When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl’s heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station. Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope–believing that once their marriage is … marriage is sanctioned by God, Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between pleasing Hannah and living up to his father’s demanding expectations.
At every turn, forces work to keep the couple apart, and a solution to remain together seems further and further away. With Nolan’s new life pulling him irrevocably away from the woman he loves, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.
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A Most Noble Heir (2018) by Susan Anne Mason is such a fun and engaging stand-alone novel. This story is available in all forms including eBook, and is 368 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very busy five-year old, this book took me three days to read. I received a review copy of this novel in paperback form from Bethany House Publishers. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this book 4.5 STARS. A Most Noble Heir is a Christian Historical Romance set in Derbyshire, England in 1884.
A Most Noble Heir is a fantastic read. It’s a bit Cinderella meets Beauty and the Beast. It’s an upstairs-downstairs romance that kind of leaves the reader guessing. There was one twist I didn’t see coming that spiked my blood pressure for a few pages. This story is definitely a page-turner that I could not put down!
My favorite character in this story is Edward. Edward is Nolan’s father and the formidable Earl of Stainsby. At the start of this story, I disliked Edward immensely. He is cold, forbidding, and seemingly cruel. And, he’s so prideful. A few times, I wanted to slap him for Nolan’s sake. In his very early 20s, something very devastating happens and it irrevocably changes the course of Edward’s life. Because of this event, Edward shut down emotionally. He became austere and hard. When he is told that his stable hand is actually his son, Edward does everything in his power to try to break Nolan and mold him into his likeness. Of course, Nolan balks at Edward’s treatment. It takes meeting Iris, the Duchess of Hartford, to awaken Edward to his need for love, light, humility, and God. Once Edward realizes what a dunderhead he’s been, he takes the necessary steps to become a better man — the man God wants him to be. Edward’s character reminded me that I need to stay focused. God should always be my focus. When I take my eye off of God, that’s when I make myself vulnerable to sin. In the saddest and the most difficult times in life, that’s when I need to stay the most focused or I will end up like Edward, closed off and cold and rude.
A Most Noble Heir is a really fun read that I recommend. The characters are very well written, the plot is highly engaging, and themes are timely. It’s also fun to note that this story is based off of Susan Anne Mason’s great-great grandparents. What a fun way for Susan to learn about her ancestry! If you are looking for a well-written and well-researched historical novel to escape into, then I recommend purchasing a copy of this book today. You are in for a treat!
To see my full review + giveaway opportunities (beginning Saturday, 3-24-18), go to https://christianfictiongirl.blog.
What would you do if you learned a family secret upon your mother’s deathbed? How would it change your life? What path will Nolan choose; forfeit the aristocracy for love, or take his place beside his father? These are the questions that haunt him after he learned he was rightful heir to Stainsby Hall. All his life he yearned to know who his real father was. Once he found out, he’s not so sure the secret should have come to light. Loving Hannah with a fierce love, they secretly wed against his father’s wishes but things don’t go the way he’s dreamed they would. How can he stay true to her while also forging a bond with a father he never knew he had?
I loved this story so much! It shows the determination of a man to know who he really is all while balancing the love of a good woman. Nolan is a man of honor, one who keeps his promises no matter what. He’s dealing with the grief of losing the only mother he knew and trying to find his place in a world he knows nothing about. Things start stacking against him, chaffing him to the core. It’s in these times that the fire purifies a person! Once he makes his mind up, and with the prodding of his lifelong blacksmith friend, he realizes maybe God has a bigger plan for him. I loved Hannah, she’s a woman wise beyond her young years. She struggles with feeling unloved and unworthy to those around her & to God. It takes the convincing of an aunt she never knew to show her that she is both valued and treasured. So many things keep these two apart, but their reunion in the end makes it all the worthwhile! I also loved seeing the redemption of Edward Fairchild—Lord Stainsby. He was a fun character to see change as time went on. The story drew me from the very first page and I was loathe to put it down when real life interrupted. There are many layers that kept my nose glued to the pages, characters that felt real & scenery I could picture in my mind. Lastly, I learned that this was in part, pieces of a real life account of Susan Anne Mason’s own family history! That made it even better in my mind. Be sure to read the “Letters to the Reader” in the back of the book to find out more. It’s a fascinating story!
Favorite lines:
Nolan’s mom to him: “Promise you’ll let go of your anger. Don’t blame God for taking me. His will is beyond our understanding, but perfect in its execution. Don’t let it shake your faith.” ~pg. 44
Aunt Iris to Hannah: “ I hope you also know that your heavenly Father love you unconditionally and without limit. You are a treasured child of God, most worthy of all goodness that comes into your life. And definitely worthy of a fine man like Nolan.” ~pg. 262
* I was provided with a complimentary copy by Bethany House Publisher on behalf of the author. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review, all opinions are my own. *
Wonderful, I highly recommend!
Captures your interest right away, and captures your heart. Wonderfully romantic adventure. Truly worth the read. I now have a new favorite line to use, “What the briny carbuncle is going on up here.” Loved the book!
I really enjoyed this story. It is raw and sweet, tender and tough. The love story is riddled with obstacles and I could not help but cheer for this beautiful couple. The supporting characters are well done and enjoyable. This is a longer book that took the time to develop and fully explore the story’s potential. Highly recommend for inspirational, clean, historical romance fans.
A historical Christian romance set in Victorian England, this book is a charming story of forbidden love between a sweet kitchen maid and stable hand who learns he’s an earl. Delightful!
Another wonderful story from Susan Anne Mason.
This one is set in England and involves a young man who was raised as a servant – but becomes one of the aristocracy. It paints a good picture of the differences between those two positions at this time in history. The bigotry and power-grasping of the upper class, the poverty and powerlessness of the lower classes. But there were sorrows and trials no matter which class one was born to … or raised to.
Stablehand Nolan Price had always wanted to know who his father was … until he did. Kitchen maid Hannah Burnham’s world came crashing down when Nolan was discovered to be the Earl of Stainsby’s heir. Together they decide to take matters into their own hands, but things don’t turn out at all as they’d hoped. While Nolan gets to know his father, Hannah reconnects with her family, some of whom she never knew. Getting the two of them back together will require a lot of hearts to shift in an era where that wasn’t common.
A story well worth reading.
I overall enjoyed the story line but found it slow at times. All the miscommunication was just getting annoying.
It was cleanish: no bad language but there was uncrude thoughts and talk of sex along with a night leading up to it.
Wasn’t sure when I purchased this book how I was going to like it. I’ve only read one book from this author. Well I love d it. Well written. Good story line and very likable characters. Looking forward to more of Susan’s works
3.5 stars
“Oh, God, how could she bear to lose him?”
If there was ever a couple prone to a “series of unfortunate events” it was Hannah Burnham and Nolan Price. Poised to claim their future, incomprehensible news reaches Nolan from his mother’s deathbed; he is an heir to a fortune, not an earl’s stable hand. Determined not to let this change in status separate him from Hannah, a Stainsby Hall kitchen maid whom he has loved since he was fourteen, Nolan rushes to arrange an elopement. But the powerful earl of Stainsby has quite a different plan for his newfound son and he will be stopped by nothing or no one to bring it to fruition.
Heartbroken and confused, Hannah vows patience as Nolan struggles to adjust to becoming a member of the aristocracy. She fears once more that she will be left behind, having already lost a father, a brother and essentially a mother and sister. Just when it seems that life cannot become more calamitous, it does; bringing Hannah to the doorstep of her Aunt Iris, who just happens to be a duchess.
This sweet story reads more like scenes in a play, with episode after episode of happiness and sadness, bringing more than one character to their knees in acknowledgement that only God above holds the power of life and death in His hands.
I was so torn what to rate this book. On one hand, I liked the author’s writing style. On the other, this book fell prey to too many overused tropes and predictability. Not to mention that Nolan’s story mirrored his father’s story and the characters found themselves in the same situation multiple times.
Servant turned prince/princess trope is so overdone. I mean, it’s a dime a dozen with at least 4-5 books a year using this storyline. I’m just tired of it. Find something new. Why is it that you never have a princess that finds out she’s actually a servant?
I also found the story so repetitive. Nolan is in love with a maid. His father also loved a maid. Nolan marries the maid in secret. His father married a maid (Nolan’s mother) in secret. Nolan’s mother died in childbirth. Hannah nearly dies in childbirth. I don’t know, it just felt like I was reading a story within a story and both stories were nearly the same.
Having said all of that, I do like the writing style. I know, I already mentioned that but I want to repeat it and here’s why. While I felt this book was mediocre, I would be very interested in other books by this author. I think I could really like her works, despite the fact this one just wasn’t the greatest fit for me.
Last, of all, I do want to say that the innuendo and wedding night may be a little risqué for younger readers. I’m not as protective as some Christian parents when it comes to this kind of content. While I would let my 14-15 year old read this, I think some Christian parents would be put off a bit. So, I’m throwing that out there so you can proceed with caution.
Overall, this cover is lovely, the writing is great. I just didn’t resonate with the story. If you’ve read this author and would like to suggest a different book of hers, please do so in the comments below. I’d love to check it out!
This book was provided to me by Bethany House Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
My review is 3.5 Stars
A Most Noble Heir had an interesting twist to the “found out he is really nobility” plot. Nolan had been in love with Hannah, a kitchen maid, since they were both barely teenagers. As a stable boy, there was nothing inappropriate with their relationship. When he was ready to propose to her, he discovered that he was actually the legitimate son of the vain Earl who, despite his own past experiences, would never approve of their union.
Both Hannah and Nolan had to learn to overcome their assumptions and learn to communicate. Each one had allowed fear to keep them from expressing their feelings to the other.
My favorite character in the story was Hannah’s Aunt Iris. She was confident, kind and not afraid to speak her mind. Her love for her nieces had her intervening on their behalf in a big way.
This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net
I would like to thank LitFuse Publicity Group for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
This novel had a unique start in that the main couple was already in love. However, their story was far from simple! I really felt for Nolan as he tried to navigate his new position in life. I could see both his and Hannah’s viewpoints on their marriage, but their inability to openly communicate was driving me a little crazy. Both of them really had to learn how to be a couple, how to put each other’s needs before their own, and how to overcome their fears and have faith in each other and the Lord.
Nolan’s father was not my favorite person at all until I got to see his more humane side and learn about his past. My favorite character in this story was one of Hannah’s relatives. She was full of wisdom, spunk, and independence, and she paid no mind to the ridiculous rules of society. I’m hoping that this is a series, and we get to learn more about Hannah’s younger sister, Molly, as she grows up!
***I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and am under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The premise of this book made me smile, from rags to riches, or from stable boy to nobility, a Cinderella type of a story, picked my interest.
A boy whom we soon find out was raised by his aunt and did not know whom his father was, and wow when the facts unfold, a déjà vu moment is about to unfold.
The author has placed us in England at a manor estate back in the 1880s’s, and we see the separation of the classes, one is superior to the other, but we also see compassion and love.
Will a father accept a commoner for his son, and if he doesn’t the consequences look to be horrendous, and will the son bend to the will of the father?
There is also a lot of greed going on and we wonder if all will survive to the end of the book. On a happier note, there is some good clean romance, and a sweet baby that may be the answer for this family.
I received this book through Lit Fuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Most Noble Heir. Poor Nolan and Hannah! They were so in love and so unprepared for the dramatic change that became a reality for both of them. There were times that I was frustrated with both of these main characters, as they did not communicate their feelings clearly. This lead to some pain and heartache, but did work to remind me that Nolan and Hannah were still very young.
There were some very hard feelings toward Nolan from the family that he suddenly found himself a part of. Emotionally he struggled with finding his place among them, building a relationship with a father who was difficult to deal with, and wanting with all of his heart to have a loving marriage with Hannah. I really liked both Nolan and Hannah and although their journey was difficult at times, I felt for these two young people in love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is not the first book I have read by Susan Anne Mason so I wasn’t surprised to find myself easily getting into the story. Her style is engaging and her characters are well developed.
I found Nolan interesting because even as a stable hand he wasn’t unhappy in his circumstances. He worked hard and had solid plans to forge a wonderful life with the woman he loved. He was an easy character to like because he thought of others and how he could improve their lot in life.
The determination of Hannah was also inspiring because she was adamant that she would be Nolan’s wife only if she were truly the wife of his heart. She would not be his wife solely as an obligation fulfilled as a result Nolan’s youth, later to be regretted in his new life.
Just when the author has masterfully gotten us hooked and believing there is no resolution to new found wealth and love with the kitchen maid, the story, just as in life, takes a turn where a little faith is applied. All is not lost when a crumpled up note from Hannah’s mother becomes an ace in the hole and a knock on a door produces a wonderful lifeline. Alas, one cannot give everything away but here is where the story becomes all the richer and those breaths of faith are rewarded. The outcome proves that one person, or perhaps a couple can impact the lives of many.
Well written with inspiring characters, I heartily recommend A Most Noble Heir for the reader who enjoys uplifting Christian Fiction.
Welcome to an exciting adventure that takes you back in time to 1884 in prestigious Derbyshire, England. Stainsby Hall is a magnificent place where the elite live. I liked Nolan and found him to be a very determined young man. I was heartbroken when a tragedy happens in his life that will change everything for him. Secrets always have a way of coming out and tend to cause destruction and hurt to people. What would it feel like to learn that suddenly you are an heir to an Earl? Nolan has many decisions to make that will affect his future. Will he make the right ones, or fall for power and greed?
I have never been so angry at a character before I met the Earl of Stainsby. He is such an arrogant, controlling, mean person. When we learn of his past and what he gave up, I was appalled at the way he treated his son. He did just find out that he had a son, but the ridiculous rules he expects Nolan to abide by are nothing short of controlling his every thought. Why is this man so hard on Nolan? Will he ever find compassion and love his son unconditionally?
Hannah is my favorite character in the book. Her innocence is refreshing and I loved how she was willing to make sacrifices to be with Nolan. Hannah’s patience and faith help her through many difficult times. There were times I wanted to tell her to run, but her love for Nolan outshines any struggles she faces. I admire her for believing in good and pure things. What a refreshing character she is. I can picture her as she walks in a room with elegance and a sweet spirit that surrounds her.
Get ready for deception, jealousy and danger in this action packed story that will have you believing that God is in control and people can change.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. The review is my own opinion.
Nolan Price had humble beginnings, and he had plans for his future. Plans that included purchasing a small farm, marrying Hannah, and creating a simple life. All of that changed with his mother’s death-bed confession of his paternity, and the snowball effect that information had on his life.
This “up-stairs, down-stairs” kind of romance had me eagerly turning pages to find out how the story would all work out. I didn’t want to put this book down and stayed up late into the night enveloped in the lives of these dynamic characters. I fell in love with these characters. My heart ached for their struggles and cheered with their success. I loved the character growth and strong threads of faith seamlessly woven throughout the story.
It’s not often that the majority of the story is after the hero and heroine are married, and this makes the story all that more poignant. It is the perfect reminder that love may start out with the butterflies and all the feels, but love isn’t just about feelings. Ultimately love is a choice. A decision to give unconditionally to another person, without thought for what you might receive in return.
This heartfelt, emotional story is one that you won’t want to miss out on. I give it 4 stars and I hope that you get the chance to pick up a copy to enjoy for yourself.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
A Most Noble Heir is a story of true but tumultuous love, life changing for the characters, heir apparent, struggle with where you belong in society and who you belong with. This is soooo good, you find yourself so deeply involved in the lives of the characters that you don’t realize that there is a life going on still around you. The author really knows how to grab your attention and not only do that but to keep the whole book through til the last page. Nolan is tortured because of the woman he loves is all of a sudden from the wrong side of the tracks per se. Can you imagine finding out on your mothers death bed a deep dark secret you have been looking for? Now that answer has turned your life up side down and sideways. The two main characters try to rely on their faith – and we all know if you have a downcast soul you put your trust in GOD . Who else can fix any situation you are in or at least be by your side and help you make it through. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
From the moment I first saw the cover of A Most Noble Heir, I was excited to read this story. Upon reading about the premise of the book, I was even more excited to read it. When I learned that the book was loosely based on the lives of some of Susan Anne Mason’s ancestors, it was a done deal. Read it I must, and it was a treat!
The story is set in England in 1884 and cast with an array of vividly drawn and engaging characters. Nolan and Hannah, the main characters, are charming and lovable. I was immediately drawn into their story and held captive until the very end. Some of the secondary characters are less charming and lovable, but they definitely add to the flavor of the book. The author has crafted a story rich in historical detail and brimming with suspense, intrigue, romance, and character growth. Several unsuspected plot twists kept the suspense up and the pages turning. Underlying threads of honor, hope, forgiveness, and faith are woven throughout and add to the enjoyment of the tale.
I’ve read several other books by this author and greatly enjoyed them all. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical Christian fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
In a word: Sublime. I just love the way that this author weaves such wonderful love stories with the greatest love story of all — God’s love for us. This story had romance intensified. I can’t say more without spoilers but if you like romance, you will definitely enjoy it in this book. There are sparks, swoony moments, tender moments, and great romantic tension. Great job by the author. 5+ stars. Full review at my website.
I was gifted this book by the author. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed are my own.