Peregrine Hill

by Nina de Gramont

By the New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair, a novel set in Gilded Age New York about a desperate mother and headstrong daughter navigating a world built on men’s appetites and women’s silence

At the dawn of the twentieth century, widow Isabelle Bishop still believes in love—but she knows only money can save her. After losing her husband and three of her children in a shipwreck, she has one chance to rescue what remains of her family: her daughter Mariah and her elderly mother. When Isabelle captures the attention of John Whitten, one of New York’s wealthiest men, she dares to hope that fortune might finally favor her.

But Whitten’s interest is not in Isabelle—it’s in eighteen-year-old Mariah, still reeling from a romantic but disastrous scandal. When Whitten discovers the secret mother and daughter have tried to keep buried, he uses it to his advantage, threatening to expose them unless Mariah accepts his proposal. For the sake of their survival, Isabelle makes a devil’s bargain: she will urge her daughter into a marriage she knows could destroy her.

Mariah quickly realizes her husband’s home is a gilded cage. Yet even under his watchful eye, she begins to carve out passions of her own, finding an unexpected ally in her ambitious maid, Hetty, and daring to imagine a life beyond her constricted world. Together, she and Hetty risk everything to claim a measure of power and self-determination in a world that denies them both.

From the glittering parlors of Gilded Age New York to the windswept cliffs of Rhode Island, Peregrine Hill is a novel in the tradition of Edith Wharton and the Brontë sisters, about unlikely love affairs and the impossible choices women have always been forced to make.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication November 10, 2026

About the author

Nina de Gramont's latest novel, The Christie Affair, is an international and New York Times best seller, and the Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick for February, 2022. Nina is also the author of a collection of short stories, Of Cats and Men, as well as the novels Gossip of the Starlings and The Last September. She has written several YA novels (Every Little Thing in the World, Meet Me at the River, The Boy I Love, and -- under the pen name Marina Gessner -- The Distance From Me to You). Nina teaches creative writing at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She lives with her daughter and her husband, the writer David Gessner.

Reviews

[Saray]

Excited for this one!

[Joyce Cacioppo stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peregrine Hill by Nina de Gramont takes place at the beginning of the twentieth century during the gilded age in New York. Isabelle Bishop has just lost her husband and 3 children in a shipping accident as a result of a storm. She is left with her one daughter Mariah and her mother, but is out of money and no where to go. She still has her social standing and is hoping that will save her.

At a party in Rhode Island, Isabelle meets and captures the attention of John Whitten, a powerful and very wealthy man. Isabelle hopes that if she can get him to marry her, all of her problems will be solved. But when John comes to call on her in New York, he meets not only her mother, but also her daughter Mariah. Whitten is not interested in Isabelle but in her 18 year old daughter Mariah. She is the one whose hand he requests. He is 60 years old but is looking for an heir to carry on his name.

Isabelle and Mariah have kept a secret. Mariah gave birth to a child out of wedlock and the baby was given away for adoption. Whitten finds out about this and threatens to reveal all if Mariah does not marry him. A deal is made that will take care of Isabelle and her mother as a result of the marriage.

They marry and Mariah is all but kept locked up in his home, not being able to go anywhere without Whitten’s man following her. She has ambitions which is not the usual for women of this time period. She becomes friends with her maid Hetty who has ambitions of her own. Together they face the challenges of breaking through this stigma.

I like the book as it gives us great insight into what it was like for women during this time. The book was an easy read and fast moving. I would definitely recommend it. Thank you Net Galley and Simon & Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Miss Murder · Rating 4 out of 5]

”All over the world princesses were bought and sold, delivered like parcels to grand stone prisons.”

“I may be a Lady. But I’m still just a woman.”

This is a fantastic retelling of a story as old as time (unfortunately) - a young girl married off to an old man to secure financial security for the entire family. Even the author herself claims this is a fictional retelling of what her own relative has experienced, which I think makes it all the more intriguing.

Pros: the book moved along super fast and I enjoyed how the main conflict was resolved in the end.

Cons: what was up with Isabelle and Mariah’s baby daddy getting together and running off with each other? That seemed so random as a plot point to get them out of the picture.

[Kristina O’Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster for sending me an advanced read of Peregrine Hill by Nina de Gramont. I absolutely loved this Gilded Age story that had me hooked…not from the first page, but from the author’s note preceding the story. Knowing that the author’s family history inspired the tale of these fictional characters had me invested from the very beginning, and I was not disappointed.

Set at the turn of the twentieth century, this is the story of Mariah, a teenage girl hidden from society after birthing an illegitimate child. Soon after the birth, Mariah’s father and all of her siblings perish in a shipwreck, leaving her alone with her mother, grandmother, and diminishing funds. When Mariah’s mother sets her sights on John Whitten, one of New York City’s wealthiest men, she is shocked when the 60-something-year old chooses Mariah over her. Faced with what seemed like no choice, Mariah is forced to marry Whitten and carry his child in a home that has her under close eye with little freedom of her own, but with a found friend in her maid, Hetty. Together, Mariah and Hetty forge an unexpected path of their own, all the while Mariah’s mom creates her own path in unimaginable ways.

This is a story full of heartache, historical realities, the challenges and power of women, friendship, love, and motherhood. Set in New York and Newport, Rhode Island, it was fun to picture Mariah’s tale in some of my favorite places during the Gilded Age. The character arcs were strong, and I felt myself rooting for the good ones, and disgusted by the bad ones, while also experiencing complicated feelings about the women in this book making decisions that I think may only happen when forced into a corner.

My only - literally only - criticism of this book is the use of the term “Lake Sebago.” As a Mainer, I think I can speak for Mainers when I say we are quite particular about our state landmarks being represented correctly in literature and Sebago only goes by “Sebago Lake.”

Thank you again for sharing this beautiful novel with me!

[MaryannC Victorian Dreamer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 actual stars.

Set during the Gilded Age, Isabelle Bishop recently widowed copes with the loss of her husband and most of her children in a Christmastime shipwreck leaving her bereft and penniless. With her young daughter Mariah and elderly mother to care for Isabelle knows the only way she can survive at this point in her life is to make an advantageous match and marry a wealthy man. Enter John Whitten, one of New York's richest men, an elderly gentleman also widowed who is in search of a young wife who can finally give him the heir he desperately wants. Isabelle still young and beautiful in her 30's knows she can make this happen all she needs to do is put on the charm and she can escape the frightening prospect of poverty. When John arranges to visit her one evening Isabelle whole heartedly expecting a proposal at last is shocked when John declares it is not her he wants to marry but her beautiful daughter Mariah.
18- year old Mariah reeling from a failed romance refuses to marry the old man but when John threatens to expose a secret Mariah and her mother share unless she agrees to the marriage, Mariah is forced to become Mrs. John Whitten or be in thrown in the streets with her mother to survive. Isabelle convinces Mariah that despite the fear of marrying a withered old man it would also improve her station in life as well and give her the financial freedom she could expect to have with this union. But all is not champagne and roses for Mariah who has to endure being constantly watched and performing her wifely duties in order to produce the heir her husband desperately desires. Her days are often lonely in the big, cold mansion until a spirited maid named Hetty arrives and in her she finds a confidant and friend. I love books set in the Gilded Age and I was fascinated to learn in the author's foreword that Mariah's storyline is mirrored on the true life of her great-grandmother who at 19, married a much older, twice widowed gentleman in 1908. This made the story even more compelling to me as I wondered about her great-grandmother's life, the challenges she faced being married so young to a much older man who already had adult children. I like to imagine she had a zest for life and a charming free spirit much as Mariah did.
Thank you to author Nina de Gramont and NetGalley for a copy of this lovely read in exchange for my honest review.

[Veronica Gliatti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this book thanks to #NetGalley.

This is a story that takes place during the Gilded Age and will be well liked by historical fiction buffs!

The main character Mariah, she is 18 years old. After a tragic accident takes out most of the family, her mother Isabella Bishop decides to basically sell off her only daughter to a rich old man John Whitten. With this marriage, Isabella will be accompanying her young daughter as will Isabella’s mother so that all of their basic needs will now be taken care of thanks to the marriage Mariah is not wanting. With a heavy laver of guilt, she agrees. Thus, they enter the world and the main home of John Whitten and all its glamour and stuffy protocols. The story revolves around all of the central characters that live or work in the main home.

This has all the makings of being a great epic film around a strong female lead, Mariah. She is a young woman thrown into adulthood and a world full of rich snobs and the protocol she detests. As it attempts to batter her down and society wants her to fall perfectly in line, she vows to use whatever means she can to create a life that she can be more content in even if she ruffles feathers along the way!

It's excellent at showing the submissiveness that was expected of women during this period in time where women were more revered as a possession, like a household pet, then as a fully functioning human being with rights and privileges. Any attempt by males to force their will and conformity on women was met with approval.

The writing had a nice flow, making it an easier read than one might expect given the subject matter. The characterization of Mariah was very intense which was critical to the story. The book had several different story lines. but they are seamlessly interwoven.

I rated the book high because this author makes the story compelling having written it in such a way the characters come alive right off the page
#NetGalley #PeregrineHill

[Jazisunray Skillern · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Peregrine Hill” is a captivating and richly atmospheric novel that breathes new life into the grand tradition of Gilded Age fiction. From the very first page, readers are swept into Isabelle Bishop’s world—a place of dazzling wealth, heartbreak, and impossible choices. The author masterfully intertwines historical detail with deeply personal stakes, crafting a story that is both sweeping and intimate.

Isabelle’s journey—marked by loss, sacrifice, and resilience—anchors the novel with emotional depth. Her devotion to her daughter, Mariah, and her aging mother is both poignant and deeply relatable, even as she’s forced to navigate the perilous social politics of turn-of-the-century New York. The tension escalates when John Whitten, a powerful and morally ambiguous figure, sets his sights not on Isabelle, but on Mariah, setting off a chain of events that tests the limits of love, loyalty, and survival.

Mariah’s arc is equally compelling. Her struggle to find autonomy within the confines of a marriage built on coercion is rendered with empathy and nuance. The unexpected friendship that blossoms between her and Hetty, her ambitious maid, adds another layer of richness to the story. Together, they challenge the strictures of their gilded cage, risking everything for a chance at self-determination.

The novel’s settings—glittering New York parlors and the windswept Rhode Island coast—are vividly evoked, immersing the reader in a world as beautiful as it is treacherous. Fans of Edith Wharton and the Brontë sisters will find much to love here: forbidden romances, high stakes, and the indomitable will of women refusing to be broken by circumstance.

“Peregrine Hill” is both a gripping historical drama and a moving exploration of what women have been willing to risk—and lose—in the pursuit of love and freedom. It lingers in the mind long after the final page. Highly recommended.

[Colleen Lelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read Peregrine Hill, Nina de Gramont’s upcoming release. As a work of historical fiction, it offers a vivid glimpse into the Gilded Age, moving between New York City and Newport. The author’s descriptive writing made it easy to picture both the grandeur of Newport’s mansions and the stark reality of New York’s tenements. Kudos to the author!

The novel opens with Isabelle Bishop facing unimaginable tragedy after losing her husband and three children in a boating accident. Left with her daughter, Mariah, and her own mother, Isabelle must find a way to survive with no financial stability. Hoping to secure her future, she sets her sights on John Whitten, a wealthy man she meets at a party. However, when John later visits Isabelle in New York and meets Mariah for the first time, his attention quickly shifts. Despite the significant age difference—he is 60 and Mariah is 18—he becomes intent on marrying her, driven by his desire for an heir after two previous childless marriages.

There is much more to the story, filled with drama and unexpected turns. As the narrative unfolds, Mariah emerges as a character worthy of deep respect, while Isabelle proves to be a significant disappointment especially given all that she has suffered and as a mother herself. This contrast highlights how deeply flawed individuals can be, and how, at times, they are even aware of their own shortcomings.
Beyond the personal drama, the novel offers meaningful insight into the treatment and limitations of women during this era, adding depth and historical context to the story.
I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Nina de Gramont for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[M.L. Sizemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

To begin, thank you NetGalley & Simon & Schuster for providing this advance copy.

This book is complete perfection . This is historical fiction at its finest. From the moment I started, I didn’t want to put it down, honestly, it was all I could think about. I completely fell in love with Mariah. I’ll admit, I felt conflicted about her at first, but as the story unfolded, so did my appreciation for her depth & complexity, ultimately she is the most level of all the characters. And Isabelle, without giving anything away, that storyline genuinely shocked me. I did not see it coming, & it added such a powerful layer to the narrative. The novel explores themes of male dominance, the pressure for an heir, & the way youth is often valued over wisdom & partnership. These tensions create a rich, emotionally layered story that feels both authentic & thought-provoking.
Even John Whitten, with all his flaws, became someone I felt for. In fact, that’s one of the strongest elements of this book, nearly every character is deeply human, imperfect, & simply trying to navigate the circumstances they’ve been given. What surprised me most were the moments of humor, playful, light, & beautifully woven in. Overall, this is an extraordinary read & one I can absolutely see myself returning to. I was completely wrapped up in its complexity & beauty. A stunning example of what historical fiction can be. I am wanting more books like this from
this author & can’t wait to read some of her previous works.

[Jennifer Kania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy.

The story centers around young Mariah Bishop whose father and siblings are lost in a ship disaster at the turn of the twentieth century. Because her father had left the once wealthy family financially insecure, Mariah’s mother decides to give her daughter’s hand to an elderly millionaire to secure her own future – blindsiding Mariah.
The characters are plentiful with each having a unique history and vivid hopes and dreams for their futures. But the women (who range in age from naïve to astute) continually find they are commodities of the men they are attached to (and even in the orbit of) and that surviving on their own terms is a laughable concept to society.
Despite this novel being set over a hundred years ago, many situations remain the same – falling in love, falling in hate, dealing with the aftermath of death, living with the adage “do what I say and not what I do,” and even seeking out spiritual guidance to cling to hope that one day things will be just fine in the end.
There are even characters the reader will love to hate. Mariah’s mother, Isabelle, is a compelling character in that the reader sympathizes with her yet, ultimately, forges ahead and continues to do the unforgivable, leaving Mariah to deal with the aftermath.
This novel will satisfy any fan of historical fiction - featuring strong-willed women, forbidden love, heartbreak, and ultimately survival.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peregrine Hill
By Nina de Gramont

The story takes place at the beginning of the twentieth century. It is a time when men still ruled and women were only there for their pleasure – to provide both sex and heirs. Beautiful young women were basically sold off to old men in a marriage market that financially benefitted the girl's family.

The Bishop family had fallen on hard times when Isabelle's husband and all but one of her children died in a storm at sea. Now Isabelle, her mother (Granny), and her daughter Mariah are in danger of losing their social status as they run out of funds. But Isabelle has met an extremely wealthy older man, Jon Whitten, and she expects that he may be contemplating marriage. And he is! But he wants the young Mariah as his bride! In exchange he will cover up Mariah's out-of-wedlock child and support all the Bishop women.

Against her will, Mariah becomes his bride. She is appalled that her mother would do this to her and she is miserably unhappy as she goes to live at Peregrine Hill. Her only saving grace is her maid Hetty who becomes her friend and staunch supporter.

This is a sad story, because it is, in fact, the story of many women in that day and age. They were living in luxury, but with no rights or protections. They were their husbands' chattel.

This is a well-researched and well written book, well worth the read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Jodi Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Peregrine Hill even more than The Christie Affair.

Nina de Gramont has written a captivating historical novel filled with family secrets, impossible choices, resilience, and hope. Set during the Gilded Age, the story follows Mariah Bishop, a young woman forced into a marriage not for love, but for survival. What unfolds is far more than a marriage story. It's a story about power, friendship, determination, and finding a voice in a world that offers women very few choices.

What stayed with me long after I finished was the author's note.

Nina shares that the spark for this novel came from her own family history. Her great-grandmother married at nineteen; her great-grandfather was fifty-seven, twice widowed, and already had four adult children. The novel is not based on their lives, but it grew out of Nina's reflections on how often poverty, circumstances, and social expectations dictated women's futures.

That history gives the book an added layer of emotional depth. It also raises questions that feel surprisingly relevant today about power, opportunity, and the choices women are allowed to make.

The story itself delivers plenty of twists, memorable characters, and atmospheric settings, but it was the humanity at its core that made this a five-star read for me.

I also had the pleasure of hosting Nina de Gramont at the Fort Myers Literary Society in 2025, making this novel even more special to read. Thank you to NetGalley for the pre-read.

[Sarah Pitcher-hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written Gilded Age novel, which takes place in New York City and Newport. Both settings are brought to life by the author- the Upper East Side and the tenements of NYC, and the gorgeous mansions of Newport. The story of Isabelle and Mariah is a sad one - they are the only ones left of their family, and with Mariah's reputation tarnished and no money left, they turn to an old, wealthy man to save them. There is a twist, though; he doesn't want the mother, he wants the daughter. So Mariah gets stuck married to him. As the story continues, we see Mariah turn to her writing for comfort and escape, and ultimately, a small livelihood. We also see her sad and lonely, turning to the staff and her grandmother for comfort. After the birth of her son, she and her mother have a temporary truce, which her mother betrays - but I will leave that out so you read this engaging novel on your own. Thank you, NetGalley and Simon and Schuster, for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Peregrine Hill
Author: Nina de Gramont
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Inspired by her family’s history, de Gramont tells Mariah’s story of being married off to a man over 40 years her senior in order to establish a stable life for herself, her mother, and grandmother. Marred by a past where the deaths of her siblings and father, as well as an illegitimate child leave scars that Mariah tries to cover, she finds in her handmaid the inspiration to turn her writing into something worthwhile instead of ashes. Supported along the way by side plots about her maid, mother, and the woman who wishes Mariah’s husband had chosen her instead, you get a tragic, but redeeming story of the beginning of the Gilded Age. Mariah’s inner strength and maturity overshadow her mother’s flaws as a parent and female. I found I didn’t care much for her (the mother).

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on November 10, 2026.

#arc #netgalley #bookstagram @ninadegramont #peregrinehill @simonbooks

[Bev Stegmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. This is a very good read. Mariah has set her destiny when she was impregnated by her young entitled suitor. Only to be ridiculed and abandoned to forgo her pregnancy as an unwed woman. Hidden away by her mother and the baby scurried away for adoption baby to never be talked of. The family falls on hard times and mother ( Isabelle), seeks the attention of a wealthy suitor to support the family. Imagine her surprise when the elderly suitor does not want the mother but rather the young 18 year old Mariah to be his wife. Of course Mariah was not given a choice in the matter and is married into a loveless, controlling marriage. Very good twisted read. I was given an advanced reader copy of this well written book by NetGalley and I am freely sharing my review. #netgalley @netgalley #ninadegramont @authorninadegramont #simonandschusterpublishers @simonandschusterpublishers.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peregrine Hill by Nina de Gramont

This book starts off at the dawn of the twentieth century, with a sad story about a widow Isabelle Bishop having recently lost her husband and three children. They were lost in a shipwreck.

Her remaining daughter Mariah is eighteen years old, and is one of the main characters in this story.

An older and wealthy New York gentleman is believed to be interested in marring Isabelle, but we soon find out that this is not actually the case.

This is about scandal, survival, wealth, ambition and The Gilded Age.

I had read the first book by this Author and enjoyed the picture that that bestselling book, The Christie Affair painted with it's words.

Her books are stories about women at an area that has changed in so many ways.

A good read, and I would recommend this to book lovers of Historical Fiction.

Thank You to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Author Nina de Gramont for my advanced copy to read and review

4 Stars

#netgalley
@netgalley
#ninadegramont
@authorninadegramont
#simonandschusterpublishers
@simonandschusterpublishers

[Hamad Naif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this amazing historical fiction ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



Set against the glittering world of Gilded Age New York, it follows widow Isabelle Bishop and her daughter Mariah dealing with a family tragedy. When a certain powerful man discovers their buried secret and uses it as leverage, the story becomes something genuinely harrowing: a mother who loves her daughter and still delivers her into captivity.

Mariah is not broken by her circumstances. She finds her footing, her fury, and an unlikely alliance with her maid Hetty that changes everything. The book has many twists and turns; and dare I say interesting predicaments.
This is a novel about impossible choices, women who survive them anyway, and the small rebellions that become revolutions. Absolutely devastating in the best way. And lastly, the cover is stunning. I can't wait to get my physical copy.

[Zammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75⭐️thank you netgalley for the arc

i devoured this book soo fast that i regret doing so it was soo good i couldn't put it down,it gripped m from the first page. the only thing that i was not pleased about was how some certain characters got their little happy ending i hoped they didn't get it for they did not deserve it in my eyes, especially what they both did to the fmc. one of these characters being the mother i hoped that she'll be in a miserable life after what she did but alas she got some sample of happy ending.

i can't believe this is my second book by this author i have tried to read the christie affair not long ago, but i didn't like the book much so a dnfed it. so i was surprised when i found out its written by the same author, which made me little skeptical about this book. but im happy that i enjoyed this one

[Srishti B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Stories like these seem to be fairly common in this particular time period, the most famous case of course being Consuelo Vanderbilt, but, like this book makes clear, that is by no means an isolated situation. I watched The Gilded Age with my mom, and in some ways I'm glad I had that background because without it, I do think some of the references and subtext would have been lost.
Oddly enough, one storyline in this that reminded me of another Julian Fellowes production (but with favorable comparison) is Mariah and Patrick's situation. The fact that Mariah doesn't just randomly agree that she loves Patrick just because he thinks she does is gratifying (and speaks to the fact that this was written by a woman)

[Kati Berman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel takes place in the gilded age, similar to the HBO show of that title. New York, Boston, New
Port, etc. The main protagonist, Mariah is forced into a marriage with a much older man, after she had a scandalous affair and an out of wedlock child, She forms an unheard of friendship with her maid,Hetty and two of them are scheming to avoid Mariah’s husband’s constant oversight. Definitely chick flick genre, not very well executed. Too many characters with their names used differently ( Lavinia. Vs Mrs Whiona e.g. ) , too many locations, too ,many coincidences made for a confusing story. Although I could empathize with Mariah at times, other times she made all the wrong decisions. Overall no more than three stars.
I received a complimentary copy, opinions are my own.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for an advanced copy of this book.

This book incited a lot of emotions in me, mostly rage. Not in a way that makes me want to pull my hair out in exasperation, but in a vengeful way against the men in this book. Most of them deserved way more than fates they met.
I really enjoyed the way the story flowed, alternating between snippets of the lives of the four women central to the story. Every character fit into the plot seamlessly without feeling like they were forced in.

**** I do need to mention that the book does have an upsetting scene that involves harming a beloved pet.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published November 10, 2026.

3 stars

I hoped for more from this Gilded Age set book about a fallen young woman (alas! Alack!) and her mother (and her grandmother.) The soon-to-be destitute family find salvation in the person of a multi-millionaire of New York whom the mother hopes to ensnare. Things don’t quite work out as planned, as the knave has his eye on someone else (alas! Alack!)

There are so many characters to dislike here and, sadly, most of them are just cardboard, acting exactly as one would expect. Both the writing and the period details were good, but, overall, this was just a fair read, though others may enjoy it more.

[Daphne Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful look at life in and during the Gilded Age. John Whitten has married twice, outliving both wives and only improved his standing and wealth through each marriage. He is ready to marry again. Isabel hopes to catch his eye, she is a widow of faltering fortunes. Her mother the Countess hopes for the match, her daughter Mariah, was dishonored by a young man of so wealth and status, the family arranged an adoption. Two women at the mercy of a society so sure of itself it leaves little avenues for advancement. A meeting between Isabel and John leaves Isabel reeling and forced to offer her daughter in place of herself, to a man willing to overlook her “ indiscretion in exchange for her hand in marriage. John is sixty three, Mariah is eighteen. In the shadows is Lavinia, a friend of many years to John and always willing to comfort in time of trial. Wonderful, the kind of fascinating,read determined to make finish every word.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is hard not to feel for Mariah, one of the central characters in this historical novel. Set in a time when women had little say in their own lives, the story traces the emergence of their voices and their determination to stand up for themselves.

Through the heartbreak of the Bishop family, we see the harsh realities of surviving in a male dominated world and the difficult, sometimes appalling sacrifices they are forced to make. Those choices, while painful to witness, make for a compelling story of grit and determination.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read an advance copy!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the newest historical fiction novel from Nina de Gramont that takes an inside look at a young girl trapped in a marriage to a much older man. Her mother Isabelle hopes to marry Mr. Whitten, but he has eyes only for her daughter Mariah. Due to an irrevocable mistake by Mariah, Mr. Whitten blackmails Isabelle leaving her no choice but to allow the marriage. Fans of the Gilded Age will enjoy this look into life of the rich in New York City at the turn of the century. Highly recommend.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. The concept was a new one to me. A 60-something year old man seems interested in a 30-something year old widow, but then he meets her 18-year-old daughter and decides that is who he will marry to produce heirs for me. This is more intriguing in that a similar situation happened to the author's own relative. The ramifications for both the mother, daughter, and granny as well make a compelling story as they each try to hold onto or amass what power is at their disposal.

[Libby Reidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of the Guilded Age, this novel will interest you. A widow who has lost her husband and three children in a tragic boat wreck hopes to marries a much older man to secure she and her remaining daughter's future. Instead, the man wants to marries her daughter, What follows are themes of blackmail. unhapppy relationships and discoveries of new futures. All the women portrayed are strong characters doing what they need to do to survive and be sucessful. An interesting read, I look forward to read more by this author.

[Natalie Groom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peregrine Hill is a quietly captivating read that lingers in the best way.

Nina de Gramont’s writing feels lush and immersive, pulling you into a story layered with emotion, secrets, and beautifully drawn characters.

The atmosphere is rich without being heavy, and the pacing unfolds like a slow, satisfying unraveling. I loved how the setting almost became a character itself, adding depth to every moment.

This is the kind of book you sink into and don’t want to rush. Thoughtful, evocative, and deeply engaging from start to finish.

Publication Date: November 10, 2026

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction.
In the early 20th century it was so easy for the fortunes of women - rich and poor, old and young - to change and, thus, make them reliant on men. Young well off women, young working women, older widows - were all bound by societal rules and the choices they were forced to make to survive in a world that viewed them as chattel.

Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy

[Shasta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Guilded Age and I love class diversity and women's struggles and unlikeable characters. This, though, fell really flat for me. All of the mains were vapid and shallow and made really, really terrible decisions. And, no spoilers, but the man that causes so many issues had zero depth. Why would everyone give up their lives for this man. Just wasn't into it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.