5 ♥ Often when I read a book, I spend the whole time trying to ignore all the ways it should be edited better (one consequence of being an author, I guess). In the case of The Hesitant Heiress, I never got the chance. This book is well-written and well-paced. From the first chapter, we have an intriguing dilemma that begs resolve. I liked the heroine. I cheered for her. I disliked those she disliked. I was so impatient to discover who would win her heart that I read as fast as I could, finishing the book in one day. I particularly enjoyed the author’s way of writing scenes that had nothing to do with the romance between the hero/heroine. Usually, those are throw-away for me. Unless the writing is stellar, I scan non-romantic scenes just to make sure I don’t miss a relevant fact. This book was so well-conceived that every scene was interesting and drew me into the storyline. I wanted to know about everyone involved, which will keep me buying books in the series. I loved that the author didn’t dwell on historical phrases just to make the story sound historical. All the phrasing and dialogue sounded natural, not forced. And the descriptions of clothing…some books go on and on ad nauseam about the different details in historical attire, not so in The Hesitant Heiress, where every description seemed a portrayal of what would occur naturally in real life. Probably the most impressive feat was the great reveal. I never saw it coming. Though the author alludes to the less than stellar attributes of several characters, I never suspected the villain nor that he was quite so vile. Bravo! Excellent debut, Dawn Crandall. I eagerly anticipate the following books in the series. Author Felicia Mires, Christian Romance for any Genre