Stairway to the Stars

Stairway to the Stars is another Barbara Bickmore epic, this time the story of three generations of women, starting in the American West in 1879 and going up through British royalty in 1946. It is the story of the Silver King in the era of the Robber Barons, and what he does with his money and what his granddaughter does with it too. Spanning half a century, and closely following history, it is the story of unbelievable wealth at the beginning of the twentieth century until after World War II.

Born in 1899, Alexandra Curran has everything that money can buy and lives a carefree existence until her mother decides the only thing such a wealthy family lacks is a title and marries her off to a son of British royalty, a future duke whose family is desperate for money. After their sudden marriage, her husband leaves his 18 year old wife with her mother-in-law, Clarissa, at the drafty family castle in the countryside while he socializes in London. He knew he must marry and present an heir to the duchy, but he has been in love with a wealthy married woman for years, and he cannot give up Rebecca.

Loneliness engulfs the pregnant Alex until her wealthy grandparents, two of America€s greatest philanthropists, come to visit and see how their beloved granddaughter lives. They set about modernizing the castle, and aid and abet her with her desire to have a hospital in their little town, which relies on the castle for its livelihood. She talks the town doctor into giving up his practice and working for a salary. He is thus able to treat patients who could not afford a doctor.

Whenever Alex sees things that need doing she contacts her grandfather, who willingly helps her and admires her efforts and causes. And good causes awaken Alex€s mother in law, Clarissa, whose marriage is also a loveless one. These lonely women are drawn to each other.

By the late €˜30s, when war looms over Europe, Alex becomes involved with a Frenchman and the rescue of children, who are sent to England so that they will be safe from the impending catastrophe. There will be so many children that she eventually has to make arrangements to send them to America, and for the war years this is the center of her life.

With her husband€s title and her grandparents money Alex becomes one of the most admired women in England. She rises to heroic heights when she becomes involved with the U.N. and wonders if finally she has found a lasting love.

Tragedy and triumph, love and loss, imagination and acceptance, all become part of Alex€s life and the lives of her family. The sprawling novel begins in 1879 when her grandfather strikes the largest vein of silver ever discovered. What he does with the money from this endless source of wealth and what his grand- daughter inspires the world to do are the background of the story of a woman searching for love.

A best seller in Europe, this is the first time Stairway to the Stars has been offered to the American public. It is another Bickmore novel, based on actual historical incidents, where a woman takes the slings and arrows life hurls at her and changes the course of history.