Roseanna White is a very skilled storyteller. She always has a chunk of mystery or intrigue in her stories. The Reluctant Duchess is no exception. This is set in the Edwardian period, so if you're a fan of Downton Abby you'll like this read.

This book was tough, no doubt about it. It tackled the tough topic of rape, but the author handled it like the pro she is. I especially enjoyed seeing Rowena discover just how sweet a romance could be for a gal who’d been sexually abused. The careful, gentle sweetness of Brice was exactly what Rowena needed, and their romance gave me hope that others found in similar circumstances as Rowena would be able to find healing and hope in the Lord for their future and not completely give up on romance because of their abuser’s cruelty. There is still hope, folks, and this book shows that off beautifully.

The themes of brokenness, hope, trust, and love were woven together without seams into an exquisite tapestry. I recommend this book for older teens and up.

Content: mention of suicide, mention of rape/rape as a theme (not shown on the pages), alcohol

"A Riveting Edwardian Series Set among Britain's High Society.

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough--not for her father, not for the man she thought she'd marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she's willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when Rowena's father tries to trap Brice into marrying his daughter, Brice makes a surprising decision.

Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she's reluctant to marry a notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she's about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid."

I might be on a Downtonesque hiatus at the moment, but as soon as that ends, this book is at the top of the pile!

After reading and loving the first book in this series, The Lost Heiress, I truly don't know why it took me this long to read The Reluctant Duchess. I won't be making that mistake with the last book, as I've already started A Lady Unrivaled. ;)



I absolutely loved The Reluctant Duchess. It was one of those books where I did not want to stop reading and I was just captured by the story. There were some very sad/painful moments, but also ones of joy/happiness. I liked the main characters and their love story was sweet. The way he treated her was amazing.



The ending was great and I'm curious to see how the series will end. I definitely recommend The Reluctant Duchess, but be sure to read The Lost Heiress first as the stories are connected.



*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

As with all Roseanna White books, the research, vernacular, verisimilitude and historical canvas are spot on.

This is an intricate plot involving the continuation of bloodlines, jewels that hold the key to heritages and familial webs. Its core is a marriage of convenience between a woman, Rowena, who could find herself out of a name and influence by the arrival of a new heir and Brice, the Lord of Nottingham.

Painted against a backdrop of severe abuse, compassion and slowly-growing love, The Reluctant Duchess is deep inspirational fiction that echoes the Hosea and Gomer story.

While the subject matter of the novel may be strong for some CBA readers, Brice's grace and Rowena's goodness emulate some of the finer tenets of Biblical charity and calling.


My one regret is that due to the intricate outside plot affecting their marriage, we did not spend as much time with Brice and Rowena as this romantic would have hoped.

But, for a dashing hero ( he really has some charming lines) and a sweet as a bird heroine (who is frail but strong), this couple is well-met and sits lovingly in White's impeccably written setting.

With thanks to Bethany House for the review copy

I love Roseanna White's books. You can check out her reviews on my blog! http://agreateryes.wordpress.com

In The Reluctant Duchess, a Highland clansman tries to force Lady Rowena Kinnaird into marriage by attacking her. Her family schemes to trap the visiting Brice Mysterston, Duke of Nottingham, into offering marriage to Rowena. Brice resists until he meets Rowena’s “betrothed” and decides to protect her. When Brice took the rare red diamonds from Brook and Justin to protect them, he was single. Now that he is married, will their curse extend to his wife Rowena? Can he protect her while trying to bring Brook’s kidnapper to justice?
White concludes her exciting series that is more than a novel about relationships between the main characters. Elements of mystery, faith, lore, and danger permeate the series. More character than plot development — although the plot is well-developed and has a number of twists, each book is rich in historical detail, family history, as well as romance and adventure. The relationships are wholesome, making these books “clean reads.”

Once again, author Roseanna introduces many characters, but as you get them all down you will find yourself swept up in this new storyline! Lady Rowena Kinnaird is heiress to a Highland earldom, but wants nothing to do with her current situation or title. Formerly smart and confident, she is now but a shell of who she used to be. After she suffers a dreadful attack, Rowena will now do what she must to flee her home in Scotland - even if it means starting over where she won't fit in.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has always been a notorious, flirty bachelor, happily remaining single. But when he is confronted with a lady in a desperate situation, he follows his instinct to rescue her. On top of this, Brice is now in possession of the fire eyes - the cursed jewels from book one. Rowena is trying to escape threats from her homeland, only to find out she is now mixed up with Brice and the danger the jewels bring with them. Can these two strangers learn to trust, love and respect one another? Will the past and present dangers bring them together or tear them apart?

Depth
This book does captures that real life can be messy, painful and even hopeless at times. Author Roseanna does not offer quick fixes, but takes the characters on journeys they must travel, even if painful. Rowena, especially, has been dealt some very hard blows in life and a simple change of scenery does not allow her to outrun the past. She has a lot to learn but allows the Lord to free her from the hurt and pain. The depth of human emotion and consequences for actions make up a large part of the story, bringing it deeper than a lighthearted read.

Faith
Brice's faith is inspiring and vibrant. He continually seeks the Lord about everything, and acts on what he feels the Lord puts on his heart. It is rarely easy, but he stands firm. Rowena, coming from Scotland, has a much different background and has struggled with the balance between good and evil, light and darkness. Curses and superstitions are a part of her ancestral history, so she fears the present evil in this world. She learns that the Lord is the LIGHT, and can be relied upon to conquer evil. Characters learn that often times, trials are what lead us to the place the Lord wants us.


Squeal Factor
This book teaches us about real love - not easy, but always worth it. Brice and Rowena learn that love must be a choice, rooted deeply in the Lord and cannot be based solely on feelings and emotions. Roseanna did a phenomenal job with Brice and his willingness to love beyond what he is capable of - he chooses to rely on the Lord for that strength. This portrayal of love was inspiring and was one of our favorite components in the book.

Overall
This second installment in the series is well written and will continue in the next book! Readers will stay engaged as the story unfolds. Mystery, danger, drama and romance fill the pages wonderfully! The only drawback to our overall rating is that fact that these two chicks had a hard time connecting with and relating to Rowena until the end. However, we eagerly await book three to wrap up some of the story we have grown attached to.