John Jackson has based his debut novel on his real ancestors and states that, as a work of fiction, this is the story that he thinks they should have had. The real Robert Rochfort can even be seen on the cover of the book, and I think perhaps that John has put him on there so that many readers can stick pins in him! Robert Rochfort is an odious, officious man! He did anything he wanted and treated people like dirt, simply because he could. His answer whenever challenged was: 'because I can.' As the first born son, he lorded over and envied his brothers: Arthur and George.

When Robert finds himself widowed and without an heir, he arranges to marry young and beautiful Mary Molesworth. I thought of her a bit like Cinderella as her father clearly loves her but her (wicked) step-mother wants rid of her so she can concentrate on marrying off her own daughters. Mary thought she was happy on her wedding day until she locks eyes with Robert's brother, Arthur. In that one precious moment, she fell in love. How cruel to fall in love on your wedding day, but not with your husband. Mary is a respectable young woman, so she does her duty and, after bearing him a daughter, produces an heir for Robert. Robert now has what he wants so drops Mary and spends all his time with his mistresses. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Mary's eyes once again catch those of Arthur and she finds that her feelings are mirrored in his eyes. They begin a very dangerous liaison, knowing that they will face the full force of Robert's fury should they ever be found out.

As this story is based around fact, it makes it so much more emotional. The fate awaiting Arthur and Mary would melt even the coldest heart, although it didn't even chip Robert's Heart of Stone. Robert is a cold and jealous man, who treats people like his property and has no concern for their feelings. His jealousy for his brothers, especially George who inherited the family home, had me absolutely mesmerised and eventually in stitches. You will not even believe the lengths Robert will go to in order to get one over on George and that part of the story is true!

The writing is impeccable; it is engrossing and authentic and the fact that it is based on real people makes it a superb read. I do hope John Jackson has more stories up his sleeve as Heart of Stone was so hard to difficult to put down and I wouldn't hesitate to read more of John's books.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion. ( )