It's been called the Age of Innocence, the Gilded Age, and the Last Era of Chivalry. The turn of the century in America, heavily imbued with Victorian and Edwardian influences, was a time of almost unequaled opulence and indulgence. European aristocracy was considered the gold standard, and America's "upper classes" strove mightily not just to to emulate, but surpass, it. With so many newly wealthy families, like the Rockefellers and Morgans, Americans embraced the world of fashion, manners and "birth" as never before, even going so far as sending their daughters to Europe to catch "titled" husbands.

The late 1800's and early 1900's were years of amazing growth, especially in the United States. Industrialization was the byword of the day, and the country saw the introduction of automobiles, gas and electric lights, factories, telegraphs, and a vast expansion of railroads. Tall, elegant buildings rose towards the skyline, enormous ships were christened and set to sail, roads were laid, cities were modernized -- nothing seemed out of reach for this young, energetic country.

The fashion elegance of the the Gilded Age was surpassed only by that of the Regency era. This is the period of the Gibson Girl, who to this day embodies the American ideal of feminine beauty. Women's clothes and hairstyles were sweeping and elegant, for both day and night time, while men's outfits were elegantly tailored and exacting for every possible outing. Gloves, hats, jewelry and other ornamentations were exquisitely and boldly crafted.

The turn of the century in America was filled with excitement, beauty, promise and creativity. Let NPOB take you back in time with wonderful romances and mysteries set in the Gilded Age era. Enjoy the elegance and passion of this unique period of American history -- the last and most golden of its kind.

Lions and Lace - Meagan McKinney
Brenda Joyce's Cahill/Bragg Deadly Series - Brenda Joyce
Amanda Harte - Carousel of Dreams
Linda Francis Lee - Dove's Way, Swan's Grace, Crimson Lace, Emerald Rain
November of the Heart, That Camden Summer - LaVyrle Spencer
Eleanora Brownleigh - Keepsake, Heirlookm A Wopma of the Century, Memento
Willa Hix - Cheek To Cheek
Katie Rose - Courting Trouble, Runaway Hearts
Margaret St. George - American Pie
Edith Wharton - Age of Innocence

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