The Explorer's Daughter ~ Review

The Explorer's Daughter

The Reluctant Heirs #1

By Kate Renae

Adeline Dawson has lost everything with her father's death. Her new brother-in-law, Roger has arranged for her to stay with his family. He has plans for her and if she doesn't fulfill them she will never see her sister again.

William Wakefield is lord of Fairstone Hall and Della has been tasked with removing a possession from his home. Determined to save her sister from William's brother Della is more than a little surprised when William turns out to be different from Roger. But can she trust him with the secret she is keeping?

 The Explorer's Daughter is a delightful Regency piece that has a generous helping of mystery with a dash of romance thrown in. Adeline's introduction to Fairstone Hall is less than spectacular as she is forced to undertake the journey in less than ideal circumstances thanks to her brother-in-law. And thanks to her interactions with Roger, Della is less than comfortable in William's presence as she isn't sure just how similar he is to his brother.  But as the story progresses we get to know William better and understand what has shaped him. 

The mystery is the strongest aspect of the story and makes this debut novel and author worth reading. The story concludes with not all the questions answered by the end but I assume that they may be answered in the next book as this is the first book in a series.  I loved some of the unique twists that occur that kept the reader wondering what was going to happen next.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

When Adeline Dawson arrives at Fairstone Hall, she comes with a secret. William Wakefield, the young, brooding earl who resides there, knows of Adeline only as his recent sister-in-law. But the stubborn, beautiful woman soon catches his intrigue. He’s determined to overcome his reserved manner to know her better, and Adeline is equally determined to protect her secret at all costs. A secret that could cost her everything….