Book Review Feature: The Unexpected Heiress by George Mallory

This morning, I have a family saga in our book review spotlight! Check out The Unexpected Heiress, read my thoughts on the book, learn about the author & be sure to check out some of other bookstagram and booktok stops on the book tour!

 

​Book Title:  THE UNEXPECTED HEIRESS by George Mallory
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  347 pages
Genre: Jewish Literature, Jewish Fiction, Saga Fiction
Publisher: GM Publications
Release date:  April 29, 2024
Formats Available for Review: print (print - softback / USA), ebook (EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Feb 24 to Mar 14, 2025
Content Rating:   PG-13 +M due to scenes of war and other adult issues and subject.. ​

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PRAISE FOR THE UNEXPECTED HEIRESS

'"Hollywood will come calling!" - Kate Mc Clymont, Chief Investigative Reporter, The Sydney Morning Herald

"The Unexpected Heiress transcends time and weaves horrors from World War II with present-day challenges. From Abe's harrowing past to Ellie's contemporary struggles, an embittered brother, a vacuous globetrotting socialite mother, and the betrayal of a much-loved kid brother, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a family divided by loyalties, lies and the enduring power of love...this novel shines a light on what it is like to come from a family legacy and have that legacy fall on your shoulders, and the need to fight to keep it." -  The Book Muse

'The human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity takes centre stage in The Unexpected Heiress.' - Australian Book Lovers 

"George writes with passion, honesty and grace. Lots of charismatic, creative and realistic characters and scenarios." - Happy Valley Books

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About the Book

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She inherited a legacy of ambition, betrayal, longing and secrets.

In the shadow of Poisson Gold, a multi-billion-dollar gold mine conglomerate, a family's legacy unravels in a compelling tale that dives deep into the human psyche.

At the helm of this empire stands the enigmatic Abe Silver, a concentration camp survivor whose past holds secrets as complex as his fortune. With his health failing, Abe's last-minute will alters the course of history, leaving his daughter Ellie, a newly minted lawyer, to navigate a treacherous path to control the colossal riches.

​As grieving Ellie grapples with the immense responsibility thrust upon her, she must confront not only the malignant opposition of her own family and the rigid glass ceiling, but also her deeply buried secret - her sexuality. Set against the backdrop of 2010, a time when LGBTQ+ acceptance was scarce, Ellie's struggle to reconcile her personal truth with her public facade adds an extra layer of complexity to this riveting narrative.

 

 

My Review

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The Unexpected Heiress is an Engaging Family Saga--Once The Story Takes Shape. I had a little trouble settling into the story at first. I didn't love Abe's character--and while the historical challenges and his rise to overcome the past were interesting--I wasn't immediately pulled into his story. Once the character list grew and the pieces of the drama began to emerge, the story was easy to read and engaging. 

 

Expect a Long List of Characters. While the cast list of this book is long, there are relatable characters, dysfunction and secrets, and struggles and challenges that allow the author to bridge Abe's historical presence with Ellie's more modern world and personal life/family dynamics.  

Would I Recommend The Unexpected Heiress by George Mallory? If you enjoy family sagas that blend secrets and traumas of the past with secrets and dramas of the present through different perspectives, this book is an interesting read. While I didn't really love the main characters--I enjoyed reading their stories and watching the dramas play out. Be patient as you settle into the story--there will be plenty of twists and elements of human nature to keep you engaged through the end. 

 

 
 

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Meet the Author

 

George Mallory's literary journey is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Born in Serbia to Russian parents and raised in Australia, his multicultural background offers a unique perspective that enriches the tapestry of his narratives. From his early years at Lithgow High to pursuing an engineering degree at UNSW in Sydney, George's academic journey laid the foundation for his literary pursuits. His love for literature, kindled in childhood, eventually led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts at Sydney University.

In The Unexpected Heiress, he brings to life a character inspired by the untold stories of concentration camp survivors who amassed wealth. Through dual-perspective narratives, George weaves themes of corporate glass ceiling, sexual orientation and dysfunctional families, offering readers a compelling and thought-provoking reading experience. George's extensive corporate background sensitised him to social prejudices and discrimination. His novels reflect his commitment to shedding light on these issues while delivering engaging stories. He features determined women who defy societal norms, demonstrating resilience and determination while retaining their femininity.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~linkedIn ~ facebook ~ youtube ~ X ~ goodreads