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Heiress (Daughters of Fortune #1)

by Susan May Warren (Goodreads Author)

3.73 of 5 stars 3.73 · rating details · 751 ratings · 153 reviews

Book One in the Daughters of Fortune series

The beautiful heiress daughters of newspaper magnate August Price have been given everything their hearts desire. But what if they want only to be loved--without an enormous price tag attached? When one daughter pursues a desirable marriage, she secures for herself a comfortable and glamorous life. But among the duties of privileg...more

Paperback, 368 pages

Published August 1st 2011 by Summerside Press (first published January 1st 2011)

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Jun 12, 2013 Paula Vince rated it 3 of 5 stars

Esme and Jinx are the daughters of a wealthy newspaper publisher and this story covers the time span between the late 1890s and WW1. Esme simply wants to use her gift for writing to make people aware of the plight of the destitute. She's not interested in the role high society is trying to foist on her. However, her younger sister embraces the glitz and glamour of the world she's brought up in, so much that she's prepared to take matters into her own hands and make a drastic move.

My favourite is...more Esme and Jinx are the daughters of a wealthy newspaper publisher and this story covers the time span between the late 1890s and WW1. Esme simply wants to use her gift for writing to make people aware of the plight of the destitute. She's not interested in the role high society is trying to foist on her. However, her younger sister embraces the glitz and glamour of the world she's brought up in, so much that she's prepared to take matters into her own hands and make a drastic move.

My favourite is part 2, which focused on Jinx and the fascinating romantic predicament she got herself into. I really felt her emotions. Because of her immature machinations going horribly wrong, it seems the rest of her life is doomed for misery. It's obvious that what would really have suited her is right in front of her, but it seems too late. Her character development, from the shallow, calculating girl in part 1 to the pensive and wise heroine she becomes is excellent, as is the case of mistaken identity at the crux of her dilemma.

When the story shifted to Esme in Part 3, I was still too full of Jinx's story to want to get stuck straight into it. Then when I did, I found the character and background of Daughtry Hoyt had a rushed-over feel to it. He seemed a bit like a plot machination to ensure that Esme had a baby, but he was too nice a plot machination for what happened to him. If the novella-sized Parts 2 and 3 could have been extended into full length novels in their own right, I might have been even happier with this interesting read. Part 4 was the same dizzy rush of drama, skipping a lot of time. I don't feel I got enough of the next generation of characters, Jack, Rosie and Lily, to care much for them. Not necessarily enough to read the next book.

The quotes from D.L.Moody, who was a contemporary evangelist of their time, made a good theme. He said that when we're full of self and our own plans, there's no room for God to move. This is exactly what is borne out in the novel. The time period was perfect, showing the corruption in what is so often looked back on as an idyllic, romantic era. It was satisfying to see both sisters end up with men they truly loved, although at different points of the story they both decided they couldn't cope with social and economic repercussions if they did.

The author mentioned that her story was loosely based on Jacob and Esau, and although I could see similarities when she mentioned it, it wasn't forced enough to be in our faces. Altogether, a good read although I would have preferred it to have been longer in parts and not so compressed in the second half. But because I liked the two sisters and their perfect matches, I might just read the sequel anyway. (less)

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Jun 06, 2013 Sarah McC rated it 1 of 5 stars

The fact that this book was absolutely dreadful came as quite a surprise to me, as I have actually read other books by Warren before and found them to be decent suspense novels. I was excited when I discovered that she had written a new trio of books, set in t he early 1900′s, following three generations of women. Since I’ve been reading my way through twentieth-century history over the last two years, I thought to myself–Perfect! But, tragically, this book was just full of unnecessary angst and...more The fact that this book was absolutely dreadful came as quite a surprise to me, as I have actually read other books by Warren before and found them to be decent suspense novels. I was excited when I discovered that she had written a new trio of books, set in t he early 1900′s, following three generations of women. Since I’ve been reading my way through twentieth-century history over the last two years, I thought to myself–Perfect! But, tragically, this book was just full of unnecessary angst and stupidity.

The story focuses on two sisters, daughters of an important and rich newspaper baron in New York City. The oldest daughter yearns to be a writer like her father, while the younger daughter wishes to be the belle of New York society. I won’t bore you with the details, but basically every time you thought something good was going to happen, it ended in tragedy. Everyone lied to everyone else, then felt bad about it. Everyone ended up with unhappy romantic entanglements. And there was no real story to hold things together.

It was impossible to like anyone, mainly because Warren killed off characters right and left (mostly nice ones… the bad ones seemed to linger like a bad taste in your mouth), or nice characters turned out to be jerks. The sisters were both irritating, poor decision-makers, and self-destructive.

And, worst of all–while other books of Warren’s that I have read have done a good job introducing and working through Christian themes, this book handled it terribly. God was just sort of tossed out as a band-aid for random problems. There was no real engagement or relationship with Him. The characters’ faith just sort of came and went. The so-called ‘Christian’ message was just randomly-inserted preaching that had no real connection to or impact on the story. It was the sort of Christian fiction that makes my skin crawl, to think that non-Christians read that and think that that’s what we believe… ugh.

So, in summary–impersonal characters, terrible story-telling, not a happy moment in the entire book, flat and platitude-filled religion–all combined to make this book a complete waste of my time. (less)

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May 29, 2013 Crystal rated it 2 of 5 stars

To parents: This book is not for children or young readers.

I gave this book 2.5 stars because it really does suck you in and you really do feel the pain and the emotions of each character. Also Susan Warren can really craft a scene. I felt like I was transported in time and watching this story as it unfolded.
Things I loved
1) The sisters relationship with each other
2) The dramatic character development Jinx goes through
3) The running social commentary on the times
4) The rich, vivid descriptions...more To parents: This book is not for children or young readers.

I gave this book 2.5 stars because it really does suck you in and you really do feel the pain and the emotions of each character. Also Susan Warren can really craft a scene. I felt like I was transported in time and watching this story as it unfolded.
Things I loved
1) The sisters relationship with each other
2) The dramatic character development Jinx goes through
3) The running social commentary on the times
4) The rich, vivid descriptions
5) The pro women's rights angles
6) The way the book makes you feel and think ever after you put it down
7) The moral that our decisions have lasting consequences and that we cannot build our happiness on someone else's pain.
8) It makes you want to know what going to happen next.

Spoilers***
My issues with the book:
1) Plot holes. The Oliver arc is a major major plot hole. It's down right ridiculous. I think the author could have written it to be more believable. It would have been so much more real if it hadn't taken 20 years for Esme to learn he was still alive. And if he loved her why didn't he go after her? Try to find her? He cabled her so he knew her whereabouts all along, but did nothing to reach out to her. Another plot hole: Fosters transformation from charming flirt, to cold-hearted bastard is never explained.
2) I didn't think the book should have spanned 20 long, painful years. The women are in their forties before they get any reprieve from suffering.
3) It was much too painful in some spots. Some of it dripped with an empty hopeless pain that one does not wish to find in a so called 'inspirational' novel.
4) This book is NOT Christian. It is a nice novel with a few moral lesson shoved in. You can literally skip over the "Christian parts" and not miss anything because the the Christianity is tacked on instead of woven seamlessly into the plot.
5) The ending was a hot mess. The Lewis angle was unbelievable and ruined the book for me. I mean you read through all that pain and devastation, abuse, and yearning, and you just want a tidy resolution not more heavy-handed drama. Hasn't the writer heard of happy for now endings. It makes no sense that a minor character that we only hear about in name suddenly rises to significance at the very end of the novel.
I think this book disappointed me because it had epic amounts of potential. It could have been hope-filled, inspiring, and romantic, instead the author skewers the audience with lust, lies, deceptions, rape, abuse, loneliness, scandal, abandonment, violence, bereavement etc etc and does not reward us with enough believable positivity to compensate for the emotional turmoil she rains on us. Dunno if I have the emotional fortitude to read Baroness. (less)

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May 21, 2013 Margaret (Margot) rated it 4 of 5 stars

So once again, not reading the details and descriptions of a book found me pages deep in a Christian historical fiction. I soldiered on because I didn't feel like it was overpoweringly Christian. As a matter of fact, the religious portions of the novel were inserted almost as revelations, or closure for the 4 (?) specific sections of the book, so you could almost scan through and not miss anything except the Christian parts. And to be honest, the Christian parts were really about being a good pe...more So once again, not reading the details and descriptions of a book found me pages deep in a Christian historical fiction. I soldiered on because I didn't feel like it was overpoweringly Christian. As a matter of fact, the religious portions of the novel were inserted almost as revelations, or closure for the 4 (?) specific sections of the book, so you could almost scan through and not miss anything except the Christian parts. And to be honest, the Christian parts were really about being a good person and not letting poor choices rule who you are or what you deserve. Being grateful for what you have because the love of God is more precious - I mean that isn't so bad is it?

What I liked was a well told, well written, historical novel. The time period was a new one for me in historical fiction, and I really enjoyed it. I loved the transformation that happens in this novel from the formal ways of the late 19th century to the post WWI years, with a pretty impressive societal shift that I haven't seen done. The development and pace of the story were good. I enjoyed seeing the characters realize the repercussions of their actions and learn to be better people. That was a prevalent theme in this book. It was believable, with a good pace, no excessive inner monologues, and had a good plot(s).

**Spoilers start her, sorry I couldn't fully express myself without doing this.** I liked the story, but there were some frustrating factors that I couldn't ignore. 1. There is no explanation whatsoever for Fosters behavior change towards Jinx until well into their story. I really felt like that was a gaping hole. He was openly flirting with Jinx before the wedding and then a cold hearted bastard. It made me so mad too because I had already typed him as a Colin Firth in my mind and then he turns out to be this horrible man. I get it, cold hearted bastards don't happen over night, but that needed more attention to justify the transformation. (I had to completely transform his image before I finished the book into some globular thing that somewhat resembled Darcy) 2. I really felt like the author delivered too much pain to these characters. I guess this goes back to needing to have the Christian message to address, but it was infuriating. I was into the story for the first sisters wedding, then the author broke my heart. I was into the story with Oliver, then the author broke my heart. I was into Bennett, and the author broke my heart. I was into Daughtry (hell I could have even been into Able) and the author broke my heart - this one was especially painful. And then come to the ending when all of the story lines come back together and there is more? Seriously? These women went through so much: dysfunctional family, forced marriages, abuse, repression - ugh, it was an emotional roller coaster, and not all of the bad things needed to happen to get the message across.

While I really did like the book, I hesitate to consider reading the next in the series because I'm not sure I want to put myself through that again. I know, not very Christian, right?(less)

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Mar 28, 2013 Jodi rated it 5 of 5 stars

"God's love, His blessing, isn't about getting things. It's about knowing that even in our suffering, He is holding us secure and can make good things come out of it"
-Susan May Warren

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3

They can buy anything they want—fame, power, beauty, even loyalty.
But they can’t buy love.

The beautiful and wealthy heiress daughters of August Price can buy everything their hearts desire. But what if their desire is to be loved, without...more

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Mar 04, 2013 Joy rated it 3 of 5 stars

I picked up this book for free, after seeing it mentioned on a free Kindle books post on a blog I follow, and after reading the book blurb and skimming the Amazon reviews. I probably should have checked the Goodreads reviews as well, as I was not expecting religious fiction, and this book is intended to be Christian romantic fiction written by a (presumably) Christian author with many other books in this genre.

The book covers the time period of the early 1900s, before and after World War I, spec...more I picked up this book for free, after seeing it mentioned on a free Kindle books post on a blog I follow, and after reading the book blurb and skimming the Amazon reviews. I probably should have checked the Goodreads reviews as well, as I was not expecting religious fiction, and this book is intended to be Christian romantic fiction written by a (presumably) Christian author with many other books in this genre.

The book covers the time period of the early 1900s, before and after World War I, specifically the high society of New York City. Esme and Jinx are the Price daughters, who will be expected to marry well and improve their family's social standing as they rise in the regard of their peers. Of course there are challenges, inappropriate dreams, and inappropriate suitors, not to mention a few accidents and a crime, as you would expect in this sort of novel.

I was pleasantly surprised by the characterizations in the novel - Esme and Jinx' father is a realistic character for the time, one who reacts to one of his daughters desiring to be a working girl with a slap and a possible disowning, which is far more accurate than the typical "of course dear whatever makes you happy" so often seen in these books. Both Esme and Jinx are strong and driven women in their own ways, but both end up having to make the best of some circumstances that are beyond their control. The description and interactions were well done, and I really enjoyed reading the novel immensely.

However, there are several problems with the book. First off, not only is this supposedly a Christian fiction book (and is not advertised as such on Amazon), it's a really badly done one. The mentions of God and the Bible and "His Plan" and whatnot were slapped in at random points, where it was jarring and often ridiculous to shove them in. It seems to me that the author wrote this novel as a regular fiction novel, and then her publisher insisted that no it must fit into her usual genre, and so she shoved a few religious tropes in there and called it a day. I skipped over what little religious discourse that was present, and didn't miss anything in the story, so that is definitely an option for other readers. Additionally, while I appreciated and enjoyed the overall structure of the book (sisters together, followed by one section focused on each sister, and concluding with a section of them together again), the time jumps were huge at times, even up to 17 years at one point with no explanation and little story given to backfill the gap.

Overall, I think this story would have been far better as a nonreligious trilogy - one book each for Esme and Jinx, with a third novel to wrap up their story and/or possibly follow their children. The situations and descriptions were good and I largely enjoyed the characters and writing, although the "whodunit" for the crime at the end was also stilted and forced. The book had a lot of potential, but it was for whatever reason stunted, and that is rather sad.(less)

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Dec 16, 2012 Brianna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Heiress was definitely a fun read. It had a very nice mix of both Christian undertones and historical fiction, and it was extremely interesting reading through the lives of both Esme and Jinx, the two daughters of a newspaper editor who are looking to make good society marriages and help further their families up the social ladder. Both daughters are unhappy with their lot in life - Esme wants to avoid a society marriage and instead work as a journalist for her father's paper, while Jinx wants t...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Renae Sattazahn rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Heiress" is Book 1 in the "Daughters of Fortune" series by Susan May Warren. This was my first experience reading a novel by Susan May Warren, and I am definitely hooked for life. Clearly, this author is not only talented but an experienced writer as well. The plot was detailed, moved quickly, and the characters were well-written. The historical information was accurate and researched thoroughly. I felt completely transported to the pre-war Gilded Age of New York society.
It's difficult to summa...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Adetia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: amazon-freebies

Somehow, I believe Heiress is the first thing I've read by Susan Warren. It, for sure, will not be my last! The writing is gorgeous and takes the reader back in time to the Gilded Age of New York City, with descriptions so apt and vivid you become rapidly engrossed and are easily able to latch onto the heartbreak and angst of the Price sisters as they find their way through a somewhat juxtaposed life. Born first, it fell to Esme to marry well for the family to forge a financially and socially ac...more

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Nov 16, 2011 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: inspirational-historical-fiction, gilded-age-of-america

HEIRESS: DAUGHTERS OF FORTUNE by Susan May Warren is an exciting historical romance set during the Gilded Age of 1896 New York City to the untamed frontier.This is book #1 in the "Daughters of Fortune" series. It is the story of two daughters of newspaper magnate August Price,their wealth,power,and their deep longings of the heart.One daughter, longs for a desirable marriage, as nd the duties of privelege or does she?The other daughter wants independence,and desires to build a life in the untame...more

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Oct 28, 2011 cecilia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: red-covers

Ever since Gossip Girl came to life on television, I have been hooked on all things New York and its ritzy upper-crust families. Glamour, scandals, glitter and gold – when I heard Susan May Warren was tackling this world with a historical twist, call me hopelessly hooked but I was more than ready to jump into this adventure.

THE GOOD BITS
{The difference of chasing dreams versus living them.} Heiress takes place in a world where women did not have a lot of options – their main objective is to secu...more Ever since Gossip Girl came to life on television, I have been hooked on all things New York and its ritzy upper-crust families. Glamour, scandals, glitter and gold – when I heard Susan May Warren was tackling this world with a historical twist, call me hopelessly hooked but I was more than ready to jump into this adventure.

THE GOOD BITS
{The difference of chasing dreams versus living them.} Heiress takes place in a world where women did not have a lot of options – their main objective is to secure the right sort of marriage. Some women live for this, but others dream bigger for independence and perhaps a career. Esme dreams to be a journalist instead of marrying the man that her parents picked out, but is she prepared to leave the glittery world behind and get her hands dirty in the real world? That is the real trial by fire, and Susan May Warren allows this character to both fail and succeed.

{Jinx’s knotty romance.} Granted I wouldn’t wish anyone to go through what Jinx went through in the romance department, but it was so deliciously twisted that I flew through the pages to find out how it would all unravel. A heartbreaking nightmare of a love triangle, but when things were good, they were happy-good. The beauty of this particular storyline is how tragic and real it felt – how many women have been trapped like Jinx? How many had to let go of an impossible love to survive? It was riveting. It was raw. It was real – and I ate up every word of it!

THE BAD BITS
{Combination of 2 storylines.} It works for certain books. I don’t think it was a major issue for Heiress, but when I got invested in one sister, I wanted to see her story through to the very end without any interruptions from the other sister. Susan May Warren gives us nice chunks of time with each sister, but I wished the story did not have to alternate – and perhaps each sister would get their own individual book.

{Just a smidge of Christian fiction?} I expected a more obvious Christian message somewhere within these pages, but I could not put a finger to it for the life of me. Granted, a good way to describe Heiress is a more wholesome Gossip Girl. Scandal and unfaithful husbands are still running around, but how does a Christian woman survive in such a society? Can she hold onto her faith when society kicks her to the curb? The problem that I have is that I did not really see Esme or Jinx struggling with their faith as much as the simple fact that life is unfair to women.

THE OVERALL
I think Susan May Warren is onto something with this latest series, and I admit some curiosity as to how the sisters will fare in the future after the ending. Heiress is quite enjoyable – not too historical, not too scandalous – just the right amount of both. More of a quiet and thoughtful piece on the trials for women living on the cusp of independence. (less)

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Oct 12, 2011 Ruth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Two sisters, raised in New York City during the Guilded Age, make different choices, each seeking success as she understood it. Esme is her father's daughter. She wants to be in the news business, and is even contributing anonymously (and without her father's knowledge) to her father's newspaper. Jinx wants to marry a rich man, but her father won't let her marry until her older sister does, and Esme keeps rejecting suitors. Finally, their father arranges a marriage for Esme, but things don't go...more

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Oct 04, 2011 Laurie Carlson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-novel, a-girl, a-couple, a-boy, a-story, character-female, character-male, dress, families, family, father, fashion, historical-christian-fiction, husband, marriage, married, mother, montana, newspaper, received-from-litfuse-publicity-boo, relationships, sisters

“Heiress, Daughters of Fortune” series, Book 1 of 3, by Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren has done it again! Her writing is one of the best! She has written this epic novel that is so engaging I felt as if I was right there in 1896 with the August Price family. I felt like I was in Esme’s dressing room, getting ready for the ball, at the ball with her, and more. I could relate to Esme much more than I could to Jinx, her sister. Susan May Warren has such a gift with her characters that she pulls t...more “Heiress, Daughters of Fortune” series, Book 1 of 3, by Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren has done it again! Her writing is one of the best! She has written this epic novel that is so engaging I felt as if I was right there in 1896 with the August Price family. I felt like I was in Esme’s dressing room, getting ready for the ball, at the ball with her, and more. I could relate to Esme much more than I could to Jinx, her sister. Susan May Warren has such a gift with her characters that she pulls the reader right into whatever story she writes about. She can write about anything and it’ as if you are right there! It makes the book go by so fast, that is the only downside. I’m ready now for Book 2 in this 3 book series!
This book is an epic saga taking place during the Gilded Age, which starts on 5th Avenue in New York City, in 1895. It is about a prestigious family, the newspaper magnate, August Price.
His oldest daughter, Esme, is the first Debutante of the two sisters, whose name is Esme. She is the main character in this book, along with her younger sister, Jinx. Esme is the oldest daughter, and the first to make her debut as a Debutante. It is desired by her family to marry first, and her mother already knows who she wants her to marry. Foster Worth. Esme is not so sure she wants to marry Foster Worth. As we read this captivating story, Esme has very high hopes and aspirations for her life of becoming a Journalist and traveling the world. She is bored of just ‘being’ where she lives and sees herself traveling the world as the Journalist she so desperately wants to become. She does not want to marry, even though she must so her younger sister can. If she does not marry, her younger sister cannot. Esme and Jinx, both, wish they were born the other way around especially since that way she would not feel so much pressure to have to marry. Esme finds the events the other prestigious families’ in this area host as being tiresome and boring. Esme has much bigger and better things planned to do with her life rather than playing this dress up game night after tiring night, wearing tight corsets in which she can barely breathe, wearing the heavy ornate ball gowns, having her mother check her dance card continuously, and never stop talking about whom she should and should not marry. Esme wants much more out of life than what is at her feet at this moment. She is already sneaking articles into her own father’s newspaper without his knowing it, under a pen name.
After Esme proclaims she will marry Foster Worth, an old friend comes along and professes his love for Esme, going back to childhood. She considers this and decides she loves him as well. She goes after him. She ends up finding him in the tenements, of which do not smell good, the people are less than desired, as well as the rooms inside. This is where he lives? Regardless, she still loves him. She ends up disappearing.
Esme’s sister, Jinx, is especially happy to be able to get to go in to her father’s office at home and break the news to him that Esme is missing.
Thus starts the epic tale of these two sisters. Each going separate ways, and much later in life, coming back together again, after many trials and tribulations the two of them have endured.
This is a “can’t miss” book, and one of my favorites of 2011!. This book is a page turner. You want to know what happens next. I found this book very difficult to put down. When I did put it down, it was all I could think about.
As I said above, Susan May Warren did it again! She can take ‘any’ story and give it her magic touch, and ‘poof’! There you are feeling like you are ‘in’ the story! I can’t WAIT until Book 2!
5 out of 5 from me!
A HUGE Thank You to LitFuse for allowing me the PURE ENJOYMENT of reading this book! THANK YOU!
Laurie
I received this book for “FREE” from LitFuse Publicity and the Publisher, Summerside, through their Book Reviewer’s Program in exchange to read and write a review about this book. It is NOT required for my review I write to be either positive or negative, but, “of my own opinion.” I was NOT provided with “ANY” monies to accept this book, “NOR” to read it, NOR were “ANY” monies given to me to write the review for this book. All that was ‘expected’ of me was to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. Again, the opinions expressed for and about this book are ‘of my own opinion’. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
(less)

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Oct 03, 2011 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, christian-historical-fiction, romance-fiction

What if you could buy anything you wanted, at any time? What if you had servants to wait on your every desire...had numerous glorious homes, clothing, and jewelry...and could take extended vacations on a whim? Would you be happy? Or is there something deeper about life that money cannot buy?

Yet underneath all of that money and power lies stories of adultery, murder, embezzlement and unrest. People who will never be satisfied. People who thirst for more out of a life that has already given them "...more What if you could buy anything you wanted, at any time? What if you had servants to wait on your every desire...had numerous glorious homes, clothing, and jewelry...and could take extended vacations on a whim? Would you be happy? Or is there something deeper about life that money cannot buy?

Yet underneath all of that money and power lies stories of adultery, murder, embezzlement and unrest. People who will never be satisfied. People who thirst for more out of a life that has already given them "everything."

Yet the one thing they are searching for remains, because it's the one thing money can't buy and that's love. Yet they simply didn't realize that they couldn't buy it.

Set in the 1896, two Price sisters are about to experience this over the course of their lives in the novel, Heiress by Susan May Warren. Esme is the oldest, therefore, she is the one who will be promised and married into an affluent family that will only increase the financial holdings of her family as well as enlarge her influence in society circles of such elite as the Astors, Vanderbilts, Carnegies, Rockfellers, Roosevelts and JP Morgans. However Esme has no such desire for the world of the opulent and wealthy. She desires to be a journalist, speaking out against the crimes against the lower working class people in America, only women were not encouraged to share in this type of work, even though her father, newspaper magnate, August Price owns the Chronicle. Will she rebel against her families wishes for marriage or will she find her place in society after all despite her longing for love?

However, the social circles and lifestyles of the wealthy appeal to her younger sister, Jinx and she can't wait for her older sister to be married so she can be seen by the wealthy men and hopes to marry soon. When she realizes that Esme will not marry Foster Worth, a very wealthy man who has proposed to her sister, Jinx and her mother make plans for her to marry him instead. However what Jinx will get from this marriage is not what her heart longs for despite how much money Foster makes. Will she be doomed to a life in a loveless marriage where the only thing Foster wants is a heir to his families fortune?

In the novel, Heiress by Susan May Warren, the reader is in for a surprise as this is a modern day twist on the biblical story of Esau and Issac, where the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. Just when one sister thinks she has it all figured out, she soon learns that that her timing would have saved her from a lifetime of mistakes and pain. This is the first book in the Daughters of Fortune series, and one I simply could not put down once I started it. After finishing it in a few hours, I was immediately sad because it was over so quickly. Yet the message behind it lingered. Too often we may think we know what's best for us, but sometimes it's much better to wait on God's timing in it all.

I received this book compliments of Litfuse Publicity for my honest review and 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. (less)

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Sep 30, 2011 Anne rated it 3 of 5 stars

I confess. I love book covers. This one is stunning!

I've read many of Susan's books but until I readHeiressI 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 inHeiressyou get two heroines in two locales, and it is NEVER confusing!

Esme & Jinx are quite the sisters. Fiercely independent, Esme wishes to marry for love. Traditional to the core, Jinx wishes to marry for socially acceptable reasonsthin...more

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Sep 27, 2011 Valentina rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a rich story of love and betrayal, with many twists and turns that will keep the reader anxious to see what’s going to happen.
The setting is fabulous, with all the Regency period details, all the ball gowns and dog collars that you can imagine, but also with a real grittiness running beneath it. An underground current of deceit and unhappiness. Esme, dreaming of a life as a newspaper woman, cannot fathom being married to someone she doesn’t love, while Jinx, her sister, cannot imagine a...more

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Sep 25, 2011 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Susan May Warren in her new book “Heiress" Book One in the Daughters Of Fortune series published by Summerside Press takes us to The Gilded Age of 1896.

Wealthy newspaper magnate, August Price, has two daughters: Esme and Jinx. Esme, being firstborn, is the heiress and is expected to marry well and follow the rules of society. However, Esme would rather break society rules about what a woman can do and be a writer for the newspaper. What she has to do is write anonymously but all that spins apart...more

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Sep 23, 2011 Courtney rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-historical-fiction, favorites, for-review

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 about August Prices' daughters and how they wanted different things in life and how things turned out for them with the decisions they made along the way. Esme was beautiful and graceful, but she was also a Heiress which meant she was meant to be married off to the highest bidder. Esme had no in...more 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 about August Prices' daughters and how they wanted different things in life and how things turned out for them with the decisions they made along the way. Esme was beautiful and graceful, but she was also a Heiress which meant she was meant to be married off to the highest bidder. Esme had no interest in the rules of high society and she was adamant that she would marry for love along and she would become an amazing female journalist!

Jinx was Esme's younger sister and wanted more than anything to be the Heiress and marry a wealthy man and become the center in high society. Jinx wanted everything Esme didn't, if only they could switch who was born first!!

Author Susan May Warren completely astounded me with this new series titled the Daughters of Fortune!! Right from the beginning I was completely invested in the passionate love stories of Esme and her sister Jinx!

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!

The story starts off with the 2 sisters together and then splits off into each of their own personal lives and then it comes together again when the sisters are reunited after years of separation. This is a story of opposites; one sister chooses wealth and status, the other chooses love and poverty.

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!!

I highly recommend Heiress to any fan of the Gilded Ages, Christian historical fiction, Edgy Christian fiction and romance readers!!

Content: Some minor things to mention: this book is about marriages and like I mentioned before there is adultery and some violence. I would recommend this book for mature audience only.

A Big Thank You to Litfuse for providing a review copy of the book. I was not obligated to provide a positive review. (less)

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Jul 27, 2011 Viviane Crystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Who am I? When one has been raised in the wealthy society of the Gilded Age in the late 1800s, one has a book of rules, Godey's Lady's Book, to scrupulously follow if one would be successful as a debutante and respected society female. Esme and Jinx Price have opposite dreams, the former to become a famous journalist and the latter to be the envy of her social class after making a prize marriage with a wealthy gentleman. Indeed, Jinx little by little is falling in love with the man Esme is suppo...more Who am I? When one has been raised in the wealthy society of the Gilded Age in the late 1800s, one has a book of rules, Godey's Lady's Book, to scrupulously follow if one would be successful as a debutante and respected society female. Esme and Jinx Price have opposite dreams, the former to become a famous journalist and the latter to be the envy of her social class after making a prize marriage with a wealthy gentleman. Indeed, Jinx little by little is falling in love with the man Esme is supposed to marry, Foster Worth, a genuine cad for sure!

Esme, however, has a secret, a butler's son who loves her and wants to marry her; he even nurtures her passion for journalism by having her stories submitted as "Anonymous Writer" to Esme's father's newspaper, The New York Chronicle. Jinx and her mother are responsible for the most outrageous machination, designed to save the family's fortune but that truly seems to bring ruin to all involved.

Esme will lose one love and escape to Silver City, Montana where she will start her own small newspaper, fight for the causes she believes in, and meet a man who will briefly love her in the truest sense of the word but not until she suffers a great deal of poverty and prejudice because she is a woman working in a man's trade. Jinx, on the other hand, gets her man but the relationship turns out to be a dark nightmare, exacerbated by the presence of one family member she shares a very dark secret with, as well as a passionate love!

Heiress is full of dreams, adventures, disappointments, passion, secrets, battles, bloodshed, fistfights, murder, and more that make the pages fly. Words of faith begin to resonate in all of these characters, offering a peace that passes the understanding of most people restlessly pursuing their devastating and chaotic goals, conforming without thinking or feeling about a larger purpose for living.

Susan May Warren's first novel in this Daughters of Fortune series is guaranteed to leave you wanting to read the next book in the series soon. She knows how to spin a multilevel plot with varied characters, together with constant changes that surprise the reader as well as the characters. Heiress is peaceful, frantic, passionate, and inspiring - a superb combination, Ms. Warren!(less)

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Apr 13, 2013 Annie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to Annie by: Sydney

Shelves: historical-fiction

Even though I only gave it two stars, I'm sure other people would like this book. It's well written; I liked the way it stretched across time and the shifts in society and culture that created was almost interesting.

At first the whole thing seemed so predictable. And it was because everything I expected, happened. But then the story twisted and I found that almost innovative.

I only had two issues with it.
1 - there was too much description. Which is exactly the sort of thing other people would...more

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Mar 03, 2013 Kimberly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-historical

I've always enjoyed books by this author but this one was a bit disappointing. Esme is the oldest daughter with Jinx being the only other child of a newspaper magnate. Raised in incredible luxury at the end of the 19th century Esme doesn't have the heart or mindset to be the debutante her parents want and need her to be. To procure a husband of greater wealth to save their families (neither daughter knows this of course.) She's very much her father's daughter and her heart's choice changes every...more

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Apr 15, 2012 Tami rated it 5 of 5 stars

August Prices’ daughters couldn’t be any more unlike. Esme was beautiful and had a natural grace about her but wanted no part of high society. She refused to marry for anything less than love and dreamed of writing for her father’s paper.

Perhaps Jinx would have made a better older sister. She couldn’t wait to be presented to society, find a good match, and take her rightful place. Jinx wanted everything that Esme cared so little about.

Life has a funny way of giving you exactly what you wish for,...more

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May 12, 2013 Gail Starr rated it 4 of 5 stars

Up until the last chapter I would have given this book 5 stars, but I didn't like the ending, it was jsut too dramatic!

The time frame of the story is the Gilded Era of the Astors, the Vanderbilts, the Worths, the JP Morgan etc. The lavish lifestyle of the elite in society while the servants and commn working people were suffering.The main charactor's are sisters Esme and Jinx Price. One sister wants the life of high society and schemes to make sure she marries the best catch of the social seaso...more

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Sep 25, 2011 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: received-for-review

Heiress is an exciting and complex historical novel that makes the Gilded Age and the early 1900s in America come alive!

Heiress follows two sisters, the daughters of an affluent newspaper publisher, who take very different paths in life. The youngest, Jinx, marries well (the man her older sister refused to marry) and gains wealth and status but also a loveless and unhappy marriage. The older sister, Esme, leaves her wealthy existence to make her own life on the frontier as the owner of a small-t...more Heiress is an exciting and complex historical novel that makes the Gilded Age and the early 1900s in America come alive!

Heiress follows two sisters, the daughters of an affluent newspaper publisher, who take very different paths in life. The youngest, Jinx, marries well (the man her older sister refused to marry) and gains wealth and status but also a loveless and unhappy marriage. The older sister, Esme, leaves her wealthy existence to make her own life on the frontier as the owner of a small-town newspaper, determined to prove to herself and to her father that she has what it takes to succeed in the newspaper business and in life. Each sister lives her life experiencing love and heartbreaking loss. When the two are brought together again by scandal and a murder mystery, they find understanding and support in each other that they hadn't expected. Each also gets a second chance at love.

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.

The settings were another big bonus for me. It was interesting to experience high society in Gilded Age New York through the eyes of Esme and Jinx because each of them saw it so differently! Esme's experiences out West also really caught my interest, partly because I just got done teaching a unit on the mining industries of the West in the late 1800s. The topic was fresh in my mind and this book's portrayal of it was exciting and gritty. The author really did an excellent job at weaving in historical details about clothing styles, social activities, the newspaper industry, mining operations, and more. I always appreciate when historical fiction authors take the history part seriously. She succeeded in making history come alive for me.

This was a fantastic work of historical fiction from an author who has wowed me yet again. I highly recommend this book to fans of Christian historical fiction and historical romance, and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!(less)

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Aug 31, 2012 Kaylin rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm a little unsure of what to rate this book. Some parts I liked and found touching. Other parts I rolled my eyes at. The Christian morals came a bit too suddenly for my tastes. I felt that they could have been more subtly brought in and it would have had a better effect.

The parts I rolled my eyes at were in two places: the parts that seemed a little overly sappy to me, and the times when the author used oh as a sentence. These often happened in the same places, and I don't know why, but it a

...more

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May 19, 2013 Carrie Olguin rated it 3 of 5 stars

This story isn't a romance novel nor is it written in romance novel style. It's more of a one generation epic about the Price family, with a Christian bent.

There are two daughters, born from a wealthy family. The eldest, Esme, wants to be a reporter. But as a woman from a wealthy New York family with social asperations, her dream is denied in favor of a betrothal to a wealthy man. She falls in love with a photographer she's known since childhood. She struggles with the choice: leave behind her l...more This story isn't a romance novel nor is it written in romance novel style. It's more of a one generation epic about the Price family, with a Christian bent.

There are two daughters, born from a wealthy family. The eldest, Esme, wants to be a reporter. But as a woman from a wealthy New York family with social asperations, her dream is denied in favor of a betrothal to a wealthy man. She falls in love with a photographer she's known since childhood. She struggles with the choice: leave behind her life of wealth to marry for love and possibly live in poverty. Yeah, that's a tough choice. And she wavers, quite a bit.

Her younger sister, Jinx, is a social climber and fancies herself in love with Esme's fiance. She wants to marry a wealthy man and live in high society. So when she disovers her sister kissing the photographer, she scemes to trade places, to steal her sister's life. And with her mother's help, and a handful of lies, she suceeds.

And it goes on from there, covering just less than twenty years of the lives of these two women, the men they love and the men they marry (not always one and the same).

The moral seems to be that even rich people are not happy without God's love and blessings from God don't come in the form of money or posessions but in knowing He is always there, watching an protecting and forgiving.

Yeah, well, those are themes the church uses to make the not rich people feel guilty for wanting more. I'm certain there are unhappy rich people out there, but most of them seem pretty dang happy to me. Is the President unhappy? What about our congessment? Most of them are millionairs. How about the heads of banks and major corporations with their huge bonuses? Yes, many of these people behave wickedly - and happy to do so. But so long as we not-rich people are convinced that they rich are unhappy, we're supposed to overlook the fact that in the last five eyars or so, the rich have increased their yearly income, while the rest of us have all taken pay cuts.

But I digress...

Oh, the one happy rich guy dies a hero as a way to redeem himself for a youthful mistake. Aw, only in fiction...

I would have enjoyed the story more if it hadn't gotten preechy at times. The story is compelling and surprising and a nice break from the romance format I normally read.(less)

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Sep 28, 2011 Lydia (Overweight Bookshelf) rated it 5 of 5 stars

First reviewed here: http://overweight-bookshelf.blogspot....

Money can't buy you happiness, but this book can guarantee you a few hours of it.

This 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 agains...more

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Sep 27, 2011 Christy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

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 autho...more

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Jul 16, 2012 LeAnne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, historical-fiction, adult-fiction, romance

This fascinating glimpse into the constrained world of New York high society reminded me of the scene from the movie Titanic when a rebellious Rose watches a little girl of her own wealthy class being forced to sit stiffly and "properly." We know already how unnatural these values are and we long to see our characters break free of them.

Unlike most modern romances (that alternate POV between the would-be lovers), the story is told from the points of view of two rival sisters (whom the author li...more

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Oct 01, 2011 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour-book, christianfiction, historicalfiction, forreview, favorite-2011

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! I've read ten of her books and have ten more (at least) that I own or have started. Her historical fiction is far superior in quality because it's full of deep, heart-felt insight on a level that her contemporary novels don't quite touch. I used to think Sons of Thunder was her best book...more 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! I've read ten of her books and have ten more (at least) that I own or have started. Her historical fiction is far superior in quality because it's full of deep, heart-felt insight on a level that her contemporary novels don't quite touch. I used to think Sons of Thunder was her best book because it was so intense and fabulous, but this novel even tops that one.

In my opinion, Susan is clearly gifted when it comes to writing historical romance. 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.

Anyway, a few times I was agonizing over the story line. I felt like yelling into the book and saying nooooo! Talk about torturing your reader with the characters' conflicts! I was feeling their regrets and wishing they had made better choices too. My heart hurt for them. I was living this story! That's great writing.

Things I admired most about this novel was it was brave, honest, and well told. How many Christian authors have their characters actually admitting to themselves that something was very wrong that happened, but it led to something that was very right...like understanding true love for the first time in their lives? There were some tender scenes that included passionate gazes and kisses filled with so much longing. The intense emotion in this novel was palpable at times. And the heroes were so lovable.

Many contemporary topics were covered that were relevant back in the Gilded Age just like they are now. Infidelity, spousal abuse, the love of money and position, and pride over appearances to name a few. I loved how the author tied so many truths into each character's struggle with their desire to know true love and with learning to receive forgiveness. The heroes were each, in their own way, models of Christ. They were committed to the heiresses, patient and willing to forgive. But unlike Jesus, the heroes weren't perfect. I loved that too. I didn't find the spiritual thread heavy handed, but it was clearly present. I like how the author showed their spiritual journeys in a way that was culturally relevant to the times. I loved how she referred to D. L. Moody and some of his famous sermons as well.

This was a great book. But I have to warn you that it's addicting. I literally struggled with having to go to work when what I really wanted to do was stay home and read this novel. 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. (less)

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About Susan May Warren

I can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.

I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.

Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the Unive...more I can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.

I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.

Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.

Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.

Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.

Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.

I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.

I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.

God Bless and Happy Reading!

In His Grip,
Susan May Warren(less)

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“I think God's blessing might have everything to do with Him and His riches, and nothing to do with whether we deserve it.” — 3 people liked it

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Heiress (Daughters of Fortune #1)

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