A sweet love story. These are good characters and the setting is wonderful. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

A fabulous book from an author rapidly becoming one of my favourites for historical reads. I loved Victoria Cornwall’s characters Evie and Drake. The book evoked many emotions as I was reading, in particular indignation related to how women were treated in the past. Can’t wait for Ms Cornwall’s next book.

While reading DAUGHTER OF THE HOUSE I was often struck by the different visions of a woman’s role in life throughout the ages. While we often, in our modern world, cry out for improvement in Women’s Rights or Equality for Women in the workplace and beyond until we look back at history we truly have little appreciation for just how far we have come in our rights and privileges over the years. And while I’m certainly not saying that we don’t have a ways to go yet in that bid for equality we are clearly far beyond what Evelyn could expect for her life – and how everything drastically changed for her, and not for the better really when those circumstances were altered.

Evelyn’s and Drake’s journey from childhood into adulthood was beautifully, lovingly written in a manner that showed so clearly the difficult path that their lives took And just how precious their friendship became even leading to deeper feelings eventually. Watching Evelyn grow, change and come into her own was an emotional and gripping journey. It’s one that I believe each reader should experience for themselves. There are times when the less said the better, and I truly believe this is one of those times.

I was drawn into DAUGHTER OF THE HOUSE quite early and was held in place, reading from beginning to ending in one sitting, by the story, the lives unfolding in front of my eyes. There is sadness, and anger, but there is also friendship, love that goes beyond what society’s rules dictate. There is evil afoot, as well as triumph in the end. The characters are believable, the story will hold your attention and the questions in your mind will not cease beyond the ending. This one will make you think, and feel deeply – and perhaps be grateful for what we have today with hopes for more in the future.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Cedar Lodge, Cornwall, England - 1870

Cedar Lodge, home of Howard Pendragon, is a fine country home yet somewhat smaller than Carrack House, owned by Howard’s older twin brother, Sir Robert Pendragon, seventh Baronet of Carrack House. There is no love between the brothers. Today, Howard is desperately hoping that his laboring wife will give birth to a boy. When the arrogant doctor arrives, he does something very evil. However, the maid sees what he did. The man wants to make a name for himself and will stop at nothing to achieve this.

Now, Robert, the Baronet, has called for the doctor’s services as he thinks his own wife is with child. She is Robert’s second wife and as there has been no child to date, he is desperate for an heir.

Cornwall - 1886

Evelyn and her brother Nicholas, two years older than she is, are the children of Sir Robert. When she can, Evelyn likes to escape from her governess to go out into the garden which is her father’s pride and joy. Today, she sees Timmons, the head gardener, interviewing a young lad, Drake Vennor, who wants to become his apprentice. After reminding Drake of the long hours, hard work and many years of training, he is hired.

Nicholas had a bout of Rheumatic Fever a years or so ago that left him weakened. Now, it appears that his heart may have been damaged by the fever and he is quite ill. When Nicholas does pass away, Howard Pendragon is ready to have his son, Mawgan, come in and learn to be the next head of the estate. But Robert declares that Evelyn will be the head of the estate and will now begin her training to take on the responsibilities.

Evelyn is next faced with dealing with the evil tutor, Mr. Burrow, and after that the equally evil, Dr. Birch. Both of these men are pompous with overinflated egos. Life for Evelyn is very difficult that tests her mettle as far as it can. Her father has no sympathy for her and her mother is a mouse.

Years later, Evelyn and Drake cross paths again and realize that their love for one another has only grown stronger. But, will society and Evelyn’s arrogant and strong-willed father keep them apart?

This is a very powerful story of enduring and unending love. The characters are crafted beautifully and their interwoven lives have been perfectly written by the author. I highly recommend this book and can assure readers that they will remember this book for a very long time to come.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Honestly, this was not an enjoyable book for me. It was well written and had a lot of depth to it, but the content was so dark and depressing. I wasn't expecting so dark a book, and while I appreciate it is being accurate to the times, it was a bit too graphic for me in terms of the abuse heaped onto the heroine. It also seemed to skip over huge parts of everyone's lives with not a lot of explanation, trying to cover 30+ years of life in a short time. I think it might have been better to make this a series or something, so that more detail could be given. Would have been nice to see the relationship between the two main characters develop further as well - I was hoping for more scenes between them, to show their love blossom. It seemed to happen a bit quickly.