Book Review: A Lady’s Fortune by Jane Dunn

I’m so excited to be welcoming Jane Dunn to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, 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…

*****

Many people, Leonora Appleby included, believe that she is beyond marrying age. Even though she’s in her late twenties, she is absolutely fine with not being tied to a marriage. Anyway, she has more pressing matters – like her home being passed over to heir, George Lockwood. With the arrival of both George and the mysterious Earl Rokeby, what else will life throw at her?

Oh I love a regency era novel and got very excited when I was invited onto the blog tour for Jane Dunn’s latest book, A Lady’s Fortune.

This was my introduction to this author’s novels. The blurb sounded interesting. Once I started reading, it felt like a brilliant cross between Pride & Prejudice and Bridgerton.

Leonora Appleby is a strong woman who knows her mind and isn’t afraid to speak it. She’s interesting as she is someone who is very happy with her own company and who doesn’t bow to the pressure of society. I adored her. She kicks ****

Charlotte is adorable and complements Leonora. Their relationship is wonderful and Leonora has very much taken Charlotte under her wing without being overbearing. Nanny P is also a great addition to the narrative.

The men in the novel are a variety of gentleman like behaviour and personalities. I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to give too much away about George Lockwood, Earl Rokeby, Lord Dearlove and Captain Ormonde. What I will say, is that one or more of these men are not what they seem.

The story unfolds well. This and the actions of the characters made me want to keep turning the page. Even though I’m not a huge fan of how women were treated in this era in terms of marriage, there is still such a charm to it and this book reflects that perfectly. I felt like I had stepped straight into the regency era and it totally scratched my Bridgerton itch.

A Lady’s Fortune is full of well written characters, a plot with many twists and turns and great humour. It reminds us that love can be found where and when we least expect it. There have been some great novels released so far this year that have been perfect summer companions. If you’re a fan of regency or love strong characters, this book needs to be added to your reading list for the season.

This also won’t be the last novel I read from Jane Dunn. I am definitely a fan.

About Jane Dunn –

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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A Lady’s Fortune was released by Boldwood Books on 5th August 2024. Click here to buy on Amazon UK, Amazon US and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.