Pursuing Lady Petunia

The Dowager's Garden #4

by Sariah Drake

She was trained to ask for nothing. He was never allowed to want anything at all.

Sophia Lyndrow has spent her whole life making herself easy to manage, but after six Seasons without an offer of marriage, her options are dwindling. So when the Dowager Countess of Fairfax arranges her match to an aging, grouchy Marquess, all she can feel is relief.

Ambrose Calver has spent his life earning what others inherit. The illegitimate son of Lord Calverton, he has no title, no fortune, and no business falling for the woman his father intends to marry. He has never wanted what he cannot have. He has never met Sophia Lyndrow.

Somewhere between the hum of the apiary and the fiddle on the harvest green, Sophia begins to discover that the Calverton family harbors far more secrets than she first suspected. And when the truth finally comes to light, she must choose between the security of a vast fortune and a man who cannot offer her a fortune but would work every day of his life to deserve her.

A swoony closed-door Regency romance about two people who were never allowed to want anything for themselves, learning, at last, to choose each other.

Book 4 in The Dowager's Garden series. Each book is a complete standalone with its own happily ever after.

Genres: Historical Fiction

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2026

Reviews

[Dab · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎉Happy Release Day!🎉


The writing is so unique; I love it. It’s immersive in that calm, soothing way. I just couldn’t put this book down.

Sophia has had six unsuccessful seasons, so when an opportunity comes to make a match, she agrees, even though the man is much older and not exactly kind. She is determined to marry him until she gets to know his son. His illegitimate son.

I loved Sophia. She was considered a pushover by some, but I admired her strength in accepting life as it came and her incredible courage when it mattered. Ambrose shared these qualities; that man’s spirit was truly inspiring. It was so beautiful to see them find each other and grow closer. Their chemistry was pure magic 🥰

I also appreciated the setting and the secondary characters. The marquis, in particular, was a very complex figure, and I liked his many facets. He was definitely not a lovable character, but he was very interesting to read about. Sophia’s parents were simply adorable.

This is book four in the series, but it works very well as a standalone.

Thanks to the authors for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[C.Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pursuing Lady Petunia is my favorite book in the Dowager’s Garden series so far!

I loved the premise of taking a heroine who was considered practically undateable for the time. Petunia has a lisp and large teeth and has failed to secure a husband after several Seasons, so the Dowager arranges a marriage between her and a man in his eighties. Petunia is warned that he’s cruel and only wants an heir, but knowing the marriage settlement will provide enough money to save her parents from debt, she agrees to the match.

Along the way, she meets Ambrose, Lord Calverton’s illegitimate son. Despite the way his father treats him, Ambrose is kind and caring, and their friendship slowly blossoms into something more. The entire time I was reading, I kept wondering how Sariah Drake was possibly going to bring these two together, and I was completely surprised by the twist near the end. I honestly never saw it coming, and it made the story all the more satisfying.

I don’t want to say much more because I don’t want to spoil anything, but this was such a sweet, wholesome, and heartwarming romance. If you’ve been enjoying the series, I highly recommend this one!

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lady of Regency · Rating 4 out of 5]

“But you abandoned him. You abandoned one of the finest people I have ever known, and you left him to believe himself worth abandoning, and I will not do the same.” She paused. “I will not do what you did. I choose him.”


That comment just melted my heart...

[readmeregency · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so sweet! A closed door, single POV romance between an overlooked Lady and an illegitimate son, this story really champions its heroine and her journey to break free of expectations and choose herself.

Sophia has had several unsuccessful seasons, so when a marriage is suggested between herself and Lord Calverton, she accepts. It may not be love, and he may be grumpy, as well as old enough to be her grandfather, but this may be her one chance for a family. So what if his illegitimate son is kinder, more accepting, and everything she wished for during her seasons.

Sophia's story definitely falls on the sweet side of things. Thanks to the single POV and focus on her character development, it's light on the romance and stronger on the personal journey. She and Ambrose are warm, kind personalities, and despite the inner turmoil, the romance felt almost cozy. I enjoyed the non-problematic family dynamics (on Sophia's side), which helped it to be such a low-stress read.

For a lighter, kinder read, this would suit. I think it would also be a great access point to historical romance for younger readers.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Dowager's Garden series. This book can be read as a standalone, however, I think you'll find that you'll want to read the rest of the series.

I like that this isn't your typical regency romance. The FMC, Sophia, is painted as pretty but not perfect, as her teeth aren't straight and they cause her to have a lisp that she works hard to overcome. This imperfection has caused her to not be able to find a match for six seasons. The MMC, Ambrose, is an Illegitimate son. He's really a good guy, but because of the expectations and haughtiness of society, he will always be looked down upon.

Being part of the Dowager's flower garden, Sophia has been presented a match that would hopefully provider her with money for the future and money for her family. However, he is decades older than her. Since she knows her options are limited and she won't find a love match, she agrees to the match/engagement. We all know that this happened during this time period, but seriously, I really don't think I could marry some 50+ years my senior.

This book also provided some twists. Some of the twists I figured out, some I got wrong, and some I didn't see coming. This really kept my interest in the story and made it hard to put down.

I've enjoyed the books so far that I have read from Sariah Drake, and look forward to reading more from her.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes:
"But never had she stopped and wondered what her life would look like if she pursued the longing of her own heart."

"...you left him to believe himself worth abandoning...I will not do what you did. I choose him."

"Every time I am with you my spirit rests."

"...I think sometimes we know, even in the moment, that we are doing what is easy rather than what is right. And we do it anyway, because the right thing is very frightening."

[Purple Turtle Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could life look like without love? I think it's safe to say that every Sariah Drake novel I read will be a five-star read from here on out! Her writing, storytelling, and character development are next-level! I've been looking forward to reading the next installment in The Dowager's Garden for months, and I definitely couldn't pass up the opportunity to be on her amazing ARC team for Pursuing Lady Petunia! 😍

If you know me, I absolutely love the Regency genre, but she really just puts the cherry on top among other Regency authors.

Now, onto the story itself. Upon reading the synopsis, I was completely enthralled and intrigued by the storyline. I don't believe I've ever read a novel that had such a large marriage age gap. I was so invested in seeing how this one would play out!

There were so many aspects I loved about the story: Sophia's ultimate decision in doing what was best for her (not Society), Ambrose's kindhearted and devout character arc, all of the balls, and, of course, the bees (what a cool incorporation!). If you don't believe in "love at first sight," read Sophia and Ambrose's story! The passion, devotion, and lightheartedness in their romance are everything!

There were also so many twists and turns! Those last few chapters had me feeling all the emotions! My heart was racing...I just had to know what happened! The wedding, grave site scene, and forbidden secrets! Pure cinema!

Please don't leave this book or author off your TBR! This story will hook you from the jump!

✨ Sweet Romance
✨ Family Secrets
✨ Arranged Marriage
✨ A Kind Hero
✨ A Light Read
✨ Single POV
✨ Character Development
✨ A Twisty Turney Plot
✨ Meddling Matchmakers
You'll love this one! ❤️

✨ Pursuing Lady Petunia is the fourth novel in the "The Dowager's Garden" series, though it can be read as a standalone. Suitable for young adult readers and older.✨

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia Lyndrow is the newest flower from the Dowager Countess Fairfax's garden. She's sweet, kind, and kind of a doormat. Unfortunately, she speaks with a lisp and isn’t a conventionally attractive girl. Her family is in reduced circumstances since their house burnt down, and they can’t afford to give her another season. The Dowager, deciding Sophia is completely unmarriable, decides to marry her off to an 80-year-old Marquis who is not kind, not friendly, and not a good person. The best Sophia can hope for is that the Marquis will die soon and maybe she’ll have a child to love.
When her family goes to the Marquis’s estate there is a mix-up and her father ends up arguing with a stable hand who turns out to be the Marqis’s illegitimate son, Ambrose. Ambrose maintains the grounds and is also kind of a doormat. He and Sophia find themselves fight an attraction to each other. She has to marry a rich man. He can’t marry a Lady. That’s that. Or is it?
Lady Petunia is a wonderful read. Sophia and Ambrose are likeable and wonderfully imperfect. I’m especially fond of Sophia’s parents. They’re just a delightful couple. They bicker, they flirt; they’re so adorable. The marquis is perfectly irritating. The Dowager is her usual take charge, implacable, “never, ever wrong” self. Or is she?
The story is sweet and romantic. I love how the characters develop and mature. I also enjoyed learning more about the Dowager Fairfax. There are so may layers to her. I love her complexity. This is an excellent book. I can’t recommend it enough.
I received an advance copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Sariah Drake has written a sumptuous addition to her Dowager Garden series. In this installment, we meet Sophia Lyndrow, a lovely young woman who has failed to find a husband because of her crooked teeth and a lisp. Although the Dowager has helped her overcome her shyness and downplay what she sees as her flaws, her efforts have been to no avail. After suffering the devastating loss of their estate in a fire, Sophia’s parents agree to match her with an unpleasant but wealthy eighty-year-old marquess. Determined to make the best of a difficult situation, Sophia prepares herself for the future that has been chosen for her.

When Sophia arrives at Lord Calverton’s estate, she encounters his sullen family and meets his handsome and kind illegitimate son, Ambrose Calver.

Sariah Drake weaves a beautiful and romantic tale that explores how the mores of the Regency era shaped families and dictated lives, as well as the hardships imposed by birth order, legitimacy, and gender. Sophia feels compelled to honor her family’s wishes because of her perceived imperfections, while Ambrose is forced into a life of service because of the circumstances of his birth. As with all of Ms. Drake’s books, the characters are compelling, the settings are lush and evocative, and the obstacles facing the couple seem nearly impossible to overcome.

Drake masterfully develops a powerful slow-burn romance that remains appropriate to the period while keeping readers invested and eager to discover how Sophia and Ambrose will reach their happily-ever-after.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I highly recommend this book.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undeserving

Sophia and Ambrose’s story is one of the most endearing in Drake’s collection. And, it seems that the Dowager Fairfax’s matchmaking has come to an end. Her last flower is Lady Petunia, aka Sophia, for whom she has made a poor match. One element in Sophia’s visage has been hindering her ability to find an eligible gentleman…her smile…the author describes as “wrong”. The Dowager has found her a reclusive, discourteous elderly gentleman in need of an heir, despite having two legitimate sons. But, someone else has caught Sophia’s attention, Lord Calverton’s illegitimate son, Ambrose.

Read how Sophia receives silent pressure to marry this unpleasant man, and what she eventually decides on her wedding day. The last few chapters reveal a number of secrets that will surprise readers. It is also lovely to read in the final chapter, how Sophia runs through a garden of flowers which were the names of the ladies matched in this series. The novel vacillates between moments of poignancy and sorrow. All the characters are substantive and wonderfully detailed. This novel may have overtaken my favorite…A Sonata for a Rake. This is well worth rereading. I have received an ARC from the author and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
of the women

[Laura's Write Edits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophia Lynwood has had several unsuccessful London seasons and her parents can’t afford to give her another, so they conspire with Dowager Countess Lady Fairfax, to arrange her marriage to Lord Calverton, a geriatric Marquess. This is just the first of many choices made for Sophia, but she is determined to make this work.

Unfortunately, Lord Calverton is an unpleasant, controlling man. He also has adult children older than Sophia, including an illegitimate son named Ambrose Calver. While Ambrose is more or less included as part of the family, his illegitimate birth means that he has no title, no fortune, and no business being attracted to his father’s fiance, even if he is closer to her age than his father.

While it is very frustrating seeing Sophia’s choices being made for her for a good portion of the novel, it only makes her character growth all the more satisfying. I cheered for her every time she made a choice on her own.

Ambrose is an interesting character and I loved seeing their romance develop–I just wish this could have been a Dual POV romance so we could see his side of things. That’s the only reason why I give this four out of five stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book, though perhaps a touch too somber for me to completely enjoy it. The writing itself is almost surreal. It’s smooth and flowing, and has a captivating air to it. I would be interested in reading more from this author, especially if she has something a little more uplifting.

Looking back, I feel the romance was a tad underdeveloped and that there should have been more interactions between the MCs. For the most part I liked the characters… but it’s hard not get at least a little annoyed with Sophia. She had SO many opportunities to get out of the arrangement. The way it ultimately played out was super lame on her part.

Anyhow, I liked the writing more than the plot, but would recommend the book to fans of clean regency romance.

Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is mention of secondary characters having affairs and mistresses, but it is not condoned. There is no real message of faith or God.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Sophia marry the old Marquess?

After the fire, the circumstances of the Lyndrow family were greatly reduced. Reduced to the point, where they will no longer be able to keep their London townhouse and no more Seasons for Sophia. So of course, they seek the assistance of the Dowager. After all, she did help Sophia quite a bit in her season. When the Dowager finds a match for Sophia, it Is not exactly the match of her dreams. Her intended will be a grumpy old man, but he will provide for her family and make sure that Sophia is taken care of after his death. This proposed match makes Sophia’s father very happy and her mother very unhappy. I really do love Regency Romances. Everything about them really. This story has quite an interesting plot as well. After all, a lot of young women married old men for financial security. I really did empathize with both Sophia and Ambrose and their circumstances.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pursuing Lady Petunia by Sariah Drake asks the major question of need and want.

While reading in the female POV this book felt like a dream, like something unbelievable happened and you are experiencing things outside of your body. And the true moments when the FMC really needed something for herself, her emotions were truly a rush to experience. The dread one must feel when something like this happened during the Victoria era, being married to an old man who could be your grandfather's age.

Every single thought made by the FMC was beautiful, and when she foudn the courage to choose for herself... I got goosebumps. There is no gurantee of tomorrow, there is no promise that you will have what is promised to you by others. The FMC's courage made me smile. This one was an inspiring one.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants a beautiful and heartwrenching book of choice.

Thank you Sariah Drake for the free book.

[Catherine A · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Pursuing Lady Petunia” is the final bloom in Sariah Drake’s “The Dowager’s Garden” series. I love this entire series because in my mind it acknowledges the fact that not everyone is perfect. One’s imperfections can make finding someone to love more difficult but also more beautiful once found. All of Lady Henrietta’s Flowers have some type of thorn (imperfection). The main character, Sophia Lyndrow, has a speech impediment caused by rather large teeth that overshadow her beauty. She meets the hard working and incredibly kind Ambrose Calver and their story begins…

I personally love this entire series. This finale does not disappoint. The secret revealed within and the events that followed are extremely touching. Lady Petunia is a gem. I will not look at the petunias in my garden without smiling ever again.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pat Robinson]

It is Petunia’s (Sophia)turn to finally find a match and the Dowager has a plan. The cold Marquess is anything but welcoming, but his natural son, Ambrose, is who captures Sophia’s attention.I truly enjoyed how the author wrote Sophia to not be a meek little mouse, but one willing to stand up for herself. I give her Mother a lot of credit for being the way she was and even Papa understood at the end what was important. Ambrose was just a lovely man. I adored him and his care for all around him, even with the situation he found himself. The big surprise was not what I expected and it blew me away. A WONDERFUL story with very real and interesting characters, some of whom we never truly understand. Great read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel won me over!

I honestly was not sure about it. I didn't like the age gaped, arranged marriage and had no idea how Sophia was going to get out of this, but I've learned to trust Sariah with this series and trust that an HEA is on the way!

And I'm happy to say, I was definitely right!

Sophia and Ambrose had such a sweet romance! I absolutely loved the two of them together and was soooo happy to see the two of them get their HEA! And the little bit of mystery surrounding the Calverton Estate was very intriguing! I did not see the revelation at the end coming!

Overall, this was a great Dowager Garden novel and I am crossing my fingers that it's not the last!

[B.J. Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the Dowager's Garden series. There's more backstory for the dowager in this one which is really cool and the FMC is just so relatable. On the surface she is dutiful and obedient while inside she is questioning all the expectations made of her. But her behavior remains sensible until she finally, finally chooses for herself. I really enjoyed her journey towards being her own person. The romance is sweet, subtle, quietly yearning but both people know they have to stay away from each other. Really well done.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MEF · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a sad sorry tale. If you are looking for an escapist romance then this is not for you. I don’t think I liked anyone apart from Sophia and she was a stretch.

Some distasteful characters , including her father who amiably sells her like a commodity into marriage with a man of seventy so that he himself can live more comfortably, whilst gently kissing her cheek and pushing her onward. Her mother was only a tad better.
Their change of heart came too late for me.

The story is likely accurate, historically and socially but I can’t say I enjoyed it.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carol P - H · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one is perfect and some of us need help dealing with our inadequacies. Lady Petunia has large crooked teeth without access to orthodontia. She is matched with a cold, elderly widower desperate for another son. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The really special thing about this book is the final resolution. And yes, it does include a believable love story and the spilling of long term family secrets.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the garden stories this one is my favorite! Ambrose is the perfect gentleman. I love how he quietly shows affection for Sophia and his family even though they don’t deserve him. I was so mad at her parents at first but then redeemed themselves when they supported her through the turmoil at the end. I’m so glad Sophia found her HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Ansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Regency Romance with Family Secrets
A slightly melodramatic, interesting story, somewhat reminiscent of books by Violet Winspear. The heroine has an unusual but appealing character, and I liked the close relationship between her and her parents. The hero's family, on the other hand, hides many secrets. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me holding on to the edge of my seat, worried that the characters would make an unwise choice, and suffer all the more for it! Fortunately this did not happen, and I am glad to say that I loved the ending. The romance was, indeed, clean, and the characters grew exceedingly, and in just the right way! I received an ARC copy and this is my review.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, as with all in this series. It was a sad tale in places which had a happy ending. The characters and the world building were great. Loved both Ambrose and Sophia (Petunia) what lovely characters. Clean read, and not too long.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the flower books. It is well written with a believable storyline and the characters are relatable. Their is new information about Lady Henrietta which explains some of her actions and makes her more human than before. Highly recommend!

Received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It had a few surprises. Though I expected a happily ever after, for most of the book it didn't seem like that would happen. It did make me sad that the main characters would accept the situation as if they had no control over it. The Dowager seemed a bit softer in this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The FMC has gone many seasons without an offer due to a lisp she has. She is ready to settle for anything including a very old man. The MMC is the illegitimate son of the man she may marry. They both have grown up not expecting much for life and those around them. So when they find each other the story starts to to have a few twist and turns. It was an enjoyable read.

[Cortney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the very sunshiney yellow hue/ vibe to this book! Sariah Drake has once again pulled off a succinct and beautiful love story that I just want to carry in my pocket all summer! I don’t know how she (Drake) always creates the perfect twist ending to a story, but she does! And I love it! Pursuing Lady Petunia is a clean and easy read! 💛

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

for a reason

Reading Petuna and Ambrose´s story made me think that everything in life happens to us for a reason. My heart went out to the protagonists who had never really been appreciated for the wonderful characters they are and I was overjoyed when they finally decided to think about themselves and what made them happy.

[Rayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was my favourite one of this series so far. I loved the characters, and the storyline, especially the twist at the end, which I rather saw coming but enjoyed nonetheless.

These authors (this author? I never know how to refer to writing duos) continually create wonderful behind-closed-doors romances that I never tire of reading.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best Flower story yet. I loved Sophia's character. She is polite. She wants what is best for her family, but she also has an inner core of strength that guides her. I greatly enjoyed Ambrose and wanted to see him find a happy ending. I'm not sure he completely got that happy ending. A great book for an afternoon read!