Joy Lanzendorfer Knihy

If misfortune hadn't intervened, Sandra Sanborn would be among the wealthy elite instead of standing outside a Hollywood studio in hopes of being discovered. Breaking into the film industry during the Great Depression is challenging, but Sandra believes she is destined for greatness. Her grandmother Vira crossed the country during the Gold Rush, establishing the Sanborns as a prominent family in San Francisco, while her mother Mabel grew up in luxury and married into an agricultural empire. Success is in Sandra's blood; she just needs a chance to prove it. Amidst failed auditions, Sandra receives a letter from a man claiming to be her father, challenging her beliefs about her family and herself. As she strives to ascend the social ladder, hidden family secrets threaten to pull her down. Until Sandra confronts the truth about how Vira and Mabel acquired and lost their fortunes, she risks remaining stuck in her current situation. This sweeping, multigenerational narrative delves into the ambition that shaped American consciousness during the Gold Rush, influencing ideas of success, failure, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a richly layered saga—historically resonant, romantic, and suspenseful—centered on three determined and unforgettable women.