Dearest Frederica, you are the kindest, gentlest, sweetest-tempered soul I have ever known. You must know I love you. MISS FREDERICA CHILD KNOWS EXACTLY WHO SHE IS. She has always known, for as long as she can remember, that she is the granddaughter of the Earl of Tipton, from whom her father had been estranged prior to his death. But she does not begrudge the life of luxury she never had; her work at the Taverstock Orphanage, creating a sort of adoptive family, is all the reward she desires.
ALAS, JUST AS SHE BECOMES AN ADULT, her contentment is due to be shattered. A new patron of the orphanage—the handsome, young, and recently bereaved Duke of Penrith—discovers her secret and reveals her whereabouts to her estranged family. The reunion is a surprise to everyone, but in one thing the Richmonds are sure: Frederica must return to her family and the life she is due as the granddaughter of nobility.
CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO WORLDS, knowing who she is but unsure of who she wants to be, Frederica struggles to reconcile herself with the decision she must make. The Duke proves an unexpected ally, and she soon recognises that they could be more than just friends.
BUT WITH THE DUKE SO RECENTLY BEREAVED, and Frederica’s own life in turmoil, can love truly bloom? And will she ever be able to find the peace she had in obscurity again?
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain ***SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: mature teen: due to discussions of violence [non-sexual] against children that happened off the page >>Angst Level: stressful due to a confrontation with evil where a female was roughed up a bit >>Source: I received a free copy and volunteered to leave a review. This was book 3 in the Rags to Richmonds Series and is not a standalone. The books should be read in order as each subsequent story circles back to characters from previous books. 25 chapters plus an epilogue. There was a bonus preview of the last book in the series, The Heir.
One thing is for sure, the Richmond siblings are the most stubborn characters I’ve read recently. It must run in the family. The story moves quickly as the Richmond family discovers the location of the final child of Robert Richmond, the estranged brother to the Earl of Tipton. Miss Frederica Child always knew who she was as she had access to her birth records. She worked at the Taverstock Orphanage and had seen her adoption files. She was listed as a ‘female child’ and someone had penciled in Frederica Richmond and the name of her parents. As an adult, she now resides at the orphanage and enjoys working with the children. That changed the day the Duke of Penrith toured the facility as a patron.
I did not enjoy this installment as much as I did the previous books. The story was too similar to the others where all three sisters were stubborn as mules and went through grief and anguish before realizing what was as clear as the noses on their faces. There was an instant attraction with someone of wealth and standing despite their lowly occupation and situation in life.
The deceit, or outright lie, hanging over the family like a dark cloud, continued throughout book three. I was always ambivalent about the big secret. It was a crime that the family seemed to brush under the rug. Its resolution came about quickly and then everything was back on track. I was surprised there wasn’t a greater firestorm throughout the ton when the news hit. The evidence was too easily found and anyone looking for it would have discovered the ruse. The whole thing felt off. A crime is still a crime even if the motive is a strong one. The final story in the series will center around Viscount Oakley finding his marriage match.
Rags to Richmonds Series Prequel: The Prodigal Book 1: The Maid: Adelaide Booker [9-10-24] Book 2: The Spinster: Scarlett Margrave [10-8-24] Book 3: The Foundling: Frederica Child [11-12-24] Book 4: The Heir: Viscount Oakley [12-10-24]
Fantastic series! In The Foundling, the third book of the Rags to Richmonds series by Jessie Lewis and Amy D’Orazio, the story is told of Frederica Child, who, at the age of twenty, still lives and works at Taverstock, the orphanage where she was raised from the age of seven, after having been abandoned by a third family. As in the two previous books, the authors introduce a lost sister to the Richmond family. Unlike her siblings, Frederica knows she is a Richmond, having read her filed-away record.
She meets the Duke of Penrith, a widower with three young children, who arrives at the orphanage for a tour and is considering whether to become a patron. Frederica immediately detects a sadness in him, and he soon discovers the kindness of her heart. From something she says, he figures out who she is, which sets her on a path attempting to balance the noble connection of her past with the life she’s built for herself. She’s actually happy and content working at the orphanage and does not want to leave it.
The black sheep of the family, Damian Richmond, the Earl of Tipton’s troublesome brother, reappears, adding a bit of angst and drama to this volume. This, coupled with Frederica’s conflict between her strong tie and sense of duty to the orphanage, and her burgeoning romance with the duke, kept me interested throughout and eagerly turning the pages.
Each book of the series has kept the saga moving in ways that make me look forward to what comes next. The first three books saw the Richmond sisters find their respective happy ending. I greatly anticipate their brother Oakley’s in the final upcoming book of the series, The Heir.
Fantastic series. Highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the published version for my Kindle library.
Of the series so far, I felt that I could empathize most with Frederica. She is a likeable heroine; her sense of honour and duty holds sway over personal satisfaction. Unlike her older sisters, Frederica finds fulfillment in her situation in life. Also, unlike her siblings, she has known her parents' identities since she was a young child. In this book, the Earl, Viscount, and their newly formed family are actively searching for Robert Richmond's remaining daughter. Not only is Frederica discovered, but the worst possible individual uncovers the Richmonds' secret, finally bringing the past to bear. I was surprised that it wasn't their eyes that betrayed them!
Once again, the writing of Ms. D'Orazio and Ms. Lewis creates a vivid and intriguing Regency world. I recommend that the first three books (including The Prodigal, The Maid, and The Spinster) be read before embarking on this romance. Now I anticipate reading about Oakley's journey in the next book of the series.
Another fantastic book in this series. Always great to be able to follow thru with the families. All the characters whether bad or good are well developed to the story. The author has a way of storytelling and by weaving it in a way to keep you reading and wanting more. Lots of action, love, family, romance, secrets, intrigue, suspense, support and society. Frederica is the daughter of Robert and Susan Richmond, sister to Scarlett, Adelaide and James. Never really knowing her family as she just a baby when placed at the orphanage. She is now one of the ones who stayed and worked there at the orphanage , helping the children to settle and find homes. She meets Penrith, a Duke, when he comes for a meeting at the orphanage. As they spend time together, feelings start and grow between them. He finds that she is a Richmond and lets the family know where she is. Has lots of action and a villain- Uncle Damian to add into the story. Glad that Penrith and Frederica get their happily ever after. Can't wait to read about Jame's story. Would highly recommend this book and series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I cannot express how much I am loving this series! It just gets better with every subsequent book. Frederica is such an endearing character (all the sisters have been, but I must say that I like her the best). Couldn't be happier for her HEA. These authors write in such a compelling way - such great world building (to be a bit trite - but I'm not an author after all). Next we're on to Oakley - what story will they tell for him? Eagerly awaiting it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In a genre where alpha males or genial rogues proliferate, it is delightful to encounter the Duke of Penrith. He makes steadiness, reliability and empathy so very attractive. Frederica fits well into the Cinderella trope, but her character and history are her own. The extended family are well drawn with depth that has developed over the series. I look forward to The Heir.
How is it possible that I love each book in the Rags to Richmonds series more than the last? The latest installment is the best one yet... it has a different tone than the previous 2.5 stories with less outside angst and more of it contained within the Richmond family. It elevates the tension of the story in the best possible manner because of tiny loose ends left like breadcrumbs in the prior siblings' tales come to a fever pitch in "The Foundling."
Frederica is magnificent. She already knows she is a Richmond, but has no intention of cashing in on the connection. She is perfectly happy living a life of service where she feels needed. She has a strength that her older sisters didn't have until later in their stories. When she meets the Duke, he only amplifies the amazing qualities in her. I love a good "different sides of the street" story, but this somehow made the distance between Frederica and Penrith feel minimal. Maybe I was just rooting for them!
Secrets don't stay hidden in "The Foundling," and I found I wasn't unhappy with that. I can't wait to see the repercussions with Viscount Oakley in "The Heir!"
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
A family is a resting-place from worldly cares. ~ Rev. J. Long
“The Foundling” is another entry in this intriguing family saga!
We have had the prologue, hinting at the children left behind from a marriage unsanctioned by the groom’s father. Two daughters are returned to the family fold in the previous books. Now, we have a third sister, Frederica, who knows her family history but is unwilling to leave her present position to move to the family home.
“The Foundling” also moves forward the mystery created by a long-ago deception.
The final story will be available soon. I’m ready!
The family is one of nature's masterpieces. ~ George Santayana
Title : “The Foundling” (Rags to Richmonds Book 3) Author: #JessieLewis #AmyDOrazio Published: November 12, 2024 Read: November 13, 2024
“The Foundling” sweeps you right into the emotional heart of the Rags to Richmonds series, and for those who’ve followed the first two books and the prequel, Frederica’s story is a lovely progression. Frederica Richmond, raised in the Taverstock Orphanage, knows her roots, even if she’s never had the chance to embrace them. Her work with the orphaned children is a testament to her resilient spirit, and that only deepens as the Duke of Penrith enters her life and begins to unravel the mystery of her past. The authors deliver a richly woven tale, filled with poignant family bonds and a romance that doesn’t overpower the story but rather enhances it beautifully. Frederica is easy to root for, and I found myself genuinely invested in her journey of self-discovery.
Reading this book as the third installment is essential, as it builds on previous character threads and provides depth to those we’ve come to know and care about. I especially loved the steady flow and structure of the story, leading to an epilogue that’s both satisfying and a tempting lead into the series’ conclusion, The Heir. It’s not just Frederica’s story that shines here; the Richmond family’s complex dynamics and history give this series heart and a sense of legacy that makes each book feel like coming home. Highly recommend—but definitely start from the beginning to appreciate the full richness of the Richmond world!
4.5 rounded up. This is book 3 in the Rags to Richmonds series. This has been my favorite book in the series and I really enjoyed this story. We knew from the end of book 2, The Spinstrer, that there was another lost sister and this is her story.
Frederica Child is the only one of all of Robert Richmond’s children that was always aware of her true identity as a Richmond and of her connection to nobility. Since no effort was ever made to find her, she assumed her family had no desire to acknowledge her so she made a life for herself caring for the children in the orphanage where she grew up. When a new Duke presents himself to the orphanage looking to become a patron, Frederica’s life will never be the same. It is this Duke of Penrith that sets the stage for Frederica to connect with her family. I absolutely LOVE Penrith!!! He was so amazing and likable as well as being a very sympathetic character. I was rooting so hard for him to get a happily ever after!
This book had all the elements of a great book. The writing was flawless and beautiful. It flowed and I felt connected to the story and the characters. There were great characters and a couple well developed and executed plots. The pace was great and I couldn’t put this book down. There was some romance, some suspense, a wolf in sheep’s clothing and so many more great things about this book.
This has been an interesting and fun series. I look forward to the next installment about Oakley.
This is, in my opinion, the best book so far in this series of clean regencies. It tells the story of the third lost Richmond sister, Frederica, who was a baby when her parents died and who has lived her whole life as a foundling. She's now working as a matron/factotum at the orphanage where she's been living since she was seven. The widowed Duke of Penrith comes to the orphanage interested in becoming a patron. The duke is acquainted with the story of the Richmond siblings and, as their relationship evolves, he realises she's the missing sister. He supports her all throughout the process of meeting her relatives and transitioning from her old life as a foundling to her new life as an earl's niece. Of course, there's the story of the growing romance between them, which involves her easy relationship with the duke's children from his first marriage, together with her acceptance of her changed circumstances. There's also a kind of mystery regarding the earl's brother, a blackguard, uncle to the Richmond sisters and legitimate heir to the title, and the impossibility of keeping the family's secret. Romance-wise, this book improves on the earlier ones. Here the evolution in the feelings of both protagonists is more convincing and better portrayed. Perhaps the card of her conflicting feelings of love and duty/guilt was overplayed, but at least that let the duke shine as a really patient, loving and understanding gentleman. The mystery subplot, although quite predictable and not too sophisticated, added some spice to the story. Only, the way it was solved in the end was a bit "too easy". Finally, as with the previous books, the penning is very good and the reader can appreciate the authors' care to provide the right historical feeling.
Frederica Child's last name derives from being referred to as Female Child on the orphanage paperwork when she was orphaned as an infant. She doesn't know how she came to be called Frederica. She is aware, though, that her father was a Richmond, and the estranged son of the Earl of Tipton. He had been cast off when he married her mother, and she has always assumed that she would not be welcomed by her noble relations. She's fine with that, though, because she's made a life for herself working at the orphanage where she grew up. After a couple of adoptions that for whatever reasons didn't become permanent, she has settled into life at the Taverstock orphanage, doing her best to help grieving children adjust to life there, and then helping get those she can into adopted families. She has considered that it doesn't promise much of a future, but she likes her work.
Then a new patron visits the orphanage to take stock of its situation, and her superior, Mr. Mulligan, has to be away. He tasks Frederica with giving the duke a tour of the place.
I don't want to share any more of this story here, because it's so good I hope you'll enjoy reading it for yourself. It's incredibly touching, and an excellent segment of this romantic series. Each of these siblings has lived such a different life, that how they find each other and reform their family makes for a compelling series.
A very readable book in a very readable series. These authors create characters wha re both engaging and real rather than perfect "plaster dolls". They are particularly good at writing male characters which is where many authors fall down.
This book introduces us to Frederica, the third Richmond sister. Unlike her sisters she is content with her current life and not particularly keen to put it down for the new life her birth family have for her. A charming young widower is added to the mix for extra turmoil and excitement in her life.
The story is well paced and well edited making for a smooth read and there is just the right amount of plot and action to avoid being over rushed or crammed.
An excellent book in an excellent series - highly recommended.
I love these books and can't wait for the heir's story. I'm not sure why I love this time period so much...I know I'd hate to wear those dresses all the time and not be able to swim in my pool in the summer, etc.
But still...maybe just once I could swish around a ballroom? I love these rags-to-riches stories and also the sensitivity to how these changes might affect each person. Cinderella needed more to the story!
Book 3 in the “Rags to Richmond” series is beautifully written. Frederica and the earl of Penrith are vivid, expertly crafted, and likable. I was invested in this character driven novel almost from the beginning. Frederica is compassionate, strong, and clever. What a satisfying love story and worth the wait.
This is the third book in the series. I have enjoyed all three that I have read. Although there are some romance issues in all three, because of the underlying plot these could be classified as regular novels ……no sex! The plots are fascinating and the reader, although suspects the outcome, is eager to find out the ending. I would recommend these books for devotees of period novels
Following the pattern of the previous outings in this series, this is a story about a young woman of humble station who is found to be of noble birth and taken up by her siblings. Along with this change, she meets and falls in love with a kind widower. The villain is defeated, and all ends well, except for one loose end which will be taken up in the next installment.
What a refreshing book! Clean and uplifting, it still has plenty of real life situations that the characters have to overcome, as well as a lot of character growth that was so satisfying to see. I love the happy ending!
Loved the way this story incorporated all the orphans into this story. It was certainly a problem during this time and also today in places in the world. Love to see the tender heart of Fredricka for those without any parents. Good read!
Unlike her other orphaned siblings Frederica knows she's one and has the proof but chooses to not seek out her family, the Richmonds. I didn't like this book as much as the previous ones but still had a good plot and happy ending.
This is my favourite, so far, in this series, although I have enjoyed all the books. Fredrica is working in the orphanage where she grew up. She is a very kind and loving person who really cares about the children in the orphanage. Devon, Duke of Penrith has become a patron of the orphanage and as a result meets Fredrica. I enjoyed the way they slowly got to know each other and also how her family were so protective of Fredrica. There is someone out to spoil the family’s new found happiness. This was a very entertaining read and I’m looking forward to the next in the series. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.