I don’t do a lot of book reviews these days, and if I’m recommending something to read, it’s usually a non-fiction Christian living book written by someone I know. (Or another YA novel, yeah, yeah, yeah. That doesn’t count.) But a couple months ago I read a book that was so good I couldn’t help talking about it. Then when I got an offer to read (and review) the next book in the series, I signed up immediately, completely forgetting that I don’t really do a lot of book reviews anymore!
If you like reading Christian fiction or historical fiction or stories about strong women and complex families, I wholeheartedly recommend Susan May Warren’s Daughter of Fortune series. I only checked out the first book (Heiress) because I pretty much love everything I’ve ever read by Warren. But I typically don’t read her historical books and after that one sat by my bed for several weeks (unopened), I wondered why I’d picked it up in the first place.
Eventually, though, I read it. And it was so good. The second book, Baroness, was no different.
Lily and Rose, daughters of an empire coming of age in the roaring twenties, can have anything they want … except freedom.
Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the empire, they have their lives planned out for them. But, Lily longs to return home to Montana, to adventure outside the confines of New York City. And her cousin Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging silver screen. But following their dreams – from avant garde France, to Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers will take all their courage.
And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever after?
I actually think Baroness was more enjoyable than Heiress. It might be because I already knew it was going to be great, based on reading the first one. Or it might be because I was familiar with the characters and the world they live in, so it was easier to jump right into the story. But I think Baroness was a bit less tragic than its predecessor and a bit more fun. Taking place in the “Roaring 20s” might’ve had something to do with that!
Don’t get me wrong, though. Baroness isn’t a fluffy read, and the characters deal with real conflict. Like the first book in this series, each of them has a satisfying – but certainly not fairy-tale happy – conclusion. This book also left more open – and more clues – for the third book in this series. I suspect I know at least one direction Duchess will go and at least one character who will reappear. But I’m okay with that. (Honestly, I’m looking forward to it!)
If you’re looking for a good read, I recommend reading the Daughters of Fortune series by Susan May Warren. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself anxiously awaiting the third book!
Also – you can win a Kindle Fire from Susan May Warren. Enter the giveaway before May 7. Good luck!
Do you like to read historical fiction?
Historical fiction is my fave. I’m going to see if my library has these.
:)
Oh, good. Let me know what you think after you read them!
I always think I don’t like historical fiction, but then if I think about the books I love … yeah, I do!! Not big into the pioneer-period books about America, but Renaissance Italy? Elizabethan times? China, any time? Bring it on!
I am going to look into these. I really like Susan May Warren.
Haha! I’m about the same with historical fiction, and I definitely agree about pioneer times.
I also reviewed this book and really enjoyed it. Thanks for your thoughts and the review. Have a great week! :O)
Thanks for visiting, Diane! I’m glad you enjoyed the book, too!