A Most Noble Heir, Susan Anne Mason
•°o•:*:•.COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.•:*:• o°•
I received this book in yesterday’s post (I just love saying post – don’t you?), took some time to photograph it, brew a pot of lemon-lavender tea with a sprig of rosemary and settled in with a cozy blanket at 2:10pm. I only paused to feed the kitties and whip up a speedy dinner of eggs with toast and continued reading (thank goodness for book stands!) while eating because it was that good. I finished at 10:42pm! What an enjoyable 8.5-hour read! Note to self: Susan’s books suck you in. Plan accordingly ;)
Derbyshire, England 1884.
Nolan Price is the 21-year-old stable hand at Stainsbury. He has grown to love Hannah Burnham, a kitchen maid that arrived when he was 14 and she was 13 following her mother leaving her there to work. He has finally saved enough to buy a small neighboring farm and give Hannah, her sister Molly, and his mother a better life. However, his mother has suddenly taken ill and reveals a long kept secret that he is the son of the Earl of Stainsbury whom he loathes. If he should agree to take his place among the aristocracy he will not be allowed to marry below his station. Outraged at this revelation, he decides to elope with Hannah, convincing her of his love and that it is the best way to ensure they are accepted as “one”. Hannah has always felt small, unimportant, and abandoned ever since her mother forced her into service, but kept her sister Molly. Nolan has been the one constant in her life. He is tender and kind, the man she prays with. He is her future.
Edward Fairchild is shocked to find that his son is alive and further has been right under his nose all these years. His son-in-law and current heir to the estate, Orville Fairchild, is a loathsome, gambling infantile man. He makes plans to train Nolan and turn him into a proper gentleman worthy of a title and Hannah does not fit into those plans. He will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure she does not get in the way.
Iris Hartford is a fantastic character! Without giving to much away; she is a breath of fresh air, tells it like it is, is gentle but commands a room and the most delightful fairy godmother type one could hope for!
This story has many twists and turns as well as dangerous situations which elevate it further. Through it all, faith balances the story nicely, but not perfectly because no one is perfect in their faith. As the wise and loveable Scotsman Bert says, “Sometimes we have to hear God’s message several different ways before it finally takes root.” (smile – is that not the truth?!).
Tea Moment (and there are several, yay!) She nodded and wiped her own face. “Come back to the kitchen, and I’ll make you some tea.” Like his mother, Hannah believed a cup of tea could cure anything.
© 2018 Bethany House -
364 pages
Thank you to Bethany House and the lovely author for an advance copy to review. My opinion is my own and given freely. Keep updated on the author’s website, Susan Anne Mason.net
I believe this is a stand-alone book and not a series.
Read & Reviewed: 02/2018 *****5 stars
Hugs and a cup of tea,
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A wonderful review, my friend. Your words drew me in and oh, how I would love to have a cup of tea with you.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs!
Thank you Stephanie !!!
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