Heir to Rowanlea

by Sally James

Harry Norville’s cousin Frederick vanished in France as a child. So Harry cannot prove he is the rightful heir to Rowanlea until they discover whether Frederick is alive. Until they do, the beautiful Elizabeth refuses to marry him. This infuriates Charlotte, Harry's adoring cousin. When Frederick appears in London and captures Elizabeth's attention, Charlotte determines to help Harry win her. But the best laid plans... Regency Romance by Sally James; previously published by Fawcett

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1980

About the author

Uses the pseudonym Sally James

Marina Oliver was born in 1943. She graduated from Keele University in Politics and Economics.

Marina started published historical romances, in 1974, at Robert Hale, and since 1977 also under the pseudonym of Sally James. In 1981, she published a novel as Donna Hunt at Minstrel Books. Since 1983, she uses de penname Bridget Thorn. In 1992, she also published a novel as Vesta Hathaway and in 2000 as Laura Hart. She has published more than fifty novels under her name and her pseudonyms, plus half a dozen non-fiction books. Her novels are historical romances as well as twentieth-century sagas, contemporary romances and crime. She has edited her own quarterly magazine, and also many books and newsletters, mainly for educational organisations.

Marina was elected the sixteenth Chairman (1992-1993) of the Romantic Novelists' Association, edited its Newsletter for 3 years, and now has been elected a Vice-President and runs the R.N.A. New Writer's Scheme. She reads for and judges short story competitions, reviews historical novels, and has done appraisals for (among others) a prestigious Regional Arts board.

Married with Chris, they had four children, Jackie, Debbie, Cindy and Simon, and several grandchildren, Marina now splits her time between rural Shropshire and Madeira.

Reviews

[Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I've read more than a few cousins-as-lovers stories but first cousins? Ummm, a bit icky, no?
I'd still buy it if it was done well but, it isn't so ... 2.5*

He comes across as a petulant, spoilt and silly man-child (which he is) and she's a plucky and opinionated young girl who loves her cousin and would go to any length to get him his girl - a childhood friend of theirs and now a beautiful and grasping debutante.
When did her love transform from cousinly/sisterly to more? I think, even she's unsure but her behavior and concerns remain quite sisterly instead of romantic. So, my investment in them as a couple, remained tepid and I did not much care what transpired between and for them.
The listless pace does not help as well.

The H does show a mild character growth, a just-acquired maturity by the last quarter of the book. His age isn't mentioned but I think he must be in his mid-20s. The h is likable as a devoted cousin and one who enjoys novels, shopping and adventure - like any normal girl her age.
But for the last scene, the romance is a non-romance. Just as well!

The other, lost-heir-returning (and causing the H heartburn as he stands to lose a title as well as his greedy lady-love) is slightly more interesting although it's easy to guess all the pieces of that drama. The story picks up towards the end because of this tangle. (The cover alludes to it.)

I like the h's mother and her side romance and her 12 yo brother and the dog are nice distractions that bring in some relief.