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New York City - 19th Century The richest family in the United States, the Pendletons, are living a tragedy. In 1880, their baby daughter was kidnapped, but no ransom ever happened, and the family only dreams of seeing her again. Josie Smith grew up in an orphanage in Boston. She's always wondered about who would leave their infant daughter and never return. But she is not one to despair. On her own, and with no other future, Josie earns money by singing on street corners, her voice attracting anyone passing. Her dream is to tour the world as a singer. Leo Hardy earns his money on the streets, too. But pickpocketing and scamming people isn't exactly a safe, or honorable job. He needs to feed his mother and five siblings, though, and he'll do anything he can for them. Years ago, his father was a gardener for the Pendletons in New York City, but after their daughter was taken, they laid off their staff, and that left Leo's father with no choice but to move home to Boston. While on one of his haunts to find easy pickings, Leo hears a girl with a magical voice singing on a street corner. As he approaches her, he sees a striking resemblance to Mrs. Pendleton, and Leo thinks he sees a way out of his problems. With a little help from a local actress, Leo, and Josie travel to New York City to meet with someone who can set Josie up with work. The two avoid the attraction they have for each other, both determined to accomplish their common goal. But it soon becomes apparent that Leo has his own version of what he wants to do. Is Josie the missing heiress? Or is Leo just hoping to fool the Pendletons into thinking she is? THE GILDED HEIRESS is an intriguing story. Jani Brooks |
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THE GILDED HEIRESS - Joanna Shupe