The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

Rating: ★★★★★

Dates Read: 10/28/23 - 10/28/23

    After the death of the infamous and wealthy Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore, her adopted son, Camden, unexpectedly inherits her estate and fortune. Despite his reluctance to embrace his McTavish legacy, he and his wife, Jules, are drawn back to Ashby House, the family's mansion in the Blue Ridge mountains. However, returning home reveals the complex web of secrets surrounding Ruby's life and the McTavish family. As Jules delves into Ruby's mysterious past, she becomes determined to uncover the truth behind Ruby's enigmatic choices, the rumors of her childhood disappearance, the suspicious deaths of her husbands, and the adoption of Camden. The couple soon realizes that the inheritance they've received is more than just material wealth, as they confront buried family secrets that bind them to Ashby House and Ruby's legacy, transcending the boundaries of life and death.

    "The Heiress" immediately drew me in and kept my interest throughout the story. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read; I couldn't put it down. The narrative is filled with unexpected plot twists and turns in almost every chapter, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that kept me eagerly turning the pages. "The Heiress" seamlessly intertwines the past and present, crafting a captivating narrative about greed, power, and a complex family legacy spanning generations.

    In this gripping tale, we follow the perspectives of three main characters, each with a distinct and compelling voice. Ruby, the enigmatic heiress, shares her life story through a series of candid letters, revealing her wit and intelligence. Then there's Camden, Ruby's adopted son, who endured a difficult upbringing within the McTavish family. After a decade away, he returns home with his strong-willed wife, Jules, forming a resilient trio amidst a backdrop of challenging family dynamics. While the story introduces various side characters, such as Cam's cousins Ben and Libby and their grandmother Nelle, it's the resilience and complexity of Ruby, Cam, and Jules that truly shine. Despite the flaws in some of the supporting cast, the depth and growth of these three central narrators make this novel a compelling read, defying the usual challenges of multiple perspectives in a story.

    I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, particularly its well-executed plot twists and the captivating letters in Ruby's chapters. While I can't claim the twists were entirely unexpected, the intricate family drama kept me from truly anticipating them. I found myself deeply absorbed in Ruby's story, to the point where I would gladly read an entire novel dedicated solely to her life. Hawkins showcased exceptional skill in crafting every element of this book, making it a standout read for me. My only critique of "The Heiress" is that it wasn't long enough; I got to the end and just wanted more. It was so captivating that I could easily see it as a movie.

    I've read almost all of Rachel Hawkins' books, including The Ex Hex series she wrote under Erin Sterling, and every time, she never fails to captivate me. It doesn't matter where the story is set, who the characters are, or even what the plot is about—Hawkins just knows how to create a story that hooks you in completely.

    "The Heiress" is expected to publish January 9, 2024. Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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