“American Gilt – Début” (Vol 1) Now with over 6 million pages read on Kindle! Find out why ‘The American Gilt Trilogy’ is an Amazon Best Seller in ‘Gilded Age Historical Romance’, ‘U.S. Historical’ and ‘Coming of Age’ categories.

This historical biography is based on the true story of Gilded Age débutante Sara Swan Whiting, a favorite of Mrs. Astor’s, and the scandal that ensued from her marriage to socialite Oliver H.P. Belmont. But how much is truth and how much is propaganda generated by rumors and the newspapers?

Newport, R.I. 1880 - American débutante Sara Swan Whiting has been trained for one purpose: to marry well into society. Together with her friends, Carrie Astor, and Edith Jones (Wharton) Sara débuts into society and is introduced to the bachelor’s of New York’s wealthiest families, hoping to find the perfect marriage.

‘Ethereally beautiful’ and ‘the spirit of the ball’, Sara garners many suitors. But none steal her heart, until destiny steps in and she is introduced to Oliver Belmont, the handsome son of financier August Belmont. Sara begins courting the handsome Mr. Belmont who is intent on escaping his father’s persistence that he finds a suitable career. Knowing that marriage will garner him a large stipend, Oliver chooses matrimony as an option to his dilemma.

While on an afternoon outing Oliver spontaneously proposes marriage, breaking protocol by not getting his parents approval first. Sara accepts the proposal – only to discover his parents disapprove of the match.
What develops is a true tale that will transport you through time as ‘American Gilt – Début’ unfolds. With information gathered from letters, historical newspapers and personal interviews, author J. D. Peterson weaves a compelling trilogy based on the true account of the Belmont-Whiting Scandal of 1883.