Member Reviews

Growing up believing her father is dead, imagine Lillian's surprise when she finds out she is the heir to her father's business and home following his recent death. Traveling to her father's home in hopes of getting to know something about him, she is shocked to learn that he was involved in illegal activities. And his partner is a very dangerous man. Can she rely on local law officers to aid her in fending off attackers? Or are they part of her father's corruption? Can newly discovered family and newly formed friends assist Lillian or will they also become victims of her father's partner?

I received an ARC from the publisher. My opinion and review are my own opinion.

I highly recommend this story for those who love historical fiction, Christian fiction, and a HEA.

Was this review helpful?

I love a good historical Christian fiction read, and this definitely fit the bill. The characters were well-developed. Jonah and Lillian had an intriguing relationship. I appreciate that God was centric in this book. The time period was captured beautifully and the story was fun and uplifting. Really enjoyed this read.

Was this review helpful?

I read and listened to the audio version of this and really loved it! I thought the narrator was perfect and it was so easy to get into. I will definitely be looking for more books by Stephenia McGee in the future. I really enjoyed Lillian and Jonah's story and the setting of the small town in Georgia.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 2 May 2023

Was this review helpful?

When I heard that Stephanie H. McGee was releasing a new book, I knew that it would not disappoint. Full of mystery, twists, and turns, kept me up late into the night turning the pages to find out what happens.
Lillian was under the assumption that her father was dead and her mother his widow. When she receives a letter that her father passed and left her the sole heir to half of his business and his home, she is quite surprised. Upon settling the estate and accepting the inheritance, she finds out that she has family who she never met, but that is just the start of problems. The longer she stays in town, the more mysterious events she encounters, the more she grows as a person. I love the mystery at each corner and the romance that Lillian starts to develop. Definitely a book I recommend.

Was this review helpful?

I didn't want this one to end. I thought at first it was going to be just a sweet story, but as it unfolded I got thoroughly attached to the characters with more layers and mystery to uncover. Well done! Great faith lessons and life lessons for a society girl who learns to love small town living and family.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#NetGalley #TheSwindlersDaughter #StepheniaHMcGee #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #Revell #HistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical

Was this review helpful?

I have enjoyed every book I've read by this author. I would have to say my favorite character is Lillian. She really comes into her own her growing in maturity, strength and spiritually.
She has a real awakening in the start of the book, her mother was not forthcoming with important information about Lillian's life and it really throw's Lillian for a loop. She has some very important decisions to make. Decisions that set her on the track to maturity, forgiveness and wisdom. These decisions were not made without spiritual guidance.
I enjoyed the setting, and the transformation of the house was such a joy to read about.
The mystery running through the story was not too much and it added such an intriguing back drop to the story. Faith filled and encouraging, I enjoyed the story a lot. I think the romance was light and just right for the time period. Some surprising twists and turns will keep your attention as you'll want to keep reading and not put this one down.

Published May 1, 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This was not at all what I was expecting. So many twists and turns. A delightful read with an unexpected ending.

Was this review helpful?

The Swindler’s Daughter captured my attention and kept it. In fact, it was often in my thoughts even when I was not reading. I am not so sure what was so “magical” about this book to keep me so fixated except perhaps the fact that the characters themselves were so likeable. And they were well developed unfolding growth of both the main characters.
It was not a complicated book but very enjoyable. There was a perfect balance of suspense with believable romance. It did take a while to get to the reason for the title of the book . But when it became apparent, the author did a great job of revealing details piece by piece. I really liked The Swindler’s daughter and anticipate reading more by this author. ( I received a complimentary copy of this book with no obligations or expectations. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Was this review helpful?

Another exceptional Stephenia H. McGee novel! I loved that it focuses heavily on the human struggle of doubt and disappointment. Especially when it seems as if God has abandoned you or nothing seems to be working out as you thought it would. We find as the characters do that God is a restorer of things that you never thought could be fixed or resurrected.

The author also adds a little mystery to the plot. It made it thrilling towards the end, watching it all unfold. That particular spin to the story spiced it up and made the storyline more intriguing.

The leads were quite adorable. Their romance was not rushed but kept at a believable and steady pace. I can say I’m not a huge fan of insta-love, as you well know. So two thumbs up for this! There are also some really enjoyable side characters. One being Melanie. She reminded me of one near and dear to me and gave me a little nostalgia while I read. Overall I like this novel very much. It wasn’t my all-time favorite of Ms. McGee’s books, but it made for an enjoyable day and an enjoyable read!

Was this review helpful?

Stephanie H. McGee's "The Swindler's Daughter" is a captivating tale of deception, redemption, and self-discovery. Set in a richly imagined world where cunning con artists thrive, the story follows the journey of Lillian, the daughter of a notorious swindler, who is forced to navigate a treacherous path filled with unexpected twists and moral dilemmas. McGee's masterful storytelling weaves together intricate plotlines, memorable characters, and a perfect blend of suspense and heartwarming moments. As Lillian embarks on a quest to uncover her own identity while grappling with her family's dark legacy, readers are taken on an exhilarating ride that challenges their notions of right and wrong. "The Swindler's Daughter" is a spellbinding novel that will keep readers engrossed until the very last page, proving McGee's prowess as a talented author!

Was this review helpful?

This was my first book from Stephenia H. McGee, and I immediately ran to get her debut novel from the library. I was hooked from the first page of The Swindler's Daughter, and I will be watching for her books in the future!

Lillian Doyle thought her father died when she was a child, until she receives news of his recent death and learns that she's inherited everything he owned, including his house and business. When she arrives in town, she learns that her new house is currently inhabited and that her father's business isn't quite what she expected. It isn't long before she ends up with a target on her back--and a family she never knew she had. If she's going to survive, she'll have to learn to trust and make friends with the people who want to help her.

I loved this one. Jonah's devotion to his family was admirable and he made a great hero. Lillian's struggles with her mother were realistic and relatable. I really enjoyed both main characters as well as the side characters. Lillian's relatives were so sweet and welcoming, and I loved seeing her learn to trust and to feel loved for the first time.

If you're looking for a faith-filled, historical romance with a good dose of suspense, don't miss The Swindler's Daughter!

*I received a complimentary copy of The Swindler's Daughter through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Was this review helpful?

BOOK REVIEW - The Swindler's Daughter - Stephenia H. McGee - 5/5 Stars

THE STORY
Everybody needs a little sweetness in there life and this story has the perfect amount. When you think of a sweet romance this story should come up under the definition, it has everything you need: small town vibes, quirky family and friends, shy heroine from the city that grows into herself, slightly gruff country hero that's secretly a softie, a bit of mystery and a slowish adorable romance! I also loved the twist towards the end, very unexpected and a nice addition to the overall enjoyment of this book.

THE ROMANCE
Lillian and Jonah (great name btw!) are just so awwww and sigh-worthy. They're both so nice you just know they have to be together! I love how uncomplicated their romance is, no third act break ups or anything, just two people that like then love each other!

THE TRUTHS
Like Jonah and Lillian, one of the hardest things for us to accept as adults, and Christians, is that life doesn't always (well most of the time actually) turn out how we plan. We build all these plans and set all these goals of what we're going to do by what age but they don't always come to pass. I turn 30 this year and my life looks absolutely nothing like teenaged me planned! While part of me is disappointed I haven't met 18 year old me's goals, I'm learning that God has other plans and they are good too. The future is still a big unknown to me but learning to put my trust in God and the plans He has in store and working on staying hopeful, especially when current circumstances are hard or disappointing. Keep trusting God because the good and the better are coming!

Was this review helpful?

3.5- Interesting time in history (outlawed alcohol and bootleggers). The love story was a little cheesy, but sweet. I loved the family she found herself thrust into. The big hook for me was the plot involving her father's business. Great twist towards the end had me thinking hard.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

The Swindler’s Daughter was the first book that I have read by Stephenia McGee and I enjoyed the story and its themes. The way that Lillian developed in character and wrestled with the unexpected was real, honest and insightful. The obstacles that were presented, from her first run-in with Jonah to her concerns about whether the town law enforcement could be trusted, set the stage for character growth and Lillian rose to the challenge.

I enjoyed the development of how dreams grow and adapt and become something more than we ever thought they could become, alongside the challenge of opening a heart to love and setting boundaries against harm and injustice.

I’ll look forward to reading more from McGee.

I received a free digital copy of The Swindler’s Daughter with the expectation that I would leave an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and The Swindler's Daughter was a good read! Stephenia Mcgee has written a story that held my attention from start to finish. The characters are compelling and unforgettable and there are secrets throughout just waiting to be revealed. A redemptive theme along with the historical tidbits, mystery, family relationships and, of course, a romance, were blended together to be a book that was hard to put down. I read a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I truly enjoyed The Swindlers Daughter. It was a quick read with a sweet romance and a bit of mystery. I would recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction and fast paced read.

Was this review helpful?

Lillian Doyle lived with her widowed mother believing that her father was dead. Unexpectedly, Lillian was told her father had died recently and that she was his heiress. Her mother was a difficult woman and Lillian saw this inheritance as a gateway to freedom. However, the inheritance proved to be an unusual one and with it came many surprises and danger. Was this sheltered woman up to the challenge?

In this skillfully told story, the characters face major changes. Lillian, an only child, discovered she had a whole other family on her father's side. Part of his estate consisted of a house that was occupied by yet another family and they considered it to be theirs as the son, Jonah was assured he could purchase it. No one knew that Lillian's father even had a daughter until notified by an attorney. How was this possible? As the narrative progresses, more questions than answers surface. What sort of man was Lillian's father really and why had he remained estranged from her? Jonah, too, had questions. Would Lillian evict his family and throw havoc into their lives? Where his plans for an education now dead?

I found The Swindler's Daughter to be a unique and remarkable story. It deals with themes of faith, family and unexpected romance. Engrossing and meaningful, this story is well worth reading. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this wonderful story. I loved the romance and the bits of intrigue. I loved Lillian and Jonah. I also really liked Alma. I did not want to put the book down. I enjoyed learning a little about bootlegging. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Was this review helpful?

I just finished reading The Swindler’s Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee. I was thrilled to receive a print copy from Revell Publishing in return for my honest review.

Truthfully, when I started this book, I was not immediately drawn to the characters or the plot of the book. I certainly did not like the character of Lillian Doyle’s mother. I felt sorry for Lillian immediately.

Lillian has long believed that her father was dead, then she receives news that her father has just died in prison, leaving her all his worldly goods. However, she must travel to a backwoods town in rural Georgia to take possession or sell anything that has value and return to her home in Atlanta. Things are not as straightforward as they should be and Lillian becomes involved with another person who has taken possession of the house that should have been hers. She becomes very attached to this little town and its residents and decides to stay and make her living there.

So many things stand in her way, from dealing with a swindling cohort of her father to being accused of murder, to dealing with the suspicions of the townspeople because of her link to her father.

I found myself hating to put this book down because of the pace of the writing by Ms. McGee. I will be looking for more books by this talented writer.

Was this review helpful?

When Lillian Doyle inherits a house and business from a father she never knew, of course, she goes to discover not only what he left her but who he really was. This adventure leads to revelations, trouble, danger, and surprising twists. It all makes for a rollicking tale of love and loss and discovery. The characters come across as real and the plot intriguing. You never know what might happen next. I love the redemptive theme. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #TheSwindlersDaughter #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?