The Swindler's Daughter - Review

 Book Description

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 he has left a business and all his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she arrives at her father's house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by a 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--and Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

"This book has something for every reader--an underlying mystery, a sweet romance that blooms unexpectedly, and a surprisingly suspenseful climax to the story."--Susan Anne Mason, author of the Redemption's Light series

"If you like stories of romance, mystery, and action set in realistic historical times and places, you won't want to miss this book."--Ann H. Gabhart, bestselling author of When the Meadow Blooms

My Review

Lillian chafed against her mother's ambition. She didn't want the society marriage nor her mother's lifestyle. Her opportunity came when her father, whom she didn't know had been alive, died and left her an inheritance that would change everything for her.

Lillian is a well written character who has to overcome a lot, including re-framing her thoughts about her mother. She blossoms into a spunky woman with determination and kindness.

Jonah is set on buying a property for his mother and sisters so they are able to support themselves and he can attend university and become an Electrical engineer. It seems God has other plans, when the property is left to Lillian instead of the expected family member.

What unfolds includes some mis-perceptions between Lillian and Jonah, a mystery bigger than them all, and a plan revealed by Melanie, Jonah's mother. Lillian discovers her dreams and finds a family that she has always wanted.

This story was beautiful and heartwarming. There were lessons in love, patience, growth, and forgiveness. The writing was full of complex and delightful characters, interactions, and the uncovering of a sinister plot that threatened them all. The story was well written and the mystery kept the suspense well. As each clue was discovered, I was left wondering how all would turn out.

I highly recommend this story set in the early 1900s. It is one that can inspire faith. I received a copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Endorsements

"This book has something for every reader--an underlying mystery, a sweet romance that blooms unexpectedly, and a surprisingly suspenseful climax to the story. Historical fans will love it!"

Susan Anne Mason, author of the Redemption's Light series

"The Swindler's Daughter is a compelling story with characters I enjoyed getting to know as they faced challenges in times of uncertainty in their lives. If you like stories of romance, mystery, and action set in realistic historical times and places, you won't want to miss this book."

Ann H. Gabhart, bestselling author of When the Meadow Blooms

About the Author 

Stephenia H. McGee is the award-winning author of many stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South, including The Secrets of Emberwild. When she's not reading or sipping sweet tea on the front porch, she's a writer, dreamer, husband spoiler, and busy mom of two rambunctious boys. Learn more at www.stepheniamcgee.com.