The Swindler's Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee

 

A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. A choice that will change her life forever.

Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away--in jail--Lillian is startled to find that the man has left a business and all of his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she goes to take possession of her father's house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye--and has put a target on her back.

To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she's always dreamed of, she'll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers--especially Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

My thoughts:

The Swindler’s Daughter is such a delightful novel, full of secrets, faith, and an unexpected inheritance. 

Set in 1912 in Georgia, Lillian Doyle has lived her life believing her father died long ago and her mother is a widow providing for their high society lifestyle. Imagine her surprise when she receives news her father has just recently passed away and that she is the sole heir to his estate.  Lillian is in for an even-bigger shock when she travels to claim the house she’s inherited and her father’s business.  The house is in disrepair to put it kindly

There is so much to love about this storyline, the surprise and disappointment for Lillian seeing it for the first and the surprise and disappointment for Jonah, the young man who was promised he could purchase the home for his mother, who has already moved in and with plans of a home and a business.

I loved watching friendships grow through trust and faith. The pace was perfect and the characters were well crafted. A small-town historical fiction novel that I recommend.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.