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For the Love of a Gracious Duke
Ellen's marriage was not at all what she expected it to be. When tragedy strikes and she is left a penniless widow, she has no choice but to give up her life of comfort. However, when she crosses paths with a man from her past and he offers to help her, it only further complicates things. She is suddenly faced with the only man who could make her heart skip a beat, only now she is not his equal. Could she defy their differences and give him a chance?
Lewis, Duke of Cornwall, is hesitant to take on his childhood friend as his servant when she shows up at his door. But she’s too stubborn to accept charity and he is not prepared to have her walk out of his life again. His efforts to rekindle their friendship are thwarted by Ellen's insistence on propriety but he will not give up that easily. The heart wants what it wants and he believes that finding her again is a sign they were meant to be together. Can he make her forget her past heartache and betrayal and trust him?
Fate meant for them to find each other again at a time when a true friendship is needed. What happens when the lines between friendship and love are slowly blurring?
"For the Love of a Gracious Duke" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
702 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Barton
161 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 42 reviews
May 24, 2019
I totally loved this book:) I love reading about first loves, second chances, true love conquering evil and truth that triumphs:) Ellen and Lewis are fantastic characters that are lively, feisty, and have fantastic chemistry together. There is plenty of action, villains, recency life, and more. I highly recommend this book and author!
There is some immorality mentioned by the villains, and some fighting. Happy Reading!
I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
There is some immorality mentioned by the villains, and some fighting. Happy Reading!
I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2019
Great
I found this a really good book. Ellen is a strong character. She acts with dignity throughout the book. Even though her life has not been easy she continues to be the woman who was brought up well by her family. Can she achieve the happy ever after for everyone in her acquaintance.
I found this a really good book. Ellen is a strong character. She acts with dignity throughout the book. Even though her life has not been easy she continues to be the woman who was brought up well by her family. Can she achieve the happy ever after for everyone in her acquaintance.
May 22, 2019
A Regency Second-Chance Love Story
As the only child of a neighboring baronet, Miss Ellen Campbell was the faithful childhood friend of Lewis Townshend, the future Duke of Cornwall. She was his shadow and he loved her like a little sister. What he never knew was that she loved him with all of her heart.
Sadly, one of life's truths is that we really don't appreciate what we have until it is taken away. Such is the theme of For the Love of a Gracious Duke. Written in Bridget Barton's signature descriptive style, this stand-alone love story is sweet and clean. It is also filled with likable characters who weather life's challenges with humor, musings and misunderstandings. Ultimately, they succeed in achieving their happily-ever-after, but not without a few heartaches. As with other books from Ms. Barton, this book has not only an epilogue but also an extended epilogue.
Content alert: This book is sweet and clean. No swearing, and with only a kiss or two
As the only child of a neighboring baronet, Miss Ellen Campbell was the faithful childhood friend of Lewis Townshend, the future Duke of Cornwall. She was his shadow and he loved her like a little sister. What he never knew was that she loved him with all of her heart.
Sadly, one of life's truths is that we really don't appreciate what we have until it is taken away. Such is the theme of For the Love of a Gracious Duke. Written in Bridget Barton's signature descriptive style, this stand-alone love story is sweet and clean. It is also filled with likable characters who weather life's challenges with humor, musings and misunderstandings. Ultimately, they succeed in achieving their happily-ever-after, but not without a few heartaches. As with other books from Ms. Barton, this book has not only an epilogue but also an extended epilogue.
Content alert: This book is sweet and clean. No swearing, and with only a kiss or two
May 27, 2019
2.5 stars
It would have been a higher rating, but the frequency of the characters talking out loud to themselves was odd.
It would have been a higher rating, but the frequency of the characters talking out loud to themselves was odd.
May 20, 2019
All the "talking to myself" dialogue is annoying.
February 11, 2020
Wasn’t a fan
I liked this book at first, it seemed like a plot i would be drawn to. But the farther I got into it the more it lost me. Okay so she is a cook in his house but the only time they spend together was at dinner which most of the time they fight through. The constant talking out loud to themselves was confusing and annoying. Mixed in with inner dialogue- why not just make it ALL inner dialogue? Not to mention the stubbornness of Ellen in her feelings makes the reader think she’s not interested in Lewis AT ALL basically refuses to entertain any idea of feelings, which is unrealistic because she supposedly loves him. Yet you don’t see it anywhere- until the very end where out of nowhere she just immediately loves him. Like it was a side note. No build up of emotions, no struggling with feelings. And Lewis has no grand emotions in him either. Just all of a sudden at the end he loves Ellen. No feelings. Just business. The ending felt completely rushed and lacked details. Not to mention the time jump from the conclusion of the fight scene to the next paragraph of them having made it through the tons acceptance of their situation to their wedding. I found it frustrating and dry and then found myself skimming through most of this book just to finish it so I could move on to something else. I loved this author at first and thought I found a new favorite, but her last few books have been very disappointing.
I liked this book at first, it seemed like a plot i would be drawn to. But the farther I got into it the more it lost me. Okay so she is a cook in his house but the only time they spend together was at dinner which most of the time they fight through. The constant talking out loud to themselves was confusing and annoying. Mixed in with inner dialogue- why not just make it ALL inner dialogue? Not to mention the stubbornness of Ellen in her feelings makes the reader think she’s not interested in Lewis AT ALL basically refuses to entertain any idea of feelings, which is unrealistic because she supposedly loves him. Yet you don’t see it anywhere- until the very end where out of nowhere she just immediately loves him. Like it was a side note. No build up of emotions, no struggling with feelings. And Lewis has no grand emotions in him either. Just all of a sudden at the end he loves Ellen. No feelings. Just business. The ending felt completely rushed and lacked details. Not to mention the time jump from the conclusion of the fight scene to the next paragraph of them having made it through the tons acceptance of their situation to their wedding. I found it frustrating and dry and then found myself skimming through most of this book just to finish it so I could move on to something else. I loved this author at first and thought I found a new favorite, but her last few books have been very disappointing.
June 29, 2019
This was an exceptional second chance love story. Lady Balfour, Emma, found her self in quite a predicament when her husband died unexpectedly. It seems when his will was read she inherited nothing. Her husband‘s estate, lock, stock, and Farrell went to his illegitimate son. It was bad enough she inherited nothing but she was completely unaware of the illegitimate child. Penniless with nowhere to turn, Emma Turns to Lewis the Duke of Cornwall who was her childhood love.
Insisting she be treated as a servant and not as a guest in the Dukes home, Emma and Lewis are on their way to reigniting their feelings towards one another. Oh, but the road to true love does have its bumps and Emma is stubborn and feels she is not the Duke’s social equal. Throw a dastardly lawyer into the mix along with a cast of characters to help round out the plot.
Bridget Barton has written a gripping story. I was fully engaged and couldn’t wait to see the outcome. By the way, don’t forget to download the extra apologue.
Insisting she be treated as a servant and not as a guest in the Dukes home, Emma and Lewis are on their way to reigniting their feelings towards one another. Oh, but the road to true love does have its bumps and Emma is stubborn and feels she is not the Duke’s social equal. Throw a dastardly lawyer into the mix along with a cast of characters to help round out the plot.
Bridget Barton has written a gripping story. I was fully engaged and couldn’t wait to see the outcome. By the way, don’t forget to download the extra apologue.
October 28, 2019
At around the 1/2 mark I couldn't read anymore.
The Narrative was so all over the place. The Characters were thinking to themselves in 1 paragraph you read it then the next paragraph sounds like they are speaking to someone or themselves out loud. Examples:
“I am pleased to know that he is still kind even after all this time.”
“I cannot believe that I am here, and to be working for a man whom I had loved?”
“If I am not mistaken, he was a Baronet just like her father, but wealthier.”
Then at 1 point Lewis is thinking & Ellen had just arrived that day & refused to be his guest & went to her room in the Servants Quarters & he thinks this; 👇
"Emma was a good servant, although she had had her moments in the past. However, she was always apologetic about it afterwards."
How can he know she is a Good Servant when she just arrived & is sitting at the table with him?
After that, I just couldn't read anymore. The way They were acting was ridiculous. What person would not let a friend help them? Especially a friend you basically grew up with?
The Narrative was so all over the place. The Characters were thinking to themselves in 1 paragraph you read it then the next paragraph sounds like they are speaking to someone or themselves out loud. Examples:
“I am pleased to know that he is still kind even after all this time.”
“I cannot believe that I am here, and to be working for a man whom I had loved?”
“If I am not mistaken, he was a Baronet just like her father, but wealthier.”
Then at 1 point Lewis is thinking & Ellen had just arrived that day & refused to be his guest & went to her room in the Servants Quarters & he thinks this; 👇
"Emma was a good servant, although she had had her moments in the past. However, she was always apologetic about it afterwards."
How can he know she is a Good Servant when she just arrived & is sitting at the table with him?
After that, I just couldn't read anymore. The way They were acting was ridiculous. What person would not let a friend help them? Especially a friend you basically grew up with?
October 19, 2023
From riches to rags to riches
Ellen's life was not easy, her parents gave her to Baron Harcourt as his bride, they were married for four years when the Baron was thrown from his horse and killed. His family and most of his servants blamed her for their love less marriage and his death. When his will was read to her she found that she lost everything and was penniless with everything going to his illegitimate son. She is forced to look for work and end us working for the love of her life Lewis who is a duke. He has always loved Ellen and never married. He begins to show her that he loves her, but she knows that it can never work for them , so she flees. Lewis eventually finds her and some discrepancies come out regarding her husband's will. I recommend that you read the book to find out all the details.
Ellen's life was not easy, her parents gave her to Baron Harcourt as his bride, they were married for four years when the Baron was thrown from his horse and killed. His family and most of his servants blamed her for their love less marriage and his death. When his will was read to her she found that she lost everything and was penniless with everything going to his illegitimate son. She is forced to look for work and end us working for the love of her life Lewis who is a duke. He has always loved Ellen and never married. He begins to show her that he loves her, but she knows that it can never work for them , so she flees. Lewis eventually finds her and some discrepancies come out regarding her husband's will. I recommend that you read the book to find out all the details.
May 20, 2019
A very sweet romance with a twist
Ellen has loved Lewis since childhood. When he returns from boarding school the dynamic of their relationship changed and now eighteen year old Lewis finds his feelings for Ellen have grown into something deeper. When Ellen's parents force her to marry someone else they had no idea that she would be a widow after only four horrible years of marriage. When she learns that her husband left her penniless after leaving his entire estate to his illegitimate son she has no choice but to go to work. Will Ellen and Lewis be able to put their past behind them when Ellen finds herself employed by Lewis?
You will love this story of soulmates finding each other after years of separation with a little intrigue and deception thrown in.
Ellen has loved Lewis since childhood. When he returns from boarding school the dynamic of their relationship changed and now eighteen year old Lewis finds his feelings for Ellen have grown into something deeper. When Ellen's parents force her to marry someone else they had no idea that she would be a widow after only four horrible years of marriage. When she learns that her husband left her penniless after leaving his entire estate to his illegitimate son she has no choice but to go to work. Will Ellen and Lewis be able to put their past behind them when Ellen finds herself employed by Lewis?
You will love this story of soulmates finding each other after years of separation with a little intrigue and deception thrown in.
May 25, 2019
Another page turner from Bridget Barton that is basically a romance of second chance love. Ellen has been married for four years when she is widowed. However, her husband leaves her penniless and her only option is to seek work with Lewis, her childhood friend and Duke of Cornwall. She has always loved Lewis, but that love was never pursued. However, Lewis also has loved Ellen without telling her - now he has the chance when she comes seeking work. Will Ellen and Lewis give their love a second chance while it is presenting itself? A sweet, clean romance that is easy to read and enjoyable. I would recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
May 18, 2019
ONE DAZZLING ADVENTURE!!!
OMG! Talk about thin lines. A whirlwind of mishaps and surprising events that keep you flipping page after page. One rollercoaster ride with a plethora of swirling emotions burst forward front and center. An intriguing storyline and thrilling plot propel this little gem to life flawlessly. The characters are realistic with personalities and depth that draw you in. All the non-stop action, smooth flowing, hard hitting, danger and suspense bring piece after piece together brilliantly. The scenes are so vividly detailed it gives the illusion you were right there with them. Remarkable job Bridget, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
OMG! Talk about thin lines. A whirlwind of mishaps and surprising events that keep you flipping page after page. One rollercoaster ride with a plethora of swirling emotions burst forward front and center. An intriguing storyline and thrilling plot propel this little gem to life flawlessly. The characters are realistic with personalities and depth that draw you in. All the non-stop action, smooth flowing, hard hitting, danger and suspense bring piece after piece together brilliantly. The scenes are so vividly detailed it gives the illusion you were right there with them. Remarkable job Bridget, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
May 19, 2019
Such a sweet story.
The fact that love does win in the end, is so true here. The things that we have to endure in our lives is so daunting sometimes. But, the fact that Ellen did not give in to hysterics is very admirable. Lewis was determined to not let Ellen go for a second time, loved her so much. The lawyer was caught finally, because evil never wins against good. I couldn't put the book down, even to cook supper for my family they had to eat leftovers tonight for supper. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us, your readers. I enjoy your books so very much.
The fact that love does win in the end, is so true here. The things that we have to endure in our lives is so daunting sometimes. But, the fact that Ellen did not give in to hysterics is very admirable. Lewis was determined to not let Ellen go for a second time, loved her so much. The lawyer was caught finally, because evil never wins against good. I couldn't put the book down, even to cook supper for my family they had to eat leftovers tonight for supper. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us, your readers. I enjoy your books so very much.
May 29, 2019
Beyond Stubborn😾
The book is a good read for those sweet romance fans who enjoy ANGST and more ANGST from the woman character.
Me, I disliked Ellen😾💔 from the beginning. First, she is oblivious through her four year marriage, then allows her husband's lawyer to walk all over her. Then she totally loses it with her rude and awful attitude towards her best friend Lewis🐺💘, now a Duke.
The reasons why her parents forced the marriage to a Baronet on her are never explained fully, but without the ill fated marriage, the entire plot would fall apart.
I had no sympathy for Ellen😾, she deliberately made life hard on herself and everyone around her for no good reason.
The book is a good read for those sweet romance fans who enjoy ANGST and more ANGST from the woman character.
Me, I disliked Ellen😾💔 from the beginning. First, she is oblivious through her four year marriage, then allows her husband's lawyer to walk all over her. Then she totally loses it with her rude and awful attitude towards her best friend Lewis🐺💘, now a Duke.
The reasons why her parents forced the marriage to a Baronet on her are never explained fully, but without the ill fated marriage, the entire plot would fall apart.
I had no sympathy for Ellen😾, she deliberately made life hard on herself and everyone around her for no good reason.
May 18, 2019
An interesting story, and okay characters, but far too much wordiness!
This author comes up with somewhat of a storyline, then just fills it with almost every thought that comes in to the main characters head, whether interesting or not.
It is not well written or interesting, mostly just a load of excess words to make it up to a certain number of pages.
Yet again a very repetitive book. I will not be reading her works again.
This author comes up with somewhat of a storyline, then just fills it with almost every thought that comes in to the main characters head, whether interesting or not.
It is not well written or interesting, mostly just a load of excess words to make it up to a certain number of pages.
Yet again a very repetitive book. I will not be reading her works again.
May 21, 2019
Loved it
A second chance love 💘. They both loved each other all throughout their childhood.
Ellen was married, her husband died.
She finds out that she has nothing,he left her penniless.
Lewis is a Duke.
This book has a lot of ups and downs, and twist and turns.
I love the characters in the book.
Will they be able to rekindle the love?
HEA
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
A second chance love 💘. They both loved each other all throughout their childhood.
Ellen was married, her husband died.
She finds out that she has nothing,he left her penniless.
Lewis is a Duke.
This book has a lot of ups and downs, and twist and turns.
I love the characters in the book.
Will they be able to rekindle the love?
HEA
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
June 9, 2019
Ellen and Lewis were childhood friends, however she was married off to an older Baronet. When he died she was left penniless and had to seek employment elsewhere. By a stroke of luck she ended up as an assistant cook on Lewis' estate.
I do enjoy regency romances, although nowadays it is difficult to understand some of the very strict rules that they seemed to have to live by and it is heartwarming to see how some people managed to work around them.
I do enjoy regency romances, although nowadays it is difficult to understand some of the very strict rules that they seemed to have to live by and it is heartwarming to see how some people managed to work around them.
July 20, 2019
Eighty seven percent of the book and the Duke still had not made his move. Wow talk about slow. It was a good book but rather slow, I kept wondering when Lady Anne was going to listen to reason, her parents, her Aunt and the Duke was trying to tell her it was a mistake. When I read the extended epilogue the Duke 's sister and Phillip was not slow in the least. All in all a good book and I will tell my friend to read the book.
May 18, 2019
Lasting love
She has loved him all her life but life led her down a different path. Now a widow without the means to support herself she has to get work. He never told her he loved her and he lost her. One day she comes to his home for work and he takes this chance to win her heart.
She has loved him all her life but life led her down a different path. Now a widow without the means to support herself she has to get work. He never told her he loved her and he lost her. One day she comes to his home for work and he takes this chance to win her heart.
June 4, 2019
Oh my!
I absolutely love Bridget Barton's books! This was an amazing storyline with characters that were so perfect for each other. Young love that never went away. All that Ellen went through in her life she still had her one good friend that always stood by her side. What an awesome ending!
I absolutely love Bridget Barton's books! This was an amazing storyline with characters that were so perfect for each other. Young love that never went away. All that Ellen went through in her life she still had her one good friend that always stood by her side. What an awesome ending!
July 7, 2019
3 stars
A predictable read, that takes forever to end. The capture of the lawyer is hooky to say the least. Ellen is often ridiculously naive. The smartest people in this book are the cook and man servant. Not a good thing for recency novels. Would never recommend reading the book.
A predictable read, that takes forever to end. The capture of the lawyer is hooky to say the least. Ellen is often ridiculously naive. The smartest people in this book are the cook and man servant. Not a good thing for recency novels. Would never recommend reading the book.
October 14, 2019
DELIGHTFUL STORY
This was an amusing and delightful story o f two people who could not put their love into words and spent better part of 5 years apart. But I am glad the lawyer got found out... To bad we didn't know what happened to him and how much of her fortune was left! But enjoy this story.
This was an amusing and delightful story o f two people who could not put their love into words and spent better part of 5 years apart. But I am glad the lawyer got found out... To bad we didn't know what happened to him and how much of her fortune was left! But enjoy this story.
April 22, 2020
For the Love of a Gracious Duke
What a marvellous story.Going from a child hood love to an arranged marriage by her parents.To be rejected from husband,for him to die.And his lawyer come friend to rob her blind.And then to get work and its her beloved there.All works well in the end.
What a marvellous story.Going from a child hood love to an arranged marriage by her parents.To be rejected from husband,for him to die.And his lawyer come friend to rob her blind.And then to get work and its her beloved there.All works well in the end.
January 27, 2025
Waiting
This was a great story, but I believe I would have enjoyed it more if Ellen had not been a widow, maybe destitute but not as a widow.Her and Lewis loved each other since they were young, it didn't seem fair for Ellen to marry someone else, and Lewis waiting.
Anyways I liked the epilogue better than the story it's self.
Thank you ❤️
.
This was a great story, but I believe I would have enjoyed it more if Ellen had not been a widow, maybe destitute but not as a widow.Her and Lewis loved each other since they were young, it didn't seem fair for Ellen to marry someone else, and Lewis waiting.
Anyways I liked the epilogue better than the story it's self.
Thank you ❤️
.
May 19, 2019
A sweet story of second chance to love...
A young window in search of work...
A young duke, that doesn't want to lose her another time...
A story that will kept entrainment until the last page... full of turns and action...
A book for all that love sweet story set up in Regency time...
A young window in search of work...
A young duke, that doesn't want to lose her another time...
A story that will kept entrainment until the last page... full of turns and action...
A book for all that love sweet story set up in Regency time...
June 19, 2019
Be still my heart!
Loved this story! Lewis is wonderful. Ellen could have been less stubborn and less gullible, but her beaten own ego held her back. Luckily Lewis came back just when he was needed. Great read.
Loved this story! Lewis is wonderful. Ellen could have been less stubborn and less gullible, but her beaten own ego held her back. Luckily Lewis came back just when he was needed. Great read.
July 9, 2019
Great Book!
Bridget Barton is a very talented author. The characters are full of emotions that are true to life. The twists and turns are surprising and keeps the readers intrigued from start to finish. I cannot wait to read her next book.
Bridget Barton is a very talented author. The characters are full of emotions that are true to life. The twists and turns are surprising and keeps the readers intrigued from start to finish. I cannot wait to read her next book.
January 20, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Bridget Barton is an excellent author.
Bridget brings her characters to life in a heart felt story that makes you cry, laugh and feel what they feel. I look forward to reading more from Bridget Barton.
Bridget brings her characters to life in a heart felt story that makes you cry, laugh and feel what they feel. I look forward to reading more from Bridget Barton.
July 20, 2020
Easy read
This does have a sweet romantic ending with a nice epilogue. For me personally it was just too unreal and I thought Ellen much too simple minded. Perhaps it was too young for me.
This does have a sweet romantic ending with a nice epilogue. For me personally it was just too unreal and I thought Ellen much too simple minded. Perhaps it was too young for me.
May 21, 2019
Everlasting love
A friendship and love story that endure what life throws at you. Very sweet and tender story that I enjoyed reading.
A friendship and love story that endure what life throws at you. Very sweet and tender story that I enjoyed reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews