I have "meh" feelings about this book. I didn't hate it, but it was slow and I skipped from 64% to 87% and don't feel like I missed much by doing so.

The MC h is the daughter of parents who were missionaries in India and she grew up to be a missionary as well, before going back to England when an Uprising that killed off her family occurred. So there is a thread of Christianity weaving through this book, which I enjoyed, though I know others may not appreciate.

I didn't really like the "love triangle" or the gas lighting that the MC h was going through and I REALLY didn't like no one telling her what the heck was going on, so she had to try to figure it out on her own, which was potentially dangerous, considering there was a potential murderer about. Many readers enjoy a mystery, I don't, when it's due to characters refusing to communicate with one another for what ended up being less than believable reasons.

This was a weak 2.5 stars, but the author's afterward boosts it up to 3 stars for me. She really researched the missionary work in India and those parts of the book were written very well and vividly. I kind of wish she had focused on India and not England to be honest. I also liked the Christian thread in the book. Not too in-your-face and not too shrinking violet. I felt it was balanced well.

Definitely a Gothic atmosphere with an interesting premise of the MC h going to England to claim her home, only to find that an imposter had claimed they were her beforehand. Worth a look if you are into Gothic romances and like having a strong Christian theme.

My thanks to NetGalley and Howard Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

Sandra Byrd’s books are always a wonderful indulgence for me. I first came upon her with her book, “To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn”. I was delighted to try a Gothic novel and while I’m glad I did, I’m not sure if I would again. The story itself was strong and despite her being a missionary’s daughter, it thankfully, was not too preachy. I was afraid it would be, but no.

Rebecca is a wonderful character, down to earth and likable. Considering her circumstances, her outlook is markedly more positive than mine would be; I would have a fit and expect someone else to do the hard sleuthing. Rebecca, however, she doesn’t do that. She takes on the beast of a mystery and traverses down the road of intrigue and mystery…and maybe even romance…to find out the truth and to reclaim her birthright.

It’s definitely a good read, it does have some flaws but it is a strong book. My biggest complaint would be that everything was tied up a little too neatly…if it’s supposed to be a series…I don’t like neat endings, haha.

It would be horrible to have lost your whole family and then for everyone to think you weren't who you said you were. Rebecca has this happen. It would be awful. This book has great romance and intrigue. Is anyone who they say they are. Is anyone telling the truth? I did not want to put this book down. So kept my interest. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.