you won’t find any handsome rake here. What you will get though are the De Vries brothers, Franklin and Harry. Franklin is the elder brother and hence the heir. So Clara, Lizzie and mostly all the girls debuted that season have their eyes set upon him.

Clara though is a little different from most of these girls. Her mother died when she was very young, her father is a famous physician who wants to restore his wealth, position and take revenge from the De Vries because they lost all their money in the panic as it was deposited in the De Vris bank. Clara wants to marry for love and although she doesn’t want to adorn herself with heavy dresses and heavy ornaments and doesn’t want to wear a tight corset to reduce her waist to 16 inches, she doesn’t have any choice. She doesn’t rebel because she loves her father and she wants to make him happy.

Along the way though, she discovers the value of friendship, that God will accept you as you are and all this glitter and glam is nothing more than a show. In the process of capturing Franklin’s heart and getting a proposal out of him she also discovers that marriage has to based on love.

The author Siri Mitchell has highlighted the extent to which women in the Victorian age went to achieve that perfect 16 inch waist and to get a lifetime of wealth and privilege. Even though this book is set in the Victorian times we still have the same problems in our society today to some extent. That’s probably why we have models who are all skin and bones and have shows like Bridalplasty.

Although I love romances, I loved how it’s not the main focus of this novel. It’s more of a coming of age story, of breaking the bonds that society has set for us and of differentiating between the right and wrong. I loved how the novel preaches without actually preaching. I thought the book a was bit slow at first because I was expecting a romance novel but sometime after 100 pages I looked at one of the blurbs on the front cover and realized that this was Christian fiction. Any complaints I have for this book are because I was expecting something else, so I wouldn’t really mention them here.

All in all a very satisfying read. Siri Mitchell is a very talented writer and I look forward to reading more books by her.(less)

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May 27, 2011 Chelsea rated it 3 of 5 stars

2.5 stars. This is what I get for grabbing the first book off the new fiction book that appeared to be a historical novel. What sealed the deal was that it was hailed as a Christian Historical Novel, so I figured at the very least it would be clean, right? Well, it was clean, but stupid. The time period was interesting (1891, New York City) so it was kind of like English aristocracy, but with American money families (Vanderbilts, Astors, etc.) However, it was just kind of a stupid plot. Very for...more

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Apr 01, 2011 Radella rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Gilded Age is one of my favorite time periods... especially the lives of the rich and famous. So I wanted to like this book.
Clara wants nothing more than to go off to college, but that is not in her future. Instead, her father and widowed aunt conspire to have Clara catch the most eligible bachelor of the season. Clara debuts in society with her best friend, Lizzy, both of whom have been ordered to secure an engagement to Franklin De Vries. Throughout balls, parties, opera and visits, we wat...more

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Mar 24, 2011 Shari Larsen rated it 4 of 5 stars

This novel takes place during the Gilded Age, in the 1890's, in New York high society. Motherless Clara Carter is just 17 and making her debut, pushed by her aunt and her father to win the hand of Franklin Devries, the wealthiest catch of the season. Clara's best friend Lizzie is also aiming for the same man, pushed by her mother. Clara feels caught between duty, friendship, and her own desires, which are marrying for love, not for social position, and she prefers reading poetry to going to part...more This novel takes place during the Gilded Age, in the 1890's, in New York high society. Motherless Clara Carter is just 17 and making her debut, pushed by her aunt and her father to win the hand of Franklin Devries, the wealthiest catch of the season. Clara's best friend Lizzie is also aiming for the same man, pushed by her mother. Clara feels caught between duty, friendship, and her own desires, which are marrying for love, not for social position, and she prefers reading poetry to going to parties. Things become more complicated when she uncovers family secrets.

I really liked this story; the book was well researched, especially with what young women went through at that time to "catch a man", especially how they suffered for what was thought to be the beauty ideal at the time. Clara already had a 22 inch waist, which her aunt said was "too big", and had her fitted for corsets to make her waist 18 inches; Clara learns later that her mother had achieved a 16 inch waist. Reading the author's notes in the back of the book, I learned that because of the corsets, many of these women became anorexic, a result of the corsets being so tight that they made it too uncomfortable to eat because of the severe indigestion, and the corsets also pushed other organs out of place. Many corset wearing women, especially after childbirth, suffered what was called back then a "fallen womb" also.

Clara also had to endure wearing gloves a size too small, which was very uncomfortable, because her aunt thought her hands were too big. She was also made to sleep in her corset, the only time getting any relief from it was when it was taken off to have a bath.

This was also the time of the first celebrities; especially those were "famous for being famous"; the newspaper men at that time made celebs out of many debutantes, just simply by reporting on where they were seen and what they were wearing. My guess is that is how the "papparazi" that we have today got their start.

The only thing I didn't like about the book is that the ending was wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly, and under some implausible circumstances.
(less)

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Mar 08, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I downloaded this as a freebie for my Kindle app because I was depressed and wanted a light read that would have a happy ending, yet still have some substance to it. Reader reviews said it was set in New York's "Opulent Era" and that it had been well-researched. OK. I'll bite. It's free!

Siri Mitchell has written a book that evidently was well-researched. The heroine is nicely developed (as to character and writing) and Siri gives the reader a taste of the constraints placed on society women in t...more

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Dec 15, 2010 Ruth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Clara Carter is a quiet, bookish young woman, who, unlike her peers, prefers studies to dreams of a successful social debut. When her reserved doctor father and society-obsessed aunt decide she must debut a year early, Clara is thrust into preparations for a life she’s been ill-prepared for and isn’t sure she wants – a life where appearance is everything, and reputations rise or fall on the interpretation of a look or the flick of a fan. Charged with saving the family honor by marrying the De Vr...more Clara Carter is a quiet, bookish young woman, who, unlike her peers, prefers studies to dreams of a successful social debut. When her reserved doctor father and society-obsessed aunt decide she must debut a year early, Clara is thrust into preparations for a life she’s been ill-prepared for and isn’t sure she wants – a life where appearance is everything, and reputations rise or fall on the interpretation of a look or the flick of a fan. Charged with saving the family honor by marrying the De Vries heir, Franklin, Clara submits to a strict regimen of social training, diet, and corset-wearing, all with the goal of remaking herself into the type of woman the De Vries scion will find irresistible. But the closer Clara comes to obtaining her family’s goal, the more she questions the cost of a life and debut based on superficiality and social artifice. As Clara’s eyes are opened to the cost of celebrity and social success, she faces a difficult choice – conform to society’s expectations and sacrifice her true self and any hope of happiness, or risk her social and economic well-being for a chance to spread her wings and fly.

She Walks in Beauty is an absolute jewel of a novel, from its stunning cover to the rich historical detail found within its pages. Siri Mitchell brings the fabled Gilded Age of New York City to vivid life, from the glittering ballrooms and opera halls to the filthy slums just blocks away that funded much of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by many members of society’s upper echelon. With a sure hand Mitchell strips away the veneer of opulence that masks the wealth of the time period and reveals the heart-rending cost exacted from young debutantes seeking social prominence. Securing one’s future meant remaking oneself into the image of society’s ideal model of perfection, and Mitchell’s story drives home a stark reminder that not much has changed since women like Clara graced New York City’s streets. Taught how to walk, talk, eat, and dress, Clara and her peers were given an ideal to aspire to and pressured to conform, no matter what the physical or spiritual costs, in order to win the prize of an eligible match.

Clara is one of the most memorable heroines I’ve encountered in my reading this year. She begins her journey with sparks of independence, quickly overshadowed by her desire and willingness to serve her family’s interests. But the more she learns, the more she chafes at society’s glittering artificiality and wants to matter and be loved for herself – and begins to wonder why she can’t be accepted as she is, instead of being re-molded into an ideal that not only threatens her future happiness but her physical well-being. Clara’s personal and social awakening is at times heart-rending, handled with a deft grace that feels absolutely authentic to the time period while communicating timeless spiritual truths in a subtle, powerful fashion. And the romance will take your breath away – Clara’s true love is a hero in every sense of the word, and their blossoming relationship is a joy to watch unfold.

Mitchell has a gift for bringing history to vibrant life within the pages of her novels, and she fearlessly proves her willingness to explore both the beauty and the horror of history with She Walks in Beauty. The Gilded Age isn’t romanticized – Mitchell presents a fully rounded portrait of Clara’s world, and the resulting story is raw and real and wonderful, at times uncomfortable, always emotional, and unquestioningly thought-provoking. For all the darkness in Clara’s world, Mitchell saturates the story with hope, and the light shines all the brighter for the stark contrast. Thought-provoking, challenging, and rich with period detail and a heart-warming romance, She Walks in Beauty is a story that will shake you to the core and leave you pondering Clara’s journey and its present-day implications long after you finish the final pages. I cannot wait for Mitchell’s next book!(less)

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Sep 08, 2010 Lyndi rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I really wish that I could mark with 1/2s and 3/4 stars too! I want to give this a 3.5. I would have given a 4 had I liked the ending better. I already marked that this contains spoilers. So I am going to blow the ending. I loved how Clara ended up with Harry and not the mindless, money grubbing brother. I still dont understand how parents could place everything in the oldest hands and neglect the other kids in inheritance, but I am not from this time frame, so maybe i would get it more had I be...more

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Aug 28, 2010 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-book-reviews

Clara Carter is a 17 year-old girl, unwillingly thrust into the role of social debutant a year earlier than expected. Her Aunt and Father have made it very clear that she must win the hand of the most eligible bachelor this season in order to regain the family's honor. Feeling that she has no other choice, Clara suffers through an endless season of calling on acquaintances, attending balls, and making polite conversation that goes no deeper than the weather or the latest fashion. Clara holds her...more

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Aug 27, 2010 Bree T rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-reads, historical-fiction

Clara Carter is an intelligent girl, motherless, being instructed in maths, science and languages by her governness who even thinks she could attend college. Those plans are swiftly aborted when her aunt dismisses the governness and announces that instead of debuting next season, she is to debut this season, which is some impossibly short-time away. She receives a crash course in social education from her aunt after it becomes apparent that her governness has neglected that part of her education...more Clara Carter is an intelligent girl, motherless, being instructed in maths, science and languages by her governness who even thinks she could attend college. Those plans are swiftly aborted when her aunt dismisses the governness and announces that instead of debuting next season, she is to debut this season, which is some impossibly short-time away. She receives a crash course in social education from her aunt after it becomes apparent that her governness has neglected that part of her education in favour of acadaemia. The reason for this haste? The de Vries heir is back and her father and aunt are determined that she should land him and no other.

Clara is not really socially comfortable and dreads the idea of coming out. She doesn't have the natural act of flirting, of drawing a man's attention, so luckily she is beautiful and draws it anyway. Her aunt is determined that she shall be the most successful debutante and laces her into an 18 inch corset, despite the fact that her waist is about 20-21 inches. Clara can barely sleep, can barely eat as she she is forced to endure the 'sculpting' of her body, all in the name of catching her husband. The only bright spot for her is that her best friend Lizzie has had her debut pushed forward to this season too, although that is darkened slightly by the fact that her parents have urged her to capture Franklin de Vries also. They are best friends and rivals for the same proposal.

Although Clara is a likable, smart girl who tries her best to adapt to the social ways and graces of the New York High Society, she is weighed down by the pressure and expectation of her father and aunt who are desperate for her to land the de Vries heir in payment for some wrong done to them previously by the de Vries family. It seems only Clara marrying the heir and securing the de Vries fortune will do, even though Clara is a girl that wants more than just a marriage of convenience. She wants to marry for love, which as her aunt tells her swiftly, does not happen in their circles.

The biggest problem I had with this book was that I got bogged down in a lot of details. Yes, I like the couture and perculiarities of this time, but I don't need so many pages describing gloves, slippers, forks, dance steps. I would've preferred more time devoted to the developing of the actual story – Franklin de Vries was a nothing character. He appeared for a minute to dance with Clara, he disappeared. His younger brother Harry was a bumbling, cheerful, loveable sort of younger son and a lot of time was spent with him (for reasons which swiftly become obvious) but all this leads to is the feeling that you're not quite sure if Franklin is evil or not, or would've made her miserable or whether or not they could have had a comfortable society marriage because you don't know one single thing about him at all!

There is far too much telling and not enough showing. I don't need to be told that Franklin cut a swathe across the continent, I want to be shown what he got up to, instead about five pages in the entire novel is devoted to Franklin, a girl who everyone is trying to land, including our main character, even if she is only doing it out of duty.

Despite that, the book was an eye-opener into the Gilded Age of 1890's New York society. The social routine seems simply exhausting with opera's, in house days, private balls and functions, something on every single night of the week. And although I knew that corsets caused health problems I had no idea the lengths that were gone to in order to achieve that 18 inch waist. It makes me altogether too scared to get out the tape measure and inspect mine. I could not imagine being laced into something like that every day, not even allowed respite from it to sleep. All in the name of securing a good match, which was always more about the parents than the debutantes and eligiable bachelors anyway.

This book was ok - enjoyable enough to keep me reading until the end but not fantastic. Would've liked more character development for some of the minor players, less description on forks.(less)

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Jul 24, 2010 Erin (Bookish in a Box) rated it 4 of 5 stars

She Walks in Beauty is a gorgeous book, seamlessly blending a history lesson about the 1890s with a girl's modern desire for independence and true love.

This is a book to be consumed in one sitting, maybe two. I was impressed by Siri Mitchell's candid and graceful writing style and the captivating Clara. Clara was stubborn and smart, and the only issue I had with her is her refusal to actually make a decision regarding her future. She thought she had...but she hadn't.

The supporting cast was delig...more

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Jun 10, 2010 Kelly Hager rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is Christian historical fiction set in New York in the late 1800s. Clara is pretty and smart, and would prefer to be left alone with her books and her governess, plus her best friend Lizzie. Unfortunately, her aunt has other ideas--Clara is going to debut this year. And since her governess thought they had another year before she'd have to teach Clara things like how to be a lady and exactly what an ice cream fork is...well, Clara's behind. REALLY behind.

So now she has three months to learn...more

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Jun 02, 2010 Sandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is an enjoyable read! As a historical fiction novel set in New York during the 1890's, it gives a good picture of why this time period was called the Gilded Age. Lessons in posture, etiquette, dancing and clothing consumed Clara's days and evenings. She was being taught to appear to be something she wasn't, something that society and her family wanted her to be. Her friend Lizzie was her encourager and lifeline, but when both girls are required to pursue the same young man, can their f...more

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May 20, 2010 Rel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Siri Mitchell is one of my favourite writers of contemporary romance and and her recent foray into historical fiction has been equally impressive. She Walks in Beauty is her third stand alone historical romance that highlights an element of fashion women felt bound to pursue. In an effort to ensure a marriage to the eligible de Vries heir, Clara Carter's father and aunt chart a course for young Clara which includes corsets, the latest fashion, etiquette training and exacting social behaviours. W...more

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Apr 11, 2010 Sensitivemuse rated it 5 of 5 stars

All I have to say is, wow. This book was really good! from the start I was interested in Clara, and had taken an instant liking to her. The plot was a nice easy pace that flowed smoothly and descriptions and detailed scenes as to what Clara had to go through to act properly during her debut were well done and very engaging to read. Her social outings were well written and every time one ended, I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen at the next party or dinner she attended. Her social...more All I have to say is, wow. This book was really good! from the start I was interested in Clara, and had taken an instant liking to her. The plot was a nice easy pace that flowed smoothly and descriptions and detailed scenes as to what Clara had to go through to act properly during her debut were well done and very engaging to read. Her social outings were well written and every time one ended, I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen at the next party or dinner she attended. Her social "training" was comical to read at times and some of her social blunders made you want to cringe for her (like when she lost her shoe).

Yet aside from those light moments, there were serious moments as well. I didn't like her Aunt who treated her like a chess piece, and although Clara's father wasn't really a main character, when I learnt more of his true colors, he wasn't a very likable person at all. It was very interesting to read about the various rules women and men had to go by in order to go about in society. Some rules I found absolutely ridiculous, yet some had very awful consequences (tightlacing corsets for example).

I really did like how Clara developed as a character. From a very naive girl to one who just wanted to be who she wanted to be, and to do what she wanted to do. She wasn't afraid of the social consequences and at times was brave enough to do something that went against the conventional rules. I also loved her friendship with Lizzie. Although they were "rivals" in their debuts, it was sad to see how they were pawns to their relatives and were even sometimes asked to turn against each other in order to have the greater advantage in attracting Mr De Vries. However I'm glad their friendship meant much more to them and it was just wonderful to read how the two of them got along so well despite social pressures. I actually wanted to learn more about Clara and her mother, although when Clara finds out what happens to her mother, it was actually quite horrifying to read. (I can't really be specific, it'll give the plot away).

Albeit a novel in Christian fiction, there isn't much about God and theology so it's not preachy. Which makes the novel great for those that aren't into the Christian fiction genre. It certainly seemed to lean towards historical romance much more than Christian literature. The plot does become a little predictable, but that did not bother me, I was too engaged into the plot.

Overall, a wonderful, beautiful read. I greatly enjoyed it and for those that love to read about America in the 1890's please give this a try (actually, for those that like The Luxe series, this is definitely for you - no backstabbing involved here though but just enjoy it nevertheless).
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Apr 10, 2010 Valerie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-book-reviews, 2010

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned about a period and culture I knew nothing about -- New York City's Gilded Age. I was shocked by a number of elements within this historical fiction. The societal pressure for perfection that pervades our culture isn't so new after all. I thought it was a fairly new phenomena. Not at all.

~~ Corsets, pessaries, I never knew how little I understood about them.

~~ Society (celebrity gossip) columns, eating disorders, they are nothing new and they were perva...more

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Apr 08, 2010 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Molly by: CFBA

Shelves: book-review

Though certainly not Ms. Mitchell's debut novel, She Walks in Beauty is a debut for me, as this is the first book by Siri Mitchell that I have had the pleasure of reading. I have always heard wonderful things of the works of Siri Mitchell, so when the opportunity arose to review one of her books, I jumped on it. I am so glad I did as this 5 star novel did not disappoint!

Set in the 1800's during the Gilded Age, Siri captured me immediately, talking about visiting costumes and seasons of life. Th...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars

“A good night’s sleep helps you perform well in school, and so if you are a student you should always get a good night’s sleep unless you have come to the good part of your book, and then you should stay up all night and let your schoolwork fall by the wayside.” --Lemony Snicket

I suspected when I began She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell that the above quote would prove particularly true in this case. I was right. 2 am baby! Not close to my record, but not bad ;)

Plot:
It is the 1890s and Cl...more

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Mar 25, 2010 Alayne Bushey rated it 4 of 5 stars

It should say something about this novel that I couldn’t help but read voraciously, finishing it in two days. It should also say something that from page twenty onward, I often hoped it were longer so that I could continue reading.

Set in the opulent, glamourous Gilded Age of the 1890s in New York City, She Walks In Beauty follows headstrong, thoughtful Clara Carter, daughter of the wealthy Dr. Carter, niece of the imposing and impressive widow, Mrs. Lewis Stuart. Forced to debut a year early, Cl...more It should say something about this novel that I couldn’t help but read voraciously, finishing it in two days. It should also say something that from page twenty onward, I often hoped it were longer so that I could continue reading.

Set in the opulent, glamourous Gilded Age of the 1890s in New York City, She Walks In Beauty follows headstrong, thoughtful Clara Carter, daughter of the wealthy Dr. Carter, niece of the imposing and impressive widow, Mrs. Lewis Stuart. Forced to debut a year early, Clara’s hopes of Vassar College and an education are dashed when she is made to pursue the wealthy son of the De Vries family, heir to a fortune, but lacking any sort of attraction for Clara. When Clara’s best friend is also made to pursue the De Vries heir, and when Clara is forced to learn the rules of attraction for debutantes in a brief period of time, her knowledge of the world and of the society around her is flipped on its head, as are her emotions, especially when she meets the younger De Vries son, Harry.

Clara is amusing and witty, her nervousness and desperation translate from the page into the reader with humor. Her personality is refreshing, and I often found myself smiling at her gaffes and laughing at her inner dialogue.The tension of this novel builds as the gowns become more immaculate and the expectations of Clara rise. Through no small bribery by her father, she becomes the belle of the ball, and the most impressive and admired debutante. But Clara has never wanted the attention of the Society page, or gossip of The Tattler, and she finds solace in Harry, friendly, amiable, attractive, but most importantly, ignorant of Clara’s Aunt’s rigid expectations.

With the misdirection and misinterpretation found often in Jane Austen novels, Siri Mitchell weaves a splendid cityscape of New York City in the 1890s, full of the wealthy and opulent, as well as the destitute and disheveled. A compelling novel dealing with familial and societal expectations of women, and economic and emotional acknowledgement of those less fortunate, She Walks In Beauty is a delightful piece of historical fiction, which not only entertains, but enlightens. Well-written without the uber-religious undertone often found in Christian Fiction, I truly enjoyed Mitchell’s novel and think many Historical Fiction readers will as well.

4 stars

(I received this book from the publisher via LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program)
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Jan 16, 2013 Rachel Antzak rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, romance, historical

Clara Carter never wanted to debut. But when her Aunt moves in with her and her Doctor father to help Clara for the upcoming social season, it seems that Clara will debut weather she wants to or not. She is told that she must catch the De Vries heir, the richest bachelor in the city, to maintain the family honor. Dr. Carter has made some money from his famous elixir, but it was the De Vries who lost their money in the panic and owe them recompense. Clara soon has to question whether the games of...more

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Mar 10, 2011 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed She Walks in Beauty from beginning to end. It was fun to imagine life as a privileged debutante in the late 19th century in New York City. In She Walks in Beauty, Clara Carter is forced to debut a year earlier than scheduled due to her family's attempt to reclaim its honor (a.k.a. money) from the most sought after bachelor in the city. Clara faces the challenges of meeting either her family's expectations or the desires of her heart. This was a book I could not put down!

There's much to...more

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May 25, 2012 Amanda Casper rated it 4 of 5 stars

Well what did I think of "She Walks in Beauty"? It was definitely a break from the book I had been reading. I love the "guessing game" aspect of this book (towards the beginning). I mean I wouldn't call it a mystery novel for sure, but it sure was a mystery to me what would happen in the end. It wasn't completely a surprise, but it was a relief, lets put it that way. I listened to the audio version and i enjoyed it. I have to admit the lady's voice was slightly annoying when she did Clara's aunt...more

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About Siri Mitchell

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listeni...more

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Quotes from She Walks In Beauty

“This table is a pigeon trap. A dozen different forks and knives and spoons. Four different goblets. All of them just waiting to be knocked over or misapplied and mishandled. It’s a wonder anyone is ever tempted to eat.” — 12 people liked it

“When I was a child, Mama had the best voice of all the members of the church. She had loved to sing. Her words had soared like an angel's over the swells of the organ. In fact, I now suspected, her entire theology had been taken from the hymnal.” — 6 people liked it

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