Noela Nancarrow reviews THE HESITANT HEIRESS by Dawn Crandall

The Hesitant Heiress

The Hesitant Heiress (Everstone Chronicles #1)

by Dawn Crandall

Whitaker House (August 1, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

Dawn Crandall’s debut novel 'The Hesitant Heiress' has swept its way into my heart with its stellar ensemble of compelling characters and a deeply charming and captivating romance! With a writing style that’s reminiscent to the classic Jane Eyre, this tale is written in first person point of view and captures its period to perfection. Normally I shy away from reading books told in first person, but any uncertainties I initially had were quickly quelled by Dawn's superb writing!

I was easily drawn into Amaryllis Brigham’s world as she is reluctantly immersed into the distinguished society of Boston in 1890. Bereft of any other family and having been unceremoniously kicked out of the Boston Conservatory of Music, twenty-five year old Amaryllis takes up her wealthy Aunt Claudine’s offer of residency. Amaryllis longs to found a music academy in her own hometown but it seems the only way she can now attain that goal is to marry within the year to inherit her grandmother’s fortune. Amaryllis wishes to reject that idea and strives to make her dreams come true other ways… without a husband. Can she reach her goals on her own and find contentment? Or will she allow a ghost from her past by the name of Bram Everstone, whom she discovered was the one behind her dismissal, continue to extract her peace and affect her life?

Nathan, the charming and enigmatic son of Bram Everstone, arrives back in Boston with Amaryllis’ cousin Lawry, in his father’s private rail-car. Having seen a younger photo of Amaryllis and hearing so much about her from Lawry, Nathan is curious though unprepared when he sees this beguiling young woman waiting at the train station. He endeavors to get to know the beautiful yet confusing Amaryllis, though finds it near impossible to understand her or to climb her carefully constructed walls of self-protectiveness. Will he be able to cause her self-made fortress to crumble enough to allow him access to her heart?

Unanswered questions teased me throughout the story, but as the tale unraveled they were all answered satisfactorily! Mysteries, misunderstandings, and even murder, all added intriguing and exciting layers to ‘The Hesitant Heiress’. And when Amaryllis wasn't exasperating me with her lack of perception, I found the interactions between her and Nathan intensely intoxicating. The story’s finale was one of the best endings I've ever read. Suffused with compelling drama and tension, it was thrilling while bristling with romantic tension. Well done Dawn Crandall!

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THE HESITANT HEIRESS BLOG TOUR

As part of her book launch, Dawn is taking part in a blog tour featuring interviews, book reviews and giveaways. She’s giving away a prize pack every weekend for the six weeks of the blog tour and one larger prize pack at the end. Each of YOU who comments on any post will be entered into the drawing for that specific week, and then also for the end of the tour Grand Prize–all of which will be announced on this blog. Many of the blogger’s posting in the blog tour are also giving away a digital copy of The Hesitant Heiress.

THE FIVE WEEKLY PRIZE PACKS: a $10 Amazon Gift Card, an eBook of The Hesitant Heiress, a mug with all three book covers and a moleskin journal.

THE GRAND PRIZE (at the end of week six): a Kindle Fire, a $10 Amazon Gift Card, an eBook of The Hesitant Heiress, a mug with all three book covers and a moleskin journal.

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Available for purchase at Amazon; CBD; and Barnes & Noble

• Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of Dawn's book this week.  Leave a comment to enter. Winners are posted in the upper right hand corner of the blog and must email us to claim their prize.