A Lady's Fortune by Jane Dunn (BLOG TOUR)

 

A Lady’s Fortune

In Regency England, twenty-seven-year-old Leonora Appleby is considered by many – herself included – to be beyond her most eligible marrying years. With her childhood home, Hasterleigh Manor, soon to be taken over by the heir to the land, George Lockwood, Leonora has happily resigned herself to a quiet life as a country Miss.

But life has a way of springing surprises and the return of the brooding war hero Earl Rokeby, presumed dead on the French battlefields, to the magnificent neighbouring Rokeby Abbey has the village atwitter with speculation. Earl Rokeby has returned, scarred in mind and body, with news for Leonora’s best friend Charlotte Blythe – news that will change everything.

Now Charlotte and Leonora must travel to Town for the Season and take their futures and fate into their own hands in the whirl of balls, parties and gossip. But will either of them return to Hasterleigh with a husband and a fortune, and what other secrets does the devastatingly dashing Alistair Rokeby have up his silken sleeves…

Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Dunn brings the Regency period irresistibly to life. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen, Janice Hadlow, Gill Hornby, and anyone with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their lives.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/ladysfortunesocial

A Lady's Fortune will appeal to all fans of Regency and historical romance. It is reminiscent of Austen and better than Julia Quinn's charming Bridgerton series in that the characters have more depth and the story is more emotionally charged. 

I found myself feeling quite sad while reading Earl Rokeby's recollections of his traumatic experiences on the battlefield and his brother's death. He describes the sights and sounds as his brother was dying and the fight continued around them. He included the war horses in his recollection making it very realistic and as if I was reading a first-hand account. He has a great affection for his animals and I loved that about his character.

There is plenty of humour, drama and romance to more than offset the heavier themes of war and grief.

Rokeby and Leonora have a meet cute along the side of the road which reminded me a little bit of Rochester and Jane in Jane Eyre. Although Rokeby is more likeable despite his gruffness, as he is much gentler around Leonora and Charlotte.

I enjoyed the fact that there were two romances woven into the main plot of this book. The story is well paced and entertaining throughout. It's a book that I looked forward to picking up again after the working day. I liked the added drama that the side characters provided. I could see elements of Pride and Prejudice. There is a Caroline Bingley type character and Captain Ormonde reminded me of Mr Wickham as soon as he was introduced. I couldn't wait to see what would transpire from that quarter.

This book is a gorgeous read with main characters I was rooting for all the way. Jane Dunn has become a firm favourite.

Author Bio –

Jane Dunn is an historian and biographer and the author of seven acclaimed biographies, including Daphne du Maurier and her Sisters and the Sunday Times and NYT bestseller, Elizabeth & Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens. She lives in Berkshire with her husband, the linguist Nicholas Ostler.

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