The American Lady

The Glassblower Trilogy, Book 2

By: Petra Durst-Benning, Samuel Willcocks - translator

Narrated by: Kristin Watson Heintz

Tempestuous and beautiful Wanda Miles, daughter of Ruth and Stephen Miles (or so she thinks), aspires to more than the life of a debutante, but the trouble is she doesn't know precisely what she wants. Then her aunt Marie, the family's renowned glassblower, arrives from Lauscha, Germany, and Wanda decides that learning about her ancestry may hold the key to her future. When Marie accidentally reveals a long-held secret about Wanda's parents, Wanda goes to Lauscha to unravel the truth.

While Marie finds herself increasingly swept up in New York City's bohemian social scene - catching the eye of a handsome young Italian in the process - Wanda explores a past she never knew in the village of her mother's youth - and begins to build a life that she never expected.

A sweeping tale that takes listeners from the small town of Lauscha to the skyscrapers of New York and the sun-kissed coast of Italy, The American Lady is a tribute to the enduring power of family and what we'll do in the name of love.

©2002 Petra Durst-Benning (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. English translation copyright © 2015 by Samuel Willcocks.

wow

The connection I formed with the characters is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It felt as though I was there with them. Celebrating their joy and sobbing at their sorrows and loss. And how I became whenever one was slighted, as though they were friends of mine to protect!
Well done, Petra. And on to book 3!

Wanda finds a purpose in life.

The Saga of the Steinmmann Sisters continues with the adulthood of Wanda. The family tree now has a branch in America that is growing and searching for what life means. Marie comes to visit Ruth in New York and the Saga continues. Narration was good and the story held my attention.

Another Great book

I enjoyed this book very much. I will recommend this book to my friends and family. I can't wait to read the next one.

Delightful Read

A delightful read. Thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Wanda, Ruth's daughter and to see how she interfaced with her aunts and mother. This book was even better than the first, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It so was interesting that I purchased the audible and Kindle books and used Whispersync so I could keep up with what was going on throughout my day. Great series. I will definitely read more of Ms. Durst-Benning's books!

perfect read

simple creative life, first book was as good as second ,can't wait for third. loved it.

Enjoyed the story

A good story that keeps you interested in the characters and reminds you of the characters in the previous book.

Hooked

As of now I’m hooked into these characters. I do feel as a fly on the wall of their lives.

Second in Series, Historical Tale of Glassblowers

From Germany to New York, it seems as though Ruth, one of the three sisters from Lauscha, Germany of the famous Steinmann glassblowing family, has forgotten her humble beginnings . . . In a slump herself, her sister, Marie, leaves Germany to come to New York for a visit . . . finding a kinship with her niece, Wanda, who is trying hard to find her own way . . . amidst ridicule and opposition from her wealthy family, particularly her mother . . . Wanda introduces her aunt to some of her unorthodox friends . . . which leads to some bizarre behavior (in my opinion) . . . I was not fond of the casual attitude towards sex in the book . . . but wasn't surprised by it . . . having lived in Germany twice . . . it didn't deter me from enjoying the book . . . which is rich in details of early 1900s New York and Germany . . . and the contrasts between the two . . . and the vast difference between the working class and the upper classes of society . . . and what those of privilege are willing to do to stay on top . . . this book is mostly the story of Marie and of Wanda . . . don't miss it . . . it is wonderful . . . I have already moved on to the final book in the trilogy . . .

Captivating

Such a good story. I can't wait to listen to the next one, though I am sure I'll be sad when it's over.

Absolutely pleased with this series!

I was skeptical at first, felt the beginning of the first novel in the series was a bit slow but quickly became engrossed in this wonderful story. I haven't been able to stop listening since starting the series.