You often meet your fate on the road you take to avoid it…
Left on the doorstep of the Reeves’ manor as a babe and with only a pendant to remind her of her deceased parents, Eugenia Betham has been Lady Helena’s lady’s maid all her life.
Though vexed with his stepmother about her unforeseen decision to commence marriage discussions with the Reeves family, Maximilian Fernside, Duke of Bromenville, vows to be the perfect gentleman. What he never accounted for is Lady Helena’s beautiful maid.
But as both Eugenia and Maximilian soon realize, truth is a peculiar thing. Eugenia has been living a lie all her life and two strangers with power in their hands just might hold the key to the riddle.
*If you like a realistic yet charming depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then An Unforgettable Ball at Bromenville Hall is the novel for you.
This is Hanna Hamilton's 22nd book, a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
Pick up "An Unforgettable Ball at Bromenville Hall" today to discover Hanna's amazing new story!
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.
A suicide attempt. Some murder attempts. Lots of bruises. Oh, and romance. Well written mystery. Interesting characters, upstairs and downstairs. I really enjoyed it. The only but: Why would someone ride through a dark forest all by himself, after several murder attempts on his life? Or why would his best friend not insist someone accompany him, when he leaves his house at twilight? Men can be so subborn and stupid sometimes...
Eugenia Betham, was left on the doorstep of the Reeves' mansion and raised by their cook and butler. She was best friends with Lady Helena, and later became her personal maid. Maximilian Fernside, Duke of Bromenville, lost his mother at a young age and his father remarried. His stepmother made it obvious from the beginning Max was nothing to her. When his half brother, Wilmot, was born, his stepmother showered all her attention on him. Then his father died, and Max became the Duke. He tolerated his stepmother because of his father, but he let her know he was the Duke, and it didn't really matter what she wanted. When Augusta said it was time he married, she arranged for Lady Helena and her family to come for a three week visit, at which time there would be a ball to announce the engagement of Max and Lady Helena. When the Reeves family showed up, Max was more interested in Eugenia, Lady Helena's maid than the lady herself. When repeated attempts are made on Max's life and Eugenia's life, they struggle to find out who is responsible. Will they live long enough to find the culprit? What about their love? The ending will take you by surprise. I loved Max and Eugenia. This is my favorite book so far. While I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion. This is my true and honest review.
Duke Maximilian Fernside is furious at his step-mother for setting him up with a betrothal that he doesn't want and declares that if she announces an engagement between himself and Lady Helena at the ball that she intends to have that he'll make her regret her actions. Eugenia, a foundling found at the Earl of Whittington's residence, was raised as a lady's maid to his daughter Lady Helena and they have come to regard themselves as sisters. When the family goes to visit the Duke's home, Max finds himself drawn to Eugenia and despite his step-mother making her wishes known for him to declare an engagement between himself and Lady Helena, he adamantly refuses. When Max's and Eugenia's lives are threatened several times, they become even closer and are both trying to figure out who is trying to kill them. Eugenia doesn't want to cause hardship to the Duke of marriage to someone below his station in life. When the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire come to Max's home, he is struck by the feeling that he has met the Duchess before but can't recall where. Answers to years of the puzzlement of Eugenia's background come to light along with the answer to the question of whom has been trying to kill them and why.
I enjoyed this book, despite wondering why it took SO LONG for the main characters to figure out who was behind the attempts to kill them. I knew what was going on ages before the H and h did, although I was still rooting the the H and h to prevail.
I had to suspend some qualms about regency protocol, precedence and customs as portrayed here, but it didn't bother me a great deal since the story was interesting. The supporting characters were well done, although they were unrealistically supportive about people of unequal social status in a relationship - it didn't seem likely that EVERYONE in the household would be willing to overlook such a thing.
The villains were a bit one-dimensional, too. I started out with high hopes that the brother would have a few more redeeming qualities to balance his nefarious activities - but even if he hadn't been trying to kill the H and h... he was just really unlikable. The stepmother was uniformly awful - again, she had not one redeeming quality. It would have been more interesting, I think, for her to have been more charming in public and sneaky behind the scenes.
Still, I devoured the story and really enjoyed the well-placed dramatic moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Having been a fan of Hanna Hamilton’s work, I expected a good read. This book exceeded my expectations of plot and characters. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and continued through to the extended epilogue. It’s a Cinderella story with a bunch of twists. There’s an evil stepmother but instead of evil stepsisters there’s an evil step brother. Eugenia is maid to Lady Helena who has been chosen by his step mother to be the duke of Bromenville’s bride. Maximillian, the Duke, had no intention of marrying his Step mother’s choice. It won’t be giving too much away by saying the Duke was taken more with the maid then with his intended and the fact she was not titled was of no importance to him. The maid, Eugenia, who was a foundling and left at the door of lady HELENA’s parents home , tried to ignore the Dukes interest. There was intrigue, as repeated attempts were made on the lives of the Duke and Eugenia. The revelations of who was trying to harm the duke and why and Eugenia’s history make for a gripping read. I recommend this engaging read - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
Maximilian Fernside, the Duke of Bromenville was informed by his stepmother the doubt the Duchess of Bromenville that she was inviting a couple to come with their daughter and they would announce his and the daughters engagement at a ball she was going to have. He informed her that he would then announce that she had made the whole thing up and there was no engagement. They were carrying this discussion on at the dinner table Maximilian glanced at his young stepbrother Wilmont who was pretending not to listen to the argument. Lady Augusta informed him that she had taken the liberty of inviting Lady Helena Reeves and her parents the Earl and Countess Whitington. Eugenia who was Lady Helen's made was waiting for Lady Helen and her mother to return so that she could see what they had bought Lady Helena told Eugenia that a letter had come ball they were out inviting them the Duke of Bromenville and a talk of marriage. To find out whom the Duke marries and what happens before they can get married you have to read the book. It's a good book...
What a wonderful book! This is a story about an orphaned girl, a foundling who was taken in by an Earl and his family and raised with their daughter, becoming lady's maid to their own daughter when she was old enough. She travels with the Earl's family to the home of the Duke of Bromenville, who is supposed to marry the Earl's daughter. But fate steps in, and Eugenia, the Lady's maid and the Duke fall in love amid numerous disasters and attempts on their lives caused by the Duke's jealous stepmother and his spoiled, spineless step brother. The book is very well-written, action packed with lots of twists and turns in the story line. The characters are wonderful, well-described and engaging. I thought this was an exciting tale, and it engaged me emotionally, which made me love it all the more. I thoroughly enjoyed myself through the whole book, cover to cover. Bravo, Hanna Hamilton for another terrific novel. And bravo to her editor(s) and staff - it was a real treat to read a book with no grammar or spelling mistakes. Great job, all!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It takes a really special book to make me late for a client. That, however, is what happened with this one! I had an hour or so before I had to leave so decided to read a couple more chapters---Well--next thing I knew I had finished and I was late in leaving! Yes-that is how good this book is--fair warning!
Who was trying to murder the Duke and the ladies maid? And that person really was trying--some really dirty tricks! The Duke's father had recently died and the step mother was a TYRANT--his brother was a wimp. The girl the Duke was told he had to marry--well--he just didn't want to --now her ladies maid was a whole different kettle of fish.
Eugenia, the ladies maid, kept trying to discourage him--while she was falling for him---the Duke would have none of it!
At the end--it was discovered who was trying to murder the two of them--AND--Eugenia was discovered to be something other then all thought she was.
I can not recommend this book enough--just make sure you have time to read it all and not need to be somewhere else!!
This is sweet, romantic and suspenseful. Max is unpretentious, charming, bold, flirty and friendly. Eugenia is sweet, kind, humble and outgoing. The two meet when Max's step-mother invites an heiress, Lady Helana, and her parents to the hall to with the intent of getting Max to marry her. Eugenia is Helena's maid, and caught Max's eye the second he saw her. Max kept putting himself into the path of Eugenia to talk and flirt with her, especially after finding out that she loves horses as much as he does, and Helena hated them. And Helena reminded Max of the woman who broke his heart. As Max and Eugenia get closer, things start to happen that make Max think that someone was trying to kill him and Eugenia. Max and Eugenia make a sweet, heartwarming couple. And the twists at the end of the story are dramatic. This is a must add to your TBR list. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Eugenia💃 is found as a baby on the doorstep of the Reeve's manor house, with only a locket engraved with an E. She is raised up and becomes playmate and lady's maid to their daughter, Lady Helena👸.
Max Fernside🐺, the new Duke of Bromenville, must put up with his awful and vindictive stepmother's meddling. She has invited Lady Helena👸 and her mother to visit in an attempt to force the young woman on him in marriage! Eugenia💃💋 of course accompanies Helena to the castle where the Duke🐺 lives.
The duchess has her own son, Wilmot, she is hoping can somehow become the Duke, because she can manipulate him as she wishes. How far she is willing to go is slowly dawning on Max.
Max🐺🍆⛲ only has eyes for Eugenia💃💋, which enrages his stepmother.......
This is a pretty long book, but it flows along well as the story and the romance develop. There is a lot of angst in this book, too much for me.
An absolutely clean regency romance that mostly kept my interest, but the plot was really repetitive, unrealistic, and shallow. Perhaps the target audience for this novel was the teen category. How many times can a character be nearly killed and recover in a novel? Apparently several! My biggest complaint was the characters interacted frequently, but only for a few minutes at a time. They still managed to fall in love! If they were in love, why were they satisfied with such little time together as those feelings developed and then after acknowledging them? It was disappointing. A bit of emotional depth would have improved this story and made me roll my eyes less when everything was so perfect. Make me believe it, please!
I loved everything about this book. It is well written. The characters are realistic and personable. The scenes in the story flowed and segued beautifully from one to another. The storyline of a duke falling for a lady’s maid was only the beginning of this fabulous story. There are the multiple attempted murders on the H and the h. There is the mystery of origins of the h. Presumed an orphan was raised by a couple in service to a good family. An exciting read. What would have made it better was if the couple that raised the h, if they had more scene time. I felt they were important and were not given the attention they deserved. Other than that, a must read. You will not be disappointed.
Loved this!! Best story thus far! Suspense, mystery, intrigue, and love. Who is trying to kill the Duke and Eugenia? Eugenia was taken when she was a baby and left on someone's doorstep. Who are her parents? Will the Duke be forced to marry Lady Helena? Twists and turns will keep you turning the pages to the end in this Cinderella type story. Well constructed plot and very well written. Get a copy of this book. You'll be glad you did. I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
This is a great book about a child that was abandoned after birth and placed on the door steps of a mansion. Not knowing who her parents were she was raised for and cared for by the cook and butler of the estate as their own. As she grew older she became the ladies maid of the duke and duchess daughter. When the time came the daughter went to meet the man she hoped to ask her to be his bride. It seemed the Duke was not interested in her. This is where the adventure begins.
An Unforgettable Ball at Bromenville Hall By Hanna Hamilton
Four stars, The only thing wrong with this book it as obvious who was trying to kill Max and Eugenia..They were so dum and blind that it was stepmother and her son...Eugenia real parents could not recognize their daughter even if it's been some years until her dress was torn and birthmark and a necklace was a clue..She is a good author but her books when you read them you know what is going to happen and who was involved way before it ends.
This book had me confused. So many of the societal structures were looser or more undefined than they should be for a Regency story. It really bothered me, because in all the situations where Eugenia and Maximilian meet, if social norms were adhered to, they wouldn’t have happened. The ending was wrapped up so quickly, too. You finally figure out who is behind the mystery, and BAM! The book is over? Really?
I’m giving it 3 stars because it was good enough to finish, but jeez. This was not the best or worst book I’ve ever read.
Eugenia was raised as a foundling in the home of the Earl of Whitington and became their daughter’s playmate and her lady’s maid. When the family is invited to Bromenville Hall, Eugenia goes with them. The Duke is supposed to be courting Lady Helena or that is the Dowager Duchesses plan. However the Duke is attracted to Eugenia and not Lady Helena. Attempts are made on Maximillian’s life. Not only are they after the Duke but after Eugenia also. How do they find who is behind this nefarious business? That is the mystery.
Hanna s books never disappoint. In my opinion she just keeps getting better abd and better . And having said that , with this, her 22nd book( wow , that many already , I hadn't realized 👍😉☺) the proof is here between the covers from the first page to the last . I also realized I've had the pleasure of reading quite a few of these books . As always, I look forward to her next book and what adventure she takes us on. Well done , and always my thanks for being a part of your reader circle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed very much this Book and Story. It grabbed my interest right from the start and I had to read it to the finish. I was not disappointed. I also was pleasantly surprised to read more to the ending and a promising beginning to a new Story which looks like to be just as good of a Suspense which keeps you reading and a dreamy Romance. I will be reading more of this Authors Stories. Thank you for the enjoyment.
Loved this book and would totally recommend it to any reader who enjoys great romantic stories. Filled with intrigue, romance and danger the characters in this book will hopefully take readers on a journey that will heartily enchant them. A beautiful ladies maid and the Duke she enthralls without meaning to. Can these two be together and what danger do they both face.
My goodness, this was such a great book. Thrilling from the beginning to the end. I loved the hero and heroine. I really was rooting for both of them even though he was a Duke and she a lady's maid(she was a foundling). The twists and turns in this story will keep you turning the pages long into the night.
This is a wonderful story. It's like Cinderella,with a twist of Snow White.It has adventures,and murder plots,and unforbidden love.Who ever reads this book will enjoy it as much as I did, it made me smile,laugh,cry, all the emotions,a really good book, brings out of you. Thank you!❤️
A Regency romance with some suspense. He falls in love with a servant but some one is out to kill them both! A good story line I received an Advance Reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review
Amazing story, could not put this story down, till the last page. The story kept you guessing till the last. Evil stepmother, easily manipulated brother and a possible bride thrown into the mix. another great story by this author.
Hanna Hamilton never misses,what a devastating,sad,romantic storyline. I felt so bad for the Duke, having such a horrid step-mother and brother. Thank God for Eugenia!
Raised by the cook and her husband after being left in a doorstep, Eugenia grew up with love but never knew her parents. When she finds love, she feels she must give it up since he is a Duke. A delightful story and good ending.
I do like a good historical regency with its dukes and ladies. This was a good tale of a duke and a maid full of attempted murder. Overall this was a good read in an afternoon. I will continue to look for other books.
A Duke and maid fall in love. Someone is trying to kill them but it is unbelievable they never once thought the most obvious persons were the culprits. Babs
What a story Eugenia Betham has had a secret in her past she never knew about until one day it is revealed. Maximilian Fernside, Duke of Bromenville finds himself falling for Eugenia a Lady's maid what happens when he learns the secret with her? A book I enjoyed reading.
A good read for sure. Filled with hope, desire, mystery, intrege, pain, anger, every emotion one can imagine. Definitely kept my interest; I couldn't put it down until I finished it.