The Swindler's Daughter Review

 

 

 About the Book

 A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. A choice that will change her life forever.

Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away--in jail--Lillian is startled to find that the man has left a business and all of his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she goes to take possession of her father's house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye--and has put a target on her back.

To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she's always dreamed of, she'll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers--especially Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own. (Goodreads)

 

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My Thoughts

I really wanted to love this book. I love the idea of it and the overall plot I found interesting. I just struggled to get into the story. There are some very unique ideas in this book that I haven't really read much on which is great. I like the mystery that flows throughout the entire story and I do enjoy Jonah's character. The setting is fun and I did get a little frustrated with a couple of the characters but the ending wrapped everything up nicely. I think the main thing is I just couldn't click with the characters. A lot of people have really enjoyed this story, it just wasn't my favorite. I know many others will love it!

Three Stars. 

" I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Secrets of Emberwild Review

 

 About the Book

A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They're easier to handle, they're more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father's passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.

Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father's death--even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth risking ruining everything for the feisty woman he's come to admire. (Goodreads)

 

BUY HERE

 

My Thoughts

I wasn't sure what to expect with this story as this is a new to me author. I really found the overall plot to be interesting and Silas a great hero. I had a difficult time loving and sympathizing with Nora and I think that is partly why this story was a little bit of a struggle for me to read. The first few chapters I was totally invested but it got a bit slow and drawn out for me. There are some twists at the end that complete the book in a good way but the middle was a challenge. It took me until the end to appreciate Nora's character and the ending was very well done. While much of this book was predictable, I did enjoy the last plot twist and I think others will also. For those that enjoy southern historical fiction with a touch of suspense this book is for you! 

Three Stars.

" I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."