Review: The Heiress

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.

After the death of the infamous Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore, her estate and vast fortune pass to her adopted son, Camden. However, Cam wishes to have nothing to do with the McTavish legacy and lives a quiet life as an English teacher in Colorado with his wife, Jules. A decade later, Cam's uncle's death summons them back to the grand Ashby House, the McTavish family estate. While the house is as magnificent as ever, returning to it reminds Cam of why he left in the first place.

Jules, on the other hand, is determined to help her husband claim everything Ruby intended for him. But as they delve deeper into Ruby's enigmatic family, they discover hidden secrets, including the rumors surrounding her childhood disappearance, the mysterious deaths of her four husbands, and the true reasons behind her adoption of Cam. The more they uncover, the more they realize that family ties and inheritances can be far more complex than they initially appeared.

This book held a fascinating concept of whether one can truly break free from their family's influence or their destined path. The backdrop of Ashby House added a rich layer to the narrative, as generations of the McTavish family are inextricably tied to the estate. The recurring themes of wealth, secrets, and their consequences were compelling, highlighting how money can make almost any problem disappear, even murder.

As for Ruby, her letters provided an intriguing glimpse into her character, although I expected her to be a more nurturing and parental figure considering her tumultuous past. It's no wonder that Cam found it challenging to escape his family's legacy, even with his determined efforts.

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