Title: The Lost Heiress

Author: Roseanna M. White

Publishing House/Publication Date: Bethany House/September, 2015

Genres: Christian Historical Fiction; Inspirational Romance; Mystery and Drama

Time Period: 1910

Number of Pages: 448

Series: Book #1 in the ‘Ladies of the Manor’ series

You should read this book if… You enjoy sweeping, dramatic sagas filled with intricate and interwoven storylines. Mystery, romance, and suspense also abound within the pages of this book, making it difficult to put down.

Tone and Mood: While this novel would not be considered a carefree, bright and cheerful novel, neither is it shrouded in darkness and despair all the time. Rather it is a fairly well balanced mixture of both extremes. Heart-pounding action and suspense at various high points complete it as a masterfully told story.

Characters and Point of View: The story is revealed through the viewpoint of three third-person perspectives. With our heroine, Brook Eden, as the primary storyteller we step into her life just as she steps into the heart of a family she has never known. Her best friend from childhood, Justin Wildon, shares his views as he observes Brook’s quest for belonging. As an added dimension, a third perspective is told through the story of Deirdre, new ladies maid to Brook and a woman trapped by unwise choices and the pressures of evil that threaten to suffocate her.

Storyline: Priceless diamonds are hidden and found. Murderous noblemen will stop at nothing to achieve their secret agendas. And long-hidden secrets come to light in the most astonishing of ways. The plot of this dramatic story is too intricate and detailed to fully explain here, but suffice it to say that you will NOT be bored!

Themes and Morals: I don’t believe I could explain the heart and theme of this book better than by quoting Ms. White from her Author’s Note at the close of the story, where she explains: “The Lost Heiress has become, in my mind, a symbol of determination – a lesson in how, when we’re chasing our dreams, we should never stubbornly cling to the way we think our goals need to play out…but we should never give up on those loves the Lord has given us.”

Inappropriate Content: While scandalous and inappropriate content is unfortunately not infrequent in the intricate details of this book, its saving grace is that each case is treated exactly as it should be – as morally unacceptable and deserving of retribution. Of course that does not erase the words from the book, making it best suited for mature readers.

Conclusion: This sweeping drama is a story you will not want to miss. The characters, storyline, and setting are all exquisitely brought to life, and a sequel is even planned for early next year. As an added bonus, the behind-the-scenes story about the creation of this book is extraordinary… A 12-year-old girl penned the first draft, and was determined to make this story into a published novel. Although it took nine other published books, nineteen years, four titles and countless rewrites, that story by Roseanna M. White is finally in print. And what a captivating story it is.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.