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Windham #0.6
The Duke and His Duchess
In this second prequel novella to the popular Windham series, New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes continues the story of the Duke and Duchess of Moreland through the tumultuous and bittersweet first years of marriage and parenthood.
Percival Windham is a second son and cavalry officer when he weds the beautiful Esther Himmelfarb, who bears her beloved husband four sons in little over five years of marriage. As Percival and Esther's finances become constrained, the ducal heir suffers an ailing heart, and the old duke becomes querulous and forgetful, married life comes to feel like endless loneliness and tribulation. Esther is exhausted and emotional, Percival is considering the wisdom of finding a mistress, and then two women from Percival's past wreak further havoc on the marriage, with potentially disastrous consequences for the entire Windham family.
Percival and Esther must grow into the nobility they've been resisting and stand together, or...
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2013
105 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
191 books2,915 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
February 7, 2017
The story takes place five years after The Courtship. It features one of the worst things you could put in a story about an established couple. Don't worry, no cheating but the thing left a really bad taste in my mouth. I just wanted it to be over with.
It is still an okay story if for no other reason but to see where the two characters from The Courtship are at this point.
And another thing, there are way too many children in this story.
It is still an okay story if for no other reason but to see where the two characters from The Courtship are at this point.
And another thing, there are way too many children in this story.
April 20, 2018
I couldn't keep reading once I realized that the "trouble on the horizon" they face includes
January 4, 2018
A reread of the second prequel novella to the Windham series. My original read was in a boxed set of novellas, but I'm recording it here cos I'm not going to reread all of the novellas this time around. Just wanted to get in the zone again before BOTM The Heir.
I enjoyed this one again and now feel like I'm back in the world of the Windhams.
I enjoyed this one again and now feel like I'm back in the world of the Windhams.
January 6, 2023
I liked this story and the relationship between the couple, and their children.
August 24, 2019
Nice, angsty read. I love a marriage book.
March 12, 2013
How can one not love the Windham's? I devour all of Grace Burrowes books about the Windham's I cannot seem to get enough of this large charismatic family.
It was interesting to read how Devlin and Maggie entered into the family. Yes, we know why by reading their books, but to see the personal development between His and Her Grace was interesting. Also, I adored reading about young Bart and Gayle so cute.
The Windham series is special. I love reading every book about them.
It was interesting to read how Devlin and Maggie entered into the family. Yes, we know why by reading their books, but to see the personal development between His and Her Grace was interesting. Also, I adored reading about young Bart and Gayle so cute.
The Windham series is special. I love reading every book about them.
September 4, 2021
I know I read this back in the day. I've been enjoying revisiting this series in audio, courtesy of the NYPL. This one is great backstory for fans of the series... and very sweet.
Read
November 13, 2016I loved this book, though I found it difficult to read. I've never had children and therefore never suffered from post-partum depression; however, I do suffer from depression and understand the pain that Esther felt. The book was quite angsty....is that a word? But one felt the deep love between Percy and Esther even as they wondered about the future of their marriage. Theirs was an enduring love throughout the entire Windham series.
January 6, 2018
Re-read:
I did not enjoy it as much as last time and would probably have rated it three stars now. However, it was still a unique story and much of it hit home.
Previous:
This was an interesting romance novella because it was about a couple who had already been married for five years and had four children. I enjoyed it.
I did not enjoy it as much as last time and would probably have rated it three stars now. However, it was still a unique story and much of it hit home.
Previous:
This was an interesting romance novella because it was about a couple who had already been married for five years and had four children. I enjoyed it.
February 7, 2022
This novella continues exploring the early years of the Duke's marriage and establishing his family. Good story that leads into the Windham series featuring his children.
January 1, 2018
This is about the parents. They've been married for years and have children already so an unusual, but sweet novella. Percy does something I'm still quite upset about, and I didn't quite figure out why Esther was so melancholy in the beginning, but the two obviously love one another and it ends well.
September 21, 2021
I listened to the audiobook version of this story and it was wonderfully narrated.
March 30, 2018
Another lovely tale
This second prequel novella is just as sweet and heartwarming as the first. I adore Percival and Esther and loved this brief glimpse into the early years of their marriage.
This second prequel novella is just as sweet and heartwarming as the first. I adore Percival and Esther and loved this brief glimpse into the early years of their marriage.
March 3, 2021
You know what? This was great. Again, like with the The Courtship, I would have read a full length version of this. If anyone has recommendations that are similar to this story I would love them.
December 31, 2022
A fitting last read of 2022.
November 18, 2022
I very much enjoyed this book, it was lovely to read of Percival and Esters early married life together and how they supported each other in all things and especially the raising of all their children. A remarkable couple.
March 27, 2013
4.5 stars. This is a couple that we seen in the full-length novels, as a long married pair. Although I believe this works as a standalone, even if you haven’t read any of the novels, because I have previously read many of the novels, I can’t say that for sure.
One problem right off the top, is the cover; The Courtship has the same problem. It’s hot, but as I recall from high school biology, blond hair is a recessive trait. There is no way that two blonds can produce a family that is not also all blond, and several Windham offspring have dark or auburn hair, as I recollect, not just the bastard branch. This is a minor point, and not one the author has any say over; still, it distracted me.
One of the things that makes this great is that this is a couple already in love, already with children, going through a rough patch. Why this period in coupledom is considered any less worthy of coverage in the romance genre, I don’t know, but it’s not traditional romance novel or novella material. It’s certainly a time for any married couple that is filled with drama, and a happy ending is not guaranteed.
Things I really liked about this novella:
1) They’re relatively poor. Percival is still second in line to the Dukedom as this opens. The Duke his father is widowed and in poor health; his older brother is also in very poor health, but what this means is though Percival will almost certainly inherit, eventually, at this time he gets all the burden, but not all the power or the money. He's just ASSUMED to have bundles of money.
2) Esther is suffering from postpartum depression, after bearing four sons in less than five years. She loves her sons, her babies, but she’s exhausted, and probably anemic. This is not the best time for her husband to bring complications into their marriage.
3) The children are wonderfully drawn, each with their personalities. One of the things that bugs me about the romance genre, is often the stories end with an engagement or marriage. In real life, couples do continue to have a romantic life, even if they are parents of children.
What I didn’t like so much about this novella:
1) I thought the idea of Percival consulting an ex-mistress regarding possible herbal remedies for his ailing wife seemed lame.
2) In previous novels, it’s mentioned that the oldest brother, Peter, theoretical heir to the Dukedom, has two daughters. They become invisible here. Because this novella is so very centered around family, I wanted them mentioned at least in passing. They’re away at school, they’re married, they’re dead, something.
3) Cecily, former mistress of Percival, is a bit too evil and two-dimensional. I would’ve liked to have seen her drawn a little more fully, to show one or two good qualities.
All in all, though, I really love this novella; it’s steamy and interesting. Even knowing from the novels that yes, they find a way to work things out, I was kept wondering, but how?
One problem right off the top, is the cover; The Courtship has the same problem. It’s hot, but as I recall from high school biology, blond hair is a recessive trait. There is no way that two blonds can produce a family that is not also all blond, and several Windham offspring have dark or auburn hair, as I recollect, not just the bastard branch. This is a minor point, and not one the author has any say over; still, it distracted me.
One of the things that makes this great is that this is a couple already in love, already with children, going through a rough patch. Why this period in coupledom is considered any less worthy of coverage in the romance genre, I don’t know, but it’s not traditional romance novel or novella material. It’s certainly a time for any married couple that is filled with drama, and a happy ending is not guaranteed.
Things I really liked about this novella:
1) They’re relatively poor. Percival is still second in line to the Dukedom as this opens. The Duke his father is widowed and in poor health; his older brother is also in very poor health, but what this means is though Percival will almost certainly inherit, eventually, at this time he gets all the burden, but not all the power or the money. He's just ASSUMED to have bundles of money.
2) Esther is suffering from postpartum depression, after bearing four sons in less than five years. She loves her sons, her babies, but she’s exhausted, and probably anemic. This is not the best time for her husband to bring complications into their marriage.
3) The children are wonderfully drawn, each with their personalities. One of the things that bugs me about the romance genre, is often the stories end with an engagement or marriage. In real life, couples do continue to have a romantic life, even if they are parents of children.
What I didn’t like so much about this novella:
1) I thought the idea of Percival consulting an ex-mistress regarding possible herbal remedies for his ailing wife seemed lame.
2) In previous novels, it’s mentioned that the oldest brother, Peter, theoretical heir to the Dukedom, has two daughters. They become invisible here. Because this novella is so very centered around family, I wanted them mentioned at least in passing. They’re away at school, they’re married, they’re dead, something.
3) Cecily, former mistress of Percival, is a bit too evil and two-dimensional. I would’ve liked to have seen her drawn a little more fully, to show one or two good qualities.
All in all, though, I really love this novella; it’s steamy and interesting. Even knowing from the novels that yes, they find a way to work things out, I was kept wondering, but how?
March 4, 2017
I enjoy reading this series because of the friendships and close relationships between the Windham children and their parents.
November 1, 2015
This was a total delight to read. Actually, it was two novella’s turned into one complete beginning to the Windham Family series. It sets the stage for a plethora of stories regarding the prolific progeny that Percival and Esther Windham’s marriage produced. But what THE DUKE AND HIS DUCHESS did for me was to show two people who were not perfect but whose love and respect for one another through thick and thin; gossip; betrayals; family sickness was so strong and so enduring that it is a love story for the ages.
Back from the Canadian and American wilderness, Percival (Percy) and his brother Anthony met Esther Himmelfarb at a house party where if gossips were correct their mother the Duchess of Windham had ordered her two younger sons to find themselves suitable brides. With Percy, known as something of a rake, he had noticed the girl without a title or dowry and was intrigued by her down to earth attitude and absence of the usual arsenal of feminine wiles of trapping a nobleman. Easy to talk to and lovely to boot Percy moved fast and their romance was brief and a whirlwind marriage followed.
Part two was the marriage five years later with Esther and Percy producing four children in the nursery and the reality of living along with others in the ducal estate with an aging duke on the verge of senility and the heir apparent (Percy’s brother Peter) not well. It was interesting that all was not sugar plums and fairy tales but Ms. Burrowes showed real life where the issues of not enough help would plague a mother (Esther) who was overloaded with the responsibility of four quick births, the exhaustion of nursing (they couldn’t afford a wet nurse), and keeping track of four rambunctious young boys.
Ms. Burrowes not only writes the most wonderful love stories but she does this with reality as well as great emotion. She shows where Esther is still in love with her handsome dashing soul mate, but truthfully is just plain exhausted. She also portrays Percy as loving and caring to the point where he visits an ex-mistress to question her about his wife’s health. Strange yes, but a proud man and very much in love with Esther that he would go to a source he knew Esther, should she find out, would be very upset.
Bottom line: Again Ms. Burrowes writes real and beautifully described romances with more than fluff and sex scenes. Every Burrowes book I’ve read is a keeper and resonates in my heart and mind long after the last page is turned. Simply a marvelous beginning to a fabulous series and family dynasty.
Marilyn Rondeau
Back from the Canadian and American wilderness, Percival (Percy) and his brother Anthony met Esther Himmelfarb at a house party where if gossips were correct their mother the Duchess of Windham had ordered her two younger sons to find themselves suitable brides. With Percy, known as something of a rake, he had noticed the girl without a title or dowry and was intrigued by her down to earth attitude and absence of the usual arsenal of feminine wiles of trapping a nobleman. Easy to talk to and lovely to boot Percy moved fast and their romance was brief and a whirlwind marriage followed.
Part two was the marriage five years later with Esther and Percy producing four children in the nursery and the reality of living along with others in the ducal estate with an aging duke on the verge of senility and the heir apparent (Percy’s brother Peter) not well. It was interesting that all was not sugar plums and fairy tales but Ms. Burrowes showed real life where the issues of not enough help would plague a mother (Esther) who was overloaded with the responsibility of four quick births, the exhaustion of nursing (they couldn’t afford a wet nurse), and keeping track of four rambunctious young boys.
Ms. Burrowes not only writes the most wonderful love stories but she does this with reality as well as great emotion. She shows where Esther is still in love with her handsome dashing soul mate, but truthfully is just plain exhausted. She also portrays Percy as loving and caring to the point where he visits an ex-mistress to question her about his wife’s health. Strange yes, but a proud man and very much in love with Esther that he would go to a source he knew Esther, should she find out, would be very upset.
Bottom line: Again Ms. Burrowes writes real and beautifully described romances with more than fluff and sex scenes. Every Burrowes book I’ve read is a keeper and resonates in my heart and mind long after the last page is turned. Simply a marvelous beginning to a fabulous series and family dynasty.
Marilyn Rondeau
March 6, 2013
Written as a background filler to the Windham series where we met Percival, Duke of Moreland and Esther, his Duchess and their numerous offspring, this novella neatly fills the gaps about what made the seniors turn out the way they did. With a slowly deteriorating father and elder brother, Percival doesn't look forward to inheriting the dukedom nevertheless does his duty while worrying about his wife's health and whether she still loves him enough. The novella opens with Esther having borne her fourth son and suffering post partum depression. Parliamentary duties make the couple and their kids remove to London where awaiting them are Percival's son and daughter from his premarital indiscretions. How the couple contend with this unexpected twist and the maturation of their love forms the heart of the story.
I enjoyed this novella much more than The Courtship; the characters came alive in a manner I could recognise from other books in the series. Recommended reading for those who've already been introduced to any of the younger Windhams.
I enjoyed this novella much more than The Courtship; the characters came alive in a manner I could recognise from other books in the series. Recommended reading for those who've already been introduced to any of the younger Windhams.
March 8, 2013
Out of all the Windham books I've read (about 7), this is my favorite to date. I'm slightly in love with their Graces now and see them as something more than meddling elderly parents. The short format works for the well for the Windham stories although I would have liked a little more character development on His Grace's part. I would love to see another short format story about Their Graces somewhere around their 15th anniversary mark when the household is in full swing and Percy has almost ten years in Lords. There has to be some political intrigue that threatens his marriage....
Like all Burrowes books, humor and tenderness abounds throughout which slightly sets this series apart from others in its period and class. And while the historical details aren't that accurate, especially the speech, but it doesn't distract from the story. What struck me most while reading this book was the development of Ms. Burrowes' writing from this book as compared to The Heir; it's phenomenal. I now look forward to many more Windham stories.
Like all Burrowes books, humor and tenderness abounds throughout which slightly sets this series apart from others in its period and class. And while the historical details aren't that accurate, especially the speech, but it doesn't distract from the story. What struck me most while reading this book was the development of Ms. Burrowes' writing from this book as compared to The Heir; it's phenomenal. I now look forward to many more Windham stories.
April 2, 2013
3.5 As usual with Grace Burrowes, lots of lovely family interplay and warm family feelings, and for those familiar with her earlier Windham books, it's fun to see the heroes as children. I really liked that this is a mid-relationship story, where an already-in-love couple has to deal with the difficulties of maintaining their love after the initial HEA-- a real rarity in romance. I also appreciated the way incorporates the historical fact that many women became physically and emotionally drained by the constant childbearing and birthing of the period. Not wild about the evil courtesan mother plotline; as the child's father, wouldn't Percy have had the right to take his daughter away?
May 31, 2016
3.5 stars / 1 flame. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
September 28, 2019
It was good enough. I did like the story but I still have problem reading her style of writing...have one last to read hoping I do come to like her style because she really as good stories.
Read it in prints in 2014 Might like it better in audio.
Audible Romance Package
AUDIOBOOK: Read 24 September 2019
3hrs 52min
Narrator: Roger Hampton does a good job
Liked it
Read it in prints in 2014 Might like it better in audio.
Audible Romance Package
AUDIOBOOK: Read 24 September 2019
3hrs 52min
Narrator: Roger Hampton does a good job
Liked it
December 29, 2015
I liked this. It sets out the background to the myriad Windham children (legit and illegit) and paints a picture of a marriage in some difficulties which felt very, very believable. It was engaging and enjoyable and nicely angsty.
May 26, 2022
Umm, what the hell was that? The subject matter in this novella is exactly what I usually seek this genera to avoid.
I thought reading the prequels would be a good idea before the rest of the series and now I’m not sure I should bother with any of them
I thought reading the prequels would be a good idea before the rest of the series and now I’m not sure I should bother with any of them
March 6, 2013
Esther is one of my all time favorite characters and I loved seeing her at this point in her life.
February 19, 2020
Between Jan 29 and today, Feb 18, I've so far only read 6 of Ms. Burrowes books:
Ashton
His Lordship's True Lady
My One and Only Duke
When A Duchess Says I Do
The Courtship
The Duke and His Duchess
Were I to rate each one individually (which is too much bother as they are part of series), it'd be 3.5 stars each except for The Duke And His Duchess which rated 4 stars. I enjoyed that one most of all.
I do enjoy how Ms. Burrowes pull the entire family in the stories. Each, even the children has a role that brings credulity to the family and environment.
Lots of children where their voices are heard-wonderful!! Women who aren't wilting English Lilies -even the 'ninny heads and the evil ones' fantastic!! Addressing everyday life issues and challenges that most if not all families face at one time or another, whether one is an aristocrat or commoner add realism to the stories especially in The Duke and His Duchess. Check.
My super peeve:
While I enjoy those books, I could do without the 'modern feel' at times. If the story is set in a historical period -then for reading joy and sanity's sake, let it read as such. Be true to the era being written about. In language, dialogue, dialect, dress, places and item names -etc. Editors and publishers who think otherwise are just plain nuts. Yes. As a reader, I want to know, demand to know that in that era, a bedroom was called a bedchamber etc. Why shouldn't I know that, uh? UH?
Okay. Deeeep breath.
That said, I thought I'd read some more about The Windhams but could not find the title that told Bart's story. There are so many to sort through, I feel I'm parting the reeds and only going around in circles.
Can someone tell me which one it is or which book comes after The Duke And His Duchess? Surely not The Heir which is Gayle's story or is it really?
Ashton
His Lordship's True Lady
My One and Only Duke
When A Duchess Says I Do
The Courtship
The Duke and His Duchess
Were I to rate each one individually (which is too much bother as they are part of series), it'd be 3.5 stars each except for The Duke And His Duchess which rated 4 stars. I enjoyed that one most of all.
I do enjoy how Ms. Burrowes pull the entire family in the stories. Each, even the children has a role that brings credulity to the family and environment.
Lots of children where their voices are heard-wonderful!! Women who aren't wilting English Lilies -even the 'ninny heads and the evil ones' fantastic!! Addressing everyday life issues and challenges that most if not all families face at one time or another, whether one is an aristocrat or commoner add realism to the stories especially in The Duke and His Duchess. Check.
My super peeve:
While I enjoy those books, I could do without the 'modern feel' at times. If the story is set in a historical period -then for reading joy and sanity's sake, let it read as such. Be true to the era being written about. In language, dialogue, dialect, dress, places and item names -etc. Editors and publishers who think otherwise are just plain nuts. Yes. As a reader, I want to know, demand to know that in that era, a bedroom was called a bedchamber etc. Why shouldn't I know that, uh? UH?
Okay. Deeeep breath.
That said, I thought I'd read some more about The Windhams but could not find the title that told Bart's story. There are so many to sort through, I feel I'm parting the reeds and only going around in circles.
Can someone tell me which one it is or which book comes after The Duke And His Duchess? Surely not The Heir which is Gayle's story or is it really?
December 27, 2017
I loved that this story showed the reality of what marriages can really be like. It is not always happily ever after. There are disagreements and fighting. Women can have Post-partum depression and not know how to handle it. All of that is briefly addressed in this novella and I enjoy the realness.
However, I wish Percival had been more open with his wife about what was going on in his head. One of the things that made their courtship great was that they were honest and open. In this story they both were too afraid to talk to the other and it was sad to see that lack of trust.
However, I wish Percival had been more open with his wife about what was going on in his head. One of the things that made their courtship great was that they were honest and open. In this story they both were too afraid to talk to the other and it was sad to see that lack of trust.
May 16, 2023
This is a follow-up story to the Courtship. I had to skip through most of this. While I did enjoy the Courtship, I feel this one just went on and on about life after marriage for Percival and Esther that didn’t seem to have any point in the beginning until towards the last third-ish of the book. I didn’t really feel the tension of the marriage. The pair seem to get on amicably. The intertwining of Percival’s ex-mistresses was a bit odd - if that’s the reason why the marriage could have been rocky it was not strong enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews