Hana's life is forever changed when the Comtesse de Champagne, a wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman, sees a painting of her. The comtesse purchases Hana from her father, and Hana's existence transforms from one of poverty to one of privilege. For years Hana enjoys the comforts of her new position, but she hates how controlling and neurotic the comtesse is. When the comtesse is accused of murdering Sir Reginald Shipley over a painting, Hana must do all in her power to prove the comtesse's innocence or she'll lose everything. She reluctantly works with Aaron Shipley, Sir Reginald's grandson, to track down the true murderer, only to discover shocking secrets that will shake everything Hana and Aaron thought they knew about themselves and their families. And falling in love could prove deadly. PRAISE FOR SAMANTHA HASTINGS The Last Word A Junior Library Guild Selection "Witty, spirited, and utterly swoon-worthy. ... Filled with fierce feminism, impeccable period detail, and a charming romance that's sure to stay with readers long after the last word." ―Addie Thorley, author of An Affair of Poisons "Great voice. Unique premise. ... And who can resist a plucky heroine who is determined to help write an unfinished romance novel by her favorite author!" ―B.R. Myers, author of Rogue Princess "Hastings' debut is a charming period piece with all the romance and scornful nods to high society any Austen fan will love. Lucinda moves beyond the cliché of being a young woman who chafes at the restrictions of a sexist world, as she's elevated by her true passions―numbers and accounting. The Last Word is the perfect read for anyone who wants to spend a few hours in Victorian England in the company of a girl who understands that the entire country is being led by a Queen." ―Booklist "Refreshing ... Lucinda, a young Victorian woman with a modern sensibility well ahead of her time, has plenty of pluck and determination. Hastings' breezy prose and crafty plotting will leave readers racing to uncover her own last installment." ―BookPage The Invention of Sophie Carter A Junior Library Guild Selection "I loved reading about the bond between these sisters. The romances were super cute." ―Tricia Levenseller, author of Daughter of the Pirate King and The Shadows Between Us "A delightful read and just what I needed right now. Readers are sure to be as smitten with the Carter sisters as their suitors are by the end of this utterly charming novel. Highly recommended." ―Miss Print "Hilari