A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason

About The Book:

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.

My Review:

Here's a book with classes divisions and with passion. Hannah is the kitchen maid, and Noel has risen to the position of Earl. Set in 1884, we get a historical setting as well as a lovely older time frame for this novel. Will they make it through the ups and downs the conflicts and challenges of their relationship and see how God's love works wonders? 

I particularly liked the honesty of the author in the relationship with Hannah and Noel. It wasn't coated over, which was so refreshing! I think this is the first book I've read by this author. I am so glad she didn't make this story another glossed over romance. When Hannah is scared of what happens after she's married, it's shown without going overboard, while showing a strong and healthy relationship. Fantastic! 

It's not short on action, adventure, or subterfuge either. Well worth the read. 

My copy came from Bethany House Bloggers. My review is my own, with my own opinions and is left of my own free will. 

5 Stars

About the Author:

Susan Anne Mason's debut historical novel, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. Also a member of ACFW, Susan lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children. She can be found online at www.susanannemason.com


Reviews by Others:

"Beautifully balancing sweet forbidden love with a father-son battle of wills, Mason proves to be a highest caliber author in historical inspirational romance. Set in England in 1884, this is a marvelously entertaining story of the search for identity and a struggle for acceptance for both Nolan and Hannah. The purity and tenacity of their love will leave readers tingling, and fans of Roseanne M. White will enjoy Mason's web of nobility drama and breathlessly exciting conclusion."

Booklist starred review

"This is a sweet story full of the historical details fans of Victorian fiction will appreciate. There is also plenty of faith and love leading this young couple to their happily ever after. The troubles facing Nolan and his father are realistic and heartrending, especially as the two struggle to reconcile the fallout from the earl's devastating and life-altering mistakes."

RT Book Reviews

"An immersive narrative and sympathetic characters are highlights of this heartwarming novel from Mason about the importance of family, the power of love, and the faith to pursue your heart's desire. For readers seeking a well-written Victorian romance in the vein of Laura Frantz or Jocelyn Green."

Library Journal