"The American Heiress" Book and Tea Club
Hello fellow book club readers! Up by popular vote, our next book is “The American Heiress” by Daisy Goodwin. This is a Downton Abbey-esque novel about Cora Cash, an American heiress, who marries an English duke in the 1890’s. (The book is available as an ebook for ~$10 and is available in print on Half.com for ~$1.75. You can also check at your local library for an available copy.) Make sure you purchase the correct version as there are a couple of books with the same title, the correct book’s author is Daisy Goodwin, published 2011.
We will discuss this book on Friday, March 15th. Happy Reading and Sipping!
We still need a tea to pair with this book. Any suggestions?
I’ve been thinking about this one, and maybe a tea from Harney & Sons would work? Since they’re an American company that’s popular in Britain. Maybe Tower of London?
Or we can each pick out a tea, & each one of us can send samples to everyone else. That might result in a fun collection of english breakfasts, earl greys, etc
That is an interesting idea. And if we send it in baggies in letters it shouldn’t cost too much to ship either. And think of how exciting it’ll be to check the mail. :). We might feel like nobility…
I think I’ll try some of Murchie’s 1894 Blend as it was created during the same time this book is set: http://steepster.com/teas/murchies-tea-and-coffee/6132-the-1894-tea Hopefully it doesn’t disappoint. :D
This is a great idea. We could do it like the Christmas exchanges. Pick pairs to exchange.
Great idea! I just picked up a box of Darvilles of Windsor, Royalty Assam Blend. I thought it was loose tea, but it is tea bags. (Note to self, you need reading glasses, dear.) Described as “A very fine blend of Assam teas. Rich, malty and full of flavour.” On the back of the package is an old photograph of Darville & Son Grocery Shop 1930. And on the front: “A View of the East Terrace and Garden of Windsor Castle by Joseph Nash (1808-1878).” I’ve tried it and it is really good! The very British-ness of the packaging and the deliciousness of the tea, combined with where I stumbled upon it: TJ MAXX of all places—makes me think I’ve found a very nice new box of tea to go along with our new book.
Just ordered my copy of the book:)
Me too! As soon as I finish reading Cold Days, I’ll start reading it!
Just an FYI: this book was also published as My Last Duchess. I just realized that when I checked the library for paper or ebook copies.
Yes, I saw that, too. Interesting. At the end of the novel, let’s see if we like the original title or the current one best. I have to say I love the title My Last Duchess just because of the poem by Browning.
On an unrelated note, I love BBC’s Sherlock and Doctor Who, as well as Jane Austen’s novels. Should I be watching Downton Abbey? :)
I don’t know about should. As Lariel mention, it will suck you in. If you have the time and want to add a really amazing show to it, go for it!!
Uhm, yes you HAVE to watch it! But only when you have lots of time, because you will get sucked in. I have the 2 newest episodes waiting to watch, I can’t watch until I get caught up on homework because I know I’ll want to watch the older episodes once I start, haha! You will love it!
I love BBC’s Sherlock, Doctor Who (just started the 9th) and I love, love, love Jane Austen’s novel and I really love Downton Abbey. So, just saying! If that’s any indication…you may love it, too!
Thanks guys. :) I had a feeling this book club group had similiar tastes in tv – I’ll start watching DA this week while I wait to get my copy of American Heiress from the library. (I’m giving the library a week or two before I get impatient and buy the kindle edition).
Going to hopefully start watching DTAbby on Sunday while the boys are out watching the Super Bowl.
I love the idea of sending different samples to each other also!
Hi Book Clubbers, totally missed the last book because I had poor time management over the holidays. One day I will read it!! I’m determined to join you in this book. Picking it up from the library today.
I think I’ve narrowed it down to what tea I want to send, although I haven’t actually tried it before. (surprise?)
How should we do this? Do we want to send samples to everyone? Do we want to pair off, or form mini-groups for swaps? I don’t want to order anything until we know. :P
I like the idea of each person picking a tea and then sending enough for at least 1-2 cups to each participant. What does everyone else think?
I love the idea of mini samples for everyone. How many people will be participating? I have plenty of Buckingham palace garden party.
I have my tea picked out! Though I do think if lots of people will be participating, mini-groups of 4 or so might be the way to go so we don’t end up spending a fortune on tea!
Another possibility might be to divide into groups based on tea preference: black, green, herbal, for ex
I think preferences is a good way to group it, and pretty simple too (though everyone should note any allergies they have!)
I was thinking about how much this is going to cost in postage:( I agree with the idea of breaking into groups based on preference.
Cavocorax, I’m your tea swapping buddy! Just a heads up, I’m trying to send out my tea samples tomorrow, so be on the lookout!
My son got me a Downton Abbey coffee-table book for Christmas (The World of Downton Abbey—really nicely done; more about the era than the show) and it does reference this book and this heiress as the model for Cora Grantham.
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