The Bowes Inheritance
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The Bowes Inheritance
by Pam Lecky
Edition: ebook, 2015
Synopsis: Historical Romance with a Dash of Rebellion
Dublin 1882: When determined but impoverished Louisa Campbell inherits a large estate in the north of England, from an uncle she didn’t even know existed, it appears to be the answer to her prayers. Her younger sister, Eleanor, is gravely ill, and believing that the country air will benefit her, they decide to take up residence at Bowes Farm, situated on the Cumberland coast.
However, they soon realise that all they have inherited is trouble. Their uncle had managed to alienate almost everyone in the area and worst of all, was suspected of being a Fenian activist. His reputation leaves Louisa and Eleanor battling to gain acceptance in polite society, especially with Nicholas Maxwell, their handsome neighbour and local magistrate. His father was cheated out of the farm during a card game fifteen years before and he is determined to get the property back.
Louisa unearths secrets from their family’s past that threaten their future while the spectre of their mysterious benefactor overshadows everything. When a Fenian bombing campaign comes close to home, Louisa finds herself a chief suspect and must fight to clear her name. She must dig deep to find the courage to solve the mysteries that Bowes Farm holds before their lives are destroyed. And most importantly of all, will she be able to finally trust and love the man who is surely her sworn enemy?
When informed of an inheritance from an uncle they didn’t know they had, the Campbell sisters are relieved to escape the life of poverty their orphaned status had left them in. On arriving at Bowes farm, however, Louisa discovers life may not be peaceful as their closest new neighbor is set against them.
Louisa’s determination from the start was admirable. She wanted nothing more than to provide a healthy home for her ailing sister. She refused to allow Nicholas Maxwell’s suspicions, accusations, and cold manner to sway her. Nicholas’ attitude is easy to understand as well, even if it became tiresome.
Some plot points were rather easy to guess at, but there is a deeper mystery that kept me guessing. The romance was a bit unbelievable given the antagonism on both sides through the majority of the novel. Why would either one fall in love with such angry words and behaviors?
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to readers looking for a historical novel with a strong heroine. I was given a copy for reviewing purposes.
