The Gloaming

About the Book

With Great Gatsby grandeur, formal tables are set in the yard of the Wellington estate in Great Neck, Long Island for Margo Wellington’s Engagement Party to Stephan Randall. Jealousy brews when Margo’s Cousin Walter brings Chloe Winsler, a beautiful singer, and she and Stephan talk incessantly throughout dinner. Margo becomes enraged when she spies Chloe give Stephan her card — which he discreetly slips inside his suit jacket.

Stephan insists it was for him to make dinner reservations for them at The Wexley — the supper club where Chloe sings. In a heated argument Stephan storms off in the middle of their engagement party, while Margo is rushed to the hospital for a twisted ankle from wearing stilettos on the lawn.

Jealousy proves fatal when accusations lead to an unexpected disaster. Who is to blame when words become weapons unknowingly? Can there be closure to a tragedy that catapults in unexpected ways? Will old money be able to mask the truth?

Find out just how The Gloaming is a time of light and darkness, mixed with shades of deception and raw truth.

For more information on J. R. LaGreca visit www.jrlagreca.com


BOOK REVIEW

The privileged, Reginald and Hannah Wellington of Great Neck, Long Island, New York, make lavish preparations for the engagement party of their daughter Margo who is to marry Stephan Randall. The elegant party takes a twist of events when Cousin Walter brings his beautiful Cousin Chloe, as an uninvited guest, and jealousy brings about tragedy.

Stephan and Margo have a tremendous fight when Stephan becomes drunk and exhibits interest in Chloe. He becomes so upset that he storms out of the party, has a car accident on the freeway, and this all results in his demise. After the accident, Margo’s glamorous life drastically changes when she discovers she is pregnant with Stephan’s child. She becomes irrational, defiant, and exhibits strange behavior by cutting her long flowing hair very short.

This story beautifully shows contrast between those in high society with wealth and honor as against those with unfortunate humble lives in the lower class. Chloe is the simple, well-grounded one, who has it altogether. She has an amazing impact on the Wellington family and befriends Margo. An unimaginable friendship ensues between Chloe and Margo, as their lives take on peculiar circumstances. Bonding between these two women becomes interesting after Chloe marries Margo’s controlling brother Rich.

Margo’s parents decided it would be best if she retreated to a home for unwed mothers. The novel becomes even more intriguing as Margo continues to be unmanageable by cutting her hair once again, but this time to baldness. Chloe struggles and maintains her good common sense. Mom and Dad Wellington are totally lost as they share some life lessons, but always are careful to keep the integrity of the family name, no matter what!

J. R. LaGreca has shown that being wealthy can mean you need to keep your social standing in society and must marry into the same status. As regards the poorer class, there seems to be less self-indulgence and more wholesome qualities, showing they seem to appreciate the simple things in life.

The Gloaming means “The period of fading light after sunset, but before dark.” This book is recommended for anyone who appreciates the affluent life, and for those who would like a peek into how the other side lives.

---Clark Isaacs

About the Author

The Author Jody Riva LaGreca is the author of five books, Afternoon Tea, Suburban Weird, The Gloaming, Fleshpot, and Seduction. She has a BA in Writing/English, and graduated Phi Theta Kappa Magna Cum Laude in Fashion Apparel Design. She is an award-winning poet, internationally published in magazines and anthologies, and a former designer and manufacturer of couture, evening attire. Her designs have been in magazines, on the covers of trade journals, and sold nationwide. J. R. LaGreca has been selected as a VIP member of Madison Who’s Who for 2008-2009. You may visit her website at www.jrlagreca.com.