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Lord Dere’s Dependents #1
By His Grace and Favor
She would do anything to save her family, if she could only ignore her heart. Oxfordshire, 1800. When a series of disasters strikes the Barstows, oldest daughter Adela devises a secret plan for their she will marry their elderly benefactor, Lord Dere of Perryfield. But her pursuit encounters obstacles, first in the form of the handsome household tutor, who openly disdains her efforts, and then from her own unpredictable, unruly affections.
Tutor Gerard Weatherill faces struggles of his own. Determined to shoulder his way into respectable society, he cannot let anyone draw too close, lest his own secrets be discovered. And clearly the person he must avoid above all others is the observant Miss Barstow. Observant, mischievous, marvelous Miss Barstow. But if he keeps her at arm’s length, will he lose something worth far more than his sterling reputation?
♥♥♥By His Grace and Favor is a clean and wholesome traditional Regency romance, first in the Lord Dere’s Dependents series. Each book can be read as a standalone or in order.
Tutor Gerard Weatherill faces struggles of his own. Determined to shoulder his way into respectable society, he cannot let anyone draw too close, lest his own secrets be discovered. And clearly the person he must avoid above all others is the observant Miss Barstow. Observant, mischievous, marvelous Miss Barstow. But if he keeps her at arm’s length, will he lose something worth far more than his sterling reputation?
♥♥♥By His Grace and Favor is a clean and wholesome traditional Regency romance, first in the Lord Dere’s Dependents series. Each book can be read as a standalone or in order.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2024
315 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dudley
28 books266 followersChristina Hwang Dudley is the author of clean historical and contemporary romance.
Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.
In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.
Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.
In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 29, 2024
Another amusing and charming tale from Christina Dudley, the first in a new series following the impoverished Barstow family, their elderly and kindly benefactor and the various characters whose paths cross with them.
Here’s the premise: the Barstow family has, through the death of the father and son, fallen on hard times. Eldest daughter Adela, in desperation, contacts a distant relation, Lord Dere, who offers them a cottage on his estate, but as they prepare to move, second daughter Jane elopes with a roguish man who they fear might not even marry her. As they squeeze themselves into Iffley Cottage, three adults and four children, not to mention a dog and a newly acquired kitten, they agree that nothing must be mentioned of Jane’s predicament, only that she is married, lest Lord Dere think better of his offer to such a disreputable family. But it turns out it’s not Lord Dere who must be appeased at all costs, but his niece by marriage, the widowed Mrs Markham Dere, who has insinuated herself and her son, now heir to the barony, into the baron’s seat, Perryfield, and there rules all before her, including the rather timid baron.
Into this awkward situation comes Mr Gerard Weatherill, the newly recruited tutor for Master Peter Dere, even more impoverished than the Barstows, and with secrets of his own to keep hidden, lest he lose his position. And it doesn’t help that the tutor and the practical eldest daughter have the hots for each other right from the start. Nothing can come of a match between two people who haven’t a bean between them, and besides, Adela has a cunning plan to ensure that they aren’t turfed out when all those messy secrets emerge, as they inevitably will. She’s going to marry the elderly but kindly baron, and keep Mrs Markham Dere in her place for ever.
Of course, this works about as well as you might expect, at least until Adela hears what has actually happened to Jane and her new (but feckless) husband, and grows so desperate that she throws caution to the wind.
There’s so much to love about this book, but especially the characters. The Barstows are a wonderful collection, from baby Sebastian (or Bash) to bouncy young son Gordy to 15-year-old Frances who actually manages to inveigle her way into Mrs Markham Dere’s good books in support of Adela’s hopes. I assume that most of the family will get their own book in time. But there’s also Mrs Markham Dere herself, a gloriously not quite over the top character, and the absolutely lovely baron, who surely deserves his happy ever after at least as much of some of the others.
So why only four stars? A couple of things niggled at me. One is the number of times Adela contrived to trip or fall over or otherwise end up entangled with one or other of the two men, the one she’d fallen in love with and the one she’d grimly decided to marry for her family’s sake. A certain amount of that is fine, and mostly it was very funny, but after a while it did get a bit old, and I’d have liked some variation.
The other issue I had was Adela, who has basically entrapped the baron into a betrothal, and then hangs onto him for grim death, even though their marriage would make a lot of people very unhappy. I really, really wanted her to come to her senses, confess all to the baron and throw herself on his mercy, but she never did, right to the (not very bitter) end, when the happy ending is magicked into being with a wave of a well-manicured hand. It was all a bit deus ex machina, and although I didn’t like that Adela wasn’t told what was happening until the very last minute, I kind of felt she deserved all that anxiety, frankly.
As always, a beautifully written and highly literate book. Five stars and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Here’s the premise: the Barstow family has, through the death of the father and son, fallen on hard times. Eldest daughter Adela, in desperation, contacts a distant relation, Lord Dere, who offers them a cottage on his estate, but as they prepare to move, second daughter Jane elopes with a roguish man who they fear might not even marry her. As they squeeze themselves into Iffley Cottage, three adults and four children, not to mention a dog and a newly acquired kitten, they agree that nothing must be mentioned of Jane’s predicament, only that she is married, lest Lord Dere think better of his offer to such a disreputable family. But it turns out it’s not Lord Dere who must be appeased at all costs, but his niece by marriage, the widowed Mrs Markham Dere, who has insinuated herself and her son, now heir to the barony, into the baron’s seat, Perryfield, and there rules all before her, including the rather timid baron.
Into this awkward situation comes Mr Gerard Weatherill, the newly recruited tutor for Master Peter Dere, even more impoverished than the Barstows, and with secrets of his own to keep hidden, lest he lose his position. And it doesn’t help that the tutor and the practical eldest daughter have the hots for each other right from the start. Nothing can come of a match between two people who haven’t a bean between them, and besides, Adela has a cunning plan to ensure that they aren’t turfed out when all those messy secrets emerge, as they inevitably will. She’s going to marry the elderly but kindly baron, and keep Mrs Markham Dere in her place for ever.
Of course, this works about as well as you might expect, at least until Adela hears what has actually happened to Jane and her new (but feckless) husband, and grows so desperate that she throws caution to the wind.
There’s so much to love about this book, but especially the characters. The Barstows are a wonderful collection, from baby Sebastian (or Bash) to bouncy young son Gordy to 15-year-old Frances who actually manages to inveigle her way into Mrs Markham Dere’s good books in support of Adela’s hopes. I assume that most of the family will get their own book in time. But there’s also Mrs Markham Dere herself, a gloriously not quite over the top character, and the absolutely lovely baron, who surely deserves his happy ever after at least as much of some of the others.
So why only four stars? A couple of things niggled at me. One is the number of times Adela contrived to trip or fall over or otherwise end up entangled with one or other of the two men, the one she’d fallen in love with and the one she’d grimly decided to marry for her family’s sake. A certain amount of that is fine, and mostly it was very funny, but after a while it did get a bit old, and I’d have liked some variation.
The other issue I had was Adela, who has basically entrapped the baron into a betrothal, and then hangs onto him for grim death, even though their marriage would make a lot of people very unhappy. I really, really wanted her to come to her senses, confess all to the baron and throw herself on his mercy, but she never did, right to the (not very bitter) end, when the happy ending is magicked into being with a wave of a well-manicured hand. It was all a bit deus ex machina, and although I didn’t like that Adela wasn’t told what was happening until the very last minute, I kind of felt she deserved all that anxiety, frankly.
As always, a beautifully written and highly literate book. Five stars and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
September 22, 2025
I had a great time.
Honestly, I don't know how or why I believe they're in love, but Dudley's writing keeps getting better and I had fun watching them stumble around. I'm a sucker for an eldest-daughter-holding-the-family-together getting a happily ever after, and I am also obsessed with this cover (similar to A Very Plain Young Man, it just screaaaams "yearning" (keep paying this artist/designer PLEASE)
Anyway, the yearning was very good, I really liked all the characters AND the little bit of action/interesting backstory.
p.s. three cheers for Lord Dere being smarter than everyone else! Never underestimate a lord who's been able to stay a bachelor for that long.
Unfortunately I don't like widow romances and that's what the next two are, so we'll see if I decide to continue. Maybe if they go on sale or I decide to get KU again.
Honestly, I don't know how or why I believe they're in love, but Dudley's writing keeps getting better and I had fun watching them stumble around. I'm a sucker for an eldest-daughter-holding-the-family-together getting a happily ever after, and I am also obsessed with this cover (similar to A Very Plain Young Man, it just screaaaams "yearning" (keep paying this artist/designer PLEASE)
Anyway, the yearning was very good, I really liked all the characters AND the little bit of action/interesting backstory.
p.s. three cheers for Lord Dere being smarter than everyone else! Never underestimate a lord who's been able to stay a bachelor for that long.
Unfortunately I don't like widow romances and that's what the next two are, so we'll see if I decide to continue. Maybe if they go on sale or I decide to get KU again.
October 28, 2024
I enjoy this author's books but think that this one was too long and angsty. It also needs tighter editing. There were a couple of scenes that seemed to make no sense; for example a woman went from turning pages for someone playing the pianoforte to being the player herself, with no reference to the change. Another time it was implied a man's great nephew was his grandson. One line read "might have not have" time, and I saw at least one spelling and one punctuation error. These types of errors yank me from a pleasant read. This book also had too much slapstick humor for my taste. I plan to continue to read the author's books.
October 28, 2024
No idea how Dudley pulled this off
The whole time I was reading By his Grace and Favor, I worried. How can this complicated plot and the many barriers be overcome for a happy ending? These characters are so finely drawn and intriguing that I loved them all. I wanted the HEA for them. Christina Dudley managed it all with an angel who, I hope, will have his own happiness later in the series.
What a beautiful cover also! Loving the beginning of this new series.
The whole time I was reading By his Grace and Favor, I worried. How can this complicated plot and the many barriers be overcome for a happy ending? These characters are so finely drawn and intriguing that I loved them all. I wanted the HEA for them. Christina Dudley managed it all with an angel who, I hope, will have his own happiness later in the series.
What a beautiful cover also! Loving the beginning of this new series.
January 8, 2025
I was more interested about the life in debtors' prison than the romance. Might be a preference thing though because I don't like all the pining.
I hope in the end of this series, Lord Dere would have his HEA because he's such a kind and generous person.
I hope in the end of this series, Lord Dere would have his HEA because he's such a kind and generous person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2024
The kickoff of an exciting new historical romance series from Christina Dudley, about a family of (mostly) ladies struggling to survive tragic circumstances, aided by the beneficence of their distant relative. Idyllic Oxfordshire is the primary setting, although a large portion occurs in a grittier, seedier section of London. Lots of well researched historical detail informs and embellishes the plot. An improbable love story wrought with miscommunication, misunderstanding, and seemingly impossible obstacles, with the outcome in doubt until the final pages. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Dudley has in store for the rest of the family.
BTW, as always, I enjoyed the chapter opening quotations - I’ve spent a considerable amount of time chasing those to their sources. The addition of the family tree was also helpful - I hope it remains, and expands when necessary, through each book of the series. The vignetted illustrations were another nice addition. I’m a great fan of visuals.
BTW, as always, I enjoyed the chapter opening quotations - I’ve spent a considerable amount of time chasing those to their sources. The addition of the family tree was also helpful - I hope it remains, and expands when necessary, through each book of the series. The vignetted illustrations were another nice addition. I’m a great fan of visuals.
November 4, 2024
Another win from Dudley
If you love dry humor, relatable characters and swoony clean romance read everything you can from CD. I devour her books the day they come out, and then when the next book comes out I reread the previous in preparation to devour the next. Something I especially love is the Heyeresque style of dialogue and descriptions without getting overly detailed. You are a gem. Keep on keeping on.
If you love dry humor, relatable characters and swoony clean romance read everything you can from CD. I devour her books the day they come out, and then when the next book comes out I reread the previous in preparation to devour the next. Something I especially love is the Heyeresque style of dialogue and descriptions without getting overly detailed. You are a gem. Keep on keeping on.
October 25, 2025
I really hated this book. I love the Bramleigh series so much that I kept going, hoping for redemption but it only got worse and worse.
The Fleet prison was never really explained. I didn’t know what it was and didn’t know how debtors prisms operate, so I was very confused for the longest time. How were kids in there? How could you have any living space but a cell? How could you have money to pay for things like alcohol? Was there a bar in this prison?! I still don’t entirely understand.
I felt no chemistry between the two, worse, no friendship. They hardly talked and Weatherill was unkind. Sarcastic, judgmental, mean.
He is there with a shady background as a tutor and somehow thought it was appropriate to comment on his employer’s relationships. Adela’s intentions were absolutely none of his business. He was awful.
Then he randomly decides he’s going to marry her, complete with a ten year plan (?!). There was never any romantic interaction between them and he KNEW she was pursuing the baron! What in the world? Then he gets angry with her when she gets engaged to the baron as if she betrayed him. This man is delusional. And he punishes her for it.
The poor baron. He was used. Adela for all her talk of how much she owed him couldn’t be bothered to give him the very least - integrity. Respect. Honesty. Faithfulness. Ugh. It was so painful. This man (who is 58, not 80, btw 😑) continues to pour himself out for everyone around him, is all kindness and goodness and wants nothing in return. And he is used abominably. He didn’t deserve a fiancée (or wife, if she’d succeeded) in love with someone else. He didn’t deserve to be cheated on repeatedly. He didn’t deserve the scandal to his good name or the upheaval to his peace. He didn’t deserve the lies and secrets being kept from him and then dumped on him to get something from him. And he proved himself merciful and generous time and time again, yet it continued.
Honestly he was the only character I was invested in. I hope he gets a happily ever after - presumably with Mrs. Barstow - but I suspect that wouldn’t happen until the end of the series. And I don’t think it’s worth the risk of enduring another novel like the first.
The Fleet prison was never really explained. I didn’t know what it was and didn’t know how debtors prisms operate, so I was very confused for the longest time. How were kids in there? How could you have any living space but a cell? How could you have money to pay for things like alcohol? Was there a bar in this prison?! I still don’t entirely understand.
I felt no chemistry between the two, worse, no friendship. They hardly talked and Weatherill was unkind. Sarcastic, judgmental, mean.
He is there with a shady background as a tutor and somehow thought it was appropriate to comment on his employer’s relationships. Adela’s intentions were absolutely none of his business. He was awful.
Then he randomly decides he’s going to marry her, complete with a ten year plan (?!). There was never any romantic interaction between them and he KNEW she was pursuing the baron! What in the world? Then he gets angry with her when she gets engaged to the baron as if she betrayed him. This man is delusional. And he punishes her for it.
The poor baron. He was used. Adela for all her talk of how much she owed him couldn’t be bothered to give him the very least - integrity. Respect. Honesty. Faithfulness. Ugh. It was so painful. This man (who is 58, not 80, btw 😑) continues to pour himself out for everyone around him, is all kindness and goodness and wants nothing in return. And he is used abominably. He didn’t deserve a fiancée (or wife, if she’d succeeded) in love with someone else. He didn’t deserve to be cheated on repeatedly. He didn’t deserve the scandal to his good name or the upheaval to his peace. He didn’t deserve the lies and secrets being kept from him and then dumped on him to get something from him. And he proved himself merciful and generous time and time again, yet it continued.
Honestly he was the only character I was invested in. I hope he gets a happily ever after - presumably with Mrs. Barstow - but I suspect that wouldn’t happen until the end of the series. And I don’t think it’s worth the risk of enduring another novel like the first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2024
Christina Dudley’s books are an auto-buy for me. I’ve enjoyed her first two Regency series, and I was delighted to see the release of a new book to start another series to eagerly anticipate. In By His Grace and Favor, we meet the Barstow family, a group of indigent females forced to rely on the charity of a distant relative. Lord Dere has a cottage where the widow Barstow, her widowed daughter-in-law and teenage daughters can be housed. He also offers to supply a tutor for the young Barstow son.
When the motley crew of Barstows end up in the same coach as the handsome tutor, a romance of hugely humorous proportions begins. Adela Barstow, the oldest of the daughters, decides to set her cap for their benefactor so that if some unpleasant details about their family come to light, she will be able to ensure their sanctuary on Lord Dere’s estate. But Gerard Weatherill, the handsome tutor, proves increasingly distracting as he tries to cover up secrets of his own.
This book had the characteristic Dudley charm and turn-of-phrase. The setup reminded me of Sense and Sensibility, as the Dashwood women make their way to a small cottage to begin a new life. Mr. Weatherill’s plight and past life was positively Dickensian. This is no run-of-the-mill Regency. It contains a highly original plot that will keep you smiling long after you finish reading. Recommended.
When the motley crew of Barstows end up in the same coach as the handsome tutor, a romance of hugely humorous proportions begins. Adela Barstow, the oldest of the daughters, decides to set her cap for their benefactor so that if some unpleasant details about their family come to light, she will be able to ensure their sanctuary on Lord Dere’s estate. But Gerard Weatherill, the handsome tutor, proves increasingly distracting as he tries to cover up secrets of his own.
This book had the characteristic Dudley charm and turn-of-phrase. The setup reminded me of Sense and Sensibility, as the Dashwood women make their way to a small cottage to begin a new life. Mr. Weatherill’s plight and past life was positively Dickensian. This is no run-of-the-mill Regency. It contains a highly original plot that will keep you smiling long after you finish reading. Recommended.
December 15, 2024
Whenever I've read Christina Dudley's books, I have been left with the same feeling. They are pleasant to read, the style flows well and the touches of irony make one smile, but the stories are a bit lame. There are some good scenes and the characters in themselves are well drawn. How could we not like the endearing little Gordon, or hate the opinionated Alice Markham Dere and chuckle at the well meaning Mrs Terry. Perhaps the blandest characters is Gerard Wethergill. The number of people falling over has already been remarked upon by other reviewers and I would certainly agree with them in that respect. At times situations were verging on the farcical or the melodramatic. I found myself wondering whether Lord Dere would make Gerard his heir or whether he was eavesdropping on the couple's meeting at the Old Bell inn behind a screen... Fortunately Ms Dudley knew better!
I think it would also have been a good idea to explain more clearly form the outset the situation of those people living in the Fleet debtors prison. In fact for a long time it is only referred to as "the Fleet" without any explanations as to the sort of place it was. Contemporary readers may well associate the Fleet with journalism and the press and be rather confused.
I am not sure whether I shall rush to buy the next instalment of the Barstows' fate. Jane, in particular does not immediately appeal.
I think it would also have been a good idea to explain more clearly form the outset the situation of those people living in the Fleet debtors prison. In fact for a long time it is only referred to as "the Fleet" without any explanations as to the sort of place it was. Contemporary readers may well associate the Fleet with journalism and the press and be rather confused.
I am not sure whether I shall rush to buy the next instalment of the Barstows' fate. Jane, in particular does not immediately appeal.
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December 25, 2025There are historical romantic entanglements not containing dukes (or any of the lesser nobles)! Who knew?
In any event, Lord Dere is phenomenal and I wouldn't mind reading this entire series as long as he is there to deftly manipulate the situation towards a happy ending. He does have his faults but he is the best written and the most human character in this book making it hard to accept the mercenary nature of the young female protagonist. She is not the most shrewish character, though. The male protagonist is confusing. Despite the deftness with which his sorry background is exhibited, I was having trouble feeling for him.
In summary, a well-written story without an excess of distracting anachronisms. The supporting characters might end up being interesting enough in their own stories.
In any event, Lord Dere is phenomenal and I wouldn't mind reading this entire series as long as he is there to deftly manipulate the situation towards a happy ending. He does have his faults but he is the best written and the most human character in this book making it hard to accept the mercenary nature of the young female protagonist. She is not the most shrewish character, though. The male protagonist is confusing. Despite the deftness with which his sorry background is exhibited, I was having trouble feeling for him.
In summary, a well-written story without an excess of distracting anachronisms. The supporting characters might end up being interesting enough in their own stories.
November 4, 2025
Adele and.....
Move over, Jane Austin; there's a new author in town!
How I love the sentence structure and vocabulary in this novel. Christina Dudley is a new author for me and an instant favorite. I even laughed out loud a few times, which is a rare occurrence for me.
Favorite quotes:
Adela could not be Jane. Jane had been Jane, and it might yet break her family. Adela had no choice but to be Adela. Sensible, dependable, resourceful Adela.
“Oh, Mama, this is no time to be reasonable,” wailed Adela. “If we do not stand up for our friends, who will stand up for us when our own troubles are discovered?"
Move over, Jane Austin; there's a new author in town!
How I love the sentence structure and vocabulary in this novel. Christina Dudley is a new author for me and an instant favorite. I even laughed out loud a few times, which is a rare occurrence for me.
Favorite quotes:
Adela could not be Jane. Jane had been Jane, and it might yet break her family. Adela had no choice but to be Adela. Sensible, dependable, resourceful Adela.
“Oh, Mama, this is no time to be reasonable,” wailed Adela. “If we do not stand up for our friends, who will stand up for us when our own troubles are discovered?"
October 24, 2024
A Brilliant New Series!
Christina Dudley is one of those authors that I trust with my eyes closed. I know that every book of hers will be good enough, without even reading the blurb! This book does not disappoint either.
This is a new series, so we need to acquaint ourselves with a whole new set of characters. But, the author does that expertly, and takes us on an emotional ride, with a guaranteed happy ending!
Christina Dudley is one of those authors that I trust with my eyes closed. I know that every book of hers will be good enough, without even reading the blurb! This book does not disappoint either.
This is a new series, so we need to acquaint ourselves with a whole new set of characters. But, the author does that expertly, and takes us on an emotional ride, with a guaranteed happy ending!
October 29, 2024
spellbinding!
Christina Dudley has outdone herself. Her books are always truly delightful, but in this one she has one’s emotions going up and down in harmony with those of the hero and heroine, and their families. There seems no solution to the problems of the two protagonists, despite the beneficial situations they are in. Does it work out, or does it not? Is that a good thing, or not? Read to find out, as I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Christina Dudley has outdone herself. Her books are always truly delightful, but in this one she has one’s emotions going up and down in harmony with those of the hero and heroine, and their families. There seems no solution to the problems of the two protagonists, despite the beneficial situations they are in. Does it work out, or does it not? Is that a good thing, or not? Read to find out, as I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
April 7, 2025
Not one of her best
This book has the familiar style and writing of dudley's other books, but i did not enjoy the plot of this one as much. I really liked the kindly lord dere. And I enjoyed the family relationships. But the hero and heroine were always arguing and speaking unkindly to one another. And there was really no reason for Adela to like Gerard at all. He had nothing to recommend him, and i didn't really want her to get together with him.
This book has the familiar style and writing of dudley's other books, but i did not enjoy the plot of this one as much. I really liked the kindly lord dere. And I enjoyed the family relationships. But the hero and heroine were always arguing and speaking unkindly to one another. And there was really no reason for Adela to like Gerard at all. He had nothing to recommend him, and i didn't really want her to get together with him.
June 4, 2025
Solo Christina Dudley poteva farmi apprezzare una storia così sghemba, e soprattutto una protagonista così piena di difetti. Ma la scrittura è divertente e leggera, la conoscenza dell'epoca invidiabile, i personaggi sono vivaci e credibili, le scene divertenti... Che fare se non attribuirle, ancora una volta, il (mio) punteggio massimo?
Ti prego, mia cara, continua su questa strada, non tradirmi come ha fatto recentemente la maggior parte delle tue colleghe.
Ti prego, mia cara, continua su questa strada, non tradirmi come ha fatto recentemente la maggior parte delle tue colleghe.
June 15, 2025
Quite enjoyable! He is an empoverished tutor with a past. She is the reliable responsible daughter looking after her mother and the rest of the family. Their kind distant relation, a baron, takes them under his wing, she sees a permanent solution to her family’s woes. But oh, how her heart leads her to the tutor who by chance is in the baron’s employ. Well-written, engaging, witty and funny, with lots of yearning but very clean. I loved it.
November 1, 2024
Another fabulous book by this author!
I’m so excited that Christina Dudley has written another series and this first book didn’t disappoint. The writing was witty and the story was so good. A fantastic book that I highly recommend. I have read several of her other novels twice and will probably return to this one again too.
I’m so excited that Christina Dudley has written another series and this first book didn’t disappoint. The writing was witty and the story was so good. A fantastic book that I highly recommend. I have read several of her other novels twice and will probably return to this one again too.
November 17, 2024
I think this is one of my favorite of Christina Dudley’s books. Not only does it sparkle like her other Regency romances, but we finally see some of the world of the period outside the gilded ballrooms and grand drawing-rooms of the privileged. Looking forward very much to Volume 2 of this new series!
December 6, 2024
Debtors prison is an interesting topic, and Dudley is a very good writer. That being said, the main characters here are mostly in love because they are both attractive. There is very little “screen time” with the two of them to feel so strongly about being together. Adela, for all of her talk of familial responsibility, is rather mercenary.
January 28, 2025
Completely wonderful! Christina Dudley is becoming one of my “drop everything “ authors. I adored The Hapgoods of Bramleigh and The Ellsworth Assortment and this series seems to be starting strong as well. It’s funny. It’s moving. It’s atypical for Regency Romance, yet reveals so much of what life was like back then. It’s an homage to Bleak House. I can’t wait for the next installment.
February 17, 2025
Fun for Austen Fans and Lit Bros!
The smooth weaving of emotional intelligence that Jane Austen is known for is front and center. The slow drip of the start taking the time to allow each character to shine on their own with sweet, unique personalities. Worth the time!
Booktok: Spicy mild: Austen . . . I mean the hand flex level
The smooth weaving of emotional intelligence that Jane Austen is known for is front and center. The slow drip of the start taking the time to allow each character to shine on their own with sweet, unique personalities. Worth the time!
Booktok: Spicy mild: Austen . . . I mean the hand flex level
February 21, 2025
It was nice! But it also has some cringe parts? Like the whole engagement to Lord Dere whatnot. I think it's a solid 3.5. The love story is somewhat rushed with both heroine and hero head over heels with each other before you/they even realize it. And then lots of contrived drama/ conflict. A nice read for a quiet afternoon but won't blow you away.
June 7, 2025
Excellent! Excellent! A cut above!
This is a well researched, lighthearted, grammatically correct tale, written by an author with a deft feel for the times and the language. It couldn’t be better! Those who hanker after Georgette Heyer will find, in some ways, a better heiress to the queen of romances, than those contenders so many critics have acclaimed beforehand.
This is a well researched, lighthearted, grammatically correct tale, written by an author with a deft feel for the times and the language. It couldn’t be better! Those who hanker after Georgette Heyer will find, in some ways, a better heiress to the queen of romances, than those contenders so many critics have acclaimed beforehand.
July 19, 2025
Adela decides on a plan to ensure her mother and family will never be evicted from the cottage the elderly duke allows them to live in. But from every angle she seems to be interfere with and her distraction over the tutor doesn’t help. After a lot of obstacles are overcome she ends up with her and the tutor in a hea
September 14, 2025
Another family to get to know
Christina Dudley has started a new series about the Barstow family that I have been waiting to read. This was an enjoyable read with great characters and a story about perseverance. The subject matter was serious and I found the matter of Fleet Street Prison for non payment of debts presented in very clear terms. Will definitely read the next book.
Christina Dudley has started a new series about the Barstow family that I have been waiting to read. This was an enjoyable read with great characters and a story about perseverance. The subject matter was serious and I found the matter of Fleet Street Prison for non payment of debts presented in very clear terms. Will definitely read the next book.
December 7, 2024
Two penniless but attractive main characters, a kind baron, a pair of widows, a dog, a cat, and many children. The villains have worse bark than bite. I was interested to hear of "the Fleet," a prison I have never heard of before. Looking forward to future episodes.
January 8, 2025
Very enjoyable read
Excellent story. A few typos missed by the proofreader and don't be put off by the spelling of the title, the book is not full of Americanism.
Enjoyable characters and delightful to have a plot that varied from the usual fodder for the genre.
Excellent story. A few typos missed by the proofreader and don't be put off by the spelling of the title, the book is not full of Americanism.
Enjoyable characters and delightful to have a plot that varied from the usual fodder for the genre.
March 29, 2025
Very entertaining
Christina Dudley is the queen of mischievous damsels. Once again she manages to create a story that rings true to human nature and still surprise you with the situations and solutions.
Christina Dudley is the queen of mischievous damsels. Once again she manages to create a story that rings true to human nature and still surprise you with the situations and solutions.
Read
September 1, 2025note to self: Grabbed and did a search and there is a lot of kissing in this, and angst/teen drama seems to be the tone around each one. This turned me off pretty quickly just glancing through. Returned for a refund.
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