Review: An Heiress At Heart by Jennifer Delamere

Title:  An Heiress At Heart
Author:  Jennifer Delamere
Genre:  Historical Romance
Pages:  432
Published:  October 2012
Publisher:  Forever
Source:  Publisher
Buy Links:  Amazon

Synopsis:

A New Beginning

A youthful indiscretion has cost Lizzie Poole more than just her honor. After five years living in exile, she’s finally returning home, but she’s still living a secret life. Her best friend, Ria’s dying wish was for Lizzie to assume her identity, return to London, and make amends that Ria herself would never live to make. Bearing a striking resemblance to her friend, and harboring more secrets than ever before, Lizzie embarks on a journey that tempts her reckless heart once again . . .

A committed clergyman, Geoffrey Somerville’s world is upended when he suddenly inherits the title of Lord Somerville. Now he’s invited to every ball and sought after by the matchmaking mothers of London society. Yet the only woman to capture his heart is the one he cannot have: his brother’s young widow, Ria. Duty demands he deny his feelings, but his heart longs for the mysterious beauty. With both their futures at stake, will Lizzie be able to keep up her façade? Or will she find the strength to share her secret and put her faith in true love?

Lizzie’s life has taken a drastic change, as she and her brother Tom leave England for Australia, hoping for a better life.  When they arrive, they meet Edward and Ria.  Little did any of them know that this chance meeting would completely change everything.

Returning to England wasn’t what Lizzie had originally planned.  But with Tom, Ria and Edward all gone, she couldn’t imagine staying in Australia.  To fulfill Ria’s wishes, she returns to make amends with her family – taking Ria’s place. 

Looking so much alike – they knew there has to be some connection between them.  Can Lizzie prove the connection before someone figures out who she really is?  As she starts to learn about Ria’s family, and spends time with them; she starts to love them as her own family.  One especially – Geoffrey, who she feels a deep connection.

Would I recommend this book?  Yes, a wonderful debut for Jennifer and amazing start to a new series.  I felt for Lizzie, who was part of the family, but never really.  From a different class, she takes on the role well and tries to do Ria’s memory justice.  Would I read more by this author?  Yes!  I look forward to the second book.