The Swindler's Daughter

Author: Stephenia H. McGee
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 352
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Publisher: Revell

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 he has left a business and all his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she arrives at her father's house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by a 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--and Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

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Reviewer: Cheryl Wood

When I heard that Stephanie H. McGee was releasing a new book, I knew it would not disappoint. Full of mystery, twists, and turns, it kept me up late into the night, turning the pages to find out what happened.

Lillian was under the assumption that her father was dead and her mother his widow. She is quite surprised when she receives a letter that her father passed and left her the sole heir to half of his business and his home. Upon settling the estate and accepting the inheritance, she discovers she has a family she never met, which is just the start of problems. The longer she stays in town, the more mysterious events she encounters and 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.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Billi Varela

This story has redemptive qualities consisting of truth, trust, and forgiveness. 

Wow! This is my second novel by Stephenia H. McGee. After The Secrets of Emberwild, I had high hopes for this novel. She did not disappoint. Stephenia H. McGee gives us a good plot with a romance and mystery that leaves you wanting to know more. I recommend setting time for this novel because you will want to finish it in one sitting. 

Lillian Doyle has been told what to do her whole life, and now with an inheritance, she can finally be who she wants to be. But things stand in her way of freedom. 

Jonah Peterson has never had a break in his life, and so when he finally appears to have a break, obstacles are put in his way. His character is really beautiful. He appears to be such a rough cowboy but is such a sweetheart. I love that his character constantly wanted to protect his ma and sisters…and Lillian. 

I love Lillian and Jonah’s romance. It was slow and sweet but beautiful when it started to blossom. And the kiss scene. It was so cute and funny! Obviously, you’ll have to read it to understand. 

Melanie was by far the funniest character in this novel. She added to this novel. At first, she got on my nerves. But afterward, when things became less tense, she grew on me. Her daughters Betsy and Rose were sweet girls. And oh my goodness, Betsy was so funny! 

This book only has a few sweet kisses. There is mention of a baby being born out of wedlock.

Disclaimer: I requested and received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Joy Hannabass

I wonder how Lillian Doyle felt finding out her dad just passed away, in jail, after being told he had died so long ago? Not only that, but he left Lillian all of his worldly possessions, which brought on many surprises.

It's been a while since I read anything by Stephenia H. McGee, and I'm so glad I chose to read this one. Georgia was a different setting for me as well. I don't remember reading any books with this setting, though I may have years ago. The details of the setting made me feel as though I was visiting that little town while reading, which was a lot of fun. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and how they developed throughout the setting. I especially liked Lillian, her personality, and getting to know about her life.

The house was a shock to Lillian. It was nothing like she expected and was pretty run down! And she found a few more surprises when she went to the house, but you must read the book to find these things out. I loved the twists and turns that kept me reading faster to get to the end. I'm sure gonna be reading more from Stephenia H. McGee in the future, and I might just pick up some of her earlier titles to read. 

I'm giving The Swindler's Daughter Five Stars, and I wish I could give it more! I encourage you to check this book out. I highly recommend The Swindler's Daughter if you enjoy a good, clean historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

This is my first time reading a book by Stephenia McGee, and I can tell it won't be my last.

I enjoyed all aspects of this story, from the mystery of her deceased father to her romantic interest in Jonah, to the new beginnings of a long-held dream. I loved the character of Melanie and her steadfast faith in Christ that God has a plan for our lives. As one bad thing after another happens, Melanie encourages those around her to trust in God. As the novel progresses, Lillian and Jonah learn to do precisely that.

While I didn't quite believe the romance between Jonah and Lillian, I was still caught up in their story. I felt so much time was spent on the house and the mystery surrounding it that their attraction to each other felt rather flat. I would have liked to see their relationship developed more. Despite all that, I really enjoyed this story which was a very fast read. 

​If you like historical romances, you will love The Swindler's Daughter.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest review.

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Reviewer: Carolyn Bryant

Once again, Stephenia McGee demonstrates her amazing writing prowess by delivering this intriguing tale of family, secrets, dreams, and faith. 

This absorbing drama, set in 1912, centers around city socialite Lillian Doyle’s scandalous inheritance and Lillian’s relationship with farmhand Jonah Peterson and her “new found” family. The compelling characters are wonderfully crafted and engaging. Lillian and Jonah are now on my list of favorite fictional couples. 

The exciting plot, with unexpected twists and revelations, kept me glued to the pages. I felt I was with the characters sharing their joys and sorrows. 

I love the authentically sketched Georgia mountain small town setting, which is only about sixty miles from my home. I appreciate the strong faith thread woven throughout the story—a reminder to trust God’s plan and purpose. I love this book and highly recommend it, especially for fans of romantic historical inspirational fiction. 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

This is my favorite read by this author. It was so good I couldn't put it away for one second!

With the many messages of faith and a strong believer in Christ, what more could one want? The strong believer is my favorite character. I love her determination to believe no matter the situation she finds herself in. I enjoyed watching Lillian grow into the character she was meant to be.
  
I think my favorite thing was the transformation of the house. All the love that was freely given was amazing. I wish it were that easy in real life. 

The mystery was wonderful! It wasn't too heavy at all. Just enough to keep reading until the end. McGee has done a wonderful job with all of it, and I give this book 5 stars. I wish I could give it more. I enjoyed this story so much! I even snickered in some places. 
 
You'll most especially love Rose and Betsy. In my opinion, they stole the show. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Adriann Harris

I could not put this engrossing story down written by Stephenia H. McGee. Every time I read a book by her, I tell myself there is no way she will top this one. Then I read her next book, star-struck with her awesome prose, realistic characters, and picturesque world-building. I was drawn into the intriguing world of The Swindler’s Daughter from the very first page and didn’t want to leave when the story ended.  

Lillian had me cheering for her as she spread her wings and grew in confidence once she was out from under her mother’s constant scrutiny after she inherited her father’s estate and worldly possessions upon his death. Unbeknownst to her, those possessions could possibly lead to her own demise. With the support of God, newfound family, friends, and a new beau, each gave Lillian the strength to conquer all obstacles thrown into her path. Those obstacles had me glued to my seat, turning the pages as I held my breath reading as fast as I could to know the outcome.

If you want to read a stupendous Christian Historical Fiction novel with romance and intrigue, look no further than Stephenia H. McGee’s new book, The Swindler’s Daughter. You will not be disappointed.

I requested and received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All the opinions are my own, and I was not required to give a positive review.

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