I had the opportunity to hear the author speak at a conference last year. It was truly a remarkable experience. If I hadn't attended that conference and listened to the author's engaging talk, I probably would not have been inspired to read the book. And that would have been a great shame indeed. In the book, the author presents a thought-provoking perspective that challenges the common belief that love conquers all. While love is undoubtedly a powerful force, it doesn't always have the ability to overcome every obstacle. Similarly, money, which is often seen as a solution to many problems, also has its limitations. The author explores these ideas in-depth, making the reader question their own assumptions and beliefs. Overall, the book offers a fresh and unique take on the complex themes of love and money, and I'm glad I had the chance to read it.

Well, this was yet another one of my 'great finds'.

It was on sale at a local market for just 3.50! WOOHOO. I don't know much about it yet, but it seems extremely intriguing.

When I opened the inside flap and read the story. . . about a couple, he being an heir of John Jaccob Astor, a millionaire, and she, the god-daughter of Robert E. Lee and from a prominent family of society, set in the late 1800s - early 1900s.

It also stated that "Now, Donna Lucy (the author) vividly brings to life these extraordinary lovers and their sweeping tragic romance." Well. . . that was enough for me. I was sold.

So far, it has been very interesting indeed. I'm not sure if the author is the best I've ever read, but the story of this couple has supposedly been well investigated and explored, and it's fairly accurate historically. . . aside from the obvious need to create some dialog.

It's quite engaging so far and I'm really anxious to continue reading and find out what happens next to these two lovers in their tragic romance.

The tragic tale of Archie, the eldest of the "Astor Orphans," and his beloved Amelie was truly captivating. Archie was a far more sympathetic character compared to Amelie.

However, there is one persistent question that lingers. They were a young couple in their twenties when they got married, yet they never had any children. The author fails to mention whether they desired children or not, or if either of them ever voiced their feelings on this matter. It's quite possible that they would have been terrible parents. But it seems rather strange that this topic was never broached in such a detailed exploration of their relationship, especially given the scarcity of reliable birth-control methods in the late 19th century.

Perhaps the author had other aspects of their story that they wanted to focus on, but the omission of this particular detail leaves the reader with a sense of incompleteness. It makes one wonder what might have been different in their lives if they had chosen to have children or if they were unable to for some reason.

Overall, while the story of Archie and Amelie is engaging, this unanswered question about their childlessness adds an extra layer of mystery and intrigue.

An entrancing view into the lives of the wealthy and privileged in 19th and early 20th century America - thus the "Gilded Age" of the sub-title.

Lucey has conducted monumental research on the people in this book, and it is evident in the rich narrative that incorporates numerous excerpts from the letters of the "combatants." I use that word deliberately because, from the social class I am in, if one ever suspects that money, power, and influence guarantee happy, serene, humane, uncluttered, sane, and healthy lives, the portrait of these two representatives will strongly dissuade.

It is these strangenesses that make for an interesting read. One almost feels like a voyeur into their privacy, a reader of the pulp press, as it were. The author has a pleasant, engaging style. Although sometimes, especially at the beginning, I found myself wondering who's who given the myriad of names and short bios of the families and their friends, partners, and acquaintances, the cloud dissipated as the two of the title emerged, and the book progressed nicely to its inevitable conclusion.

Nice read; strange people.

“Quite an interesting book” is a simple yet captivating description. This book has the power to draw readers in and keep them engaged from the very first page. It offers a unique perspective on various topics, presenting ideas that are both thought-provoking and entertaining. The author's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers of all ages and backgrounds to understand and enjoy. Whether you're looking for a light read to pass the time or a more in-depth exploration of a particular subject, this book has something to offer. It's the kind of book that you'll want to recommend to your friends and family, and it's sure to become a favorite in your personal library.

Amelie surpasses Scarlett O'Hara in the category of the Cold Manipulative Bitch who exploits her Beauty to Destroy Men. Additionally, she is self-glorifying and overly dramatic. And simply Mean.

Consequently, with such an unlikable character accounting for half of the biography, I faced great difficulty in engaging with the book. I just desired to shake Archie and urge him to cut his losses and flee.

The book is skillfully written and sheds light on two individuals whom I had never heard of but who were enormously famous stars in their era. I'm pleased that I read about them, yet I wouldn't have wished to have known them in person.

It's interesting how the author managed to create such vivid and complex characters, even if they are not particularly endearing. The story provides a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era and the lives of those who were in the spotlight. However, the unlikability of Amelie确实 made it a bit of a struggle to fully immerse myself in the narrative.

Despite this, I still appreciate the book for its literary value and the insights it offers into the world of showbiz and the personalities that inhabited it. It serves as a reminder that not all stars are as glamorous and charming as they may seem on the surface.

I have a profound fascination with the Gilded Age, which has been significantly fueled by tours of numerous homes belonging to the movers and shakers of this remarkable period. Wealth, without a doubt, can act as a great divider in society. However, it is important to remember that at the core, humanity is humanity. One can find a wide range of traits in both the wealthy and the so-called "common" man. There is goodness, decency, loathsomeness, greed, pettiness, vanity, and every other characteristic that marks mankind. It is this inherent human nature, with all its flaws and virtues, that we encounter.

This book vividly portrays the sad and ultimately doomed relationship between two individuals. Archie, the heir of the Astor fortune, and Amelie, a spoiled and cunning Southern belle. As a Southern gal myself, I can attest that we do not take kindly to these kinds of women. You find yourself wanting to shout, "RUN!" when you witness Archie falling for Amelie. Alas, he dives headfirst into a bad relationship that has a profound impact on him for the rest of his life.

While the book is quite interesting in many places, towards the end, it began to really drag. I found myself having to force myself to finish it. It's a shame that what started out as a captivating read lost some of its momentum towards the conclusion.

"Archie and Amelie" by Donna M Lucey seems to be an interesting read.

I started delving into it, but unfortunately, I got distracted along the way.

The story might have had some captivating elements that initially drew my attention.

Perhaps it was the unique characters or the intriguing plot that made me eager to continue.

However, due to the distraction, I wasn't able to fully immerse myself in the narrative.

But I'm determined to give it another go later.

I believe that when I have a more focused and quiet moment, I'll be able to truly appreciate the story and understand the connection between Archie and Amelie.

I'm looking forward to uncovering the mysteries and emotions that lie within the pages of this book.

Hopefully, the second attempt will be more successful, and I'll be able to lose myself in the world created by Donna M Lucey.

I truly desired to have a liking for this book.

The characters of Archie and Amelie were indeed quite interesting. They had their own unique traits and personalities that initially caught my attention.

However, when considering the book as a whole, I feel that there simply wasn't an adequate amount of information provided. There was a lack of connection or tie to what was transpiring in the world at large. This deficiency made it difficult for me to maintain my interest throughout the story.

Moreover, it also hindered my ability to relate this particular story to some other frame of reference. Without that connection, the story seemed somewhat isolated and less engaging.

Overall, while the characters had potential, the lack of relevant information and connection to the broader world left me feeling somewhat disappointed with the book.

This really felt like a tabloid gossip column, and to be honest, since I'm such a sucker for those kinds of things, I actually quite enjoyed reading the tale.

I thought Lucey's research was truly remarkable. It delved deep into the nitty-gritty details of the gilded era.

It was as if she had uncovered a hidden world filled with secrets, scandals, and all the glamorous yet often sordid aspects of that particular time period.

The way she presented the information made it both engaging and fascinating, almost like a juicy story that you just couldn't put down.

I found myself completely immersed in her account, eager to learn more about the people, events, and the overall atmosphere of the gilded era.

It was a great read that not only entertained but also provided valuable insights into a bygone era.

Sad, but yet these two people give you a lot to think about.

It is truly a thought-provoking situation. The events and actions of these individuals have implications that go beyond the surface.

That Charlottesville, on the other hand, is a place that holds a significant amount of history. It has witnessed numerous events that have shaped the nation.

In fact, it can be argued that Charlottesville has a history that is just as rich and complex as that of Thomas Jefferson.

Jefferson is a well-known figure in American history, but Charlottesville also has its own story to tell.

The city has been a site of struggle, progress, and change.

It serves as a reminder of the past and a call to action for the future.

As we reflect on these two aspects, we are forced to confront the uncomfortable truths and grapple with the lessons that can be learned.

Perhaps by doing so, we can move forward and create a more just and equitable society.

The Chanler family, whose mother was an Astor, were completely bonkers.

Archie met Amelie and, through some means, managed to persuade her to marry him. One can't help but wonder if it was the money that influenced her decision.

Fortunately, the couple didn't have children. This is a very interesting story, but I found myself having to speed read the second half.

I was growing tired of the sad, sad facts that kept unfolding.

It's as if the more I delved into the story, the more depressing it became.

However, despite the sadness, there is still something captivating about the tale of the Chanler family and their rather unusual circumstances.

Perhaps it's the allure of the wealthy and their eccentric ways that keeps us intrigued.

Or maybe it's the hope that, despite all the hardships and craziness, there might still be a glimmer of happiness or redemption for them.

Whatever the reason, this story has definitely left an impression on me.