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A Bottle of Betrayal for the Forgotten Duchess
"And into your arms I go, to lose my mind and find my soul..."
For Miss Ethel Pates, working at her uncle’s apothecary is everything she has ever known. In charge of her healer’s shop, she spends her days mixing herbs and trying to solve a mystery: her own parents' death.
Austin Woodmore, Marquess of Kingshill, lives with one goal: stay true to his familial duty. Determined to find a cure for his ailing father, he follows the trail of a renowned old apothecary. What he finds instead, is his beautiful, spirited niece.
With Austin’s mother waging war against her and the moment of Ethel’s departure drawing closer, Austin must make a choice: serve his family or follow his heart.
A promise made by a stranger reveals that Ethel has been living a terrible lie. And a single slip of the tongue gives her the truth: what truly happened to her parents the night they died…
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
For Miss Ethel Pates, working at her uncle’s apothecary is everything she has ever known. In charge of her healer’s shop, she spends her days mixing herbs and trying to solve a mystery: her own parents' death.
Austin Woodmore, Marquess of Kingshill, lives with one goal: stay true to his familial duty. Determined to find a cure for his ailing father, he follows the trail of a renowned old apothecary. What he finds instead, is his beautiful, spirited niece.
With Austin’s mother waging war against her and the moment of Ethel’s departure drawing closer, Austin must make a choice: serve his family or follow his heart.
A promise made by a stranger reveals that Ethel has been living a terrible lie. And a single slip of the tongue gives her the truth: what truly happened to her parents the night they died…
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2020
576 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Emma Linfield
112 books82 followersEmma Linfield has always been passionate about historical romances. Ever fascinated with the world of Regency England and being utmost inspired by Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s work, she decided she wanted to write her own stories. Stories of love and tradition being mixed in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic, much like herself.
Born and raised in Southern California, Emma Linfield has a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature, and she has been working as a freelance writer for the past 10 years. When she isn’t writing, Emma loves spending her time with her own prince charming and two beautiful children, all the while enjoying the famous Californian sun and ocean.
So, hop on to this exciting journey of Dukes, Earls and true love with Emma and find pleasure in the old fashioned world of Regency - an Era of pure romance, elegance and high fashion!
(Source: Official Website)
Born and raised in Southern California, Emma Linfield has a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature, and she has been working as a freelance writer for the past 10 years. When she isn’t writing, Emma loves spending her time with her own prince charming and two beautiful children, all the while enjoying the famous Californian sun and ocean.
So, hop on to this exciting journey of Dukes, Earls and true love with Emma and find pleasure in the old fashioned world of Regency - an Era of pure romance, elegance and high fashion!
(Source: Official Website)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 22, 2020
This is an entertaining light drama. This is not a high drama book. Nor is it an action adventure. It is about a commoner and a Marquess. Ethel became an orphan at a very young age. She was taken in by her father's brother who was a very successful apothecary. He taught her everything he knew. When he became ill, she took over the shop. All through the years when thinking of her parents, she had a firm belief their death was not an accident. Without resources and connections there was little she could do to investigate. Ethel is a fine young woman. Beautiful but humble, honest and generous and she has a wicked wit about her. When Austin the Marquess of Kingshill walked into her shop he was shocked that a female was an apothecary. He had a wicked wit and taunted Ethel and she gave back as good as she got. Austin was definitely interested in Ethel. He had come to fill a prescription for his very ill father the Duke. When Ethel gave Austin her professional opinion on the script, he became wary. But when she explained why she felt the way she did he gave her the go ahead to make the modifications. Austin's father was his world. When he took a turn for the worse, he called on Ethel to aid his father. She did all she could to make him comfortable till the physician came from London. Austin had every faith in Ethel, as the modified script she made had a positive reaction in his father. Now Austin's mother was an evil diva who took every opportunity to put Ethel down and make her stay at the estate miserable. Between the physician and Ethel, the Duke began to improve. The physician could not stay so Austin begged Ethel to stay and watch over his father for him. She stayed. While there, Ethel and Austin would have many playful banters and they got to know each other. The evil Duchess could see the attraction between them and would not stand for it. In the meantime, Austin offered to investigate her parent’s death. It was the least he could do for the care she had shown his father. The results were devastating and revealed more than just how they died. A good story.
January 23, 2020
Touching Something Beautiful💘🌼
Regency Era Romance💕 and Murder💀 Mystery
Ethel Pates💃🌼 is an Apothecary, an Herbalist, taught the trade by her dear uncle, after her parents mysteriously suspicious deaths in a carriage accident.
Ethel💃🌼 is happiest out in their herb garden or in The woods, collecting wild herbs🌱🌼 and being with nature🌼. The two of them barely scrape by, but are happy, until her uncle becomes sickly. There is no money for a real doctor.
One day, Austin Woodmore🐺, the Marquess of Kingshill, comes into The shop with a request for a potent medicine. His father, the Duke of Dawntonshire👴, is quite ill, and needs more 💊medication. His regular doctor from London, won't be there for several days.
Ethel💃🌼 and Austin🐺, hit it off immediately, he loves to tease and banter, and she gives it right back to him. A few days later he comes in again and requests she bring her herbs🌱 to their estate and stay until his father recovers.
It's a long winter and the Duke👴 is slow to recover. In the meantime, Austin🐺 and Ethel💃🌼 get to know each other, becoming very close.
However, Charlotte👵, the Duchess, a mean spirited, greedy woman who doesn't even like her husband, has other plans for Austin🐺.
Without Austin🐺 or his father's knowledge, she invites the wife and daughter of the Duke's business partner to stay at the estate, in an attempt to get the daughter, Millicent, betrothed to Austin🐺.
Then while Austin🐺 is out at a distant village overseeing the building of a new bridge, Charlotte👵 sends Ethel💃🌼 away, back to her little shop in the local village. The Duke👴 isn't even completely recovered!
When he returns several months later, Austin🐺 finally sees his mother👵 in her true nature....
ARC Received from Bookfunnel🌀
I also got this ebook from KU.
Wow! What a wonderful book! I loved this story and feel it's Ms Linfield's best yet! Highly recommend for lovers of sweet historical romance. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Regency Era Romance💕 and Murder💀 Mystery
Ethel Pates💃🌼 is an Apothecary, an Herbalist, taught the trade by her dear uncle, after her parents mysteriously suspicious deaths in a carriage accident.
Ethel💃🌼 is happiest out in their herb garden or in The woods, collecting wild herbs🌱🌼 and being with nature🌼. The two of them barely scrape by, but are happy, until her uncle becomes sickly. There is no money for a real doctor.
One day, Austin Woodmore🐺, the Marquess of Kingshill, comes into The shop with a request for a potent medicine. His father, the Duke of Dawntonshire👴, is quite ill, and needs more 💊medication. His regular doctor from London, won't be there for several days.
Ethel💃🌼 and Austin🐺, hit it off immediately, he loves to tease and banter, and she gives it right back to him. A few days later he comes in again and requests she bring her herbs🌱 to their estate and stay until his father recovers.
It's a long winter and the Duke👴 is slow to recover. In the meantime, Austin🐺 and Ethel💃🌼 get to know each other, becoming very close.
However, Charlotte👵, the Duchess, a mean spirited, greedy woman who doesn't even like her husband, has other plans for Austin🐺.
Without Austin🐺 or his father's knowledge, she invites the wife and daughter of the Duke's business partner to stay at the estate, in an attempt to get the daughter, Millicent, betrothed to Austin🐺.
Then while Austin🐺 is out at a distant village overseeing the building of a new bridge, Charlotte👵 sends Ethel💃🌼 away, back to her little shop in the local village. The Duke👴 isn't even completely recovered!
When he returns several months later, Austin🐺 finally sees his mother👵 in her true nature....
ARC Received from Bookfunnel🌀
I also got this ebook from KU.
Wow! What a wonderful book! I loved this story and feel it's Ms Linfield's best yet! Highly recommend for lovers of sweet historical romance. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 21, 2020
ONE FANTASTIC ADVENTURE!!!
Outstanding! Emma aces yet another enthusiastic, sensational, tantalizing, chart topping, nailbiting, prize winning, masterpiece that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Boasting all the feels, thrills and stunning spills, striking the match, lighting the fuse and blowing this little fella asunder, tossing it into the eye of the storm, thrusting it into a tailspin with shocking results. A raging tempest of daunting circumstances and surprising mishaps, propelling this baby to staggering heights. Seizing the reigns, weaving a cocoon so intricately and tight, drawing you deeper into this tangled web until nothing else exist. Struggling with the drama, deceit, uncertainty, intrigue and soaring suspense, blasting this baby into a tailspin with a stunning culmination. Add distress, tension and turmoil along with a boatload of trouble, blasts this little fella to life beautifully. Stumbling through the trials and tribulations, sharp twists, crisp corners and sleek lines, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. The chemistry and attraction builds as each layer is peeled back exposing an undeniable bond and amplifying affections, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are authentic and original with qualities and traits that blend into amazing personalities. The scenes are so colorfully descriptive to give you a full understanding and realism that balance and flows smoothly. Remarkable job Emma, thanks for sharing this little fella with us.
Outstanding! Emma aces yet another enthusiastic, sensational, tantalizing, chart topping, nailbiting, prize winning, masterpiece that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Boasting all the feels, thrills and stunning spills, striking the match, lighting the fuse and blowing this little fella asunder, tossing it into the eye of the storm, thrusting it into a tailspin with shocking results. A raging tempest of daunting circumstances and surprising mishaps, propelling this baby to staggering heights. Seizing the reigns, weaving a cocoon so intricately and tight, drawing you deeper into this tangled web until nothing else exist. Struggling with the drama, deceit, uncertainty, intrigue and soaring suspense, blasting this baby into a tailspin with a stunning culmination. Add distress, tension and turmoil along with a boatload of trouble, blasts this little fella to life beautifully. Stumbling through the trials and tribulations, sharp twists, crisp corners and sleek lines, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. The chemistry and attraction builds as each layer is peeled back exposing an undeniable bond and amplifying affections, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are authentic and original with qualities and traits that blend into amazing personalities. The scenes are so colorfully descriptive to give you a full understanding and realism that balance and flows smoothly. Remarkable job Emma, thanks for sharing this little fella with us.
February 6, 2021
Great Read
A chance meeting with a Lord for an apothecary, is exciting and filled with tension. Lord Kingshill, Austin, needs herbs that will continue to help his father. He’s very worried as his father has been ill a long time.
Hearing about a skilled apothecary in a neighboring village he hastens to obtain what’s needed for his father. Entering the apothecaries hut, he meets Ethel and asks for her husband or father so he can discuss a matter of importance.with the apothecary. This statement irritates Ethel and sends a message that only men can be in this important position. Calming herself she explains she in fact is the apothecary he seeks. Taken aback, Lord Kingshill decides to test Ethel’s knowledge by handing her the list of ingredients he needs. Angered by his inability to accept a woman as a healer, she sets about collecting and preparing the potion needed for his father. It’s to early to know if they might become friends.
So much more to the story. The author gives the reader insight into a young girls life and into the family of nobility. Twists and surprise bring an interesting light to the story. All the characters were well defined.
Great read!
A chance meeting with a Lord for an apothecary, is exciting and filled with tension. Lord Kingshill, Austin, needs herbs that will continue to help his father. He’s very worried as his father has been ill a long time.
Hearing about a skilled apothecary in a neighboring village he hastens to obtain what’s needed for his father. Entering the apothecaries hut, he meets Ethel and asks for her husband or father so he can discuss a matter of importance.with the apothecary. This statement irritates Ethel and sends a message that only men can be in this important position. Calming herself she explains she in fact is the apothecary he seeks. Taken aback, Lord Kingshill decides to test Ethel’s knowledge by handing her the list of ingredients he needs. Angered by his inability to accept a woman as a healer, she sets about collecting and preparing the potion needed for his father. It’s to early to know if they might become friends.
So much more to the story. The author gives the reader insight into a young girls life and into the family of nobility. Twists and surprise bring an interesting light to the story. All the characters were well defined.
Great read!
January 22, 2020
Austin Woodmore, Marquess of Kingshill stops at a village apothecary to get healing herbs for his father. He's surprised to find a female apothecary. Ethel Pates Learned from her uncle. Austin's father does much better on Ethel's medications than on the Doctors. He invites her to come and stay at his home and care for his father, the Duke. Ethel's parents were killed in a carriage accident when she was a young girl. She never believed it was an accident. This is a story filled with intrigue, drama, suspense, romance, twists and turns that will keep you turning pages.. Characters are fleshed out, well constructed plot and well written story. I especially liked the ending. One of Emma's best stories.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
February 14, 2020
It's a good read with a few surprises, although they were rather predictable. Character development was solid, though not terribly complex, and the plot, for the most part, was intriguing. I was bothered by Austin's, and then Ethel's, willingness to be railroaded by the duchess. I fully expected to find out that she was slowly poisoning the duke, so when I found out she wasn't, I realized she wasn't quite as bad as I thought she was. Nevertheless, she was pretty awful.
I give this book 4 stars because it's good storytelling. It's not poetic and it's not thought-provoking, but it is fun. It's not something I'll rave about, but I enjoyed it. Sometimes that's enough.
I give this book 4 stars because it's good storytelling. It's not poetic and it's not thought-provoking, but it is fun. It's not something I'll rave about, but I enjoyed it. Sometimes that's enough.
February 24, 2020
“A Bottle of Betrayal for the Forgotten Duchess” by Emma Linfield
I received an ARC of this story from the author with the hope for my honest review. I liked the story. It was different and I enjoyed my time with Miss Ethel Pates and the adventures of her life. I tired from time to time of hearing (reading) the, at times, very detailed thoughts of the characters. Not being the most patient of readers I would chomp on the bit to get to the next cross-road in the story. But all the words/thoughts did fit the story so I must say if you like long, get your money’s worth stories… I am sure you will love this story, too. Happy Reading ! !
I received an ARC of this story from the author with the hope for my honest review. I liked the story. It was different and I enjoyed my time with Miss Ethel Pates and the adventures of her life. I tired from time to time of hearing (reading) the, at times, very detailed thoughts of the characters. Not being the most patient of readers I would chomp on the bit to get to the next cross-road in the story. But all the words/thoughts did fit the story so I must say if you like long, get your money’s worth stories… I am sure you will love this story, too. Happy Reading ! !
January 26, 2020
Loved the book! Ethel has been trained as an apothecary by her uncle since she was little. When a handsome Lord (Austin) enters her shop and asks for a remedy for his father. When his father gets worse he asks Ethel to come stay with them and help his father the Duke! Never would she have guessed that she would fall in love with Austin. When she is threatened by the Duchess she has no other choice but leave. A beautifully written story.
February 26, 2020
The hero is too sensitive, the apothecary given way more consideration than her station would have warranted in 1820. Strong women are fine, but there should be some verisimilitude. Consider Heyer's Frederica or Cousin Kate or The Grand Sophy, strong-willed women all but appropriate for the 1820s. And notice that they are all from the upper classes to begin with. A lowly apothecary would not get the consideration from a noble family that this heroine does.
October 2, 2021
Excellent! I really enjoyed this book. Ms Linfield’s writing style is very engaging and I could not put the book down. The witty banter between Austin and Ethel is absolutely charming and very funny. The story has a fairly normal Regency romance storyline / plot until much closer to the end where several very unexpected twists and turns makes for a wild ride with plenty of suspense and drama. Definitely recommended.
January 29, 2020
Such a fun book!
Loved reading this book! The very different plot caught my attention from the very beginning! Austin & Ethel's romance began the moment they met, but they don't see it as a romance until much later. There are some serious surprises in this story & I'm delighted I got to read it!
Loved reading this book! The very different plot caught my attention from the very beginning! Austin & Ethel's romance began the moment they met, but they don't see it as a romance until much later. There are some serious surprises in this story & I'm delighted I got to read it!
February 8, 2020
I LOVED this clean historical romantic. An orphan raised as an apothecary by her uncle, a Marquess with a tender heart. A sweet romance that I thoroughly got lost in. And a big surprise or two at the end! I recommend this book. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
January 27, 2020
Another wonderful book by Emma Linfield! This story about Ethel and Austin is full of intrigue, mystery, betrayal... but also trust, romance and love. I have never been disappointed by any book from Emma Linfield! Must read!
January 30, 2020
An amazing story, entertaining, enlightening, heartfelt and lots of emotional conflict and soul searching with unexpected circumstances and unpredictable surprises and misunderstandings. loved reading.
January 2, 2021
Sweet and mysterious...
This was a beautifully written book with well developed characters and plenty of mystery. It was thoroughly engaging and kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen to Ethel and Arthur.
This was a beautifully written book with well developed characters and plenty of mystery. It was thoroughly engaging and kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen to Ethel and Arthur.
February 20, 2021
Loved the mystery.
Wonderful display of enduring love through hate. Great insight into the mystery of herbal remedies. Cold case solved. Ability to look past physical appearance.
Wonderful display of enduring love through hate. Great insight into the mystery of herbal remedies. Cold case solved. Ability to look past physical appearance.
January 22, 2020
A Delightful Story
This story begins interesting and remains so throughout. It was not what I anticipated but much better. I love the intrigue and included romance.
This story begins interesting and remains so throughout. It was not what I anticipated but much better. I love the intrigue and included romance.
January 30, 2020
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
March 17, 2020
Good
Very good ending. Some of it seems that I knew what would happen, but I enjoyed it and the characters were nice
Very good ending. Some of it seems that I knew what would happen, but I enjoyed it and the characters were nice
March 19, 2020
A knowledgeable heroine
I enjoyed Ethel and Austin's story very much. The villain on this book was a rather awful one! A nice read!
I enjoyed Ethel and Austin's story very much. The villain on this book was a rather awful one! A nice read!
October 7, 2022
Excellent book!
I love this novel. It was well written and entertaining. I couldn’t put it down. I recommend this book to everyone.
I love this novel. It was well written and entertaining. I couldn’t put it down. I recommend this book to everyone.
January 27, 2020
This book had it all...a wonderful, strong, smart heroine (Ethel); a handsome, true, ethical hero (Austin); a wicked, evil character (Charlotte); sickness, health, happiness, sadness and mystery. The story was fast-moving and I enjoyed it immensely. I was also glad to read the extended epilogue. Good Job!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews