Welcome to the review page for Susan May Warren’s richly complex historical romance novel! Heiress is the first in the three book Daughters of Fortune series. In honor of Heiress‘ debut, Susan hosted a FABULOUS Giveaway and giving away an opulent Gilded Age prize package fit for an heiress!
One grand prize winner recieved
- A $100 gift certificate to ModCloth.com
- A sleek silver iPod™ Shuffle
- A beautiful strand of Pearls
- Titanic DVD
- Speakeasy Compilation Music CD from Starbucks™
- Heiress by Susan May Warren
Reviews:
9/22
Lauren 5 Minutes for Books Heiress is an epic story. The scenes in New York provide a glimpse of both high society and the abhorrent living conditions of the working class. Other scenes in Montana depict the wild, untamed lifestyle of the west. For much of the novel, the sisters’ stories are told separately, but in the end, their lives reconnect in a dramatic finale. Susan May Warren’s fabulous storytelling kept me turning the pages, and left me ready to read Baroness, the next title in the series.
Martha at Our Family’s Adventures This story reminded me of Siri Mitchell’s “She walk’s in beauty”. The Gilded age of suitors, corsets, high society, low society and what women were allowed and not allowed to do, made me thankful for the advances we have made in society. It also made me question if we have made quite as many advances as we think! Susan M. Warren does an excellent job of drawing you into this story and seeing the cities through the eyes of society girls. The history she weaves through out with Theodore Roosevelt’s visit to Butte, MT in 1903, a visit to the Copper King’s mansion in Butte and reveals that it was as awful of a city then as it is now.
Mocha with Linda Oh, the beauty, wealth, and romance of the Gilded Age! It is such fun to read and imagine being gowned and coifed and swept away for an evening of dancing and socializing. Surely happiness lies in such! Or maybe not. . . ! I loved this story of two very different sisters who had two different views of their pampered lifestyle. They certainly did not expect the long-reaching consequences of the choices they made. This is a delightful read and a wonderful reminder of what really matters in life.
Susie at Scraps of Life I got totally lost into reading of this book. I fell in love with the two main characters, Esme and Jinx, who are sisters. Ms. Warren crafted a wonderful read. I am not waiting for part 2 of this fascinating book!
9/23
Brenda at WV Stitcher I am always a fan of historical fiction and this one fits the bill.I loved that the book spans a few years during the turn of the century. With plenty of twists and turns and a few secrets, the plot really held my attention. Labeled a Christian fiction the story doesn’t come off as preachy instead it felt more like a gentle reminder of what is important in life, and allows us to see the consequences of choices made by the sisters. The ending leaves me anxious to read the next book in the series! Highly recommended.
Margaret at Creative Madness Mama Awesome!
9/24
Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Reviews I very much recommend ‘Heiress’. I found the romance, mystery, and story great!
Stacey at WORD up! This engaging story has it all: romance, betrayal, wealth and adventure.
Tanya at In the Dailies Susan May Warren is one of my very favorite authors. I have read more than ten of her books in the past two years. I love her spunky contemporary characters and am thrilled to see this same strength applied to her latest historical drama, Heiress.
Lena at A Christian Writer’s World Author Interivew.
Reviews By Molly Susan May Warren has once again brought her readers another OUTSTANDINGLY magnificent story. Set in the gilded age, this is a novel that will sweep you off your feet, and turn you around until you’re dizzy with a smile on your face. Her words will grip your heart like a vice and keep you turning the pages late into the night, and you’ll reflect on the story long after you’re finish. I highly recommend this to every historical lover out there. It’s 5 Books worthy, and will be on my recommendation list to everyone for a long time to come. I can’t wait to read the second installment to this new suspenseful, romantic, captivating series!
Diane at That’s What I’m Here For Mistakes will be made, people will die, hearts will be painfully broken, spirits will be crushed, and ultimately the greatest of joys will be brought out of the ashes. Cheating, lying, pride, and deception brings this family a lot of heartache. I was miserably sad for these sisters and their family, and thought, how much more can they take? When will they learn their lessons? Thankfully, by the end, both of them realized it was time to make some tough choices and look to God’s wisdom in how to move forward. None of us can do it on our own. This is one of those books where you will want to continue on in the series and see if each one can outdo the next. Congrats Susan!
Beckie at By The Book Warren has penned a sweeping tale set among the glittering parties of New York society as well as the wilds of early 20th century Montana. This is not a light historical romance, but a well researched and written novel that draws you into the story until you feel the character’s triumphs and sorrows. And both settings for the novel come to life — you’ll feel like you just stepped into Mrs. Astor’s ballroom and into A rough western mining town. And fortunately for the reader there will be more to come with future books. The only downside is that the second book has not yet been published. Heiress is one of the best books I have read all year! Highly Recommended.
9/26
Danielle at The Happy Wife I really enjoyed this book. The reader starts by being immersed in the glitz and glamor of high society New York City in the early 1900’s, though you also get a hint at some of the ugliness as well. You are then transported to the frontier as a former high society “princess” builds a life in a man’s world. By the end of the book, the reader is again transported back to high society New York City, but this time you are immersed fully in the ugly underside of being controlled by wealth. I enjoyed watching as each character grew, both as people and on the path to discover what is, and is not, a blessing from God. I recommend this book to any one who enjoys stories that showcase strong women, stories set in the early 1900’s, or romance stories.
Vic’s Media Room “Heiress” is all about rules, the role of women and what women should and should not do. Susan May Warren has written a love story about the deep issues of individuality, destiny and purpose. The themes of rebellion, transgression, betrayal, love, value and family. And, of course, there is God. When everything is broken He is the only One who can pick up the pieces and bring together His plan. ”Heiress” is a wonderful, sweet story with power and depth that will keep you flipping pages. I recommend this book highly and look forward to the next book in the series!
Leticia at My Daily Trek I AM NOT a fan of romance novels. However, I found this book to be gripping and so wonderfully detailed that I finished it in one sitting. You will find sinister plots, intrigue, murder, heartbreak, men fighting each other, death, mayhem you name it it’s in this book. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment of the Daughters of Fortune.
Tammy’s Book Parlor A fantastic story full of intrigue, dark secrets, adventures, passion and faith! One of those WOW! reads that will have the reader trying to guess what is going to happen next! As, always, Susan May Warren brings a grand adventure to the blank page making the reader wish for more!
Athena at Our Crazy Life Heiress is not your typical Christian Fiction, Susan May Warren has outdone herself! The settings are beautiful, the details amazing! The characters are wonderful and have great depth, you feel for each of them as they learn that everything wealth can give them, isn’t enough. Filled with twists and turns you would never expect – from deceit and murder to unrequited love and happy endings. This is the best book I have read since the last Liz Curtis Higgs book! I appreciate that she isn’t afraid to touch on subjects most Christian authors consider taboo – and does it with style.
Stacie at Hobbit Door This book is huge in it’s scope. It covers many years and some hard topics. What does it mean to be blessed by God? What is happiness? How is it obtained? I have always been a bit fascinated and curious by this time period. I appreciated her lavish descriptions of those who moved in the circles, but also portraying the other side. The not so beautiful side of a life that is obsessed with money, fame and power. There were times this was hard to read. I felt conflicted. I knew or thought I knew what was the “right” thing for the character to do but at the same time felt divided. I feel this is a tribute to the author’s skill at drawing me into the story. loved every minute of it. I highly recommend this book and am eagerly anticipating the next book in this series.
Kalyn at The Feminine Intellect
9/27
Krista at Welcome to Married Life
Casey at Writing for Christ Warren writes a story that makes me feel as if I have stepped into a movie screen. Only better. I can smell, hear, taste, see what is happening to the characters and their emotions become my emotions. I felt the rage of indignation, the sweet power of love and the passion of the era bottled in each of the characters. Jinx and Esme especially. I was emotionally exhausted (in a good way!) when I closed the novel.
Laura at Lighthouse Academy Very well written.
Christy at Southern Sassy Things I could go in so many directions with this review to tell you all about the characters, the plot, the setting, the clothes (oh…the clothes), but Heiress is one of those novels that is an experience–in jealousy, in opulence, in tragedy, in love. It’s one that, if you know nothing but the back cover blurb, then you are in for the surprise of your life. I knew that Susan was a great writer, even after reading my first book by her earlier this year, but Heiress has catapulted her to favorite author status in no time flat. Just when I thought I was going to hit a lull in this story, she snapped my mind back to attention with one twist after another. Now, I know that some authors usually like to have one surprise lurking somewhere in their stories, but to have them appear in rapid succession (and all of them believable, no less) showed that Susan’s got some masterful writing chops. Without a doubt, Heiress has to be the edgiest Christian fiction book of the year. It should also come with a warning label–“Don’t start unless you plan to stay up past your bedtime.”
Theresa at Frugal Experiments I found this story, patterned on the story of Jacob and Esau to be truly interesting. Can money really buy you love? What does it mean to be truly blessed? These questions and more are explored in a completely entertaining way in this book. Once I began reading, I found it difficult to put the book down.
9/28
Christen at Creating Little Pieces of Happiness Heiress is a story of high society, scandal, love, betrayal, and forgiveness at the turn of the century. It is storytelling at it’s height. Susan May Warren will suck you in from page one and will not let you go! You will fall in love with the Price sisters and will laugh, cry and grieve with them. I promise you will not be disappointed!
Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM Ms. Warren you have just proven that you can write with the best of them! The story takes many twists and turns and leaves you wondering just how anything is ever going to work out. Years pass and things seem to go from bad to worse. But just when you think all is lost, Providence happens. This is a great story about love lost and love gained. The author’s note in the back of the book will provoke thought on what happiness is and to what lengths are you willing to go to obtain it. The questions for discussion would be great for your book club.
Lydia at Overweight BookshelfThis book was positively decadent-complex depth with a sweet aftertaste. The breadth and scope of Susie’s talent never ceases to amaze me. She has crafted an impeccable plot wrought with betrayal, passion, adventure, and heart-stopping conflict. The characters are intriguingly complex; one sister is a product of her environment and the other rebels against the gilded cage of luxury and pretense. Their actions, thoughts and desires draw them on to a path of brokenness and redemption that will resonate in your heart. Clear your schedules, make yourself a warm cup of something, and prepare to be indefinitely attached to your seat so you can give this book so much deserved attention.
Sara at Jeremy & Sara’s Story The story of Jinx and Esme is a complex tale that dragged my emotions from chapter to chapter. This book was hard to put at times, but at a certain point, I’d hit an emotional wall and would be forced to stop reading because I couldn’t handle anymore drama. The heartache that these characters endure and overcome is what makes this book so great! Susan May Warren is one of those authors that I would read ANY book from! She’s incredibly talented and always entertaining from her whimsical and comical stories, to her suspenseful one and now to her dramatic books.
Katy at A Few More Pages Fantastic! There was so much more to this story than I expected! In Heiress, Susan May Warren has created complex characters with messy lives, who face struggles, failures, and still pick themselves back up to try again. This isn’t a saccharin-sweet romance novel where the heroine overcomes a few simple problems to be with the man of her dreams. These women face very difficult obstacles and don’t always succeed with flying colors, something I think anyone can identify with in the real world. I also love that none of the characters were too perfect–they could be despicable and self-centered at times as well as kind and giving, and that made them so much more interesting.
Debra at Footprints in the Butter Fantastic book. There is simply no better word. The characters are so real, and not just the sisters, but everyone. Like her other books, these characters are complex and certainly imperfect. And everything doesn’t wrap up neatly in a little package. Mistakes have consequences, and the “magic author wand” isn’t used to make everything end happily ever after. There were a number of places where I was a little stunned by the serpentine nature of the plot. Just when I thought I had figured out where it was going, it snaked off in a different direction entirely. Susan brings out a great message with virtually no preaching. I love that about her works.
9/29
Katie at Legacy of a Writer With Susan’s wonderful writing style that breathed life into Heiress, it was easy to become immersed in the characters, plot, and time period. Both Esme and Jinx face many sorrows in their life. The weight in the situations and Susan’s words was powerful—so much so that I found myself a little depressed while reading this book! When an author has the abilities to affect your mood/feelings so strongly, you know they are good writers! 😉 Heiress has powerful writing that drags you right into the moment. And, while the characters have their many faults, Susan will have you sympathizing with them by the end of the book.
Loren at Heart of a BookWorm Susan May Warren takes us on such a journey in Heiress. The lessons are powerful, and I was drawn in from the beginning! I will be HIGHLY RECOMMENDING this one!
Rachel at a fair substitute for heaven I appreciate the rather passionate undertones of the book and Warren’s knack for description.
Courtney’s Chitter Chatter Why haven’t I ever read anything by Susan May Warren? I absolutely loved this book and I feel like I’ve missed out on really getting to know a great author! I can’t wait to read more by Susan!! Heiress is a unique story that deals with tough issues like adultery, betrayal and passion along with rebellious and strong heroines! There were so many twists and turns and unexpected events that unfolded throughout the story I felt I couldn’t read it fast enough! This is a Christian fiction but I was impressed that it was not overly preachy. It gets a little annoying to read perfect characters leading perfect lives. However Susan weaves a subtle message about following God’s path for your life and the consequences of following our sinful desires! I will be adding this book to one of my favorite Christian fiction books ever read list and will anxiously awaiting book 2 in the Daughters of Fortune Series!!
Dani at Elle in Organic Shoes Susan May Warren has crafted an amazing, intense story surrounding the gilded age and all that happened within, although everyone on the outside saw their lifestyle as perfect, and that they had everything they ever wanted. Warren’s characters are full of life and keep you coming back for more. Warren has a way of pulling you into a book and keeping you to the very end, where just maybe Esme and Jinx will realize that what is expected from the world or from yourself, is not what God may have planned.
Relz Reviewz Charcter Spotlight – Meet Jinx!
Valentina at Carabosse’s Library Fabulous setting. This is a fun, fast-paced novel, and I can recommend it without issue.
Freda’s Voice Fantastic story! I really enjoyed both sisters, and though I felt sorry for Esme, I really connected with Jinx. I found her to be a very well-rounded character and a strong female lead. I loved the mystery that was in the mix too. The ending wasn’t the outcome I expected and for that I am glad. I found myself extremely happy with how it came together. I love a good scandal! Can’t wait to read the sequel, Baroness.
9/30
Pamela at Daysong Reflections Oh. My. Goodness. I have been a Susan May Warren fan from the very first book that I read of hers but this one is beyond them all. Heiress just confirms to me that Susan may be one of the most versatile authors I’ve read. From sweet romance to humor to intense suspense to gripping historical novels, everything this author has written has made me want more. Heiress is a bold story that touches on some ugly facts of life such as rebellion, adultery, domestic abuse, lies, and betrayal. It illustrates how a person without Christ can be held prisoner by success, wealth, and power. It is ultimately a powerful account of the potential high cost one must pay for choices made.
Andi at radiant light I was drawn into this book from page one and didn’t stop until I finished the book. I read an interview that Susan gave about this book in Family Fiction that the story was loosely based on Jacob and Esau in the Bible, knowing that drew me in even more. Jinx is “cut” out to be an heiress from the tip of her head to the bottom of her toes. She enjoys all of the parties and such, Esme does not. She wants to write and work for her father, but can’t get him to notice her. The twists and turns in this book will keep you up until late in the night. The guilded age has never been so fun, and full of intrigue. I highly recommend this book!
Marissa at The Review Stew I love the story of the two heiress sisters and their two distinct and significantly different personalities! I was definitely drawn to Esme. I loved the historical references to the real, rich and famous people of that time period like the Astors, Vanderbilts, and others!
Anne at Stuff & Nonsense I’ve read many of Susan’s books but until I read Heiress I had no idea she could take me in two different directions so skillfully. Most times, when reading a book, you get one heroine in one locale, but in Heiress you get two heroines in two locales, and it is NEVER confusing! Susan is a master at portraying the opulence and grandeur. I could see the gorgeous ball gowns, sparkling dog collars, and those handsome men in their fancy waistcoats. She’s also a master at portraying the deceit, jealousy, and manipulation that took place behind closed doors. Whew! I’ll stick to reading books.
Melissa at Keeping Up With The Rheinlander’s Recommended! I was surprised by the edginess of the Heiress! I was also impressed that I did not feel preached at or after reading that I just sat through a sermon (not that I don’t enjoy church or sermons)! I enjoyed that Warren writes about “real topics” that infiltrate “real life” and the moral undertones are just right. The detail in which Warren writes definitely puts the “movie” playing in your head as your reading.
Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews Highly Recommended! I was entralled by this book from the first page! (I finished it in one night!) The story of the two Price sisters, Esme and Jinx, will draw you in with the drama and fast-paced action, and as you follow their lives and watch their characters grow and mature, you’ll find their transformation from girls to women fascinating. The plot includes a lovely sense of romance along with an intriguing bit of mystery and suspense that keeps you flipping the pages in anticipation. And I loved the time period of the “Gilded Age” of the late 1890s to the early 1900s, when women were really coming into their own.
10/1
Becky at Christian Chick’s Thoughts A must-read! I simply could not put this book down. And when I had to (you know, for things like work), I found myself thinking about it. Susan May Warren has long been one of my favorite authors, and I especially love her historical fiction. I thought it couldn’t get any better than Sons of Thunder (which just won a Carol Award), but she really outdid herself with Heiress. You know what I love most about it? The characters are real – human. Their humanity, in all its messy imperfection, jumps off the pages. They lie, have affairs, run away from responsibility, and treat each other horribly – just like real people do. And when the book wraps up, not everyone is living out their “happily ever after” – again, just like in real life!
Angela at All Grown Up? Heiress has it all, it has romance, mystery, action, and family drama. We see this girls go from frivolous young girls who blush at the mere smile from a boy, to grown women who ache for true love and companionship. Susan May Warren weaves words in a way that makes the characters come off the page and into your living room with you as if you were watching their lives take place instead of reading about it on the page.
Sara at Shoopette’s Book Reviews While there are many descriptions of parties and gowns and the like, the story is so captivating and interesting that the imagery didn’t interfere with it. Also, there are no perfect characters here, but that is what makes the novel so appealing. It is not the outcome or ideal characters that make a story…it is the journey. Extremely well-written. I was immersed in the story, and the cliffhangers at the end of the sections made this novel very difficult to put down.
Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood If Susan May Warren’s Heiress (Summerside Press, 2011) didn’t have so much heart, you could almost call it a guilty pleasure. Set in glitzy Gilded Age New York, Heiress spins a spellbinding tale full of society scandals, crimes of passion, betrayal, and deceit. Warren delivers an entertaining page turner with a message: there are many ways to be blessed. I couldn’t put Heiress down, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Jenn at Should Be Reading Susan did the suspense just right, and the romantic tension was palpable.
10/3
Kat @ Reviews From The Heart LOVED it! This is such a powerful story of what happens when we take our lives in our own hands instead of merely waiting on God’s timing. The consequences that result can be painful instead of simply being patient. A very valuable lesson and this story illustrates it well in the lives of Esme and Jinx! I rate this novel a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend this one for a modern day parable on what happens when you take things into your own hands.
Betsy Ann Writer at Large I’m especially drawn to this story and the character’s hearts and relatablity. Who’d have thought you’d end up feeling sorry for such princesses?
Amanda at The price of trust This book, full of excitement and plenty of what-ifs, was satisfying and left me wanting more.
Susan at New Every Morning This book is no typical ‘formula’ historical romance. There is a lot of substance, grit, and raw emotion as the characters agonize over difficult choices and the repercussions that follow. This is a fabulous new series and I can’t wait to read the next book!
Michelle at Healing Hearts Brave, honest, and well told. I love reading stories set during the Gilded Age, and have read a good number of them to date. This novel tops them all as my absolute favorite. In fact, in my opinion this is Susan May Warren’s best book ever! She does a great job with deep point of view and insight into human frailty and overwhelming regrets. At many different times while reading this novel I felt like I was living the life of each of the sisters. The author includes so much sensory detail with visceral emotion attached to it…like the scent of city life, the ink from the presses, stark terror from the absence of light deep in the mines, the pain from wearing the corsets, to constriction of society’s expectations, the blood from…well I won’t say. I have to warn you that it’s addicting. Excellent fiction. Compelling. Well-plotted. Intelligently written. I was thinking, “Man, I wish I could write like this.” Truly superior and emotionally evocative writing. I highly recommend it.
Lori at Frog’s Lilypad Susan’s writing has won me over. She includes so many realistic feelings in the characters. The way she describes places/scenes, it makes you feel that you are right there watching from the sidelines. I love this in a writer!
10/4
Tracy‘s Nook Enjoyed!
Michelle at Life in Review I very highly recommend this book! Susan May Warren is such an incredible author. She writes a wide variety of Christian fiction and she amazes me at the number of books she writes and they are all so different and all so wonderful. If we’re completely honest, when we start reading most books, pretty early in the book you can usually tell the direction that the story is going. Not with this one! This story twists and turns all over the place and it will keep you absolutely glued to the pages! I read this one almost in one sitting because I just could not put it down. The characters are colorful and draw you in emotionally.
Preslaysa at The Literary Mama As soon as I cracked open the book, I was drawn into the world of these princesses in New York. Susie has a way of making you feel you are right there in the story, a silent bystander, watching as the character go through their trials and their triumphs. This one is a must read!
Laurie at Reading and Writing Reviews One of my favorites of 2011!
Heidi at Starts At Eight There is no way this book could get any better! It is both beautifully detailed and incredibly engaging! I inhaled the first half of the book in just one evening, and quickly stole moments over the next day or two to transport myself back into their world of high society clothing, parties, and etiquette. From corsets to suitors to the haves and have nots, this historical fiction sends you straight into the sights and sounds of turn of the century New York City as well as a rough western mining town in Montana. There is love, betrayal, sinister plots, secrets revealed, hearts broken and mended, and lessons learned. As you follow Jinx and Esme, two very different sisters, you are very much reminded of the things that are most important, and that every decision leaves you with a consequence that you may not have bargained for.
Shonda at The Knowlton Nest I was very enchanted by Susan’s descriptive language of the Guilded Age.This was a book I couldn’t put down. I can’t wait for the next book.
Tammy Is Blessed Susan May Warren is definitely one of my favourite authors. I’ve reviewed several books by her before, but this one is dramatically different than the others I’ve read. Warren has a tremendous gift of storytelling. The Gilded Age of corsets, suitors, marriages arranged for wealth or status, fancy ballroom parties – all told through the viewpoints of two very different sisters, neither of whom realize how long term and far reaching the consequences of their actions can be. From the glitter and bustle of New York to the wilds of Montana, betrayal, cheating, lying and pride follow both sisters in a work of historical fiction that will have you turning the pages far into the night! Absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read the next books in this series!
10/5
Musings By Lynn The first book I’ve read by Susan May Warren. I LOVED it! Susan is a gifted wordsmith. The writing is so descriptive, I felt transported to New York City in the Gilded Age. I could feel the richness of the fabric, smell and taste the food, and see everything through the eyes of the sisters and the men in their lives. Susan also brought the struggles of the lower classes to light, showing the hardships of the times for those who weren’t part of the opulent society. Susan skilfully weaves historical details throughout. I felt the dilemmas of the characters as they made some poor choices with long-reaching consequences.The Heiress causes the reader ro ponder a number of deep issues.”What is true love?” “What does it mean to be rich?” What is a blessing?” “Can we expect God to bless us in spite of the wrong choices?” I love how Susan speaks to these issues without being ‘preachy’. The book has discussion questions, making it suitable for a book club.
Splashes Of Joy A very interesting story about life between the extremely rich and the poor.
Charlene at Quintessentially Quilly I have yet to meet a Susan May Warren novel I didn’t love. Her versatility as a writer is absolutely amazing. Her light contemporary romances have tickled and charmed me. Her historical romances resonate with the sight, sounds, and scents of the era. Her characters are well-rounded, flawed, and so incredibly real that I emerse myself in their sorrows and joys as I would members of my own household. Heiress is no exception — in fact, Heiress just might be Susan’s best book to date, and that is no small fete.
Caroline at Happy Four Heiress is an amazing book that permits the reader to follow siblings on different paths and how decisions have a profound impact for the future. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next Daughters of Fortune release.
Amy at The 160 Acrewoods Several times I wanted to yell at them and make it stop! Which to me exemplifies excellent writing – the fact I want to be apart of the story and “fix” it!! lol. I would put this on the top of your wish list for Christmas if you’re hoping for a good historical romance book! I can not wait for book 2.