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Brides of the Regency #1

The Duke's Sacred Vow: Historical Christian Romance

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Betrayed by her betrothed, she flees to a stranger. Haunted by his past, he offers salvation. Can two wounded souls find healing in each other?A wronged debutante and a disillusioned duke enter into a marriage of convenience—only to discover that trust, grace, and healing can grow even from the ashes of betrayal.

She needs to escape …
When Miss Annabel Ridley learns of her fiancé’s shocking betrayal, she knows she cannot proceed with the match—even if it means defying her father’s wishes and igniting scandal. Trapped between duty and danger, she flees to the one man powerful enough to help her—the Duke of Halmesbury, a stranger with a formidable reputation … and a surprising offer.

He needs to make amends …
Philip Markham, Duke of Halmesbury, has spent years hiding from heartache and mistakes he cannot undo. When a determined young woman arrives on his doorstep, desperate and brave, he sees an opportunity to do one thing right. He proposes a marriage of convenience to protect her—but as they draw closer, he finds himself yearning for more.

Can two hearts bound by necessity learn to love—and find peace in the providence neither dared to hope for?

As old wounds resurface and secrets come to light, Annabel and Philip must learn to trust one another—and to believe that sometimes, the most unexpected unions are those most touched by grace.

The Duke’s Sacred Vow is the moving first novel in the Brides of the Regency series by Isabel Jacobs. If you enjoy noble heroes, courageous heroines, and stories of romance woven with faith and emotional depth, then you will be captivated by this heartfelt tale of love, trust, and quiet redemption.

Buy The Duke’s Sacred Vow and be swept into a world of grace-filled romance today. What to

✔️ Faith
✔️ Kissing
✔️ No Cursing
✔️ Closed Door After Marriage

Included Historical Romance

✔️ Marriage of Convenience
✔️ Runaway Bride
✔️ Rescuing the Damsel in Distress
✔️ Betrayal By the Betrothed
✔️ Opposites Attract
✔️ Forbidden Love/Scandal

What Readers Are ★★★★★ "A story steeped in both Regency elegance and timeless Christian devotion." - T. M. Robertson
★★★★★ "Well written & the book hooked me from the beginning." - M. A.
★★★★★ "A truly enchanting story for anyone who loves Regency romance." - iread

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2025

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Isabel Jacobs

5 books13 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Angela Brannon.
177 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this sweet Christian historical romance. The main characters, Annabel and Phillip, are charming and easy to like. At first I thought everything was a little too convenient and pat in the way they got married, but then the little doubts and misunderstandings creep in and start to work on their faith and their marriage. There are secrets from the past that threaten their happiness and must be dealt with.

Phillip and Annabel have to both come to grips with the issues that are holding them back in their faith and their relationship as the hidden secrets fester. they really have to learn to rely on each other and God to see them through to their HEA. I loved that there are many scripture passages in the book that come to mind to guide each of them as they struggle. I was really uplifted by this sweet tale and will definitely be reading more in the series as they are released.

I read an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachel.
437 reviews8 followers
February 18, 2026
This book was a delight. I loved Anabelle, her "running away" was genius. What I really loved though was how through her Philip was able to find closure on his past. A brilliant paring. I also was so pleased that even through heart ache Anabelle was able to allow Philip to repair his relationship with his cousin Richard.
This is definitely a Christian regency. Christian prayer and thought runs the whole way through the story. This story has a married sexual relationship that is lightly described.
704 reviews7 followers
September 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the main characters and their sweet romance. It was great seeing them heal from past wounds. I really enjoyed this story. I loved the main characters and their sweet romance. It was great seeing them heal from past wounds. I liked that they were people of faith, too.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ifeanyi Omoike.
111 reviews8 followers
October 6, 2025
I smiled when I finished this book—and kept smiling after. For me, a good romance should do exactly that: leave me warm and fuzzy, make me fall in love with both protagonists, and have me practically nudging them toward each other. The Duke’s Sacred Vow absolutely delivered.

The story follows Annabel, who is betrayed by her betrothed and seeks to escape the impending marriage. She turns to Philip, the Duke of Halmesbury, who surprises her with a sudden—and rather daunting—proposal. What follows is a marriage of convenience that unfolds into a tender, compelling love story.

I adored the chemistry between Annabel and the Duke, especially the way he protected her and stood up for her when it mattered. Philip wasn’t written as a flawless hero—he was human, steady, and imperfect in the best way, which made him even more attractive. Annabel also had lines that really stood out to me, such as:

“But I would rather stand before God having erred on the side of mercy than having hardened my heart.”

“The Duke of Halmesbury was no boy in borrowed boots playing at charm.”

Knowing that Isabel drew from her own marriage to shape the characters and their relationship made the story feel even more authentic and meaningful.

Isabel Jacobs’ writing is lush, mature, and full of vivid, sensory detail. I was genuinely impressed to learn this is her debut novel, and I’m already eager to read what she writes next.

My only critique is that the beginning dragged a bit. I understand the need to set the scene, but the pacing felt slow. Some early conflicts were resolved too quickly, and a few of them could have been stretched or deepened for stronger emotional pull. The complications did build progressively, though, which I appreciated.

I also appreciated the ending — every thread was wrapped up in a satisfying way, and I closed the book feeling content as a reader.

Overall, this is a charming Regency romance that will leave you smiling. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming story to curl up with.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for T M. Robertson.
181 reviews6 followers
September 7, 2025
The Duke’s Sacred Vow is a beautiful reminder that faith, when interwoven into the very fabric of a story, can both steady characters in their trials and inspire readers in their own lives. From the very first page, the author captures the heart with a story steeped in both Regency elegance and timeless Christian devotion.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this novel is the way scripture flows naturally into the daily thoughts and decisions of the characters. Bible verses and spiritual reflections are not inserted as lessons but lived out as vital guideposts. When faced with heartbreak, struggle, or doubt, the characters lean on their faith, reminding themselves and the reader to trust God’s sovereign plan. This creates not only an emotionally rich story but also one that continually points toward a higher hope beyond earthly struggles.

The Duke’s journey of faith and love is incredibly moving, both heart-wrenching and uplifting. The obstacles he faces test not only his resolve but his reliance on God’s promises. Watching the characters ground themselves in scripture allows the reader to witness a love story that is strengthened, not hindered, by belief in divine guidance. The emotional pull of the story lingers long after the final page, making it a standout in both Christian fiction and regency romance.

Fans of Regency-era love stories who long for novels that nourish the soul as much as they entertain will find this book to be a treasure. It is a story saturated with emotion, faith, and the reminder that true love blooms when rooted in God’s truth.

Thank you to Grace Publishing and Book Sirens for providing me with a free advance review copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,258 reviews14 followers
March 16, 2026
If I remember correctly, I got The Duke's Sacred Vow as a freebie. Sometimes, I don't expect a lot out of freebies, but I've been in the mood for historical fiction to get me out of my fantasy rut. So I decided to take a chance on The Duke's Sacred Vow, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Annabel is engaged to a man that she's known for a long time. They've been friends. Richard was a close friend of her brother's, but as she got older, Richard became a confidant for Annabel. She thinks they have a love match, but one day, Annabel stumbles upon Richard and her maid in the stables. After that, Annabel is determined to get out of the marriage. Yet Richard plans to move forward with the wedding, and Annabel's father won't hear of ending the engagement either. Annabel seeks out Richard's cousin who lives fairly close by in hopes that he will talk sense into Richard. He is heralded as an honorable man, and he is a duke. Well Annabel is surprised to find that Phillip's solution to her problem is to marry her himself.

Phillip is a widower. He needs to remarry to ensure his duty to produce and heir. Yet he dreads the idea of the marriage mart. And his previous marriage was a struggle between two ill-suited people. He doesn't want that. Annabel surprises him by showing up at his house. However, he is immediately impressed by her. He makes an impulsive offer, but it will solve two problems at once. He can rescue her from his roguish cousin, and he can secure himself a wife. They both know they wouldn't be marrying for love, but Annabel is satisfied with an honest marriage with mutual admiration.

The two do get married within a week of meeting each other. They both have pasts that need to be worked through. Phillip never really grieved his previous wife nor the falling apart of his relationship with his cousin which he has just made more complicated by stealing his cousin's bride. Annabel falls first and she isn't sure whether Phillip married her because he was trying to get revenge against his cousin. Plus she and her brother are estranged, and she has no idea why.

I was hooked into this story early. And I never had any complaints with the writing style or pacing. I will say that I was so impressed with the prayer life and personal relationships of Annabel and Phillip. I feel this is probably more of a reflection upon Isabel Jacobs (the author) than the characters themselves. The frequency that these characters spoke to God was so impressive. This is a situation where many might find it idealistic, but I find it inspiring. And I wish more literature showed the world as it could be rather than as it is. I will be reading more of her books just to see if this is as common with her other characters as it was with these two. But it helps to remind me to be as constantly in conversation with God throughout my day.

Favorite quotes:
-“You must pray over this, child. If the Lord opens a door, it’s ours to walk through, but you must be certain it’s not one you’ve forced open yourself.”

-God is so kind, she thought, pausing at the door. He does not always answer in the way we expect, but He never forgets us.

-“But I would rather stand before God having erred on the side of mercy than having hardened my heart.”

-“You see, the world turns something holy into something coarse. But Scripture speaks of marriage as a picture of Christ and the Church. Tender, patient, honoring. A true husband waits for his bride, honors her hesitations, and sees intimacy as a gift, not a demand.”

The Duke's Sacred Vow gets 4.5 Stars. It's one of my favorite tropes--marriages of convenience. I loved the personal relationship the two main characters had with God. My one critique is that Phillip nearly had to fight himself to figure out that he loved Annabel, yet he pulls the "I've loved you since the first day" thing. If not for that, I might have given this one 5 Stars. Have you read The Duke's Sacred Vow? What did you think? Let me know!
Profile Image for Finding Faith in Fiction (Chrissy).
54 reviews34 followers
January 24, 2026
I love a good regency story, and The Duke's Sacred Vow was just that. I thoroughly enjoyed the Regency elements of the story, the characters, and the setting. The author, Isabel Jacobs has a knack for writing Regency-era, to be sure! While the show, Downtown Abbey, isn't set in Regency era, this story felt somehow reminiscent of the vibe of that show for me. The book started out strong, hooked me right away, and gave some serious 5 star vibes right off the bat. That did dwindle as the book continued, which I'll address below.

Our FMC, the feisty Annabel, is trapped in a love match gone wrong, now faced with a forced marriage by a father who cares more for money and status then his daughter. Enter the hero, our MMC, Phillip the Duke of Halmesbury, who offers a marriage of convenience that will allow Annabel to escape marriage to his cousin. I enjoyed both Annabel and Phillip as MCs, as well as their tumultuous path to their happy ending. Phillip's character was nuanced; he plays the role of the selfless hero come to save Annabel from his cruel cousin, yet through the story, the layers of his broken past emerge one by one, and the reader comes to realize that his motives weren't so selfless after all. What really struck me about Phillip, was how well he protects Annabel from the difficulties around her–her unfaithful ex-fiance, her obnoxious and prideful father, and even her brother's silence. He continually shields her from harm and defends her. Yet, he struggles to protect her from his own shortcomings, ultimately hurting her several times until he's able to sort out his past. It was an interesting dynamic and juxtaposition. Likewise, I appreciated Annabel's boldness and willingness to speak up when things had gone too far at various points in the story. It showed how a wife can submit to her husband while still speaking up when needed– she reminded me a bit of Queen Esther from the Bible in those moments.

Supporting characters like Annabel's father, her long-lost brother, Richard the ex-fiance, and Mrs. Harris the housemaid, all provide additional story lines and conflicts that unfold throughout the story. My favorite supporting character was Mrs. Harris, whose storyline was both heartwarming and humorous (when it hits, you'll know!). She reminded me a lot of Mrs. Patmore from Downtown Abbey, likely because she could be firm and commanding and so nurturing at the same time.

What I enjoyed about the story:
🐎 Forced marriage, marriage of convenience, and damsel in distress tropes
🐎 Strong Regency era characters, setting, and language
🐎 Considerable character growth for all characters
🐎 Strong FMC who seeks Godly discernment
🐎 Sparks flying in the romance

The story had heavy faith incorporated, which is something I usually like in a Christian Fiction, however it didn't hit well for me in certain aspects of this story. Other reviewers have liked how the faith was included, so I believe this is very much up to personal preference. I did like that both MCs were strong Christians, who both made ample mistakes, and continually tried to seek God and do better. Yet, the way their thinking and prayers were written in, felt too frequent (which I guess prayer should be, but I digress), and overly repetitive. Again, for some readers, this may be exactly what you are looking for, but for me, it had me skipping paragraphs every page or more because it was feeling redundant.

Rating:
Regency era storytelling: 5 stars
Romance: 4.5 stars
Faith: 3.5 stars
Overall rating: 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

⚠️ Content Warnings:
- mention of possible marital rape
- death of a spouse
- cheating, betrayal
- suspicion of affairs

All in all, this was an enjoyable read, and I did enjoy the style of the writing with the exception of some of the faith content. I'm undecided if I will read the remaining books in the series or not. The book does end with a mild "cliffhanger" for the character who becomes the MMC in Book 2, which I am intrigued about, so we shall see!

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Chandra Storm.
Author 3 books7 followers
September 19, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Let me preface this review with the fact that I'm not the target audience. I chose this book because I love regency romance and I like the premise of a marriage of convenience turning into a true love match. I kind of ignored the fact that it was also tagged as a Christian romance, because I thought it just meant it would be a "clean" romance without much spice (which it is, of course) and that would not have bothered me. I did not expect to be reminded of the fact that the heroine (and to a slightly lesser extend the hero) trust in the Lord in His wisdom in every other paragraph (and always with capital letters of course, like a TVangalist screaming it into his microphone). It got on my nerves pretty quickly, mostly because it just pulled me out of the story every single time. It's just something that a regency woman, even a pious one, would not have emphasized so much and so often. It broke the immersion for me again and again.

Apart from that, the writing is very nice, though. It flows well, with the right amount of description to root you in the period, but not losing itself in too much detail. The characters are lively and likeable and there is some undeniable chemistry between Annabel and Philipp from the start. They are both genuinely good people. I rooted for them and wanted things to turn out well for them. I also liked that even the "villain" in the story, gets a bit of a redemption arc.

There were a few things which struck me as a bit illogical. At the beginning of the story, Annabel heads off on horseback in the middle of the night to talk to the duke, whom she never met, in hope that he can help her get out of her engagement after her fiance betrayed her. Why on earth did she not just write a letter? The postal service in regency England was quite quick and reliable and people wrote letters all the time, even to total strangers (much more likely than just visiting them uninvited). It would have been a much more proper (and less inconvenient and dangerous) thing to do for a young lady. I mean, I understand that the whole story hinges on the two of them meeting in the way they do, but I found it highly illogical and not at all in tune with the time period.

Another thing that bothered me was that at one point Annabel lectures Philipp on how important it is to share feelings in a relationship and to talk openly to each other about them, and the very next chapter she does the complete opposite when she discovers something that is vitally important for her husband to know. Granted, she later does tell him, but only after fretting about it for an unnecessary amount of time (and an unnecessary amount of pages). I would have preferred more drama/obstacles from the outside here, instead of the only point of conflict (if you can even call it that) coming from lack of communication between two people who are so sensible and understanding in pretty much everything else.

The pacing was a bit on and off as well. The beginning of the story is a bit of a whirlwind, then once the both of them are married it pretty much grinds down to a halt and does not pick up pace again until the very end. I did quite enjoy the last 50 pages or so, when things finally resolved themselves, but I feel like the middle could have been a lot shorter without the story suffering from it at all.

All in all it is a nice, clean romance about two nice, clean people. I just could not stomach the Christian lingo, but that is more me choosing the wrong book for myself and not a flaw of the book itself.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews372 followers
September 26, 2025
Annabel and the Duke . . .

Miss Annabel Ridley's father was not a pleasant man. He belittled her, insulted her, and told her he was not sure he would ever be able to marry her off with her looks and her unseemly riding in breeches. So he was shocked and relieved when an Earl actually wanted to marry her! She watched out of a window as Richard Balfour, the Earl of Saunton, rode out of the woods, arriving an hour early. She was even imagining herself as pretty when he had first told her he loved her. She had prayed for someone to see the real person she was, and it appeared her prayer may have been answered. She waited for him to come inside. Thirty minutes had already passed, so she headed out to the stables to greet him, only to find him entangled together with the servant Caroline in one of the stalls. She spoke up, and the two quickly separated and stood up. She asked how long this had been going on even though Richard tried to stop her questions. But the answer, two months, made it clear this was not a chance meeting. She sent Caroline away and turned to Richard, realizing her future with him was over. This man was even more cruel than her father and brother. He told her this changes nothing, but for her, it changed everything. He was not the man he pretended to be and he didn't love her.

Having been betrayed, and her father refusing to call off the wedding, Annabel ran away to a Duke who might help plead her case. Annabel Ridley rode alone through the night to ask the powerful Philip Markham, Duke of Halmesbury, to help her. He offers her a marriage of convenience when he sees her courage and bravery and wants to do the right thing for her, even if their marriage will mean nothing. But to their surprise, they seem to find an attraction begin. They both need to heal, and finding love for each other may be the start of exactly what they need. Will they learn to trust each other as secrets threaten to pull them apart? Holding strongly to her faith and believing in her husband can give Annabel what she has sought. Will Philip follow her example as their marriage provides the commitment worthy enough to pull them together? Will they learn to communicate and work together for the life they are building?

This story was very well done, allowing the reader to care about the characters who deserve our respect. The Regency era is known to be difficult to navigate at times, especially for women, and seeing Annabel turn to her faith when she needed a bit more strength was very comforting.
Profile Image for Veronica.
3 reviews
May 26, 2026
The idea behind The Duke’s Sacred Vow had potential, but unfortunately the execution completely missed the mark for me. The story lacked depth in both the character development and the overall plot. Everything felt surface-level, and I never found myself emotionally invested in the characters or truly interested in where the story was going.

Honestly, the book was boring. Even while speed reading, I felt like I couldn’t get through it fast enough. I ended up stopping around 60% and skipped ahead to read the epilogue, hoping it would redeem the story in some way, but even that fell flat.

One of the stranger choices was the inclusion of Frankenstein quotes at the beginning of every chapter. It created the expectation that the book or themes from Frankenstein would have meaningful relevance to the story, but it was barely tied in at all. The novel itself was only briefly mentioned one time as a favorite read of one of the characters, and that was it. It contributed to the random and disconnected feeling of the book.

I also struggled with the historical setting. The dialogue, behavior, and overall atmosphere didn’t feel authentic to the time period, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story.

Overall, this was a disappointing read for me. The concept had promise, but the pacing, lack of depth, weak execution, and disconnected stylistic choices made it impossible to enjoy.
200 reviews7 followers
November 25, 2025
'The Duke's Sacred Vow' is a book I thoroughly enjoyed. It ticked so many boxes for me - regency period, historical, romance, faith filled and a great storyline. I found the book had a really good pace and the ups and downs of the story kept me avidly reading away. I really enjoyed the references to Biblical scripture and prayers that showed the personal relationship with God that Annabel and Philip held. It was woven in as a natural part of who they are, not in your face preaching.

Annabel thinks she has life all sorted until suddenly it isn't. With her father not listening to her she decided to take drastic action and sets off looking for help from the Duke of Halmesbury. The Duke, Philip, has had enough of the quiet of home and as he makes the mental plan to change he meets Annabel and makes her an offer that would solve both their problems. As romantic as it all sounds it doesn't provide answers about their past and they have to take a risk and learn to support each other to be brave enough to talk about the past and find answers. Together they can find healing.

I really enjoyed the tension within the book, it was just enough to keep the book flowing and help me relate to the characters. This was at times a bit emotional but overall a sweet read that I really enjoyed. I am looking forward to reading book 2 of the series.
Profile Image for Hannah.
196 reviews7 followers
September 28, 2025
'The Duke’s Sacred Vow' is a faith-filled historical romance with a wonderfully fresh setup—a marriage of convenience that sparks immediate connection. The story moves swiftly overall, yet it’s still immersive.

Philip and Annabel are an endearing pair. Annabel is brave, compassionate, and deeply rooted in her faith. Her prayers and reflections on Scripture flow so naturally that they enrich her character and bring warmth to the story. Philip is humble, hardworking, and marked by honorable strength. Their relationship is deeply satisfying to follow, built on mutual respect, shared purpose, and a growing love that feels both tender and true. The way their faith is interwoven throughout the story is truly a standout—it feels organic and central rather than tacked on.

I also appreciated how this book steps outside the usual romance formula, weaving faith and love together in a refreshing way. My only critique is that the middle section slowed down, with conflicts that didn’t feel as engaging as the rest of the story. Even so, it’s a heartfelt, Christ-centered romance that left me encouraged.

Special thanks to BookSirens for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
347 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2025
Annabel was betrothed to Richard when she caught him in the barn with a servant girl. Her father refused to call off the wedding so Annabel ran away to a Duke who might help plead her case.

Duke Philip proposed that he marry Annabel instead since he was widowed and he was captivated by her situation. She agreed even though they barely knew one another.

This book makes me so glad I did not not live in that time period. The class distinction between the aristocracy and the commoners was harsh. Many of the rules were ridiculous in an attempt to keep the classes apart.

I enjoyed the blossoming romance while the couple began to get acquainted with one another and began to communicate with one another. However, I was not a fan of the ending. It seemed too rushed after the author went to all the trouble to set the scene in the first part of the book. That's why I'm rating this 3 stars instead of higher.

I received an advance review copy for free. The opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lesley Barklay.
Author 10 books18 followers
Read
January 17, 2026
A clean Christian fiction set in the regency era. Annabel thinks she is in love, and is counting the days until her marriage, when she can finally get out from under her father's demeaning control. Her fiance is one of her brother's childhood friends, and she feels like he truly sees her for who she is.

Sadly, a month before her wedding, she sees him for who he truly is. In the stables, with the maid she taught how to read.

When her father refuses to break the engagement (because male infidelity is apparently not that big of a deal), and her betrothed insists that she will be marrying him, she decides to appeal to one of fiance's friends, hoping he can help her break the engagement. Instead, he proposes a marriage of convenience, one that will be a true partnership.

Annabel accepts, but his baggage threatens their burgeoning relationship, and they have to work through his past, and her own before they can reach their happily ever after.
202 reviews13 followers
October 20, 2025
This was an excellent story! This is the story of Annabele and Philip and how their faith in God leads them to find a love neither thought possible. Annabel is set to be married and finds out that her betrothed is not the person she thought he was and tries to back out of the marriage. Her father who is not very supportive refuses. Annabele runs to the only person she thinks that can help her her betrothed's uncle Philip Duke of Hamelsbury. Philip is living with his own mistakes and past that haunts him so he agrees to help Annabele. They decide on a marriage of connivence. I loved the way the author brought out each of their fears and old wounds to help them learn to trust each other and God's plan.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
211 reviews
October 31, 2025
This is a delightful story that follows a young lady trying to escape a marriage to an earl that thinks nothing of sleeping with servants or other willing ladies. She thought their match was a love match and this upsets her. Neither her father or the earl are willing to stop the wedding. She appeals to the duke for help.

The duke is widowed but very wounded from that marriage. She calls her father Baron (so that tells their relationship). Can this wounded pair find a way to heal each other?

I found both the Duke and the young lady to be interesting characters - not typical cookie cutter in their ways and outlook.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
6 reviews
November 26, 2025
Overall, this was a pleasant story that reads quickly with its simple plot and engaging (albeit not very deeply developed) characters. Although the female protagonist often annoyed me with her frequent flip-flopping between "I love him but I must control myself" followed mere moments later by uncontrolled, overly emotional outbursts, she was nevertheless a likeable character overall and I did find myself rooting for the couple.

If you're looking for a nice, easy book to read in an afternoon, I would recommend this one. I was not disappointed and do look forward to reading the other books in this series.

disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free from BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Shuvai.
822 reviews17 followers
October 3, 2025
The Duke’s Sacred Vow offers a refreshing blend of faith and romance without ever feeling preachy. The marriage of convenience between Philip and Annabel unfolds naturally, with their Christian faith gently woven into the story in a way that feels heartfelt and authentic. I loved how scripture influenced the characters’ actions without overwhelming the narrative. The romance is sweet and sincere, and the glimpse into their future added a lovely touch. This clean, uplifting historical romance is a perfect choice for anyone seeking a tender, faith-centered love story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tracy.
173 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect but love this era. Regency was simpler times yet to think of marriage anything other than for love is hard to grasp. But friendship and mutual respect would be enough for me. Maybe there will be love to be found.

Little bit of mystery, little bit of scoundrel. Bringing in a new housekeeper proves to be too much for Clinton, maybe they can find mutual respect as well.

If you like Regency era then this book is for you- i am looking to read book 2 now as I was left wanting more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
65 reviews
January 11, 2026
A thought provoking story of overcoming deep grief and misunderstanding. Although referred to as providence influencing outcomes I Turbellaria believe it was Gods overruling. I loved the way verses of scripture were interwoven into the storyline, and the way Annabelle and Philip prayed for guidance. I was a bit surprised at how quickly they entered an intimate relationship as it was a marriage of convenience and all seemed too perfect but then problems and misunderstandings crept in. I loved the way Annabelle was able to lovingly guide Philip to open up and help him heal.
A true Christian regency romance.
Profile Image for iread.
842 reviews10 followers
September 7, 2025
The Duke’s Sacred Vow is a sweet Christian Regency romance. This author writes a compelling tale that interweaves intricate plotlines with some surprising and some deeply resonating moments. I liked the portrayal of the heroine Annabel. When she is betrayed by her fiance, she commits a madcap act and rides alone all night to appeal to the Duke of Halmesbury. It is a desperate gamble and one that could see her forever ruined in the eyes of society. What will happen? Will Annabel find her savior or her condemner? A truly enchanting story for anyone who loves Regency romance.
126 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2025
I loved Philip and Annabel's story. I loved that Annabel took her life into her own hands by finding a solution to her problem. I enjoyed the book and thought the character were well developed and I could relate and feel their emotions. It was a great uplifting story and I can't wait to see what the next story brings for Richard!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I would highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,314 reviews18 followers
October 25, 2025
This was a strong start to the Brides of the Regency series, it had that time-period element that I was looking for and was engaged with what was happening. I enjoyed this as a opening chapter and am excited to read more in this universe. The characters had that overall feel that I was wanting and enjoyed getting to know them in this world. Isabel Jacobs has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alice.
3,157 reviews
March 5, 2026
Chapter titles are from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. ( Chapter 12. We learn that heroine is very familair with the novel.
Repeated quote ( end of 7 and 8) " Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.

Chapter 7 " With Philip, there was depth. A quiet anchoring. A faith she could lean into.
Chapter 15. Did Phillip, her husband know that his 1st wife had a brother named Richard?

Is the moral of the book-- that it easy to make false assumptions when you don't know all the facts?
Profile Image for NelleRenn.
1,089 reviews
September 18, 2025
This is a well written story, but it reminded me a little of another book I had read. The heroine can’t marry her betrothed as he has betrayed her. She sets out for the hero’s home and he comes to her rescue by proposing a marriage of convenience. The building of their relationship with Christian principles leads to their HEA. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2 reviews
September 20, 2025
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy faith-centered stories and books set in the Regency period. Although the book starts off a bit slow, i the drama eventually picks up. The characters are likeable, and there is a good touch of humor (special mention to the butler and housekeeper). It does not drag on too long, and importantly, it is clean and faith filled.

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free.
Profile Image for Dr. Jamie Shockley Owens .
17 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2025
I really loved the book. It was my first Christian Historical fiction book. It read fast and I like how each character was firmly founded in their faith throughout their narratives. The only thing keeping it from 5 star review is a slightly deeper plot. Regardless, I cannot wait to read the second book in the series. I will definitely recommend to anyone who wants a great Christian historical romance fiction read!
530 reviews5 followers
February 11, 2026
This historical, Christian romance set in the early 1800s ticks all the boxes for this reader…entwined with high emotion, grace, mercy, laugh out loud moments, action, unconventional boldness and honesty with God being honoured throughout by the main characters. A truly heart felt book which will live on in the memory.

Look forward to reading more by this new to me author!

Received this copy via BookSirens and this is my own opinion given voluntarily.
155 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written & the book hooked me from the beginning.

Betrayal, hurt, daring, reconciliation… etc. Well written & well enjoyed.

The book was clean, which I really appreciate & it was fun to follow the characters through their journeys.

Thanks to the author & publisher for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.
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