The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall

Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko

Book Description: (from the author’s website)

After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy disappearing before her very eyes. Now the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: marry within the year to inherit her grandmother’s fortune. Amaryllis reluctantly takes part in her aunt’s society, intent on getting to the west coast on her own… and without a husband.

My Review:
If the reason you picked up this book was because of the amazingly beautiful cover, you will not be sorry. Amaryllis has been dealt a lot of hard knocks. Her dreams have seemed to be thwarted at every turn and when she faced with marriage and dealing with society against her will, she tries once again to come up with alternative plans to get her own way. Amaryllis and Nathan are both a hero and heroine that have a lot of baggage. I really enjoyed how Ms. Crandall’s light way of writing weaves spiritual truths throughout this book without anyone feeling like they are being hammered with it, but yet, it is strong. There is no question if this book shows the light of the Lord in it. This has the flavor of a regency romance somewhat between Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre with a modern language twist, with historical facts interwoven about Whidbey Island, Washington and Boston.

I really enjoyed this book! It takes a bit for Amaryllis and Nathan to warm up to you, but once you warm to them as well, you will fall in love.
Look for my review of book #2 on the 7th along with an interview with the author.