An Heiress at Heart

The strictures of 1851 England are revealed in Delamere%E2%80%99s debut, in which a woman tries to overcome her past and ensure a secure future. Lizzie Poole has returned to her native England after living in Australia for five years and is now fulfilling a promise to her dying widowed friend, Ria: to assume Ria%E2%80%99s identity in London society. Lizzie%E2%80%99s careful deception is complicated by her feelings for Geoffrey Somerville, the brother of the man Ria married, and her fear of discovery. Lizzie%E2%80%99s secret past as a ruined unmarried woman makes her a stoic character who believes that even if she reveals her true identity, the morally upright Lord Somerville will never find her worthy of his love. The romantic tension between Lizzie and Geoffrey is ever-present, but graphic love scenes are entirely absent, which will delight those historical romance fans who prefer a more delicate approach. Agent: Jessica Alvarez, BookEnds. (Oct.)