“A Most Noble Heir” by Susan Anne Mason is set in the late 1800’s in Derbyshire, England. The hero and heroine are servants in the home of the Earl of Stainsby, who is not a very nice man. Servants are not permitted to be familiar with each other, so it is with stealth and determination that Nolan Price and Hannah Burnham have found each other and plan a life together.

Nolan’s mother is also a servant in this house and has come to the end of her life. Before she breathes her last, she tells Nolan that he is actually the legitimate son of the Earl. After the Earl is made aware of this fact and has accepted it, he decides to educate Nolan into the world of the aristocracy. Of course, this puts a whole new outlook on the wedding plans with Hannah.

After a series of misinformation, the demands of his father and expectations for his future, Nolan and Hannah are separated. What comes to pass later and how that happened is the rest of the story.

I enjoyed the characters in the book. I also thought that the author did a great job of leading the reader through the happiness and then the sadness that befalls the two beloveds.

Another wonderful story from Susan Anne Mason.

This one is set in England and involves a young man who was raised as a servant – but becomes one of the aristocracy. It paints a good picture of the differences between those two positions at this time in history. The bigotry and power-grasping of the upper class, the poverty and powerlessness of the lower classes. But there were sorrows and trials no matter which class one was born to … or raised to.

Stablehand Nolan Price had always wanted to know who his father was … until he did. Kitchen maid Hannah Burnham’s world came crashing down when Nolan was discovered to be the Earl of Stainsby’s heir. Together they decide to take matters into their own hands, but things don’t turn out at all as they’d hoped. While Nolan gets to know his father, Hannah reconnects with her family, some of whom she never knew. Getting the two of them back together will require a lot of hearts to shift in an era where that wasn’t common.

A story well worth reading.

My review is 3.5 Stars

A Most Noble Heir had an interesting twist to the “found out he is really nobility” plot. Nolan had been in love with Hannah, a kitchen maid, since they were both barely teenagers. As a stable boy, there was nothing inappropriate with their relationship. When he was ready to propose to her, he discovered that he was actually the legitimate son of the vain Earl who, despite his own past experiences, would never approve of their union.

Both Hannah and Nolan had to learn to overcome their assumptions and learn to communicate. Each one had allowed fear to keep them from expressing their feelings to the other.

My favorite character in the story was Hannah’s Aunt Iris. She was confident, kind and not afraid to speak her mind. Her love for her nieces had her intervening on their behalf in a big way.


This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net


I would like to thank LitFuse Publicity Group for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.

Fans of Downton Abbey, upstairs-downstairs, and rags-to-riches romance… brace yourselves, this story is about to knock your stockings off!!

Nolan Price is a determined and hard-working (inescapably handsome) young man of faith, integrity, and loyalty. He’s also completely and entirely blindsided when his world is turned upside down by his mother’s final confession (who wouldn’t be?!).

Hannah Burnham is a humble kitchen maid and devoted sister. Struggles with insecurities and unmet expectations in her relationship with Nolan lend Hannah an endearingly authentic personality.

Delightful romance, intriguing mystery, complicated familial ties, and genuine faith earn this book a place among my all-time favorites! I highly recommend this story and would love to see a sequel featuring one of the sisters!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Overall, I enjoyed A Most Noble Heir. I found the plot well developed, and sufficiently varied from other books with similar plots to hold my interest. The book stands separate from others by Mason; no need to read those first! (We know I appreciate that, with my tendency to read series books out of order.)

I love a good romance story, but felt the romance overdone at times. I thought it unnecessary to read/be told just what was going on behind closed doors, and would have preferred that be left more to the imagination.

However, Mason does a fine job at telling Nolan's and Hannah's stories. Come to find out, Mason's great-great-grandparents' love story inspired this one!

I particularly enjoyed learning more about the side characters, especially Molly; she reminds me of Moriah in Pride and Prejudice. Similarly, Edward and Iris nearly stole the show several times! While A Most Noble Heir appears to be a standalone book at this time, I hope to see any of these characters gain their own story or appear in others at some point.

I prefer Irish Meadows and A Worthy Heart, but A Most Noble Heir still passes the time well. 4 stars out of 5.

I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This novel had a unique start in that the main couple was already in love. However, their story was far from simple! I really felt for Nolan as he tried to navigate his new position in life. I could see both his and Hannah's viewpoints on their marriage, but their inability to openly communicate was driving me a little crazy. Both of them really had to learn how to be a couple, how to put each other's needs before their own, and how to overcome their fears and have faith in each other and the Lord.

Nolan's father was not my favorite person at all until I got to see his more humane side and learn about his past. My favorite character in this story was one of Hannah's relatives. She was full of wisdom, spunk, and independence, and she paid no mind to the ridiculous rules of society. I'm hoping that this is a series, and we get to learn more about Hannah's younger sister, Molly, as she grows up!

Most Noble Heir

From the first page to the last this was a very good book. Love the story of Noble and Hannah. So many great characters in the book. Noble finds out when his mom is near death about who his father is. Hannah and Noble get married but things are not smooth after his father gets involved. I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley through the publisher. I definitely recommend this book.

On the death of the only Mother he has ever known, Nolan’s whole life is turned upside down. He has always wanted to find out the true identity of his Father but when he does his whole world is changed. His Father is the Lord Stainsby that he had begun to hate! Nolan, who has only known the life of a servant, is thrown into the world of nobility – a world that he despises for their arrogance, wealth and air of superiority. While his Father tries to accept him, there is someone who clearly wants him gone.

I fell in love with this unique story. I really thought that Lord Stainsby would be more accepting of his son and the relationship he has with one of the servant girls considering his own personal history. I was disappointed at first but as the story goes on, you learn more about the Earl and you start to understand him better. It doesn’t make it easier at times to accept what he does to Nolan but it gives you a better glimpse into his inner mind workings. Nolan’s story was so unique and my heart went out to him as he struggled. He wants to be a good son and a good husband but the two worlds seem to keep clashing and then throw in someone wanting to get rid of him and you have a page turner. Nolan has to learn to control his emotions, his past hurts and his own pride if he wants to keep his marriage and build a relationship with his Father. No easy task for anyone and especially for the quick to anger Nolan who is still reeling from his Mother’s revelations.

This is a beautiful story of faith, humility and second chances. I loved every moment of this well written novel. The characters and plot are well-developed and you have a hard time putting this book down as you become invested in Nolan.

Welcome to an exciting adventure that takes you back in time to 1884 in prestigious Derbyshire, England. Stainsby Hall is a magnificent place where the elite live. I liked Nolan and found him to be a very determined young man. I was heartbroken when a tragedy happens in his life that will change everything for him. Secrets always have a way of coming out and tend to cause destruction and hurt to people. What would it feel like to learn that suddenly you are an heir to an Earl? Nolan has many decisions to make that will affect his future. Will he make the right ones, or fall for power and greed?

I have never been so angry at a character before I met the Earl of Stainsby. He is such an arrogant, controlling, mean person. When we learn of his past and what he gave up, I was appalled at the way he treated his son. He did just find out that he had a son, but the ridiculous rules he expects Nolan to abide by are nothing short of controlling his every thought. Why is this man so hard on Nolan? Will he ever find compassion and love his son unconditionally?

Hannah is my favorite character in the book. Her innocence is refreshing and I loved how she was willing to make sacrifices to be with Nolan. Hannah's patience and faith help her through many difficult times. There were times I wanted to tell her to run, but her love for Nolan outshines any struggles she faces. I admire her for believing in good and pure things. What a refreshing character she is. I can picture her as she walks in a room with elegance and a sweet spirit that surrounds her.

Get ready for deception, jealousy and danger in this action packed story that will have you believing that God is in control and people can change.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. The review is my own opinion.

In A MOST NOBLE HEIR by SUSAN ANNE MASON the themes of class distinction, unconditional love, loyalty and family life are explored. The novel takes place at Stainsby Hall in Derbyshire in 1884. It reminds me of Downton Abbey with the descriptions of life upstairs with the nobility, and downstairs in the servants' quarters!
Edward, Earl of Stainsby, is shattered when he finds out that his stable hand, Nolan Price, is indeed his son from his first marriage, and that he has married Hannah, one of his maids. In Edward's eyes Hannah is now beneath Nolan, and he does his best to break up the marriage. There is quite a battle of wills between father and son and the stress of it all affects Hannah badly. Hannah, Nolan, and even Edward each have areas in their past that need to be dealt with before they can have any peace in the situation in which they find themselves.
I don't want to spoil the story for you, but will just say that there is romance, intrigue, and a good Christian message. I really enjoyed this book.

A Most Noble Heir was one of those books that fell right in the middle for me, I didn't love it, but there was nothing that I particularly disliked about it either. It's a good and well thought through story with believable characters. There are numerous twists and turns in the plot and like Nolan you wonder if he will get his happily ever after with Hannah.

I think that the reason I didn't love the book was the way the story progressed over such a long period of time with a fair amount of detail and a rather slow pace. I felt more like I was watching a mini-series than living inside of a story. While, on occasion I can find it annoying to read a book where the author draws me into every new chapter and I can't find a place in the story to set the book down, this book was a little too easy to set aside in the middle of the story.

So if you are looking to do some casual reading with a book that you can pick up and enjoy and put down as needed without any compulsion to stay up until 2 am reading then this might be the story for you.


I received a free digital galley of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Her best book yet!

I'll admit it took me awhile to get into this story. I'm not really sure why, but for quite a few chapters I wasn't sure I was going to love it. Then something clicked and I was totally hooked. I was really impressed with the versatility of Mason's writing in this book. Becasue it included so much more than what you traditionally find in a historical novel. The romance was wonderful. Like her best yet! And I loved that there were elements of suspense too! Mason is also known for her spirituality and it was evident in this one as well. I love how often prayer was suggested and talked about.

I really loved the family relationships in this book. Not all of them were perfect, but I loved the realistic portrayal of real life. I also loved watching the families and their relationships evolve throughout the book. This book had some unique conflict due to aristocracy (something I've never understood!) and it made for a great read.

But let's go back to the romance for a bit. I LOVED it! I really loved the relationship in this story (and the side relationship too!) because it was just so down to earth. It was filled with mistakes which probably made me love it more. But the true love and passion that came through the pages was so great!

All in all, this latest book from Mason is her best yet!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, Bethany House. This is my honest review.

As I finished this book, I was left with mixed feelings. I liked the main premise of the story, and thought it fit the regency genre well. I never quite warmed up to the two main characters, Hannah and Nolan. However, there were a couple of secondary characters that I loved and I enjoyed their part in the storyline. Overall, I liked Susan Anne Mason’s writing style and that kept me reading the story. There was an emphasis on family, love, forgiveness, and trusting God during difficult times. The ending tied everything together in a satisfactory way.

There were a couple of scenes that I think would be unsuitable for a younger teenage girl. Although it was appropriately handled, the parts of the book describing the wedding night and childbirth probably need to be read by a parent first before their child reads the book.

Despite my apathy for the two main characters, this was a good story. This is the first book I’ve read by Susan Anne Mason, but I would like to read others by her.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of the book.

4.5 stars

Susan Anne Mason continues to give us unique and layered plot lines, and she does so again in A Most Noble Heir. This is perhaps her most emotional story to date, but there is also a delightful subplot or two that lightens the spirit when needed. Nolan and Hannah are vivid and authentic characters in an impossible situation made even more difficult by their choices early on in the crisis. However, Mason reminds us all that our Savior can redeem any person and any poor decisions and any situation if we let Him. A beautiful ending to a tumultuous journey, and one I highly recommend adding to your TBR lists!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

A Most Noble Heir is a story of true but tumultuous love, life changing for the characters, heir apparent, struggle with where you belong in society and who you belong with. This is soooo good, you find yourself so deeply involved in the lives of the characters that you don't realize that there is a life going on still around you. The author really knows how to grab your attention and not only do that but to keep the whole book through til the last page. Nolan is tortured because of the woman he loves is all of a sudden from the wrong side of the tracks per se. Can you imagine finding out on your mothers death bed a deep dark secret you have been looking for? Now that answer has turned your life up side down and sideways. The two main characters try to rely on their faith - and we all know if you have a downcast soul you put your trust in GOD . Who else can fix any situation you are in or at least be by your side and help you make it through.

I found it interesting to read Susan Ann Mason didn’t plan on writing historical fiction. It’s a very good thing God had a different plan for her.
A Most Noble Heir is a story about family. There are all sorts in a family, aren’t there? The controlling figure, the meek and quiet member who doesn’t state their opinions, the nurturers, and the mediators. I realize there are more but since these four are represented in Mason’s newest read, we’ll stop there.
What makes a family work? Mutual respect, honesty, communication, caring, and love. But when those are replaced with undermining, secrets, hidden hurts, and high handedness, arguments arise, families fracture, and selfishness reigns. Again, all things in Mason’s book
As Nolan Price struggles to navigate the English aristocracy, a world he’s spent his years serving but never dreamed he’d become a part of, he refuses to give up the woman he loves. When burdens, tensions, and more arise, Nolan just might be forced to give up the hopes and dreams he’s always harbored for his future with Hannah.
A Most Noble Heir takes readers through the ringer with a bit of danger, a touch of romance, and plenty of conflict and dissension.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

While the story was a bit predictable, it is well written and I enjoyed the premise of a young man marrying the woman he loves, even though his station has just changed drastically.

A Most Noble Heir is one of those classic what-ifs in the historical fiction genre. Susan Anne Mason tackles social classes and specifically focuses on the wealthy privileged not mingling above their station. The idea is intriguing and as a fun personal note, Mason bases some of her characters on her own relatives. She freely admits to taking license with their story.

The two main characters Nolan and Hannah are reasonably likeable, but some aspects of the story just do not sit well. It seems as though Nolan really did not have the depth of affection he professed and because of this, parts of the story fell flat. Hannah's character was too timid to have pulled off all that she did.

The Earl of Stainsby is quite a rude and jerky person. Based on his past experiences, it feels as though he should have more sympathy and or empathy for Nolan. This part of the story just did not ring quite true.

Then in comes the real star of the book, Lady Iris. She steals attention from all of the other characters. Her unconventional words and behaviors are entertaining and fun. Once she enters the story the other characters sort of fade. As a reader, I found myself more concerned about Iris than any of the other characters.

This is a fairly easy read that has a potential for more depth. Certainly, much of what is written reflects common attitudes and thoughts of the time period. Sadness and heartbreak, love and devotion, anger and meanness all find a place in this tale.

I’ve read several series books lately, so it’s nice to break it up a bit and read a stand-alone.

Although this isn’t the first book I’ve read by Susan Anne Mason (I read Irish Meadows a few years ago) I’m still a newbie. Ms. Mason is a gifted storyteller, pulling her readers into history and causing them to live within the characters’ lives.

A Most Noble Heir is a compelling read. I enjoyed the 19th century British setting and the sweet love shared between Nolan and Hannah. The secrets revealed turns their world for a loop, and the difficulties they face tests their grit, fortitude, and sacrifices they’re willing to make.

Overall, this is a fast-paced book, with an exclusive, refreshing Aristocratic British love story .

I was blessed to receive a complimentary copy from Bethany House and NetGalley.

Wow, this was my first book by this author but if all are as intriguing and well written as this one, it will not be my last!

Solid and intense plot to keep readers awaken 'til late at night; there’s much more than a simple life-changing event going around here. A hint of mystery, a lesson on true love, and a good amount of tenderness builds the backbone of this story.

This intricate story draws many sides of the characters. Start from the title "The Noble Heir", you expect a constancy in the main male character. Though there's a restlessness in him from page one, you see from where the author might have drawn out the word "noble" to describe Nolan. But, as the story flows, you see a desperation behind his actions; you never doubt his honesty and well intentions, especially towards Hannah, still, there's a thick layer of anxiety leading to his decisions. Another layered character is the Earl, Edward Fairchild. He's a character you feel as if you should hate; however, there's also a tickle to more than we've been given behind his motives.

Nolan Price is being bullied into an inheritance he hasn't asked for, one that will change his dreams and plans for the future. Edward has just found out he has an heir, who is giving a deja vu sense to the earl because of a romance with a maid. Nevertheless, Edward is determined to transform Nolan into the ideal heir, and Nolan agrees to tolerate all the shenanigans involving high society clothing, parties, and manners if it will guarantee a better future for Hannah and her sister. However, there's much going on behind his back than he can imagine. Hence, the underlined question is who Nolan wants to be? Can this first not-welcomed situation become an area of vocation and stewardship for Nolan?

As for Edward, his actions and good intentions might be misplaced and cause more pain than promote bonding between father and son, but until when will he be able to bend and push Nolan around and treat Hannah with crudeness without harming any chances of a relationship? And will Nolan and Hannah find out his manipulation in time to not fall into despair, not lose faith, and believe in possibilities beyond our understanding?

Susan Anne Mason did a fantastic job with the Victorian setting, contrasting the downstairs and upstairs realities. And where will Nolan and Hannah fit in in such a setting? Definitely through a foundation based on grace, sprinkled with forgiveness and rooted in faith.