Enchanting the Heiress

(Hearts on the Heath #3)

Harriet Hancock likes to make the lives of those around her better whether they like it or not. So, she is surprised when her friend Sophia Whitworth has ideas of her own on how to make Harriet happier--by throwing her together with Sophia's brother, stable hand Jonas Fitzroy. When Harriet discovers his natural way with words, she hatches a plan that would benefit them both.

Holding a grudge against Harriet for her meddling in Sophia's life, it is only because of his sister that Jonas agrees to approach Harriet about a possible artistic project. What he doesn't expect is for her to request his help writing a book.

As they work together, they start to see each other in a different light, but when the truth of Harriet's schemes is revealed, she'll find her good intentions for once have gone too far.

My Review: 5.5/10

I liked Jonas, but I found his early exchanges with Harriet tiring. They both seemed to view it as charming banter, but honestly it reminded me of the bickering of kids - arguing over every little thing, nitpicking, refusing to give an inch.

I didn't like the pulling of Harriet's back story forward one string at a time, especially when she laments guilt and lies that her whole life is based on. As the reader, it's frustrating to not know what she's talking about when you're in her head and it kept me from connecting with her experiences.

I liked Harriet and her passion for Jonas' writing. Ironically though, at one point she says, "Your writing is good enough to circumvent what some would consider a lack of a story." Which I thought was hilarious on its own, but it was also somewhat applicable for how I was feeling at this point in the novel. Things were very slow moving and I really wasn't sure where they were going.

Harriet accidentally lets slip that she meddles because she "knows better," which she is immediately ashamed of. I thought this response was out of character for her. She doesn't really take away anyone's choices. They've always had the ability to go along with the opportunities she provides. Or not.

In general, Harriet is portrayed as someone who has been conditioned since childhood to manipulate with white lies and good intentions. Left unchecked, this has apparently grown some character flaws (arrogance), and bricked her personal life up in a tower of untruths, leaving her isolated and trapped. I appreciate imperfect people and I love an opportunity for growth, but I just didn't connect with this one. It took too long to find out what the situation was/ who Harriet was.