To Marry a Heiress (Avon Romantic Treasure) [Mass Market Paperback]

Devon Sheridan, the Earl of Huntingdon needs an heiress -- yesterday. When he hears about an American heiress visiting England with her father, he makes a point of meeting Georgina Pierce. Sheridan also meets with Mr. Pierce, who promises his fortune to the earl as soon as he and Georgina wed. So sets the tone for a convenient marriage that neither party finds very convenient.

Georgina has already concluded that England is filled with fortune hunters and she wants to marry for love. When she hears that the Earl of Huntingdon has asked for her hand in marriage, and after only one meeting, she is naturally suspicious. But the earl seems sincere and Georgina also wants her father to be happy, so she agrees to the arrangement -- a union she quickly discovers isn't due to the earl falling head over heels in love with her.

Lorraine Heath travels from Fortune, Texas to London, England with some of the characters from her beloved "Texas" series and does so seamlessly and skillfully. Georgina is a forward-thinking woman aware of the fact that most men are attracted only to her money. Lord Huntington is presented as a devil-may-care rake until he finds out the true story about Georgina's fortune. Although he would like to claim indifference to his new bride, her fortitude and perseverance toward changing him back into some semblance of a human being, and her voluntary help on his estate, soon start to wear down his anger at what he thought was a betrayal. Her loving and caring nature toward his two young children also raises her in his esteem; his late wife never seemed to care for them as much as Georgina does.

TO MARRY AN HEIRESS is a tender, warm-hearted romance that progresses naturally from beginning to end. Georgina is a strong, willful woman unwilling to accept defeat in her quest for true love. Lord Huntingdon never stands a chance.

I highly recommend this as a fast-paced tale with many poignant and eye-opening moments for both parties. TO MARRY AN HEIRESS is another treasure to add to your Lorraine Heath keeper shelf.

Devon is soon surprised to find how much he enjoys spending time with Georgina. She is unlike any other woman he knows--and certainly unlike his deceased wife, who had lived for frivolity and spending money that Devon could not provide her. Still, when the marriage 'deal' turns sour on him, Devon feels betrayed and used. Only by truly examining the beliefs that form the basis of his whole life--and that were drilled into him by the example of his first wife, can Devon achieve true happiness and love. Yet, when a relationship is based on mercenary goals, can love and happiness really be expected?

Author Lorraine Heath creates two wonderful characters in Devon and Georgina. Georgina represents the best of Texas--brash, unconcerned with tradition, unafraid to work, and compassionate with anyone in need. Devon is a straight-laced Englishman on the surface, yet Georgina holds the key to unlock the emotions that lie, locked by tradition and culture, beneath his proper exterior. With its powerful writing and compelling emotional character growth, TO MARRY AN HEIRESS is an wonderful read.