The Gilded Heiress Review

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Let's chat about The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe.

Pub Date: 8-26-25
Adult - Historical Romance

In 1880, the Pendelton family's baby girl disappears, sending them into the national spotlight. With no ransom note, they offer a legendary reward, and the case becomes infamous. Leo Hardy, resourceful and determined to support his mother and sisters, spots a street singer who bears a striking resemblance to Mrs. Pendelton. Having long suffered at the Pendeltons' hands, Leo sees an opportunity for calculated revenge and seizes his chance.

Josie Smith was left on the steps of a Boston children’s asylum and was raised by strict nuns. With no clue about her life before, Josie was quick to learn how to take care of herself. Now, she makes her living by singing on the streets, hoping for her big break. When she’s approached by Leo with a scheme that would take them all the way to New York City, Josie is skeptical, but ultimately, she has nothing to lose. Soon, the pair find themselves rubbing elbows with high society, and growing closer in the process, but when the lies start to unfold, Leo and Josie’s lives are both upended.

When I heard this was a reimagining of the movie Anastasia, I couldn’t pick this book up fast enough. It was everything I didn’t realize I wanted or needed. The dynamic between Josie and Leo was perfect, full of bickering banter and real chemistry. You could cut the tension with a knife. I loved watching Leo develop feelings for Josie and change his way of life to deserve her. Josie was funny, loyal, and headstrong. Watching her push Leo’s buttons was another highlight. Obviously, if you’re familiar with the original work, you’ll know how the plot will play out, but it was still a joy to read, and it’s now one of my favorites of Shupe.

Rating: 5/5

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