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Kind Ella and the Charming Duke
Introducing the "Kind Ella and the Charming Duke" Novel - Discover NOW The New Regency Romance Book by Bridget Barton!
Lovely - Romantic - Exciting!
Following the death of her beloved father, Ella Winfield is devastated when her mother, a woman with untamed social aspirations, hastily marries the Earl of Dandridge. He is a humorless man, and one whom Ella does not trust for a moment. Leaving her beloved Longton Manor behind, Ella is cast adrift in the large and unwelcoming Dandridge Hall, despite her desperate plea that her mother need not marry at all.
The Earl's daughters, Lady Patience and Lady Georgiana, are spoiled and manner less young ladies, used to their own way in all things and fiercely competitive with one another. But when the Duke of Hillington is reported to be searching for a suitable bride, the tension between the sisters reaches new heights. With Ella's simple beauty, intelligence, and fine manners, the Earl seeks to hide her away from the world and, more importantly, the Duke of Hillington himself.
When he determines that Ella not attend a masquerade ball to which the whole family has been invited, Ella takes it upon herself to attend in disguise and spy on the ambitious little family for her own amusement. When she finds herself in anonymous conversation with the Duke himself, she realizes that there is more to him than a man who would seek nothing more than a pretty bride with a large dowry. He is open and amusing and she finds herself quite captivated.
Lovely - Romantic - Exciting!
Following the death of her beloved father, Ella Winfield is devastated when her mother, a woman with untamed social aspirations, hastily marries the Earl of Dandridge. He is a humorless man, and one whom Ella does not trust for a moment. Leaving her beloved Longton Manor behind, Ella is cast adrift in the large and unwelcoming Dandridge Hall, despite her desperate plea that her mother need not marry at all.
The Earl's daughters, Lady Patience and Lady Georgiana, are spoiled and manner less young ladies, used to their own way in all things and fiercely competitive with one another. But when the Duke of Hillington is reported to be searching for a suitable bride, the tension between the sisters reaches new heights. With Ella's simple beauty, intelligence, and fine manners, the Earl seeks to hide her away from the world and, more importantly, the Duke of Hillington himself.
When he determines that Ella not attend a masquerade ball to which the whole family has been invited, Ella takes it upon herself to attend in disguise and spy on the ambitious little family for her own amusement. When she finds herself in anonymous conversation with the Duke himself, she realizes that there is more to him than a man who would seek nothing more than a pretty bride with a large dowry. He is open and amusing and she finds herself quite captivated.
Rufus Darnley, the Duke of Hillington, cannot shake from his mind the curious and exciting young woman who appeared at his masquerade ball uninvited, and he can no longer find any enthusiasm for his search for a wife with whom he might provide an heir to the Duchy. When he finds the discarded mask of the mysterious woman who left the ball without a word, he holds on to the hope that he might one day discover her true identity.
As the Earl of Dandridge plots the most appalling schemes to keep the Duke interested in his own daughters, Ella Winfield must do what she can to stop the man she is fast becoming attracted to from being steered in the direction of either Lady Patience or Lady Georgiana, all without being discovered by the family who have, one by one, turned their backs upon her.
"Kind Ella and the Charming Duke" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2017
1670 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Barton
163 books206 followersBridget Barton was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas.
She has studied English Literature in college and after a brief passage in journalism as a newspaper writer, she stirred her career to what she always loved: becoming an author!
She has always been intrigued by rascals, vagabonds, dukes and rogues, so having the chance to write stories about them is a wish come true for her!
Bridget is married to her own prince charming and is the proud mother of two daughters (and three adorable kittens) and soon to be a grandma!
She is a hopeless romantic who devours romance literature and of course enjoys writing love stories of her own.
When she is not writing, Bridget is relaxing by cooking for her lovely husband, exercising and listening to soft music.
Bridget loves to connect with her readers!
With love and respect,
Bridget Barton
She has studied English Literature in college and after a brief passage in journalism as a newspaper writer, she stirred her career to what she always loved: becoming an author!
She has always been intrigued by rascals, vagabonds, dukes and rogues, so having the chance to write stories about them is a wish come true for her!
Bridget is married to her own prince charming and is the proud mother of two daughters (and three adorable kittens) and soon to be a grandma!
She is a hopeless romantic who devours romance literature and of course enjoys writing love stories of her own.
When she is not writing, Bridget is relaxing by cooking for her lovely husband, exercising and listening to soft music.
Bridget loves to connect with her readers!
With love and respect,
Bridget Barton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 7, 2018
A tale about the good, the bad and the very ugly ! It also makes it simpler when the "bad" also happen to be very ugly.
This is yet another incarnation of the classic Cinderella theme, but this had a lot of refreshing new twists to it. The beautiful heroine Ella, doesn't have a wicked stepmother. She's even unluckier than the real Cinderella because it's her biological mother who treats her like dirt. Ella's mother Ariadne, is a social climbing, title seeking gold digger who marries a nasty, wicked man called the Earl of Dandridge after the heroine's father dies. The Earl has two ugly, malicious, uncouth, attention whore daughters called Patience ( a misnomer ! ) and Georgiana. They're lacking in the basic type of genteel etiquette that one would expect young ladies of their social class to possess. They're also man hungry and competitive because they both want to marry the same man: the H, who happens to be a sexy, rich Duke. Ugloid and Fugly are delusional because they actually think that a man like that would want to tie himself to one of them. I guess I can't really blame them because their equally ugly, mean old dad keeps telling them they're pretty and that makes the heroine laugh all the time. It made me laugh too.
But there's not much to laugh at in this novel. Unfortunately. Ella's stepfather soon realizes that his daughters will not have a fair chance at attracting the H's attention if Ella is always present. The fetid, old fart banishes poor Ella to the fringes of the household and forbids her from attending the H's fancy masquerade ball. Rufus, the H, has organized the ball because he thinks it's time to find a duchess. Ugloid and Fugly are ecstatic because they think it's going to be one of them who will be asked to fill this haloed position. Ella, with the help of her maid Violet and a footman called William, sneaks into the ball and meets Rufus. The H is enchanted by Ella but she doesn't tell him her name before she runs away. She does forget her golden eye mask and Rufus keeps this to remind himself of the lady who won his heart.
Meanwhile, the Earl, Ariadne, Ugloid and Fugly are all hearing wedding bells. Ariadne becomes even bitchier to her own flesh and blood when she realizes that her husband dislikes Ella. Unbeknownst to the Earl and the 3 hags, however, Ella and Rufus manage to meet each other and become friends. Despite the lack of love scenes, the budding relationship between the duke and Ella was engaging. He didn't connect her to the lady with the golden eye mask but he was drawn to her and kept returning to Dandridge Manor just to get a glimpse of her. The Earl soon started to grow impatient when time passes and neither Ugloid nor Fugly receives a marriage proposal from Rufus. That's when his villainous plans took a turn for the worse and he bribes the H's attorney Henry to assist him. I couldn't believe a man would go to such ridiculous lengths to marry off his daughters. Ella discovers what's going on and tries to warn Rufus and she is partially successful but the H makes a huge mistake by confiding in Henry. The old attorney spills it all to the Earl and that's when Ella's torture begins.
The maid warns Ella to run away immediately but the Earl and Ariadne find the heroine before she can escape. Ariadne stands there and smirks like the evil whore-witch that she is, while the Earl beats poor Ella and pulls her hair until her scalp starts to bleed. Ariadne is worse than Hitler , because even he didn't treat his own flesh and blood in such a manner. This woman not only enables the torturing of her daughter but she actively assists by giving him information that worsens the heroine's predicament. They then proceed to lock Ella in an old stuffy attic room without a bed. Ella is left to sleep on rags on the cold floor and Ariadne brings her stale food each day. They lie and tell the servants that Ella has gone to visit relatives in Scotland. Rufus soon becomes worried when he visits the manor and is told this stupid fable, because he remembers that Ella had informed him that she had no living relatives.
It's the kind maid Violet who does some snooping when she notices that all of Ella's clothing is still in her old bedroom. Violet rushes to see the duke and he then devises a plan to rescue Ella. After Ella is rescued and is safe at Hillington Hall, Rufus confesses his love for her and they elope to Gretna Green to marry because they know that the Earl ( as Ella's guardian ) would never give his permission. The one thing I didn't like about this novel was the fact that Rufus forgave the old attorney Henry. Ella's mother, however, got the perfect punishment ! In the extended epilogue, we are told that the Earl started to treat her badly and even beat her a lot because her daughter was the one who ended up marrying a duke. Ariadne ended up with a permanent limp after he broke her leg and it was said that her life with him became even more torturous after Ugloid and Fugly were married and left the manor. Ella even ended up forgiving the old whore-witch and saving her. Uh ! I know I am supposed to be politically correct right now and say it's so sweet but F that ! I hate when villains get even a tiny bit of a happy ending. I wanted Ariadne to live the rest of her pathetic life being tormented daily by the Earl. She only suffered for 5 short years ! And one broken leg ? Really ? It should have been 2. I do not forgive mothers who are so evil to their own kids. Never !
I really liked this novel. There was no sex and not even make out scenes but the author wrote a lovely story that captivated me. Maybe it's because there's still the little kid inside of me who adores reading books that have an element of the fairy tale in it...
This is yet another incarnation of the classic Cinderella theme, but this had a lot of refreshing new twists to it. The beautiful heroine Ella, doesn't have a wicked stepmother. She's even unluckier than the real Cinderella because it's her biological mother who treats her like dirt. Ella's mother Ariadne, is a social climbing, title seeking gold digger who marries a nasty, wicked man called the Earl of Dandridge after the heroine's father dies. The Earl has two ugly, malicious, uncouth, attention whore daughters called Patience ( a misnomer ! ) and Georgiana. They're lacking in the basic type of genteel etiquette that one would expect young ladies of their social class to possess. They're also man hungry and competitive because they both want to marry the same man: the H, who happens to be a sexy, rich Duke. Ugloid and Fugly are delusional because they actually think that a man like that would want to tie himself to one of them. I guess I can't really blame them because their equally ugly, mean old dad keeps telling them they're pretty and that makes the heroine laugh all the time. It made me laugh too.
But there's not much to laugh at in this novel. Unfortunately. Ella's stepfather soon realizes that his daughters will not have a fair chance at attracting the H's attention if Ella is always present. The fetid, old fart banishes poor Ella to the fringes of the household and forbids her from attending the H's fancy masquerade ball. Rufus, the H, has organized the ball because he thinks it's time to find a duchess. Ugloid and Fugly are ecstatic because they think it's going to be one of them who will be asked to fill this haloed position. Ella, with the help of her maid Violet and a footman called William, sneaks into the ball and meets Rufus. The H is enchanted by Ella but she doesn't tell him her name before she runs away. She does forget her golden eye mask and Rufus keeps this to remind himself of the lady who won his heart.
Meanwhile, the Earl, Ariadne, Ugloid and Fugly are all hearing wedding bells. Ariadne becomes even bitchier to her own flesh and blood when she realizes that her husband dislikes Ella. Unbeknownst to the Earl and the 3 hags, however, Ella and Rufus manage to meet each other and become friends. Despite the lack of love scenes, the budding relationship between the duke and Ella was engaging. He didn't connect her to the lady with the golden eye mask but he was drawn to her and kept returning to Dandridge Manor just to get a glimpse of her. The Earl soon started to grow impatient when time passes and neither Ugloid nor Fugly receives a marriage proposal from Rufus. That's when his villainous plans took a turn for the worse and he bribes the H's attorney Henry to assist him. I couldn't believe a man would go to such ridiculous lengths to marry off his daughters. Ella discovers what's going on and tries to warn Rufus and she is partially successful but the H makes a huge mistake by confiding in Henry. The old attorney spills it all to the Earl and that's when Ella's torture begins.
The maid warns Ella to run away immediately but the Earl and Ariadne find the heroine before she can escape. Ariadne stands there and smirks like the evil whore-witch that she is, while the Earl beats poor Ella and pulls her hair until her scalp starts to bleed. Ariadne is worse than Hitler , because even he didn't treat his own flesh and blood in such a manner. This woman not only enables the torturing of her daughter but she actively assists by giving him information that worsens the heroine's predicament. They then proceed to lock Ella in an old stuffy attic room without a bed. Ella is left to sleep on rags on the cold floor and Ariadne brings her stale food each day. They lie and tell the servants that Ella has gone to visit relatives in Scotland. Rufus soon becomes worried when he visits the manor and is told this stupid fable, because he remembers that Ella had informed him that she had no living relatives.
It's the kind maid Violet who does some snooping when she notices that all of Ella's clothing is still in her old bedroom. Violet rushes to see the duke and he then devises a plan to rescue Ella. After Ella is rescued and is safe at Hillington Hall, Rufus confesses his love for her and they elope to Gretna Green to marry because they know that the Earl ( as Ella's guardian ) would never give his permission. The one thing I didn't like about this novel was the fact that Rufus forgave the old attorney Henry. Ella's mother, however, got the perfect punishment ! In the extended epilogue, we are told that the Earl started to treat her badly and even beat her a lot because her daughter was the one who ended up marrying a duke. Ariadne ended up with a permanent limp after he broke her leg and it was said that her life with him became even more torturous after Ugloid and Fugly were married and left the manor. Ella even ended up forgiving the old whore-witch and saving her. Uh ! I know I am supposed to be politically correct right now and say it's so sweet but F that ! I hate when villains get even a tiny bit of a happy ending. I wanted Ariadne to live the rest of her pathetic life being tormented daily by the Earl. She only suffered for 5 short years ! And one broken leg ? Really ? It should have been 2. I do not forgive mothers who are so evil to their own kids. Never !
I really liked this novel. There was no sex and not even make out scenes but the author wrote a lovely story that captivated me. Maybe it's because there's still the little kid inside of me who adores reading books that have an element of the fairy tale in it...
January 9, 2018
If I pay to read a book, I expect to have the ENTIRE book available to read.
I do not want to have to find a wi-Fi connection, go to a website via my kindle and GIVE MY EMAIL ADDRESS in order to read the final chapters. The author calls it an "extended epilogue". But when three key plot threads are left completely up in the air, that's not an "epilogue." That's THE LAST THREE PERCENT OF THE BOOK.
I had a whole second paragraph here about the editing of the book. But I am soooo fumed about the egregiousness of holding the book's conclusion hostage that I am deleting those criticisms. To me this stands alone as reason enough to HATE this book. _NO READER SHOULD HAVE TO RANSOM THE FINAL PORTION OF A BOOK BY DISCLOSING PERSONAL INFORMATION. EVER._
I do not want to have to find a wi-Fi connection, go to a website via my kindle and GIVE MY EMAIL ADDRESS in order to read the final chapters. The author calls it an "extended epilogue". But when three key plot threads are left completely up in the air, that's not an "epilogue." That's THE LAST THREE PERCENT OF THE BOOK.
I had a whole second paragraph here about the editing of the book. But I am soooo fumed about the egregiousness of holding the book's conclusion hostage that I am deleting those criticisms. To me this stands alone as reason enough to HATE this book. _NO READER SHOULD HAVE TO RANSOM THE FINAL PORTION OF A BOOK BY DISCLOSING PERSONAL INFORMATION. EVER._
April 17, 2018
WOW WHAT A WASTE OF MY TIME!!
I am grateful I got "Kind Ella and the Charming Duke" free on Kindle Unlimited, because it is not worth the paper or kindle it is written on. These characters have the makings of greatness, but this author turns them into jokes. The whole story is a joke and not realistic or believable. Very repetitive!!
Rufus Darnley The Duke of Hillington is 35 and must have a heir to past the Duchy onto. He is only very distant relatives that will inhert if something were to happen to him. So he must find a wife and leave all ther pertinate details to his long family Attorney Henry Mercer. Who betrayas Rufus with a scheme he and Ronald Belvide Earl of Danbridge come up with to trap the Duke into marrying one of his dispecable daughters Lady Patience or Lady Georgiana. This two are the most stupid mean girls alive.
Ella Winfield is 20 and her father the Baron has died. It hasn't been less then a year and her mother who is a social climber and wants a title of Countess. Higher then Baroness. She marries The Earl of Danridge. Elle is the Cinderalla style character. She is mistreated even beaten and locked in the attic by Danridge. Her evil self possessed mother watches and agrees to this abusive treatment of her daughter. The Earl of Danridge hates Ella and cowareres her. He only cares about his daughter who care nothing for anyone. But of course they get a HEA!! What the heck!!
The Duke meets Ella at his masquerade ball and is fascinated with her. But she gets away from him leaving only her mask. This dance between the H/H goes on for all of the book. Him not knowing really who Ella is but liking her. When the Duke learns she has been locked away in the attics he rescues her with the help of her ladies maid Violet. They rushed off to Gretna Green and are married. THE END!! The attorney Henry is forgiven and nothing happens to the Earl of Danridge he gets away with what he has done. Epilog,Ella's mother is resuced by The Duke 5 years later after being thrown down the stairs and beaten and abused by her husband the Earl of Danridge. But is rescued by the Duke. OH YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE AUTHROS BRIDGET BARTONS WEBSITE TO READ THIS EPILOG!! WHAT THE HECK KIND of ENDING TO A STORY IS THIS. Just the worse ending I think I have every read of a story. The Villians never get what they deserve Oh and Duke and Ella have a daughter NOT the Son Heir he needs.
THIS STORY IS BULLCRAP DONT WASTE YOUR TIME!!!
I am grateful I got "Kind Ella and the Charming Duke" free on Kindle Unlimited, because it is not worth the paper or kindle it is written on. These characters have the makings of greatness, but this author turns them into jokes. The whole story is a joke and not realistic or believable. Very repetitive!!
Rufus Darnley The Duke of Hillington is 35 and must have a heir to past the Duchy onto. He is only very distant relatives that will inhert if something were to happen to him. So he must find a wife and leave all ther pertinate details to his long family Attorney Henry Mercer. Who betrayas Rufus with a scheme he and Ronald Belvide Earl of Danbridge come up with to trap the Duke into marrying one of his dispecable daughters Lady Patience or Lady Georgiana. This two are the most stupid mean girls alive.
Ella Winfield is 20 and her father the Baron has died. It hasn't been less then a year and her mother who is a social climber and wants a title of Countess. Higher then Baroness. She marries The Earl of Danridge. Elle is the Cinderalla style character. She is mistreated even beaten and locked in the attic by Danridge. Her evil self possessed mother watches and agrees to this abusive treatment of her daughter. The Earl of Danridge hates Ella and cowareres her. He only cares about his daughter who care nothing for anyone. But of course they get a HEA!! What the heck!!
The Duke meets Ella at his masquerade ball and is fascinated with her. But she gets away from him leaving only her mask. This dance between the H/H goes on for all of the book. Him not knowing really who Ella is but liking her. When the Duke learns she has been locked away in the attics he rescues her with the help of her ladies maid Violet. They rushed off to Gretna Green and are married. THE END!! The attorney Henry is forgiven and nothing happens to the Earl of Danridge he gets away with what he has done. Epilog,Ella's mother is resuced by The Duke 5 years later after being thrown down the stairs and beaten and abused by her husband the Earl of Danridge. But is rescued by the Duke. OH YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE AUTHROS BRIDGET BARTONS WEBSITE TO READ THIS EPILOG!! WHAT THE HECK KIND of ENDING TO A STORY IS THIS. Just the worse ending I think I have every read of a story. The Villians never get what they deserve Oh and Duke and Ella have a daughter NOT the Son Heir he needs.
THIS STORY IS BULLCRAP DONT WASTE YOUR TIME!!!
December 19, 2017
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
Its a good read but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.. Probably the because of the way it was written.
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
Its a good read but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.. Probably the because of the way it was written.
December 12, 2017
Cinderella stories are the best
At first something about the writing and dialogue bothered me but I don't know what it was? Stilted maybe but it just wasn't right and then I got into the story and what dialogue I asked!!! I was so excited I almost have not four stars but I am very picky about giving that. I definitely was engaged from the moment the Duke stopped at the tree stump and talked to her. I really liked the Duke. At first I wasn't sure about the h. A little too outspoke I thought, not nice but I was so wrong. She was wonderful and brave and honest. I loved her. This is a clean story and there wasn't even kissing until the last chapter I still really liked it. The villains in this novel are truly horrid to her. Her Mother is simply awful to her daughter and the stepfather is abusive and evil. It entertained me and kept me invested.
At first something about the writing and dialogue bothered me but I don't know what it was? Stilted maybe but it just wasn't right and then I got into the story and what dialogue I asked!!! I was so excited I almost have not four stars but I am very picky about giving that. I definitely was engaged from the moment the Duke stopped at the tree stump and talked to her. I really liked the Duke. At first I wasn't sure about the h. A little too outspoke I thought, not nice but I was so wrong. She was wonderful and brave and honest. I loved her. This is a clean story and there wasn't even kissing until the last chapter I still really liked it. The villains in this novel are truly horrid to her. Her Mother is simply awful to her daughter and the stepfather is abusive and evil. It entertained me and kept me invested.
December 19, 2017
Emotionally gripping, action packed, intriguing romantic adventure filled with family drama, passionate personality, danger, mystery and true friendship.
Ella Winfield is so sweet, passionate and quick witted, loved her huge heart and need for adventure. Rufus Darnley is charming, humorous and strong willed, after years of searching for an honest and witty woman to fall in love with he has decided to give up the search and settle for a wife to give him a son. He never expected to finally find the one woman he has been looking for at the masquerade ball he is hosting to find a suitable wife. He also was not prepared for her to have attended uninvited and unwilling to give him her name. Adored this Highly entertaining twist on a classic Cinderella story.
Ella Winfield is so sweet, passionate and quick witted, loved her huge heart and need for adventure. Rufus Darnley is charming, humorous and strong willed, after years of searching for an honest and witty woman to fall in love with he has decided to give up the search and settle for a wife to give him a son. He never expected to finally find the one woman he has been looking for at the masquerade ball he is hosting to find a suitable wife. He also was not prepared for her to have attended uninvited and unwilling to give him her name. Adored this Highly entertaining twist on a classic Cinderella story.
July 2, 2018
A Good Twist
Having just been burned by a KU freebie, I was twice as skeptical as usual headed into this one.
It was well written, properly edited, had a good twist on a classic, and was enjoyable. I thought the end fizzled just a bit, but overall worth the read.
Having just been burned by a KU freebie, I was twice as skeptical as usual headed into this one.
It was well written, properly edited, had a good twist on a classic, and was enjoyable. I thought the end fizzled just a bit, but overall worth the read.
September 5, 2018
Sweet.
Sweet story. Kind of a Cinderella storyline. Some of the heroines actions were a tad over dramatic/unrealistic (dressing in men’s clothes to deliver a message - why not just send a trusted male servant?), but overall it was a good read. Especially for the price.
Sweet story. Kind of a Cinderella storyline. Some of the heroines actions were a tad over dramatic/unrealistic (dressing in men’s clothes to deliver a message - why not just send a trusted male servant?), but overall it was a good read. Especially for the price.
February 5, 2018
Ich muss sagen, die Charas sind mir doch ans Herz gewachsen. Auch wenn die Geschichte nicht soo spannend war.
December 23, 2018
This is a lovely, clean romance. The Duke falls for a refreshingly open, otherwise mysterious woman at a masked ball. How will he ever find her again? The only negative is the obvious Cinderella parallel.
June 30, 2020
Could hardly put this down! Didn’t really enjoy the extended epilogue though.
December 16, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I received the ARC for free, but the review is my honest opinion.
I really wanted to love this book. It should’ve been a hit for me: regency romance and fairy tale retellings are some of my favorite stories. But this book just didn’t work, in my opinion.
I found the writing, especially the dialogue, very stilted and obvious. For example, in one chapter Henry Mercer tells the duke to avoid a woman who’s too “gregarious.” In the next chapter, Ella describes her stepsisters as “gregarious.” I just think there are more subtle ways to convey that they are unsuitable matches than just repeating the same word.
I also got really annoyed with how everyone treated Violet. They kept applauding her for being smart as though they expected her to be stupid for being a servant. It just came off as condescending.
And finally, and perhaps most importantly, I didn’t feel any spark between Ella and Rufus.
Overall, things just fell flat for me.
I really wanted to love this book. It should’ve been a hit for me: regency romance and fairy tale retellings are some of my favorite stories. But this book just didn’t work, in my opinion.
I found the writing, especially the dialogue, very stilted and obvious. For example, in one chapter Henry Mercer tells the duke to avoid a woman who’s too “gregarious.” In the next chapter, Ella describes her stepsisters as “gregarious.” I just think there are more subtle ways to convey that they are unsuitable matches than just repeating the same word.
I also got really annoyed with how everyone treated Violet. They kept applauding her for being smart as though they expected her to be stupid for being a servant. It just came off as condescending.
And finally, and perhaps most importantly, I didn’t feel any spark between Ella and Rufus.
Overall, things just fell flat for me.
December 12, 2017
This novel has no historical basis at all not even the Regency period that it purports to be in. I have read a lot of Regencies and Historicals and from what I have discerned from these books, is that a vacant seat such as Longton would have had an heir, (usually male ~ the nearest male relative of the same bloodlines as the incumbent) otherwise, the estate will go to the crown. So Longton Manor will not go to the Earl of Dandridge, it will go to Longton's inheritor and if there are other provisions on English laws, then these should have been stated by the author as such are unusual to the norm. Note in P&P alone, Longbourn had its heir in Mr. Collins thus totally depriving the Bennet ladies of hearth and home. I am truly sorry if this observation is incorrect, but I do insist that authors such as these should deeply immerse themselves in the genre and timeline they are supposed to be writing about. Aside from Timeline Warp there is also the language inconsistencies like "from here on in" a present day phrase. What's wrong with "from now on" or something divorced from present day context? OR Ms. Barton can just state that her book is ~ A Historical Regency told in present day context, and (judging by the 4 to 5 stars reviews here) has enough sycophants to lap up her mangled Historicals. No True Blue Regency reader would even read such twaddle. P.S. ~ Ms. Barton is such a nice and gracious lady too BUT she also writes Warped Mangled Regencies/Historicals that I can not bring myself to read without suffering so I will unsubscribe from her newsletter after this.
December 5, 2017
His Grace Goes Looking For A Wife👰
Historical Chaste Romance
Ella💃💔 is a young woman who has lost her father, a moderately wealthy Baron. He was everything to her as she was an only child. Her mother is a different story all together, though. She can't wait to get remarried, even though the mourning period at this time in history was a firm one year. She plans on marrying up to the very wealthy Earl of Dandridge! She has her sights set on him. He's a widower with two single adult daughters who need husbands.
Once she is married to the Earl, Ella's mother begins treating her like the hired help. Everything is for the two daughters of the Earl. Ella💃💔 is nobody now, nothing.
Ella💃💔 is greatly disappointed in her mother's money grubbing and uncaring ways towards her. All the property Ella's father left them, of course goes to the new husband.
Rufus🐺🍆🌋, the Duke of Hillingdon is 35 years old and he has decided he has to get married and produce an heir. The problem is, all the women he knows about in the area are golddiggers or airheads that he can't carry on a conversation with.
Rufus🐺🍆🌋 is told about the three young women at Dandridge Hall, so he visits for tea one afternoon to check them out. The two daughters of the Earl are dressed up and presented to him, but the Earl ignores Ella💃💔, even though she is in the room. Rufus🐺🍆🌋 sees Ella💃💋💔 though, and makes a point of introducing himself and talking to her. As soon as he shows interest in Ella, her mother tells Ella she needs to go do some made up errand. Her mother and stepfather want her out of the room and away from the Duke, so the two step sisters can take advantage of Rufus🐺🍆🌋.
Rufus🐺🍆🌋 is interested in Ella💃💋, not the step sisters!..
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍆, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
Liked the book! The author does a great job with the language, customs, and the way people acted and thought in those days. It's a total package.
Historical Chaste Romance
Ella💃💔 is a young woman who has lost her father, a moderately wealthy Baron. He was everything to her as she was an only child. Her mother is a different story all together, though. She can't wait to get remarried, even though the mourning period at this time in history was a firm one year. She plans on marrying up to the very wealthy Earl of Dandridge! She has her sights set on him. He's a widower with two single adult daughters who need husbands.
Once she is married to the Earl, Ella's mother begins treating her like the hired help. Everything is for the two daughters of the Earl. Ella💃💔 is nobody now, nothing.
Ella💃💔 is greatly disappointed in her mother's money grubbing and uncaring ways towards her. All the property Ella's father left them, of course goes to the new husband.
Rufus🐺🍆🌋, the Duke of Hillingdon is 35 years old and he has decided he has to get married and produce an heir. The problem is, all the women he knows about in the area are golddiggers or airheads that he can't carry on a conversation with.
Rufus🐺🍆🌋 is told about the three young women at Dandridge Hall, so he visits for tea one afternoon to check them out. The two daughters of the Earl are dressed up and presented to him, but the Earl ignores Ella💃💔, even though she is in the room. Rufus🐺🍆🌋 sees Ella💃💋💔 though, and makes a point of introducing himself and talking to her. As soon as he shows interest in Ella, her mother tells Ella she needs to go do some made up errand. Her mother and stepfather want her out of the room and away from the Duke, so the two step sisters can take advantage of Rufus🐺🍆🌋.
Rufus🐺🍆🌋 is interested in Ella💃💋, not the step sisters!..
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍆, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
Liked the book! The author does a great job with the language, customs, and the way people acted and thought in those days. It's a total package.
December 9, 2017
I tend to avoid retellings of classic tales that I truly love, always being afraid that the new version will despoil the one I adore. That’s certainly the case with Cinderella which is one of my two favorite classic fairy tales (the other being Beauty and the Beast). Nevertheless I took a risk with this book as I’ve read other Regency Romances by Bridget Barton and have loved them. I’m truly happy that I did so as this book was, quite frankly, simply superb. It is clearly inspired by the classic tale. The heroine’s name is “Ella” after all and there is an evil step mother equivalent, two step-sisters and even a Ball. Having said that, this is no mere retelling. It’s Regency period accurate, the “step mom” is actually Ella’s real mother who remarried after Ella’s father dies. While mother dearest is pretty bad through (though she gets her comeuppance at the end, the step father is the true monster of this piece. The sisters are variations as well. One is indeed spoiled and mean. The other is mostly just vapid, silly and a bit stupid - but fundamentally she does treat her step sister as well as might be expected in the context. And the “Prince Charming” here? Most definitely an improvement. The male lead is indeed a most charming Duke, but he is actually totally realistic with motivations that make sense and a goodness to his soul which is just delightful. Frankly this entire book is delightful and most definitely highly recommended. And, as a treat, I found out that if you contact the author via her website you can get an extended epilogue which is wonderful, not only providing a nice update to the HEA but tempering the disgust felt towards Ella’s Mom somewhat by finally helping the reader to understand her motivations
April 22, 2018
This book was okay. I went into it believing it would be another Cinderella-esque story but was relieved that it wasn't. It was actually easy to forget it started out somewhat similarly. There were some interesting plot twists
July 5, 2021
This is a sweet, little Cinderella story, but I was torn by some of it. As a Baron, Elle's family estate would have gone to the nearest male relative, not to the awful Ariadne. There is a brief mention that Ariadne gave Ella's share to the Earl on her marriage and this, also, would not have happened. Ella's share of any inheritance would have been held in trust for her until she came of age. From the inferences, her father would never have entrusted his ambitious wife with his daughter's future. The addition of a not so nice heir could have caused them to be homeless and facilitated Ariadne's need to marry the Earl. Even she would not have willingly have given up all she had achieved with her first marriage and put herself into the hands of a man.
I find it hard to believe that the two step-sisters were so lacking in manners. As daughters of an Earl they would have had lessons in deportment, etc. The Earl was so nasty, I find it hard to believe he would be so indulgent towards his daughters. He may have created spoilt brats, but more likely, he would have been very strict and insisted they toe the line and be ladies in manner, if only to avoid gossip from the ton and get them married off. He is arrogant enough to need to be proud of them.
I get that Ella's mother was afraid of the Earl, but to treat her own daughter as bad as that is shameful. What a horrible woman.
The Duke is a bit wishy-washy in asking his solicitor to find him a wife. He's 35, not 20. I'm sure he would have had a few requirements of his own and also that he would have taken at least a little control of his own future.
The extended epilogue is quite long, and as such, should have been in the actual book. It forms a major part of the story, not just extra little bits to round it out.
I love romances set in history, but this one had little of real history as a background. In view of these concerns, I gave this one 3 stars. It is a good story and actually has a lot of potential to be great.
I find it hard to believe that the two step-sisters were so lacking in manners. As daughters of an Earl they would have had lessons in deportment, etc. The Earl was so nasty, I find it hard to believe he would be so indulgent towards his daughters. He may have created spoilt brats, but more likely, he would have been very strict and insisted they toe the line and be ladies in manner, if only to avoid gossip from the ton and get them married off. He is arrogant enough to need to be proud of them.
I get that Ella's mother was afraid of the Earl, but to treat her own daughter as bad as that is shameful. What a horrible woman.
The Duke is a bit wishy-washy in asking his solicitor to find him a wife. He's 35, not 20. I'm sure he would have had a few requirements of his own and also that he would have taken at least a little control of his own future.
The extended epilogue is quite long, and as such, should have been in the actual book. It forms a major part of the story, not just extra little bits to round it out.
I love romances set in history, but this one had little of real history as a background. In view of these concerns, I gave this one 3 stars. It is a good story and actually has a lot of potential to be great.
December 5, 2017
Kind Ella and the Charming Duke was such a great book. I enjoyed it from page one right up to the very end.
Ella Winfield's father has died and her mother is going to marry the Earl of Dandridge. He has a reputation of being a terrible man and Ella and her mother soon learn that is exactly what he is. When Ella's mother marries the Earl they move into his home. He has two daughters who he highly favors. Ella soon is placed in the position of being lower than the rest of the family.
The Duke of Hillington decides he has to fulfill his duty and marry. The Earl of Dandridge will use any means necessary to see that the Duke selects one of his daughters. The Duke throws a masquerade ball to begin the wife search. When Ella sneaks in, she gets to speak with the Duke and they have an instant connection. But the Duke does not know who his masked lady is. When the Duke meets Ella (unmasked) they also have an instant connection. They are only permitted to speak in secret but both feel comfortable with one another. Ella is not like the other ladies, she does not seek a title for herself. But Ella's home life is terrible. She is constantly cast aside. When Ella learns the Earl is conspiring against the Duke she gives him messages that alert him to the danger. When the Duke finally realizes he loves Ella, he learns she is being held captive by the Earl. Will he take the chance of rescuing the woman he realizes he loves?
The book really captures you on page one. I love that it reminds me of a fairy tale. Such a great read!
Ella Winfield's father has died and her mother is going to marry the Earl of Dandridge. He has a reputation of being a terrible man and Ella and her mother soon learn that is exactly what he is. When Ella's mother marries the Earl they move into his home. He has two daughters who he highly favors. Ella soon is placed in the position of being lower than the rest of the family.
The Duke of Hillington decides he has to fulfill his duty and marry. The Earl of Dandridge will use any means necessary to see that the Duke selects one of his daughters. The Duke throws a masquerade ball to begin the wife search. When Ella sneaks in, she gets to speak with the Duke and they have an instant connection. But the Duke does not know who his masked lady is. When the Duke meets Ella (unmasked) they also have an instant connection. They are only permitted to speak in secret but both feel comfortable with one another. Ella is not like the other ladies, she does not seek a title for herself. But Ella's home life is terrible. She is constantly cast aside. When Ella learns the Earl is conspiring against the Duke she gives him messages that alert him to the danger. When the Duke finally realizes he loves Ella, he learns she is being held captive by the Earl. Will he take the chance of rescuing the woman he realizes he loves?
The book really captures you on page one. I love that it reminds me of a fairy tale. Such a great read!
November 29, 2017
WOW What a story. I could not stop reading from page one till the end. Then the bonus was the extended epilogue. The story revolved around Ella and her mother. Her mother remarried after her father had passed away and she married a monster with two spoiled and bratty daughters. Her mother only thinking of herself put her husband and his two daughters ahead of her own daughter, Ella. Ella had no one to turn to her mother disavowed her as well as her mother's husband and family. Dear Ella became close with her ladies maid Violet and her bow William. When Rufus, the duke, decided to marry he arranged a masked ball to meet all the eligible families in the county. That was the evening Rufus and Ella met. Ella knew who he was but he did not know who she was. The rest of the story is about how the duke, Rufus wanted to know the masked lady from the masquerade ball but never found out. Instead he met Ella (without the mask) at her step-father's home when he went to call upon her step-sisters. The story chronicles their relationship blossoming from acquaintances to friends to more. There was one place where the step-father had been cruel and violently abusive to Ella that it made me almost cry for her. This is not your typical historical romance and I enjoyed reading it.
I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily received an Advanced Readers copy of this book.
I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily received an Advanced Readers copy of this book.
October 8, 2021
Another take on the Cinderella theme with a twist. Lovely Ella’s father is dead and The body isn’t cold when her mother Marries an Earl - she wants to be a countess. The social climbing woman was thrilled that she was able to snag a title. In the traditional Cinderella story the evil stepmother treats Ella terribly and in our story it is her mother who is the evil person. (Don’t worry, the mother gets her just desserts.)
Ella’s new stepfather has two ugly daughters and he is adamant about finding them husbands. When The neighbor and Duke announces he is searching for a bride, Ella stepfather goes to extreme in order to land him as a son-in-law. Ella, being sweet and kind, sits in the background while the aforementioned stepsisters are shoved at the poor Duke. Because the Duke shot and in ordinate amount of interest in Ella and all but ignored his daughters, her stepfather for bid her from attend a masquerade ball to which the entire family was invited.
When the dude finds out that Ella has been missed treated bitten by her stepfather, he and her made rush to her aid.
The love story that develops between Elma and the Duke suite but paved with quite a few roadblocks. This was a delightful read and I like the fact that it twisted the story to which we are all familiar.
Richard Burton is once again written and endearing story then captivates our hearts.
Ella’s new stepfather has two ugly daughters and he is adamant about finding them husbands. When The neighbor and Duke announces he is searching for a bride, Ella stepfather goes to extreme in order to land him as a son-in-law. Ella, being sweet and kind, sits in the background while the aforementioned stepsisters are shoved at the poor Duke. Because the Duke shot and in ordinate amount of interest in Ella and all but ignored his daughters, her stepfather for bid her from attend a masquerade ball to which the entire family was invited.
When the dude finds out that Ella has been missed treated bitten by her stepfather, he and her made rush to her aid.
The love story that develops between Elma and the Duke suite but paved with quite a few roadblocks. This was a delightful read and I like the fact that it twisted the story to which we are all familiar.
Richard Burton is once again written and endearing story then captivates our hearts.
December 4, 2017
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.
I absolutely love love love this book! It is quite a surprising spin on the cinderella fairy tale.
In some way it was even more heartwrenching than the original story as it involves not only a mean stepfather and sisters, but also a mean biological mother. Moreover, I think it was unique that the duke fell in love with her, even though he was actually searching for a mysterious masked woman he had met once on his masqueradeball.
I really liked how Mrs. Barton infused the story with various moral themes, such as the unusual relationship both Ella and the duke have with their servants, in terms of the time-period, and how it influences their lives.
All in all I award this book four stars out of a possible five. I reserve five stars for books that do not have any points of improvement. This book, however, did have some minor issues concerning the writing style. In a few instances 'duke' was mentioned where 'earl' should have been mentioned and vice versa.
*English is not my native tongue, so I apologize for any writing errors.
I absolutely love love love this book! It is quite a surprising spin on the cinderella fairy tale.
In some way it was even more heartwrenching than the original story as it involves not only a mean stepfather and sisters, but also a mean biological mother. Moreover, I think it was unique that the duke fell in love with her, even though he was actually searching for a mysterious masked woman he had met once on his masqueradeball.
I really liked how Mrs. Barton infused the story with various moral themes, such as the unusual relationship both Ella and the duke have with their servants, in terms of the time-period, and how it influences their lives.
All in all I award this book four stars out of a possible five. I reserve five stars for books that do not have any points of improvement. This book, however, did have some minor issues concerning the writing style. In a few instances 'duke' was mentioned where 'earl' should have been mentioned and vice versa.
*English is not my native tongue, so I apologize for any writing errors.
November 30, 2017
I was honestly stunned by this book. Nothing I have complained about in previous reviews of Bridget's books showed up here. The storyline flowed beautifully, with exciting development and absolutely vibrant characterization. The climax of the book was absolutely thrilling and I had to force myself to go back and reread parts of it because I was turning the pages so fast, breathless to see what happened next. Ella and Rufus are wonderfully painted, very charming to read. The villains of the book are vividly characterized and their language shows who they are - this is one of the few Regency Romance books I have read where if a line of dialogue was spoken by a character, I knew exactly who was speaking (instead of the lines being the expected conversation you hear in every Regency Romance novel). This is also the first and only Regency Romance book I have ever read where I could see someone making a film of it. The drama and pacing was absolutely cinematic and I was casting people in my head while reading. Absolute Bravo!
December 31, 2017
An Updated Cinderella Story
A charming retelling of the tale of Cinderella set in Recency England. When Ella's mother remarries a brutal man with two daughters, she is cast in the role of invisible step sister. The Duke, who is in search of a bride, hosts a masquerade ball. All the eligible young women are invited but Ella's stepfather forbids her from attending so his own daughters stand a better chance to impress the duke. Of course our heroine attends but when it is time to leave the ball she drops her golden mask. Instead of a fairy godmother she is aided by her intrepid maid. The story is further fleshed out as Ella's mother turns against her and imprisons her daughter in The attic.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Beautifully adapted from the children's fairy tale, the story is at once captivating and charming. The step sisters provide comic relief from the evil machinations of the heroine's mother and stepfather. Richly detailed settings and wonderfully flawed characters make this a terrific read.
A charming retelling of the tale of Cinderella set in Recency England. When Ella's mother remarries a brutal man with two daughters, she is cast in the role of invisible step sister. The Duke, who is in search of a bride, hosts a masquerade ball. All the eligible young women are invited but Ella's stepfather forbids her from attending so his own daughters stand a better chance to impress the duke. Of course our heroine attends but when it is time to leave the ball she drops her golden mask. Instead of a fairy godmother she is aided by her intrepid maid. The story is further fleshed out as Ella's mother turns against her and imprisons her daughter in The attic.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Beautifully adapted from the children's fairy tale, the story is at once captivating and charming. The step sisters provide comic relief from the evil machinations of the heroine's mother and stepfather. Richly detailed settings and wonderfully flawed characters make this a terrific read.
November 30, 2017
What a delightful story! Shades of Cinderella and the awful stepsisters make the reader wishing for happiness for the heroine! Ella Winfield is heartbroken when her father dies and in shock when her mother soon marries again to the Earl of Dandridge. Of course the Earl has two spoiled daughters who will do whatever is needed to get their own way. As her stepfather finds that the Duke of Hillington is in the market for a wife, he is eager to have one of his daughters become his bride. When there is a masquerade ball and Ella is not allowed to attend, she sneaks in anyway to see what the stepsisters are up to!! When she meets Rufus, the Duke of Hillington, she finds herself enchanted, Rufus does not know who the young lady was he was speaking with but hopes he can find her As the Earl schemes to keep the Duke's interest on his daughters, Ella cannot stand by and let that happen. This sweet story will keep you entertained and sorry when it ends.
February 21, 2018
Ella Winfield's father had died. It was just her mother and herself, then her mother married the Earl of Dandridge. She is emotionally abused as well as physically, locked in a room, from which she can't escape. Rufus Darnley, Duke of Hillington, it has been rumored that he is a nice man.
A lot is going on in this story, an evil Earl, who marries her uncaring mother and two stepsisters and she is left alone. She goes to a masquerade ball and meets the Duke. They seem to like each other.
This is a very convoluted tale, there is betrayal, brutality, attempted murder, deceit and intrigue. Money changes hands, lies are told and the Earl thinks everything is going his way. The characters are well fleshed out and fast becoming your friends. The author has gathered all the little pieces together and made them into a wonderful, well thought out and mesmerizing book.
I received this ARC and voluntarily reviewed it.
A lot is going on in this story, an evil Earl, who marries her uncaring mother and two stepsisters and she is left alone. She goes to a masquerade ball and meets the Duke. They seem to like each other.
This is a very convoluted tale, there is betrayal, brutality, attempted murder, deceit and intrigue. Money changes hands, lies are told and the Earl thinks everything is going his way. The characters are well fleshed out and fast becoming your friends. The author has gathered all the little pieces together and made them into a wonderful, well thought out and mesmerizing book.
I received this ARC and voluntarily reviewed it.
April 5, 2018
Nice reinvention of the Cinderella story. A few editing issues, but not enough to completely disrupt the flow of the story.
Ella is the daughter of a social- and status-climbing mama. When her father the Baron dies, her mama aims up the peer ladder and finds a nasty Earl. He has two self-absorbed daughters to marry off, so of course, Ella must not be allowed to jeopardize their chances. Especially when there is a nice Duke on the market. There is the standard meeting at the ball, followed by several other meetings where the Duke is clueless to the fact that the mystery woman and Ella are one and the same. Both slowly realize that the other is just what they are looking for in a spouse. The road that gets them to HEA is a little bumpy.
Nice read that flowed along really well. Good secondary characters. A little iffy on the 15(!) year age difference, even though this is set in the Regency era. Not uncommon then, but still.
Ella is the daughter of a social- and status-climbing mama. When her father the Baron dies, her mama aims up the peer ladder and finds a nasty Earl. He has two self-absorbed daughters to marry off, so of course, Ella must not be allowed to jeopardize their chances. Especially when there is a nice Duke on the market. There is the standard meeting at the ball, followed by several other meetings where the Duke is clueless to the fact that the mystery woman and Ella are one and the same. Both slowly realize that the other is just what they are looking for in a spouse. The road that gets them to HEA is a little bumpy.
Nice read that flowed along really well. Good secondary characters. A little iffy on the 15(!) year age difference, even though this is set in the Regency era. Not uncommon then, but still.
December 4, 2017
Cinderella with a little twist. Ella is gentle and kind, headstrong and spunky, and wants to marry for love. Rufus Darnley, Duke of Hillington is handsome, thoughtful, and wants to marry for love. Things should go well once they meet. But it is not meant to be. A wicked stepfather, an uncaring mother, and betrayal by a friend work to keep these two apart. They have allies, but will it be enough? Remember, it is a fairy tale.
Bridget Barton has written nice and quite interesting retelling of the classic tale. Her story is familiar, with just enough twist to keep the reader guessing (and hoping). As always the descriptions paint pictures of her characters and their surroundings. An enchanting story.
Bridget Barton has written nice and quite interesting retelling of the classic tale. Her story is familiar, with just enough twist to keep the reader guessing (and hoping). As always the descriptions paint pictures of her characters and their surroundings. An enchanting story.
December 6, 2017
Definitely a page turner! This book will not disappoint!
I enjoyed this book so much. One of my favorite books to date and I read a lot. Ella was a beautiful woman inside and out and it showed throughout the book. Meeting the handsome Duke, Rufus, was a pleasant experience as well. He was kind, smart, honest, and so very attractive. I love how they stole glances at each other and loved talking to each other. They built their relationship through small conversations and hidden messages and i loved it. Especially the way he went into action and saved her from Dandridge Hall. Such an amazing story and i wish it never ended. Im looking forward to move of your work. This is the first book ive read but i love it and you have definitely made a new fan! Thanks for the read!
I enjoyed this book so much. One of my favorite books to date and I read a lot. Ella was a beautiful woman inside and out and it showed throughout the book. Meeting the handsome Duke, Rufus, was a pleasant experience as well. He was kind, smart, honest, and so very attractive. I love how they stole glances at each other and loved talking to each other. They built their relationship through small conversations and hidden messages and i loved it. Especially the way he went into action and saved her from Dandridge Hall. Such an amazing story and i wish it never ended. Im looking forward to move of your work. This is the first book ive read but i love it and you have definitely made a new fan! Thanks for the read!
December 6, 2017
Well written book with great storyline and plot. A sweet book that has great romance. The story is true to it's time period and the language is also. I like when an author has made research about the time period they want to write the story in. Typical regency story.
I love the couples journey towards their HEA. There is drama, family issues, passion, emotions and some twists and turns. Instant attraction. I like the supporting characters. It has a slow start that is simular to Cinderella but that soon gets better. True love will always win in the end.
Nice chemistry and passion. I like the main characters and how they develop. The story flows nicely and it is very captivating from first to last chapter. The author has delivered a story that is worth the read!
I love the couples journey towards their HEA. There is drama, family issues, passion, emotions and some twists and turns. Instant attraction. I like the supporting characters. It has a slow start that is simular to Cinderella but that soon gets better. True love will always win in the end.
Nice chemistry and passion. I like the main characters and how they develop. The story flows nicely and it is very captivating from first to last chapter. The author has delivered a story that is worth the read!
November 29, 2017
This is a charming Cinderella tale set in Regency, England. Instead of a wicked stepmother we have a wick stepfather and his two bratty daughters. His only concern is to get his daughters married off, and he goes by any means to do so. Ella hates this new life her mother has made for her and decides to become a watcher, but her heart can't bear the evil that is being done to the Duke. This is a full novel with a little extra if you finish the novel. The extended epilogue is worth the reading. You'll be charmed, angry, and thankful that there are good people in the world to overcome the evil that we see around us. Thank you, Bridget Barton for such a lovely tale!
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