The Last Heiress

Amanda Dunn, heiress to an English textile fortune, is asked by her ailing father to travel to Wilmington, N.C., to resume cotton shipments to the mills, since the supply has been disrupted by the Civil War. While there she can also repair her relationship with her twin sister, now the wife of an American gentleman. Amanda does as asked, reuniting with Abigail Henthorne, reestablishing cotton shipments with the help of her brother-in-law, and meeting dashing shopkeeper Nate Cooper along the way. The Civil War and slavery are part of the narrative, with Amanda and Nate debating whether England’s servant class is any different from the slaves. Certain questions may distract the reader: did Wilmington not experience the drastic food shortages of other cities? Could a boat really remain hidden in a cove from the Yankees? Overall, however, this is a pleasant tale offering romance, a unique look at the war, and discussion of the social norms of the day. Agent: Mary Sue Seymour, The Seymour Agency. (Feb.)