The Philadelphia Heiress

A Novel

By: Anita Abriel

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

In pursuit of happiness, a young woman’s dreams extend beyond money and marriage in this aspirational historical novel by the international bestselling author of The Light After the War.

It’s 1927, and Helen Montgomery is coming of age on Philadelphia’s Main Line, where privileged young women are set for life. But Helen has desires of her own. Debutante balls, eligible bachelors, and marriage aren’t among them…until her father is embroiled in a devastating scandal that jeopardizes the family’s financial future and social standing, that is. Then it becomes up to Helen to repair both by marrying a man of wealth and connection.

Edgar Scott is as independent as Helen. The black-sheep scion of a railroad magnate, Edgar’s aspirations of becoming an author go against the grain of his own family’s expectations. For a time, Helen and Edgar’s marriage grows from attraction and convenience to genuine loyalty and respect. But as Edgar’s frustrations and rejections mount and Helen’s personal dreams recede, the cracks in the perfect life Helen wants are beginning to show.

So begins Helen’s journey of forgiveness, redefining the meaning of perfection—for herself and in others—and accepting with all her heart the mistakes humans make in the name of love.

©2024 Anita Abriel (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Barrie Kreinik narrates the story of Helen Montgomery, the beautiful daughter of a blue-blood Philadelphia family in 1927 who would rather raise cattle than seek a husband. With elegance and a touch of innocence, Kreinik portrays Helen's frustration when she realizes that she must abandon her dream and marry for money and connections because of the financial crisis caused by her father's scandalous affair. Kreinik subtly adds color to the male characters, notably Helen's mercurial husband and pretentious father.… Kreinik provides a more mature tone for Helen as she resolves to change her life in ways that other women in the 1920s wouldn't even have considered.” —AudioFile Magazine

“Abriel offers the readers long and lush descriptions of settings, clothing, and food…appeal[ing] to those interested in Philadelphia society, the Bloomsbury circle, and above all a profile of an unconventional marriage.” —Historical Novel Society

It's okay

I suppose I liked this book well enough to listen to the whole thing. The narrator did a good job, and I thought the story started out strong, but I found myself so annoyed with the main character and her unyielding beliefs and ways that didn't seem to change at all as she aged or progressed in life. I'd remark upon the ending, but I don't want to spoil it. I ended up listening to the second half of the book on a higher speed just to find out where it went - it wasn't so bad that I would return it or stop listening - but I think if you have other things to listen to, you might choose them first.

The Philadelphia Story

This is almost a complete copy of the Philadelphia Story. Not sure why this is mentioned in the summary.

Absolutely wonderful listen!

This was a wonderfully narrated book that I loved, my only complaint is that is wasn’t long enough, I would have like more after their second wedding, but I still absolutely loved the story, I think a book two is plausible. Lol.

Great narrator, awful main character

I read it in no time at all. So it kept my interest. The author did a terrific job making the main character completely insufferable. Tones of Philadelphia Story starring Katherine Hepburn without the loveliness of Kate.

Though the author does an excellent job in her research, the story is disconnected. The main character is determined to live her life her way but quickly caves to her parents request that she marry. She is working towards realizing a dream, but can't see value in her husband's, sister's, or parent's dreams. Her inability to accept change, give forgiveness, or have any depth makes the book almost unbearable. It is saved by the author's ability to tell a story with interesting supporting characters and the inclusion of 1920s history.

The author did all that work and I just can't understand why she wasted it on Helen's story.

Well written

Fairly predictable plot. Good narration. Just couldn’t get into story. Was able to finish but didn’t have the good feeling at the end

Yawn

I was looking for “feel good” story (aren’t we all after the recent outcome of the US Presidential election?) and all I can say is, WOW, did the algorithm let me down! This book is just plain stupid. The author went to Bard and UC Berkeley? Really? Eek. The writing is predictable and REALLY boring. Don’t waste your time, life is too short.