A Woman's Estate

Heiress #5

by Roberta Gellis

Fifth in the Heiress series.

Abigail Lydden, widow of Francis, Lord Lydden, left America for England in the middle of the war of 1812 because her husband's father had died and her son was now heir to an earldom. Sir Arthur St. Eyre was also taken by surprise by Lord Lydden's death, finding himself executor of the earl's estate. Sir Arthur and Lady Lydden are thrown together and find it an attractive association, which becomes more and more intense when Victor's and Abigail's lives are threatened.

But those threats are not the only problems. Sir Arthur is a Member of Parliament and eager for a British victory in America. Although British by birth, Abigail's sympathies are mainly with "poor little America", as a victim of Britain's armed power. The heat of contention only adds to the heat of attraction, but can Sir Arthur allow Abigail the independence she needs—and can he forgive her when he discovers she has committed treason?

Accusation and enlightenment explode family ties, leaving Arthur and Abigail to reorder their lives... if they can.

Publisher's Note: This book was originally published elsewhere in 1984.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Regency

416 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1984

About the author

Roberta Gellis has been one of the most successful writers of historical fiction of the last few decades, having published about 25 meticulously researched historical novels since 1964. She was married to her husband Charles for over 50 years and they lived together in Lafayette, Indiana with a lively Lakeland terrier called Taffy. She has one child called Mark.

Her page at the Internet Speculative Fiction DataBase

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delicious Gellis, a fitting end to the series. Has a typical plot that others have emulated (who is trying to kill the heroine's son, an heir to a grand estate. But lots of great historical description and fun characters.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heroine is English but born and raised in America. She comes to England when her husband dies, then his father dies and her son inherits the family title. The hero is the executor of his grandfather's will and lives next door. He's very involved in politics, being a member of parliament. This book is about the War of 1812, which took place during the last years of the fight with Napoleon. There are also some incidents that seem to be attacks on the heroine's son, or on the heroine herself. It's a good read. I liked it a lot.

[Frances · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a disappointment. After the preceding book in the series I was expecting something equally as good. I can find very little positive to say about this book. The hero was a jealous ass, what the heroine ever saw in him I could never figure out. The only interesting parts of the book were the negotiations involving the peace treaty between the United States and England during the war of 1812. The rest of it was comprised of a trite plot, unlikable characters, and forgettable sex.

[Paschalis]

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[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a recurring theme with me, but I forgot to write review at time I read it.
As with other Roberta Gellis novels, this book is lush with vivid historical detail. It's also rare to read an historical romance set in Europe with an American heroine where the American war of 1812 plays a large role. I really enjoyed reading about that aspect of American history from a different view point.

[Tamela Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read every time

Every time I read it (and I have read it many, many times) I enjoy it as much as the first time. I do wish Ms Gellis would write one more in the series, I would love to visit with everyone again.