Review: Abigail by Jess Heileman

 Abigail by Jess Heileman

Book Description:

For Abigail Blakeslee, becoming a debutante and entering Society is happening far too quickly. But now, foregoing her first Season has brought an unwanted invitation to join her aunt and cousins for a summer at Timpton House, the large estate of the Stanton family.

Reluctantly accepting, Abigail is thrust into the vexing world of social propriety and match making. More vexing still is her cousin’s suitor, the young Timpton heir—Edwin Stanton. Moody and distant at times, remarkably endearing at others, Edwin seems a puzzle she can never solve, but can never quite put away. But then, Abigail has her own secret to hide--her own mystery to conceal. Perhaps such puzzles are better left unsolved, or perhaps love can find a solution.

Review:

Jess Heileman did a very nice job with her debut novel, Abigail. I'm a sucker for characters that don't fit the mold, and Abigail was just such a character. Her good heart was very endearing, as was her relationship with her father and brother (although most of that is from a distance in this story, we get a very good feel for it). Her loyalty was also notable, especially because it meant sacrificing her own happiness.

I liked the banter between the main characters, and the goodness in many of the characters-caring more about helping others than what society would think.

I'm not sure if I got impatient for the end, but it started to go on a bit long for me. There was a reveal that was soap opera-esque, but it has a happy ending (a must have for me).

Abigail is a clean and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

About Author Jess Heileman:

In kindergarten, Jess won a first prize ribbon for her original creation Pigs in Wigs. The premise was golden: there was this pig that wore a wig… it was a solid storyline—and it rhymed. Not impressed? Neither were her children when shown the very masterpiece that influenced her to become an author. “You won a ribbon for that?” Yes. Yes, she did.

Thankfully, life has since exposed her to a thorough education with its share of awards and accolades—and, more importantly, to the trials and human experiences that form the heart of a storyteller and the substance of great stories.

Besides her love of writing, Jess is an avid reader, shameless people observer, international café loiterer, and partially retired photographer. She loves being a mother to five amazing humans and a wife to the greatest man she knows.

Website

Title: Abigail
Author: Jess Heileman
Published: Coming January 22, 2019
Source: I received an advanced reader eCopy in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase: Coming January 22, 2019