Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F CRA
Publication
Whitaker House
Description
After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy in her hometown of Seattle, Washington, disappearing before her very eyes. Now, the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: Marry within the year to inherit the immense fortune of her estranged grandmother. Amaryllis reluctantly moves in to her aunt's Boston home and rubs shoulders with fashionable society. Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself quickly falling in love with the most unlikely of men--Nathan Everstone, the envy of every eligible female, whose father has haunted her dreams for the decade following her mother's tragic death. However, Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems...and everything she never knew she wanted. But can she ever really trust an Everstone man? … (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member MargueriteMartinGray
Dawn has created a captivating world where her characters are faced with decisions of the heart in a society full of rules and consequences. Amaryllis is a woman finding her place in her environment seeking answers to her doubts and guilt. I had the opportunity to follow The Hesitant Heiress in a
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critique group. I love the final published work. Well done! I'm ready to read the next one. Show Less
LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
I admit it. I am a bit behind in my reading. About a year behind! That’s when Dawn Crandall published her first novel in the Everstone Chronicles, The Hesitant Heiress. Dawn has been busily writing and now has three published novels and a fourth set to release in September. I’m waaay behind!
The Hesistant Heiress takes place during the Gilded Age in the homes and playgrounds of the rich — Boston and Bar Harbor. The inexperienced and newly proclaimed heiress, Amaryllis Brigham, finds herself settled into wealth and luxury. Having spent her young life on a ranch in the wilds of Washington and then sheltered in schools in Boston, Amaryllis is unfamiliar with the trappings of the super-wealthy. She also has no desire to be caught up in the schemes that would find her married and the recipient of her grandparents’ vast fortune. Amaryllis only wants to return to her beloved home state and open a music conservatory. But as she and others soon find out, man may make his plans, but God is the director of the steps.
For those who love historical romance, The Hesitant Heiress is the perfect choice. Dawn has created intriguing and endearing characters that steal your heart. Swoon-worthy hero, Nathan Everstone, is an extremely attractive character and Amaryllis will appeal to those who like their heroines determined and independent, but with a bit of vulnerability. You know you want to be swept up and swept away! Dawn does a wonderful job of weaving spiritual truths into her love story. The relationships between earthly fathers and their children almost always impact how we view our heavenly Father. In Amaryllis’ case, the abandonment and inconsistency of her father keeps her from fully trusting and surrendering to God. But perception is not always truth, as Amaryllis and readers find out. Mystery and intrigue surround Amaryllis making for a page-turning experience, especially near the end.
I have 2 more books to dive into before the release of The Cautious Maiden in September. All books are connected by the characters, but can be read as standalones. I am certainly looking forward to experiencing more drama, romance and true love with Dawn Crandall.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to the author and publisher for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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But I am steadily catching up. Thanks to Dawn, I finally got a chance to read the book that has been causing lots of buzz all over the book blogosphere since it debuted. Here are some of my thoughts.The Hesistant Heiress takes place during the Gilded Age in the homes and playgrounds of the rich — Boston and Bar Harbor. The inexperienced and newly proclaimed heiress, Amaryllis Brigham, finds herself settled into wealth and luxury. Having spent her young life on a ranch in the wilds of Washington and then sheltered in schools in Boston, Amaryllis is unfamiliar with the trappings of the super-wealthy. She also has no desire to be caught up in the schemes that would find her married and the recipient of her grandparents’ vast fortune. Amaryllis only wants to return to her beloved home state and open a music conservatory. But as she and others soon find out, man may make his plans, but God is the director of the steps.
For those who love historical romance, The Hesitant Heiress is the perfect choice. Dawn has created intriguing and endearing characters that steal your heart. Swoon-worthy hero, Nathan Everstone, is an extremely attractive character and Amaryllis will appeal to those who like their heroines determined and independent, but with a bit of vulnerability. You know you want to be swept up and swept away! Dawn does a wonderful job of weaving spiritual truths into her love story. The relationships between earthly fathers and their children almost always impact how we view our heavenly Father. In Amaryllis’ case, the abandonment and inconsistency of her father keeps her from fully trusting and surrendering to God. But perception is not always truth, as Amaryllis and readers find out. Mystery and intrigue surround Amaryllis making for a page-turning experience, especially near the end.
I have 2 more books to dive into before the release of The Cautious Maiden in September. All books are connected by the characters, but can be read as standalones. I am certainly looking forward to experiencing more drama, romance and true love with Dawn Crandall.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to the author and publisher for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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LibraryThing member lamb521
Title: The Hesitant Heiress (The Everstone Chronicles #1)
Author: Dawn Crandall
Pages: 315
Year: 2014
Publisher: Whitaker House
My rating is 5 stars.
Nathan Everstone is a wealthy bachelor who has just returned from a two-year adventure out West. He left abruptly and everyone thought he would marry
Amaryllis Brigham is practically a spinster at the age of 25. She has no desire to marry, but upon being kicked out of music school she arrives at her wealthy aunt’s home and soon discovers she is heir to lots of money. There is only one catch…in order to gain the money she needs to marry within one year of leaving music school. Amaryllis doesn’t like all the parties and social gossip that goes on in “polite” society. She was raised on a horse farm for fourteen years and longs to return there to start her own music school, but she can’t do that if she is broke. Nathan Everstone seems to be everywhere she turns and he is getting under her long-held defenses. Can she sell herself in marriage to gain her dream of a returning home and starting a music school?
This was one fantastic story! I was pulled in from page one until the end. The characters were likeable and I was emotionally invested in the outcome of the story. Nathan now relies on God and His will for his life whereas before Nathan did whatever he pleased with no thought to anyone or anything other than himself to those who saw him publically. Those who knew him best always saw the good in him, but since his return from Washington they have seen a different man. His pursuit of Amaryllis was admirable. He didn’t give up because he believed God wanted them to be together and that he was following God’s will. Their romance was just a joy to watch unfold. Great job Dawn!! I’ve already started reading book two in the series, The Bound Heart, as I couldn’t wait to read Meredyth’s story. Stay tuned for that review right here soon!
Author: Dawn Crandall
Pages: 315
Year: 2014
Publisher: Whitaker House
My rating is 5 stars.
Nathan Everstone is a wealthy bachelor who has just returned from a two-year adventure out West. He left abruptly and everyone thought he would marry
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Nicholette Fairbanks upon his return. She certainly thinks so. However, Nathan has returned a changed man and has no intention of marrying Nicholette. He has his eye on another heiress, but she wants nothing to do with him. He can’t understand that as he usually has no problem charming women and gaining their attention. He is determined to win her hand and she is just as determined that he won’t.Amaryllis Brigham is practically a spinster at the age of 25. She has no desire to marry, but upon being kicked out of music school she arrives at her wealthy aunt’s home and soon discovers she is heir to lots of money. There is only one catch…in order to gain the money she needs to marry within one year of leaving music school. Amaryllis doesn’t like all the parties and social gossip that goes on in “polite” society. She was raised on a horse farm for fourteen years and longs to return there to start her own music school, but she can’t do that if she is broke. Nathan Everstone seems to be everywhere she turns and he is getting under her long-held defenses. Can she sell herself in marriage to gain her dream of a returning home and starting a music school?
This was one fantastic story! I was pulled in from page one until the end. The characters were likeable and I was emotionally invested in the outcome of the story. Nathan now relies on God and His will for his life whereas before Nathan did whatever he pleased with no thought to anyone or anything other than himself to those who saw him publically. Those who knew him best always saw the good in him, but since his return from Washington they have seen a different man. His pursuit of Amaryllis was admirable. He didn’t give up because he believed God wanted them to be together and that he was following God’s will. Their romance was just a joy to watch unfold. Great job Dawn!! I’ve already started reading book two in the series, The Bound Heart, as I couldn’t wait to read Meredyth’s story. Stay tuned for that review right here soon!
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LibraryThing member thedeffenbaughs6
Oh this story!! I absolutely loved it! This book definitely gave me Pride and Prejudice vibes and I was all for it! It was so descriptive and draws you in from the very beginning! The characters are all likeable and you can't help but fall in love with them. It definitely had a little mystery
This book has many stories going on as we do get introduced to lots of characters that I am sure we will meet in the following books but this one is all about Amyrillis, a young woman who has lost her mother, is estranged from her father and her only desire is to open up a music school in her beloved Whidbey Island. She gets kicked out of the Boston Conservatory of Music for reasons that she doesn't quite understand but you do find out in the story!! Her Aunt Claudine takes her in and announces to her that she has a large inheritance coming to her but the only caveat is that she must get married in order to obtain it. As you can imagine it all goes topsy-turvy from there.
Let's talk about Aunt Claudine for a second, she was comical in the way she did things. She definitely is pushy but not in a mean way. She truly made things complicated in trying to set Amyrillys up and I was all for it especially when she has Nathan Everstone come and stay with them! (Needless to say I was rejoicing about this!) Let's just say that Nathan sounds heart-throbbingly (I may have made that word up) dreamy!!
The relationship between Amyrillis and Nathan is comical. She is definitely playing hard to get without even realizing it. I mean he is bold in his advances and she is taken with him but will not budge on releasing her heart all because she believes her aunt has put him to it and because of his last name! (I won't give too much because you need to read the story!)
I will not spoil it for you but this book was quite lovely and the theme of forgiveness and redemption are very clear as you are reading it. I honestly did not know what to expect when I first received this book but to say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I loved this story. The author truly captivated me with her writing and had me wanting more. I cannot wait to read more of the series as I have added all of these to my TBR list. I need to know what happens to Lawry, Meredyth and the rest of the Everstone's!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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intertwined in it but what drew me the most was the romance!! (seriously it was amazing!!)This book has many stories going on as we do get introduced to lots of characters that I am sure we will meet in the following books but this one is all about Amyrillis, a young woman who has lost her mother, is estranged from her father and her only desire is to open up a music school in her beloved Whidbey Island. She gets kicked out of the Boston Conservatory of Music for reasons that she doesn't quite understand but you do find out in the story!! Her Aunt Claudine takes her in and announces to her that she has a large inheritance coming to her but the only caveat is that she must get married in order to obtain it. As you can imagine it all goes topsy-turvy from there.
Let's talk about Aunt Claudine for a second, she was comical in the way she did things. She definitely is pushy but not in a mean way. She truly made things complicated in trying to set Amyrillys up and I was all for it especially when she has Nathan Everstone come and stay with them! (Needless to say I was rejoicing about this!) Let's just say that Nathan sounds heart-throbbingly (I may have made that word up) dreamy!!
The relationship between Amyrillis and Nathan is comical. She is definitely playing hard to get without even realizing it. I mean he is bold in his advances and she is taken with him but will not budge on releasing her heart all because she believes her aunt has put him to it and because of his last name! (I won't give too much because you need to read the story!)
I will not spoil it for you but this book was quite lovely and the theme of forgiveness and redemption are very clear as you are reading it. I honestly did not know what to expect when I first received this book but to say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I loved this story. The author truly captivated me with her writing and had me wanting more. I cannot wait to read more of the series as I have added all of these to my TBR list. I need to know what happens to Lawry, Meredyth and the rest of the Everstone's!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding
The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall brims with interesting characters and swoony romance. Amaryllis captured my attention immediately as she contended with her expulsion and her inheritance stipulations. This interesting character developed through the novel, though I admit character development
The novel’s amazing romance thread featured strong tension between Amaryllis and Nathan. I reveled in their attraction and rooted for them to get together. The romance made me reluctant to put the book down. Then came the steamy kissing and I stayed up too late reading this novel.
Reading The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall was pure enjoyment for me! It stands as the first novel in The Everstone Chronicles series. Shortly after finishing this book, I purchased physical copies of the rest of the series and cannot wait to read them! Five stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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played second fiddle to the unfolding romance (for me).The novel’s amazing romance thread featured strong tension between Amaryllis and Nathan. I reveled in their attraction and rooted for them to get together. The romance made me reluctant to put the book down. Then came the steamy kissing and I stayed up too late reading this novel.
Reading The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall was pure enjoyment for me! It stands as the first novel in The Everstone Chronicles series. Shortly after finishing this book, I purchased physical copies of the rest of the series and cannot wait to read them! Five stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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LibraryThing member Harley0326
I have been wanting to read this book for awhile. I can’t figure out why it has taken me so long to do so. This was a very enchanting story that swept me away to a time where balls take place and the most available of bachelors can be found. I loved that Amaryllis is an accomplished pianist and
Oh but standing in the wing is the dashing Nathan. I do believe this is the man for Amaryllis. Now if only she can be convinced this is her mate everything will work out fine. There is friction between the two which entertains readers throughout the story. I so wanted to tell them to knock it off and get married already. However Amaryllis has a guilty conscience that prevents her from finding happiness. She doesn’t feel like her father loved her and the death of her mother haunts her everyday.
The story is filled with unsavory characters as well. They are villains who want nothing more than to seek revenge. It plays out very well as the author takes us on a journey filled with action. I loved the story and appreciated the faith element as well. When a shocking secret is revealed it shakes the story up. What a tangled web it is and it will have more than a few characters in an emotional turmoil. Get ready for an adventure that is sure to please those who love historical fiction with a bit of intrigue and romance.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
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has dreams of opening her own school someday. I was flabbergasted by the letter that was sent to the school she attended. That letter finds Amaryllis removed from the school and her dreams shattered. Her self esteem is at its lowest when her grandmother’s will is read. Why do people insist on making silly declarations in their wills? Amaryllis has no desire to get married by a certain date in order to inherit what her grandmother has left her. Oh but standing in the wing is the dashing Nathan. I do believe this is the man for Amaryllis. Now if only she can be convinced this is her mate everything will work out fine. There is friction between the two which entertains readers throughout the story. I so wanted to tell them to knock it off and get married already. However Amaryllis has a guilty conscience that prevents her from finding happiness. She doesn’t feel like her father loved her and the death of her mother haunts her everyday.
The story is filled with unsavory characters as well. They are villains who want nothing more than to seek revenge. It plays out very well as the author takes us on a journey filled with action. I loved the story and appreciated the faith element as well. When a shocking secret is revealed it shakes the story up. What a tangled web it is and it will have more than a few characters in an emotional turmoil. Get ready for an adventure that is sure to please those who love historical fiction with a bit of intrigue and romance.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
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ISBN
9781629116587
Series
Everstone Chronicles 1