Christianbook.com Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Summerside Press Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1

Summerside Press Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1

The beautiful and wealthy heiress daughters of August Price can buy everything their hearts desire. But what if their desire is to be loved, without an enormous price tag attached? When one sister betrays another for the sake of love, will she find happiness? And what happens when the other sets out across the still untamed frontier to find it--will she discover she's left it behind in the glamorous world of New York society?

Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, each woman discovers that being an heiress just might cost her everything she loves.

Average Customer Rating:
4.235 out of 5
4.2
 out of 
5
(17 Reviews) 17
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (17 reviews)
5 stars
11
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
2
15 out of 1788%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Review 1 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
This review is fromHeiress - eBook.
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:April 4, 2013
Customer Avatar
Toodie B
Location:Minneapolis, MN
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I love the Gilded Age. Susan May Warren brought it to life in all its glamour and grittiness. Very enjoyable!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
This review is fromHeiress - eBook.
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Amazing Profile of the Gilded Age

Date:March 31, 2013
Customer Avatar
Barb
Location:Virginia
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Many of us yearn for more "things" to make us comfortable, successful and happy. Is that wrong? Will more money, more possessions, more social status bring more satisfaction and more happiness? Will those things attained upon the backs of others' labor satisfy our deepest needs? Where is the Lord in the desire for "more" earthly things?
This story is a rather interesting representation of the story of Jacob and Esau or even a slight variation of the Prodigal Son. In the Gilded Age of the late 1800's through the early 1900's, arose the powerful families that drove the American economy and set all the cultural standards of high society: The Morgans, Carnegies, Rockerfellers, Vanderbilts and Astors.
Two sisters in that convoluted web of money and society life were born into nearly unimaginable wealth and prestige but their hearts were polar opposites from the outset. This story chronicles their lives through their individual searches for clarity and heart worthiness.
It is a story of familial strife and betrayal and of separation and heartache but of ultimate restoration and forgiveness.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
This review is fromHeiress - eBook.
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

very good read

Date:March 25, 2013
Customer Avatar
peachcircle
Location:Alabama
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
This was a very good read. It kept my attention and had a very interesting story line. The ending was a completely unexpected.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Masterfull Storytelling

Date:August 5, 2012
Customer Avatar
Jocelyn Green, author of Faith Deployed
Location:Cedar Falls, IA
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Heiress is one of the best books I've ever read in terms of skillful storytelling, character development, and rich historical detail. As a novelist, this was worth the read if only for me to see and take notes on how good fiction if written! I know some people have found it a little on the dark side. One of the two main characters follows her own choices and ends up in a web of deceit and adultery—of course sins we would never condone—but Susan does it to show us what life can be when we are not surrendered to Christ. (If you read the Author's Note in the back of the book first, it will better frame the story so you know what the author is up to.) This was not a warm-fuzzy tale, but a sobering epic that will keep you turning the pages as you see the character's life choices unfold into a fascinating wreck--and what she decides to do about it in the end.
~Jocelyn Green, author of Wedded to War
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Awesome!

Date:August 4, 2012
Customer Avatar
Jean
Location:Norway
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This is a super book, SO happy i allready bought no 2.
It's VERY hard to put down -seriously.
Twists and turns and hope. Fastmoving.
I really appresiated this book.
May I reccomend another series of this auther;
"The Noble Legacy". It's wow.
AND "Team Hope"
:) enjoy!!!!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5

Wow, and not in a good way

Date:July 2, 2012
Customer Avatar
Booklover
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Value: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
This book was truly terrible. One sister tries to take the affections of her sister's fiance, then marries him, sleeps with his brother, gets pregnant with her brother-in-law's baby, falls in love with her brother in law...this is Christian writing? It was not worth reading and I am sorry for even finishing it. Please save your time and money and choose something else.
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Heiress (Daughters of Fortune #1) by Susan May War

Date:April 16, 2012
Customer Avatar
Its About Time Mamaw
Location:Houston, Texas
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This book was a personal choice for me. It has secrets, intrigue and romance. God seemed to have his hands full with this family. It was kind of an extreme version of Pride and Prejudice. I wanted to scream at the characters and tell them what was really going on and that they needed to listen to God.
Sorry my review is short and sweet.
Be sure to read book 2 the BARONESS in Daughters of Fortune.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Great book

Date:April 12, 2012
Customer Avatar
grandma
Location:Gillette, Wy.
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
It was a great book, well written and really enjoyed the story behind it. I am older so I like the old time style of books.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Powerfully Moving Story! (Rated it 4 1/2 stars)

Date:January 8, 2012
Customer Avatar
dianaFlow
Location:W Columbia, SC
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Susan May Warren pens a powerfully moving story that takes place during the Gilded Age of America, a time of the elite set; of riches and glamorous cotillions, motorcars and yachts, and forbidden passions and discontentment. It is the story of two sisters, Esme and Jinx Price, daughters of the wealthy newpapaper magnate, August Price, who are as different as night and day. Esme wishes only to follow in her father's footsteps, to become a famous female journalist, whereas her younger sister, Jinx, wants only to be a member of the elite society, possessing great riches and status, to the point of wanting her own sister's fiance, the wealthy Foster Worth.
Brokenhearted Esme's journey takes her to Montana, a far cry from what she was use to in New York; a mining town with vigilantes, gamblers, and a saloon-turned-headquarters for her newspaper. She has no desire to ever marry, but meets the handsome Daughtry Hoyt, wealthy son of the owner of Silverthread Mines. Will she find love again and what terrible tragedy draws her back to her opulent home in New York City? Does she learn to commit her ways to the Lord and finally find peace?
Jinx seems to have everything her heart could ever desire; a wealthy husband, jewels, the best parties, and the finest home, but her life is just a facade. One foolish night threatens to ruin her life forever, and her best laid plans for her future come crumbling in on her. Is there something deeper that money can't buy, and does Jinx find it? Will love's elusive dream ever find her again?
This is the second series I have read by Susan May Warren, and all I can say is NOW I see why she wins so many awards for her writing. I was a little nervous starting into this book, because Ms. Warren does not sugarcoat her characters or her storyline at all. Her characters are human and sinful, and not knowing God they do some pretty awful things, but you find yourself loving them anyway. The storyline drew me in, and I found myself not being able to put this book down after I got into it, except out of necessity. This novel was heartbreakingly realistic....edgy to be sure, but oh, what a satisfying conclusion! Susan May Warren, you are one master storyteller!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

The Edgiest Christian Fiction Book of the Year!

Date:October 7, 2011
Customer Avatar
Christy Janes
Age:25-34
Gender:female
I could go in so many directions with this review to tell you all about the characters, the plot, the setting, the clothes (oh...the clothes), but Heiress is one of those novels that is an experience--in jealousy, in opulence, in tragedy, in love. It's one that, if you know nothing but the back cover blurb, then you are in for the surprise of your life.
I knew that Susan was a great writer, even after reading my first book by her earlier this year, but Heiress has catapulted her to favorite author status in no time flat. Just when I thought I was going to hit a lull in this story, she snapped my mind back to attention with one twist after another. Now, I know that some authors usually like to have one surprise lurking somewhere in their stories, but to have them appear in rapid succession (and all of them believable, no less) showed that Susan's got some masterful writing chops.
Without a doubt, Heiress has to be the edgiest Christian fiction book of the year. It should also come with a warning label--"Don't start unless you plan to stay up past your bedtime."
Go. Get. It. Now. I dare you. ;o)
5 Stars
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Heiress

Date:October 2, 2011
Customer Avatar
Shoopette
Location:Indiana
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Let me say from the start that stories set in the Gilded Age in New York have not been my favorites. The endless description of the opulence of that time makes me tired and seems to get in the way of the story.
This was not the case with Heiress. While there are many descriptions of parties and gowns and the like, the story is so captivating and interesting that the imagery didn’t interfere with it. Also, there are no perfect characters here, but that is what makes the novel so appealing. It is not the outcome or ideal characters that make a story…it is the journey.
Apart from a few times when the dialogue was hard to follow (it was sometimes difficult to tell who was speaking), this novel was extremely well-written. I was immersed in the story, and the cliffhangers at the end of the sections made this novel very difficult to put down.
I will warn that this story involves some mature themes. Much of the story revolves around adultery, so this would not be a book for younger audiences.
It would also be good to note that this is the first book in a series, the “Daughters of Fortune.” The two main characters’ stories are completed in this book, but there is one plot line that is not.
Susan May Warren has written an intriguing novel that won me over to books about the Gilded Age.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Honest and inspirational. Susan's best work yet!

Date:October 1, 2011
Customer Avatar
Michelle Sutton
Location:Arizona
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I love reading stories set during the Gilded Age, and have read a good number of them to date. This novel tops them all as my absolute favorite. In fact, in my opinion this is Susan May Warren's best book ever! I've read ten of her books and have ten more (at least) that I own or have started. Her historical fiction is far superior in quality because it's full of deep, heart-felt insight on a level that her contemporary novels don't quite touch. I used to think Sons of Thunder was her best book because it was so intense and fabulous, but this novel even tops that one.
In my opinion, Susan is clearly gifted when it comes to writing historical romance. She does a great job with deep point of view and insight into human frailty and overwhelming regrets. At many different times while reading this novel I felt like I was living the life of each of the sisters. The author includes so much sensory detail with visceral emotion attached to it...like the scent of city life, the ink from the presses, stark terror from the absence of light deep in the mines, the pain from wearing the corsets, to constriction of society's expectations, the blood from...well I won't say.
Anyway, a few times I was agonizing over the story line. I felt like yelling into the book and saying nooooo! Talk about torturing your reader with the characters' conflicts! I was feeling their regrets and wishing they had made better choices too. My heart hurt for them. I was living this story! That's great writing.
Things I admired most about this novel was it was brave, honest, and well told. How many Christian authors have their characters actually admitting to themselves that something was very wrong that happened, but it led to something that was very right...like understanding true love for the first time in their lives? There were some tender scenes that included passionate gazes and kisses filled with so much longing. The intense emotion in this novel was palpable at times. And the heroes were so lovable.
Many contemporary topics were covered that were relevant back in the Gilded Age just like they are now. Infidelity, spousal abuse, the love of money and position, and pride over appearances to name a few. I loved how the author tied so many truths into each character's struggle with their desire to know true love and with learning to receive forgiveness. The heroes were each, in their own way, models of Christ. They were committed to the heiresses, patient and willing to forgive. But unlike Jesus, the heroes weren't perfect. I loved that too. I didn't find the spiritual thread heavy handed, but it was clearly present. I like how the author showed their spiritual journeys in a way that was culturally relevant to the times. I loved how she referred to D. L. Moody and some of his famous sermons as well.
This was a great book. But I have to warn you that it's addicting. I literally struggled with having to go to work when what I really wanted to do was stay home and read this novel. Excellent fiction. Compelling. Well-plotted. Intelligently written. I was thinking, "Man, I wish I could write like this." Truly superior and emotionally evocative writing. I highly recommend it.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Daughters of Fortune, not fortunate daughters

Date:September 30, 2011
Customer Avatar
homesteading
Location:rural NC
Age:45-54
Gender:female
I confess. I love book covers. This one is stunning!
I've read many of Susan's books but until I read Heiress I had no idea she could take me in two different directions so skillfully. Most times, when reading a book, you get one heroine in one locale, but in Heiress you get two heroines in two locales, and it is NEVER confusing!
Esme & Jinx are quite the sisters. Fiercely independent, Esme wishes to marry for love. Traditional to the core, Jinx wishes to marry for socially acceptable reasons thinking she will be loved. These poor girls. I felt so sorry for them. At times, the pressure to be the perfect daughter seemed so overwhelming, and it certainly shaped how they felt towards one another and others. Obviously, the times were different and daughters had tremendous obligations to their families to marry well, often times "saving" the family from ruin. But I must say, with as many books as I've read set from the Regency to Gilded Era, this one makes me glad I wasn't living in those times. Nope. No thank you.
Susan is a master at portraying the opulence and grandeur. I could see the gorgeous ball gowns, sparkling dog collars ( on women, not dogs ;)), and those handsome men in their fancy waistcoats. She's also a master at portraying the deceit, jealousy, and manipulation that took place behind closed doors. Whew! I'll stick to reading books.
Not a spoiler but if you’re squeamish about infidelity and abuse, I wouldn’t recommend this one.  It’s not graphic but the subjects are covered.
Thank you to the publisher and Litfuse for my review copy. This is my honest opinion.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5

Not 'Christian' fiction!

Date:September 29, 2011
Customer Avatar
Stephanie
Location:upstate NY
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Value: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
I am not sure why Heiress is marketed as Christian fiction. Perhaps Heiress earned the label ‘Christian,’ because desperate prayers are whispered heavenward and church attendance is socially required.
But after reading only one-third of the book, I wondered why I continued turning the pages. The story is full of lust, lies, adultery, anger, disrespect, and abuse, and I was very disappointed – perhaps disgusted would be closer to the truth. I flipped nearer to the end of the book to see if things got any better. I am sad to say that the ungodly topics were still rampant.
If the story *does* conclude in a godly manner, I was not willing to wade through the filth to find out.
I know Susan May Warren has written many books (of which I have not read), but if Heiress is indicative of her style and subject matter, I do not want to pick up another. Unfortunately, The Heiress will not be remaining on my shelf, and I do not recommend it at all.
*I received a free review copy through Litfuse in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine.*
0points
5of 10voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:September 27, 2011
Customer Avatar
Linda Doss
Location:Texas
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
I totally enjoyed this book and found it going in directions I had not expected. I know it was written of a specific era, but I feel it applies today. It shows what a total mess we can make of things when we try to solve problems our own way. We cannot worry about what the world thinks of us, and how they judge us.....we have to be true to our faith and belief in our Heavenly Father and let Him guide us in all things.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5

Date:August 16, 2011
Customer Avatar
Anonymous
Location:Inyokern, CA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Value: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Susan solidly reflected the "Gilded Age" with infidelity, abuse, bias, and immorality with her usual excellent writing style. Esme "found herself", but in the end was a fake Price. Jinx "found" love, but lost a son. But I did not find any take away value.
+1point
3of 5voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for Heiress, Daughters of Fortune Series #1
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

One of Warren's best to date - a must read!

Date:August 2, 2011
Customer Avatar
Ane Mulligan
Location:Suwanee, GA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Susan May Warren took a bold step with this novel and one I applaud. Gripping, this imaginative tale will leave you turning pages without pause. With unexpected twists and masterful storytelling, Warren has penned one of her best novels to date.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.