Publication Date: August 26, 2025
From USA Today bestselling author Joanna Shupe comes a spicy Anastasia story full of secrets and betrayal, set among the glittering streets of New York City’s Gilded Age.
In 1880 a baby was stolen from the wealthiest family in America. Though no ransom was ever demanded, the Pendelton family never gave up hope . . . and their reward became the stuff of legend.
After being raised in a children’s asylum, Josie Smith ends up on the streets and quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her singing voice draws crowds on every corner, and she’ll stop at nothing to become famous and travel the world, loved and adored by all. Maybe then she won’t think about the family who gave her away as an infant.
Leo Hardy isn’t afraid to use his charm and wits to make a fast buck, especially with a mother and five siblings to support. When he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman singing on the street, Leo notices her striking resemblance to the infamous missing baby’s mother, Mrs. Thomas Pendelton. The Hardys lost everything thanks to the Pendeltons, and once Leo sees Josie, he seizes the opportunity to settle the score. All he needs to do is pull off the biggest swindle of his career.
As the two are catapulted into Knickerbocker High Society, they grow closer to their goal, as well as to each other. But secrets can only stay hidden for so long. Soon the truth unfolds, and both Josie and Leo must separate what’s real from what’s just gilding.
All it takes is one look for Leo Hardy to hatch the ultimate con, but he fails to take into account his own conscience.
Author Joanna Shupe delivers a fresh twist on an Anastasia story with a 19th-century setting in New York City. The Gilded Heiress features a young, talented street singer named Josie Smith who becomes a pawn in a scheme claiming she is the stolen daughter of the wealthiest family in America.
In the process, though, Leo learns valuable lessons about the drawbacks of revenge and realizes that true happiness comes with a clear conscience.
The author does a fantastic job setting the backdrop for the time period. Josie’s humble upbringing in an orphanage contrasts sharply with high society. With her dream of singing on stage in Leo’s supposedly capable hands, she can’t help being attracted to the tomcatting scoundrel.
The Gilded Heiress delivers a spicy Anastasia re-telling full of secrets.
A USA Today bestselling author, Joanna Shupe has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. Her books have appeared on numerous yearly “best of” lists, including Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Kobo, and BookPage. She lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and dashing husband.
