Since Downton Abbey, I am officially a traditional regency fan! What does that mean? If you love historical romances set in the mid 1800's in London where social classes and marriage to a fine upstanding family are your cup of tea, then look no further than Follow The Heart by author Kaye Dacus in her Great Exhibition Series.
The story begins in Pennsylvania in 1850 where Katharine and Christopher Dearing's lives are to be turned upside down. Their father has lost the entire family fortune in a failed investment in the railroad. Katharine's opportunity of marriage to a wealthy family has been withdrawn when they learn she has no money for a dowry and her family's name is now tarnished in their social circles. Now forced to sell most of their family's belongings to keep their head above waters, their father sends Christopher and Katharine to live with their wealthy uncle in England in hopes that both of them may secure a marriage to keep the family from losing everything.
When they arrive at their uncle's estate in England, Katharine and Christopher are treated with the same respect that their cousins receive however, they are reminded by their cousin Edith that they are the poor relations from America and it would serve them well to remember their place. Now living at Wakesdown Manor in England, Katharine tries in vain to do all she can to find the most eligible man with not only a suitable title but the means to elevate her poor family back into a social standing again. Only it seems that no matter how hard she tries, she can't fight the feelings she has for Andrew Lawton, the landscape architect that works her uncle's estate. She knows she can't fall for Andrew because to do so would be beneath what her father and stepmother wanted for her but could cause their family to lose everything back in America. Her only hope is to find someone who can look back her age and background and save her family.
Her brother Christopher is hoping that he can find a way to save the family name and fortune by finding a contact in working with the local railroad companies now coming to take part in the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace. He doesn't want all the burden of saving their family to fall on Kate's shoulders even though she is far past the age of most women to marry and begin a family of their own. He hopes that using his expertise in railroad law he might find job that would allow Kate to find a man suitable for marriage that she truly loves instead of settling for money. Yet how can he hope for Kate finding true love among the lower class when he himself is falling in love with the governess Nora. Is it possible for Christopher and Katharine to find a way to save their family and still follow their heart?
I received Follow The Heart by Kaye Dacus compliments of B and H Publishing Group and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Tours for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. This novel reminds me of Cinderella meets Downton Abbey, only instead of the wicked step-sisters, poor Katharine and Christopher have to deal with the oldest cousin Edith who is competing with Kate to see just who can marry the richest man possible. For Edith it isn't about love but about the title and fortune that accompany her dream of marriage. She will do almost anything to remind Katharine of just where she comes from and to prevent her from finding true happiness. I encourage you traditional regency lovers to grab a cup of tea, sit by the fire and immerse yourself in this wonderful novel created just for you by Kaye Dacus. I loved this one and the only disappointment I faced was when I turned the final page. It was over too soon and I wanted more of these characters. Good thing that Kaye is adding to this series in her upcoming novel An Honest Heart this fall. I easily rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and will be adding this one to my personal library.
For more information about Follow The Heart, Kaye Dacus or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:
You can also find Kaye Dacus on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.
To read more reviews on Follow The Heart from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tour, please click here.
- Paperback: 320 pages
- Publisher: B&H Books (May 1, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1433677202
- ISBN-13: 978-1433677205
- Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.9 x 8.3 inches
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