Books from United States — The Book Roads

Pam Jenoff

In 1919 New York, Hazel Brister leaves her privileged past behind to rebuild her life on the Lower East Side. When a woman arrives seeking help finding her missing husband, Hazel uncovers a troubling pattern: a group of women have all been abandoned by husbands who have mysteriously vanished. Hoping to uncover the truth and launch her journalism career, Hazel joins forces with these resourceful women—but their investigation reveals dangerous secrets that reach closer to home than she ever imagined. Inspired by true events, this is a story of female solidarity, resilience, and women reclaiming their futures.

2027

The Jewel of Sugar Hill

Fiona Davis

In 1800s New York, Eliza Brown is determined to escape her humble beginnings and claim a place among the city’s elite. When she catches the attention of political figure Aaron Burr, she sees an opportunity to secure her future—but her ambitions threaten to expose secrets from her past. More than two centuries later, disgraced architect Abby Dorrance investigates her father’s mysterious death at the historic Morris-Jumel Mansion in Harlem. As she uncovers the house’s hidden history, Abby must choose between protecting her family’s legacy and saving the landmark from destruction. Moving between two eras, this compelling novel follows two ambitious women determined to shape their own destinies against society’s expectations.

2027

The Witch of Wall Street

Marie Benedict

In Gilded Age New York, Hetty Robinson refuses to follow society’s expectations of a wealthy young woman. Instead of settling into a conventional marriage, she joins her father’s business and reveals an extraordinary talent for investing. After a devastating betrayal threatens everything she has built, Hetty vows never to depend on anyone again. Determined to forge her own financial empire, she takes on Wall Street’s most powerful men, including J. P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie. But behind the notorious nickname “The Witch of Wall Street” lies a more complicated woman: a fiercely independent financier, devoted mother, and shrewd investor whose actions would help save New York City from financial ruin. Inspired by the remarkable life of Hetty Green, this historical novel explores ambition, money, and the price women pay for power.

2027