The Heir of Redclyffe was the novel which established Charlotte M. Yonge as one of the most popular and successful Victorian novelists. In the engaging and impulsive Guy Morville, Yonge created a hero who inspired William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti; his qualities of self-sacrifice touched a chord with generations of female readers.
Deeply influenced by the Oxford Movement's quest to recharge England's spiritual life, The Heir of Redclyffe is a surpassingly lively and unpreachy novel which gives us a vivid picture of nineteenth century domestic life and a clearer understanding of Victorian sentiment.
Charlotte Mary Yonge(1823 - 1901) was an English novelist born into a religious family. Her first book was published in 1838, the revenues of which went toward the founding of a girls school. Yongewas a prolific author who wrote religious books, text books, novels, memoirs, and short stories. Her writings were influenced by her secluded upbringing and her intense love for her family. She is best known for her masterwork, The Heir of Redclyffe (1853).
Sunlit hours found their affection glimmering, while moonlit nights ignited reckless desire. But when Brandon learned his beloved might last only half a year, he coolly handed Millie divorce papers, murmuring, "This is all for appearances; we'll get married again once she's calmed down." Millie, spine straight and cheeks dry, felt her pulse go hollow. The sham split grew permanent; she quietly ended their unborn child and stepped into a new beginning. Brandon unraveled, his car tearing down the street, unwilling to let go of the woman he'd discarded, pleading for her to look back just once.
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death.
After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity.
To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins-a lineage of historic opulence.
Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents.
She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. "It's time to reveal your true identity, darling."
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce.
Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network.
Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance."
Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce.
During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country.
Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
In the eighteen years of her life, Brianna had endured relentless abuse from her family, living in constant fear.
One fateful day, two dignified figures approached her and revealed a shocking truth: she was their long-lost daughter, heiress to the wealthiest family in the city-the Owens.
Desperate for love and acceptance, Brianna hoped to escape her past. Instead, she fell victim to Cassie, a cunning impostor who manipulated their parents against her while feigning distress. Rather than forging a connection with her real family, Brianna found herself betrayed and isolated.
When a car accident left Brianna in a vegetative state, she found herself able to listen to everything around her, though unable to respond. Bitterly, she realized her parents didn't care for her; they visited just once.
A month later, Cassie visited, disconnecting the ventilator before leaning in to whisper coldly, "Goodbye, my dear sister. You shouldn't have come back. You are meant for that despicable, wretched family."
Somehow, fate granted Brianna a second chance. Reborn and fueled by rage, she vowed to make everyone who had wronged her pay dearly.
This time, she would seize the life that had been stolen from her.