Een graaf die mijn hart veranderde

American Heiresses #4

by Violet Sinclair

A proper English earl. An American heiress with a rebellious streak. A secret correspondence that dares to cross every line.

When Miss Eleanor Lockhart impulsively writes to the Earl of Blackwood, she expects nothing in return. But across oceans and social boundaries, Thomas Blackwood answers—and what begins as polite exchanges soon ignites into something far more a connection forged by wit, honesty, and forbidden dreams.

Italy transforms Thomas, awakening passions he long buried under duty. Eleanor, too, finds herself unburdened in their letters, confessing secrets no proper lady should utter. On paper, they are fearless. In society, they are bound by expectation.

When Thomas is forced to return to London, their fragile bond faces its ultimate test. A missed letter. A devastating misunderstanding. A society where scandal can ruin a woman—and an earl's honor must be protected at all costs.

Desperate to prove his love, Thomas risks everything with a bold, breathtaking gesture—an exhibition that could either destroy them both or set them free.

Perfect for fans of Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, and Sarah MacLean, An Earl Worth Writing For is a sweeping Regency romance about second chances, daring hearts, and the letters that change everything.

Some love stories are written in the heart long before they are spoken aloud.

276 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Violet Sinclair is obsessed with all things historical; ballrooms, fancy gowns, and Regency England. When she's not traveling with her boys, you can find her writing sexy stories and dreaming of her next journey poolside beneath the Florida palm trees.

Reviews

[Virginpat]

3,5

[Angela Brannon]

This is a very sweet regency romance about a girl who (gasp) dares to write a letter to a gentleman she met at a house party. This book is part of a series with a group of young women who are part of English high society. One of the ladies had, in an earlier book, devised a "scientific" assessment for judging a gentleman's suitability as a potential husband. Eleanor has assessed Thomas Blackwood as a 6 out of 100 because of his staid and stuffy adherence to social rules. Despite this, she cannot deny that there is something intriguing about Thomas. When he travels to Italy for his delayed Grand Tour, she secretly sends him a letter, and a correspondence develops over the next few months. But what will happen when he returns, or if her brother discovers the socially forbidden exchange of letters?

I loved the gentle development of the love interest between the fiery and passionate Eleanor and straitlaced Thomas. His sojourn in Italy coupled with the growing intimacy with Eleanor challenges him to reassess his worldview. I fell in love with Eleanor in the previous books and wanted to see her to take stuffy Thomas down a notch or two for his disavowal of any hint of women's freedoms. The drama when Thomas is called back to England is well written and believable, and I enjoyed watching it play out in the ballrooms of London's ton. I was cheering for Team Thomas the whole time and was very happy with the way their HEA worked out.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series! This is a lighthearted and fun series with a delightful group of young ladies scandalizing their way through their London social seasons. If you like fun, sweet romances with lots of antics, this series is definitely for you!!

I read an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret P Medberry]

This yummy Regency romance is another terrific read in Violet Sinclair’s American Heiress series. In this book, the free-spirited Eleanor Lockhart sends a letter to Thomas, the Earl of Blackwood, who is on a grand tour of Italy. It was a forward and perhaps scandalous thing to do, but she wanted to thank him for helping her when she twisted her ankle. The very buttoned-up Thomas is surprised when he receives the letter, but even more shockingly, he surprises himself by writing back to her. And so, a lovely relationship begins that grows deeper with each letter. Thomas is trying his hand at art, and as he becomes more attracted to Eleanor’s mind and heart, his art improves from stuffy to passionate. At some point, he has to return to London, and they both wonder what will happen to their secret pen pal fling?

I love the romantic letters and paintings that this couple shares. The descriptions of Florence are breathtaking. (I’m biased, I was recently there.) The issues that women of the time faced are difficult, and Eleanor shares her deepest sides of herself. She tells him she wants to be freer and ride astride a horse and not side saddle (gasp!).

It is amazing that love was ever able to bloom under the Regency restrictions. As always, Sinclair does a masterful job of weaving a passionate, slow-burning love story between two fascinating characters while also supplying lovely descriptions of candlelight balls and rustling gowns. It was a delightful novel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rose Seals]

Wow, what an exciting story to read by this excellent storyteller. Full of love, emotions, misunderstandings, twists, society, twists and intrigue. These characters all come alive with their own emotional journeys and personal growth. Lady Eleanor has a slightly wild streak in her that shows when she rides alone and when she has some adventures with her friends. Lord Thomas meets Eleanor when he carries her off a coarse when she hurts her ankle. After he leaves for Italy, Eleanor decides to write to him about the happenings of society and what she and her friends get up to. Each letter between them get more personal and feelings grow. He returns letters with his drawings. He receives a letter asking for him to return home as soon as possible as his Uncle is ill. He doesn't receive her letter that lets him know how she is feeling. It crosses the time that he leaves and it arrives. When he doesn't inform her that he is back , she is hurt and tries to move on. He tries to ell her that he just got the letter and that he was sorry not to have told her he was back in England. It takes an art exhibit to show her how he feels by letting everything he feels show in his paintings. She finally realizes that they belong together and of coarse , the painting of her riding astride a horse in her petticoats shocking the Ton. Can't wait for the next story in this series. Would strongly recommend to everyone.

I received this book and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Carmel Zumbo]

When Miss Eleanor Lockhart first meets Thomas Blackwood she is less than impressed by his lack of charm. He departs on a grand tour after helping her when she sustains an injury and so she impulsively writes to thank him for his concern. The Earl of Blackwood receives her letter and responds setting a chain of correspondence between them which develops past friendship over time. They share a deeper connection through their letters, which are filled with humour, honesty and their private dreams.

Italy transforms Thomas from a dull insipid man into a passionate artistic one.

When he is forced to return to London on family matters a devastating misunderstanding occurs between them. A key letter is missed and heartbreak ensues. She is deeply wounded believing he did not care. Try as he may, he cannot speak with her to clean up the mess. So Thomas can only make a grand gesture to secure her love but is it too late?

I loved these two characters. He was transformed by his change of circumstances and because of her presence in his life and she was so brave by reaching out to him and sharing her truly private feelings even though he was so far away. I felt her pain and was praying his attempts to win her over would work. I enjoyed the satisfying way these two reached their HEA. A gem of a read!

[Gjohnson135]

I loved this story. Eleanor, takes a risk, a formidable risk by Victorian standards. The Earl of Blackwood, Thomas, was unexpectedly on her mind. After an unexpected encounter, and his low ‘score’ of a six, on her friends husband assessment scale, she is still a bit intrigued. She sends a letter to Lord Six-Points, and to both of their surprise, a conversation begins. Correspondence, is surprisingly freeing, but comes with such risks. Keeping this a secret from her brother and others involves subterfuge, lockpicking and advice. Luckily, she gets help from her friends. Letters to/from Italy, where Thomas has landed on his ‘grand tour’ take a bit of time to be delivered. These letters give them each the chance to see their worlds in a different light. Thomas finds himself able to capture passion within his drawings. Eleanor and Thomas are drawn closer, but life happens when a letter is delayed. With the help of friends, a little drama, and an exhibition, a new path is forged. This is a story of new beginnings, of friends, of art and words. I loved the words, the pictures I could imagine, the support of friends and family. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patti Wolff]

Eleanor Lockhart, sister of Julian, Viscount Lockhart, shows her daring spirit in Violet Sinclair's "An Earl Worth Writing For". Introduced in the book preceding this one, Eleanor had enthusiastically joined a somewhat risqué discussion on the relative importance of practicality vs. passion. The boringly predictable Lord Thomas Blackwood is firmly in the "practicality" camp, or so he thinks.

This novel is a charming read. It does veer off into unconventional territory, however, as young unengaged ladies did NOT write unattached men, yet Eleanor initiates correspondence with Lord Blackwood. What follows is a courtship in epistolary form, as they get to know one another and fall in love. This unique method is a delight. Thankfully there's not manufactured angst in this novel. Blackwood's declaration of love upon his return from abroad is clever, although I wasn't certain of its reception.

With witty and intelligent dialogue, "An Earl Worth Writing For" is an enjoyable work. The story is both well-written and clean. Reading this engaging series in order is recommended, as previous installments offer important back stories of the primary characters. 4.5 stars

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chantal]

During a horse racing game, Eleanor Lockhart fell and hurt her ankle. Lord Blackwood stopped to help her which made him lose the race.

After her ankle healed she wanted to thank Thomas Blackwood for his help and care. But he was across the ocean in Italy, so she decided to write him a letter. During Thomas' time in Italy they kept sending each other letter.

Then Eleanor writes a letter where she confesses her feelings for Thomas, but she doesn't get a letter back. After 7 weeks she find out that Thomas was already back in England but she still hasn't heard anything from him. Why didn't he write back? Is their connection over?

This is the fourth book in the American Heiresses series. You don't have to read the other books but I would recommend it because it gives you more of their story.

I have read all the previous books and once again I absolutely loved the book. I love the way Violet Sinclair writes and I just can't put her books down. If you are looking for a great regency romance I would definitely recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

⭐️: 4,3
🌶: no spice

[MEF]

Courtship and love grows from correspondence between the convention bound Thomas Blackwood and the risk taking Eleanor. Italy works its magic on Thomas and he expands his emotional horizons whilst Eleanor uses the correspondence to confess her small rebellions.

It’s clever how we get to know them both through their letters of increasing candour. I felt Eleanor’s hurt and uncertainty, admired her icy manners and finally approved of Thomas’s creativity when digging himself out of the hole his mistaken priorities had created!

I enjoyed the writing and characterisations in the book and recommend the read.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Judith]

This novel was beautifully written.
The character developments and descriptions, the use of language and vocabulary brought the scenes so alive, as if one were looking at a visual representation of the story. The book fits in very well with the rest of the series and its characters. The gradual emotional development between the protagonists, Evelyn and Thomas, through their correspondence, testifies that physical proximity is not necessarily a prerequisite for love to flourish. There is a HEA, and I am more than happy to recommend this book to all historical romance lovers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reading Adventures]

Another great story from Sinclair. We meet Eleanor Lockhart who has a brilliant mind and is so free-spirited. At a party she meets Lord Thomas Blackwood. He is so opposite her, and he wants to be proper & by the book. Eleanor sends a letter to Thomas and the intrigue begins. Thomas starts to let down his defenses and the more they communicate the more they are drawn to each other.
Wonderful storytelling as always with characters that capture our hearts and become unforgettable.
A great story and adventure every romance fan needs to read. Trust me you are going to love this book and this adventure.

[Jill]

I loved the story. It’s the accumulation of secret letters, with the last one having been lost in routing and then grave misunderstandings that are finally corrected. Thomas and Eleanor are the two main characters that I came to love as they expressed their true selves through letters. The story is well written with romance mixed in throughout. There are secondary characters that add to the story. It’s a wonderful story that is worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Delphia Von Heeder]

An Earl Worth Writing For is Book in American Heiresses by Violet Sinclair. I enjoy Regency England and the adventures of Lords and Ladies. I thought this romance was very different and I really enjoyed this book. Eleanor writes to Thomas, who is on a grand tour in Italy. He writes back and through the correspondence love is born. But, the pathway to love is never easy! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Trina]

Another book in this series that I found hard to put down. It’s funny that when I was half way through the book I thought it would end in the next chapter, but no another twist. It is amazing that miscommunication can cause such things to happen. Love the characters and the world building look forward to Charlotte’s book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deb]

I love books when writing letters are an important part of the plot like this one was. This may just be my favorite one of this series thus far. Eleanor is a very strong personality that cannot be stifled nor quenched by propriety if she can help it. "A picture paints a thousand words" is never more true than in the relationship of Thomas' (the artist) and Eleanor. Despite delayed letters and misunderstandings love prevails in the end for this young couple.

[Jo]

A beautifully different plot with creativity, imagination and excellent descriptions. The characters were amazing and allows us to see that love is possible in any situation. Eleanor takes a bold step writing to Thomas with a thank you. Surprisingly Thomas write back and so it begins. I absolutely love when an author uses a new and different plot line, it's thrilling.

[Julie Ambrose]

This author holds your interest in her stories from page one and this series has been a joy to read.

Full of glitz , glamor and adventure with plenty of dashing ladies and lords and great characters .

.

[Suze82]

unusual start

I liked the unusual start of Thomas and Eleanor´s relationship by writing letters, of course it doesn´t beat meeting eye to eye, but if both are honest, it´s a wonderful chance to get to know each other and build a fond connection.