The Prodigal

Rags to Richmonds #0

by Jessie Lewis, Amy D'Orazio

“It is far from a perfect plan. It is dangerous, and illegal, and some might say immoral... But I want it every bit as dearly as you do.”

Charles Richmond, the newly-raised Earl of Tipton, is a man with a problem. He and his wife have been unable to produce an heir, putting the earldom and the family fortune at risk of falling into the hands of his younger brother, Damian. Damian, a libertine and a wastrel, would make short work of laying all to waste, and Tipton is determined to prevent that by any means possible.
Tipton’s youngest brother, Robert, was born the third son of an earl, and as such has always imagined it did not signify whom he married—until he falls in love with Susan Browning, a weaver’s daughter. Given an ultimatum by his family—to give up his heart’s desire or give up his life as a Richmond—he elopes, establishing a happy life and family with Susan, and forever giving up all ties to the family.
Then tragedy strikes, and Lord Tipton sees an unorthodox solution to the problem of inheritance. But one deception begets another, and a very tangled web begins to be woven—one that will alter the course of the lives of the next generation of Richmonds. Will they ever find the happiness they all deserve?
The Prodigal is an introduction to the world of the Richmond family and a prequel to the Rags to Richmonds regency romance series.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Romance

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2024

About the author

Get your FREE copy of the Rags to Richmonds prequel here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/i76i71msd2

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Reviews

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every large family has its angel and its demon. ~ Joseph Roux

Rags to Richmonds — but in this prequel, the journey is from Richmonds to Rags.

We begin by meeting James Richmond, heir to the Earl of Tipton. Young James is unaware of key elements of his heritage. He learns that the man he believed was his father is instead, his uncle.

The story goes back in time, to the days of an arranged marriage for Charles Richmond, eldest son of the current Earl. We meet Robert Richmond, the third son of the previous Earl of Tipton. Robert is in love. His father and older brothers cannot approve of his marriage to the daughter of the village weaver.

Robert must make a choice.

Family quarrels have a total bitterness unmatched by others. Yet it sometimes happens that they also have a kind of tang, a pleasantness beneath the unpleasantness, based on the tacit understanding that this is not for keeps; that any limb you climb out on will still be there later for you to climb back. ~ Mignon McLaughlin

Years later, Robert must ponder the choice he made. Is it possible to reconcile?

I am a huge fan of family sagas. I love to see how a choice someone makes will change the lives of future generations.

Happily, we can look forward to four more books in this family history. I was hooked from the start. Can’t wait!

Family history builds bridges between the generations of a family. ~ Dennis B. Neuenschwander

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A secret’s worth depends on the people from whom it must be kept.” –Carlos Ruiz Zaón, The Shadow of the Wind

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: Mature teen: adult themes were discussed and the actions and behaviors of a despot were described
>>Angst Level: slight to moderate
>>Source: I received a free copy via Booksprout: 5-14-24: I volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions. Non-JAFF: A Prequel to the Rags to Richmonds Regency romance series. Prologue + 8 chapters + epilogue: followed by a two-chapter excerpt from book 1 [The Maid].

“I thought about how there are two types of secrets: the kind you want to keep in, and the kind you don’t dare to let out.” –Ally Carter, Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover

When James Richmond, the Viscount Oakley turned 21, his father Charles called him to his study. It was during that meeting that James learned the family secret. The next chapters explained the backstory and how events transpired in the Richmond earldom. The prequel sets the stage for the next book in the series.

Rags to Richmonds Series
Prequel: The Prodigal
Book 1: The Maid [Publish date: Sept 10, 2024]
Book 2: The Spinster [Publish date: 10-8-24]
Book 3: The Heir: [Publish date: 12-10-24]

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Beginning!
When two of your favourite authors, each a brilliant writer in their own right, take a step away from Jane Austen fan fiction and come together to write a Regency-romance series, I am definitely here for it. With the first installment prequel, The Prodigal, Amy D’Orazio and Jessie Lewis had me completely hooked from the beginning paragraphs, and have left me highly anticipating what is to come in the next books. A two-chapter teaser of Book One, The Maid, provided at the end of this book, leaves me no less excited for what’s to come next. I cannot wait for more!

Highly recommend.

[Gratia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like juicy bait... And I'm a very hungry fish! This story has me fully hooked on reading the future series. I have loved Ms. Lewis's and Ms. D'Orazio's Pride and Prejudice variations. They are wordsmiths who create vivid, expressive, and memorable characters. The Prodigal ends with a beginning for a newly created family built from a murky past. This prequel also includes the first two chapters of the next book, and my only disappointment is that I must wait over three months to satisfy my curiosity.

I received a free copy without any expectation of a positive review.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Austenesque/JAFF Readers Should Follow This Dynamic Duo Into Their NEW Traditional Regency Romance Series!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance Novella

SERIES: Rags to Richmonds #0 (prequel)

THE PREMISE: James Richmond, son and heir to Earl of Tipton, has just learned a big family secret – he is not his father’s son! This prequel travels back one generation with the Richmond family to 1794, where three brothers – Charles, Damien, and Robert are young bucks around town. Charles is about to marry a titled heiress, Damien is happily indulging in all his wicked propensities, and Robert is about to cause a colossal stir when he announces to everyone who he has fallen in love with…

MY THOUGHTS:

It is a truth universally acknowledge that when two of your favorite Austenesque authors collaborate and decide to create a Regency Romance series – it must be read by one and all! Having ardently loved and admired the characters, clever premises, and expressive prose of these two authors, I am elated to see them create their own characters, connections, and conflicts in a whole new setting.

I loved how this series began with family drama and some contentious sibling dynamics. The three brothers are distinctly drawn – Charles is dutiful and burdened by upholding expectations, Damien is a selfish reprobate, and Robert is sensitive and independent. Family ties are severed when Robert defies everyone’s expectations and wishes for him. He absconds to a new locale and starts anew with his beloved wife, Susan. I cannot help but admire Robert’s fortitude and conviction. He knows his heart and is not afraid to follow it. Regardless of the consequences. My only wish was that we saw more time spent seeing Robert fall/discover is feelings of love for Susan and his internal feelings as he contemplates his family’s reactions.

This prequel is a wonderful introduction to the heartaches and hardships the Richmond family experienced in the past. The rest of the series will follow the next generation – including Robert’s son (who was secretly raised as Charles’s son) – James. But it sounds like there will be plenty of more secrets and surprises, family drama and discoveries, relationships and romances in store for the Richmonds throughout this series! I cannot wait!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🙌🏼 Huzzah! For a new Regency Romance series! And for a brilliant author collaboration!

🤩 With the hints of scandalous secrets, surprising discoveries, complicated family dynamics, and new romances, I’m already so invested in the Richmond family and this series!

💗 An inspiring tale of having the courage and determination to defy others and seek your own happiness.

Austenesque Reviews

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smashing beginning to a new series!

This prequel sets the stage for family drama on a monumental scale. Charles Richmond, the firstborn son and heir to the Earl of Tipton, is determined to do his duty by his family name. Secondborn son Damien Richmond knows nothing of duty and thinks only of himself. Robert Richmond, third son, is an idealist with a kind heart. Through his eyes we watch him come to terms with the reality of his situation; he is in love with a woman beneath his social class, a woman his family will never approve of. When he leaves everything he’s ever known to marry the woman he loves his family is irrevocably changed. Jessie Lewis and Amy D’Orazio have woven the beginnings of a wonderful story of love, loss, and family bonds. The Prodigal has left me desperately wanting to know more, and I cannot wait to read the next installment in this series!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this is a prequel, and it's the only part of the series I've read so far. But wow, this short, sweet story left me wanting so much more.

The story was set as a flashback that eventually came back to the contemporary timeline. There were a few holes in the story that I hope get filled in by the rest of the series. The writing was well done. I appreciated the attention to detail on word choice and how words were used in the time period.

Excellent way to spend an afternoon and I recommend it highly.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a big fan of both Amy D'Orazio and Jessie Lewis from reading a lot of their amazing JAFF novels. Both have exhibited the ability to be incredible storytellers and I jumped on the opportunity to read this new series from them.

"The Prodigal" is almost a prequel within a prequel. It begins with a rather jaw dropping revelation, that Viscount Oakley is not the son of his father the Earl, but the son of his father's brother, who was excommunicated from the family. This projects us back into the past as we find out more details of the circumstances that lead to that moment.

We meet three young brothers, Charles, Damien and Robert, the sons of the Earl of Tipton. Charles, the heir, is on the cusp of marriage. Damien, the narcissistic middle son is heading into the law but would prefer to make mischief. And Robert, the darling youngest son, who has found himself in love with a village girl and fancies himself an ale maker, even though his father wants to broker a marriage for him and send him to work as a parson, as so many younger sons often do.

Trouble, betrayal on many sides, and a risky decision all lead Robert to flee with his love which leads to estrangement for him and scandal for his family. He unfairly shoulders the blame for all that happens later, which makes the revelation that he is the true father of the new Viscount Oakley an incredible feat.

This story is just a taste of the series (four more books!) to come. It did a wonderful job of introducing us to the main players, but there is so much we, the readers, do not know, and are left wondering about. Danger lurks with this secret and a jealous, frivolous uncle that would likely pursue the title and destroy the Viscount's happiness is hanging out there with the readers unsure of what he might be capable of. Plus, we get no details on what actually became of Robert and his wife, so one can only hope that there is a mystery to be further revealed in the series.

I won't deny that I was disappointed where the book left off, but I am hooked enough on the story line that I will be impatiently awaiting the debut of the rest of the series!.

I received a copy of this book from BookSprout to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prelude to what is to become a series of books. It establishes the root of the Richmond family, around whom the other books will be built.

The book begins in 1816 with twenty-one-year-old James Richmond's recent graduation from university. The man he has always believed to be his father, the Earl of Tipton, informs James that he is actually his uncle and that his birth parents are dead. Lord Tipton's youngest brother, Robert, is James' father, but he broke from the rest of his family when they disapproved of him wedding a mere weaver's daughter.

Another uncle, Damian, is next in succession to the earldom by law, but Lord Tipton hasn't seen or heard from him in years, and the man has always been a wastrel. Damian would be quick to appear to claim the title and equally quick to evict his widowed sister-in-law and squander the family fortune.

As Lord and Lady Tipton have been unable to have children, when they received word that Robert had died, the otherwise honorable couple adopted James and claimed him as their own. Thus, James is known as the current Viscount Oakley, heir to Lord Tipton, and his true origin is a closely-guarded secret.

As interesting as this is, the book goes back to 1794 to tell the story of the three Richmond brothers: Charles (the earl in 1816), Damian, and Robert (James's father). It particularly describes the events surrounding Robert's breach with his family due to his love for Susan Browning.

The story is compelling, as is the excellent writing. It certainly whets the appetite for the coming books!

Content is clean.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gill M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also posted on my blog

https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...

The Prodigal is an introduction to the world of the Richmond family and a prequel to the Rags to Richmonds regency romance series.

The story begins with James Richmond, the heir to the Tipton earldom, coming home after an enthusiastic celebration of his university graduation.

When summoned to the Earl's study, the heir fears a scolding. However, the interview reveals shocking details of his origins.

We then go back to 1794 and meet the Richmond family.
The old Earl Tipton, who is determined to retain the distinction of rank and nobility.
Charles, typical oldest son, all duty and honour.
Damian, a malevolent rake, who enjoys causing any trouble possible.

And finally Robert, youngest son. He is idealistic, in love with Susan, a weaver's daughter and with little patience for his family expectations of a society marriage.

The events that follow, turn the Richmond family upside down.

Amy D'Orazio and Jessie Lewis are wonderful JAFF writers and I look forward to this new cast of characters.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written, hard to believe you have to wait for the next book so that you can continue this families journey. Robert is the 3rd son of an Earl, who knows that nothing will ever be for him. He meets and falls in love with Susan, daughter of a weaver. Not what his father wants. When given a choice, he picks love over a duty to his family. Charles, his oldest brother, wants him to stay in the family but doesn't stop him. Together they marry and start a brewing business. Their son, James is born and Robert wants to take him to meet his family. His father rejects both of them so while leaving he runs into Charles and shows him James, Who has a hard time and can't believe that James looks like himself yet he turns his back on them both. Learning about their death, Charles decides to raise James as his own son and he would be the next Earl. Will have to wait for the next book to find out what's happening in their lives. What a fantastic start to a new series. Would recommend to everyone.
I leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Debby Sangiovanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous start to a new series by two of my favorite JAFF authors. Amy D'Orazio and Jessie Lewis have come together to create a wonderful story of an old noble family that scoffs at the idea of marrying for love and strongly adheres to the rules of marrying for connections and fortune.

Unfortunately for Robert, the youngest of the Earl of Tipton's sons, he has had the audacity to fall in love with the daughter of a weaver. Obviously, this is not something that the family can or will accept. Robert must make a choice between marrying where his heart lies and facing disinheritance, or accepting his father's mandate to engage himself to a woman that has been chosen for him.

As one would expect from these authors the book is wonderfully written and the characters are well developed. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story! I love these authors, so it was a no-brainer to choose to read this book. The descriptions are delightful and I can hardly wait to find out what happens next. The characters are believable and distinct, the romance between Robert and Susan palpable and sweet. I was very sad to find out that they passed, but it allowed their son to become raised as the Viscount to the Tipton earldom, to ensure it would not go to the horrible dissolute second son Damien. Here and there were hints of possible things to come (I hope). One feels all the love, anger, frustration, and sadness happening in the book. There are some loose ends that I hope will be answered in the following books.

I recommend the book and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review, which is my own true and independent opinion.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal is the origin story of the Rags to Richmonds regency romance series. Charles Richmond, the new Earl of Tipton, and his wife are childless. There is a danger that his younger brother, Damian, a rakehell, will inherit upon his death. He would be a disaster. Their youngest brother, Robert, married a tradesman's daughter against the will of his family, and lived a life away from them with his own family, until he and his wife were killed in an accident. Their son ended up in an orphanage.

Upon learned this news, Lord Tipton and his wife decide to adopt the boy and pretend to the world that he is their legitimate heir. James is now Viscount Oakley, heir to the Earl of Tipton. This sets up the series, which reveals the consequences of the tangled web they wove.

Amy D'Orazio and Jesse Lewis are two of my favorite authors, so I'm salivating about this new series.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engaging and interesting introduction to a Regency family called the Richmond. This story centers around the Earl of Tipton and his three sons, the Viscount Charles, Damian, and Robert. Each son has a very different character and personality and this story allows us to see what drives and motivates each of the brothers.

The youngest son, Robert, commits the unpardonable sin of aristocratic England by falling in love with a women of inferior birth. He becomes estranged from his family, but establishes a happy circumstance for himself by pursuing his own dreams. Of course, families are always inexplicably connected and this story shows how the actions and circumstances of all the family members intertwine and affect eachother. The stage was set for stories and even potential scandals in the future.

I really enjoyed this story and look forward to seeing some of the seeds that were planted in this prequel take root and how they develop in the upcoming series. The book was well written and well paced. A very promising beginning to a new series.

[PH · Rating 4 out of 5]

It all started here!!

I am intrigued!!

The story began when the third son of the earl, Robert Richmond, eloped with his heart's desire, Miss Susan Browning.

Estranged from his and her family, they lived a happy and content life as Mr and Mrs Richmond, the master of ale brewery. A son named James multiplied their happiness and enriched their contentment.

Yet, people do not always get what they want. James became an orphan. His aunt and uncle, the new earl, decided not only to take him in, but also offer him the privilege of becoming their own son, the heir of the earldom.

Can the secret be kept unknown?
Can they live happily ever after?

I would so much like to find out !!

[Mustang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful start for a series by two amazing authors

4 1/2 rounded to 5 stars
For those who don’t know these two amazing JAFF authors, they are an instant buy for me. This partnership to create this new non JAFF series will be a wonderful and winning collaboration. This prequel story has set up the premise and characters extremely well and leaves the reader anticipating the next book in the series. This is a very quick read but worth it. I’m sure that I’ll be referring back to it as we progress through the series.
I received this book in advance for an honest review but it is one that I bought anyway.

[Barbara K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

How was it that the Richmond family became estranged to begin with, and why was it that there were children of the family scattered in various orphanages and adoptive homes? This very short novella, or very long short story, whichever you want to call it, provides many of those answers, and I personally found it perfect to read right before the final book, The Heir, which answers the remaining questions.

We all know that, as Tolstoy wrote in Anna Karenina and I paraphrase here, unhappy families come in all varieties. But some can be healed, and that's really what this saga is about.

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait for more! Yet I must.
Such a strong start to what I see is planned to be a long series from two authors who have consistently written very, very good novels that I discovered in the JAFF world. I hope that now they will receive more recognition from a larger audience in the historical fiction world.
They build the world and develop their characters so well, and well rounded. It is a pleasure to read and hard to put down; it has such a natural flow to it all.
Impatiently waiting for more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Craftyhj · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing start to a series

I expected to like this - and I did! A new direction for two favourite authors and they knocked it right out of the park!

I enjoyed reading a book in this regency fiction genre with a clear male lead and I am really looking forward to reading the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal is a prequel to the Rags to Richmonds regency romance series, a great start to this series. I enjoyed seeing the beginning of this series with its twists and turns. I want to read the next book to see how things turn out for them. This story grabbed my interest from the start. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good introduction to a new series concerning the Richmond family. It gives the background story of the three sons of the previous Earl of Tipton. Charles, Damien and Robert are all very different characters. I’m looking forward to reading the first book in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Hanna Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and cute Regency novella! I liked the characters and the romance between them, this was a nice way to kill a few hours.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Keeton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy has a way of writing that simply draws you in, whether it’s her fanfic or original stories and this book is no exception!! Do yourself a favor and check out this book!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story about the third son of a Peer falling in love with the daughter of a weaver. His eldest brother has just made a brilliant match, so he hopes, his family will accept his choice of a bride. Unfortunately this is not the case. His second eldest brother is a very bad character, he tries to sabotage the relationship and the rest of the family discover the relationship as well. So he is disowned and cut off from all his previous advantages. Fortunately he is a very resourceful person, so we follow the couples struggles to find a happy life.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic introduction to a new series. It makes me excited to read the next book.

[Lida Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title : “The Prodigal” (Rags to Richmonds Prequel)
Author: #JessieLewis #AmyDOrazio
October 16, 2024

The Prodigal, the prequel to the Rags to Richmonds series, is a five-star introduction to the intriguing Richmond family saga, a captivating story of love, betrayal, and tangled family loyalties. Charles Richmond, the newly appointed Earl of Tipton, faces a dilemma: he and his wife cannot conceive an heir, risking the family title and fortune to fall to his irresponsible younger brother, Damian. To protect the earldom from Damian’s notorious recklessness, Charles adopts his late brother Robert’s son, James, under a carefully guarded deception, setting the stage for the drama that will shape the Richmond legacy.

The story cleverly spans generations, first following James, who has just discovered that the man he thought was his father is actually his uncle, and then diving back to 1794 to reveal Robert’s love story with Susan Browning, the daughter of a weaver. The writing immerses readers in the nuances of family expectations, societal pressures, and the poignant costs of following one’s heart, especially for Robert, who sacrificed his ties to the Richmond name for love. With elegant prose and rich historical detail, The Prodigal lays a strong foundation for the series, blending romance and mystery in a way that keeps readers invested and eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Richmond family’s journey.
#HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance #Romance #Regency #RegencyRomance

[Veniece · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this full Rags to Richmond’s series and loved it. This is my third time reading The Prodigal and I have a question. What about Lady Louisa’s brother and sister Leticia? Wouldn’t they know that Louisa did not give birth to James? I don’t recall them being mentioned in any of the books.