Review: The Lost Heiress

Description

The Lost Heiress

Roseanna M. White

Ladies of the Manor #1

Synopsis:

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.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Goodreads

Review

After the death of her adoptive mother, Brook began to wonder about the identities of her biological parents.  Her best friend, Duke Justin, volunteered to help, searching Great Britain for the family crest Brook had found on some of her mother’s things.  Finding the owners of the crest, Justin then took Brook to meet her alleged father.  But even if this man is her father, many questions remain—how exactly was she adopted by the actress from Monaco, and why didn’t her father know she was alive?

I truly enjoyed The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White.  It was beautifully written, with romance, mystery, and a little bit of danger.  I loved how realistic the setting was and how vibrant the characters were. 

I adored Brook’s fiery personality.  She was angered easily, yet willing to forgive.  I loved her feistiness, as well.  She was the woman willing to break the bonds of English society—one result of her foreign upbringing.  Roseanna White did a very good job creating a dynamic, likeable character. 

I cannot begin to tell you of the ups and downs of the relationship between Brook and Justin!  Their misunderstandings made me frustrated more than once.  You would think that the length of their friendship would help enable them to communicate and understand each other better.  But they were both in unfamiliar circumstances in addition to trying to transition from friendship to active romantic relationship. 

There was an element of mystery and danger in this novel as well.  Was Brook’s separation from her father and adoption by another woman a simple accident or was there a sinister plot behind it?  Is there something else going on now?  The author gave her readers glimpses of an enemy plotting behind the scenes long before the danger is revealed to the characters.  I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery as the author continued to add clues and plot twists. 

Overall, The Lost Heiress was a beautifully written book that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I look forward to reading more books by Roseanna White, and would recommend this one to those who enjoy sweet historical romance.  

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.