When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl’s heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.

Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope--believing once their marriage is sanctioned by God that Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between his dreams for tomorrow and his father’s demanding expectations.

Forces work to keep the couple apart at every turn, and a solution to remain together seems farther and farther away. With Nolan’s new life pulling him irrevocably away from Hannah, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.

Author Information

Susan Anne Mason’s debut historical novel, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. Also a member of ACFW, Susan lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children. She can be found online at www.susanannemason.com.

What Others Are Saying

“Beautifully balancing sweet forbidden love with a father-son battle of wills, Mason proves to be a highest caliber author in historical inspirational romance. Set in England in 1884, this is a marvelously entertaining story of the search for identity and a struggle for acceptance for both Nolan and Hannah. The purity and tenacity of their love will leave readers tingling, and fans of Roseanne M. White will enjoy Mason’s web of nobility drama and breathlessly exciting conclusion.”—Booklist starred review

“This is a sweet story full of the historical details fans of Victorian fiction will appreciate. There is also plenty of faith and love leading this young couple to their happily ever after.”—RT Book Reviews

“An immersive narrative and sympathetic characters are highlights of this heartwarming novel from Mason about the importance of family, the power of love, and the faith to pursue your heart’s desire.”—Library Journal

Welcome to an exciting adventure that takes you back in   time to 1884  in  prestigious Derbyshire, England.  Stainsby Hall is a magnificent place where the elite live. I liked Nolan and found him to be a very determined young man. I was heartbroken when a tragedy happens in his life that will change everything for him. Secrets always have a way of coming out and tend to cause destruction and hurt to people. What would it feel like to learn that suddenly you are an heir to an Earl? Nolan has many decisions to make that will affect his future. Will he make the right ones, or fall for power and greed?

 I have never been so angry at a character before I met the Earl of Stainsby. He is such an arrogant, controlling, mean person. When we learn of his past and what he gave up, I was appalled at the way he treated his son. He did just find out  that he had a son, but the ridiculous rules he expects Nolan to abide by are nothing short of controlling his every thought. Why is this man so hard on Nolan? Will he ever find compassion and love his son unconditionally?

Hannah is my favorite character in the book. Her innocence is refreshing and I loved how she was willing  to make sacrifices to be with Nolan. Hannah's patience and faith help her through many difficult times. There were times I wanted to tell her to run, but her love for Nolan outshines any struggles she faces. I admire her for believing in good and pure things. What a refreshing character she is. I can picture her as she walks in a room with elegance and a sweet spirit that surrounds her.

Get ready for deception, jealousy and danger in this action packed story that will have you believing that God is in control and people can change.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. The review is my own opinion.

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