Review ~ The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White (Ladies of the Manor, Book 1)

Bethany House, 2015

Roseanna M. White

About the Book

 

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.

  

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My Review 

 

The Lost Heiress is a masterpiece of charm, wit, intrigue, secrets, romance and love. Being the first book in the series, I wasn’t sure if it was going to be wrapped up all proper like or leave me hanging by my fingernails on the edge of a cliff. I’m happy to say that Ms White satisfied my desire for a happy ending and left me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. 

Not only is this a fantastic story of two friends who care deeply for one another, okay they love each other but don’t realize the depth of that love until it’s almost too late—for both of them—it’s also about the house staff and their lives. Think Downton Abbey with a little Brontë thrown in. 

If I hadn’t been in the middle of moving, I would have dedicated myself to non-stop reading until I was finished. It’s that good! As it is, I had time to savor in bits and pieces, the story, the locations, the dialogue, the intrigue. Oh boy, is it full of intrigue?! And the crazy thing is, near the end I was actually thinking that a particular character was going to end up being a traitor. I’m still not 100% positive the person won’t turn out to be wily later on in the series but I hope not.

With her usual graceful pen, Ms White brings the Christian faith alive in her characters. I could step into their shoes and understand the struggles, fears, hopes and dreams of each one. But I have to say, there is one character in particular that is over-the-top swoon worthy!  I’m sure he’s getting his own story but I don’t know if it is next or not. Here’s hoping sooner rather than later.

Snag a copy of The Lost Heiress then grab a cup of hot tea, snuggle down in a soft blanket and enjoy an evening immersed in the glittering and not always glamorous world of the Edwardian Era. 

I would like to thank the author and Bethany House Publishers for providing me a copy of the book for *review purposes. No compensation has been received.

*My personal apology to the author for taking so long to read and review the book. It really had nothing to do with the book and everything to do with moving. 

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~Happy Reading~