(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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