The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher (English) Paperback Book

Description: The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher The captivating exploits of the rebellious daughter of one of Americas greatest political dynasties. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Now in paperback, the captivating novel following the exploits of Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy, the forgotten and rebellious daughter of one of Americas greatest political dynasties."A riveting reimagining of a true tale of forbidden love."-PeopleThe captivating novel following the exploits of Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy, the forgotten and rebellious daughter of one of Americas greatest political dynasties.London, 1938.The effervescent "It girl" of London society since her father was named the ambassador, Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy moves in rarefied circles, rubbing satin-covered elbows with some of the twentieth centurys most powerful figures. Eager to escape the watchful eye of her strict mother, Rose; the antics of her older brothers, Jack and Joe; and the erratic behavior of her sister Rosemary, Kick is ready to strike out on her own and is soon swept off her feet by Billy Hartington, the future Duke of Devonshire.But their love is forbidden, as Kicks devout Catholic family and Billys staunchly Protestant one would never approve their match. And when war breaks like a tidal wave across her world, Billy is ripped from her arms as the Kennedys are forced to return to the States. Kick finds work as a journalist and joins the Red Cross to get back to England, where she will have to decide where her true loyalties lie-with family or with love.... Author Biography Kerri Maher is the author of The Girl in White Gloves, The Kennedy Debutante, and, under the name Kerri Majors, This Is Not a Writing Manual- Notes for the Young Writer in the Real World. She holds an MFA from Columbia University and was a writing professor for many years. She now writes full-time and lives with her daughter and dog in a leafy suburb west of Boston, Massachusetts. Review "Mahers debut stars a debutante to root for in this moving coming-of-age tale."—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network and The Huntress"Maher beautifully mixes the red-blooded American iconography of the Kennedys with the delicious and Downton Abbey-esque grandeur of Britains upper crusts…[Kick] proves a poignant and captivating subject, and her story will make your heart lurch in the best possible ways."—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Queens Fortune"A vivid and engrossing portrayal of the fascinating life of Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy. Maher offers a dazzling glimpse of London society filled with a rich, nuanced, and infamous cast of characters alongside a poignant depiction of the emotional cost of war. A stunning debut!"—Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of Next Year in Havana, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick "Kerri Maher has crafted a compelling, insightful look into the complexities of the Kennedy era and one of its most fascinating daughters. Expertly researched, this is a remarkable debut."—Susan Meissner, Bestselling author of As Bright as Heaven"You will be swept up, first and foremost, by its vivid, captivating heroine. Kick Kennedy was naive and privileged, to be sure, but in Mahers masterful portrait, she is also a bold young woman living at a precarious moment in history, eager to make her mark on the world as fearlessly as she will follow her heart."—Julia Glass, Author of A House Among the Trees and the National Book Award–winning Three Junes"An outstanding deep dive into a fascinating person and time. For fans of The Crown, the riveting story of a headstrong American girl captivated by a dashing British aristocrat. Im blown away."—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue"Bursting with vivid details of America and London during wartime, this is an enthralling tale of a bold woman eager to make her mark on the world."—Womans World "A well-paced and engaging novel [that will] appeal to fans of TVs Downton Abbey."—USA Today"At once bittersweet and triumphant, The Kennedy Debutante melds history and fiction to stunning effect."—Sarah-Jane Stratford, International bestselling author of Red Letter Days"Mahers assured debut, set against the backdrop of World War II, explores the life of JFKs younger sister Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy...This immersive, rich portrait of a complex young woman from one of the worlds most famous families will hold readers in thrall."—Publishers Weekly"An engrossing tale of the importance of family, faith, and love in the life of one remarkable woman."—BooklistPraise for The Girl in White Gloves"The stunning and very human story of a beloved icon....Full of nuance and poignancy—this novel is gorgeous."—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Queens Fortune"[A] fascinating, deeply researched novel of the extraordinary Grace Kelly...establishes Maher as a true force in biographical fiction."—Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of The Golden Hour "A captivating look behind the scenes at the life of the iconic Grace Kelly...as she searches for authenticity in a world clamoring instead for a picture-perfect princess."—Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Only Woman in the Room "Daring and deep. Maher successfully lifts the curtain of mystery that surrounded a princess and a movie star, revealing a headstrong, complex woman with a riveting story to tell."—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue "In The Girl in White Gloves, Kerri Maher beautifully envisions the reality of this fairy-tale life. This deeply researched novel is perfect for fans of Grace Kelly, royal-watchers, and fans of biographical fiction alike."—PopSugar"In this charming, picturesque novel, readers are swept away…this story is a glimpse into the dazzling life of a classic and beloved star."—Womans World"Mahers bio-fic feels as if it was written by Kelly herself. The novel spins a fascinating version of the Philly natives life, from princess of Hollywood to Princess of Monaco."—Philadelphia Magazine"The Girl in White Gloves offers a tantalizing, behind-the-scenes look at Grace Kellys life. An absolute treat—I loved it!"—Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keepers Daughter"Compelling and thoughtful....Maher imbues her heroine with grace, passion and strength, giving us a behind-the-scenes look into the sacrifices that Kelly made in becoming not once, but twice, an icon."—Bryn Turnbull, Author of The Woman Before Wallis"[T]his will be a good choice for readers curious about the inner life of a royal. Its an absorbing take on a complicated life."—Library Journal"A thoughtful and moving book that ably illuminates a struggling albeit determined princess."—BookTrib "A story about the actual Grace Kelly…Maher humanizes her and provides a glimpse into a world that looks far different from what the media portrayed it to be when she was alive."—Bookreporter "There is much to relish about this well-researched, riveting tale."—Booklist "This is great historical fiction and great character development … [Maher] humanizes the icon of Grace Kelly without turning soppy. Highly recommended."—Historical Novels Review, Editors Choice "Mahers compulsively readable portrait of a woman hungry to find her place in the world."—Greer Macallister, USA Today bestselling author of The Magicians Lie and Woman 99"The riveting story of a woman who everyone thought had it all, who in fact struggled and sacrificed to find her own happiness."—Stephanie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of And They Called It Camelot "The Girl in White Gloves is a captivating novel of love, family, and the cost of regret. I devoured it one sitting!"—Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling coauthor of Meet Me in Monaco"Elegant and romantic...an engrossing journey of transformation, complete with familial tension, betrayal, and redemption."—Elise Hooper, Author of The Other Alcott"In this moving, bittersweet, and deeply honest novel, the real woman behind the myth that is Grace Kelly—glamorous movie star and fairy-tale princess - comes to full-throated life. We are held spellbound by her artistry, desire, thwarted dreams, and indefatigable will."—Sarah-Jane Stratford, Author of Red Letter Days "A fabulous page-turner, full of joy and heartbreak and all the elegance and adventure that Grace embodied. This perceptive look at the beautiful woman who sacrificed everything for her talent and ambition, and then sacrificed her career for love, is as thrilling as one of Graces own screen performances, with the perfect balance of passion and vulnerability. I loved this book!"—Jeanne Mackin, Author of The Last Collection "A perfect jewel of a novel. While this is very much Kellys story, its Mahers broader themes of challenging expectations and finding ones voice that set this book apart. She has definitely earned her spot on my auto-read list."—Alix Rickloff, Author of The Way to London "Anyone who loves the glamour of classic movies will love The Girl in White Gloves. Kerri Maher transforms Grace Kelly from a legendary screen idol into a real and relatable woman. I was captivated by Graces struggle for personal and professional acceptance, and her search for balance between ambition and family."—Georgie Blalock, Author of The Other Windsor Girl Review Quote Praise for The Kennedy Debutante "Mahers debut stars a debutante to root for in this moving coming-of-age tale."--Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network and The Huntress "Maher beautifully mixes the red-blooded American iconography of the Kennedys with the delicious and Downton Abbey -esque grandeur of Britains upper crusts...[Kick] proves a poignant and captivating subject, and her story will make your heart lurch in the best possible ways."--Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental Empress "A vivid and engrossing portrayal of the fascinating life of Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy. Maher offers a dazzling glimpse of London society filled with a rich, nuanced, and infamous cast of characters alongside a poignant depiction of the emotional cost of war. A stunning debut!"--Chanel Cleeton, Author of Next Year in Havana , a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick "Kerri Maher has crafted a compelling, insightful look into the complexities of the Kennedy era and one of its most fascinating daughters. Expertly researched, this is a remarkable debut."--Susan Meissner, Bestselling author of As Bright as Heaven "You will be swept up, first and foremost, by its vivid, captivating heroine. Kick Kennedy was naive and privileged, to be sure, but in Mahers masterful portrait, she is also a bold young woman living at a precarious moment in history, eager to make her mark on the world as fearlessly as she will follow her heart."--Julia Glass, Author of A House Among the Trees and the National Book Award-winning Three Junes "An outstanding deep dive into a fascinating person and time. For fans of The Crown , the riveting story of a headstrong American girl captivated by a dashing British aristocrat. Im blown away."--Fiona Davis, Author of The Masterpiece "Bursting with vivid details of America and London during wartime, this is an enthralling tale of a bold woman eager to make her mark on the world."-- Womans World "A well-paced and engaging novel [that will] appeal to fans of TVs Downton Abbey ."-- USA Today "At once bittersweet and triumphant, The Kennedy Debutante melds history and fiction to stunning effect."--Sarah-Jane Stratford, International bestselling author of Radio Girls "Mahers assured debut, set against the backdrop of World War II, explores the life of JFKs younger sister Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy...This immersive, rich portrait of a complex young woman from one of the worlds most famous families will hold readers in thrall."-- Publishers Weekly "An engrossing tale of the importance of family, faith, and love in the life of one remarkable woman."-- Booklist Promotional "Headline" Now in paperback, the captivating novel following the exploits of Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy, the forgotten and rebellious daughter of one of Americas greatest political dynasties. Excerpt from Book Chapter 1 Presentation day. Finally, Kick thought as soon as she opened her eyes that morning. This is it, she kept thinking, her heart pounding. This is it. Rising out of damp sheets, Kick stole into the bathroom down the hall and ran steaming water into the tub, then spiked it with a strong dose of lavender oil to cleanse away the sour sweat that had drenched her the night before. Fear had plagued her dreams for weeks, encouraging one of her most embarrassing and least ladylike bodily functions-perspiration-and made daily baths an absolute necessity. Her new friend and fellow debutante Jane Kenyon-Slaney claimed to bathe only a few times a week, and yet she was as groomed and aromatic as the gardens of Hampton Court. Kick blamed her fathers insistence on sports for all his children, including the girls. Perhaps if she hadnt exerted herself so often on tennis courts or the harbors of the Cape, she would be as dainty as Jane and the other girls whod line up with her that day. But then, she thought ruefully to herself almost in her fathers voice, she wouldnt have won so many trophies. Still. Surely even Jane would be nervous in her place. Every photographed move Kick had made since her familys arrival in London two months before had been leading up to the moment when she would lower herself in a meticulously refined curtsy before King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, then drink champagne with the most essential people in England. Kick had always been expected to perform better than anyone else, but here in England she wasnt just Rose and Joe Kennedys fashionable daughter, eighteen years old and fresh from school, who could keep up with her older brothers when she set her mind to it. She was the daughter of Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy, the first Irish Catholic ever to be appointed to the coveted post in this most Protestant of countries. This time, she had to succeed. There was more than a trophy on the line. Shed been waiting for a moment like this forever, through every long mass and from inside every scratchy wool uniform at Sacred Heart. A new life. And now she had a chance at it-in one of her favorite places, thank the good Lord. Shed savored a delicious taste of English society two years before when, on a too-brief break from her year in the convent at Neuilly, shed attended the Cambridge May Balls in a swirl of music and laughter. Now that she was free of nuns and school, she was ready to embrace it all-but as Kick, not just Kathleen Kennedy. Add to all that the problem of Rosemary, her beautiful older sister whod be presented with her that morning, whose erratic behavior could make everything impossible, and Kick judged that her fear was well-founded. A long hot soak in a fragrant tub would do her a world of good. Arms suspended in the water, Kick said a solemn Hail Mary and an Our Father before moving on to a short prayer asking God to guide her footsteps that day. A knock on the door interrupted her. Typical. "Im bathing!" she shouted back, assuming it was Bobby, Teddy, or maybe Jean or Pat, one of her littlest siblings, who didnt give a toss about the few moments of privacy she savored in a day. This day especially. As soon as she got out of the tub, she was in for relentless hours of beauty treatments, photo shoots, and then the presentation itself, followed by the most important party of her life. "Its your mother," said Rose as she opened the door, letting in a gust of cold air. She was wearing a tweed suit and black pumps, her dark hair sleekly coiffed and her red lipstick recently applied, looking ready for a ladies luncheon or a visit to one of the childrens schools. No one would know that in a few hours, Rose Kennedy would be stepping into a white Molyneux gown designed just for her and the nights grand occasion. "A work of art," shed said to her favorite designer on the phone. Now Rose perched on the rim of the white porcelain tub and looked down at her naked daughter. In an effort to look as slender as possible to her petite mother, whod been monitoring every mouthful of food she ingested on one of her infernal index cards, Kick pulled up her knees, which she thought made her legs look thinner and her belly concave, then she stretched her arms around her knees in an effort to cover some of the rest. "I know youll make us proud today, Kathleen," said Rose, her voice sounding higher and tinnier than usual as it pinged off the tile walls and floors. "This presentation is so important for your father. For the whole family. The English have been so accepting of the Kennedy family so far, but today will show them and the world that there is no difference between us and them." "Of course, Mother," Kick replied, because it was easier than pointing out that more than half of the many articles written about their family had included references to their Catholicism, or Irish descent, or both. It was only with her new friends-Jane, Debo Mitford, Sissy Lloyd-Thomas, and Jean Ogilvy-all of whom would be queuing with her to curtsy before the king and queen, that Kick could sometimes forget who she was. Rose made an effort to smile, then said, "Youve done a wonderful job of keeping your figure, Kathleen. And, after some initial stumbles, of knowing who everyone is and engaging everyone important in conversation. The newspapers love you." "Thank you, Mother," Kick replied, now shivering in the tub. Her mother had left the door ajar, and a draft was blowing in, cooling the water and giving her goose bumps. It didnt help that Rose kept referring to her "stumble" from a month ago, when Kick had mistaken Lady Smithson for Lady Winthrop at the opera, a gaffe made worse by the fact that Lady Winthrop was a rotund matron whose husband had expatriated to Paris to live with his French mistress, and Lady Smithson was a statuesque but hardly fat beauty whose husband discreetly kept a French mistress in Bath. Thankfully, Lady Nancy Astor had come to her rescue with her trademark double-edged wit and said to Lady Smithson, "Gretchen, you can hardly expect such a young American to be familiar with the hypocrisies of English society as soon as she steps off the boat. Give her another few weeks and shell be insulting you without your even knowing it." It was a profound show of support from Lady Astor, once a belle from Virginia who was now a member of Parliament and one of the most important hostesses in her adopted homeland. When Lady Smithson had huffed off to find her seat, Kick had gushed her thanks to this fellow American, whod replied with a wave of her hand, "Any opportunity to put that woman in her place is a welcome one, my dear." After that, Kick had made herself a set of flash cards, so that she could study every single name and face that appeared in the papers and magazines, and in the copy of Burkes Peerage her mother had given her to study a week before theyd sailed from New York, insisting she must know who everyone was. She never got another name wrong. "I remember how difficult it could be, playing a role like this," her mother went on. "There were times when I wanted to run away from all the duties of being a mayors daughter. But Im glad I never did." "Seems like Grandfather would have made everything fun," Kick said, thinking fondly of her mothers father, Honey Fitz, infamous former Boston mayor and number one grandfather. He never tired of playing on the floor with her and her siblings as children, or taking them to races and dockyards and political meetings as they got older. "He did," her mother agreed, looking down at her hands, "some of the time. But there is a big difference between being a parent and being a grandparent. He was different with me than he is with you and your brothers and sisters." "Mother," Kick said, sensing her mothers little pep talk was winding down, and wanting very much to warm back up again, "the waters getting cold." Rose stood and brought Kick one of the plush American towels shed immediately ordered from New York when she saw the sad state of English towels, which were, as shed put it, "little more than dishrags." Kick stood with a waterfall sound and wrapped herself in the blessedly toasty towel that had been waiting on that most ingenious of English amenities, the warming rack. She loved that the English had found so many weapons to combat the constant chill: warming racks in the bath, hot water bottles in bed, chic scarves from Liberty, steaming tea and sweets at four in the afternoon when it seemed the gray would never dissipate. Rose looked once more at her daughter, appraisingly, and Kick worried she might say more, but after a beat Rose informed her, "Hair and makeup is at eleven." Then, with that heavy sigh she indulged more and more often when thinking of her oldest daughter, she said, "Now to attend dear Rosie. Thank goodness I can count on you to take care of yourself, Kathleen." Rosie. Rosemary. Her mothers namesake and doted-on darling who was nearly twenty, a year and a half older than Kick herself, who so often acted more like she was ten. Which could be charming-until it wasnt. Rose left in another puff of cold air. Despite the warm towel, Kick felt chilled down to her toes. At Buckingham Palace, there was a last-minute kerfuffle as Kick and Rosemary were lining up with the other debutantes because Kick Description for Sales People The Kennedys have been dubbed Americas Royal Family, and are a long-cherished pop culture obsession. London in World War II is a perennially popular setting for novels. Little has been written about the fascinating Kathleen Kick Kennedy, and this novel fills that gap. Good potential for book clubs; The Kennedy Debutante is filled with powerful discussion topics. Details ISBN0451492056 Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc Year 2019 ISBN-10 0451492056 ISBN-13 9780451492050 Format Paperback Imprint Berkley Publishing Corporation,U.S. Place of Publication New York Country of Publication United States Language English DEWEY FIC Author Kerri Maher Publication Date 2019-08-13 US Release Date 2019-08-13 UK Release Date 2019-08-13 Pages 400 Audience General NZ Release Date 2019-08-12 AU Release Date 2019-08-12 We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:141702071;

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