Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of AN AMERICAN DUCHESS by Caroline Fyffe

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that in publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of AN AMERICAN DUCHESS by Caroline Fyffe, published June 25, 2019.

Blurb for AN AMERICAN DUCHESS:

A woman's heart dares to defy the rules of Victorian society in USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fyffe's novel of romance, royalty, and a little revenge.

In Kent, England, the arrival of Beranger Northcott, Duke of Brightshire, causes a stir. Because with the duke comes his new American bride, who isn't quite what anyone expects. By accepting the hand of her beloved, Emma Brinkman went from hardworking Colorado rancher to duchess. Now she's expected to comport herself as nobility. Overnight. For Emma—stifled, homesick, and unable to shake the feeling she's being watched—the metamorphosis is a challenge. And if Emma's suspicions are correct, perhaps even a dangerous one.

Fortunately, Emma has found a trusted friend in the orphaned Charlotte, Brightshire's scullery maid. Charlotte longs to experience—if only for a moment—the luxuries and gentry romance that come with a titled life. When one of the duke's handsome cousins takes notice of Charlotte, the castle kitchen is set abuzz with speculation.

In navigating their two different stations, both servant and duchess alike will discover all they have in common—from secret fantasies to daring hearts to upending the rules of society. And that finding their places in the world—and love—is a dream that can come true—no matter the risks.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Connie’s Review:

Brideswell Abbey, Hertfordshire - 1922

Zoe Gifford is an American heiress needing to marry an impoverished aristocrat. Once married, she can then access her funds to pay back her mother’s debts. Zoe is to marry Sebastian Hazelton, whose brother is Nigel Hazelton, the seventh Duke of Langford.

En route to Sebastian’s home, Zoe’s car gets stuck in the mud and she is rescued by Nigel. It is reported that his face is scarred from the war. Seeing a few scars on the side of his face, Zoe doesn’t find him horrifying. Then, he sends his car for her and her mother.

After marrying Sebastian, Zoe will then divorce him, but the duke is against the idea. This marriage of convenience will give funds to Sebastian and allow Zoe to access her inheritance. Even though the duke is appalled at the idea, Zoe doesn’t care.

Julia, sister of Sebastian and Nigel is impressed with Zoe, but Nigel disagrees. He doesn’t consider American women to be ladylike, but he can’t help but be attracted to Zoe.

When Zoe learns of a dark secret that Sebastian is hiding, she calls off their engagement and soon becomes engaged to Nigel. Their attraction is strong and Zoe wants to be with him all the time, but he is plagued with nightmares from his time in the war and doesn’t want her to see that. Angry at this, Zoe is determined to do things her own way in life. Can their marriage withstand this?

This is a good story, but I wanted to smack Zoe because she is the epitome of the spoiled American lady of the time period who is determined to do what she wants. This didn’t play well with Nigel as well it shouldn’t. All in all, it is a good story and I think readers will enjoy it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

AN AMERICAN DUCHESS by Caroline Fyffe, Montlake Romance, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon and free at Kindle Unlimited.

No comments: