A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke

by Hanna Hamilton

An Historical Regency Romance Novel

Jenny Barnett dreams of becoming a chef. She works in the family business her parents worked so hard to create from scratch and finds great pleasure in her simple, country life.

When meeting the very handsome but alarmingly popular among the ladies Thomas Haddington, the famous Duke of Pemberton, a whole new world full of possibilities opens up to her, and she goes through a complete makeover to win over his heart.

However, battling her feelings of love seems to be the only way in a society ruled by status and social standing...​​​

With not only his entire dukedom’s future at stake but also his painful past forever hanging upon him like a dark cloud, Thomas soon discovers that everything in his life left worth fighting ​for is suddenly threatened by utter extinction.

More tragically​, the enemy is no other than the only person he would put his hand in the fire to prove him innocent…the scheming Earl of Denham or, in other words, his very own uncle.

*A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke is a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.

Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2018

About the author

Hanna Hamilton has been fascinated with the Regency era ever since she was a young teen, first discovering historical romance novels by famous authors such as Jane Austen and Lisa Kleypas. She believes that love was just so much more magical back then, more like a fairy tale. She always daydreamed about finding love herself that way, but since that is impossible in the twenty-first century, she decided to write about it instead!

Born in Texas, Hanna Hamilton obtained a degree in Creative Writing and has worked as a literature teacher before becoming a novelist. When she isn’t writing, Hanna likes to explore the countryside with her husband and two children, gaining inspiration from the natural world around her.

So, come on a journey into love, confusion, and redemption all within the Regency era. Hanna hopes that you will enjoy immersing yourself into her novels and that you too will find a love for old-fashioned romance, just as she has. 


Facebook page: http://facebook.com/hannahamiltonauthor

Reviews

[HR-ML · Rating 2 out of 5]

Conclusion- a modern romance disguised as a Regency.
Parts were readable & hopeful (?), but distracting elements
prevailed.

This featured Thomas a duke & Jenny, a baker and baker's
daughter. It strained credibility that Jenny served as BFF
to Lady Helena, dtr of an earl, after they were educated
together. Huh?

The author depicted Thomas as an inattentive duke who
for 7 years avoided reading estate accounts! Huh? Which
made it convenient for a relative to steal from under the
duke's nose. Thomas & his Grandma declined to punish
this man. Huh? Who'd bother with a man who neglected
to periodically contact his solicitor or banker? Thomas
seemed to have insufficient 'candle-power' to hold Jenny's
attention.

Lady Prunella attracted Thomas, they danced @a ball, & on
another day, they enjoyed a luncheon together. After lunch,
Pru's mother spoke alone with Thomas, bragging that Pru
had a yearly income of 41,000 pounds. Most Regency folks
protected privacy, such as finances.

This romance used off-putting modern phrases. Examples:
Jenny called herself "a local." "He had bailed on her." He
needed to "up his game." Did the author intend to write a
modern romance? A Regency? Or both?

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke by Hanna Hamilton is a well crafted and beautifully written Regency Romance. The characters are charming and engaging. The storyline is well defined, with surprisingly interesting twists and turns. The secondary characters helped to carry the story alone. The romance is sweet and clean. If you enjoy sweet romance, interesting characters and an intriguing storyline, than is definitely a book for you to sink your heart into.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Regency Romance tales and I tend to be a stickler for wanting them to be period appropriate. Normally I’d not even try to read a story about a Duke and a baker as (aside from perhaps using her as a mistress if she was appealing enough) you just know there’s no way a couple like that would end up with a married HEA. Then along comes A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke. I really only tried this because I’ve loved other Regency tales by Hanna Hamilton. They’ve consistently hit my sweet spot. I’m so very glad I did try it. This is a fabulous book. Beautifully written, but that’s almost an “of course” with this author. What’s key though is that somehow the story works perfectly both as a really beautiful romance and as a Regency period tale that doesn’t require the reader to ignore everything she knows about the Period. The leads here, baker Jenny and her Duke Thomas, are perfectly crafted. The supporting cast, especially key “best supporting actors” George and Helena (and brother Robert and his horse race jockeying), are superb. Really “superb” pretty much fits every aspect of this novel. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas, the Duke of Pemberton, knows his duty. Betrayal by his uncle has left the family, the duchy, and the estate in financial difficulty. Thomas knows it is up to him to set things right again. He has a plan, and so does his Grandmama. His is a venture to breed and racehorses. Hers is for him to marry a wealthy heiress. Thomas isn’t opposed to marriage, but he would prefer to marry for love. Thomas meets and falls in love with the baker’s daughter, Jenny, and she with him. When he tells her there can never be anything more than friendship between them, it breaks both their hearts. It’s not looking like a happily ever after for them, but keep reading. There may be some surprises.

The characters in this book are easy to like and root for. They work hard, take their responsibilities seriously, and are supportive of each other. They are warm, kind, and caring. The story moves along nicely and has several twists and surprises. Hanna Hamilton has once again delivered a wonderfully sweet and charming love story. I recommend this one.

I received an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.

[5 Kindles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story!! I am never disappointed by Hanna Hamiltons stories and characters, and this one was just superb. Jenny Barnett has dreams of becoming a pastry chef in a grand home. She is set to realize the beginning of a dream when she is asked to prepare the pastries for a ball being hosted by Thomas, Duke of Pemberton, and his grandmother Augusta. Then she is forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered by her sister as she cannot leave her parents bakery without much needed help. Meanwhile Thomas and his grandmother are in need of funds to replenish those stolen by his Uncle. He needs to find an heiress that he can love, BUT his heart has already been captured by Jenny, and he is trying hard to ignore the pull toward her, since it is rare that nobility marries working class and she of course has no dowry. How the story progresses with all the twists and turns as well as their best friends kept me reading straight through. I highly recommend this latest offering.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenny comes from a working class family. Thomas is a duke. Can their love survive? To make the situation worse, Thomas' uncle has left him almost in ruin financially. Helena is in love with George, a young man from a good family, but he has no title. Her father is determined she will marry Thomas because he is duke. Thomas's grandmother and uncle is after him to marry a young woman with a nice large dowry, to bring money back into the family. Will Jenny and Thomas marry or will they allow their situation to rule their heads? What about Helena and George? Can they persuade her father of their love for each other?

I absolutely loved this book. It is my favorite to date by Hannah Hamilton. If you haven't tried Ms Hamilton's books, I recommend you try this one. You won't be disappointed. This book is clean, sweet and wholesome. I received a copy this book for my honest opinion.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Hamilton always writes a great story with well thought out characters that come to life in the page.

Jenny comes from a family of bakers and has dreams of becoming a great bakery chef one day. Thomas is a Duke with trying to save his estate due to money problems. He was jilted at the alter and cannot imagine finding love again. He meets Jenny while coming to her aid trying to find a shelter for them both until the storm passes. However once they go their separate ways they keep thinking about each other, but the difference in their social class will stand in the way even if they have feelings for one another they know it can never be. So it begins!!!

This is a great read as usual and I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.

I received this book for an honest way review.

[Laila Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Hanna Hamilton delivers a story that is a must read. It is written with heart and passion. It is true to the timeperiod and the language.
Characters are likeable and well described. It is very captivating and enjoyable to read.
The characters come from two very different classes but are attracted to each other. He has moneyproblems because of his uncle and he has to find a solution to that. She is a bakers daughter and is not from the fine class he is supposed to marry a lady from.
A sweet and very well written story that I only can recommend to others that like a historical romance with some unexpected twists.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable Regency romance with some twists and turns. Thomas and Jenny are from two different worlds and English society would frown on such an attraction. Thomas’ struggle to pull the family out of the situation left by his uncle, leaves him no time or inclination to marry. His feelings for Jenny also seems to distract him from his search. Well written plot and storyline with realistic characters, made this a book well worth reading.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Daniella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet and clever regency romance, it's easy to love Jenny and Thomas. There is a class difference, but they're absolutely perfect for one another. Their hearts clearly belong together, and I thoroughly enjoyed rooting for their HEA, which was well deserved. The author does a great job getting us immersed in the story, the plot is a treat, and the characters well-crafted. A fantastic, and highly recommend romance. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a interesting and entertaining story. Thomas is determined, kind, sweet and oblivious. Jenny is sweet, hard working and kind. An accidental meeting leads to feelings, but nothing will ever come of it because he's a Duke and she's just a bakers daughter. But drama abounds in this story. Love, betrayal, illegal activities and family contribute to this complex storyline.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pressure of family and society oftentimes can be stifling. The Duke has to find that making happiness for himself is worth shaking off this mantle. This is a story filled with twists and turns, falls from grace and opportunities for redemption. Two couples tenaciously hang on to their dreams and find their happily ever after.

[Sue Kozdras · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, typical romance novel. Was entertaining .

[Vi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dandy regency romance! Liked that it explores both the boxes society places us in and those we enclose ourselves in. Loved the characters, especially Aunt Rosemary, who spoke her mind and when riled could be a "holy terror!" Jenny's family was fierce - close, loving and loyal to each other, loved that. Story was drawn out in spots. Good read.
Voluntarily read ARC for honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written book that I want to reread, the story drew me in on the first page.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a part of Hanna Hamilton's advanced reader group, and generally, I love her stories. I had a few issues with this one. I’m disappointed because I feel like her writing has been getting better and better, and I almost wondered if someone else had written this for her!

The first problem for me was that it was slow-moving and disjointed from the start. I had a lot of trouble getting into it initially. I think part of the problem was that there were too many characters and plotlines. By trying to cram every related character into one book, the author was unable to provide enough depth to any of them. Thomas and Jenny needed their own story. George and Helena needed their own story. Uncle Wilcox needed his own story. Now, I'm no expert on how three separate stories, including characters from each of the others, could have been written, but there are other authors successfully doing that.

Another problem is that I didn't feel an emotional punch. I just didn’t feel connected to any of the characters, and I think that was probably related to the issue of too many characters.

Finally, the author never explained what happened with Thomas' first engagement. What happened to his fiance Amanda and his best friend David? Up until the end, I kept thinking I would find out more, but it never happened.

This isn’t a bad book. It just isn’t up to the standards that I have grown to expect from this author. If you are new to her writing, I suggest trying another book first. My favorites are The Scandal of the Deceived Duchess and Diana Adores the Puzzled Earl. I’m afraid this book might lead you to assume her writing is not that good.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a clean simple story of a duke falling for the village pastry baker. There was very little romance and dialogue between the two. I found more romance between the baker and another suitor than with the duke. Then the villain of the piece seemed out of place. It felt like it was thrown in as filler for the dramatic piece. But that it not as exciting as it sounds. I found more excitement between a father who wanted his daughter to marry the duke but she was in love with his best friend and the duke and her were as close as brother and sister. When the duke thought there was no future with the baker, he found another woman to court. At first, she seemed perfect for him. But when she, her mother and sister went to the country to visit him. She acted so differently. She insulted the duke's grandmother, looked down on how the house was decorated along with other demeaning statements. It just did not flow naturally that one moment she was perfect and then she was not. I feel most of the emphasis of the story was on how the duke and his best friend were building a racehorse stud farm. Now that I found interesting. This is slow paced, drawn out, not much of a story on the duke and the pastry baker. I did enjoy reading the extended epilogue that jumped a few years later. I did not find this book appealing, but others may enjoy it.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke of Pemberton was left at the alter and never really got over it. He knew he had to eventually marry but couldn't find a lady among the ton who he really wanted! He was having a really good time dating--but his grandmother and his Uncle kept pressuring him.

Jenny Barnett, a baker's daughter, made some of the finest pastries around--all she really wanted in her life was to get a job in one of the ton's homes as a pastry chef.

One day as Jenny was walking home from a friends house it started to rain--heavily. The Duke happened upon her and took her back to his home to dry off. He was a complete gentleman-even giving her a dress to wear-then allowing her to keep it.

Meanwhile Grandmother decided that they would give a ball--and Thomas hired Jenny to make the pastries. It was not to be--Jenny's sister had broken her ankle and Jenny was needed at the family bakery.

His uncle--well--let's just say he was a scoundrel of the worst sort-but I'll let you read all about that and just why he was so intent on the Duke marrying a rich woman!!

All will be revealed--just know that this is a very happily ever after!!

[Kelly Tyree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke is about a Duke, Thomas Haddington, that finds himself in the middle of a financial crisis. He learns his uncle has taken not only money from his estate, but also from his grandmother who lives at the estate. The only plan that his family has to get them out of this crisis is for him to marry for money. But Thomas finds himself drawn to a baker, Jenny Barnett, who works in a bakery with her family.

Jenny dreams of one day becoming a chef at a fancy estate. When she meets Thomas, she finds this could be her chance. But she also finds herself attracted to the Duke. Jenny finds she has a pursuer that is much better suited for her.

As Thomas tries to come up with a business plan that would allow him to marry for love instead of money. But Thomas's uncle tries to sabotage Thomas every chance he gets. When Thomas meets a girl that is in his own social class and has money that can save his estate, does he marry out of duty and why does he keep thinking about Jenny?

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book! All Jenny wanted to do was be a pastry chef in a big house and make he own way away from her parents bakery. Thomas was a Duke who found out his uncle Wilcox not only stole from the dukedom but from his own mother because of bad investments and gambling. He kept encouraging him to marry a wealthy heiress to replenish what was take. Every one expected him to marry Helena whom he has know since birth but they only thought of each other as siblings plus Helena was in love with George his best friend. When he finally meets Jenny in a rain storm there is such a connection but he knows he can never marry a commoner. But what can you do when you love someone who is not suitable to your standards according to the Ton! The struggles, lies, deception and finally triumph in a beautifully written story.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bakers daughter is best friends with a lady of quality. They have attended school together and formed a friendship like sisters. Jenny (the bakers daughter) had a dream to bake at a "big house" like a peer might live in. Her best friend Helena was wealthy but her family had earned their fortune in trade and was looked down upon by the most elite of society. Helena 's father planned on her marrying the local Duke. The problem was Helena was not in love with him. She had known Thomas all her life and he was more like a brother than a romantic interest. George was also wealthy man of quality whose family had made a fortune in trade.
Jenny's family was poor and hard working whose labors fed the village with breads,meat pies, cakes and pies. Thomas soon discovers that he has had his fortune embezzled by a greedy uncle and he needs to marry money to safe his estate.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is well written and the characters are deeply defined. It is easy to fall in love with the Duke and Jenny. The problem with the story is that it is a fairy tale, and no such thing would ever happen. We all dream of our Prince riding in on a white horse, but the truth is we fall in love and work for our relationships. The Duke works to repair his estate finances and Jenny dreams of working in estate kitchen as a pastry chef. By marrying Jenny, he subjugates his life to ridicule and would eventually hurt the business he is establishing. But the author defies all rules of Regency England and we get our happily ever after. I love the characters and the story, but it goes against all the set rules for the aristocracy in Regency, England, maybe in a different time period.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenny Barnett wants to be a pastry chef in a big house. She works at her parents bakery and is known for her pastry and desserts.Thomas Haddington, the tenth duke of Pemberton, had a bad reputation and his grandmother felt it was time to marry. His uncle had stolen most of the duke's and his mother's money. So he looked into marrying someone with a large dowry.
I thought this was a great story and I really enjoyed it. The characters were well developed and full of life. The tale was well written, even paced and flowed smoothly. It was a joy to read. I have never been disappointed with anything written by Hanna Hamilton and I look forward to her next book.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It kept you guessing nearly to the end. It held my interest and I could not put it down until I was finished. It is a full length book, which is always great. The goings on of one of the characters and the anticipation of what would happen next was great. All the characters stories within this book were enticing. I especially liked the different ending. The book is very well written, which I have come to expect from Hanna Hamilton. She is a great writer. I highly recommend this book.

[Sharon Eikenberry-Deary · Rating 5 out of 5]

How will love survive between to different stations of kife

Wilcox was doing some really deadly things and was found out from his nephew Thomas . Wilcox will be found out and held accountable. George and Helena having to hide their love. Will it out or will it become a loving marriage. Thomas gets his heart hurt and days no more until he meets Jenny the village baker. There can't be a marriage because she has no title. But Thomas's heart does not care. Will love win or will titles

[Fayy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was honestly disappointed with this story. From the beginning the plot was just all over the place

I didn’t feel any connection between the hero and the heroine. For most of the book, 81% if I’m not mistaken, they probably interact a total of 3-5 times. None of which developed their story.

There was no back history to support the title either. This seemed like a story about Thomas and George’s investment rather than a historical romance. As much as I like happy endings, I didn’t feel this one because it had no depth.

[Charline Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A baker

The Duke of Pemberton needs a wealthy wife. His Uncle has wasted most of Thomas' money on gambling. A chance meeting with Jenny Barnett only makes matters worse. She is known for her fine baking but that will not pay the bills for a Duke. Her friend is the daughter of an Earl and wants to marry a commoner. Both face opposition from peers. Will love have to take a back seat?

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke was just too implausible for me. It tried to be "modern" in a time that wasn't modern. While that may have worked in needs more of a story behind it - this was just too abrupt. The Broken Duke - not so much broken as spoiled but then suddenly reformed and was not only nice but also a hard-worker.

At the end it was too "happy-ever-after" for me.

Read this if you must have happy endings for all the main characters. Don't read if you need more story.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams can come true!

This is a wonderful book! About determination,for a young Duke, to find a way to restore is wealth, after his uncle almost bankrupted
Him by stealing his money.And a young woman,who wanted to be a chef, on a fancy estate,they meet due to the weather,and fall in love
Even though there world's apart in status.This is a sweet romance with big dreams on the horizon.
Thank you❤️

[Nancy Daher Mastreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and insightful. Thomas is a fun, caring young man who goes against the custom and falls in love with commoner Jenny. This story took its time in developing the characters and presented a hero, a heroine, a proper family, a common family and a villain. Thomas and Jenny do not rush their feelings or settle for what is expected of them in class standing. Clean, simple story.