A Most Noble Heir

A Most Noble Heir was full of twists and turns. It follows a rags to riches theme with a dose of love, betrayal, faith and a hint of mystery. This story reveals that all throughout time, people made mistakes that affected generations to come. Scandals are covered up, love sometimes brings about pain and the truth always comes out are just a few of the seeds that are planted and then developed in this tale.

I enjoy tales that transport me to English estates with gardens, formal dining rooms and parlors. It is not a book with intricate historical details, but you will be whisked back to a time of formality but also simplicity. The story takes place in 1884 with the setting at Stainsby Hall in Derbyshire, England. Because the writing has a more contemporary language style, it is a very easy read.

The characters were well rounded and developed throughout the story. Although Aunt Iris is a supporting character and not a main character, she became my favorite character to read about. She is not introduced until later in the story but becomes an integral part of tying up all of the loose ends. She is a woman who is eloquent in her words, soft when needing to be and direct when necessary. The main characters in the story, Hannah and Nolan, are discovering that their families choices as well as their own choices have consequences far greater than can be imagined. If you like Downtown Abbey, this will be right up your alley.

This story was lightly based on the author's discovery and research of her own ancestry. Her great-great-grandfather was a stable hand at an English estate called Stainsby Hall. He had married a kitchen maid, but their story had a very different ending. She used her research and her imagination to create a story that developed from this relationship.

I recommend this book for those who like historical romance fiction and an easy read.

*many thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy. All opinions are my own.