Book Review: The Lost Heiress

Author: Roseanne M. White
Publication Date: September 8, 2015
Publisher: Bethany House
Series: Ladies of the Manor # 1

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.

A warm breeze gusted up the street. Brook touched her hat to make sure it was secure, then let her fingers fall to her necklace. A baroness, daughter of an earl. Of all the scenarios she had entertained, that had never been one of them.

He reached out and took Brook’s hand. More, he let his lips quiver. “Welcome home.”

Yet when Thate turned the car onto the long drive, she could have sworn something clicked inside her, like a piece of a puzzle finding its place. One part of the picture that might someday reveal who she really was. One small hint that made her wonder all the more at the blank spaces.

Roseanna White is an author to watch for; this was the first book of hers that I have read, and it left me mesmerized long after I had closed the pages. I love the Edwardian Era and if a book is pitched that way, it almost always guarantees a read from me. Brook Eden is just the kind of heroine that everyone wants to read about: smart, trying to find her place, brave, and modest. Her whole life she has been searching for a place to really feel like she is accepted and belongs, and in this story her lifelong friend, Justin, gives her the gift of identity. Justin deduces that she might just be a missing heiress, and thus the adventure begins. This book has so much to entice readers: mystery, romance, loss, the need to belong, and self-discovery. This time period is always beautifully written, and White certainly has done her homework. She paints a picture that you will want to start at for hours!

Both Brook and Justin are likeable characters and wonderful to follow on this journey of truth. Brook Eden is confident and very independent and just wants the answers that she has long desires. With the death of her mother, she is left with a box of letters that she is told will be very important to her. This box of letters sparks an adventure and leaves readers with many questions. This is one of those stories that you will find impossible to put down simply because you need answers to the questions that circulate Brook’s existence. I am very excited for the next books in this series, and hope that I do not have to wait too terribly long to read them!

***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the author and the publishers at Bethany House in exchange for my honest review***