ARC Review: The Heiress & the Woodsman

3 STARS

Thank you NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for this ARC.

I really was excited for this because I loved the Lawyer and the Laundress. Overall, I have mixed feelings about The Heiress and the Woodsman. The first 100 pages felt repetitive and very slow, and I found myself pushing through the long stretches of travel and setup—this is one I actually think might work better as an audiobook. That said, I really enjoy the author's writing style, rich historical detail, and immersive atmosphere. The blend of mystery, politics, family dynamics, and a gentle, slow-burn romance gave the story a Downton Abbey-like feel that I appreciated, even if I wished the relationship had developed a bit more naturally. I also would have loved a deeper exploration of the Canadian Rebellion, but the fascinating historical setting and thoughtful author's note inspired me to learn more about this lesser-known period of history. While I never fully connected with Charlotte or Joshua, I loved the supporting cast, the themes of found family, and the emotional warmth they brought to the story. If you enjoy clean historical fiction with romance, wilderness adventure, and a strong historical backdrop, this is still a worthwhile read.