After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy in her hometown of Seattle, Washington, disappearing before her very eyes. Now, the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: Marry within the year to inherit the immense fortune of her estranged … grandmother.
Amaryllis reluctantly moves in to her aunt’s Boston home and rubs shoulders with fashionable society. Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself quickly falling in love with the most unlikely of men–Nathan Everstone, the envy of every eligible female, whose father has haunted her dreams for the decade following her mother’s tragic death.
However, Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems…and everything she never knew she wanted. But can she ever really trust an Everstone man?
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In The Hesitant Heiress, author Dawn Crandall introduces us to characters who spring to life from the first page, grip the heart, and don’t release it until the last page of their story. That story contains one of my favorite elements—a past that won’t lie quiet, one so firmly woven into the present as to be inescapable, until wounds are confronted, mysteries solved, and ghosts laid to rest. Delving deep into the human heart with prose as polished as beach stones, The Hesitant Heiress is a marvelous romance and an impressive debut.
“I could not use a husband. What did I know of men? They were controlling. Insensitive. Undependable. Inconsistent. And liars.”
Amaryllis Brigham is in a conundrum; she must marry within a year of finishing school in order to inherit a considerable amount of money and property from her grandmother’s estate; a grandmother who disowned Amaryllis and her mother after a scandalous break of engagement before her granddaughter was even born. In fact after a disparaging letter of reference results in Amaryllis’ expulsion from the Boston Conservatory of Music, she fears her dream of opening a school of music in her beloved state of Washington is sure to dissipate before her very eyes. She desperately needs her inheritance to found the school, but the chances of marrying for love seem quite impossible; in spite of the fact that her great aunt befriends her young niece and and takes great pains to introduce Amaryllis to Boston’s elite; including the enigmatic Nathan Everstone.
Everstone. Just the name alone is shrouded within fragments of truth and deception. As Amaryllis struggles to make sense of Nathan’s incessant overtures, will her hesitancy cause her to miss out on one of life’s greatest blessings; the love of another? And just when all the pieces of the puzzle seem to fit perfectly together, a malicious act threatens to ruin it all.
In spite of the fact that the dialogue could flow a bit smoother in places and the scenes sometimes change a little too quickly ; this story line is strong and builds a wonderful foundation for future sequels. This debut novelist will only get better with time and experience and I, for one, look forward to continuing the “Everstone Chronicles”.
It was a pleasure to receive this advance copy of “The Hesitant Heiress” from the author in order to write my honest opinion.
The Hesitant Heiress: The Everstone Chronicles**** e-book by Dawn Crandall
Amaryllis Brigham is a student at the Boston Conservatory of Music, something she has dreamed of for many years. She dreams of founding a music academy in her hometown Whidbey Island near Seattle, Washington. However, her dreams are shattered when she is told that she has been expelled from the conservatory because they received a slanderous letter regarding her. Devastated, she has no choice but to leave and live with her Great-Aunt Claudine and cousin Lawry in Boston. At her Aunt’s home she finds love and acceptance. Her Aunt informs her that Amaryllis’ estranged grandmother has left her with a fortune. However, in order to receive this fortune she must marry within an allotted time. Amaryllis has no desire to marry, she mistrusts men due to past heartaches.
Nathan Everstone shows up at her Aunt’s home. Nathan could have his choice of many of the young women in his social circle but he has his heart set on Amaryllis. How is he to get close to her when she avoids him at every turn. Amaryllis doesn’t believe anything he says to her.
There are other men who vie for her hand in marriage, seeking her fortune. How will Amaryllis know if her suitors are trustworthy? Can she believe her heart when she falls in love with one of the suitors?
As Amaryllis and Nathan struggle to find their way they face unexpected challenges. Will they be able to overcome these challenges?
I had a hard time getting into the beginning of the story, but as I read on I was caught up in Amaryllis and Nathan’s story. Mystery, murder, misunderstandings, intrigue, suspense, lies and deceit are woven throughout the story line. It was good to see the growth of the characters as well as their faith and spiritual growth woven in the story.
~~I won an e-book copy from the author on Amanda Geaney’s review site….this is my honest review~~
I won this book and was not required to post a review. I really liked this first person tale of Amaryllis Brigham and her inward struggles as she deals with preconceived notions that she is responsible for her mothers death. I loved the interaction she has with Nathan Everstone and the tension that exists between them. I also loved that there was some suspense and you weren’t quite sure what was going to happen next. I look forward to reading the rest of the series, as I want to read the other minor characters stories. This book reminded me of reading Jane Austin.
I enjoyed this story. There was so much emotion from a woman who spent her life trying not to show any. I loved how Nathan brought this out of Amaryllis. There was some mystery as she tries to deal with the snippets of information she receives from others around her that changes her memories and perceptions of things that occurred in her past. A good story. 4 stars – Full review is at my website. received this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I express here are my own.
I was really curious when I read in a blog post that Dawn Crandall chooses specifically to write in first-person narration (my favorite!), so I decided to enter the giveaway for her debut, The Hesitant Heiress, a romantic historical, which also happens to be my favorite genre. My curiosity certainly paid off because what I found was an engaging main character, a plot laced with mystery and a delicious romance.
Amaryllis Brigham’s life is thrown off track when she is forced to leave the prestigious Boston Conservatory. The desire of her heart is to open a music academy, but now the funds to do so are tied up with her fortune – a fortune that is only hers if she marries. Add into this the twisted mystery of her past and the run-ins with enigmatic Nathan Everstone – a man whose father is behind her dismissal from the Conservatory – and this is one absorbing read.
I know this is a short review, but I wanted to at least write a little something about such an enjoyable book. It reminded me a lot of Jessica Dotta’s style, except for the first person narration. I’m really looking forward to book two in the Everstone Chronicles.
Who loves a good romance? How about who enjoys reading historical fiction? What about people who enjoy a bit of a mystery? All of these readers are going to enjoy this book!
My advice is to get the entire series right now. Because when you finish this one you are going to want to immediately begin the next book. And you might get a hotel room so you can just binge-read the entire series without distraction.
We meet Amaryllis and learn soon about the stipulations attached to her inheritance. So out she comes so she can find a suitor so she can marry. But when her “enemies” son is the most sought after and he’s paying attention to her. Sparks begin to fly!
This is a wonderfully written story. You get mystery, and suspense, as well as a romance but you also have historical fiction. I highly recommend you read this book!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Perhaps because I have a love of music, this book grabbed my attention. Amaryllis believes she knows what she wants and who she should be cautious around, but in the end she finds out sometimes looks can be deceiving.
Rejecting someone because you believe the father is someone you could never trust, results in misunderstandings and more. Reading that Amaryllis has to marry within a year or lose a fortune provides the perfect incentive to find someone to marry or come to terms with losing the fortune.
I found the characters to be engaging. I wanted to keep reading, to learn more about them. The ending satisfied my desire for a sense of completion. So check out this work of historical fiction for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Set during the Gilded Age of 1890 in Boston’s high society, The Hesitant Heiress is the first book in The Everstone Chronicles and the author’s debut novel. The setting is gorgeous as the characters move between Boston’s wealthiest district to the their elite summer homes in Maine. There are many characters to meet besides the two main characters Amaryllis and Nathan, since this is the first book in the five-book series. It is written in first person perspective of the heroine Amaryllis, which provides much insight into her character but sometimes can get confusing since the movement of the plot must all be funneled through what she sees, hears, thinks, and does. Most of the plot is carried through conversation and dialogue, which is reminiscent of Regency era novels. The story line is also reminiscent of the Regency era stories, with Amaryllis needing to find a husband to inherit a fortune, Nathan trying to woo Amaryllis despite her misgivings, and a series of unfortunate and mysterious incidents and accidents. Those who enjoy Regency-type romance in a decadent era of American history will enjoy this book.
Amaryllis is a confused soul – stripped of her hopes and dreams of opening a music school, unwillingly forced into Boston’s high society, terribly haunted by her mother’s long-ago death and events surrounding it, saddened by her father’s distance and recent death, and dejected by her sense of unworthiness. Her infatuation with Nathan seemed a bit over-the-top but her conflicting and bleeding emotions were real and understandable. Nathan, though he comes across as overbearing and arrogant at times, is unnervingly patient and tender, even when rejected repeatedly by Amaryllis. Their dialogue is filled with biting sarcasm and wit, which is terribly fun. Their intertwined backstory is somewhat complicated but eventually comes out as they learn to actually talk to each other instead of skirting around their issues. There is a subtly integrated villain that threw a curve ball into the story. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series to get to know better Lawry (Amaryllis’ cousin), Estella and Vance (Nathan’s siblings), and Nicholette (you’ll just have to read this book to find out who she is).
I received the book via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
Writing in the first person, Ms. Crandall pulled me into this very personal telling of the story. As each of the events unfolded, I felt Amaryllis’ resolve to please her aunt, her resistance to marry in order to gain her inheritance. I felt her heart dream wither away.
Even as her objections to Nathan’s affections began to crumble, I felt the betrayal of her heart—and I as the reader was frustrated with her. But heart-logic is not so easily explained away, and lies that feed misconceptions fuel her resistance.
I was somewhat confused at first with locations and place names until it became more clear (to me) which place was where. But each location is important, and plays a specific role in the story.
Ms. Crandall is gifted at weaving her story, presenting authentic settings and conversations and character interactions. This is my first of Ms. Crandall’s stories, and I look forward to reading many more by her.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday-Reviews-Day-on-Wednesday, Book Review, The Hesitant Heiress, Dawn Crandall, The Everstone Chronicles, Celebrate Lit Publicity
I have been wanting to read this book for awhile. I can’t figure out why it has taken me so long to do so. This was a very enchanting story that swept me away to a time where balls take place and the most available of bachelors can be found. I loved that Amaryllis is an accomplished pianist and has dreams of opening her own school someday. I was flabbergasted by the letter that was sent to the school she attended. That letter finds Amaryllis removed from the school and her dreams shattered. Her self esteem is at its lowest when her grandmother’s will is read. Why do people insist on making silly declarations in their wills? Amaryllis has no desire to get married by a certain date in order to inherit what her grandmother has left her.
Oh but standing in the wing is the dashing Nathan. I do believe this is the man for Amaryllis. Now if only she can be convinced this is her mate everything will work out fine. There is friction between the two which entertains readers throughout the story. I so wanted to tell them to knock it off and get married already. However Amaryllis has a guilty conscience that prevents her from finding happiness. She doesn’t feel like her father loved her and the death of her mother haunts her everyday.
The story is filled with unsavory characters as well. They are villains who want nothing more than to seek revenge. It plays out very well as the author takes us on a journey filled with action. I loved the story and appreciated the faith element as well. When a shocking secret is revealed it shakes the story up. What a tangled web it is and it will have more than a few characters in an emotional turmoil. Get ready for an adventure that is sure to please those who love historical fiction with a bit of intrigue and romance.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall brims with interesting characters and swoony romance. Amaryllis captured my attention immediately as she contended with her expulsion and her inheritance stipulations. This interesting character developed through the novel, though I admit character development played second fiddle to the unfolding romance (for me).
The novel’s amazing romance thread featured strong tension between Amaryllis and Nathan. I reveled in their attraction and rooted for them to get together. The romance made me reluctant to put the book down. Then came the steamy kissing and I stayed up too late reading this novel.
Reading The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall was pure enjoyment for me! It stands as the first novel in The Everstone Chronicles series. Shortly after finishing this book, I purchased physical copies of the rest of the series and cannot wait to read them! Five stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Dawn Crandall makes her debut with the Hesitant Heiress, the first book in her Everstone Chronicles series set during America’s Gilded Age (19th century).
In The Hesitant Heiress, Amaryllis Brigham dreams of opening a music academy in her hometown of Seattle, but her dreams crumble when she is unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory. Just when things look the worst, she discovers that if she marries within the year, she inherits her estranged grandmother’s fortune.
She moves to Boston to live with her aunt and has several suitors. She falls in love with Nathan Everstone, but Nathan is the son of her worst enemy (or so she thinks). Did his father really play a part in her mother’s tragic death? Is Nathan really the hero he seems? What is the truth and who can be trusted?
Crandall’s book is filled with light but evident faith elements, intriguing characters, and a solid plot engaging the reader until the very last page. The relationship between Nathan and Amaryllis is clean but captivating. Told in the first person makes it harder to understand Nathan, as the events are shared from Amaryllis’ perspective. The Hesitant Heiress combines the elements of inspirational romance with detailed historical elements, mysterious circumstances, plot twists, drama and intrigue. The reader sympathizes with Amaryllis and her actions, especially once her past hurts and the truth are finally revealed.
Thrilled to be able to share that this books is an award winner:
2015 ACFW Carol Award Finalist for Debut Novel (THE HESITANT HEIRESS)
2015 Wisconsin RWA Write Touch Readers’ Award (THE HESITANT HEIRESS)
2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence in the Inspirational Category (THE HESITANT HEIRESS)
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Amaryllis Brigham’s life has been fraught with secrets, the last few years of her life she has been shuttled from boarding school to boarding school, she has a dream of starting a music academy, when her dreams are derailed by widespread slander on her reputation. The only hope for her to get her dream back on track is to meet the requirements of her grandmother’s will, which means that she must marry within the year.
Told from the first person point-of-view, we follow Amaryllis as she is swept into Boston society. She finds herself torn between two suitors, one safe, the other mysterious with a flirtatious reputation. I liked the mysteriousness of this story, it is slow to start but picks up speed as we get to know the characters and the relationships are better established, the pieces start to fall into place.
Overall, this was a enjoyable read, that sets the stage well for forthcoming books in the series, introducing many intriguing characters. I didn’t liked Nathan at first, but liked how his character was developed and my understanding of him grew over the course of the book as we got to see who he really is. A sweet romance with a gothic feel, as layers of the past are revealed, this story grew on me as did their characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Oh this story!! I absolutely loved it! This book definitely gave me Pride and Prejudice vibes and I was all for it! It was so descriptive and draws you in from the very beginning! The characters are all likeable and you can’t help but fall in love with them. It definitely had a little mystery intertwined in it but what drew me the most was the romance!! (seriously it was amazing!!)
This book has many stories going on as we do get introduced to lots of characters that I am sure we will meet in the following books but this one is all about Amyrillis, a young woman who has lost her mother, is estranged from her father and her only desire is to open up a music school in her beloved Whidbey Island. She gets kicked out of the Boston Conservatory of Music for reasons that she doesn’t quite understand but you do find out in the story!! Her Aunt Claudine takes her in and announces to her that she has a large inheritance coming to her but the only caveat is that she must get married in order to obtain it. As you can imagine it all goes topsy-turvy from there.
Let’s talk about Aunt Claudine for a second, she was comical in the way she did things. She definitely is pushy but not in a mean way. She truly made things complicated in trying to set Amyrillys up and I was all for it especially when she has Nathan Everstone come and stay with them! (Needless to say I was rejoicing about this!) Let’s just say that Nathan sounds heart-throbbingly (I may have made that word up) dreamy!!
The relationship between Amyrillis and Nathan is comical. She is definitely playing hard to get without even realizing it. I mean he is bold in his advances and she is taken with him but will not budge on releasing her heart all because she believes her aunt has put him to it and because of his last name! (I won’t give too much because you need to read the story!)
I will not spoil it for you but this book was quite lovely and the theme of forgiveness and redemption are very clear as you are reading it. I honestly did not know what to expect when I first received this book but to say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I loved this story. The author truly captivated me with her writing and had me wanting more. I cannot wait to read more of the series as I have added all of these to my TBR list. I need to know what happens to Lawry, Meredyth and the rest of the Everstone’s!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Hesitant Heiress, Book One in Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles series was the second book of hers that I have read. It was so beautifully written that I found myself wanting to reread select portions as if they were lines of poetry. While in reality it was an inspirational historical romance novel and not a work of prose, it contained the elements of good storytelling that reel me in and make it hard for me to set the book down: intriguing main characters and interesting secondary characters, a thought-provoking plot, an emotionally wounded heroine, and a charming and romantic hero. I find the Gilded Age time period in which this book was set so interesting to read about. The setting varied from elegant homes in Boston to summer in Bar Harbor, Maine. This is a story replete with themes of forgiveness, overcoming misconceptions, and opening one’s heart to wonderful possibilities. I can’t wait to read more books in this series and eagerly look forward to more books from this talented author in the future!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Dawn Crandall has written a beautiful debut with her The Hesitant Heiress. I love that it is the beginning of a series called The Everstone Chronicles. This is a lot that I love in a story. Which includes: history, intriguing time period, fabulous setting, mystery, suspense, danger, adventure, and romance. There is absolutely nothing I could complain about with this book. It is a wonderful piece of fiction I loved every single page.
I am giving Hesitant Heiress a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical romance. I can not wait to get my hands on book two from The Everstone Chronicles series, The Bound Heart, to find out what happens next. This one should not be missed.
I received The Hesitant Heiress from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Amaryllis Brigham is a name that immediately caught my attention. I wanted to know this young lady and learn her story. As I read through the chapters of her novel, THE HESITANT HEIRESS, I felt as if I’d found a friend.
Filled with friendships, romance, and a little mysterious element, THE HESITANT HEIRESS, is a beautiful work from the pen of Dawn Crandall. Set in 1890, in the period known as The Gilded Age, this is a novel to savor.
Orphaned as a young teenager, Amaryllis Brigham, is now a twenty-five year old young woman close to spinsterhood. After being falsely accused and removed from the music conservatory, she goes to Boston, Massachusetts to live with her great aunt. Glittering house parties; a clever, handsome social set; and meeting society’s eligible bachelors make up most of Amaryllis’s days. To receive her inheritance, she must marry soon. The problem is that she has had very few good examples of marriages or men in her life. Amaryllis isn’t certain she wants to marry at all. Music, especially playing the piano, is her delight and area of talent.
Boston, Maine, and the various homes and people came alive for me. Dawn Crandall writes in the first-person viewpoint of the heroine in exquisite fashion. It was so beautiful and refreshing to finally find a modern author who does this. Dawn’s style can be favorably compared with the works of authors Charlotte Brontë, Catherine Marshall, Julianne Donaldson, and Anne Mateer. She has the voice for a good English, Regency era novel. It would be a pleasure to read one of those by her!
Amaryllis Brigham has had to cope with the painful experiences of sorrow, loneliness, and very little love in her life. Because of this she has built walls around her heart. After she moves to Boston things start to change. Friendship and romance waltz into her life to rescue her. Both work at removing those walls and replace them with love, security, and peace. Amaryllis is a lovely woman who speaks her mind. She can be blunt, but not in a rebellious, demonstrative way. She’s quiet, but makes her point. Reading and music are the joys in her life.
Every heroine needs a hero and Amaryllis’s world is bull-dozed and brightened by the constant presence of Nathan Everstone. From the moment Amaryllis first views Nathan’s picture I was entranced by this handsome and slightly mysterious man. I loved Nathan. What else can I say? He’s Amaryllis’s friend, protector, admirer, and desires to be her great love. I love the way these two characters interact. Nathan throws himself in her way whenever he can and shakes up the false world Amaryllis has created. The air sizzles whenever they are together.
Several members of Boston’s social elite make up the supporting characters. I enjoyed getting to know the friends and family of the hero and heroine. They all played their roles well without overshadowing the main characters. I like how the author made them wealthy, but didn’t mention it a lot. To them it was a normal lifestyle. They just accepted and appreciated it and went on. I’m really looking forward to reading the next two books about some of them.
Hovering over the entire story is a mysterious element of Amaryllis’s history. At times the pieces of her story are blocked for the reader, but like the eventual lifting of fog on a fall morning, we slowly watch the real story rise out of the mist.
While browsing online I discovered Dawn Crandall’s breathtaking Pinterest board for this novel. It is compiled of images labeled to match each chapter. They include period gowns; houses; rooms; and various, individual items of import to the story. I kept a computer tablet opened to that page beside me while reading THE HESITANT HEIRESS on my Kindle. Whenever I would come to a new chapter I would go back to the tablet and follow the picture trail that matched. My reading experience and enjoyment was taken to a whole new level!
I enjoyed every bit of this novel and only have three things I wish were different.
1) I wanted the book to be longer! 🙂
2) It could have used a little more description in location and dress detail.
3) A different cover would have improved my first impressions. When I first saw this cover I actually thought this was a contemporary novel. I had to ask the author. The model’s hair and dress look very modern. If I were a die-hard fan of The Gilded Age or even a reader of only historical novels, I probably would have not chosen this book to read. The synopsis doesn’t even let one know that it’s a historical novel.
THE HESITANT HEIRESS is one of my favorite reads this year so far and I’m eagerly awaiting the next work from the pen of Dawn Crandall!
This book captured my attention from the very first page. Ms. Crandall did a wonderful job of immediately engaging me and even my emotions on behalf of the heroine, Amaryllis. She weaves an interesting, intriguing story that had me unwilling to put the book down until I found out some answers and saw some resolution.
I do have to admit I was a little confused toward the beginning, trying to figure out what was going on and what the truth was about the past, and I wanted things to unfold a little faster than they did.
While my attention was quickly captured by the situation the Amaryllis finds herself in at the beginning of the book, it wasn’t long before I began to get a little frustrated with her. As the book progressed, I realized that things were probably not as they appeared to her, but she was very stubborn in refusing to see events and people any differently than she had. Amaryllis was so insistent that every man is inconsistent and I think she viewed God that way as well. She thought she trusted Him, but she didn’t really.
While she had a tendency to be extremely honest with others about what she saw in them and their situations, she was not so with herself. She was blinded to the truth for so much of the book and that became more than a little frustrating after a while, especially when she had opportunity to find out more about the past, but would not, as if she were in denial, refusing to see the past in any way other than how she currently viewed it.
Even though Amaryllis and her stubborn refusal to see the truth became exasperating, Nathan’s sweetness and his obvious care for her made up a little for that exasperation. I loved Nathan and his character and I was a little disappointed that it took Amaryllis so long to let go of grudges from the past that were not even based on full truth so that she could finally see him for the godly, sweet man that he was. She wasted a lot of time running from her past and her problems instead of facing them. And while that was incredibly irritating, I can see how we often do the same thing in our own lives. Hopefully, we won’t be quite as long in coming to see the truth as it took Amaryllis. The more I read, the more thankful I became for Nathan and his willingness to love her in spite of how she treated him. Through that willingness and consistency, he eventually won her over. The resolution and ending finally came and helped make up for all the rough bumps in getting there.
**I received this book free of charge from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
The Hesitant Heiress was a captivating tale, a novel that I had trouble setting down in order to get anything else accomplished around the house!
It is the story of a young lady with a tragic past, who doesn’t quite know how to handle the high society that she finds herself thrust into. It is told in first person, which adds to the mystery of the novel. The reader only knows what has happened in the past, and the events that are currently taking place in the story, through the eyes of Amaryllis Brigham.
Amaryllis is a girl with so much hurt in her heart. I felt so sorry for all that she had gone through. I enjoyed the growth she experienced throughout the book, even as I sometimes felt frustrated with her inability to discern who could truly be trusted, and who could not.
The hero of this novel is mysterious and brooding, but not so dark as to pull down the story. I really appreciated that in The Hesitant Heiress. It has the hint of gothic, without the heaviness that I so often associate with that genre. I loved slowly discovering the truth of what had happened in the past, and watching everything unfold and the truth finally come to light. And the romance in this story is fabulous! I truly can’t say enough about how much I loved this story and I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy I received of The Hesitant Heiress. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.