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Lavender Lady
Hester Godric's grandfather was in trade, but her stepmother had taught her to be a lady - before leaving Hester with four half-siblings to raise. The victim of a carriage accident lands in her home to recover, but does not reveal that he is the Earl of Alton.
Hester learns his identity only when the whole family descends on London - and involves my lord in a variety of scrapes.
Hester learns his identity only when the whole family descends on London - and involves my lord in a variety of scrapes.
201 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 1983
54 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Carola Dunn
91 books890 followersCarola Dunn is the author of more than 30 Regency romances, as well as 16 mysteries (the Daisy Dalrymple mystery series is set in England in the 1920s). Ms. Dunn was born and grew up in England, where she got a B.A. in Russian and French from Manchester University. She travelled as far as Fiji before returning to settle in California. After 30 years in the US, she says she still sounds as if she arrived a month ago.
Prior to writing, Ms. Dunn’s various jobs included market research, child-care, construction--from foundation trenches to roofing--and writing definitions for a dictionary of science and technology. She wrote her first novel in 1979, a Regency which she sold to Warner Books.
Now living in Eugene, Oregon, Ms. Dunn has a son in California who has just made her a grandmother, and a large black dog named Willow who takes her for a walk by the Willamette River each morning. (www.belgravehouse.com)
Prior to writing, Ms. Dunn’s various jobs included market research, child-care, construction--from foundation trenches to roofing--and writing definitions for a dictionary of science and technology. She wrote her first novel in 1979, a Regency which she sold to Warner Books.
Now living in Eugene, Oregon, Ms. Dunn has a son in California who has just made her a grandmother, and a large black dog named Willow who takes her for a walk by the Willamette River each morning. (www.belgravehouse.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 4, 2019
When the Earl of Alton is injured in a carriage accident in the small Oxfordshire village of Henley, he finds himself recuperating in the lively Godric home. Run by the capable and kind-hearted Hester, who undertook to raise her young half-brothers and sisters when their father died, and Godric Manor had to be sold, it is as different from his lordship's own childhood home as could be. Helping shy Jamie with his Greek, keeping rambunctious Geoffrey happily occupied with the care of his horses, entertaining young Robbie with traveler's tales, and convincing pious Susan that cooking is more rewarding than self-conscious airs of virtue, the Earl is soon practically one of the family. But it is Hester herself, his "lavender lady," that wins his heart. Can an earl marry a woman whose grandfather was a shop-keeper? And will the Godrics' forgive him, when they learn that their plain Mr. Fairfax has been deceiving them...?
The third regency novel I have read from Carola Dunn, Lavender Lady was an engaging story, not at all marred by its reliance on tried-and-true narrative elements. I enjoyed watching the hero being gradually won over by the warm-hearted Godrics, and although I rolled my eyes at the misunderstandings - Hester thinks Alton is in love with her beautiful sister, Alton thinks Hester loves a clergyman - it was fun to watch such difficulties being smoothed out. I was quite struck by the similarities between the Godrics and the Merrivale family, from Georgette Heyer's Frederica : both managed by a capable older sister (Hester, Frederica), both include a gorgeous younger sister (Alice, Charis), both have adventurous younger brothers in need of saving. Dunn is no Heyer, despite her imitation, but although I thought the class issues were too easily resolved, and I could have done without the sub-plot involving Mrs. Stevens, this was still an entertaining entry in the Regency genre.
The third regency novel I have read from Carola Dunn, Lavender Lady was an engaging story, not at all marred by its reliance on tried-and-true narrative elements. I enjoyed watching the hero being gradually won over by the warm-hearted Godrics, and although I rolled my eyes at the misunderstandings - Hester thinks Alton is in love with her beautiful sister, Alton thinks Hester loves a clergyman - it was fun to watch such difficulties being smoothed out. I was quite struck by the similarities between the Godrics and the Merrivale family, from Georgette Heyer's Frederica : both managed by a capable older sister (Hester, Frederica), both include a gorgeous younger sister (Alice, Charis), both have adventurous younger brothers in need of saving. Dunn is no Heyer, despite her imitation, but although I thought the class issues were too easily resolved, and I could have done without the sub-plot involving Mrs. Stevens, this was still an entertaining entry in the Regency genre.
August 24, 2017
This was not written particularly well, and borrowed pretty heavily and obviously from at least 2 Georgette Heyer books, Frederica and Arabella. It was a mish mash of shallow events and any issues were resolved so quickly that it created no feeling of tension or interest. Also not sure how his sister's son is his heir, nor why Hester's birth was so looked down on, and her manners were supposedly not up to par. Sure, her mom was the daughter of a cit, but her father was of the "correct" breeding, which matters slightly more. And she was raised by her stepmother (mom died at birth) so she actually would have MORE of an proper upbringing than any of her half-siblings, since she had the longest time with her. Considering she raised her siblings, if she had poor manners she would have passed them on -_-
February 27, 2024
Regency Cinderella
A clever Cinderella tale where good and evil are clearly delineated. The horses have clever names, there are cute dogs and a three legged cat. Kind hero and heroine, a large and close-knit family. Fluently written, lightly sprinkled with can't. Nuncheons and horses called cattle. First heroine saves hero, then hero saves heroine and most of her family.
A clever Cinderella tale where good and evil are clearly delineated. The horses have clever names, there are cute dogs and a three legged cat. Kind hero and heroine, a large and close-knit family. Fluently written, lightly sprinkled with can't. Nuncheons and horses called cattle. First heroine saves hero, then hero saves heroine and most of her family.
December 25, 2010
I really liked this book/story. It was a fast read and kept my attention. One of those books that you don't really want to put down. All of the characters were well developed and you got a sense of who they really were and you liked them. It was one of feel-good stories. You need on every once in a while. I admit I need one all of the time!
December 4, 2018
Older half sister takes care of her younger siblings and any stray animals her brother brings into the house. Add to the fact that she is using her inheritance to take care of them you can only root for Hester. So when the Earl of Alton has a carriage accident and in front of her house and she nurses him back to health you can't help but think she better end up his wife.
August 23, 2020
Second read. Loved it even more this time. Very reminiscent of Georgette Heyer's Frederica.
March 11, 2020
An innocent and delightful romance with many humorous situations. I may have enjoyed this light story more after trudging through Vanity Fair, my last read.
June 15, 2018
Entertaining regency romance.
So there's this Earl pretending not to be an Earl while his broken leg heals and he's forced to stay in the home of the regency Brady Bunch household who live close to where he broke his leg. The Earl who returns to being an Earl then meets up with the lot of them in London where they cause all kinds of complications in his life.
The siblings are great, vivid characters with a lot of interaction. The female main character is this young woman full of strength and humility who gives her all to the happiness of others. I adored her.
The male main character won me over with his sense of humor and willingness to change for the better.
Some violence, no sex, mild language; mentions of; prostitution, a rape, child and animal abuse - but mostly happening 'off stage'
So there's this Earl pretending not to be an Earl while his broken leg heals and he's forced to stay in the home of the regency Brady Bunch household who live close to where he broke his leg. The Earl who returns to being an Earl then meets up with the lot of them in London where they cause all kinds of complications in his life.
The siblings are great, vivid characters with a lot of interaction. The female main character is this young woman full of strength and humility who gives her all to the happiness of others. I adored her.
The male main character won me over with his sense of humor and willingness to change for the better.
Some violence, no sex, mild language; mentions of; prostitution, a rape, child and animal abuse - but mostly happening 'off stage'
April 18, 2025
Lots of Fun
With a cast of fabulous characters with a wide variety of ages, this readers was kept amused the whole way through the book.
Hester and David have a slow-burn attraction that they each resist. Hester because she’s convinced it’s Alice he loves and her feelings are just the enjoyable friendship she’s never had. David puts it all down to his confinement & lack of his usual activities.
I LOVE the scene where, after a dissipated night, David buys a bunch of lavender. It’s clever & like the rest of the book, well-written.
The loss of one star is because Carola Dunn’s editor should have spotted the plethora of spelling mistakes littered throughout the book. Very irritating.
Still … a highly recommended read. Enjoy.
With a cast of fabulous characters with a wide variety of ages, this readers was kept amused the whole way through the book.
Hester and David have a slow-burn attraction that they each resist. Hester because she’s convinced it’s Alice he loves and her feelings are just the enjoyable friendship she’s never had. David puts it all down to his confinement & lack of his usual activities.
I LOVE the scene where, after a dissipated night, David buys a bunch of lavender. It’s clever & like the rest of the book, well-written.
The loss of one star is because Carola Dunn’s editor should have spotted the plethora of spelling mistakes littered throughout the book. Very irritating.
Still … a highly recommended read. Enjoy.
January 19, 2024
Hester Godric's grandfather was in trade, but her stepmother had taught her to be a lady - before leaving Hester with four half-siblings to raise. The victim of a carriage accident lands in her home to recover, but does not reveal that he is the Earl of Alton.
Hester learns his identity only when the whole family descends on London - and involves my lord in a variety of scrapes.
Engaging, but lots of superfluous information.
Hester learns his identity only when the whole family descends on London - and involves my lord in a variety of scrapes.
Engaging, but lots of superfluous information.
May 18, 2018
4.15 stars - heavy pg13 (typical secular “clean” regency – possible mild cursing/profanity, innuendo & mention of mistress)
Even though the heroine had a few silly assumptions or misunderstandings, I still found the story to be cute, sweet and mostly engaging. This was somewhat of a knockoff of Frederica by Georgette Heyer.
Even though the heroine had a few silly assumptions or misunderstandings, I still found the story to be cute, sweet and mostly engaging. This was somewhat of a knockoff of Frederica by Georgette Heyer.
June 2, 2021
I picked this book up while aimlessly browsing the selection at my library, the title caught my eye and I decided to read something a bit different for once. I'm not a romance novel reader, especially not regency, but I was quiet content with the themes and situations of these characters! I enjoyed this as a bit of light read for the springtime!
October 3, 2021
I know this author from her 'Daisy Dalrymple' novels and didn't realise she had a whole series of Regency romances. This one was a bit too derivative of Georgette Heyer for my taste, a mix of 'Frederica' and 'Arabella', but not quite as witty as the originals. However, it was still an enjoyable read for an afternoon in the garden.
October 13, 2021
Wonderful, Witty, and Whimsical
I loved reading Lavender Lady. The characters were well written, and the escapades they got themselves into were hilarious. I often found myself laughing out loud. This will be a book that I read again!
I loved reading Lavender Lady. The characters were well written, and the escapades they got themselves into were hilarious. I often found myself laughing out loud. This will be a book that I read again!
January 12, 2024
I really like both characters as people - Hester is hard-working, optimistic, loyal and caring. David fell in love with her slowly…from his injury to the end is almost a year, I think. Adorable other characters - Hester’s siblings.
November 13, 2017
My favorite of Carola Dunn's regency novels so far. There were a lot of interesting characters and subplots, each as engaging as the main characters and plot. Very fun read.
August 29, 2018
3.5 +
Nice read. Reminded of Frederica and Arabella by Georgette Heyer.
But entertaining characters and supporting characters.
Nice read. Reminded of Frederica and Arabella by Georgette Heyer.
But entertaining characters and supporting characters.
October 12, 2018
A little predictable and formulated, but otherwise a fun read! A refreshingly clean book that focuses on the perks of kindness
December 21, 2018
Quick read and nice to be in the Regency for a few pages.
August 11, 2019
Boring.
May 26, 2020
An enjoyable read and worth the time. It is a bit over the top and long winded at times though.
September 13, 2020
Very much in the style of Georgette Heyer, the regency romance/comedy is well worth reading. Good historical detail and wonderful characters.
April 11, 2021
this was like reading a georgette heyer novel - I can give no higher compliment
June 21, 2023
4.25 stars
June 30, 2023
A lovely old-fashioned romance that was a delight to read and just a beautiful escape.
Read
January 25, 2025A delightful read.
December 21, 2020
Not bad, but a bit too derivative of Heyer to stand up on its own imo.
December 9, 2022
I have to agree with other reviews that mention Heyer's Frederica and Arabella when reviewing this book. I'd like to think that the author knew of the similarities and gave us a little wink when the Earl mentions hiring a secretary and the boy asks assurance that the Earl will be taking him to the outing, not the secretary. And then, of course, the constant rescuing of animals and people bears a striking resemblance to Arabella. I certainly enjoyed the beginning of the novel. I've read other books with similar plots (injured person is forced to stay at a stranger's house and learn to love the person/family while at it) and find that it's a great way for the characters to get to know each other outside the constraints of society. I started to turn a bit sour towards the story when the H started to enumerate all the reasons why Hester was unsuitable for him (don't bad mouth the h and expect me to like you, darnit) as well as when he went back to London and proceeded to screw mistresses, lovers, and prostitutes. Yes, I know these things were common in the era but I prefer my heroes clean and proper (or at least changed after meeting the h). He does eventually gets out of his funk and proceeds to try to woo the h. I also lost some interest when they got to London. This is partly because I prefer the country setting over London/the ton when reading Regency romance. It was a bit strange how they made such a big deal of the money that Alton gave them and that he hid his title from them, only to have the conflict be over with barely an apology from the Earl. Finally, I agree with another reviewer that there was no reason why Hester was so ineligible. Yes, the family fell into hard times, but she was of "good" birth and it seemed that it was just a cheap way to create conflict. I finished the book in a bit of a hurry and at that point didn't care much more about all the misunderstandings and eventual resolution, which was too short and deprived the readers of a worthy declaration between the main characters. Overall, I really liked the story and really loved the Godric family and how they were genuinely good people but felt that, somehow, they deserved better.
May 1, 2009
A broken leg leaves David Fairfax, Earl of Alton and rich man-about-town, at the tender mercies of the Godric family. Led by kind, sensible Hester, the large brood are orphans but full of love and merriment. Fairfax and Hester have an immediate rapport, but each are sure the other loves someone else. Misunderstandings and amusing hijinks continue until the novel abruptly ends.
Hester's family was in Trade, and one of the things keeping them apart is Fairfax's worry that the ton will never accept her. I really liked that he was aware of the real problems due to their social differences. It was solved a little too neatly, but on the whole it was a refreshingly believable issue--much better than the misunderstandings (Fairfax thinks Hester loves a parson! Hester thinks Fairfax loves her sister!). An enjoyable read.
Hester's family was in Trade, and one of the things keeping them apart is Fairfax's worry that the ton will never accept her. I really liked that he was aware of the real problems due to their social differences. It was solved a little too neatly, but on the whole it was a refreshingly believable issue--much better than the misunderstandings (Fairfax thinks Hester loves a parson! Hester thinks Fairfax loves her sister!). An enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews