Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Leighs #4

A Debt of Honor: The Leighs, Book 4

Rate this book
Can a marriage based on obligation become something meaningful?

Benjamin Leigh is at a crossroads. Having reached his majority, his parents expect him to do his duty and break the entail that keeps them from selling off bits of the family’s estate. Doing so would destroy his family’s legacy, but to deny his parents would bring their wrath down upon his head.

Bigger troubles arrive when Benjamin receives a letter from a dear schoolmaster, who was more a father figure than a teacher. On his deathbed, he begs Benjamin to provide for his beloved daughter, who hasn’t money or connections to protect her once he is gone.

Yet to do so would ruin her reputation.

Unless she is his wife.

Nan Price is stuck in a difficult situation. Whilst reeling from the death of her father, she finds herself turned out of the only home she’s ever known and barely able to feed herself, leaving her little choice when an old pupil of her father’s arrives and offers a marriage of convenience.

With their present in upheaval and their future in question, they return to Benjamin’s family’s home and his parents’ disapproval at his having married a girl of such low standing—and they will do anything to be rid of Nan and free their estate from the entail.

Can Benjamin remain strong against his parents’ machinations when their financial aid is the only thing keeping the young couple from the poor house? How will he provide for his wife without their support?

And how can two strangers learn to coexist when so much stands between them?

Audible Audio

First published February 27, 2024

208 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Nichols

38 books480 followers
Born and raised in Anchorage, M.A. Nichols is a lifelong Alaskan, though she briefly ventured south to get a fancy bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Utah State University—neither of which had anything to do with why she became an author, but they kept her alive while launching her publishing career.

As a child she despised reading, but thanks to her mother’s love and persistence, she saw the error of her ways and developed a deep and abiding obsession with books. Currently, she writes sweet historical romance and fantasy, but as a lover of many genres, she plans to explore more in the future.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
326 (55%)
4 stars
178 (30%)
3 stars
67 (11%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Linda.
1,179 reviews26 followers
January 20, 2025
I wondered how the favored male child would do growing up with such a dysfunctional family....and here it is. He is likable clueless, teachable, blind, narcissistic, likable (deserves another like), and oh so naive. His wedding to the woman who was his surrogate father's daughter ultimately saved hm and brought the family, sans parents together.

He was her savior; she his responsibility. His mother loathed her, his father used her insecurities as a weapon (nice folks). His sisters and their husbands finally got these two talking (FINALLY) and they left the parent's household and influence. His mother was a controlling shrew; his father a manipulative abuser. How the kids managed to grow up normal was divine intervention. The H was finally able to see his parents without the historical blinders in place and saved his marriage. All of the siblings essentially removed themselves from the parents home and sphere of influence. They were survivors.
3,953 reviews21 followers
March 3, 2024
This book has been well worth the wait; Benjamin Leigh is not the spoiled young man his parents trained him to be. Fortunately, while Ben was away at school, a mentor (his schoolmaster, Mr. Price) guided him to be honorable and honest. Now, Mr. Price's vicar notified Ben that his mentor had died. The vicar enclosed a letter from his dying schoolmaster, asking Ben to rescue his daughter, who would have nothing upon his death.

After a dispute with his parents over not breaking the entitlement, Ben is already stressed. This has been his parents' fondest wish so they could splurge on things they wanted without regard for keeping the estate whole.

Ben feels he must go to Birmingham to check on this young lady. They agree to marry and soon return to Ben's home and parents. Mrs. Leigh undermines her new daughter-in-law constantly, as long as Ben is not there. When Ben is in attendance, Mrs. Leigh uses sweet words with an undercut (that Ben does not understand because he's never been subjected to her wrath).

Like many before, the young couple are reticent about explaining their feelings. Mr. Leigh, sensing Nan's need for a father figure, encourages her and later drops that he needs Ben to break the entail. He begs her to entreat Ben to do as his parents wish. While they are abusing Nan, his parents threaten to throw the couple out of the ancestral home. This is definitely a page-turner, but the conflict was almost more than I could bear. Ben and Nan are young and unfamiliar with manipulation and bribery. They get a massive dose from Ben's parents.
76 reviews
February 29, 2024
Wonderful

Benjamin and Nan are flawed and delightful. Although I struggled through their blindness and their weaknesses, almost yelling at them to open their eyes, I understood why it was so hard for them to overcome their challenges. I loved them together. They complemented each other well and made each other better.
248 reviews3 followers
February 29, 2024
great story

Ms. Nichol's does a great job developing people's individual personalities.

Although the obvious naivety displayed by both the H and h in dealing with his parents, which was annoying, I found itt fascinating how both parents were so adept at manipulating in totally different ways.

The personalities remained consistent and specific.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book
Profile Image for Mlsco41 Robison .
95 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2024
I loved this story!

Once again MS Nichols has hit the bullseye. This story has all the heart and struggles of real life. I love that about her writing. Not everyone is perfectly beautiful or handsome, not every one is rich or well provided for. They always feel like real people with real life struggles. Keep the stories coming!
34 reviews
May 23, 2024
This story touched my warm and fuzzy bone more than average....

I have read several M.A. Nichols books, and always walk away with a number of good quotations. She is great at developing insightful characters. Her strengths come on strong in this book, with few of what I feel are her weaknesses (namely, describing all the zings and pulses caused by gazing at or kissing the love interest - the stuff that Jane Austen never describes, yet somehow still keeps us totally engaged in the romance).

Benjamin and Nan are unique characters from very less than ideal homes - they have issues to work through. Their relationship is built first on conversations, friendship and affection rather than passion and amazing physical attraction. When the passion comes, it is sweet and gentle and we know how it ends, without embarrassing descriptions. There were misunderstandings, arguments even, but no long drawn out melodrama where they spend months or years apart. While the set up for the story is contrived the ending is refreshing - a happy ending with a twist not usually present in stories centered on wealthy people.

Its been three days since I said goodbye - and I miss Nan and Benjamin. I usually have all but forgotten my fictional friends by that time. So yes, giving this one the five star treatment!
Profile Image for Crudelise.
483 reviews4 followers
April 11, 2024
skipped the drama... i just this whole book is around a missunderstsnding and not telling eachother whats going on, and yk there is better use of my time...
21 reviews
March 11, 2024
Benjamin Redeemed!

I had this book for several days before finally reading because I wasn't sure I could face spoiled Benjamin and his acerbic Mother, and useless Father. But, lo and behold!, Benjamin has grown a spine, and while at first, is not entirely emancipated in understanding, he continues to mature before our very eyes. So much hurt for Nan to overcome as she was raised by her Father to whom she was nearly invisible, being female, having lost her mother when she was 7. While her father, who was esteemed highly by his male students, was not physically abusive, he was emotionally negligent, investing no effort to attend to Nan's well-being. He provided no social tools to help her get along in society, or comprehensive education - though she was extremely intelligent, and he provided nothing financially for her future. However, to her very good fortune, on his deathbed he wrote a letter to Benjamin asking, desperately imploring, him to provide for his daughter! Incredibly, Benjamin acquiesced to the plea from a man who held a special place in his heart. What a journey for these two! While prepared to dislike Benjamin, he ihas become a charming, likeable, endearing, even admirable, young man.
Amazing, considering his parents complete lack of any redeeming qualities! Though still quite spoiled, and self indulgently clueless at the beginning, his sisters who love him, despite his being the golden egg to his mother and father, and lovingly (usually) speak the truth to him he needs to become a better person. His brother in laws also are willing to give him guidance and model true manhood to him. This is an excellent ending to the series! I can rest that all the children are well married, and wealthy in love! Would not be opposed to a sequel charting the parent's demise or redemption, or whatever ending our esteemed author surmises in her fertile brain! Loved, loved, it!! May have to go back and reread the sisters story's again!!
Profile Image for Theresa.
1,563 reviews45 followers
July 10, 2025
I hated Mother Leigh in Prudence's book. I found her irritating in Roseanna 's book, I loathed her in the highest order in Katherine's book, but compared to how I felt about her in this book, all those other feelings were sunshine and kittens. I spent the entire book hoping she and her dastardly husband would sink beneath the swamp. Is that a bad thing to say in a review. ( I was really hoping the epilogue was a funeral)

Did I love Ben and Nan? Of course. When Ben went to find her and proposed marriage, I knew that these two would be the exact thing the other needed. As they traveled home to Whitley Court, I was proven correct. Ben left go of his pampered ego to do what he could for Nan's comfort. Nan found a person who wanted her company. Someone to call a friend.

Of course, this is an M.A. Nichols book, there was no hanky panky, but that horrid person keeping them apart so that there would be none is over the bounds. They started spending nights together. Why did they not then become fully man and wife? Plot point I can only say.

The Leigh sisters had to know from day one how horrid their mother would be to Nan, yet they danced around it as if Nan would think less of them. Half of this book could have been undone if they had just spoken up right away. Don't get it twisted, I love those three very much, and I loved scenes with them and Nan.


M.A. Nichols writes older adults a lot like L.M. Montgomery did. Unbearable to the point of making you want to run away. I'm glad this series is not the first of hers I have read, but after this, my tender heart needs a break.
24 reviews
March 11, 2024
love where are you?

This story concentrated on the early days of both characters. Their parents were described in much detail but one area. The things they were accused of coveting. Their real reasons for wanting to break the entail. The father always described them on the brink of bankruptcy. The mother acted like they were too poor to face their friends. But the son who had actually worked with the steward kept saying that the tenants were okay, the crops were good, and income was what it was suppose to be. No one would budge from these positions. The father even told nan that they would lose their home by michaemas. The driving theme was greed on every level. Suddenly the story shifts to them running away to one of his sisters house. And he takes a job as a clerk. You skip his learning time. You skip the parents reaction to them leaving. You skip retrieving their belongings which would mean a lot to her. She was without nice clothes again and this sister was married to a wealthy man. Put more in the time line at the end. You never mentioned how long he was apprenticed so far to mr. Bradshaw. Don’t rush the end. Somewhere in the back of my mind I have seen authors to kindle with too short endings and I wondered before whether kindle was forcing the stories to be edited shorter yet at the same time the authors are asking us for reviews. This was a good story with great character development.
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,855 reviews39 followers
July 22, 2025
Sweet, period romance

Romance, sweet, period; series but stand alone read.
Nan/Ann and Benjamin’s story happened as he was asked by her father to provide for her at his death. Underlying message was to marry his daughter who her father hadn’t provided for.
Benjamin after seeing her working and living conditions, and seeing her demeanor, goes forward with his plan to marry after her consent. Newlywed communications and lack of understanding along with the machinations of Benjamin’s parents make things hard for both of them.
Luckily their hearts are still with each other, and they finally figure out what they need to do to survive, support, and be with each other in the best way to grow their love and family.
Lovely sweet emotions, overcoming difficulties, but they see the devotion and care that leads them to work together and be a great couple. Lovely portrayal of difficulties, communication building, and siblings who help build their trust and binds with each other.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,108 reviews11 followers
April 29, 2024
Sweet Agony

Two people suffering in ways that are both different yet the same. Parents that are selfish, demanding, and manipulative. Seemingly focussed on their only son, Benjamin, showering him with whatever he wants, but by his 21st birthday, revealing their purpose- to break the entail on the estate.
Ann/Nan agrees to marry him because she is not only totally alone but also very lonely. Treated appalling by Ben’s mother and manipulated by his father, it is his sisters who eventually break the wall she’s build around herself
How these two, a married couple wedged apart by the mother, come to find love and a future together, is a tour de force.
M A Nichols never disappoints.
Highly recommended
1,159 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2025
In 1830s Lancaster, Benjamin Leigh and Nan Pierce agree to marry. She is the orphaned daughter of his old school master. He is the heir to a country estate. Although they develop a rapport almost immediately, they don't really know very much about each other. Ben's parents are pressuring him to agree to break the entail on their estate that his grandfather made him the executor of. His parents will do anything for more money, including selling parts of the estate and Ben is determined to prevent them from splitting up the family inheritance. Nan is being bullied by her new mother-in-law but seemingly befriended by her new father-in-law. Both of them seem intent on keeping her away from Ben as much as possible. Luckily for Nan, her three new sisters-in-law come to her rescue.
222 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2024
Great!

I should just write a review that I can use for any M. A. Nichols novel! I love, love her books! Though each book is different and wonderful they're all GREAT READS! I can only extol their wonderfulness so many times. I hope she keeps writing her books so that I can continue to read them and be delighted. I loved the Leigh family books, Benjamin and Nan were a great couple to root for but now I am sad that there aren't any more siblings to marry off. I highly recommend this book, heck, any of her books!
2,380 reviews6 followers
May 18, 2024
Benjamin marries Nan after her father passed and he received a letter from his old university teacher of basically asking him to do so. Why was this request asked of him? After he returns home with Nan his parents both meddle and manipulate them in various ways until it causes so many issues they are both forced to be honest with each other to save their relationship. Once all is revealed together they find their hea
76 reviews
March 2, 2024
I always enjoy Ms. Nichols' books and Debt of Honor doesn't disappoint. Yes, Benjamin was clueless when it came to his mother but he was a man of integrity, no matter what. Ms. Nichols manages to write about a trait I admire and appreciate as well as a developing relationship in a convincing and engaging manner. Another satisfying story of the Leighs.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
1,538 reviews14 followers
March 15, 2024
Contains: kisses and emotional abuse.

3.5 stars. This book is well written. It well paints the story of the times when an heir would move in with his parents after getting married. I wanted a bit more at the end of the book. Maybe wrapping things up a bit better but it was still an interesting read. Benjamin was clueless but I respected Nan’s choice to not speak ill of his parents.
169 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2024
Beware the Parents

I really enjoyed this book, though I read it out of order. Poor Nan, with her own troublesome late father, depressed circumstamces, and infruriating new in-laws! Even Benjamin has his boorish moments! Fortunately, asks week that ends well after the merry-go-round of like, love, lies, and ridiculousness!
Profile Image for Lucinda.
85 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2024
To much of the annoying parents. Skipped most of that

Didn't like the ongoing which parent is worse. Made me not like Benjamin and his stupidity. And the sisters not warning Nan sooner of how awful their parents were. I understand tension in a storyline, but this was ridiculous.
Loved Nan and only finished the book for her.
232 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2025
Get The Book A+++

What a gift MA Nichols has! Wonderful time and great distractions. H a hero, h a treasure. Wonderful journey through England, family dynamic and original plot with satisfying ending you know it is a great rad when you are sad you must leave. You will love this …I know I did.
671 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2024
Wow

What a great story! I throughly enjoyed each one of the books preceding this one and I was anxiously waiting for this book and it was worth the wait! Wow what a sweet romance and I truly hope that there's more in store for Nan and Benjamin?? I hope so!!!
11 reviews
March 18, 2024
A great story full of great surprises.

I began this book expecting the standard story of a young man rescuing a young woman from poor circumstances. But the surprising twists and turns revealed a page turner with an ending that far exceeded my expectations. A great read.
Profile Image for Charlene S. Robinson.
338 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2024
Excellent!

Don't you just want to slap someone into next week?? Two more selfish people prolly do not exist in Great Britain than the elder Mr & Mrs Leigh. I certainly will not call them Lord or Lady; they are truly jackals!
Profile Image for Batool AK.
143 reviews2 followers
February 29, 2024
Another great book by M.A. Nichols, which is no less than what I've come to expect from her. Also, I have to say I'm so impressed with the fact that she does her own book covers.. So good!
Profile Image for Janine Blackburn.
11 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2024
Ā nice romance

Ā fitting finale to this series. I love the reality that our lives are filled with people of all descriptions.

Benjamin and Nan are a nice match.



Profile Image for Yinka.
30 reviews
June 26, 2024
Nice ending

I was very frustrated with how naive both H&h were, and I almost didn't finish, certainly fast skipped thru a few pages but super sweet story!
Profile Image for Jane Clarkson.
77 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2024
Love

Sweet story; love at first sight; apathetic, selfish, conniving, family members.
Truth, wisdom, friendship,and enduring kindness will prevail.
I love the Leigh saga.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.