Readers' Comments for THE FORTUNE HUNTER
In April, a select group of readers who participated in one of our Special Contests won copies of THE FORTUNE HUNTER by Daisy Goodwin, best known for her novel THE AMERICAN HEIRESS. Take a look at some of the readers' comments to give you more insight into this book.
Doreen B. of Slinger, WI
I loved THE FORTUNE HUNTER. I felt the characters were fully developed and loved that they were fashioned from real people. It was truly a love story seasoned with a little lust. You read a little about royal life, wealthy estate owners, and feel sorry for the servants that worked for them. I loved Charlotte Baird, the rich orphan that had a mind of her own that others did not appreciate. I loved that Charlotte was a photographer with a true calling while everyone else thought it was a silly hobby. I wasn’t sure about Bay in the beginning but grew to love him when he truly realized he was falling in love with Charlotte, and not just her money. I’d love to see this book become a movie! Otherwise I liked the old English spelling that was used.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? I’ve already given it to a friend.
Michelle A. of Jackson, TN
My book group's name is “More Than Words” and I am one of their newer members. I really enjoyed THE FORTUNE HUNTER --- a historical romance based on the life of the real Empress of Austria, known as Sisi, and reported to be the most beautiful woman of her time. When the Empress visits England to fox hunt, shy heiress Charlotte believes that she cannot hope to compete with the Empress for the heart of her beloved Captain Middleton. I think what I most enjoyed was the tie between the fictional narrative and the realistic historical figures it was based on. It added an element of interest to know that most of the main characters actually did exist and that the story was based on an actual event in the life of the Empress.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Will definitely recommend it (in fact I already have).
Jean K. of Davenport, IA
We are a group of seven. Of the group there was only one who did not think this was one of the best books we have read in awhile. Many of us said it was hard to put it down and was sorry when it ended. This is a book that is about a different world that most people are use to, thus making it very interesting. One of the woman in my group said she liked the book because everyone had money and there was nothing hard about the main characters such as starving or violence towards the people. I think the fact that it is about a real person makes it more interesting. I like to read novels that are about the real history of people only in a story thus making it fun to read.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Already recommended it to many people.
Francesca B. of Brooklyn, NY
I would describe this book as a wonderful period piece that captures the essence of that time with all the drama of a Downton Abbey. I found THE FORTUNE HUNTER to be a very enjoyable read from the first page. The author expresses herself so that the story flows easily and keep you turning pages to see what's happening next. Unlike a lot of authors, she does not overdo descriptions to the detriment of what preceded the description. The story itself is quietly romantic, sexy and provocative.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Already recommended it to a friend.
Sheree C. of Fleetwood, PA
I thought THE FORTUNE HUNTER was marvelous! Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Bay Middleton was such a cad but Charlotte, being a keen observer of life, could see the good in him and was able to forgIve him of his many sins. I think even Bay was tired of the way he was living his life and wanted to change for Charlotte and be a better man. The rest of the group can't wait for the books to arrive. This book is a historical fictional romance set in the late 1800's. It is the story of an up and coming heiress that falls in love with the least likely of suitors, a renowned ladies man. Is this man only a 'Fortune Hunter' or is it true love? Go on their journey and find out!
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? I already have.
Debbie B. of Waterville, OH
I really enjoyed the book. I was almost late for work a few days as I just could not put the book down. Characters were well developed. This story and its historical references gave me my Downton Abbey fix for a week! Once in awhile there was a word or phrase used that was unusual. I am assuming because the author is British, the terms would be much more familiar to the Brits. For example, the word hunter was used a few times. I think it referred to a pocket watch? A delightfully engaging historical read that is worth every minute spent on indulging in the story. P.S. How do I get a copy of the jigsaw puzzle that is coming out on Sisi?
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Lisa N. of Minneapolis, MN
Delightful period piece that was hard to put down. It definitely filled the Downton Abbey gap; a captivating blend of history, class distinctions, English country/city life and romantic liaisons. Good character interplay, dialogue and development. There is enough description to be able to visualize the scene, without distracting from the story line.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend?I already have.
Peggy D. of Maple Glen, PA
The book was an enjoyable read and was well written. It was a great pleasure to read a book today that did not contain the profanities that see too often today. Could it be that it was written by a proper English woman. I certainly will read her other book THE AMERICAN HEIRESS.
I would rate the book a 5 and would definitely recommend it to a friend.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Definitely will recommend it to a friend.
Vicki H. of Westerville, OH
I almost literally couldn’t put it down. I was fascinated by it. A book of historical fiction that includes romance, intrigue, and an insight into history. History plays a great part in this book and the reader is able to glean facts about the period while thoroughly enjoying the fictional dialogue and insight into the famous character of Sisi, the empress of the Austria-Hungarian empire. The characters come alive on the page and catch at your heart through the excellence of the author, Daisy Goodwin.
I wish this book a long and illustrious run.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes!
Becky L. of Askov, MN
Easy to read, easy to get drawn into and swept away within the history and romance that this book offers. I was able to read it in entirety in just under two days. Hopefully this author continues to write this wonderful, historically based book with characters one can relate with, twists and turns to keep you guessing, and an ending that leaves you happy for the heroine! To live in the era of balls and big gowns, sigh...Anyways, thank you again for the opportunity to read this book.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Maureen S. of Auburn, CA
I loved it and read it in three nights. I had no love for Sisi, the Empress, and did not wish her well. I was glad she couldn't ruin the lives of Bay and Charlotte. I love reading proper English usage and Daisy Goodwin used it every word of every page. I also loved Daisy Goodwin first book, AMERICAN HEIRESS.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes I would recommend
Alice C. of Hatboro, PA
I enjoyed reading THE FORTUNE HUNTER. Having read THE AMERICAN HEIRESS, I expected this next book to be of a similar style. I enjoyed the book even as the fictionalized storyline was predictable. I find historical romance a fun change of pace and this would make a great "summer" read. The important story of Empress Elizabeth (known as Sisi) was very rich and full of information that was new to me.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend?I would recommend this book to a friend who likes this book genre.
Rose S. of Merrimack, NH
I loved THE FORTUNE HUNTER. Page turning, period piece; making you feel like you were living during 1875 were class status was imperative. Love story, many suitors, plot twists and turns, was surprised by the ending.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? I already have recommended the book to a friend
Rosemary G. of Palm Coast, FL
Loved the book, and thoroughly enjoy the historical fiction genre. I would describe this as an engrossing historical fiction that captures your interest from the first page. I love the characters and enjoyed the author's style of writing. It is very easy to get caught up in the period throughout this novel. It was hard to put it down! Thank you for sharing this wonderful novel with us...
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Already recommended it not only to our book club members, but to friends and family.
JoEllen W. of Phoenix, AZ
I loved the book! It was a great mix of historical fiction, romance, and suspense. However, I did notice quite a few typos or lack of words in the book. Other than that, I really loved it! THE FORTUNE HUNTER is a great read! It kept me enthralled in the history and the love affair. I couldn’t put it down!
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? I would recommend this to a friend.
Cindy A. of Kenosha, WI
To begin with, I wasn't sure what to expect of THE FORTUNE HUNTER. It took a couple chapters, but then I was hooked. I really enjoyed the story and the historical fiction. When I finished the book, I immediately went to the internet to investigate more about the major characters. THE FORTUNE HUNTER is a fascinating look at Charlotte Baird, a young woman who was far from conventional, and Bay Middleton, whose heart was turned for a time by the beautiful Empress of Austria.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend?Already recommended it to a friend who also enjoys historical fiction.
Ann L. of Fair Lawn, NJ
Lovely, relaxing read with a bit of a need to hit the reference books. Don’t let the number of pages deter you. This delightful tale of historical fiction is so fascinating that you want to read just one more chapter, just one more, and suddenly the book is done. Great book to snuggle down under the eaves in a rainstorm or relaxing on the beach.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Kim L. of Cincinnati, OH
I liked THE FORTUNE HUNTER very much. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this book filled the bill. The book is easy to read and understand but seemingly historically accurate as far as culture and style goes. There is some intrigue and while clearly there was adultery, the book is “clean” enough that a young person could read it.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes, to a friend.
Naomi C. of Boca Raton, FL
I thought THE FORTUNE HUNTER was well written and gave a lot of information about the characters in the book. I enjoyed reading about the history of that era. To be able to read about that period of time the author was able to include the reader in the story. The way she presented the history was easy to read and a very interesting story as well as included raw emotion in the book.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Karen O. of Orange, CA
I loved THE FORTUNE HUNTER. It was an exciting read. I hated to put the book down and was thoroughly entertained. The author painted a picture with her words and it was very easy to insert yourself into the time and place and experience the story along with the characters. I liked the strength of the women characters and hope the book is made into a movie. THE FORTUNE HUNTER is a Downton Abbey love story with strong women, dashing young men and a few eccentric characters along the way.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? I already have.
Fran F. of Norton, MA
I loved this book. THE FORTUNE HUNTER is a historical romance with lovely characters. The story is a very detailed account of love in the 1800s. It is definitely a page turner.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes!
Carolyn G. of Madison, AL
I found THE FORTUNE hunter to be a very inspirational read. It has encouraged me so much to continue in writing. Friends you have to read this book! It is one of the most intriguing books I've read in a long time. You will not be disappointed; the characters keep you on the edge desiring to read more.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Lauretta C. of Phoenix, AZ
I thoroughly enjoyed reading THE FORTUNE HUNTER. It was an interesting, historical novel and I read it in no time at all. In 2000, I was visiting Germany/Austria and took a tour of the Schonbrunn Palace where our tour guide regaled us with the history of Franz Josef and his beautiful wife, Elizabeth. I was fascinated with these historical people, especially the gorgeous “Sisi.” While there, I didn’t hesitate to buy the book about their lives, etc. However, that was 14 years ago so I was delighted to receive this book and re-acquaint myself with Sisi again. I wasn’t disappointed. I liked the way Bay finally came to realize that there was more than conquering women to be truly fulfilled in one’s life. His love and admiration of Charlotte was deep and survived the passion he felt for the Empress, Elizabeth, which he came to realize was just that --- an infatuation!
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? I’ve given it to my siblings.
Matilda H. of Vero Beach, FL
It is a fictional book with a huge historical background. If you are interested or like to discover the 19th century in Europe and their Courts and Nobles and Kings, Emperors etc...Very historical, with lively characters which makes it hard to put down. Very knowledgeable about the different European Cultures and habits of it’s time. Easy to follow and very well written.
I think that women would enjoy it more than men.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Donna B. of Franklin, MA
I enjoyed reading this story because I love to ride horses. I have never hunted but after reading the story, I think I would enjoy a country ride in England or in Vienna! I can picture the rolling hills and the green countryside. I enjoyed reading about the Empress and the Captain. The levels of society have always interested me and I learned a lot about this time period.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Dona R. of Georgetown, TX
I found THE FORTUNE HUNTER to be a delightful read. It's a love story that has you pulling for the character Charlotte Baird. I loved that she was not afraid to banter with the opposite sex and stayed true to herself when those around her thought she was being improper.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? To my friends and neighbors.
Marilyn H. of Castroville, TX
I was unsure of it in the beginning, as this is not my usual genre, but as I got into it I started to enjoy the manners in which are gone now from our society. I was impressed with the description of the time and I could really picture the details.This book showed the proper behavior of the time, as well as the new coming times for women. I felt at times that I was sure of Charlotte's path then it went a different direction. It kept me guessing until the end then I was pleasantly surprised.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Lisa E. Naugatuck, CT
It was so well done and the main character was so believable, that I don't think I realized how well referenced it was until after I got through reading it. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend and have already done so to several. I found the story to be refreshingly human and true to its historical time. One of my favorite genres is historical fiction, and while the conversation may have been fiction, the story seemed real and genuine.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes, to any one who enjoys an accurate story.
Tristia C. of Beaverton, OR
I am enjoying the story. This is not the usual type of book I read but the story is engaging, the characters are interesting, and I really enjoy the historical aspect. This book is about a young heiress (Charlotte), the man she falls in love with (Bay), and an Empress who is visiting to go hunting. When Bay is told to accompany the Empress on the hunt, they become infatuated with each other. Bay has a reputation for being with married ladies. Will he carry on with the Empress or settle down with the young heiress? The descriptive language in this book is superb and the story is captivating.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes!
Susan V. of Buffalo, NY
I LOVED THE FORTUNE HUNTER. It led me to read more on the real life of Sisi, The Empress of Austria. What a fascinating life. No wonder Ms. Goodwin wanted to capture Sisi in her novel. This book is a fictional account of real people who lived in the late 1800's. The Empress of Austria is made real to me by the author's descriptions and plot. It's a fascinating look at Royalty and the upper class of the time...not so different from the modern counterparts. Princess Diana comes to mind as well as the rich and powerful of today with their concepts of class.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend?Yes. I’m sending my daughter my copy.
Suzanne F. of Homer, LA
A very entertaining book that kept me laughing and guessing to the end. Survival of the fittest with European charm! Very interesting look at the infancy of photography. An abrupt realization that even though we all so very different deep down we are all just about the same!
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Already have!
Chris B. of Fort Wayne, IN
I loved this book! Right up my alley, and I couldn't put it down. I actually liked all the characters, (well, not Esterhazy & Liechtenstein), even Chicken, even Sisi, and I laughed at the portrayal of Queen Victoria and her interactions with Sisi. Of course, Charlotte was irresistible, and Bay made me sad and mad and crazy. And then Caspar came along...I did kind of think Bay would fall off his horse and die at the National and maybe put some of them out of their misery, and was waiting the entire race chapter for it to happen. After all the twists, I'm glad Bay and Charlotte were to head to America and Caspar was to stay in England...I hope Daisy Goodwin is planning a sequel! A delicious 19th century English romance with enough unique characters to make things interesting for the reader, and enough twists, what-ifs, and humor to keep you turning the pages till the very end. Dee-light-ful.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes!
Betty C. of New Haven, IN
I thought THE FORTUNE HUNTER was a very good story. I got into the story and had a hard time putting it down. I think it is a fast read with a good story, descriptive characters and the characters flaws and their strengths were realistic. One thing I noted was that there were places in the book --- several in fact --- where it seemed that there were words that should have been edited out. It didn't read smooth but the book was good enough to carry you through.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Judy Q. of Alpena, MI
I loved the book. I don’t normally like historical romances, but I thought I’d give this a try since I signed up for it. To my surprise, it had me interested from the very first page. It was a very hard book to put down and stop reading to get other things done. Sisi was kind of pathetic in a lot of ways. She couldn’t be satisfied with what she was. She also should have stayed with her husband instead of having affairs with other men. I pretty much liked all the characters in the book with the exception of Augusta and even Fred. They were more interested in Charlotte’s fortune than they were in her, especially Augusta.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Cherie G.
I enjoyed the book very much, great description of the characters. The book brought me back in time. I particularly enjoyed the proper English and differences between cultures. I found the empress interesting in her eccentricities. I enjoyed the love story between Charlotte and Bay the most.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Brought it to my book group.
Ruth U., of Rock Hill, SC
The Library Book Club discussed THE FORTUNE HUNTER yesterday, July 10, at our regular monthly meeting. The book was well received and all enjoyed it. We had 14 members present for this discussion and everyone was still ready to continue the discussion when it was time to leave. Several members of our club felt that of the three principals in the love triangle, Charlotte was the principal character. Also, her chosen profession as a photographer was very interesting. In fact, one member brought a photograph similar to the work described in the novel.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Already did!
Cindy R. of Oxford, KS
It was a delightfully enjoyable book to read. I enjoy historical fiction and was already familiar with Sisi and have toured her residence (the palace) in Austria. I couldn’t put the book down until I found out how it would end (even if I didn’t get to find out how Chicken got his nickname). It was written in a way that kept me interested in the story all the way to the end and the development of the characters was very well done.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Kathy D. of Millis, MA
I loved THE FORTUNE HUNTER! I thought it was well written and a very enjoyable read. The characters were very well developed and I especially enjoyed reading about women and society and the restrictions and social expectations of that time period. I am very much hoping there will be a sequel! I would love to read about Charlotte and Bay in America and her photographic adventures in a new country. Also I loved Sisi...her aristocratic life and obligations were fascinating.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Fran H. of Alpena, MI
I didn't realize THE FORTUNE HUNTER was based on real people and enjoyed it even more after that sank in. When I passed the book to my friend, I told her right away. Now, I have to get a copy of THE AMERICAN HEIRESS.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Already have.
Karen R. of Tualatin, OR
What did I think of THE FORTUNE HUNTER --- I really liked it. It took me a little while to get into it at first, simply because I am not generally a fan of period pieces. It also took me a little while to get used to whom all of the characters were. Once I caught onto the story of Charlotte, I really got into it. I liked her strength and her willingness to stand out and be different than everyone expected her to be. She stood up for herself and for what she wanted and was willing to make her own decisions. I liked the love story between her and Bay and I liked the honest exploration of infidelity. THE FORTUNE HUNTER is a tale of a young heiress searching for her identity and her place in the world amidst great expectations and predefined roles. It is the story of love, passion, responsibility, royalty, hierarchy, money, and freedom.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Donna M. of LaBelle, FL
I really enjoyed reading THE FORTUNE HUNTER. The book is easy to read and visualize. The author, Daisy Goodwin takes the reader back in time to the late 1800s, to a world of elite European aristocrats. Our main character, Bay Middleton, has a history of being a "ladies man", however, he finds his true love in a modern thinking, independent young woman. Unfortunately, her inherited wealth complicates the relationship, as does the uninhibited advances of the Empress of Austria, considered to be the most beautiful woman in Europe at that time.
Rating: 4.5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Karen W. of Teaneck, NJ
I enjoyed reading the book even though it was long. THE FORTUNE HUNTER, set in Victorian England, is the story of a handsome man who loves horses and ladies. The story has several unforgettable characters who are well described. The main love triangle consists of Bay, the Empress and Charlotte. Romantic love conquers all in the end.
Rating: 4.5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Betty R. of Paramus, NJ
I thoroughly enjoyed it and am anticipating a spirited discussion at our next book group meeting. This talented author brings readers right into 19th century England --- to the world of society, of manners, and of the Hunt. Sisi --- the Empress of Austria, as beautiful, unhappy, and looking for adventure as she is rich, is wonderful to follow --- and the pages almost turn on their own as the love triangle develops. THE FORTUNE HUNTER is a terrific read, historical fiction at its best.
Rating: 4.5/5
Would you recommend? Already loaned it out.
Tracy L. of Sugar Land, TX
What did you think of THE FORTUNE HUNTER? I enjoyed this book! I felt that Daisy Goodwin’s writing style was easy to read and had a natural flow. Her creative writing style was very appealing to me and I felt was structured well. Her characters were mostly intriguing and she did a fine job in the necessary character development, building and resolution of tension and such throughout the book.
Rating: 4.5/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Doni G. of Georgetown, TX
I enjoyed the book and thought it was fast paced with many exciting twists and turns especially as historical fiction. This historical fiction gave the reader a real feel for the characters of that time period --- sometimes you liked them, sometimes not, and sometimes you felt sorry for them. I question the use of “ain’t” --- didn’t think it was a word in Britain in the late 1800’s. The author’s descriptions of dress and customs were enthralling and vivid. I’m looking forward to her next book.
Rating: 4/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Paula M. of Germantown, TN
I thought it was an interesting book. I knew nothing about the Empress or the history of that time period. I found myself pondering over some of the descriptive items that an average American would probably know nothing about. It seemed to drag a little from time to time, but all in all I liked it quite well and was happy with the ending. This was a book with very interesting characters and a fascinating setting. The hunt portions of the book were action filled and gave the reader a better insight into that world. The descriptions of English society, manners, decorum and dress were a revelation to that life during the time setting.
Rating: 4/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Barbara M. of South Bound Brook, NJ
I loved the book. The characters were well developed and believable, and I do love a happy ending. I felt sorry for Bay, who had little choice about the position in which he found himself. And Charlotte cared enough to forgive him --- quickly, completely, and honestly. It was very satisfying. It was, after all, a simple 19th century love story --- a story of two people whose love overcame the many complications of wealth, power, class, and intrigue.
Rating: 4/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Tara K. of Briarcliff Manor, NY
I enjoyed THE FORTUNE HUNTER very much.At the start of reading THE FORTUNE HUNTER, I thought it was just another historical romance novel. However, I quickly became absorbed in the characters and wanted to know what would happen to them. By the end of the book I was satisfied with the story --- and then delighted to read that the characters are (very loosely) based on actual historical figures and a little information that is known about them. That makes it fun!
Rating: 4/5
Would you recommend?Yes.
Kathy M. of Greenfield, WI
What did you think of THE FORTUNE HUNTER? I enjoyed the book --- especially since it was based on real historical figures. This is historical fiction that portrays two very different women in history in love with the same man. The book gives great detail on life enjoyed by the aristocracy and other wealthy characters --- their hunting outings, balls, teas, etc...Neither of the female characters follows the stereotypical women of the time and are both strong willed.
Rating: 4/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
Jamie M. of Aiken, SC
I wasn't sure about THE FORTUNE HUNTER at first because of the Austen-esque way of speaking. I love historical fiction and this is a time period I know little about outside of the works of Jane Austen. I read very quickly so I enjoyed a big, juicy book to sink my teeth into. Slow readers might have a bit of trouble from the size but it's worth it. THE FORTUNE HUNTER has a little something for almost everyone. It would make a great summer vacation read.
Rating: 4/5
Would you recommend? Yes.
