I tried. Every book deserves a good try. I quit at Chapter 11. Why?

1. There's little to no tension.
2. I don't know what the main character wants, so why should I keep reading? I'm not invested.
3. I am confused at times about why a character would say something. Where does he get that opinion? Why would he say that? I feel like you're telling me instead of showing me--even though it's his thoughts.
4. Where's the conflict? She wants to sell the house and someone wants to buy it. Great! The book is done at chapter four! Again, where is the conflict?
5. Would our main male actually notice the sunlight causing golden highlights to sparkle in someone's hair? Is he a hairdresser? Why would a man of the farm notice it this way? Unrealistic character portrayal.
6. Floating body parts ("his eyes on her back.")
7. Am I supposed to like Jonah's mother? Because I find she has abusive/manipulative Christian behavior. Do I know women like this? You bet. And I don't like them.

I wanted to enjoy this story but I just saw too much that distracted my read. I think this book could have used a good developmental edit before going into production. The potential is there! The story just isn't there yet.

At first I wasn't sure I would like this book. But the more I read of it the more I couldn't put it down. Lillian discovers that she has inherited property from her father. She has always been told by her mother that he was dead. Her mother sends her to sell the property and then give her the money. And by the way her mother has also picked out her husband for her. When Lillian arrives at the property she discovers that someone else is living there on the assumption that it is there's. She also discovers she has other family there as well. There's mystery as well. Her father's business partner wants to buy her out. But he doesn't seem to be on the up and up.

I received this book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Rating 4.5

This was my second book by this author, and I enjoyed it very much. I found myself just reading and reading to see what was going on and what would happen. There was also a point where I was confused, just like the characters, with regards to who to trust and who is not trustworthy.

There was sweet character development, new beginnings, trust in God’s plans, characters finding their own voice to stand up for what they want, and danger and suspense.

I recommend this story to fans of historical romance with a dash of danger and mystery.

The Swindler's Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee is the perfect inspirational historical romance to spend a quiet afternoon reading.
When Lillian Doyle's estranged father passes away and leaves her everything she hopes this inheritance will lead her to the independence she has always dreamed of, but making that a reality she finds she must befriend adversaries and strangers. including Jonah who believes Lillian's father left him his house.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

The Swindler’s Daughter Is a well written historical novel. Very good plot and character development. I recommend this book.I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

This is a great read!
In our day we argue over the legalization of certain non-prescription drugs, but there was a time when alcohol was outlawed. Hence the bootleggers and moonshine that sprang up across the country.
This story not only addresses the tension of black marker liquor , but it also shines a light on the trials in life, hopes and dreams, and seeking for God’s guidance in our lives.
This story has strong characters, an engaging storyline, and a few twists and turns which I enjoyed.

"The Swindler's Daughter" tells the tale of Lillian, a young woman in 1912 Atlanta, Georgia, raised by a widowed mother to be a high society woman and marry well to a handsome, but boring man. Lillian's life is turned upside down when she receives the news that her father was not dead but now is and that she has been named the sole beneficiary of his estate. Her mother forces her to travel alone to the estate to discover the house she has been left has been commandeered by cousins who intend to turn it into a bakery. Additionally, her late father's business partner seems overly eager to get his hands on the house. Added to the mix is the mysterious, embittered, but good-looking Jonah who mistrusts Lillian at every turn. The twists and turns of the plot force Lillian to learn to trust God like she has never trusted him before.

The novel is a nice-enough, Christian romance fairy tale. Problems arise and meet with quick, if not sometimes improbable, solutions. The villians are stereotypical. The main characters fall in love. The book is not overly deep and makes for quick reading. You can enjoy the story and move on. If you are looking for more than that, you will be disappointed. It's a great summer beach read.

I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Identity is an interesting thing. You can know who you think you are and still be quite uninformed, as Lillian Doyle learns in The Swindler’s Daughter. As the daughter of a widowed Atlanta socialite, Lillian is expected to marry well and secure the future for herself and her mother. However, Lillian finds that her mother had not been widowed by her father all these years; he has been quite alive, at least, he was until recently. Now the sole heiress of her father’s estate, Lillian is sent to secure her inheritance and return to Atlanta to marry a nice enough man, with whom she supposes she will have a nice enough life. But arriving in the small town where her father once lived, Lillian is faced with opportunities she could only dream about under the weight of social expectation, and the choices before her could allow Lillian to be who she chooses to be.

In The Swindler’s Daughter, Stephenia H. McGee writes historical romance with a bit of intrigue. Questions swirl as hopes and futures collide, making messes of people’s plans and opening the door for God’s plan for each of the characters. There are misunderstandings and mischief aplenty, moving the story toward a tidy ending.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

What a beautiful story!

Lillian Doyle, who has lived most of her life believing her father is dead, learns that in face he had been alive until just recently. When she is listed as the sole beneficiary in his will, she travels to the small town he lived in to tie up any loose ends.

Lillian plans initially to return to the home she has shared with her mom. However, when she realizes that she could potentially stay in the town her father lived in and live in his house she starts dreaming about a different future for herself.

There is just one problem. The house is already occupied by a woman who claims it was promised to her son by the family of Lillian’s father. Now, not only does Lillian realize she has family, she also has quite a situation on her hands. She also has quite a few things to learn about the father she never knew.

The result is a wonderful story about taking chances, compromising, trusting in the Lord, and eventually trusting the people the Lord specifically places in your life for your good. As Lillian learns how to trust, she comes to see these new people as an extended part of the family she is getting to know. She also learns she is stronger and more capable than she ever thought.

I loved this story. We all have to learn how to trust the Lord, and we all also have to learn how to use our gifts and to keep moving forward despite unexpected events. This is only my second book by the author and I truly enjoy how she weaves stories with such good lessons and beautiful messages.

Thank you to Revell for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

Lillian has just found out the father she thought was dead, has just died. Not only that but her parents were not even married, and she is her father's sole heir. This comes as quite a shock to Lillian, and she is not getting any help or information from her mother who refuses to speak about their past. She does send Lillian to collect said inheritance so that they may continue to live in the lifestyle that they are accustomed.

Unfortunately, the surprises do not cease, and Lillian not only finds family she was unaware of, but the very house she inherited has a family already living there and they have made themselves quite at home. I was instantly rooting for Lillian as she navigates a part of her life she never knew existed while her own dreams are wanting to take hold.

Then there is Jonah who only wanted to provide a bakery and home for his mother. I really did wonder at their audacity of assuming that Lillian's father, Jonah's employer would leave the home to him. But the story is not called Swindler's daughter for no reason. Very fun and romantic story with a collective cast of secondary characters and a thread of mystery.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About this book:

“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.”


Series: As of now, no, a stand-alone novel.


Spiritual Content- Psalm 32:8 at the beginning; A few Scriptures are remembered & quoted; Prayers & Thanking God (including one by a criminal); Talks about God, His will, & wondering why bad things happen; 'H's are not capital when referring to God; A couple characters (Jonah & his mother) ask God why nothing is easy for them (she takes it in stride, but he feels like a failure because of all of his plans not working out); Jonah feels like God thwarts him and his plans at every turn (he feels bitter for the majority of the book, *Spoiler* [but after a discussion with his mother about there being opposition if we’re following God’s path and praying, he releases the bitterness and feels like a new man *End of Spoiler* (hide spoiler)]); Lillian prays for guidance but doesn’t receive any & later asks why God is punishing her (*Spoiler* [she later realizes that God has a plan for her that included those trials *End of Spoiler* (hide spoiler)]); Jonah’s mother (Melanie) says people learn about God’s plans for them in three ways (they receive a vision or an angel comes to visit them, by a quite sense from the Holy Spirit usually while immersed in the Bible, and thirdly, someone else tells them; Jonah wonders how she really knows anything about God’s plans); Mentions of God, His will, following Him, & having faith; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food (including Lillian wondering why God would give the answer to her prayers to Melanie instead of her); Mentions of churches & church going; Mentions of blessings & being Blessed; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of prophets; A mention of something feeling like a godsend; A mention of a miracle;
*Note: A mention of Jonah thinking he has rotten luck; A mention of alcohol being called the “devil’s brew”.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘confounded’, a ‘stupid’, a ‘what in the dickens’, two unfinished ‘what in the—‘s, two ‘what in tarnation’, and three ‘shut up’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Fighting, being shot, being held at gunpoint, being attacked by an intruder, being tied-up, being locked up in jail, injuries, pain, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Thinking that an officer might be dirty; A few lies (said by Lillian due to how her mother raised her with wanting society’s approval, though Lillian corrects a couple of them); Lillian and her mother have a strained relationship (her mother wants society’s approval and for Lillian to marry into a rich family; Lillian feels like her mother’s affection is always just out of reach and that if she receive it if she obeyed or accomplished something her mother wants (Lillian is glad for her independence while handling the inheritance); Lillian’s mother says “good riddance” to her father’s death; Many mentions of bootleggers, alcohol, & someone being drunk; Many mentions of intruders, a break-in, stolen items, stealing, & vandalism; Mentions of deaths, a possible murder, & possible poison; Mentions of fires, a family losing everything when their house burned down, & a criminal threatening to cause a fire; Mentions of criminals & crimes; Mentions of prisons/jails; Mentions of someone being shot, blood/bleeding, & gunshots (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of being attacked, being tied-up, screams, injuries, pain, & passing out (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of tobacco; A few mentions of being threatened with harm & death; A couple mentions of threats; A couple mentions of a father drinking to soothe his aches and his family not liking how he was on those days; A couple mentions of rumors; A mention of murder; A mention of hatred;
*Note: Mentions of the deaths of infants (*Spoiler* [a side couple has buried four babies and announces at the end that they are expecting *End of Spoiler* (hide spoiler)]); A mention of some men thinking that women have no place in business.


Sexual Content- Staring at someone’s lips; An almost (semi-detailed) kiss, a forehead kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, two semi-detailed kisses, and a detailed kiss (mentioning his desire for her); Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, Electricity, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes & Winks; Noticing & Staring (including muscles, up to semi-detailed); Lillian was born out of wedlock (she has always been told her mother was a widow and her mother tells her that he couldn’t accept the responsibility of being a father *Spoiler* [In a letter, her father tells her that their affair was short lived and her mother’s parents disowned her when finding out she was pregnant and Lillian is hurt by her grandparents not wanting her *End of Spoiler* (hide spoiler)]); Mentions of Lillian being an illegitimate child (she is embarrassed by it, but thinks that it wasn’t her fault); Mentions of kisses, kissing, & a couple being caught kissing (or that they were “smushing lips” as said by a ten-year-old); A few mentions of an affair & mistress; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A few mentions of “women’s troubles” (periods); A couple mentions of a woman’s figure (by Jonah).

-Lillian Doyle, age 23
-Jonah Peterson
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1912
352 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars

I was super curious about this book based on the title and back-cover blurb alone—it felt like there might be a slight mystery!—but I was a little hesitant because I wasn’t a fan of the author’s prior book…mainly because of the main girl.

With this novel however, I did like Lillian. She’s a little bit of a snob, but it’s to be expected with how she grew up and it wasn’t overly annoying. She did make some choices I’ll honestly say I thought were dumb, but let’s call that character development and lesson learning.

Jonah has major trust issues and at the beginning was constantly having a bone to pick with Lillian. I wasn’t a big fan of him and his lack of communication and pity parties did annoy me at times. There wasn’t the miscommunication trope per say, it was more of a lack of communication between Lillian and Jonah that finally got resolved at the end. There was one kiss that was too much for my tastes and a bit more noticing of the other’s physical appearance that lowered the ratings.

Because of different elements, it kind of felt like historical HGTV, which was kind of fun, actually! I don’t think I’ve read a historical book that features so much renovation and creating a special place (being vague for spoilers), but I really liked that element. I do wish there had been more details on the colors and fabrics used, though, so I could have pictured it better while reading.

I will say that the title’s implication was different than I was expecting and hoping this book would be, but how it turned out wasn’t bad. I liked the ending and how it wrapped up well. While I can’t call this an excellent book, personally, it was a fun read that kept my attention and interest. I was really concerned before starting it, but it ended up a good book.




*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review.

This is my first book by this author and I liked it. I appreciated that it had a unique premise. Lillian is aware of how her mother connives and manipulates to get what she wants but she's not aware how deep it goes. She believed her mom was a widow until she finds out her father has just died and named her his sole heir. When she arrives to see her new home, someone is already living there and refuses to leave. It gets more complicated from there.

There's a mystery to be solved that has several layers. It was well-written and entertaining. I liked the characters although I was surprised her mom didn't play a bigger part in the book. It kept me reading. I would definitely pick up another book by this author.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This story has an immense depth with a multitude of characters who trust completely in God's plan for their lives, even when it all looks gloomy. What an encouragement when I am facing my own challenges.

I loved this book! It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's a sweet clean romance with just the right amount of mystery and drama to keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great story with wonderful characters.
I received a complimentary copy from Revell and Stephenia H. McGee via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lillian Doyle, a perfectly poised southern belle, is forced to visit the Georgian countryside when she learns her past was not all her mother pretended it was. A family she’s never known lives in Dawsonville. A family that—as a secret illegitimate daughter—has never known her either. Lillian wants nothing more than to sell her father’s estate and rush back to the city, but when she gets a taste of fresh air and independence, will she be able to let go?

Story: 4/5
Worldview: 2.5/5

I loved the atmosphere of the 1800s South. The setting deepened the gulf between the two protagonists, city-gal Lillian and cowboy Jonah Peterson—the stubborn man who stands at odds against her plans. The plot never faltered in balancing personal difficulties, family drama, romance, and mystery. I feel like I went on an unexpected journey with these characters, and I enjoyed the ride.

THE ROMANCE
This novel was heavier on romance, but nothing objectionable. There was a kissing scene that was a little spicy, but I think that was more me than anything else. Before I knew Jesus, I devoured romance novels, even getting into more intense fiction. Having been freed from that addiction, I’m wary of lustful relationships in fiction. I felt this novel toed the line a little.

WORLDVIEW
One of the overarching themes of this novel was how God can work out all things—even tragedies—for good. It was a solid message of hope and leaning on God.

I think the message was muddied, though, by having one character as a self-appointed prophet. God can absolutely speak His will to us in different ways… but to contrast this character’s pronouncements against God’s silence to prayers was weird to me.

Personally, I’m still discovering God’s particular purpose for my life, but I would prefer to hear straight from God than people.

In any case, this was an entertaining read. This is the first novel I picked up from McGee and I’d be tempted to go for another one. Overall: 3.25/5.

This was a really sweet book. The storyline was interesting, the characters fun, and the atmosphere believable. I really enjoyed it.

It was pretty short, but I didn’t feel like anything was underdeveloped so that was a major plus. The story was paced and developed very well.

The best part was the spiritual content. Both Lillian and Jonah have their own spiritual issues to work through and they work through them well. I enjoyed seeing the progress.

The only reason it lost a star for me was because I felt the title spoiled most of the mystery. Throughout the book Lillian is learning more about her father and his business, but due to the title, we readers know the truth from the beginning so there’s no big reveal.

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.

4.5 Stars!

A small town, southern setting, a strong female protagonist, a swoony hero who feels responsible for his mom and sisters…add an inheritance that includes a bit of mystery and you have a great story. But, Stephenia McGee crafts in unexpected twists, a host of conflicting characters and inspirational moments that elevate this original storyline to a “read all night” level.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

This is my first time reading anything by this author and I look forward to checking out more of her books in the future.

There was an element of mystery in this story that has the reader continuing to turn the pages. I really enjoyed the wisdom of the character Melanie. I also enjoyed the resilience of the characters in the story

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own

4.5 stars

I love Stephenia H. McGee’s books so I already knew I wanted to read her latest, The Swindler’s Daughter. The fact that it’s set in a Georgia mountain town brimming with intriguing Progressive-era (and early hints of Prohibition) history – and located only about an hour from me – is icing on the cake.

Lillian Doyle, our story’s protagonist, had me on her side from the very beginning. In the first few pages, everything she thought she knew was turned upside down and proven to be a lie. Her mother? Not a widow. Her father? Not dead. Well… he is now, but she had believed him dead her whole life only to discover his death was much more recent and comes with a sizable inheritance in her name. Not her high-society mother’s. In fact, despite being raised with a high priority on keeping up appearances, mingling in high-class circles, and marrying advantageously, Lillian herself turned out to be a very kind and genuine person who loved God and sought His direction. I thought her character was very brave and easy to like, and I cheered her on in her quest for independence and the truth.

A quest which leads her from Atlanta to rural north Georgia and a house in need of many repairs, a family she never knew, buried secrets, long-held dreams, and a blossoming romance (complete with some great ‘smushing faces’ scenes). The supporting cast, including our dashing hero Jonah, is full of layered backstories and vibrant personalities and, while some are easy to trust right away, readers get to join Lillian in trying to discern which of the others are who they claim to be. Jonah’s mother Melanie and his sisters were personal favorites of mine, and I’d love to see future stories about Rose and Betsy after they’ve grown up. Jonah is as vividly drawn and compelling as Lillian is, and I very much enjoyed watching them fall in love.

Bottom Line: The Swindler’s Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee grabbed my interest from the first sentence and held me immersed in its pages until the last word. I easily embraced Lillian and Jonah and their Dawsonville families, and I was caught up in the mystery and danger surrounding her father and his house. I also loved that, while I had one idea about how the title would play out, McGee took it even beyond those expectations and made it all the more compelling. I must admit that Georgia during the Progressive & Prohibition eras hasn’t been on my radar until picking up The Swindler’s Daughter but now I find myself wanting to know lots more about it. Romance, intrigue, history, great characters and family secrets – this book has it all!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)