Bertrice Small, The Last Heiress

The Last Heiress

Bertrice Small

NAL, Oct 2005, $14.00

ISBN: 045121692X

During the reign of Henry VIII, at fourteen, Elizabeth Meredith inherited Friarsgate, when her mother and older middle sister married and moved onto their respective spouses' estate, and her oldest sibling and her husband chose the king's court. Eight years later she remains independent running her estate, until her mother informs her she must marry so that an heir can inherit Friarsgate.

Her beloved sixty year old Uncle Thomas agrees to escort the feisty landowner to court. However, before they leave for London, Baen MacColl comes from Scotland, at the behest of his father, to discus a sheep deal. As the two die in the wool, anti-marital soul mates fall in love. Elizabeth, chaperoned by her uncle, travels to the king's court. There she befriends the beleaguered queen, while Henry VIII begins his campaign to replace his wife Katherine, with Anne.

The key to this battle between two independent obstinate loving combatants, is the background that incorporates Henry's antics, as he sets in motion his plan to remove Katherine of Aragon as queen, and replace her with Anne Boleyn. Bertrice Small cleverly uses the monumental sixteenth century events to tell her story of love, yet in some ways the shadow overwhelms the lead characters. Fans of historical romance with strong doses of both, will enjoy the latest Meredith tale (see UNTIL YOU AND PHILIPPA).