The Chameleon

Literally born into the splendor and wealth of Marshall Field's when her mother gives birth in the fine dress section of the store, Claire Organ is fated to have a taste for the finer things in life. But raised in the Great Depression by her single mom and "aunties," she learns the virtues of self-reliance and hard work, as well as the details of refinement and style. When a handsome fighter pilot overlooks her shabby background and woos her, it looks as if Claire has found her ticket to the good life. Married and pregnant, she heads off to New York to wait for her husband's return.

But life as a secluded, pregnant socialite isn't all it's cracked up to be. Drawn to the glamour and idealism of the Roosevelt administration, Claire uses her charm and connections to secure a position as an aid to a senior White House official. The appeal of her new life grows even stronger as she develops an intense love for a forbidden man. Only a little murder, multiple marriages, political ambitions, and bankruptcy stand between Claire and her future, and like a true chameleon she continue to evolve and adapt, planning for the day she can show her true colors.

Sugar Rautbord's latest novel has all the ingredients of a tasty miniseries á lá Thornbirds; unrequited love, multiple marriages, misunderstood youth, some historical accuracy, and a supremely finessed rags-to-riches heroine. When the characters enjoy a passion "that travels between them, like an electrical current passing through wires that had suddenly been reconnected," readers are sure to bask a bit in the giddy effects of this full-force drama. If you can overlook the Forrest Gump-like parade of famous characters and a strangely passive love interest, The Chameleon makes a truly entertaining read.--Nancy R.E. O'Brien