An unexpected fortune falls into a tradeswoman’s lap, a gentleman insists it rightfully belongs to him, will falling in love make matters better or worse?A third son to an earl, Adam Gillensford knows his only hope of an inheritance is through his great uncle. But when the Will is read, Adam learns most of the wealth has been left to a complete stranger, and a seamstress at that. If he hopes to … seamstress at that. If he hopes to salvage any kind of funds for himself, he has two choices: adhere to his late uncle’s wishes and assist the new heiress in finding her way, or sabotage her so the courts will find her unfit to inherit. Deciding his course would be easier if the heiress wasn’t so enchanting.
Elaine Chapple, a woman in trade, is rather used to being seen as unusual. But running her own dress shop is far different from discovering a man she barely knew left his entire estate in her care. As unexpected as the fortune is, the help of the gentleman attached to it is even more perplexing. Does Mr. Gillensford mean to make her a success, or a fool?
With a greedy family urging Adam to act for his own good, and Elaine’s difficulty in adapting to her new life, only love could possibly untangle this mess.
His Unexpected Heiress is part of the ENTANGLED INHERITANCE series, a set of stand-alone regency-romance novels. Look for the complete collection of stories by these incredible authors:
A Provision for Love by Heather Chapman (June)
His Unexpected Heiress by Sally Britton (July)
The Rivals of Rosennor Hall by Rebecca Connolly (August)
An Unwelcome Suitor by Ashtyn Newbold (September)
Other Titles by Sally Britton:
The Branches of Love Series
Martha’s Patience, a prequel novella
The Social Tutor
The Gentleman Physician
His Bluestocking Bride
The Earl and His Lady
Miss Devon’s Choice
Courting the Vicar’s Daughter
Ingelwood Romances
Rescuing Lord Inglewood
Discovering Grace
Stand-Alone Works
The Captain and Miss Winter
more
I seem to be drawn to the heroines who are just a little too perfect. I wish I could be more like them. So I really enjoyed this story of a seamstress who lets an older gentleman shelter in her store during a rainstorm and winds up inheriting his estate. It’s unrealistic, but I totally don’t care. It’s got all the Cinderella vibes, complete with a beautiful heroine filled to the brim with courage and kindness. She acts as the static, steady character who doesn’t change but changes those she comes in contact with, including our hero who starts out in need of a serious attitude adjustment. That is actually a main theme of this novel. “People have but to know you and they want to be better versions of themselves.” It’s lovely to think that goodness and kindness always win the day; improbable in this fallen world, but lovely.
Adam Gillensford is certain that he will inherit his great uncle’s estate, especially since he considers himself his great uncle’s favorite. However, when he learns that his great uncle gave the estate to a stranger instead, and that he’s forced to assist her in all ways of estate management in order to receive any sort of inheritance at all, he’s not so certain about his future.
Elaine Chapple is in an unusual position. On the one hand, she’s a simple tradeswoman as a seamstress. On the other, she’s been to school and learned how to be a gentlewoman. Yet, when she shows kindness to an elderly gentleman, she never expects to inherit his estate!
What follows is a wonderful story. Adam and Elaine are absolutely enchanting. The development of their relationship is completely believable. I grew to admire Adam as he learned and understood his great uncle’s decisions. Elaine is also a strong female lead in that she stepped up to her responsibilities, made the effort to learn everything, and did it without complaint. I also enjoyed the interactions with the household staff. They added a great deal to the success of the story. Overall, it’s a solid story that will leave you smiling.
Romance – PG / kissing
Language – PG
Violence – verbal attacks
My rating – 5 stars
I love this whole series! Sally is a fabulous author.
His Unexpected Heiress is a well-written, clean historical romance. I found this to be a delightful read. It’s just one of those special books that lifts you up whenever you think of it. Elaine is lovable from the start. She’s hard-working, kind, and generous. Adam needed the character growth that he received to become the man that Elaine deserves. Elaine’s wards, William and Nancy, add touches of humor and tenderness to the story. Peter Gillensford’s kind and wise influence is felt throughout the book. The author, Sally Britton, expertly writes descriptions, such as, “…Nancy whispered, reverently stroking the window as though she could pet the house as she would a kitten.” Can’t you just picture that little girl? The plot moves at a good pace, and the dialogue flows well. There’s a perfect HEA. I highly recommend this book to romance readers. I definitely plan to read more of this author’s works. I obtained my copy of the book through KU.
Elaine’s story was easy to read and I enjoyed it immensely! I loved her kindness, fortitude, and giving nature. She was strong in the face of challenges but it was her overall goodness that stuck with me. I wasn’t sure how everything would work out with Mr. Gillenford’s family, they seemed so cruel and selfish. But I was rooting for Adam the entire time! This story truly made me want to be a better person; more patient and kind, even when facing adversity. I haven’t read any other books in this series but this is completely fine as a stand alone, I didn’t feel lost in any way. Britton has become one of my new go-to authors. I love the way she writes story and how her characters feel real.
My favorite Britton story to date. Wonderful, colorful characters in a range of personalities with so much to love or despise. I loved the setting and unique storyline. Lovely romantic read.
Love is in the heir!
The theme of this book may be a familiar one to those who read romance novels but it is Ms Britton’s delivery that makes this one so unique. I love the way she presents the situation, writes in depth characters, and describes the scenery that the reader can fully visualize. I particularly appreciate the even cadence with which she delivers the words so that the reader is delighted to read them. I have read many of Sally Britton’s books and fully intend to read them all. With out a doubt I can highly recommend this one.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A lovely book about an enchanting time. The descriptions of the houses , gardens and other such things took me back to a sweeter time. I so enjoyed this inheritance love story. Definitely recommend very enjoyable! Looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
A great mixture of characters, historical facts and romance. Elaine and Adam have a great deal of change to face within themselves. This story is well written as you follow their journey together. The “ supporting” cast of characters are both lovable and easily disliked.
I enjoyed reading this book as well as researching some of the sites mentioned in the story.
This is the second in the series, look forward to the third.
loved this book! I wish it had gone on longer, I find I don’t want to leave Adam and Elaine for another story.
I listened to this book on audible and it was so very well done. Not only was the story sweet and lively, the narrator was EXCELLENT and really brought the characters to life.
A delightful well written clean historical romance. This engaging story is smooth flowing with wonderful details as this beautiful story has the characters learning humility through a love. The characters are interesting, complex, and spend lots of time together slowly finding true love. The narrator does an excellent job of differentiating between many characters and deep enough redintion of deep male voices.
(I read this book as an audiobook)
Story: (5 stars)
A wonderful story, with complex characters and an unusual-for-the-time situation. Pretty early on, you find yourself cheering for the heroine and hoping the hero can convince her that he has not only changed for the better, but has her best interest at heart.
I loved that the servants had a role in helping her become acceptable to the neighborhood. Very enjoyable book!
Narration: (4 stars)
Well-read, wonderful accent, cadence and expressions. Ms. Boyd had a few different ‘voices’ in her arsenal and has a deep enough voice that her men sound like men. I enjoy listening to her voice!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
A delightful twist on the expected rules of inheritance during a rather particular period. Elaine has a sweet, brave heart and willingly cares for others. She is used to working hard and doing things that may be seen as a bit unconventional. Accepting a large inheritance from a man she barely knew draws her into a new life that she has knowledge of, but not the experience or connections to succeed. Until Adam volunteers his time and expertise. Adam helps her navigate this new status and acclimate to the people and responsibilities a position of wealth requires. Along the way they build a friendship that seems sure, until Adam’s secret comes to light. I love the way their friendship slowly builds into more and culminates with them learning how to trust one another. If you enjoy clean, sweet regency romances, then this book is for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Loved this book! This is the second book in a series, but you don’t have to read the first for this to make sense. I absolutely loved the characters and I enjoyed how their relationship grew. I always like a story where one of the main characters goes through a change of heart. I also liked how the secret issue was handled. I don’t typically like when the conflict is about a secret that is kept, but I thought this was done well! Highly recommend to anyone who likes Regency romances.
I absolutely loved this book.
Adam Gillensford was the 3rd son and was left with basically nothing unless his family offered it to him. His entire family, with the exception of his sister, Phillipa, were greedy snobs. When his uncle passed, he was sure he would be given his estate since his uncle had been in the same situation Adam found himself in. However, when the will was read and his uncle’s estate was given to a seamstress that no one had ever heard of, he was left wondering why. One of the stipulations in the will was that in order for him to inherit his uncle’s investments and such, he would have to spend a year to help “the seamstress” settle in and be successful. That was not something he was looking forward to.
Elaine Chappell was a seamstress who had met the elder Mr. Gillensford only once when she had invited him into her shop out of the rain and showed kindness to him. She was shocked when she received word of his gift to her. She knew she would never be able to fit in to that lifestyle but for the benefit of her children (wards), she would do her best. Adam Gillensford was a kind man who she felt she could trust. Would his secret destroy the possibility of a wonderful friendship and maybe more?
I really thoroughly enjoyed this story. The pace was good and the story had depth. The descriptions of the characters was wonderful, as well. I borrowed this book from the Kindle Lender’s Library and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I immediately liked Elaine, our heroine, but I was concerned in the beginning that I would not like Adam. But I am a big fan of imperfect heroes (and Sally Britton) so I very willingly continued reading, and it turned out to be one of my favourite kinds of stories- where the characters are well thought out and achieve both beautiful and realistic personal growth. I really enjoyed the storyline itself as well. I really look forward to the next book by Sally Britton!!
I love this book for so many reasons. The characters are wonderful, I felt such a connection to them. Peter was such a dear old man and I instantly liked him. I loved the plot and I was so pulled in my mind raced in trying to figure out the ending. The romance was beautifully built and written out perfectly. Lots of life lessons woven in between the pages of this story that only made it even more enjoyable. As with all of Sally Britton’s books this one had me sighing with contentment and happiness.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoy the way Sally writes. It is always fun to read her books. This one was great. Start to finish just a good book. Elaine is just a good soul, maybe too trusting at times. Not sure I would let an old man come in out of the rain. Good thing she does tho! Adam was a great character. Fighting his selfishness and family issues he won me over. These two truely fit well. The story’s flow was well done. Nothing jarring or out of character. The Drama was not over the top and thank goodness it was not over the top. That has been getting to me lately. So glad I got to read this! Excited for what is next! Maybe Philippa gets her story:]
This was a sweet, hea regency romance. I’ve always enjoyed books by this author. The story flows nicely eventhough it is a shorter book. I found the H & h likeable. The H is a bit of a crossroads and I liked how his sister helped the story along. I’d love to hear read her story if ever there was a spinoff! This series is a fun idea. I’ve read both so far and I reccommend both. Nice escape on a summer day.
Another wonderful book by Sally. She knows just how to tell a story and weave it all together with awesome characters. You will fall in love with Elaine, Adam, his youngest sister, and the children while despising his mother, oldest sister, brother, and sister-in-law.
The story is about an elderly man who was offered kindness from a stranger and his ungrateful family. He leaves his estate to a seamstress who offered her hospitality to him during a low point in his life during a rainstorm where he stood outside her shop trying to keep dry.
When the will is read, his family is livid that he would leave all to a seamstress and not the family. Adam must attend her and help her for a year to receive anything from the uncle. He had hopes of receiving everything.
After Adam meets Elaine he starts to become a different person, more caring and understanding. This is what the uncle had in mind when he wrote the will as he dearly loved his nephew and He also hoped that Elaine and Adam will fall in love and marry.
I feel you will like this book as much as I did. I recommend it.