Length12h 19m
About this audiobook
In "The Reigning Belle," Ann S. Stephens masterfully intertwines narrative depth and societal critique within the framework of a romantic melodrama. Set against the backdrop of mid-19th century America, the novel explores the complexities of femininity and social expectations through the life of its spirited heroine. Stephens employs a rich, evocative literary style, effectively capturing the nuances of character emotions and social dynamics, while also addressing themes of ambition, societal constraints, and the quest for personal autonomy. The story not only entertains but also offers keen insights into the era's cultural mores and the dynamic roles women were beginning to inhabit. Ann S. Stephens, an influential figure of her time, was deeply immersed in literary circles and witnessed the changing tides of women'Äôs rights and social reform. Her own experiences as a journalist and author undoubtedly shaped her portrayal of female characters who defy patriarchal norms. Stephens's background in the turbulent landscape of 19th-century America informs her writing, inspiring her to present complex female protagonists who resonate with the struggles of her contemporaries. This novel is a compelling read for anyone interested in feminist literature and the evolution of American society. "The Reigning Belle" not only delights with its engaging plot but also invites reflection on the challenges faced by women'Äîa timeless theme that remains relevant today, making it a must-read for literary aficionados and historians alike.
Audiobook details
GenreRomance, Historical Fiction
Length12 hrs 19 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateJul 11, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1CHAPTER I. THE SHOPPING PARTY.
37CHAPTER XXXVII. A GLIMPSE OF FAIRY LAND.
2CHAPTER II. THE GIRL OF THE TIMES.
38CHAPTER XXXVIII. FIGHTING ANGUISH.
3CHAPTER III. A HUMBLE HOME.
39CHAPTER XXXIX. MR. AND MRS. SMITH.
4CHAPTER IV. LITTLE JIMMY GOES AFTER WORK.
40CHAPTER XL. OLD LOVERS.
5CHAPTER V. A FEAST AFTER A FAMINE.
41CHAPTER XLI. IVON AND EVA.
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6CHAPTER VI. IN THE MORNING.
42CHAPTER XLII. A WOMAN TRANSFIGURED.
7CHAPTER VII. SUNSHINE.
43CHAPTER XLIII. HERSELF AGAIN.
8CHAPTER VIII. TRYING THINGS ON.
44CHAPTER XLIV. CLOSING THE SHUTTERS.
9CHAPTER IX. THE LAMBERT MANSION.
45CHAPTER XLV. WATCHING FROM THE PAVEMENT.
10CHAPTER X. DAWNING PROSPERITY.
46CHAPTER XLVI. AFTER THE PARTY.
11CHAPTER XI. GOSSIP IN THE BASEMENT.
47CHAPTER XLVII. HOW MISS SPICER AND ELLEN POST FRATERNIZE.
12CHAPTER XII. JAMES MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE.
48CHAPTER XLVIII. FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS.
13CHAPTER XIII. THE GENTLE INVALID.
49CHAPTER XLIX. MR. MAHONE.
14CHAPTER XIV. THE POLICEMAN’S DEATH.
50CHAPTER. L. A BARGAIN AT LAST.
15CHAPTER XV. ARTIST SYMPATHY.
51CHAPTER LI. A BOY IN PRISON.
16CHAPTER XVI. MRS. CARTER MAKES A VISIT.
52CHAPTER LII. THE SECOND ARREST.
17CHAPTER XVII. THE FIRST BANK NOTES.
53CHAPTER LIII. THE WOMAN IN THE LAUNDRY.
18CHAPTER XVIII. OLD FRIENDS.
54CHAPTER LIV. PREPARING FOR THE WEDDING.
19CHAPTER XIX. MR. BATTLES IS DISGUSTED.
55CHAPTER LV. EVA’S TEMPTATION.
20CHAPTER XX. OVER THEIR TEA.
56CHAPTER LVI. MRS. SMITH BRINGS PAINFUL NEWS.
21CHAPTER XXI. A SLIGHT ALTERCATION.
57CHAPTER LVII. IN HASTE FOR THE WEDDING.
22CHAPTER XXII. THE FIRST FRUITS OF GENIUS.
58CHAPTER LVIII. MOTHER AND SON.
23CHAPTER XXIII. THE HIDDEN PACKAGE.
59CHAPTER LIX. THE EXAMINATION COMPLETED.
24CHAPTER XXIV. WHICH RIVER.
60CHAPTER LX. AN UNEXPECTED WITNESS.
25CHAPTER XXV. THE PAWNBROKER.
61CHAPTER LXI. WAITING FOR NEWS.
26CHAPTER XXVI. THE PAWNBROKER’S OFFICE.
62CHAPTER LXII. THE MORTGAGE.
27CHAPTER XXVII. MRS. CARTER STANDS BY HER OLD FRIENDS.
63CHAPTER LXIII. THE PRICE OF A BRACELET.
28CHAPTER XXVIII. YOUNG LAMBERT SPEAKS OUT.
64CHAPTER LXIV. THE ADOPTION.
29CHAPTER XXIX. MISS SPICER.
65CHAPTER LXV. IN THE PARK.
30CHAPTER XXX. OLD MEMORIES AND PRESENT STRUGGLES.
66CHAPTER LXVI. THE INDIA SHAWL.
31CHAPTER XXXI. BITTER JEALOUSY.
67CHAPTER LXVII. THE PAWNBROKER GETS HIS PRICE.
32CHAPTER XXXII. DRESSING FOR THE PARTY.
68CHAPTER LXVIII. MISS SPICER RECEIVES HER DISMISSAL.
33CHAPTER XXXIII. ABOUT THE ROSES AND VIOLETS.
69CHAPTER LXIX. THE TRUTH.
34CHAPTER XXXIV. MRS. CARTER BECOMES FASHIONABLE.
70CHAPTER LXX. OUR CHILD.
35CHAPTER XXXV. A STRANGE PROPOSAL.
71CHAPTER LXXI. A DOUBLE WEDDING.
36CHAPTER XXXVI. THE WAY SHE MANAGED HIM.
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