Amelia from the “Heiress of Winterwood” by Sarah Ladd

 

I know I mentioned in one of my past posts that I’ve been participating a little in the ACFW book club, this was last November’s pick.  I really got into it and it’s been one of several titles I’ve been meaning to post on for a while.  I’m glad to get the chance to share about it with you now!

After reading the back cover, I expected this to be the kind of story where there’s a marriage of convenience towards the beginning with the rest of the story being about how the couple falls in love after the marriage, but I was pleasantly surprised that it played out much differently.  In fact, by the end of the book the wedding still hasn’t happened, but of course it’s clear who the main character, Amelia is marrying.

The story starts on a sad note, with Amelia’s best friend Katherine passing away in childbirth.  As the child’s Sea Captain father, Graham is away, Amelia promises Katherine that she will take care of her daughter Lucy.  The task becomes a joy to Amelia, and she’s determined to raise Lucy as her own, but she’s got one complication.  Amelia will lose her father’s estate, Winterwood, if she is without a husband for it to be legally passed on to by the age of twenty-five, and her fiancé Edward Littleton, wants nothing to do with the girl.  While Amelia continues trying to persuade Edward to change his mind concerning Lucy, Edward is busy making plans to use the estate’s money for business investments with her uncle.  Just when it seems Amelia’s options are slim, Lucy’s father Graham arrives seeking out his daughter, and Graham may just be the solution Lucy’s looking for.

Full of romance and some surprising twists, this is one story that doesn't disappoint.   Amelia is a heroine who has to face some tough choices but refuses to compromise the most important things in life.  For that, she's a wonderful character and I know I'll enjoy reading her story again sometime.

 -Monica