A Most Noble Heir Book Review

SUMMARY:  Will gaining the world cost him everything he holds most dear?
     When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered.  Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl's heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.
     Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope - believing once their marriage is sanctioned by God that Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union.  However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between his dreams for tomorrow and his father's demanding expectations.
     Forces work to keep the couple apart at every turn, and a solution to remain together seems farther and farther away.  With Nolan's new life pulling him irrevocably away from Hannah, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.

REVIEW:  While reading this book, everything was worked out in my head how things should go, just like Nolan does after he finds out he is the Earl's son.  But, as we both found out, things don't always go as you planned.  I like how the author kept the obvious conclusions from occurring, keeping my interest the whole time.  As different twists and turns came about, it kept me guessing how events would play out in the end.  Nolan and Hannah both grow a lot, not only in their character and together but also their faith, depending on God to see things through.  As relationships get rocky, God gives them the strength to power through their trials to the blessings He has on the other side.  I was pleasantly surprised with Nolan's father Lord Edward and Hannah's aunt Iris and enjoyed them very much.
     If you want a distraction from the everyday, this book is a great one to pick up and read. 

This book was provided by Bethany House and Litfuse Publicity Group 

for review without compensation.

Susan Anne Mason's first historical romance, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest sponsored by the Mid-American Romance Authors chapter of RWA.  She lives outside Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two children and one rather plump cat.  Learn more about Susan and her books at www.susanannemason.net.

Irish Meadows Book Review

Courage to Dream Series

Book One

SUMMARY:  1911, Long Island, New York

Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream

     Brianna and Colleen O'Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well.  Recently he's put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands.  Both girls, however have different visions for their futures.

     Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college.  Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry - as long as her father's choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom.  When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone's plans.

     As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O'Leary grows more desperate.  It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father's machinations and instead follow their hearts.  And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

SUMMARY:  Intrigued by the summary, I was curious how the author would work out the multiple details of the plots.  She does a wonderful job keeping everything on track and the characters interesting.  I like how Bree stands up for what she believes, even though it causes temporary heartache for her family.  After a revelation, the difference in Colleen's thoughts and behavior are wonderful and profound.  I also like how Colleen and Bree find common ground and use it to build up their former tenuous relationship.  The ending was perfect, tying up all the loose ends and preparing the way for the next book in this series.  This book would be a great addition to anyone's TO READ list and library.  Can't wait to see what the rest of the series brings.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House

for review without compensation.

Susan Anne Mason describes her writing style as "romance sprinkled with faith."  She particularly enjoys exploring the themes of forgiveness and redemption in her stories.  Irish Meadows is her first historical novel and won the Fiction from the Heartland contest sponsored by the Mid-American Romance Authors chapter of RWA.  Susan lives outside Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two children, and two cats.  Learn more about Susan and her books at www.SusanAnneMason.com.