I received this book in exchange for my hones review. All opinions are my own.
Sheltered since birth at her Kentucky home, Rowena Ballantyne has heard only whispered rumors of her grandfather Silas's vast fortune and grand manor in Pennsylvania. When her father receives a rare letter summoning him to New Hope, Rowena makes the journey with him and quickly finds herself in a whole new world--filled with family members she's never met, dances she's never learned, and a new side to the father she thought she knew.
As she struggles to fit in during their extended stay, she finds a friend in James Sackett, the most valued steamship pilot of the Ballantynes' shipping line. Even with his help, Rowena feels she may never be comfortable in high society. Will she go her own way . . . to her peril?
There are some time periods in history that make me wish I had lived during that time, or at least could go back in time and visit. The mid 1800's is one of these time periods. Rich in history, tradition, and rules of society, everyone seems to have their place and knows where they stand.
Wren drew me in from the very beginning of this story. A simple girl living a happy life, about to have everything she has ever known turned upside down. She arrives in Pennsylvania and discovers that she is actually the granddaughter of one of the wealthiest families in the country. She is greeted by family, and rules - so many rules.
It is decided that she must enter into the social season. The social season is one of the aspects of this time period that just excites me and makes me want to visit. The strict rules of society dictate exactly how every single girl carries herself and interacts with others. The dresses, the dance cards, the visiting cards - I would just love to be there.
Of course, Wren's life is full of ups and downs as she navigates her season of social events, visits, and the quest to find love. She is accompanied by family friend, James, who she believes is off-limits but still finds herself falling for him.
There is so, so much in this book that I loved, but do not want to spoil any outcomes or side stories. As the book neared the end, I was afraid that this story was not going to wrap up. However, it does wrap up and the ending is perfect.
This is the last book in a series, but easily stands alone. I have not read the other books and I did not feel anything was missing at all. My suggestion - go read this book.
Meet the Author: Laura Frantz
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