4.5 stars

I love Stephenia H. McGee’s books so I already knew I wanted to read her latest, The Swindler’s Daughter. The fact that it’s set in a Georgia mountain town brimming with intriguing Progressive-era (and early hints of Prohibition) history – and located only about an hour from me – is icing on the cake.

Lillian Doyle, our story’s protagonist, had me on her side from the very beginning. In the first few pages, everything she thought she knew was turned upside down and proven to be a lie. Her mother? Not a widow. Her father? Not dead. Well… he is now, but she had believed him dead her whole life only to discover his death was much more recent and comes with a sizable inheritance in her name. Not her high-society mother’s. In fact, despite being raised with a high priority on keeping up appearances, mingling in high-class circles, and marrying advantageously, Lillian herself turned out to be a very kind and genuine person who loved God and sought His direction. I thought her character was very brave and easy to like, and I cheered her on in her quest for independence and the truth.

A quest which leads her from Atlanta to rural north Georgia and a house in need of many repairs, a family she never knew, buried secrets, long-held dreams, and a blossoming romance (complete with some great ‘smushing faces’ scenes). The supporting cast, including our dashing hero Jonah, is full of layered backstories and vibrant personalities and, while some are easy to trust right away, readers get to join Lillian in trying to discern which of the others are who they claim to be. Jonah’s mother Melanie and his sisters were personal favorites of mine, and I’d love to see future stories about Rose and Betsy after they’ve grown up. Jonah is as vividly drawn and compelling as Lillian is, and I very much enjoyed watching them fall in love.

Bottom Line: The Swindler’s Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee grabbed my interest from the first sentence and held me immersed in its pages until the last word. I easily embraced Lillian and Jonah and their Dawsonville families, and I was caught up in the mystery and danger surrounding her father and his house. I also loved that, while I had one idea about how the title would play out, McGee took it even beyond those expectations and made it all the more compelling. I must admit that Georgia during the Progressive & Prohibition eras hasn’t been on my radar until picking up The Swindler’s Daughter but now I find myself wanting to know lots more about it. Romance, intrigue, history, great characters and family secrets – this book has it all!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Set in 1912 Georgia, The Swindler's Daughter takes place over two months time in the life of Lillian Doyle. The story begins as Lillian learns that not only was her mother never wed, but the father she had been told died many years ago had, in fact, only recently passed away leaving everything to her. There may be those in the small town of Dawsonville who are less than happy to learn of Floyd Jackson's daughter and his new will. Lillian must learn to navigate situations with people much different from those around whom she was raised, people whose motives and choices she questions as they question hers.

Stephenia H. McGee focuses this story on the difficulties many experience in understanding God's will for their lives. She addresses the complications created by fear, uncertainty, the desire for control, and the presence of misfortune. She also addresses the blessings that come not only at the end of the journey, but also those that are discovered along the way. I was blessed by this story and am pleased to recommend it to others. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Swindler's Daughter from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Lillian Doyle had spent her entire life trying to live up to her widowed mother’s expectations of her. Unfortunately Lillian was not very interested in the social life her mother adored and was not particularly happy with her role. Then one day she learned that everything she knew was based on a lie, especially the one she had been told about her father’s death.

When Lillian traveled to Georgia to take care of the legalities of accepting the estate of her father who had just died, her intentions were to return home immediately after selling her father’s house and business. That was before she met a most unusual (to her) family who quickly made her feel like one of them.

Of course romance is involved as well as a touch of mystery, danger, and suspense but the book’s overwhelming message was one of encouragement to trust God and His plans for one’s life. I thoroughly enjoyed The Swindler’s Daughter and every one of its engaging characters. It may well have been one of the best books I’ve read this year and will be difficult to outdo.

Can you imagine the surprise you would have if you received a letter that your recently deceased father has left you his home and business when you thought he had died long ago? Lillian Doyle is given the task of seeing to the details instead of her mother whose primary concern in life is being a part of the socially elite in Atlanta.

Things I loved about the book and think you will too:
Melanie’s optimism, faith, and her plans for a bakery
the book store
hidden items in the inherited house
the mystery
extended family
Jonah’s fierce loyalty and protectiveness of those he loves
Smushing faces

What I wish I had seen was Lillian asking her aunt about her father. I was curious to know some details about him. What was he like? I was surprised that she didn’t ask because I would have wanted to know all about him if it were me.

I recommend this book and would enjoy seeing what happens with the store, Melanie and her daughters and Lillian's extended family.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Historical romantic thriller

Ms McGee is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed The Swindler's Daughter, so I have her entire backlist to find now! This book, as the blurb says, is about a daughter who is finding herself to be not the woman she thought -- her father just died, as opposed to long ago, her mother wasn't a widow, she wasn't really part of the upper crust. Her surprising inheritance takes her life in a totally new direction, and there are twists and dangers along the way.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

I thought that book was interesting, with the historical aspect. The plot kept me guessing as the Swindler's Daughter seeks to find out who she really is after discovering her father was a live all those years and working as a swindler. This is an enjoyable, historical read.

I simply enjoyed this book. I read for hours every day. It is a pleasure to read a book with an engaging plot, characters that immediately catch my attention and a thread of mystery weaving throughout. I don't need to analyze; I can just immerse myself in the writing and be entertained. I received an advanced reader's copy of this book by Stephenia H. McGee from Revell via NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion about it.
This is my first book by this author, and I like her writing style. She lets the characters tell the story. Lillian Doyle is an obedient daughter, bowing to her mother's will and law. Her life is flipped upside down when she learns that the father she has been told is dead, has passed on and has left his worldly goods to her. This straight laced, highly sheltered, seemingly haughty young woman is suddenly commanded by her strict mother to travel alone to retrieve her inheritance. What a journey and series of revelations it all turns out to be. It could be life changing.
There's Jonah, a handsome cowboy with a dream, his delightful mother, Melanie, who faithfully listens to God, surprise relatives and a possible criminal element ready to meet Lillian in the little Georgia town. I think the book has an excellent plot, a touch of sadness, the possibility of hope and the gift of faith within its pages. It's a strong 4.5 with me.

I have always loved reading books from Stephenia H McGee and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest release, The Swindler's Daughter. I was far from being disappointed. This is one of my favorites I have read by her and one of the top ten reads of the year for me. I adored the characters, Jonah and Lillian. I loved the setting and thought the plot to be a unique one that had me delightfully entertained from start to finish.

I am giving The Swindler's Daughter a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers and fans of clean historical romance. As always, I will be looking for more stories like this from Stephenia H McGee in the future.

I received a paperback copy of The Swindler's Daughter from the publisher, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Sometimes God places a spark of something within us as a hint to where He wants us to focus our time and attention.

Lillian Doyle was told as a child that her father was dead. How then, could she suddenly inherit his entire holdings? Leaving her mother behind, who she could never satisfy anyway, she travels to find her future. Will this be a good thing or not?

This wonderful story has plenty of intrigue as you attempt to solve the mystery behind this sudden windfall. The characters are well developed and a real treat to get to know. The faith displayed by Melanie is like a breath of fresh air. God already knows the plan. Best we get on board. One has to wonder if Lillian is ready to get on board…

An early copy of this lovely story was received through Revell, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

This is the second book I have read by Stephenia H. McGee and it was very good. This talented author has a way of transporting the reader into the setting, like you are watching it unfold right in front of you. Unlike some Christian fiction today, The Swindler's Daughter actually has Christian characters who pray, trust in God, and seek his will for their lives. Many "Christian" fiction books I have read recently mention God once and then move on.

In The Swindler's Daughter, Lillian Doyle lives with her over-bearing mother in Atlanta, Georgia. Lillian's world suddenly turns upside-down when she receives a notice that her father has died and left her a small fortune. Lillian's father has been alive all these years she thought him dead and her mother has been posing as widow! What else has her mother lied about? Lillian travels to the tiny town where her father lived and uncovers secrets someone doesn't want her to find. As the threats become increasingly dangerous, Lillian begins to rely on local farmer, Jonah and his family. As Lillian and Jonah develop feeling for each other, they must solve the mystery, keep everyone safe and protect Lillian's inheritance.

I thought the book was very good. It started out a bit slow, but I was quickly drawn into the story. Lillian seemed like a wilting wallflower at first. But being out from under her mother's angry demands, Lillian finds her resolve and backbone. Jonah's mother also seemed to be a strange character at first. But I grew to like the slightly quirky woman and her devotion to faith. There is so much more to the story such as Lillian's almost fiance, bootlegging, and a gunshot wound. You must read it for yourself. Fans of Historical Christian fiction will enjoy The Swindler's Daughter.

The Swindler’s Daughter by author Stephenia H. McGee is a Christian historical romance fiction by Revell Publishing. It is a hefty 348 page paperback with a cover that is both endearing and interesting. Set in the early 1900s, the story takes place in rural Georgia.

This is the story of Lillian. She learns that what she has been told about her father was not true. While she was always told he had died, she just receives word of his death and her inheritance. Lillian must leave the city and her city ways and travel to rural Georgia.

Characters are well developed. They are realistic and relatable. I was able to engage with them and become invested early in the book. The Swindler’s Daughter is a tale of secrets, trust, family, and romance. There is a Christian message and strong faith in God. Life lessons of forgiveness, trust, and hope are also demonstrated. I learned a few things while reading this, too.

There are a few twists as well as some predictable moments. I enjoyed the author’s style of writing. She told an interesting story in words that held my attention. I was able to easily picture scenes. The dialogue sounded authentic. After the story concludes, there are some pages from a book by the author, historical note, acknowledgments, biography, and advertisements.

I highly recommend this book. Anyone interested in historical fiction will love it. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest words.

Lillian Doyle has just received an inheritance from a father she hadn’t known existed. Jonah Peterson is a farm hand trying to support his mother and sisters in a small Georgia town. When Lillian arrives to claim her inheritance and finds Jonah’s family living in the house she has been given, tensions arise. Jonah is suspicious of Lillian from the start. When Lillian discovers some suspicious dealings in her father’s past, will Jonah be able to overcome his animosity to accept Lillian and help her solve the mystery? Find out in this intriguing tale of backwoods Georgia in the early 1900s.

What's not to like about this book? Nothing! It has everything from family drama to a bit of a mystery to a budding romance. The story grabs you right at the beginning as you walk through the discovery of a new life with Lillian, the main female character. The landscape descriptions and intriguing characters help make this book a quick, fun read. If you like historical fiction, you will enjoy this story.

A father she never knew left her his house and interest in his business. She had no idea why. Who was he? What secrets would she discover?

Lillian had no idea what she was in for. All she knew it was a chance to escape from her mother and her plans for Lillian to marry a man she did not love.

Lillian arrived somewhat frightened and unsure of her self. But the longer she stayed she discovered her true destiny.

One thing I love about being a reviewer is the ability to be introduced to new authors. This book by Stephenia H. McGee is the first one I have read by her.

I received this ebook to review from Revell.

Absolutely enjoyed The Swindler’s Daughter! This is my first book by Stephenia H. McGee and definitely won’t be my last. I was pulled in by the gorgeous cover and the compelling story kept me turning the pages. It’s a surprise inheritance mystery with suspense, an enemies to lovers romance, and a touch of faith.

In 1912, Lillian Doyle learned her mother was keeping a terrible secret. Her father whom she presumed dead for many years actually died only recently, leaving her a house, his business, and all his possessions. She travels to the small Georgia town where he resided thinking she’ll be able to sell everything off and move on. But, it’s not as simple as she thinks. There’s a family already living in her father’s home believing it belongs to them, and her father’s business partner is out of town. There’s also an infuriating man who has a way of getting under her skin, and her new found relatives provide an irresistible connection to her father. As her long buried dreams start to rise again, they’re threatened by her father’s past and someone who’s determined to get what’s hidden in her father’s home.

Lillian & Jonah’s meet-cute definitely starts things off on the wrong foot and it only gets worse from there. Their relationship changes from anamosity to friendship to love as they work together to transform her father’s home into a book lover’s dream. I loved their banter and the way they gained an appreciation for each other. I also enjoyed Melanie and Lillian’s new found family. There are some nasty villains looking for something hidden in the house and it’s a mystery as to what they’re looking for. With danger, swoonworthy romance, and a few twists along the way, this book definitely kept me invested in finding out what happens next.

Highly recommend to Christian and historical romance fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

I really enjoyed this book so much. I enjoyed the characters as well. It had a lot of surprises that I did not expect and it kept me on the edge of my seat several times. This book was very hard to put down. I look forward to reading more of this authors books. This book was Christian and clean.

Lillian Doyle is shocked to find that what believed her entire life about her father is a carefully constructed falsehood. Upon her father's death she travels to claim her inheritance, and discovers a side of her family that she never knew, as well as chance to find love on her own terms.

I liked how Lillian get's a chance to be out on her own, outside of her mother's plans, making new friends. She is smart and has business sense thriving in the new town and newfound freedom. I liked Jonah's mother and her words of faith and friendship towards Lillian.

A little bit slower to start out, but it grew on me and I liked the gradual character development, strong faith, and dash of mystery along the way.

Overall, an enjoyable read, well written, in an early 1900's setting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this story of a determined young woman who struggles to understand her path and the plans God has for her. She has lived her whole life trying and failing to please her mother. From the first line "Her entire life was a sham" to the last, Author Stephenia H. McGee had me turning pages!

"What did one say to finding out a dead man had died?" Lillian Doyle learns that her father recently died in jail, after believing her father has been deceased her whole life. As Lillian travels to her father's hometown in rural Georgia and inherits his home and his part of a business, she comes to a fork in the road and finds she has exciting options for the first time in her life.

"I tend to think a person should hold fast to such a blessing, even if it doesn't look exactly like they thought it should." "All these years she'd thought herself a widow's daughter. Turned out she'd been a swindler's heiress instead."

When she arrives at her inherited home, she finds it already occupied. The woman claims her son was promised this home by newfound relatives of Lillian's.

What follows is a bit of danger, destruction, intrigue, romance, and family. The main characters Lillian and Jonah cover quite a bit of ground and character growth as their perspectives on life and faith develop. I enjoyed the wisdom of Jonah's mom Melanie, and his sweet sisters, along with Lillian's new relatives Alma and Edith.

Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, for allowing me to read an early ebook. All opinions are my own.

The book started right off with conflict and interest. I enjoyed all the insight into the main character Lillian. All her thought and dreams and how she could change her mind and think one thing and then wonder about another. She seemed very real. I also enjoyed the relationship between Jonah and Lillian, and how his mother fit into the picture. There were lots of questions and unknowns that didn’t sort themselves out until the very end. The book was full of the characters turning to God in faith and in questioning, which is something I enjoy reading in a novel. This is a new author to me and I see she has many other books. I look forward to adding some to my TBR stash.

*I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.

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 that I was right there 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 of trusting in 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 via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.