Daughter of the House

by Victoria Cornwall

[Lynn]

4.5 stars

Drake Vennor has a dream to be a head gardener and manages to secure an apprenticeship at Carrack House. There he's befriended by the daughter of the house, Evelyn. The friendship blossoms but as the differences in their social class become more defined, inevitable sacrifices are made. Only time will tell if there's a chance for them.

Frustrated about having no freedom to pursue her dreams and fed-up of playing second fiddle to her older brother, the heir to the Pendragon family and hereditary baronet title. Evelyn makes the most of the free time she gets when her governess takes daily unscheduled naps. It allows her time to roam around Carrack House and the grounds where she meets the apprentice gardener. They become friends with lasting feelings and consequences.

As heroines go, Evelyn's rebellious spirit is refreshing. Many times throughout her young years, she challenges those closest to her, often with dire consequences. Yet, somehow, her growing feelings for the young gardening apprentice make her efforts to get her own way worth it, until she accepts her fate and bows to family expectations.

Drake's life is far from straightforward but has a drive and ambition to succeed in his chosen vocation. Like Evelyn, he has to deal with situations he hasn't created himself but like her, he never gives up on love.

This is the second Cornish Tales novel I've read and like before thoroughly enjoyed this one too. The author writes strong female protagonists and Evelyn is a shining example of a woman who knows her own mind but is also open minded and compassionate to those who find themselves in situations not acceptable to most people. I admired her headstrong actions and opinions and her desire to right the wrongs in her life in a way everyone accepts the solution and not only herself. She challenges the boundaries of her upbringing...it's refreshing and reflects the changing attitudes of women at the end of the nineteenth century.

With a beautiful Cornish backdrop, this is another memorable novel by the author and highly recommend to those who enjoy Poldark and are looking for other historical tales from this corner of southern Cornwall.

***Review copy received courtesy of Choc Lit***