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The Secrets of Nedworth Hall #3
The Surprise Heir
Sometimes the right man comes along in what seems like the wrong package, and sometimes making the wrong decision turns out to be the right way to fall in love….
American dollar princess Melanie Pennypacker has accepted the surprise invitation to join a matchmaking house party for the summer for one reason and one reason only—to find a partner. But not a marriage partner. Melanie is looking for a business partner to invest in her dream of opening a new department store of the sort that are taking London by storm. But no man wants to invest in a business-minded woman.
Anyone with eyes can see that valet Frank Crymble is the illegitimate first-cousin of his employer, Lord Avery O’Shea, and like the rest of the O’Shea family, Frank has ambitions above his station and a penchant for scandal. When he catches Melanie behaving badly away from the other house party guests, the two of them instantly come up with a scheme that will get them both what they want.
But a marriage of convenience might be harder to pull off than Melanie and Frank suspect when every one of their friends is against the match. And when Melanie’s father shows up at the house party to drag her home, both her and Frank’s dreams hang in the balance. Until they hatch a plan to convince everyone they are deeply in love…including themselves.
PLEASE BE ADVISED – Steam Very Hot!
IMPORTANT The Surprise Heir is a reworking of a previously published story, The Buccaneer and the Bastard. The main characters and their love story are the same, but their circumstances, the secondary characters, and the wider plot of the series have changed. You may recognize familiar bits and passages.
The Secrets of Nedworth Hall consists
THE WICKED HEIR
THE ENRAPTURED HEIR
THE SURPRISE HEIR
THE CHARMED HEIR
…and more to come!
American dollar princess Melanie Pennypacker has accepted the surprise invitation to join a matchmaking house party for the summer for one reason and one reason only—to find a partner. But not a marriage partner. Melanie is looking for a business partner to invest in her dream of opening a new department store of the sort that are taking London by storm. But no man wants to invest in a business-minded woman.
Anyone with eyes can see that valet Frank Crymble is the illegitimate first-cousin of his employer, Lord Avery O’Shea, and like the rest of the O’Shea family, Frank has ambitions above his station and a penchant for scandal. When he catches Melanie behaving badly away from the other house party guests, the two of them instantly come up with a scheme that will get them both what they want.
But a marriage of convenience might be harder to pull off than Melanie and Frank suspect when every one of their friends is against the match. And when Melanie’s father shows up at the house party to drag her home, both her and Frank’s dreams hang in the balance. Until they hatch a plan to convince everyone they are deeply in love…including themselves.
PLEASE BE ADVISED – Steam Very Hot!
IMPORTANT The Surprise Heir is a reworking of a previously published story, The Buccaneer and the Bastard. The main characters and their love story are the same, but their circumstances, the secondary characters, and the wider plot of the series have changed. You may recognize familiar bits and passages.
The Secrets of Nedworth Hall consists
THE WICKED HEIR
THE ENRAPTURED HEIR
THE SURPRISE HEIR
THE CHARMED HEIR
…and more to come!
- GenresHistorical Romance
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2023
About the author
Merry Farmer
248 books1,109 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 1, 2023
Melanie, an American heiress, was sent to England to live with her aunt five years ago. Her father wanted her to find a titled husband. Much to her father’s dismay, she was determined to use the knowledge she gleaned from her godfather to open a department store in London. Since her father would only give her money to her husband, she concocted the plan to marry a man who would then use that money in order to help make her dream come true. Frank was Lord Avery O’Shea, the Earl of Carnlough’s valet. He was also his illegitimate cousin. He and Melanie were drawn to each other and both were quite interested in business and investments. They decided to marry and all hell broke loose. This story is one of overcoming obstacles and defying societal mandates. Frank and Melanie are adorable together, generating delightful dialogue and steamy encounters. This story is quick, engaging and a win for the underdogs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2023
American dollar princess Melanie Pennypacker has accepted the surprise invitation to join a matchmaking house party for the summer for one reason and one reason only to find a business partner. Who is willing to invest in her dream of opening a new department store of the sort that are taking London by storm. Anyone with eyes can see that valet Frank Crymble is the illegitimate first-cousin of his employer, Lord Avery O’Shea, and like the rest of the O’Shea family, Frank has ambitions above his station and a penchant for scandal. When he catches Melanie behaving badly away from the other house party guests, the two of them instantly come up with a scheme that will get them both what they want. Then Melanie’s father appears.
The third book in the series & it’s easily read as a standalone but this series is SO entertaining. I loved both Frank & Melanie, both intelligent & full of ambition. The chemistry between them was sizzling. Not a long read but the pace is good & the characters have lovely depth. There was also humour, their stunt to make her father relent was hilarious. A delicious quick read
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The third book in the series & it’s easily read as a standalone but this series is SO entertaining. I loved both Frank & Melanie, both intelligent & full of ambition. The chemistry between them was sizzling. Not a long read but the pace is good & the characters have lovely depth. There was also humour, their stunt to make her father relent was hilarious. A delicious quick read
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 22, 2023
The Surprise Heir. Yes what interesting bed partner’s Frank and Melanie have become. I say that their unique partnership has the earmarks of a successful business, however I would leave all the business deals to Melanie. “Sigh.” Can I say how much that I loved this story?
The dialogue followed by the powerful will to become something and rise up as a woman who can make decisions and work for herself was so moving. Melanie is the head of this challenge and I thought her character was wonderfully written. Frank’s character is added in away being a sounding board for Melanie. As for the romance is believable. The story is based around entertainment for the reader.
I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The dialogue followed by the powerful will to become something and rise up as a woman who can make decisions and work for herself was so moving. Melanie is the head of this challenge and I thought her character was wonderfully written. Frank’s character is added in away being a sounding board for Melanie. As for the romance is believable. The story is based around entertainment for the reader.
I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2023
Frank and Melanie
I loved this book so much! I enjoyed watching the main characters fall in love. The secondary characters were funny and added to the book.
I was just so happy for Frank and Melanie ❤️
I loved this book so much! I enjoyed watching the main characters fall in love. The secondary characters were funny and added to the book.
I was just so happy for Frank and Melanie ❤️
August 22, 2023
This is only my 12th book by Merry Farmer. I hadn't read her until she wrote a series with Scarlett Scott and Caroline Lee. I started reading her in Jan, 2020. To be truthful, she is one of those authors for me that when I am out of TBR books on my kindle and my regular authors don't have any new releases coming out yet, I will pick up her books. That doesn't mean that aren't good reads. As a matter of fact, all the books I have read of hers have been really good reads but she just doesn't always write in my genre and she has quite a few books out that are only just over 100 pgs. I prefer longer reads and I'm a Regency snob.
This was an okay story. It didn't blow me away. Melanie came across as an immature, undecided ditz but she was supposedly a women with a head for business. She was unbelievable and I'm not sure how I felt about Frank. He was written too snobby for a valet. I get he wanted to better himself, but his personality felt "off" to me. Just an interesting read.
This was an okay story. It didn't blow me away. Melanie came across as an immature, undecided ditz but she was supposedly a women with a head for business. She was unbelievable and I'm not sure how I felt about Frank. He was written too snobby for a valet. I get he wanted to better himself, but his personality felt "off" to me. Just an interesting read.
September 1, 2023
The Surprise Heir is sooo...sigh. I absolutely love this story. Yet again, Merry Farmer has made my heart go all pitter patter with this story of two wonderful people determined to live their lives on their terms damn what society, so called friends and meddling family members have to say. The story is romantic and touching and sweet…and I just love our two main characters.
Frank Crymble is a valet. That’s not all he is though. He’s got aristocratic blood running through his veins. He was born on the wrong side of the blanket and ya know how it goes...he’s ostracized, frowned upon and looked at as less then. Determined to make something of himself, Frank uses his brilliant mind to invest, but something goes wrong.
Melanie Pennypacker is a dollar princess from America. She’s beautiful, smart and full of ambition. Unfortunately for her, she just happens to be a woman (eye roll). As a result, she’s unable to realize her heart’s dream and together with the help of Frank, they hatch a plan that will be beneficial to them both. What they didn’t expect was to discover the love of a lifetime!
This book is fabulous and a wonderful addition to this series. I simply must know what happens next. Like i’ve said before….there’s just something about Merry her writing…it does not wane. Her writing just keeps getting better!
Frank Crymble is a valet. That’s not all he is though. He’s got aristocratic blood running through his veins. He was born on the wrong side of the blanket and ya know how it goes...he’s ostracized, frowned upon and looked at as less then. Determined to make something of himself, Frank uses his brilliant mind to invest, but something goes wrong.
Melanie Pennypacker is a dollar princess from America. She’s beautiful, smart and full of ambition. Unfortunately for her, she just happens to be a woman (eye roll). As a result, she’s unable to realize her heart’s dream and together with the help of Frank, they hatch a plan that will be beneficial to them both. What they didn’t expect was to discover the love of a lifetime!
This book is fabulous and a wonderful addition to this series. I simply must know what happens next. Like i’ve said before….there’s just something about Merry her writing…it does not wane. Her writing just keeps getting better!
August 16, 2023
I love this series by Merry, it has been a treat to read. Most of the books are not long but have all the details and emotions one needs in a great regency romance. I missed book one but didn’t have any problems reading the next two. Melanie Pennpacker was raised in American instead of England with her father. She is a very unconventional young lady. Her God father build the first large department in Boston. After she showed an interest in the business both her Godfather and Uncle taught her all about the business and how it was run. Now she wants to open her own in England! Her father has let her come to a summer house party with her aunt. The party is a match maker set up for couples to find each other and spend time together. Others have found their matches. Her father wants her to marry a peer so he can brag about it. The only gentleman who has caught her eye is not a peer but a valet. He is an illegitimate son of a peer who works for his half-cousin. Both of his cousins, Avery and Angeline, think of him as family but most of the ton see him as only a servant. Frank Crymble has had thoughts about Melanie since he first saw her. But knows she is out of his reach. She is so beautiful with her jet-black hair and blue eyes. He tries to help whenever he can just to be around her. He has saved and invested his money hoping to better himself. When he received bad news, it was Melanie, he ran into who had also just received her own bad news. When a new idea is thought up by Melanie it puts them in for a roll a coaster of a ride!! It will have everyone talking. Oh my, what could possibly happen when an American princess, and an Illegitimate, smart, handsome gentleman combine their plans, desires and hopes. What a fun read, it was perfect, I loved the ending and all the characters, good and bad as they fit the story. Don’t miss this very steamy, wonderful read. It was refreshing to have a couple that didn’t fit the norm of most Regencies. Through both books is the mystery of who an unknown heir is, this just's adds to the intrigue. I was given an ARC by the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Now I am going back and read book one, can’t wait.
August 30, 2023
This is Book 3 in Merry Farmer’s series, The Secrets of Nedworth Hall, about the ongoing search for a missing heir or heiress of a deceased member of the nobility. “The Surprise Heir” concerns Frank Crymble, Irishman, bastard, half cousin
and valet to Irish noble Avery O’Shea. Frank has invested in a railroad with all of his savings in an effort to become a self made man. He has seen and come to the aid of Melanie Pennypacker since his arrival at the house party and is attracted to the rich American buccaneer. It is Melanie’s father’s wish that she marry a titled Englishman, and only then, will her enormous dowry be turned over to her husband. Melanie doesn’t want a husband, she wants the money to build a well researched department store. She definitely noticed Frank and his attention. These two opposites were attracted to one another, and once they started chatting with each other they realized they had business and a strong will to succeed in common. Not a lot of attention was focused on the missing heir in this story, the focus was entirely on the Frank and Melanie, their budding romance, their business interests, and the roadblocks to their relationship especially from Melanie’s father and the society of the ton. I have read each story in this series and have found this one not quite up to the level of the first two. Even though I liked Frank and Melanie and ultimately thought they made a good couple, their relationship seemed a bit hurried and at times, forced. Melanie was a great character, she was smart, had a head for business, she knew what she wanted and was figuring out how to get it without losing herself in the process. I liked that Frank saw Melanie for herself and was willing to support her dream to build her store. This novella can be read in one sitting, I wish it had been longer and more in depth, and it does have some steam. While fits in well with the search for the missing heir/heiress theme connecting the series together, it can be read as a stand-alone romance. Recommended for fans of Merry Farmer and lovers of period romance. I received this manuscript from Booksprout, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
and valet to Irish noble Avery O’Shea. Frank has invested in a railroad with all of his savings in an effort to become a self made man. He has seen and come to the aid of Melanie Pennypacker since his arrival at the house party and is attracted to the rich American buccaneer. It is Melanie’s father’s wish that she marry a titled Englishman, and only then, will her enormous dowry be turned over to her husband. Melanie doesn’t want a husband, she wants the money to build a well researched department store. She definitely noticed Frank and his attention. These two opposites were attracted to one another, and once they started chatting with each other they realized they had business and a strong will to succeed in common. Not a lot of attention was focused on the missing heir in this story, the focus was entirely on the Frank and Melanie, their budding romance, their business interests, and the roadblocks to their relationship especially from Melanie’s father and the society of the ton. I have read each story in this series and have found this one not quite up to the level of the first two. Even though I liked Frank and Melanie and ultimately thought they made a good couple, their relationship seemed a bit hurried and at times, forced. Melanie was a great character, she was smart, had a head for business, she knew what she wanted and was figuring out how to get it without losing herself in the process. I liked that Frank saw Melanie for herself and was willing to support her dream to build her store. This novella can be read in one sitting, I wish it had been longer and more in depth, and it does have some steam. While fits in well with the search for the missing heir/heiress theme connecting the series together, it can be read as a stand-alone romance. Recommended for fans of Merry Farmer and lovers of period romance. I received this manuscript from Booksprout, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 13, 2023
“None of them wanted to be the first one to come right out and say she was mad.”
This was a good, short story that had the potential to be better. While I liked Frank I wasn’t really crazy about Melanie and I don’t think they had much chemistry. The story itself was ok but very predictable and the end was a bit contrived. I think what bothered me the most was how inconsistent it is with prior stories. Frank is illegitimate. His mother was the daughter of a nobleman and his father was a nobleman himself who never acknowledged him. In book one Patience and Arden fall in love and get engaged. Arden is also illegitimate. His mother is the daughter of a nobleman and his father was not of the nobility, he was a solicitor. So, Frank actually has more blue blood in him than Arden. Also, Frank’s mother’s family are close to him and treat him well. Arden’s mother’s family abandoned her. So then why is it fine for Patience and Arden to marry but everyone is scandalized that Melanie is going to marry Frank? Even Patience is against them. This makes no sense whatsoever.
I really liked the first two books in the series. This one is mostly average. If you are reading the series then you have to read this one but if you are not, skip this and read one of Merry’s other books. While this is not bad, it’s not the best representation of her writing skills. I guess no one can write fantastic books every time.
This was a good, short story that had the potential to be better. While I liked Frank I wasn’t really crazy about Melanie and I don’t think they had much chemistry. The story itself was ok but very predictable and the end was a bit contrived. I think what bothered me the most was how inconsistent it is with prior stories. Frank is illegitimate. His mother was the daughter of a nobleman and his father was a nobleman himself who never acknowledged him. In book one Patience and Arden fall in love and get engaged. Arden is also illegitimate. His mother is the daughter of a nobleman and his father was not of the nobility, he was a solicitor. So, Frank actually has more blue blood in him than Arden. Also, Frank’s mother’s family are close to him and treat him well. Arden’s mother’s family abandoned her. So then why is it fine for Patience and Arden to marry but everyone is scandalized that Melanie is going to marry Frank? Even Patience is against them. This makes no sense whatsoever.
I really liked the first two books in the series. This one is mostly average. If you are reading the series then you have to read this one but if you are not, skip this and read one of Merry’s other books. While this is not bad, it’s not the best representation of her writing skills. I guess no one can write fantastic books every time.
September 3, 2023
The valet and the American heiress. Melanie Pennypacker has a mind for business but that is something not valued in the London ton. Plus, she's an American trying to fit into their society. The only one who understands her is valet Frank Crymble. When Melanie is caught misbehaving, it is Frank who will save the day. Until Melanie's father shows up and now to save face, they must both convince everyone that they are madly in love. But is it merely all for show?
Another great installment in the Secrets of Nedworth Hall series. Frank and Melanie have so much in common and are so cute together. They really do get each other in many ways. Their chemistry and steam was -OMG!
The only critiques I will say was one- that Frank came off a little too snobbish considering his station as valet in my opinion and two- class differences are focused on a little too excessively even if they really were back then, but the constant reminding of them was a bit tedious.
Some humor mixed with the themes of overcoming obstacles and following your heart.
This can be read as a stand alone but when you read the series, the characters and their plight become so much more in depth and exciting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great installment in the Secrets of Nedworth Hall series. Frank and Melanie have so much in common and are so cute together. They really do get each other in many ways. Their chemistry and steam was -OMG!
The only critiques I will say was one- that Frank came off a little too snobbish considering his station as valet in my opinion and two- class differences are focused on a little too excessively even if they really were back then, but the constant reminding of them was a bit tedious.
Some humor mixed with the themes of overcoming obstacles and following your heart.
This can be read as a stand alone but when you read the series, the characters and their plight become so much more in depth and exciting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2023
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this novella, this is my freely given opinion.
This is another book of the Secrets of Nedworth Hall, and the story of two people who are outsiders to Society; Frank Crymble is the illegitimate member of the O'Shea family, working as a valet to his cousin, Lord Anthony O'Shea, the Earl of Carnlough. He is interested gaining his fortune in investments, but recently suffered a massive loss when an investment in a railroad failed. Miss Melanie Pennypacker is an American Dollar princess more interested in finding a partner to invest in her business endeavour, than marrying a title. Her father, however, has other ideas and will only fund a dowry for her husband, if she marries appropriately.
Melanie and Frank conspire together to come up with a scheme to get the funds, and end up falling in love.
As with many of Merry Farmer's stories, this was fun and steamy, but I had trouble believing that Melanie as a brilliant business minded entrepreneur. She comes across as rather flaky and immature to me. But it was a short, light entertaining read with fun steam, and an HEA.
3.25 stars out of 5
This is another book of the Secrets of Nedworth Hall, and the story of two people who are outsiders to Society; Frank Crymble is the illegitimate member of the O'Shea family, working as a valet to his cousin, Lord Anthony O'Shea, the Earl of Carnlough. He is interested gaining his fortune in investments, but recently suffered a massive loss when an investment in a railroad failed. Miss Melanie Pennypacker is an American Dollar princess more interested in finding a partner to invest in her business endeavour, than marrying a title. Her father, however, has other ideas and will only fund a dowry for her husband, if she marries appropriately.
Melanie and Frank conspire together to come up with a scheme to get the funds, and end up falling in love.
As with many of Merry Farmer's stories, this was fun and steamy, but I had trouble believing that Melanie as a brilliant business minded entrepreneur. She comes across as rather flaky and immature to me. But it was a short, light entertaining read with fun steam, and an HEA.
3.25 stars out of 5
August 18, 2023
This time at the party we have Melanie, an American dollar princess, and Frank, the illegitimate son of a Lord and valet to his cousin Lord Avery O’Shea. Finding themselves with many things in common they hatch a plan to have a marriage of convenience.
As with the other books in this series there are some very spicy moments, but they fit in well rather than just being there in to liven up an otherwise dull story. It does cover how the social stratas still existed at this time, although the lines were gradually blurring with new money combining with the older, but now less well-off, families. For example Melanie was expected to find a titled man to marry to give her father more status and marrying a mere valet was not in the plan. But with this deeper meaning to one side this is again a fun romp that Merry writes so well and is well worth reading, but I'm still waiting to find out who the secret heir is, although there is a big clue disclosed.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author through Booksprout, however this did not influence my review of the book
As with the other books in this series there are some very spicy moments, but they fit in well rather than just being there in to liven up an otherwise dull story. It does cover how the social stratas still existed at this time, although the lines were gradually blurring with new money combining with the older, but now less well-off, families. For example Melanie was expected to find a titled man to marry to give her father more status and marrying a mere valet was not in the plan. But with this deeper meaning to one side this is again a fun romp that Merry writes so well and is well worth reading, but I'm still waiting to find out who the secret heir is, although there is a big clue disclosed.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author through Booksprout, however this did not influence my review of the book
August 22, 2023
Both Melanie and Frank are far too smart for their stations in life. When they want to use those smarts to better themselves, the status quo (ie: Society in general,) rises up to put them back in their places. Frank is tired of surviving off the charity of his mother’s family and badly wants to become a self-made man. Melanie has grown up learning the department store business and has a solid plan to open one of her own, she just needs the funds to do it. Are these two the answer to one another’s prayers or are they only setting themselves up for so much hurt? I had so much fun with these characters. Melanie is brash and a bit of a risk-taker. Frank has so much love for his family, but he’s also got big dreams for his future. I loved watching this pair realize that what was between them was so much more than just a business arrangement. And now, I can’t wait to see what other matches will be made at Nedworth Hall.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
September 1, 2023
Lord and Lady Colbourne are hosting a house party meant for matchmaking and solving the mystery of Lord Carshalton’s heir. The guests at the party were chosen by the hostess for their not quite stellar reputations (for one reason or another). Is one of them the heir? Melanie Pennypacker is an American heiress who is more business-minded than marriage-minded. Frank Crymble is the illegitimate cousin and valet to Lord Avery O’Shea. Frank is also business-minded and ambitious. While they may not seem to others to be a good match, they have much in common and quite like each other. The antics of this couple in their effort to be together are laugh-out-loud funny. This is another delightful story in the Secrets of Nedworth Hall series. It is filled with humor, interesting characters, a great romance, and a happy ending. No answer for the mystery yet, but a clue.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
August 16, 2023
Surprise, Surprise!
This story has been rewritten for this series (and very nicely too) and I think it is more exciting than the original. The names of the characters and the basic story are similar but it is more rounded off and entertaining.
Melanie Pennypacker and Frank Crymble (don't you just love their names) may find in each other the perfect solution to all their problems but her father and the rest of the party don't believe this.
This exciting and totally delightful story just goes to show that where there is a will, there is a way. Oh, the things these two get up to - mind boggling! Of course there is a happy ever after, how could there not be?
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) supplied by Booksprout and my voluntary review is recorded above.
This story has been rewritten for this series (and very nicely too) and I think it is more exciting than the original. The names of the characters and the basic story are similar but it is more rounded off and entertaining.
Melanie Pennypacker and Frank Crymble (don't you just love their names) may find in each other the perfect solution to all their problems but her father and the rest of the party don't believe this.
This exciting and totally delightful story just goes to show that where there is a will, there is a way. Oh, the things these two get up to - mind boggling! Of course there is a happy ever after, how could there not be?
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) supplied by Booksprout and my voluntary review is recorded above.
August 18, 2023
What an hilarious and exciting story to read. Melanie Pennypacker is an American dollar princess who has been sent to London to marry a nobleman so her father can boast about having connections with nobility in England, she has set a sites on Frank Crymble who is the illegitimate son of a nobleman and the son of Lady Nora O’Shea, who is the daughter of an Earl. They are met with resistance when they present themselves as an engaged couple at a country summer party. The antics they get up to to prove that they love each other and they deserve each other are quite hilarious and very entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2023
The tantalizing mystery of Carshalton’s heir continues to intrigue. Another match out of the running, but what arise it was. Frank Crymble is setting himself up to be a self-made man despite his tragic beginnings. He is a man of determination and hard work. Melanie Pennymaker is an American woman to the core, not satisfied to marry a lord and settle, she has spent her life learning to create her own future. What starts as a simple notion of convenience quickly becomes more as schemes turn to love. These two may have been a little impetuous and have schemed their way to a match, but all’s well that ends well. Their happy ever after comes conveniently at the end, full stop! This was a quick and enjoyable diversion with lots of banter and playful teasing.
August 19, 2023
Once again at the Nedworth Hall for shenanigans! Melanie is an absolute spitfire, willing to do whatever it takes to make her dream come true, even marry a valet! Frank is a bastard son who has been a valet for his cousin-almost a brother. He is also ready willing and able to do whatever it takes to seize the opportunity to better himself. The trouble these two get into are hilarious and the story line was truly so different than most historical romance novels. I quite enjoyed reading this steamy tale and we now know the gender of the Heir everyone is looking for. Can’t wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2023
The Surprise Heir by Merry Farmer is the story of Mr. Frank Crymble and Melanie Pennypacker. This is my favorite book in the series so far. Neither Frank nor Melanie are a lord or lady so it’s a refreshing change of pace.
I appreciated how independent and focused Melanie is on opening her department store. I also appreciated how foward-thinking and supportive Frank is of Melanie’s dream. They are a perfect match, including their knacks for scheming. This book does provide a clue about who the Carshalton heir is for those who pay attention!
I received an ARC from the author. The opinions expressed here are mine.
I appreciated how independent and focused Melanie is on opening her department store. I also appreciated how foward-thinking and supportive Frank is of Melanie’s dream. They are a perfect match, including their knacks for scheming. This book does provide a clue about who the Carshalton heir is for those who pay attention!
I received an ARC from the author. The opinions expressed here are mine.
August 24, 2023
Melanie is an American dollar girl, sent over to England to find a wealthy nobleman to wed, but she's ambitious and wants to use her dowry, husband permitting, to build and open a department store in London.
Frank is the valet to his cousin, he's illegitimate, but the son of a marquess. He saved his money and invested it in the Australian railroad.
The moment he saw Melanie he was attracted to her, and she was enamoured by him, but they're on a different social level.
Can Frank win her over? What plans has Melanie have for her dowry?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great read in the series from Merry.
Frank is the valet to his cousin, he's illegitimate, but the son of a marquess. He saved his money and invested it in the Australian railroad.
The moment he saw Melanie he was attracted to her, and she was enamoured by him, but they're on a different social level.
Can Frank win her over? What plans has Melanie have for her dowry?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great read in the series from Merry.
August 31, 2023
This has been a really fun series of all the going ons at a “Looking for a match” summer house party. This one is Melanie and Frank’s story. She’s an American heiress, only looking to find a man to partner in a financial investment. He’s an illegitimate, broke investor, working as a valet for his titled cousin. The overwhelming importance of class distinctions was very much at the forefront of this story. To a wealthy American girl it was no big deal, but to the English nobility, it was everything! The snobbery and the hypocrisy were in full display in this one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2023
Oh the drama at Nedworth Hall!! Although the illegitimate son of an aristocrat, Frank Crymble still travels somewhat in those circles as a valet. Frank has plans to rise above his current station. American dollar princess Melanie Pennypacker is looking for a partner, a business partner. But if that involves marriage with someone she has something in common with, then that works for her. This could be the perfect partnership for both. Well written, great characters, some drama, sizzle, steam, and more. Great addition to the series and I can't wait for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2023
The Surprise Heir (The Secrets Of Nedworth Hall series - #3)
Melanie and Frank are an unusual couple, but fit really well together! She’s an American with a desire to build her own department store and he is a valet with a great instinct for investment. While making plans for a marriage of convenience, love is right around the corner for them. Loved it!!
Also in this instalment of the series: Lady Cambourne, hostess of the house party, reveals the gender of the Carsharlton heir!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Melanie and Frank are an unusual couple, but fit really well together! She’s an American with a desire to build her own department store and he is a valet with a great instinct for investment. While making plans for a marriage of convenience, love is right around the corner for them. Loved it!!
Also in this instalment of the series: Lady Cambourne, hostess of the house party, reveals the gender of the Carsharlton heir!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2023
Another match at the house party
Merry Farmer has gone back to this early series of hers and reworked it. I liked the way she takes advantage of the social changes that were happening at this time and also how instead of the “Penny Princess” marrying a Duke she finds a handsome up and coming valet. Melanie and Frank fit together so well in so many ways and the way that Ms Farmer writes their story is lovely. The pacing is great and I like how they progress from thinking that they will marry to get her dowry to realizing that they love each other.
Merry Farmer has gone back to this early series of hers and reworked it. I liked the way she takes advantage of the social changes that were happening at this time and also how instead of the “Penny Princess” marrying a Duke she finds a handsome up and coming valet. Melanie and Frank fit together so well in so many ways and the way that Ms Farmer writes their story is lovely. The pacing is great and I like how they progress from thinking that they will marry to get her dowry to realizing that they love each other.
September 5, 2023
Another great story in this series. No one believed it when Melanie Pennypacker and Frank Crymble announced their engagement during the house party. She’a a dollar princess and he’s a valet from the wrong side of the blanket. Everyone believes Frank only wants her money. But a marriage of convenience could turn into a marriage of love. As these two get to know each other, they find out they are more suited then they first thought. Now they just need to convince everyone else that their marriage is one of love and not for money. I would recommend this story and the series to others.
August 21, 2023
This is a series that Merry has been rewriting and rereleasing. For the most part, these re-releases have felt fresh and new. This one didn't really have that same feeling for me. Fortunately, I loved the story the first time, and I found it just as charming the second time. I like both of the main characters, and I enjoyed their love story.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 22, 2023
It's a wonderful idea too cast characters we've already met in new roles! Even better when the new story is just as interesting as the first.
Now, if you don't understand what I'm talking about, go check out Merry's other series', the Historical Romance genre is a great place for you too loose yourself in!
Thanks again for a new take on a great relationship!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now, if you don't understand what I'm talking about, go check out Merry's other series', the Historical Romance genre is a great place for you too loose yourself in!
Thanks again for a new take on a great relationship!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2023
The Surprise Heir is a reworked version of The Buccaneer and the Bastard. It has been a while since I read that story, but I remember it wasn’t my favourite of the Second Chance Manor series. I was not able to love the two main characters so despite this being a different setting their relationship still seemed too business-like even with Merry’s signature steamy scenes present. Still absolutely intrigued to discover who Carshalton’s heir is and we get a big clue in this book.
August 19, 2023
Loved the story. Two very strong people, Melanie and Frank come together through a scheme that she instigates in order to make her dream come true. A great story that a HEA but with a few unexpected twists. The cliffhanger of who the missing heir is still remains unknown.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2023
A rewrite of a fun story from Merry. As with the original story, I found Melanie and Frank such a darling couple. I like how Merry inserts the troubles of these two characters into the story. It gives you a feel of how hard it was for people outside of the norms at that time. Melanie and Frank will make you smile. An enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy.
I received a complimentary copy.
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