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The Heywood Inheritance
The Reluctant Heiress
When Sir Miles Heywood's eccentric will was read, his granddaughter Sara became not only the mistress of a great house, but the target of her greedy relatives' devious designs.
After a lifetime of service to her grandfather, Sara was eager for the gaiety that Regency England could offer. But while she was far too passionate a woman to turn her back on love, Sara was also far too shrewd to trust all the indecently attractive gentlemen who suddenly vied for her hand.
Even as she laughingly listened to her handsome suitors' proposals, Sara knew that at least one of those charming young men was engaged in a desperate plot, and that she was gambling her heart in a game where the sweetest promises might well turn into the cruelest lies.
When Sir Miles Heywood's eccentric will was read, his granddaughter Sara became not only the mistress of a great house, but the target of her greedy relatives' devious designs.
After a lifetime of service to her grandfather, Sara was eager for the gaiety that Regency England could offer. But while she was far too passionate a woman to turn her back on love, Sara was also far too shrewd to trust all the indecently attractive gentlemen who suddenly vied for her hand.
Even as she laughingly listened to her handsome suitors' proposals, Sara knew that at least one of those charming young men was engaged in a desperate plot, and that she was gambling her heart in a game where the sweetest promises might well turn into the cruelest lies.
191 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 4, 2014
3.5 stars - above average
This is another of the books I picked up for the AAR Back to School challenge. One of the prompts for Saturday is Read a book where the hero or heroine is or becomes wealthy- so this one immediately jumped out at me from the pile of second-hand paperbacks by the bed!
It proved to be an entertaining story, although much more of a mystery than a romance, which just “happens” in the final pages and even then, isn’t especially romantic! That said, however, the book is well-written, with a great deal of wit and a heroine who is thoroughly engaging and level-headed, showing none of the TSTL tendencies of so many of the “heroines-in-peril” one encounters in romantic mysteries.
The Heywood Inheritance was originally published in 1975, and, like many Regency romances of that era, comes in at around the two-hundred-page mark (191 to be exact!) It’s concise, but never feels rushed and although the storyline seems a little dark – the heroine’s life is in danger because she has just inherited a great deal of money and property – it’s handled with a light, sure touch.
Sara Heywood has spent the last four years as the sole carer for her elderly grandfather, having lived at the family home of Wildon Abbey all her life. At the beginning of the book, her family is gathered there to hear the reading of the late Sir Miles’ will, and to her shock, she discovers that he has left her everything until such time as she marries or dies. At that time, everyone else – her brother, cousins and aunt – will receive their not inconsiderable bequests and Sara will have a dowry of fifty-thousand pounds.
Because of the inclement weather – the local roads are flooded – Sara suddenly finds herself as the hostess of the house party from hell. She and her brother, Neville, have never really got on, and he’s incandescent with rage that she has received the inheritance he regards as his by right, being the only son of Sir Miles’ only son. His recent marriage to the daughter of a wealthy merchant was allowed because of his expectation of becoming the owner of a large and prestigious estate and his new wife is singularly unimpressed by his lowered status.
Sara’s great-aunt Elvira – one of those no-nonsense elderly ladies so beloved in historical romance – quickly points out that her cousins – Laurence, Marcus and Miles – will probably want to marry her, or do away with her, and that the latter option could also apply to her brother given the massive sums of money at stake. At first, she can’t believe that anyone could want to do her harm, but it soon becomes clear to her that her life is, indeed, in danger.
The setting reminds me somewhat of one of those scenes so beloved of mysteries wherein all the suspects congregate to hear the unravelling of the plot and unmasking of the wrongdoer. In fact, there are several of such gatherings throughout the book, as everyone appears to protest their innocence and account for their whereabouts following an attempt on Sara’s life (there are three or four!) This is the only aspect of the story where I felt things were a little heavy-handed – the rest of it is very deftly written, with plenty of humour in the exchanges between Sara and Elvira and Sara and Marcus.
In such a short book, there isn’t much room for character development, but the author does draw the family dynamics well and swiftly. Miles is still somewhat under his mother’s thumb, even though he is now a viscount. Unfortunately, his is an empty title, his father having run through the family fortune and left him and his mother with very little. Laurence resides with his uncle in London, and is, like many of the young bucks his age, in debt. He’s very charming and concerned for Sara, suggesting to her that it might be safer for her to agree to pretend to be engaged to him while they try to work out who is trying to harm her.
Marcus seems to be the black sheep of the family, as none of his relatives seem to think much of him or have a good word to say for him – apart from Elvira, who appreciates his good advice and his sense of humour. He’s handsome, authoritative and has a wonderfully irreverent manner which he is well aware rubs most of his relations up the wrong way!
Sara is a very likeable heroine; forthright, sensible and also possessed of wit and charm. She’s not happy with the situation, but is more likely to want to hit something than mope about it:
As soon as he [Neville] made his escape Sara laid her head on the table and worked her finger into her admirable coiffeure.
“I think,” she announced, with careful restraint, “that I am going to scream.”
“No sense in that –you’ll have ‘em all back again,” Elvira pointed out, practical to the last.
“It is all very well to apply common sense, but I warn you, Aunt, that another few days of this and I shall be beyond reason!” She stood up purposefully. “I shall try the healing powers of a little solitude. I am going for a ride, and don’t dare to tell the others!”
“Don’t get lost,” Elvira advised. “What shall I say if they should ask for you?”
“Oh… that I am clearning out the attics or consulting in the kitchen! Anything!”
I admit I had no idea whodunnit until it was finally revealed. Miles, Laurence and Marcus are concerned gentlemen, none of whom seems a likely suspect. The reveal, when it comes, is fast and quite simple, which made me wonder if the author had decided on the exact identity of the villain before writing the book! Even the character who is clearly designated as the romantic hero (although as I’ve said, there isn’t much romance) acts in ways which give cause for suspicion, which is a clever move, as the reader is never quite certain of her conclusions.
The Heywood Inheritance is an above average read, even though it lacks certain elements we’ve come to expect in romance these days - I’m not talking about sex scenes, but about character and relationship development. Still, the story was very skilfully written and possessed plenty of wit and humour. There are certainly worse ways to spend a few hours.
This is another of the books I picked up for the AAR Back to School challenge. One of the prompts for Saturday is Read a book where the hero or heroine is or becomes wealthy- so this one immediately jumped out at me from the pile of second-hand paperbacks by the bed!
It proved to be an entertaining story, although much more of a mystery than a romance, which just “happens” in the final pages and even then, isn’t especially romantic! That said, however, the book is well-written, with a great deal of wit and a heroine who is thoroughly engaging and level-headed, showing none of the TSTL tendencies of so many of the “heroines-in-peril” one encounters in romantic mysteries.
The Heywood Inheritance was originally published in 1975, and, like many Regency romances of that era, comes in at around the two-hundred-page mark (191 to be exact!) It’s concise, but never feels rushed and although the storyline seems a little dark – the heroine’s life is in danger because she has just inherited a great deal of money and property – it’s handled with a light, sure touch.
Sara Heywood has spent the last four years as the sole carer for her elderly grandfather, having lived at the family home of Wildon Abbey all her life. At the beginning of the book, her family is gathered there to hear the reading of the late Sir Miles’ will, and to her shock, she discovers that he has left her everything until such time as she marries or dies. At that time, everyone else – her brother, cousins and aunt – will receive their not inconsiderable bequests and Sara will have a dowry of fifty-thousand pounds.
Because of the inclement weather – the local roads are flooded – Sara suddenly finds herself as the hostess of the house party from hell. She and her brother, Neville, have never really got on, and he’s incandescent with rage that she has received the inheritance he regards as his by right, being the only son of Sir Miles’ only son. His recent marriage to the daughter of a wealthy merchant was allowed because of his expectation of becoming the owner of a large and prestigious estate and his new wife is singularly unimpressed by his lowered status.
Sara’s great-aunt Elvira – one of those no-nonsense elderly ladies so beloved in historical romance – quickly points out that her cousins – Laurence, Marcus and Miles – will probably want to marry her, or do away with her, and that the latter option could also apply to her brother given the massive sums of money at stake. At first, she can’t believe that anyone could want to do her harm, but it soon becomes clear to her that her life is, indeed, in danger.
The setting reminds me somewhat of one of those scenes so beloved of mysteries wherein all the suspects congregate to hear the unravelling of the plot and unmasking of the wrongdoer. In fact, there are several of such gatherings throughout the book, as everyone appears to protest their innocence and account for their whereabouts following an attempt on Sara’s life (there are three or four!) This is the only aspect of the story where I felt things were a little heavy-handed – the rest of it is very deftly written, with plenty of humour in the exchanges between Sara and Elvira and Sara and Marcus.
In such a short book, there isn’t much room for character development, but the author does draw the family dynamics well and swiftly. Miles is still somewhat under his mother’s thumb, even though he is now a viscount. Unfortunately, his is an empty title, his father having run through the family fortune and left him and his mother with very little. Laurence resides with his uncle in London, and is, like many of the young bucks his age, in debt. He’s very charming and concerned for Sara, suggesting to her that it might be safer for her to agree to pretend to be engaged to him while they try to work out who is trying to harm her.
Marcus seems to be the black sheep of the family, as none of his relatives seem to think much of him or have a good word to say for him – apart from Elvira, who appreciates his good advice and his sense of humour. He’s handsome, authoritative and has a wonderfully irreverent manner which he is well aware rubs most of his relations up the wrong way!
Sara is a very likeable heroine; forthright, sensible and also possessed of wit and charm. She’s not happy with the situation, but is more likely to want to hit something than mope about it:
As soon as he [Neville] made his escape Sara laid her head on the table and worked her finger into her admirable coiffeure.
“I think,” she announced, with careful restraint, “that I am going to scream.”
“No sense in that –you’ll have ‘em all back again,” Elvira pointed out, practical to the last.
“It is all very well to apply common sense, but I warn you, Aunt, that another few days of this and I shall be beyond reason!” She stood up purposefully. “I shall try the healing powers of a little solitude. I am going for a ride, and don’t dare to tell the others!”
“Don’t get lost,” Elvira advised. “What shall I say if they should ask for you?”
“Oh… that I am clearning out the attics or consulting in the kitchen! Anything!”
I admit I had no idea whodunnit until it was finally revealed. Miles, Laurence and Marcus are concerned gentlemen, none of whom seems a likely suspect. The reveal, when it comes, is fast and quite simple, which made me wonder if the author had decided on the exact identity of the villain before writing the book! Even the character who is clearly designated as the romantic hero (although as I’ve said, there isn’t much romance) acts in ways which give cause for suspicion, which is a clever move, as the reader is never quite certain of her conclusions.
The Heywood Inheritance is an above average read, even though it lacks certain elements we’ve come to expect in romance these days - I’m not talking about sex scenes, but about character and relationship development. Still, the story was very skilfully written and possessed plenty of wit and humour. There are certainly worse ways to spend a few hours.
May 18, 2018
2.50 stars - mild pg13 (secular “clean” traditional regency – possible use of: mild cursing/profanity, mention of mistresses, gambling, drinking, etc. -- see below)
This book started good -- there were some really funny/witty lines in the first two chapters (and occasionally later on) -- and then it somewhat went downhill. It could have been a sharp, excellent English country house story of greed, romance, and murder-mystery, but it ended up being a rather lukewarm version of that. None of it – the mystery, the romance, the characters, the details – was really all that “fleshed-out”, believable or sparkling. Had it at all resembled the vibrant cover-blurb, it would have been a great story; but I found it to be missing the very passion, desperation and charm mentioned on that same blurb. I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, and this one was an okay story, but in some ways, it felt like, perhaps, it was the author’s first attempt at writing a novel. Many little details just didn’t fit or make sense. I never really “felt” the characters -- they weren’t written in such a way that I was invested in any of them (except maybe Aunt Elvira), or really even rooting for any one of the particular suitors. The heroine’s character was written in a way that left me conflicted as to what she was truly like (clueless or aware?, impulsive or logical?, too-stupid-to-live or a shrewd cookie?, fearful or brave?, dull or witty?, take-charge or timid?, etc.); there were way too many moments where she suddenly became tstl and put her own life in danger (my eyeballs were rolling). I knew who the Hero would end up being and, overall, I quite enjoyed him, but there was pretty much zilch romance in this book. The resolution to the story was good, but also sort of on the “blah” side. The whole thing had great potential but was just not written as well as the author’s other stories. I would only read this, if I was on a quest to read all of the five books she wrote, and then, only after reading some of her better novels such as Entanglement, The Marriage Masque or Vanessa.
This book was originally published in England as The Heywood Inheritance (a much more suitable title in my opinion!). I read the American publication paperback entitled The Love Match and, ugh!!, was the print ever TINY in that paperback!!
This book started good -- there were some really funny/witty lines in the first two chapters (and occasionally later on) -- and then it somewhat went downhill. It could have been a sharp, excellent English country house story of greed, romance, and murder-mystery, but it ended up being a rather lukewarm version of that. None of it – the mystery, the romance, the characters, the details – was really all that “fleshed-out”, believable or sparkling. Had it at all resembled the vibrant cover-blurb, it would have been a great story; but I found it to be missing the very passion, desperation and charm mentioned on that same blurb. I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, and this one was an okay story, but in some ways, it felt like, perhaps, it was the author’s first attempt at writing a novel. Many little details just didn’t fit or make sense. I never really “felt” the characters -- they weren’t written in such a way that I was invested in any of them (except maybe Aunt Elvira), or really even rooting for any one of the particular suitors. The heroine’s character was written in a way that left me conflicted as to what she was truly like (clueless or aware?, impulsive or logical?, too-stupid-to-live or a shrewd cookie?, fearful or brave?, dull or witty?, take-charge or timid?, etc.); there were way too many moments where she suddenly became tstl and put her own life in danger (my eyeballs were rolling). I knew who the Hero would end up being and, overall, I quite enjoyed him, but there was pretty much zilch romance in this book. The resolution to the story was good, but also sort of on the “blah” side. The whole thing had great potential but was just not written as well as the author’s other stories. I would only read this, if I was on a quest to read all of the five books she wrote, and then, only after reading some of her better novels such as Entanglement, The Marriage Masque or Vanessa.
This book was originally published in England as The Heywood Inheritance (a much more suitable title in my opinion!). I read the American publication paperback entitled The Love Match and, ugh!!, was the print ever TINY in that paperback!!
August 20, 2023
Sara Heywood didn't expect to become an heiress to a large and rambling manor. She just wanted a legacy that would allow her to live in a small village, far away from the damp country she's grown up in. Instead, she is given the house, as long as she lives in it, until she marries. No one else in her family will receive their inheritance either. Her great aunt points out that she could solve everyone's problems by marrying one of her three cousins. It's probable that they (or Sara's brother) might try to knock her off instead as Sara's death would also release the manor. And there are some very suspicious things happening to Sara....
This was more a mystery than a romance (which is the reason I had it on my list in the first place) but entertaining for all of it's brevity.
This was more a mystery than a romance (which is the reason I had it on my list in the first place) but entertaining for all of it's brevity.
January 3, 2021
All your family wants to murder you, or you can marry one of 3 cousins. Way harsh. Also, gross. No thanks
September 21, 2023
Do not read this book on the basis of the blurb. If the person who wrote it read the book at all, they probably realized that they could not be honest about the story and sell it as a romance so they wrote all this nonsense about the passionate heroine and her suitors. There's even a little thing before the story begins that describes the heroine's "suitors" that's totally off. Since Catherine Fellows seems to be often compared to Georgette Heyer, I'd say this book resembles The Reluctant Widow. If you go expecting a romance, you'll be sorely disappointed. The romance is pretty much nil. Just keep your mind open and enjoy the story for what it is: a mystery set in Regency England with a bit of a gothic feel.
I have read other Fellows books and I liked them, but there was something about this one that captivated me right away. It's hard to put my finger on it, but it was probably a mix of the writing, the heroine, and the setting. Sara Heywood took care of her grandfather on his final years. He was a difficult man, and she's glad to finally be able to leave his house and be independent of her family. Unfortunately, instead of leaving her a nice inheritance, Sir Miles leaves her 250 pound annuity and the use of the estate until she marries or dies. He also gives her a dowry of 50K. Aside from this blow, the problem is that his other heirs will only inherit once the estate is sold so, in order to get their money, some want Sara to marry while one person wants her dead. Unfortunately for her, they are stranded in the house due to bad weather and flooding, so Sara cannot avoid her difficult relations and murder attempts.
I liked Sara right away. She's an older heroine (25) and very level-headed. She does not want a season or to get married necessarily, she just wants some freedom and independence after dealing with her difficult grandfather. It took me a little while to get all family members straight but the author added a simple family tree that helped to situate everyone. You basically have the great aunt, Elvira, who is my favorite character after Sara; the only surviving child of Sir Miles (aunt Ellen) and her titled son; Sara's brother Neville who believed he would inherit the property; Neville's new bride who's the daughter of a cit; Sara's uncle by marriage who raised her cousin Laurence after the death of his parents; and her other cousin Marcus who's Laurence's estranged half-brother.
I really liked that Ms. Fellows used the pages of her short novel for more action than descriptions. I can't even remember if she described the heroine except to say that she had a pleasant appearance. The author used the most desired show versus tell in order for us to learn about the characters. For example, no one goes around explaining how competent Sara is in running the household. Throughout the story, Sara is shown talking to the servants, getting things done, and just maintaining a good head on her shoulders amid the confusion. One of my favorite parts is when she has the untrained dogs with her and, while the action is happening, the author inserts little things like Sara signaling a dog to stop or moving something out of the way so they won't destroy it. It's hard to explain, but you can sense the type of person that Sara is. The other highlight is Elvira. Besides having a great personality, you can tell how much she cares for Sara by her support. I don't think they ever express their feelings to each other. You just know that they enjoy each other's company, and trust and respect each other.
If the book had a bit more romance, I'd probably give it five stars. And I mean a bit because it truly has nothing until the very end. It would not fit with the story to have an outright courtship, but it would have been nice to have seen some glances, words, or small gestures to satisfy the romance side. I understand that the author was trying to keep the mystery of who was trying to kill Sara, but it was pretty obvious who was not the culprit. I heartily recommend the book but, as mentioned, I suggest lowered expectations on the romance side. The British title, The Heywood Inheritance, is much more apt, and it's sad that the American publishers felt the need to change the title and add the ridiculously incorrect blurb in order to sell the book. On another note, I've read some very interesting writers recently who wrote outside the regular Regency romance mold that I really enjoyed. Besides Ms. Fellows, Sheila Bishop and Joan Mellows are very interesting. I might not have loved all their books and might have been disappointed in the romance, but at least they were unique.
I have read other Fellows books and I liked them, but there was something about this one that captivated me right away. It's hard to put my finger on it, but it was probably a mix of the writing, the heroine, and the setting. Sara Heywood took care of her grandfather on his final years. He was a difficult man, and she's glad to finally be able to leave his house and be independent of her family. Unfortunately, instead of leaving her a nice inheritance, Sir Miles leaves her 250 pound annuity and the use of the estate until she marries or dies. He also gives her a dowry of 50K. Aside from this blow, the problem is that his other heirs will only inherit once the estate is sold so, in order to get their money, some want Sara to marry while one person wants her dead. Unfortunately for her, they are stranded in the house due to bad weather and flooding, so Sara cannot avoid her difficult relations and murder attempts.
I liked Sara right away. She's an older heroine (25) and very level-headed. She does not want a season or to get married necessarily, she just wants some freedom and independence after dealing with her difficult grandfather. It took me a little while to get all family members straight but the author added a simple family tree that helped to situate everyone. You basically have the great aunt, Elvira, who is my favorite character after Sara; the only surviving child of Sir Miles (aunt Ellen) and her titled son; Sara's brother Neville who believed he would inherit the property; Neville's new bride who's the daughter of a cit; Sara's uncle by marriage who raised her cousin Laurence after the death of his parents; and her other cousin Marcus who's Laurence's estranged half-brother.
I really liked that Ms. Fellows used the pages of her short novel for more action than descriptions. I can't even remember if she described the heroine except to say that she had a pleasant appearance. The author used the most desired show versus tell in order for us to learn about the characters. For example, no one goes around explaining how competent Sara is in running the household. Throughout the story, Sara is shown talking to the servants, getting things done, and just maintaining a good head on her shoulders amid the confusion. One of my favorite parts is when she has the untrained dogs with her and, while the action is happening, the author inserts little things like Sara signaling a dog to stop or moving something out of the way so they won't destroy it. It's hard to explain, but you can sense the type of person that Sara is. The other highlight is Elvira. Besides having a great personality, you can tell how much she cares for Sara by her support. I don't think they ever express their feelings to each other. You just know that they enjoy each other's company, and trust and respect each other.
If the book had a bit more romance, I'd probably give it five stars. And I mean a bit because it truly has nothing until the very end. It would not fit with the story to have an outright courtship, but it would have been nice to have seen some glances, words, or small gestures to satisfy the romance side. I understand that the author was trying to keep the mystery of who was trying to kill Sara, but it was pretty obvious who was not the culprit. I heartily recommend the book but, as mentioned, I suggest lowered expectations on the romance side. The British title, The Heywood Inheritance, is much more apt, and it's sad that the American publishers felt the need to change the title and add the ridiculously incorrect blurb in order to sell the book. On another note, I've read some very interesting writers recently who wrote outside the regular Regency romance mold that I really enjoyed. Besides Ms. Fellows, Sheila Bishop and Joan Mellows are very interesting. I might not have loved all their books and might have been disappointed in the romance, but at least they were unique.
April 14, 2013
As a romance this is pretty much a non-starter, but as a Regency country house not-quite-murder mystery it's good fun. Does not contain the promised French-Canadian groom, alas. From a Smart Bitches HABO.
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