The Valcourt Heiress

Written by Catherine Coulter

Narrated by Anne Flosnik

When Garron of Kersey returns home from the king's service to claim his title as Baron Wareham, he's shocked to find Wareham Castle very nearly destroyed by a man called the Black Demon.

According to the last starving servants inside the castle walls, the Black Demon was looking for silver belonging to Garron's brother Arthur. Among his remaining servants is the enigmatic Merry, the bastard child of the castle's priest. Garron quickly suspects that she is much more than a servant: She reads and writes and makes lists, just as he does. They work together to bring Wareham back to its former splendor.

But this is only the beginning. Did Arthur have a cache of silver? Who is the Black Demon? And the biggest question of all: Who is Merry?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Oct 5, 2010
• ISBN: 9781597108584

Catherine Coulter

Catherine Coulter is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of ninety-two novels including the FBI suspense thriller series and A Brit in the FBI international thriller series, co-written with the brilliant author J.T. Ellison. Coulter lives in Sausalito, California, with her Übermensch husband. She hikes daily and posts wide-ranging photos of her beautiful area.

Reviews for The Valcourt Heiress

[conkie_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

In regard to this book's storyline, I would probably give it 2-1/2 to 3 stars, if visually read, but Ms. Flosnik's voice rates 1 star (at best). I don't think I can listen to Anne Flosnik's voice anymore. Her timbre and cadence are so irritating, and I am starting to always think of Amanda Quick and Catherine Coulter books when I hear her voice. When I had more time to read hard copies of books, I liked both authors more. Neither author is among my favorites, but having their stories narrated by Ms. Flosnik, takes them from a "good once in a while" to "only when desperate." Authors, PLEASE be diligent in monitoring the voice talent used to narrate your titles. For avid "listeners" of audio books, the narrator is as important to the story line as is a good editor.

[ginger30297 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Catherine Coulter keeps you entertained in her newest novel. 'The Valcourt Heiress' is a book that will have you smiling all the way through it and should make you want to go grab one of her other books when your done!

[morphidae_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found a lot lacking. The characterizations were flat. I never got a real sense of who Merry and Garron were and didn't care all that much about them. I didn't feel like they were ever in any real danger or why they ended up together. The magic felt tacked on. There was no reason for there to be magic and the only person who had it was the main villain. And the villain only did it for the money? You didn't find out anything about the magic system, either. There were plot twists - and I use the term lightly - that were solved with a passing paragraph. Lastly, the dialogue and mannerisms were too modern. I gave it five stars out of ten because it was an easy read and I liked that the heroine made lists.

[keeneam · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this boo at first and fund the heroine likable and fun, and a good fit for the hero. Things moved a little faster than I am used to, but when the magic and the witch became involved, the book became to weird and less enjoyable. The the "twist" was really odd and took me way out of the book. I usually enjoy Coulter's historical romance, but I would have been disappointed if I had bought this book. I would have read it, but nor purchased it, especially at the cost of a hardback book.

[aoifet_4 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book's plot basically is runaway heiress in disguise meets warrior lord with a problem. The problem in this case is a decimated castle. Add evil stepmother, magic, possible treasure and that's the story. The banter between the main characters was enjoyable. The mystery kept my attention and I wanted to see how it was resolved. All in All it is an entertaining book but not a memorable one. I would recommend this book to a reader of Medieval romance or Catherine Coulter fan but I would advise that you not to buy the hardcover edition, wait until it comes out in paperback.

[tmommy4 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a light read, Merry, the female lead, was headstrong and stubborn yet a bit too naive. The male lead, Garron, was an honorable yet somewhat clueless nobleman. The story seemed to drag a bit in the middle, the ending though a bit out of left field and seemed a little choppy, was workable. I was quite disappointed with the lack of love scenes. It seemed as thought though too much time was spent on the interactions between Merry and the other women, Garron and Robert (the chancelor) than between Merry & Garron. Thought it was an enjoyable read, it was not one of the beeter books I have read by Catherine Coulter.

[read2me2010 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ding Dong the witch is...ALIVE... and causing all kinds of mayhem in medieval England. Garron of Kersey returns home to claim his title as Baron of Wareham after his brother dies, only to find his castle destroyed and most of its occupants slaughtered. Among his remaining servants is Merry. A beautiful redheaded girl who helps him restore his estate and solve the mysteries surrounding both of them. This book takes you into this magical place as Catherine Coulter weaves a love story into the lives of this group of heroes and villains. Bless St. Cuthburt's freckled knees, this is a wonderful book.

[jaitai16 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found this book to be a let down. I have read about a half dozen books by Cathrine Coulter and she is usually a master of romantic suspense but I found not a bit of romance to be found in this book. It started out well. it seemed promising but as I got towards the middle of the book I felt that it was blah. When I read a romance novel I need to feel the chemistry between the two leads here I didn't. They were likable but I don't think they were developed enough. I didn't care about them and I think every good book has characters that you care about, that you root for. They fell flat.The love scene was truly one of the most unromantic ones I have read and no other to redeem it. I just didn't see how they fell in love. And that is what I wanted. I had minor issues with the plot. A lot of it centered around magic and evil forces but didn't go far enough to get me exicited.The antagonist are more annoying than anything. It wasn't a bad book. It was a light read and pretty fast paced. I was just hopping for more.

[Sfk Magee · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I started this a few times and had to force myself through this book. The book Narrator reading it made it worse. I know people that like CC and I wanted to give her a try. The book is badly written, the plot is scattered, the author skipped over information that the plot needed. I do not recommend.

[books007_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found this book to be disappointing. The first half of the book was pretty good although jumpy and lacking in some details. The second half of the book I had an even harder time following and became very bored.Garron and Merry were both likable characters. Merry on the run after escaping her wicked mother and an evil suitor only to be kidnapped. Garron unknowingly rescuing her and then providing a safe haven in his newly gained court. Secrets kept from Garron soon revealed and trouble finds Merry at Garron's court. The plot was sound just executed poorly. I am a C. Coutler fan but I do not recommend this book.

[cyderry · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is the story of Merry who is the daughter of the Earl of Valcourt. Upon his death, Merry becomes a pawn of her mother, a reputed witch who is planning to sell her daughter and her inheritance to Jason of Brennan. Trying to escape her fate (dressed as a boy), Merry struggles with Jason's men and is rescued by Garron of Kersey. Following him to his new holdings in Warham, Merry convinces the residents of the ravaged property that she can help them if they shield her identity.Upon the arrival of Garron in Warham we learn of an attack by the Black Demon that killed nearly all the inhabitants and destroyed all the goods of the estate. The evil force was searching for silver coins that Garron's older brother supposedly stole before his death. The Story progresses as Merry and Garron both take on new roles at Warham and eventually the mystery of the Black Demon and Merry's mother both unite for a climax that is a bit predictable.I enjoyed the book but the romance wasn't concentrated enough, the mystery was lacking in the clues department, and overall, the characters were a bit one dimensional. I think that needed a bit more editing and character development.

[sunnysd_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Merry, the Valcourt heiress, has a bit of a problem - her father's death has left her custodial care to the tender mercies of the mother who abandoned her as a baby. A mother who promptly sells her hand in marriage. As any self-respecting heroine in this situation would, Merry runs away, only to be kidnapped. Unexpectedly Earl of Wareham after his brother's death, Garron isn't expecting to find his inheritance all but destroyed by the Retribution, the people who weren't slaughtered starving. Nor was he expecting a flaming redhead who shares his passion for list-making.A somewhat predictable medieval romance with likable main characters, plenty of villains and lots of plot twists. I enjoyed it thoroughly right up to the ending, which was a bit too out of the blue to ring true to the rest of the action. **an advance reading copy, so there were a few typos which will likely be cleaned up by the time it's published.

[berly_4 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Okay. It was a mindless, but fun romance. Totally historically inept, but a good twist at the end I didn't see coming. Quick read. Entertainment only. No literary value.

[missiek_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fast paced romance set in Medieval England, late 13th century. Has lots of quirky romance turns, court intrigue, and descriptions of life from the time. Thoroughly enjoyed reading. Started and it read so smoothly that I was half way finished before I realized it.

[sboehm1977 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Normally I only read Catherine Coulter's FBI Series. Which are fantiastic by the way I can never be patient while waiting for the new ones to be released. I had been meaning to jump into her period works and I am now very glad I did this book kept me engaged the entire time. I couldnt stop reading it. From moment 1 I was wondering what was going to happen. The mystery of who the Black demon was. Who/what was going on with Mary's mother. Sorry it took so long to review. Life kept me busy, busy, busy. Hard to keep up 1 of my 2 favorite past times. Once I was able to crack the spine I couldnt put it down!