The Last Heiress

GIVEAWAY

ELLIS, MARY
THE LAST HEIRESS

Bestselling author Mary Ellis (A Widow’s Hope) presents The Last Heiress, a new romantic standalone that intertwines the lives of a British manufacturing heiress and an American merchant caught in the turbulent time of the War Between the States.

Amanda Dunn set sail from England for Wilmington, North Carolina, hoping to somehow restore shipments of cotton for her family’s textile mills, which have been severely disrupted by the American Civil War. But when she meets Nathaniel Cooper, her desire to conduct business and quickly return to England changes.

Amanda’s family across the sea deems the hardworking merchant unsuitable for the lovey and accomplished heiress. And when Nate himself begins to draw away, Amanda has her own battle for a happy future on her hands.

As the War Between the States heats up, Nate’s brother, a Confederate officer, comes for a visit. Nate begins to think about joining up—not in support of slavery but to watch his brother’s back. Yet will this potentially life-changing decision put the union between him and Amanda she so wishes for in jeopardy?

My Review:

Wow, I learned a lot about the Civil War reading this book. Little known facts (at least for this Canadian reader) that really brought this era to life. Such a tumultuous time when tradition and a whole way of life was being challenged and subsequently changed. I loved how Ellis put me smack dab in the middle of it. This story deals with the controversial subjects of slavery, women's issues, caste systems and the individual's right to choose what is worth fighting for. Utterly compelling.

Amanda lands in the middle of all this unrest -- a proper English lady with a backbone of steel and the audacity to know, and speak, her own mind. Loved her outrageous antics. The way she flaunts convention. Her resistance to being bullied. This is kind of a role reversal of the brash American heiress who scandalizes British aristocracy which is more typical in historical romances. Loved that this Brit sets Wilmington society (and humble merchant, Nate) into a tailspin.

The Last Heiress has some characters you love to hate as well. Like Amanda's brother-in-law and, to some extent, her sister who has become nothing more than her husband's puppet. Grrrr. They got my blood pressure rising a time or two.

Romance + Action = A page-turning read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Last Heiress please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 7 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!