02468cam a22003253u 4500 70023 UtSlPG 20260610134623.0 m cr n 260607r20231885utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Stephens, Ann S. (Ann Sophia), 1810-1886 The reigning belle Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2023 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2023-02-11 Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive) "The Reigning Belle" by Ann S. Stephens is a romantic and dramatic society novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around Eva Laurence, a beautiful shop girl caught in a web of intrigue, and Mrs. Lambert, a prominent society belle, with themes of class differences and romantic entanglements permeating the story. The book promises a mix of humor and tension as its characters navigate the complexities of love and rivalry within the fashionable circles of New York society. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Eva Laurence in a lavish showroom, showcasing her beauty amidst luxurious fabric displays. As she interacts with Mrs. Lambert and her entourage, her unease and humiliation become apparent when she is put on display for their scrutiny. The opening chapters also hint at Eva's family struggles, providing context for her aspirations and the sacrifices she endures. A parallel narrative develops with little James Laurence, Eva's brother, who embarks on a journey to support his family, highlighting the novel's exploration of resilience amid hardship. This blend of personal and societal challenges sets the stage for a gripping tale of ambition, romance, and class conflict. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Originally published: United States: T.B. Peterson & Brothers, 1885 Young women -- Fiction New York (N.Y.) -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction https://archive.org/details/reigningbellesoc00step https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/70023 110770 110770