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The Last Heiress
Bestselling author Mary Ellis (A Widow's Hope) presents The Last Heiress, a new romantic standalone that intertwines the lives of a British manufacturing heiress and an American merchant caught in the turbulent time of the War Between the States.
When Amanda Dunn sets sail from England for Wilmington, North Carolina, she hopes to somehow restore shipments of raw materials for her family's textile mills, which have been severely disrupted by the American Civil War. Though there is not much one individual can do, the wealthy young woman feels she must try, as her mother and hundreds of employees at Dunn Textiles are dependent on Southern cotton.
When Amanda meets Nathaniel Cooper, her desire to conduct business and quickly return to England changes. Though captivated by one another, neither is fully aware of the other's true nature.
Nathanial, who on the outside appears to be a poor but hardworking merchant, is actually a secret Yankee sympathizer who will stop at almost nothing to bring about freedom for those who live under subjugation, even when that involves questionable judgment. And Amanda's wealth is made possible by underpaid workers living in slums around the mills, not much different than American slavery.
Can these two earnest souls find the best in one another rather than focus on what could tear them apart? And though they both believe they are on God's path, how will their decisions affect those around them?
When Amanda Dunn sets sail from England for Wilmington, North Carolina, she hopes to somehow restore shipments of raw materials for her family's textile mills, which have been severely disrupted by the American Civil War. Though there is not much one individual can do, the wealthy young woman feels she must try, as her mother and hundreds of employees at Dunn Textiles are dependent on Southern cotton.
When Amanda meets Nathaniel Cooper, her desire to conduct business and quickly return to England changes. Though captivated by one another, neither is fully aware of the other's true nature.
Nathanial, who on the outside appears to be a poor but hardworking merchant, is actually a secret Yankee sympathizer who will stop at almost nothing to bring about freedom for those who live under subjugation, even when that involves questionable judgment. And Amanda's wealth is made possible by underpaid workers living in slums around the mills, not much different than American slavery.
Can these two earnest souls find the best in one another rather than focus on what could tear them apart? And though they both believe they are on God's path, how will their decisions affect those around them?
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2015
38 people are currently reading
953 people want to read
About the author
Mary Ellis
36 books271 followersMary Ellis is a former schoolteacher turned USA Today bestselling author who’s written twenty-six novels including Amish fiction, historical romance, and suspense. Her first mystery, Midnight on the Mississippi, was a finalist for the RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. Her latest book is One for the Road from the Bourbon Tour Mysteries from Severn House. One Hundred Proof Murder releases August 31, 2021. Her latest Amish novella is Missing at Amazon Kindle. She enjoys gardening and bicycling and lives in Ohio with her husband and dog. www.maryellis.net or www.facebook.com/Mary.Ellis.Author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 30, 2015
5 Words: Family, war, obligation, love, loyalty.
This book started off great, but by the end I was just turning the pages. It just seemed to drag and that was such a shame. It's not like nothing was happening - there was so much happening - I just couldn't engage properly with the story.
So that's made it very difficult to review.
As much as I wanted to discover what would ultimately happen to Amanda it took so long to find out that in the end I didn't care so much. Which kinda sucks, because this book wasn't bad. Not at all.
It just wasn't quite for me.
This book started off great, but by the end I was just turning the pages. It just seemed to drag and that was such a shame. It's not like nothing was happening - there was so much happening - I just couldn't engage properly with the story.
So that's made it very difficult to review.
As much as I wanted to discover what would ultimately happen to Amanda it took so long to find out that in the end I didn't care so much. Which kinda sucks, because this book wasn't bad. Not at all.
It just wasn't quite for me.
March 31, 2016
Well, I really wasn't intending to read this one just now. I've got others that I'm supposed to be reading, but I managed to hit "currently-reading" last night while trying to mark it as an owned book, and friends liked my status, so...I read it! What else am I to do with a snow day?
This is my first Mary Ellis book, and I did enjoy it. The characters were layered—some bad, some good—and even the amiable heroine has bouts of bad temper and spats with her brother-in-law, who is actually quite a decent fellow. The history is very well done and the city well-researched. It seemed that Ellis did a great job of capturing how life was going on in Wilmington right up to the time the soldiers came, and it didn't feel like a regular 1864 novel because of the setting...not one that's often explored by authors, who usually focus on the conflict instead of the home front. She also made some really compelling moral points about slavery vs. big labor, which were quite interesting. I knew that many factories had such practices, though they went largely unchallenged until a generation or so later; slavery became a political issue while factory workers up north faced even worse living conditions than many slaves, so it was a good illustration of the paradox of what should be done with workers, whether owned or paid.
I think what I liked best, past the history and setting, was how human her characters were. They were learning and growing in a new social situation that none of them, rich or poor, English or American, slave or free, could have no idea how to handle.
This is my first Mary Ellis book, and I did enjoy it. The characters were layered—some bad, some good—and even the amiable heroine has bouts of bad temper and spats with her brother-in-law, who is actually quite a decent fellow. The history is very well done and the city well-researched. It seemed that Ellis did a great job of capturing how life was going on in Wilmington right up to the time the soldiers came, and it didn't feel like a regular 1864 novel because of the setting...not one that's often explored by authors, who usually focus on the conflict instead of the home front. She also made some really compelling moral points about slavery vs. big labor, which were quite interesting. I knew that many factories had such practices, though they went largely unchallenged until a generation or so later; slavery became a political issue while factory workers up north faced even worse living conditions than many slaves, so it was a good illustration of the paradox of what should be done with workers, whether owned or paid.
I think what I liked best, past the history and setting, was how human her characters were. They were learning and growing in a new social situation that none of them, rich or poor, English or American, slave or free, could have no idea how to handle.
May 16, 2016
I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
To be fair, let me preface this review with a few things:
1) I am a Christian, and I really love Jesus.
2) I have read some Christian fiction, but admittedly, not a lot--so I don't feel as confident making comparisons or understanding expectations as I do with, say, mainstream YA fantasy, which I read a lot more of. However, there's a reason I wanted to read this--I do want to read more Christian fiction and discover gems, like Redeeming Love.
3) I also don't read a lot of historical romance, or much mainstream adult fiction. (Most of the "historical fiction" I've read is fiction written during that time period.)
I love the Civil War era, and was excited, though wary, to give this book a try. I know that writing historical fiction comes with its own challenges, but one specific to the Civil War is that it's easy, in retrospect, to make all the pro-slavery characters seem evil and the abolitionist characters seem angelic. I'm sure it's tempting for an author with the advantage of hindsight to be preachy--and in Christian fiction, that danger is probably doubled.
For the most part, I don't think Ellis fared too badly. In the beginning, I was feeling a little doubtful because all the characters seemed so neatly defined by their occupations and stances on slavery. However, I appreciated the character development as the story progressed, though I don't think she ever fully left that behind.
As with a handful of my previous forays into Christian fiction, I was a bit disappointed that the main characters' spiritual journeys don't take more precedence in the plot. I wish they had been explored in more depth.
Some of the circumstances seemed too contrived to me, and I don't think any of the characters really drew me in or tugged at my heart in a specific way. The other thing is, Ellis doesn't let her characters ever misunderstand each other or face anything truly terrible. In some ways, yes, but with the romances, for example, there's not much at risk. In some ways I like that, but in other ways, it made the romance so easily won as to lose meaning. But there weren't huge problems with the book, and toward the end, a few touching scenes. Overall, not bad.
To be fair, let me preface this review with a few things:
1) I am a Christian, and I really love Jesus.
2) I have read some Christian fiction, but admittedly, not a lot--so I don't feel as confident making comparisons or understanding expectations as I do with, say, mainstream YA fantasy, which I read a lot more of. However, there's a reason I wanted to read this--I do want to read more Christian fiction and discover gems, like Redeeming Love.
3) I also don't read a lot of historical romance, or much mainstream adult fiction. (Most of the "historical fiction" I've read is fiction written during that time period.)
I love the Civil War era, and was excited, though wary, to give this book a try. I know that writing historical fiction comes with its own challenges, but one specific to the Civil War is that it's easy, in retrospect, to make all the pro-slavery characters seem evil and the abolitionist characters seem angelic. I'm sure it's tempting for an author with the advantage of hindsight to be preachy--and in Christian fiction, that danger is probably doubled.
For the most part, I don't think Ellis fared too badly. In the beginning, I was feeling a little doubtful because all the characters seemed so neatly defined by their occupations and stances on slavery. However, I appreciated the character development as the story progressed, though I don't think she ever fully left that behind.
As with a handful of my previous forays into Christian fiction, I was a bit disappointed that the main characters' spiritual journeys don't take more precedence in the plot. I wish they had been explored in more depth.
Some of the circumstances seemed too contrived to me, and I don't think any of the characters really drew me in or tugged at my heart in a specific way. The other thing is, Ellis doesn't let her characters ever misunderstand each other or face anything truly terrible. In some ways, yes, but with the romances, for example, there's not much at risk. In some ways I like that, but in other ways, it made the romance so easily won as to lose meaning. But there weren't huge problems with the book, and toward the end, a few touching scenes. Overall, not bad.
March 8, 2015
D+ at AAR so maybe 2.5 stars here Anyone who reads my reviews probably knows I'm a sucker for historicals set outside the usual Regencyish fantasyland. However, no amount of fantastic setting can save a story that just isn't told well. And that's the problem with The Last Heiress. The last gasp of the Confederacy makes for a fascinating setting, but idiot characters flouncing around just don't make a compelling read.
So, what do I mean by idiot characters? Well, the first and greatest one we meet is Miss Amanda Dunn, heiress to a manufacturing fortune in Lancashire, England. In order to stay prosperous, the family mill needs to restore its shipping with American cotton factors because the mills can't run if they don't have raw materials. Mr. Dunn has planned for one of his more experienced managers to travel to North Carolina in an attempt set up a supply line in spite of the ongoing American Civil War.
So far, so good. It's risky, but given the economic pressures on the mill, makes some sense. Then Amanda flounces in. She insists that she will be the one to go to America and that she will go by herself because she doesn't want the manager crimping her style. Um....yeah. And then comes the amazing part - Amanda actually gets her way. Never mind that there's a war going on, or that the mill manager actually has some experience and perhaps more of a clue about how to do business with the cotton factors, or that the 19th century wasn't exactly a time of enlightened ideas about young women in business. Nope, the owner's daughter is setting sail with her maid on a mission to save the family business. Oh, and she's also going to restore ties with her sister who alienated the family by eloping with an American planter.
Amanda hasn't actually spent much time working in the business but apparently that's okay because she reads up on things before leaving for North Carolina. She starts off by staying with her sister and brother-in-law and trying to get their assistance with her plan. Somehow she's surprised that they don't take her 100% seriously. By this point, Amanda was starting to give me a major headache and I wasn't sure how much of her curl-tossing, flouncing "negotiations" I could take.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text here: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
So, what do I mean by idiot characters? Well, the first and greatest one we meet is Miss Amanda Dunn, heiress to a manufacturing fortune in Lancashire, England. In order to stay prosperous, the family mill needs to restore its shipping with American cotton factors because the mills can't run if they don't have raw materials. Mr. Dunn has planned for one of his more experienced managers to travel to North Carolina in an attempt set up a supply line in spite of the ongoing American Civil War.
So far, so good. It's risky, but given the economic pressures on the mill, makes some sense. Then Amanda flounces in. She insists that she will be the one to go to America and that she will go by herself because she doesn't want the manager crimping her style. Um....yeah. And then comes the amazing part - Amanda actually gets her way. Never mind that there's a war going on, or that the mill manager actually has some experience and perhaps more of a clue about how to do business with the cotton factors, or that the 19th century wasn't exactly a time of enlightened ideas about young women in business. Nope, the owner's daughter is setting sail with her maid on a mission to save the family business. Oh, and she's also going to restore ties with her sister who alienated the family by eloping with an American planter.
Amanda hasn't actually spent much time working in the business but apparently that's okay because she reads up on things before leaving for North Carolina. She starts off by staying with her sister and brother-in-law and trying to get their assistance with her plan. Somehow she's surprised that they don't take her 100% seriously. By this point, Amanda was starting to give me a major headache and I wasn't sure how much of her curl-tossing, flouncing "negotiations" I could take.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text here: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
April 2, 2015
When Amanda Dunn's father sends her across the Atlantic in an attempt to get cotton supplies flowing into Dunn Mills once again, she has quite an adventure in store; her outlook on life and love will never be the same. Landing in Wilmington, North Carolina as the War Between the States is coming to a climax in 1864, opens her eyes to many things around her, especially the issues of slavery and class distinctions. Business dealings quickly become complicated by her brother-in-law Jackson, who seems to have an agenda of his own, but at least she has a sweet reunion with her twin sister Abigail, now quite the Southern lady, and time to explore the town where she happens to meet Nathaniel Cooper, "the shopkeeper who can turn a phrase".
The author easily draws you into the setting, building the tensions between the various viewpoints of people from many different walks of life, and shows how complex the issues of the day were--socially, economically and spiritually--nothing seems cut and dried. I particularly enjoyed some of the witty dialogue between Nathaniel and Amanda, and how they challenge each other even as their friendship deepens. It was interesting to witness how class distinctions, once deemed so important to her sister especially, just melted away as the war crept closer, and people realized what was really important to them above it all. A few scenes reminded me of Gone with the Wind; could almost hear the music in the background at times. As the story builds, it got quite exciting further on and hard to put down.
Well-written historical fiction with some romance woven in, will make this appealing to Christian fiction fans, especially those with Civil War interests. A stand alone novel, though part of a series. Enjoyable read overall--recommend! 4.5 stars
(Thank you to the author and publisher for the complimentary copy of this book; this review is my honest and unsolicited opinion.)
The author easily draws you into the setting, building the tensions between the various viewpoints of people from many different walks of life, and shows how complex the issues of the day were--socially, economically and spiritually--nothing seems cut and dried. I particularly enjoyed some of the witty dialogue between Nathaniel and Amanda, and how they challenge each other even as their friendship deepens. It was interesting to witness how class distinctions, once deemed so important to her sister especially, just melted away as the war crept closer, and people realized what was really important to them above it all. A few scenes reminded me of Gone with the Wind; could almost hear the music in the background at times. As the story builds, it got quite exciting further on and hard to put down.
Well-written historical fiction with some romance woven in, will make this appealing to Christian fiction fans, especially those with Civil War interests. A stand alone novel, though part of a series. Enjoyable read overall--recommend! 4.5 stars
(Thank you to the author and publisher for the complimentary copy of this book; this review is my honest and unsolicited opinion.)
July 20, 2016
Maybe I didn't find enough of the war feeling I was expecting or "dire straits" situations but it lacked something for me. Mary Ellis is a fine author and I would read more from her but The Last Heiress wasn't what I was expecting. I thought I was going to read of Amanda and her struggles and perseverance and hardship to make a way for her father's cotton industry; but instead it was a lot of her not really doing much but "dating" Nate. My other qualm was Abigail and Jackson came across so unlikeable for most of the book that it was hard to read; as they play a large part of this book. It still was okay not really bad and that's probably due to Ellis's writing which I have enjoyed greatly in the past!
March 17, 2015
The Last Heiress is a pretty good read. I loved the plot and the character of Amanda. I loved reading the scenes with her and Nathaniel. I can't wait to read more historicals by Mary Ellis. 4 1/2 stars
February 4, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I think the author did an excellent job of showing the history of the last year of the American Civil War from the point of view of those in Wilmington, North Carolina. I learned a lot about the struggles of southern merchants and shippers trying to maintain their livelihoods in inhospitable circumstances. I also appreciated the parallels drawn between slavery and the impoverishment of those in England's mill towns, though of course, slavery was worse, as it denied all personhood to our siblings of Colour.
On the other hand, some of the actions of Amanda, in particular, made me uncomfortable. She felt it necessary to lie several times, rationalising away her choices as 'necessary' to protect people she loved. Even at the beginning of 1865, when she determines to turn over a new leaf, no mention is made of owning up to her untruths. It's almost as if she shrugged her shoulders, said 'oh well', and moved on with life, and that did not sit well with me.
2.75 stars
On the other hand, some of the actions of Amanda, in particular, made me uncomfortable. She felt it necessary to lie several times, rationalising away her choices as 'necessary' to protect people she loved. Even at the beginning of 1865, when she determines to turn over a new leaf, no mention is made of owning up to her untruths. It's almost as if she shrugged her shoulders, said 'oh well', and moved on with life, and that did not sit well with me.
2.75 stars
March 15, 2021
Wonderful story! Amanda is asked to go to America by her father, who is ill. She goes and stays with her twin sister and her brother in law. While there, she meets and befriends a shopkeeper, Nate. Their friendship grows into a much deeper relationship, and she is heartbroken when he joins the confederate army. Being a man of honor, he fights alongside his brother, until the end of the war. A very exciting and clean tale that I greatly enjoyed reading!
May 15, 2019
Welp, I finished it. But it was probably one of the most uninteresting romance novels I've ever picked up.
February 16, 2015
I had the privilege of reading The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis. I love the talent Ms. Ellis has of taking us into a piece of history and making it real. This book was a standalone read yet compliments her Civil War series nicely.
I love how Ms. Ellis takes events from the past and helps me to see them through different eyes, reminding me that the facts we read about in history books have many layers to them. Very rarely is life black and white and the issue of slavery, while very wrong, had blurred lines because it was families fighting with and against each other. Most of the time the areas of gray get blended together while people try their best to do the right thing. Amanda was a wonderful character who knew what was morally right but realized getting there wasn’t as simple as it originally seemed to be. Watching her make progress toward the best conclusion possible in a horrible situation was exciting to be a part of.
Ms. Ellis always creates such wonderful characters that are so complex. Even when the characters are less than honorable with their actions, they are still likeable because Ms. Ellis is able to paint a picture reminding us that “less than stellar” attributes occur in everyone. She shows both sides of each situation which allows the reader to sympathize as well as wonder, “What would I do in this situation?” For me, I find myself lingering on that question well after the story has been put down, wondering what exactly would I do if I were Amanda or Abigail or Jackson or Nathaniel…
Ms. Ellis is talented in making history books come to life through extraordinary characters and vivid word pictures which place me back in history and leave me thinking about real solutions to historical issues our ancestors faced. I can’t wait for her next book because to read a book by Ms. Ellis is to have history live in a very real way, a way that makes me want to learn more about what made America and the remarkable men and women who helped create our nation.
I love how Ms. Ellis takes events from the past and helps me to see them through different eyes, reminding me that the facts we read about in history books have many layers to them. Very rarely is life black and white and the issue of slavery, while very wrong, had blurred lines because it was families fighting with and against each other. Most of the time the areas of gray get blended together while people try their best to do the right thing. Amanda was a wonderful character who knew what was morally right but realized getting there wasn’t as simple as it originally seemed to be. Watching her make progress toward the best conclusion possible in a horrible situation was exciting to be a part of.
Ms. Ellis always creates such wonderful characters that are so complex. Even when the characters are less than honorable with their actions, they are still likeable because Ms. Ellis is able to paint a picture reminding us that “less than stellar” attributes occur in everyone. She shows both sides of each situation which allows the reader to sympathize as well as wonder, “What would I do in this situation?” For me, I find myself lingering on that question well after the story has been put down, wondering what exactly would I do if I were Amanda or Abigail or Jackson or Nathaniel…
Ms. Ellis is talented in making history books come to life through extraordinary characters and vivid word pictures which place me back in history and leave me thinking about real solutions to historical issues our ancestors faced. I can’t wait for her next book because to read a book by Ms. Ellis is to have history live in a very real way, a way that makes me want to learn more about what made America and the remarkable men and women who helped create our nation.
April 12, 2015
The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis is an historical romance novel. It is starts in 1864 in Manchester, England. Amanda is the heiress to Dunn Mills. Her father is not feeling well (and Amanda does not realize how ill he really is) and needs someone to go to the states and see about their cotton shipments. Amanda is looking forward to going as it will give her a chance to visit with her twin sister, Abigail. She has not seen her sister since she ran away and got married five years previously. Amanda travels to North Carolina (this is during the Civil War) with her ladies maid, Helene.
Amanda will be staying with her sister, Abigail and her brother-in-law, Jackson Henthorne. Jackson does not think that women have a place in business and does his best to ignore Amanda’s request regarding cotton. Jackson believes that Amanda’s father just sent her to America so she would be away when he passed away. Amanda has trouble living with the Henthorne’s because they own slaves. It creates conflict especially because of Amanda’s maid, Helene.
Nathaniel Cooper is from the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. He has opened Cooper’s Greengrocery in Wilmington, North Carolina. Amanda meets him one day and is instantly attracted to him. Jackson does everything to discourage Amanda’s interest in this “unsuitable” man. But Jackson does not realize how stubborn and determined Amanda can be when she sets her mind on something.
The war starts to heat up and the Yankees are coming closer to their town. Loyalties will be tested, romances will be tested, and fortunes lost before the war and the book draws to a close.
I found The Last Heiress a normal historical romance novel. It was okay, but it did not grab me or draw me in. I did not find the storyline to be believable (who would send their daughter to a country in the middle of war to conduct business especially in 1864). I give The Last Heiress 3 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
Amanda will be staying with her sister, Abigail and her brother-in-law, Jackson Henthorne. Jackson does not think that women have a place in business and does his best to ignore Amanda’s request regarding cotton. Jackson believes that Amanda’s father just sent her to America so she would be away when he passed away. Amanda has trouble living with the Henthorne’s because they own slaves. It creates conflict especially because of Amanda’s maid, Helene.
Nathaniel Cooper is from the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. He has opened Cooper’s Greengrocery in Wilmington, North Carolina. Amanda meets him one day and is instantly attracted to him. Jackson does everything to discourage Amanda’s interest in this “unsuitable” man. But Jackson does not realize how stubborn and determined Amanda can be when she sets her mind on something.
The war starts to heat up and the Yankees are coming closer to their town. Loyalties will be tested, romances will be tested, and fortunes lost before the war and the book draws to a close.
I found The Last Heiress a normal historical romance novel. It was okay, but it did not grab me or draw me in. I did not find the storyline to be believable (who would send their daughter to a country in the middle of war to conduct business especially in 1864). I give The Last Heiress 3 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2015
“You wish me to board a ship and sail to America? The farthest I’ve traveled is across the channel to the continent.”
-Amanda Dunn
Thus begins the adventure of Amanda Dunn, sheltered and socially genteel daughter of a British manufacturing magnate. Amanda heads to Wilmington, North Carolina from Lancashire, England in the spring of 1864. Her mission is to try and restore trade between her family’s textile mills and the remaining cotton producers at this time during the Civil War. She travels with an ulterior motive, to reunite with her sister who ran away five years previously.
Amanda meets Nathaniel Cooper, industrious young merchant, who is striving to better himself. A tumultuous relationship ensues complicated by her proper Southern relations and Nate’s own views of the war.
The characters in this novel have depth and character. Amanda is a strong woman with a good head on her shoulders for accomplishing each task she sets out to achieve. She is a very amiable young woman, who is offset by her twin sister, Abigail. Nathaniel is an appealing young man who is played opposite the not so nice Mr. Jackson Henthorne, Amanda’s brother-in-law. The cast of characters are engaging and each plays a unique role in the novel.
This storyline offers an interesting comparison of life and social class between the southern states and England. The story’s emphasis on the likenesses between the two was done very well. The historical detail about blockade running also added an interesting aspect to the storyline.
This book was an enjoyable read. The ending was relatively predicatable and pleasant. The novel offered a good mix of historical fiction and romance. I would definitely read Mary Ellis again. She has authored several books in the Civil War era.
This ARC copy was received from Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
4/5 stars
-Amanda Dunn
Thus begins the adventure of Amanda Dunn, sheltered and socially genteel daughter of a British manufacturing magnate. Amanda heads to Wilmington, North Carolina from Lancashire, England in the spring of 1864. Her mission is to try and restore trade between her family’s textile mills and the remaining cotton producers at this time during the Civil War. She travels with an ulterior motive, to reunite with her sister who ran away five years previously.
Amanda meets Nathaniel Cooper, industrious young merchant, who is striving to better himself. A tumultuous relationship ensues complicated by her proper Southern relations and Nate’s own views of the war.
The characters in this novel have depth and character. Amanda is a strong woman with a good head on her shoulders for accomplishing each task she sets out to achieve. She is a very amiable young woman, who is offset by her twin sister, Abigail. Nathaniel is an appealing young man who is played opposite the not so nice Mr. Jackson Henthorne, Amanda’s brother-in-law. The cast of characters are engaging and each plays a unique role in the novel.
This storyline offers an interesting comparison of life and social class between the southern states and England. The story’s emphasis on the likenesses between the two was done very well. The historical detail about blockade running also added an interesting aspect to the storyline.
This book was an enjoyable read. The ending was relatively predicatable and pleasant. The novel offered a good mix of historical fiction and romance. I would definitely read Mary Ellis again. She has authored several books in the Civil War era.
This ARC copy was received from Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
4/5 stars
March 30, 2015
Mary Ellis made me a huge fan when I began reading her Amish series…
The Miller Family series
The Wayne County series
The New Beginnings series
…but I never expected to become a fan of a Civil War series!
Mary Ellis writes wonderful Civil War romances — filled with excitement, danger and impossible to put down until you’ve reached the end!
She crossed the sea… to save a legacy…
This book is actually a stand alone, although it certainly fits into the “Civil War Heroine” category. Mary Ellis introduces all new characters in this book — we’ve been reading about women who have lost everything because of the war — money, homes and family.
The Last Heiress introduces Amanda Dunn, who is not only an heiress, but most definitely not from the North or the South – she’s from England!
And I must say, I loved that there were characters I found it easy to love, yet some that I found myself “loving to hate”. Mary Ellis excels at creating realistic, intriguing characters for her stories. And the setting made me want to plan a trip to North Carolina, especially to check out the historical areas in the state.
If you enjoy reading historical fiction, you won’t want to miss The Last Heiress!
July 1, 2015
Wow, I learned a lot about the Civil War reading this book. Little known facts (at least for this Canadian reader) that really brought this era to life. Such a tumultuous time when tradition and a whole way of life was being challenged and subsequently changed. I loved how Ellis put me smack dab in the middle of it. This story deals with the controversial subjects of slavery, women's issues, caste systems and the individual's right to choose what is worth fighting for. Utterly compelling.
Amanda lands in the middle of all this unrest -- a proper English lady with a backbone of steel and the audacity to know, and speak, her own mind. Loved her outrageous antics. The way she flaunts convention. Her resistance to being bullied. This is kind of a role reversal of the brash American heiress who scandalizes British aristocracy which is more typical in historical romances. Loved that this Brit sets Wilmington society (and humble merchant, Nate) into a tailspin.
The Last Heiress has some characters you love to hate as well. Like Amanda's brother-in-law and, to some extent, her sister who has become nothing more than her husband's puppet. Grrrr. They got my blood pressure rising a time or two.
Romance + Action = A page-turning read.
Amanda lands in the middle of all this unrest -- a proper English lady with a backbone of steel and the audacity to know, and speak, her own mind. Loved her outrageous antics. The way she flaunts convention. Her resistance to being bullied. This is kind of a role reversal of the brash American heiress who scandalizes British aristocracy which is more typical in historical romances. Loved that this Brit sets Wilmington society (and humble merchant, Nate) into a tailspin.
The Last Heiress has some characters you love to hate as well. Like Amanda's brother-in-law and, to some extent, her sister who has become nothing more than her husband's puppet. Grrrr. They got my blood pressure rising a time or two.
Romance + Action = A page-turning read.
April 18, 2015
'Heiress' had a pretty slow pace. Overall, I think the story is like a mixture of "Gone with the Wind" and "Pride and Prejudice". Slow, formal, set in the South during the Civil War, and the main characters deal with a lot of pride and prejudices. For a lot of readers, this would be fantastic. And if you loved reading "Gone With the Wind", than I think you would like this one as well. I, however, didn't enjoy that novel. So while I appreciated the storytelling, time period, length, and effort by the author, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
My rating? 3 stars. But like I said, if you are looking for a Civil War saga, 'Heiress' is a book you would certainly enjoy!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
See more of this review and others like it at
My rating? 3 stars. But like I said, if you are looking for a Civil War saga, 'Heiress' is a book you would certainly enjoy!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
See more of this review and others like it at
August 30, 2015
What a delight to read a book set in the town I grew up in, Wilmington, North Carolina. The time was the final days and months of the Civil War and the last remaining sea port for the Confederacy was about to fall. Fortified by Fort Fisher, the mouth of the Cape Fear River was just a few miles down river from Wilmington.
I learned bits and pieces of Wilmington’s history as I turned the pages of Mary Ellis’s novel, The Last Heiress. Well researched, I roamed familiar streets and recalled houses from that era that are still standing in Wilmington. Scenes took place near my childhood home. Third Street, Orange Street, Ann Street, Castle Street – all familiar and all where the characters of The Last Heiress walked.
A very enjoyable read and a pleasure to roam my hometown albeit was many years prior to my actual arrival on the scene.
I learned bits and pieces of Wilmington’s history as I turned the pages of Mary Ellis’s novel, The Last Heiress. Well researched, I roamed familiar streets and recalled houses from that era that are still standing in Wilmington. Scenes took place near my childhood home. Third Street, Orange Street, Ann Street, Castle Street – all familiar and all where the characters of The Last Heiress walked.
A very enjoyable read and a pleasure to roam my hometown albeit was many years prior to my actual arrival on the scene.
February 14, 2015
The Last Heiress, By: Mary Ellis
What a wonderful historical romance, set in the Civil War ear! It is so captivating. Mary Ellis has done it yet again, written another fabulous book! I could picture the grand homes, gardens and the stores in the story. There were characters that I loved and one that I felt like slapping at times. A story that was so well written that the characters were practically brought to life in the telling of this story. If you love historical fiction be sure to get your copy of this book today! You won’t be disappointed with this book. Looking forward to the next book that comes out by Mary Ellis.
What a wonderful historical romance, set in the Civil War ear! It is so captivating. Mary Ellis has done it yet again, written another fabulous book! I could picture the grand homes, gardens and the stores in the story. There were characters that I loved and one that I felt like slapping at times. A story that was so well written that the characters were practically brought to life in the telling of this story. If you love historical fiction be sure to get your copy of this book today! You won’t be disappointed with this book. Looking forward to the next book that comes out by Mary Ellis.
August 12, 2015
Well, this book started out pretty good, but I ended up speed-reading the last 1/4. The story just really started dragging to the point that I didn't much care how it ended. I hate to say that, especially since I did like it at the beginning-- thought it would be a 4-star book, but it didn't end up that way.
March 4, 2018
It took me way tooooooo long to read this book. The story wasn’t something that gripped me and had me coming back for more.
Amanda Dunn is on her way to North Carolina to look into cotton shipments to resume for her father’s business. However, the civil war is raging and the cotton is being worked by slaves, which she abhors the action of. And on top of all that, her sister and brother-in-law live there trying to survive during war times. Jackson Henthorne owns a shipping company who ships the cotton to England. Now that has been comprised and he must find other means of money. All the while the sisters deal with differences of opinions on slavery. Amanda also meets a man named Nathaniel Cooper who owns a mercantile. He is trying his hand in business and with her frequent visits he falls in love. Yet he is torn by joining up in the confederacy army to keep an eye on his brother. Will Nate come back for Amanda? Are they far too different. Spoiler: he does and they’re not.
I liked the American history aspect but the characters didn’t seem completely real to me as far as what they went through. I have read soooo many books on life in the south during this time and it was horrible for all involved, especially the slaves. And reading this version you would think it’s kinda bad but all survive in the end even the slaves as they now get paid. When we know it was so much worse than that. It was a very fictional account. So I don’t know how much ‘historical fact’ I would believe. So just think of it as all fiction and all will be well.
Amanda Dunn is on her way to North Carolina to look into cotton shipments to resume for her father’s business. However, the civil war is raging and the cotton is being worked by slaves, which she abhors the action of. And on top of all that, her sister and brother-in-law live there trying to survive during war times. Jackson Henthorne owns a shipping company who ships the cotton to England. Now that has been comprised and he must find other means of money. All the while the sisters deal with differences of opinions on slavery. Amanda also meets a man named Nathaniel Cooper who owns a mercantile. He is trying his hand in business and with her frequent visits he falls in love. Yet he is torn by joining up in the confederacy army to keep an eye on his brother. Will Nate come back for Amanda? Are they far too different. Spoiler: he does and they’re not.
I liked the American history aspect but the characters didn’t seem completely real to me as far as what they went through. I have read soooo many books on life in the south during this time and it was horrible for all involved, especially the slaves. And reading this version you would think it’s kinda bad but all survive in the end even the slaves as they now get paid. When we know it was so much worse than that. It was a very fictional account. So I don’t know how much ‘historical fact’ I would believe. So just think of it as all fiction and all will be well.
March 28, 2024
Civil War, Trade & Slavery.
As a young woman in Victorian Manchester, Amanda Dunn has nothing to do with her father’s textile mills, but that all changes when with her father ill she is sent as his emissary to Wilmington. Her task is to try and restore cotton shipments, with the side benefit of reuniting with her twin sister who lives there. Once there Amanda finds that women are as little listened to on matters of business as in England and she finds it difficult to hold her tongue in her brother-in-law’s slave owning household, which she views with distaste. Meeting grocer Nathaniel Cooper on her wanderings through Wilmington, she finds herself drawn to him as she never has been to her erstwhile suitors back home nor to those on Wilmington’s social scene. However any union between them is frowned upon by her brother-in-law, who looks to show him up as an uneducated clod. When war finally reaches North Carolina any sort of future looks decidedly shaky.
As a young woman in Victorian Manchester, Amanda Dunn has nothing to do with her father’s textile mills, but that all changes when with her father ill she is sent as his emissary to Wilmington. Her task is to try and restore cotton shipments, with the side benefit of reuniting with her twin sister who lives there. Once there Amanda finds that women are as little listened to on matters of business as in England and she finds it difficult to hold her tongue in her brother-in-law’s slave owning household, which she views with distaste. Meeting grocer Nathaniel Cooper on her wanderings through Wilmington, she finds herself drawn to him as she never has been to her erstwhile suitors back home nor to those on Wilmington’s social scene. However any union between them is frowned upon by her brother-in-law, who looks to show him up as an uneducated clod. When war finally reaches North Carolina any sort of future looks decidedly shaky.
March 9, 2021
Delightful, Humorous
I found Mary Ellis's The Last Heiress a good read. As a huge fan of historical fiction, I liked the glimpse of what southerners endured during the Civil War. With the humorous banter between two characters from different backgrounds, the Last Heiress is an extremely delightful book.
I found Mary Ellis's The Last Heiress a good read. As a huge fan of historical fiction, I liked the glimpse of what southerners endured during the Civil War. With the humorous banter between two characters from different backgrounds, the Last Heiress is an extremely delightful book.
December 13, 2017
Amazing Author!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 21, 2021
A very good book I enjoyed it very much.
March 31, 2022
Like the book
Book was a good read. Lots of civil war history. Liked that this was based in Wilmington and not the typical cities that you usually read about...
Book was a good read. Lots of civil war history. Liked that this was based in Wilmington and not the typical cities that you usually read about...
March 7, 2023
She is a new author, but i will read more her books/ Very good
June 13, 2025
Action, drama, coflict, romance. A very good read.
February 25, 2015
MY REVIEW ...
Isn't it strange that sooo many books have The Last Heiress for a title?
This novel is very intriguing. Mary Ellis has woven an interesting storyline with definitely interesting characters. She develops the characters in a slow-cooker kind of way so that the reader can savor every nuance. Not too slow, not too fast. Just right. It will keep you turning pages.
There are quite a few characters to keep up with, and the two sisters get a bit tangled up at times, but their characters are quite different so it is not hard to keep them separate. I won't talk about the ending, though, because it wasn't very satisfying for me. You may like it. Although not a main character, the husband of Amanda's sister did the most "growing up" in the book. That should have been the main character to do that. Ah, well, times are changing...
I definitely liked how Ellis incorporated some free Negros into her story. There were many more free than people have been taught. She did a very good job with that.
However, there were some things that were hard to swallow. Some situations were very heavy-handed such as without any indication whatsoever on the part of Amanda's sister having a mean streak, she ordered a couple of slaves to kneel in salt for hours upon end while she napped. That was over the top. It is something I could believe the husband would do, not the wife. I just did not get the feel throughout the story that Ellis had really done her research well. It felt like she had taken all the stereotypical scenarios and pasted them into her story. Another thing is how modernisms were sprinkled throughout.
I made note of a few of them, but I can't find that paper I wrote them on now. Sigh... I do remember one. Women were not allowed to enter eating establishments without escort, nor were they allowed to eat by themselves. The sisters went to a hotel restaurant by themselves. That would not have happened, especially since one of them was unmarried. Another thing is shrimp was caught, cooked and served within about a two hour time limit as shrimp spoils quickly in hot, Southern summers. Those are the only two I remember.
One very good thing was the similarities and the differences between the Brits and the Southerners view of slavery and servanthood. Good research alignment there.
ABOUT THE BOOK...
Bestselling author Mary Ellis (A Widow’s Hope) presents The Last Heiress, a new romantic standalone that intertwines the lives of a British manufacturing heiress and an American merchant caught in the turbulent time of the War Between the States.
When Amanda Dunn sets sail from England for Wilmington, North Carolina, she hopes to somehow restore shipments of raw materials for her family’s textile mills, which have been severely disrupted by the American Civil War. Though there is not much one individual can do, the wealthy young woman feels she must try, as her mother and hundreds of employees at Dunn Textiles are dependent on Southern cotton.
When Amanda meets Nathaniel Cooper, her desire to conduct business and quickly return to England changes. Though captivated by one another, neither is fully aware of the other’s true nature.
Nathanial, who on the outside appears to be a poor but hardworking merchant, is actually a secret Yankee sympathizer who will stop at almost nothing to bring about freedom for those who live under subjugation, even when that involves questionable judgment. And Amanda’s wealth is made possible by underpaid workers living in slums around the mills, not much different than American slavery.
Can these two earnest souls find the best in one another rather than focus on what could tear them apart? And though they both believe they are on God’s path, how will their decisions affect those around them?
Isn't it strange that sooo many books have The Last Heiress for a title?
This novel is very intriguing. Mary Ellis has woven an interesting storyline with definitely interesting characters. She develops the characters in a slow-cooker kind of way so that the reader can savor every nuance. Not too slow, not too fast. Just right. It will keep you turning pages.
There are quite a few characters to keep up with, and the two sisters get a bit tangled up at times, but their characters are quite different so it is not hard to keep them separate. I won't talk about the ending, though, because it wasn't very satisfying for me. You may like it. Although not a main character, the husband of Amanda's sister did the most "growing up" in the book. That should have been the main character to do that. Ah, well, times are changing...
I definitely liked how Ellis incorporated some free Negros into her story. There were many more free than people have been taught. She did a very good job with that.
However, there were some things that were hard to swallow. Some situations were very heavy-handed such as without any indication whatsoever on the part of Amanda's sister having a mean streak, she ordered a couple of slaves to kneel in salt for hours upon end while she napped. That was over the top. It is something I could believe the husband would do, not the wife. I just did not get the feel throughout the story that Ellis had really done her research well. It felt like she had taken all the stereotypical scenarios and pasted them into her story. Another thing is how modernisms were sprinkled throughout.
I made note of a few of them, but I can't find that paper I wrote them on now. Sigh... I do remember one. Women were not allowed to enter eating establishments without escort, nor were they allowed to eat by themselves. The sisters went to a hotel restaurant by themselves. That would not have happened, especially since one of them was unmarried. Another thing is shrimp was caught, cooked and served within about a two hour time limit as shrimp spoils quickly in hot, Southern summers. Those are the only two I remember.
One very good thing was the similarities and the differences between the Brits and the Southerners view of slavery and servanthood. Good research alignment there.
ABOUT THE BOOK...
Bestselling author Mary Ellis (A Widow’s Hope) presents The Last Heiress, a new romantic standalone that intertwines the lives of a British manufacturing heiress and an American merchant caught in the turbulent time of the War Between the States.
When Amanda Dunn sets sail from England for Wilmington, North Carolina, she hopes to somehow restore shipments of raw materials for her family’s textile mills, which have been severely disrupted by the American Civil War. Though there is not much one individual can do, the wealthy young woman feels she must try, as her mother and hundreds of employees at Dunn Textiles are dependent on Southern cotton.
When Amanda meets Nathaniel Cooper, her desire to conduct business and quickly return to England changes. Though captivated by one another, neither is fully aware of the other’s true nature.
Nathanial, who on the outside appears to be a poor but hardworking merchant, is actually a secret Yankee sympathizer who will stop at almost nothing to bring about freedom for those who live under subjugation, even when that involves questionable judgment. And Amanda’s wealth is made possible by underpaid workers living in slums around the mills, not much different than American slavery.
Can these two earnest souls find the best in one another rather than focus on what could tear them apart? And though they both believe they are on God’s path, how will their decisions affect those around them?
May 21, 2015
About the Book:
Bestselling author Mary Ellis (A Widow's Hope) presents The Last Heiress, a new romantic standalone that intertwines the lives of a British manufacturing heiress and an American merchant caught in the turbulent time of the War Between the States.
When Amanda Dunn sets sail from England for Wilmington, North Carolina, she hopes to somehow restore shipments of raw materials for her family's textile mills, which have been severely disrupted by the American Civil War. Though there is not much one individual can do, the wealthy young woman feels she must try, as her mother and hundreds of employees at Dunn Textiles are dependent on Southern cotton.
When Amanda meets Nathaniel Cooper, her desire to conduct business and quickly return to England changes. Though captivated by one another, neither is fully aware of the other's true nature.
Nathanial, who on the outside appears to be a poor but hardworking merchant, is actually a secret Yankee sympathizer who will stop at almost nothing to bring about freedom for those who live under subjugation, even when that involves questionable judgment. And Amanda's wealth is made possible by underpaid workers living in slums around the mills, not much different than American slavery.
Can these two earnest souls find the best in one another rather than focus on what could tear them apart? And though they both believe they are on God's path, how will their decisions affect those around them?
My Review:
Amanda Dunn's life has always been simple. Always having been waited on by maids, she is quite surprised when she sent over seas by her ailing father. Her father wishes for her to begin cotton shipments once more in North Carolina. Despite the ongoing of the Civil War, she knows this is something she must do even though she is terrified greatly. Her wishes are to return home as soon as possible. She arrives in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she stays with her dear sister, for the time being. She soon meets the charming and handsome, Nathaniel Cooper, that changes her thoughts about everything.
Nathaniel Cooper, a merchant, has a lot on his mind and a million things going at once. He dream has always been to buy his own land, but first he must work to get it. But when he meets, Amanda Dunn, he thoughts are directed straight to the pretty woman that is Amanda. As the war becomes worst and everything seems to tighten all around, they find themselves working closely with one another. They things begin to change in their friendship, but it all is changed when Nathaniel's brother, a Confederate Officer visits. Nathaniel begins to question whether or not he should join the war for nothing more than to protect his younger brother.
Nathaniel must decide whether he would rather protect his brother or let the woman of his dreams know how he feels. Amanda will have to choose if she'll leave the life she has always known for a love she desperately wants.
Mary Ellis is a fantastic author. I just adore her books, she is one of the best historical romance author ever. I hope there will be another one of her books in the near future.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Harvest House.
Bestselling author Mary Ellis (A Widow's Hope) presents The Last Heiress, a new romantic standalone that intertwines the lives of a British manufacturing heiress and an American merchant caught in the turbulent time of the War Between the States.
When Amanda Dunn sets sail from England for Wilmington, North Carolina, she hopes to somehow restore shipments of raw materials for her family's textile mills, which have been severely disrupted by the American Civil War. Though there is not much one individual can do, the wealthy young woman feels she must try, as her mother and hundreds of employees at Dunn Textiles are dependent on Southern cotton.
When Amanda meets Nathaniel Cooper, her desire to conduct business and quickly return to England changes. Though captivated by one another, neither is fully aware of the other's true nature.
Nathanial, who on the outside appears to be a poor but hardworking merchant, is actually a secret Yankee sympathizer who will stop at almost nothing to bring about freedom for those who live under subjugation, even when that involves questionable judgment. And Amanda's wealth is made possible by underpaid workers living in slums around the mills, not much different than American slavery.
Can these two earnest souls find the best in one another rather than focus on what could tear them apart? And though they both believe they are on God's path, how will their decisions affect those around them?
My Review:
Amanda Dunn's life has always been simple. Always having been waited on by maids, she is quite surprised when she sent over seas by her ailing father. Her father wishes for her to begin cotton shipments once more in North Carolina. Despite the ongoing of the Civil War, she knows this is something she must do even though she is terrified greatly. Her wishes are to return home as soon as possible. She arrives in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she stays with her dear sister, for the time being. She soon meets the charming and handsome, Nathaniel Cooper, that changes her thoughts about everything.
Nathaniel Cooper, a merchant, has a lot on his mind and a million things going at once. He dream has always been to buy his own land, but first he must work to get it. But when he meets, Amanda Dunn, he thoughts are directed straight to the pretty woman that is Amanda. As the war becomes worst and everything seems to tighten all around, they find themselves working closely with one another. They things begin to change in their friendship, but it all is changed when Nathaniel's brother, a Confederate Officer visits. Nathaniel begins to question whether or not he should join the war for nothing more than to protect his younger brother.
Nathaniel must decide whether he would rather protect his brother or let the woman of his dreams know how he feels. Amanda will have to choose if she'll leave the life she has always known for a love she desperately wants.
Mary Ellis is a fantastic author. I just adore her books, she is one of the best historical romance author ever. I hope there will be another one of her books in the near future.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Harvest House.
March 17, 2015
I was open-minded about starting a book with such an unrelatable title as The Last Heiress. Not knowing what to expect, I began this journey with Amanda Dunn and watched her change in a believable time frame. She had lived a life of privilege but was putting herself in a new and daunting position as being a spokesperson for her father's business, textiles, and had to be completely educated before she could represent him.
I was constantly comparing myself to her, as to the fear and apprehension of being in a new situation, away from her comfortable living situation, with servants to attend to her every need, except for the need for love, affection and acceptance from her parents. She chose to use her sharp mind to learn her father's business, to impress him and perhaps work her way into his affections/appreciation, and travel to a new location, America, and try to negotiate the purchase of American grown cotton, which was barred from being shipped to England until the British government agreed to support the Confederacy against the Union and President Lincoln.
Her evolvement into changing her perspective and attitudes and the changing perspectives of her new love-interest, Nate, her spoiled twin sister, Abigail, and her less than amiable brother-in-law, Jackson, were actually quite believable as they were changing over time, with circumstances so enormous and powerful, as to cause anyone to actually question beliefs formed over a lifetime.
I was surprised to find that I could see each viewpoint of the main characters through their eyes and predjudices as Mary Ellis slowly unfolded the reasons behind each person's individual way of viewing the world. And the change that happened to each person was so slow to take place, that I could believe that these people could truly change over time. I was also surprised to find that I could like and understand Abigail and Jackson, even though from the beginning of the story, I would not have chosen to be around these people, who seemed so set in their selfish and self-serving ways.
I was engrossed in this story from the beginning and enjoyed the writing style of Mary Ellis and forgot, at times, that this was a novel, and believed it to be a true journal of a woman, Amanda, who was simply living her life and evolving as situations were presented to her on a daily, even hourly basis. I would have read this entire book in one or two sittings, but I wanted to prolong the journey and chose to read small portions at a time, over the course of a week and found myself regretting the completion of the book and from time to time, I still wonder about the characters and how they are "doing" today, Amanda and Nate, Abigail and Jackson, even Odom, Ruth and Rufus. This book was a delight to read and I look forward to reading many more books by this engrossing author, Mary Ellis!
I was constantly comparing myself to her, as to the fear and apprehension of being in a new situation, away from her comfortable living situation, with servants to attend to her every need, except for the need for love, affection and acceptance from her parents. She chose to use her sharp mind to learn her father's business, to impress him and perhaps work her way into his affections/appreciation, and travel to a new location, America, and try to negotiate the purchase of American grown cotton, which was barred from being shipped to England until the British government agreed to support the Confederacy against the Union and President Lincoln.
Her evolvement into changing her perspective and attitudes and the changing perspectives of her new love-interest, Nate, her spoiled twin sister, Abigail, and her less than amiable brother-in-law, Jackson, were actually quite believable as they were changing over time, with circumstances so enormous and powerful, as to cause anyone to actually question beliefs formed over a lifetime.
I was surprised to find that I could see each viewpoint of the main characters through their eyes and predjudices as Mary Ellis slowly unfolded the reasons behind each person's individual way of viewing the world. And the change that happened to each person was so slow to take place, that I could believe that these people could truly change over time. I was also surprised to find that I could like and understand Abigail and Jackson, even though from the beginning of the story, I would not have chosen to be around these people, who seemed so set in their selfish and self-serving ways.
I was engrossed in this story from the beginning and enjoyed the writing style of Mary Ellis and forgot, at times, that this was a novel, and believed it to be a true journal of a woman, Amanda, who was simply living her life and evolving as situations were presented to her on a daily, even hourly basis. I would have read this entire book in one or two sittings, but I wanted to prolong the journey and chose to read small portions at a time, over the course of a week and found myself regretting the completion of the book and from time to time, I still wonder about the characters and how they are "doing" today, Amanda and Nate, Abigail and Jackson, even Odom, Ruth and Rufus. This book was a delight to read and I look forward to reading many more books by this engrossing author, Mary Ellis!
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