The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White

(Ladies of the Manor Book #1)

When it first started I didn't think I was going to like the book. I don't like to give less than 5 stars and cringe even when having to give 4 stars. With a cover that good, I was sure it had to be better. I read a lot of Historical Christian novels and had just come from a Colonial time period. I wasn't ready for this era in the early 1900's I guess. Then as the story went along, I started to channel Downton Abby to picture the characters. That's a TV show that I really enjoy. If you do too, you will get into this story.

As a young child Brook and her mother were in a terrible accident where her mother was killed. Right before dying she gave her to another woman to raise and take far away so her family couldn't find her. Now that woman has died as well. Brook has known for awhile that she is not the daughter of the Prince of Monaco as she's been told. Even though her Grandfather loves her, the Prince never has. She asked her friend Justin to look deeper into some of the correspondence that her own mother had had with her in the carriage, thinking there may be a clue to who her real family is.

Justin is a Duke. He and Brook have been friends since children, but his feelings are changing to a different kind of love. Knowing he cannot marry her unless she is also from royalty, he is relieved when he finds her true family and that she's a Baroness and every bit as titled as he is. He would have done all he could to be able to marry her anyway - he just hasn't told her.

But there is a reason that Brook's mother had wanted her to be hidden, and it comes out little by little once it's revealed that she is the lost heiress and she's accepted by her family. The momentum builds and builds, to the point where I didn't want to put it down. It's so well written that I felt I really knew the characters and how they felt in each situation. I kept looking at the extra characters to see who might be in the next book, but reading the description of the next book on Amazon I'm not sure there's a carry over. I'd like to hear what happens to Brice. I really liked the strong Christian faith woven all throughout the book, with many scriptures applied. It kept it grounded. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the next!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials inAdvertising”. 

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From the book jacket:

Sweeping Romance and Mystery in the Edwardian Era
Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. When her friend Justin uncovers the fact that she is possibly a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea and the estate of her supposed family.

The mystery of her mother's death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook's life is threatened do they draw close--but will their loyalty come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother?

As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that their friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?

And then for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession--and those who can save her still aren't sure whom to trust.

"Roseanna M. White presents a common historical situation in The Lost Heiress, infusing the plot with vigor through the use of strong evocative passages and detailed characterization. . . . Understated and precise, every word establishes a sense of calm purpose."--Foreword Reviews

"White's latest is a complex series of twists, turns and excitement. The cast of characters seems quite daunting at first, but the payoff in the end is well worth the effort. Readers who are fans of Downton Abbey will love the scenes divided between the upper crust and the downstairs staff and the interplay between those two very different worlds."--RT Book Reviews"Set in 1910, White's historical series debut provides all the romance and intrigue that her fans have come to love. Enchanting characters and romantic intensity create the perfect mood for this fresh twist on the Cinderella story. The Edwardian period depicted is certain to draw in Downton Abbey fans." --Library Journal"Fans of White's novels will find this compelling story full of unexpected twists."--CBA Retailers+Resources
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