From Publishers Weekly
Identical daughters of twin brothers, Anastasia and Breanna Colby become inseparable in childhood and fiercely supportive of their beloved English grandfather's ideals of loyalty to the family and its business. Even Anastasia's 10 years in America cannot break the two cousins' bond. When Anastasia, 20, returns to England from Philadelphia in 1817 following her parents' death, she is determined to assume an active role in the operation of the family import-export business, Colby and Sons. Her Uncle George, Breanna's father, offers her a home, hoping to gain control of her vast inheritance to cover his mounting debts. But Anastasia's father has named Lord Sheldrake, a wealthy and respected banker, not George, as the young woman's guardian, in charge of her fortune until she turns 21. George watches with horror as his niece uses a portion of her inheritance to establish a bank back in Philadelphia, a venture in which she persuades Sheldrake to become an active partner. Ultimately, the cousins and Sheldrake uncover the mystery of George's financial losses, nefarious business dealings and hatred of Anastasia in a fast-paced finale that nearly costs Anastasia her life while heralding Breanna as a heroine. Kane's engrossing plot and her quick-witted, passionate characters should make readers eagerly await this novel's companion, The Silver Coin (scheduled for September), in which Breanna may pay the price for her bravery. (Aug.)
Review
The Gold Coin is the first of a two-book set, to be followed by The Silver Coin in September. These two books tell the story of identical cousins, Anastasia and Breanna Colby and the men who win their hearts. But to say that this is a typical historical romance about two women and the men in their lives would be doing it a terrible injustice. Not only is Andrea Kane's writing the best it has ever been, but the intriguing plot will keep you enthralled until the very end. The Gold Coin begins the gripping tale of the Colby family, and reveals the underlying hatred that one family member has for the others. George Colby is convinced that he was betrayed when the woman he loved married his twin brother, Henry. Anastasia is the beloved daughter of Henry and Anne, and therefore an unsuspecting target of her Uncle George's hatred. George's own daughter, Breanna resulted from the marriage between George and Anne's sister, the woman George feels he had to 'settle' for in place of Anne. As children, Anastasia and Breanna are given special coins by their grandfather. Stacie receives a gold one, Breanna the silver. He instructs the girls to never give up the coins, that one day they will understand their meaning and his hope for their future. Now, years later as the girls approach their 21st birthday, Anastasia's parents have passed away, as has the girls' grandfather. Only George Colby remains, and when it becomes clear that Anastasia will inherit what George believes to be rightfully his, a plot develops in George's twisted mind to rid himself of Anastasia, and gain control of her money and the family business. Love is more powerful than hated, however, and Stacie is surrounded by it. Aside from Breanna and a houseful of adoring servants, Stacie finds an all-consuming love in the arms of Damen Lockewood, Marquess of Sheldrake. As an expert banker, Damen has been appointed Anastasia's financial administrator until she is married or reaches her 21st birthday. As the love between Stacie and Damen grows, so does George Colby's hatred. When Stacie, Damen and Breanna realize to their horror, the extent to which George's influence reaches, and the lengths he will go to achieve his goal, it will take all of their courage and resources to defeat him. Only a teaser has been sent out for The Silver Coin, Breanna's story, so I cannot say much for this one except that it continues along the line of suspense begun in The Gold Coin. The characters Andrea has created for this two book series are ones you will want to visit again and again. Her writing is the best it has ever been, and the plot moves at a perfect pace. No situation is contrived to fit the story, yet the plot continues to unfold until the very end. Fans of Andrea's will no-doubt see this as her best work yet, and those introduced to her for the first time will enjoy a memorable first impression! Andrea Kane at her very best! Gripping suspense, enduring love, historical perfection! The Gold Coin will win your heart and ensure its place on the keeper shelf of any discerning library! - Diane Potwin
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