More Precious Than Gold

 

About the Book: 

When artistic, middle-class Kitty Winthrop discovers the grandmother she always believed dead is actually the uber-wealthy leader of New York City high society, Kitty jumps at the chance to make her debut into that world despite her mother’s disapproval. After dancing lessons and etiquette classes, she enters the high society life as the granddaughter of a New York City blueblood, wearing the gorgeous Worth ball gowns she used to design for her portfolio. But she soon discovers all that glitters isn’t gold, and ball gowns, jewels, and fancy parties don’t feed the soul.

As America enters World War I, Kitty makes the choice to forego the life of wealth and luxury promised by her grandmother and pursue a nursing career at Bellevue Hospital. She catches the eye of Dr. Samuel Hayden, a young physician in charge of the medical wards who falls hard for her.

As Kitty and Samuel fall in love, the Pandemic Flu of 1918 strikes New York City and the world. Soon the student nurses are working sixteen-hour shifts, people in the prime of life are dying, and the city morgues are overflowing with the dead. Through this incredibly stressful time, Kitty realizes she want to pursue medicine, but Samuel won’t hear of it. As the flu epidemic reaches its lethal peak, hearts are tested, lives are lost, and no one knows who will survive to see if love can overcome all obstacles.

My Review: 

Renee Yancy has written a realistic, interesting story of those who lived through WWI. Told with Katherine (Kitty) Winthrop as the main character, we see the delightful and passionate woman she is as she faces decisions that affect her life. She can enter the societal realm of her wealthy grandmother and never have to worry about anything or she can become a nurse and help those who are suffering.

Kitty was a woman who I quickly connected with in that she was compassionate and put others' needs before herself. It was difficult and quite realistic to read about the crowded conditions that Kitty encountered when she befriended a young patient. It was also heartbreaking to go through the effects of the Spanish Flu with Kitty as she lost family, friends, and colleagues.

I enjoyed reading this historical fiction story because I thought there was a great blend of facts, life stories, love, and some humor too. I would recommend reading this book. While this can be read as a standalone, the first book tells the story of Kitty’s parents, which I very much enjoyed too.

I received a free copy from the author. A favorable review was not required. All opinions are my own.