The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister (Sourcebooks, Landmark)

Three things have haunted Aimee Crocker for years: the sensational stories in the tabloids, the prophecy made by a fortune teller in Spain, and the presence of a mysterious woman dressed in white. Aimee shares her experiences ranging from her mischievous days spent in a finishing school in Germany to attending dinners with Hawaiian royalty and lavish parties hosted by the Astors in Manhattan. However, behind Aimee's public notoriety lies a hidden pain.

At the age of ten, as the clock strikes midnight, Aimee encounters the Woman in White. Within minutes, tragedy strikes as her father passes away and she unexpectedly inherits a vast fortune. Yet, the Woman in White continues to haunt Aimee, appearing before every subsequent tragedy that befalls her. Despite Aimee's wealth, her extensive travels across continents, and her scandalous marital history, the motivations behind the Woman in White's presence remain enigmatic.

Embarking on an audacious journey that encompasses numerous continents, a substantial sum of money, and a string of husbands, Aimee Crocker, a real-life heiress, blazes a path of public scandal and private tragedy, showcasing a level of independence and strength rarely seen during the 1880s. Her life unfolds like an extraordinary work of fiction, filled with brilliance and radiance, as if she is being pursued by a force greater than herself.

Greer Macallister skillfully immerses us in Aimee's world, weaving a tale that will leave a lasting impression. Women who live life on their terms often encounter both criticism and animosity. Even though Aimee Crocker possessed the financial means to craft her destiny during the late 1800s and early 1900s, she remained subjected to societal judgments. Nevertheless, she possessed a resilient spirit that disregarded the opinions of others. 

Crocker's extraordinary life lends itself perfectly to the realm of historical fiction. With finesse, Greer McAllister reintroduces Aimee Crockett into our collective consciousness, providing a refreshing narrative of a woman unapologetically living life on her terms.

The story itself, while undoubtedly extravagant, remains rooted in truth, with only minor alterations to dates and chronology.

4/5