The Kennedy debutante

Title:

Author:

Maher, Kerri, author.

Personal Author:

Maher, Kerri, author.

ISBN:

9781432856281

Edition:

Thorndike Press large print edition.

Physical Description:

625 pages (large print) ; 23 cm

Abstract:

"A riveting novel following the exploits of Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy, the little known and rebellious daughter of America's royal family. London, 1938. Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy has already taken England by storm, when she is presented to the king and queen. The effervescent It Girl of London society since her father was named the ambassador, Kick moves in rarified circles--dancing and drinking champagne at the hottest nightclubs and attending the horse races with nobility. One such acquaintance is Billy Hartington, the future Duke of Devonshire. Though initially reticent, the tall, handsome man sweeps Kick off her feet, but the obstacles to their love are many. Kick is a self-proclaimed triple threat--American, Catholic, and of Irish descent--all unacceptable to such a traditional family as Billy's. And as WWII looms, she is ripped away from the country she has grown to love and the man who has stolen her heart. Returning to the States, Kick throws herself into making a difference. Becoming a journalist gives her a voice--and a chance to step out of the shadows of her accomplished brothers, including the charismatic Jack. Then as America is drawn into the war, Kick will discover where her true loyalties lie--with family or with love.."-- Provided by publisher.

Personal Subject:

Kennedy, Kathleen, 1920-1948-Fiction.

Kennedy family-Fiction.

Subject Term:

Americans -- England -- London -- Fiction.

Aristocracy (Social class) -- Great Britain -- Fiction.

Catholics -- England -- Fiction.

Large type books.

Presidents -- Brothers and sisters -- Fiction.

Socialites -- Fiction.

Geographic Term:

Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction.

Genre:

Biographical fiction.

Historical fiction.

Summary:

Holds:

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Shelf Number	Status
Searching... Ginter Park	Large Print Book	FICTION MAHER	Searching... Unknown

Bound With These Titles

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Summary

London, 1938. The effervescent "It girl" of London society since her father was named the ambassador, Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy moves in rarefied circles. Eager to escape the watchful eye of her strict mother, Kick is ready to strike out on her own.

Reviews (1)

Kirkus Review

In her debut, Maher follows the exploits of a young Kennedy daughter before and during World War II.In the 1930s, Kathleen "Kick" Kennedyone of the nine Kennedy children, including JFKis taking London by storm as the daughter of the U.S. ambassador. As an American and an Irish Catholic, she's out of place in Protestant London. Still, Kick finds a group of friends who enjoy nothing more than partying every night as her father tries to convince everyone that entering into war with Hitler is unwise and unnecessary. Kick falls for Billy Hartington, the future Duke of Devonshire, although their different religions make it hard for her to imagine a future with him. When war inevitably breaks out, Kick and her family retreat to America, where Kick works in Washington as a secretary and then a journalist, desperately trying to get back to Billy as the world around them crumbles. Eventually, Kick is able to join the Red Cross and make her way back to London, but being reunited with Billy brings up hard choices. Is love worth giving up her religion, her family, and possibly her soul? Maher paints an immersive picture of America and London during wartime, full of remarkably vivid detailswhat people were eating, drinking, listening to, and wearing. Kick emerges as an immensely likable character, and casual readers and history buffs alike will love getting to know her. Her headstrong, lively personality propels the book forward even when it does get bogged down with slightly too much detail. Although Kick's life is often full of glamour and wealth, she also deals with more than her share of tragedy. Maher shows the true cost of war, both for those fighting and those left behind.A romantic and heartbreaking look at an often forgotten American figure. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.