My Cousin Rachel

This is an intriguing book that I completely enjoyed!

Phillip Ashley is a young orphan raised by his rich cousin Ambrose.  He and Ambrose live a happy bachelor existence, and it never occurs to Phillip that anything will change.  That is, until Ambrose, in failing health, goes to Italy, and Phillip suddenly gets a letter telling him that Ambrose has married his cousin, Rachel.

Soon, though, the letters become darker, full of suspicion about Rachel, who Ambrose calls "his torment".  Alarmed, Phillip rushes to Italy, but gets there too late, Ambrose has died, and Rachel has left the country.  Phillip returns home completely heartbroken with revenge in his heart towards Rachel, who he is convinced is the cause of Ambrose death.  He learns that Ambrose did not change over his will in Rachel's favor, Phillip will still inherit Ambrose's estate when he turns 25 in six months.

And then Rachel comes to town.  Phillip is convinced that she is a conniving murderer - that is, until he gets to know her.  Before long, he has fallen under her spell, and wants to set what he comes to see as wrong, right.  He is ready to give Rachel everything, including the whole estate.

So who is Rachel?  Is she a villain, or not?  Read this wonderful book, and see if you can decide!