Once a Wallflower, Always a Wallflower (The Inheritance Clause Book 3)

Minerva goes to Scotland to fulfill her challenge for her inheritance. While there she gains a lot more than she went for. She meets Lachlan who becomes her knight in shining armor. They are able to fill the holes in each other’s hearts and lives. The story is a quick lively read. Minerva comes out of her shell and emerges to be a wonderful character fit to marry a hardy Scotsman.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Minerva like her siblings was given a task by her maternal grandfather to complete to earn her inheritance. In her case, he wanted her to overcome her fear of traveling and strangers after being abducted as a child and held for ransom for three days. She has nightmares about it and doesn’t trust many people until she meets Lachlan Sinclar in Scotland when she stops for assistance for her ill maid. They set out to fulfill her grandfather’s quest and in the process fall in love. There was plenty of action, humor, and romance. I loved that Minerva is a bookworm since I am too.

The family gathered to hear the lawyer’s reading of their grandfather’s Will. The house would go to the grandchildren‘s mother – since grandfather had no sons. She would also receive an annual allowance of money. The grandchildren themselves would inherit the rest of his large fortune — but only if they fulfilled certain terms and within a period of two months. If they failed at their tasks, the money would go to Mr. Hastings, a beast of a man who dishonored their cousin and ran off with a nursemaid! No one felt he deserved any money at all, which is what compelled each of them to take this seriously!

Minerva had been kidnapped as a child, and consequently she was timid and afraid of everything. She knew she had to overcome this fear that ruled her life. Her letter directly impacted those fears! She must travel to Scotland to collect something that belonged to her grandfather! She could not venture out to the next county – how would she travel far away to Scotland?? Minerva kept a smile frozen on her lips – but she could see that no one there believed this didn’t terrify her.

In the morning she woke in a strange inn, afraid to open her eyes. She took a deep breath, and saw the sunlight coming through the window. She relaxed and smiled, knowing how proud her family would be that she had made it this far. She met other people and they were courteous and friendly, not what she had always feared. Her grandfather had wanted her to summon the courage to live a proper life. He was right, and she was starting to understand. As her maid helped her dress, she noticed Mary was sweating and held her stomach briefly. Was she ill? As they continued their travel, Mary was not doing well. Minerva asked the driver to stop at a farmhouse since they would not make it to the inn for some time and Mary needed rest now.

Lachlan Sinclair was annoyed at the knocking on his door. But when he told him of the problem, he carried Mary inside. He asked the groom to take one of his horses and get the doctor. He tended his stock and returned to make a meal for them. Minerva felt very comfortable in the farmhouse. She also felt comfortable around Lachlan. There was a stillness about him that put her at ease. Yet his eyes took in everything that was happening; he would be a fine protector, she knew. She helped him dry the dinner bowls. As one slipped from her hands, they both caught it, his hands covering hers. She was breathless and had never felt like this. She was very much aware of him! When she asked, he told her he was not actually a farmer. He owned all of the surrounding lands and, while his tenant’s family was travelling, he had offered to take care of the farm and animals. But he seemed very comfortable no matter what he did. Although he missed the luxurious fabrics of his finer clothes, he did not miss wearing the cravat and breeches every day, nor did he miss being surrounded by servants.

Mary was recovering, but still weak. Lachlan told Minerva what he had thought of – that Mr. Johnson could take his place working the farm and caring for Mary. Lachlan would go with Minerva since the rest of the trip was by horseback and he thoroughly knew the area. She gladly accepted! But as they were getting ready, Mr. Johnson told her Mr. Young was now ill. He offered caring for them both – and she should go with Lachlan and complete her task. He said he knew how honorable she was, and what her family didn’t know would not hurt them. How would Lachlan feel about it? Would they safely get to the cottage and retrieve her grandfather’s item? Would there be danger to face? Or was the only danger losing her heart over the gentle Scotsman who meant so much to her already?

This is such a wonderful series, and I think this is my absolute favorite! Each has started out full of pre-conceived notions that would be completely turned around as each person grew and matured within the experiences provided to them. It was such a joy seeing how each character handled their challenge. Join in the fun of this wonderful story and see the wisdom of their grandfather in the tasks he set before his grandchildren to put them on the right course in life.

Minerva Templeton has a reputation for being, well, something of a recluse.

However, due to her grandfather’s demands, all that must change.

She must travel to the wilds of Scotland to fetch a mysterious something. So off she sets to Scotland where she must brave all manner of awful things—things this wallflower avoids at all costs after the traumatic experience of being kidnaped as a child.
But after the death of her beloved Grandpapa, she cannot help wondering if she should be braver. Bolder. Try new things. Like meeting a handsome Scottish farmer turned wealthy landowner and fall in love!

This is the third installment in the Inheritance Clause new series and they just keep getting better. I actually gave this one 4.85 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development. All of these books are fairly short reads and easily finished in one sitting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Chemistry and Kindness Make For a Sweet Regency Romance

I will admit that I was at first put off by the heroine, Minerva, in the first scene of the book. I thought she was going to be another one of those silly, fluffy Regency heroines that I’m not fond of. But I was quite wrong, I’m happy to say. Minerva has a shocking backstory and an actually sweet, intellectual nature that just was not portrayed in that early scene.

The story’s action is set in motion by the reading of Minerva’s grandfather’s will. He doesn’t have any sons to inherit, so he has created an unusual inheritance clause. While his daughter will be taken care of, her children must earn their inheritance by taking on various challenges. A task is chosen for each grandchild that is meant to push or improve them. Minerva, who is a bookish homebody after a severe childhood trauma, is tasked with going to Scotland to retrieve something from a house that her grandfather occasionally lived at when he was young. Each grandchild receives the letter describing their personal challenge, and at least Minerva’s was meant to bolster her courage. The grandchildren are especially drawn to fulfill their tasks because if they fail at them, a well-despised uncle will get the money.

Minerva faces many ups and downs on her journey to and through Scotland. She is uncomfortable with strangers, she fears being in a carriage, and she has no idea how to cook! She approaches these tasks and others with a sense of great adventure and a desire to find act courageously. When her maid turns ill, she is forced to accept the hospitality of a man she believes is a simple farmer. It turns out of course, that he is actually a wealthy landowner who was helping one of his tenants. They have a chemistry that sparkles on the page, and they treat each other with kindness and respect. That doesn’t always happen in Regency romance, so their sweet little flirtations and attraction were lovely to read.

If you enjoy Regency Romance, this sweet novella with delightful characters may be just a few or a lie.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Excellent read with adventure, excitement, suspense, emotional situations and so much more. She spends most of her time out of the public eye. Now her grandfather’s will has stipulations in it that must be done in order for her and her siblings to inherit. Thus begins their adventures. I recommend it. I reviewed a copy for booksprout.

I have so enjoyed the first two books in this series and was looking forward to this one. Of course with Samantha Holt as the author, it was so entertaining I could not turn the pages fast enough! Minerva Templeton has to carry out the demands in her grandfather’s will, just as all of her siblings have a specific task to complete. Her’s is to travel to a cottage in remote Scotland where her grandfather had spent time as a young man.
This was such a difficult task for her because of her being kidnapped in her childhood. She had really not traveled much or been in society. As she gets to Scotland, difficulties arise when her maid becomes ill and they have to seek shelter. As fate would have it, they went to a farmhouse and met Lachlan Sinclair. Sigh. yes. Sigh.
They both find each other attractive and he offers to escort her on the last part of her journey. Of as they spend time together, the feelings grow. But will Minerva find what she has to bring back to satisfy the will? What could it be?

The four Templeton siblings stand to inherit their grandfather’s fortune but they each have to perform a task
Minerva Templeton has a reputation for being, well, something of a recluse. A wallflower, if you will.
However, due to her grandfather’s demands, all that must change. She must travel to the wilds of Scotland to fetch a mysterious something. Minerva cannot fathom why she should be the one to have to bring home this object but if she does not, their grandfather’s fortune will go to a most undeserving man.
So off she sets to Scotland, after over a week of travel her maid becomes ill & so they ask help from a farmer who turns out to be a wealthy landowner. Lachlan Spencer is a self made man he’s dragged himself up from the gutter & has made a fortune.
Another easy reading, page turning novella that drew me in from the start. A well paced story & delightful characters kept me engrossed for an afternoon as I read it in one sitting. Lachlan & Minerva are delightful & so perfect for each other. They are instantly attracted to each other but as their feelings deepen they also talk to each other & become friends. I loved how Minerva blossomed throughout the book starting as a shrinking violet who feared everything to a confident woman who travelled to seek what she desired. Lachlan whilst not a nobleman was honourable & so caring. I’m now waiting for Theo’s task
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

4 1/2 Stars! Book three of the Inheritance Clause series. Can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone. Novella told in dual POV with HEA. In order to inherit their grandfather’s fortune four siblings must complete a task in two months’ time. Each book follows a different sibling and their assigned task. Minerva hides herself away living in fear for the last 15 years after she was kidnapped and held for ransom as a child. Her grandfathers’ task has her being brave and finding the courage to be strong and move forward. In Scotland she meets Lachlan who helps her on her journey. They form a friendship helping each other. Short and sweet!!