Second, why has no one told me how GREAT an author Roseanna M. White is?? I will forever be greatful that I picked up the second book in this series, The Reluctant Duchess, for review and my OCD would not allow me to read the second book in a series first!
The Lost Heiress
Ladies of the Manor, Book 1
September 2015
Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764213502
Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. Though raised in the palace of Monaco, she’s British by birth and was brought to the Grimaldis under suspicious circumstances as a babe. When Brook’s friend Justin uncovers the fact that Brook is likely a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea to 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 their loyalty may 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 what began as 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 this time only the servants of Whitby can save her.
My Review: Let me start off by saying that Roseanna M. White is DEFINITELY going to be added to my list of ALL TIME FAVORITE authors. I literally could not put this book down. This book had it all: humor, romance, intrigue, and an engaging plot with a whole lot of layers. I really enjoyed the emotional roller coaster this story took me on. From the moment Brook is "found," the suspense begins.
I fell in love with Justin and Brook immediately. Their playful banter, their spark that both ignored for the wrong reasons, their arguments that had me wanting to shake them both had me hooked from the start. Elizabeth Brook Eden is such a complex character. Her independent, fiery spirit contrasts with her sense of being lost and her fear of loving and losing. She has many facets to her personality because of her past and she is able to carry herself in almost any situation. It also amused me greatly when she would get so mad she lapsed into a different language! Justin, oh Justin. I loved his fierce loyalty to his family and Brook. His protective and cautious nature are at times endearing and frustrating. My favorite "layer" of the story was watching Brook find out who she truly was and embracing it, then watching Justin and Brook figure out how to navigate their feelings for each other in Brook's new reality. Just mesmerizing and beautiful!
The battle of good vs. evil, greed vs. generosity was evident throughout the story. It amazed me that certain characters actions represented well these facets of the human nature. Watching Brook and Justin grow in their faith because of the trials they endured was beautiful and encouraging. One of my favorite characters was Lord Worthing. Besides the fact that he was charming and good humored by nature, his insight because of his faith was uncanny. He represented, to me, what a true Christian should look like.
Overall, I can't say enough great things about this beautiful story. Go out and get your copy today! Trust me, you won't regret it.
Roseanna M. White grew up in the mountains of West Virginia, the beauty of which inspired her to begin writing as soon as she learned to pair subjects with verbs. She spent her middle and high school days penning novels in class, and her love of books took her to a school renowned for them.
After graduating from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, she and her husband moved back to the same mountains they equate with home.
Roseanna is the author of two biblical novels, A Stray Drop of Blood and Jewel of Persia, the historical romance, Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, and the historical, romantic suspense Culper Ring Series (Ring of Secrets, Whispers from the Shadows, and Circle of Spies). She is also the senior reviewer at the Christian Review of Books, which she and her husband founded, the senior editor at WhiteFire Publishing, and a member of ACFW, HisWriters, and Colonial Christian Fiction Writers.
After graduating from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, she and her husband moved back to the same mountains they equate with home.
Roseanna is the author of two biblical novels, A Stray Drop of Blood and Jewel of Persia, the historical romance, Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, and the historical, romantic suspense Culper Ring Series (Ring of Secrets, Whispers from the Shadows, and Circle of Spies). She is also the senior reviewer at the Christian Review of Books, which she and her husband founded, the senior editor at WhiteFire Publishing, and a member of ACFW, HisWriters, and Colonial Christian Fiction Writers.
Thanks for sharing your review, Shannah! This series is on my TBR!
ReplyDeleteI really don't know why I didn't read it sooner! I was first attracted to the cover...
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
I just ordered a copy of book one recently, might have to move it up further in my to be read list !
ReplyDeleteI think you should! I couldn't put it down! Thanks for stopping by, Patty!
Delete