My Heart's True Delight

True Gentlemen #10

by Grace Burrowes

Ash Dorning has loved Della Haddonfield from afar for years. He has played the part of the cordial family connection and battled every demon from lack of funds, to meddling relatives, to a recurring case of the blue devils—while other men have won Della's smiles. When Della lands in the midst of scandal, those fellows who fawned over her hand disappear behind the nearest potted palms, leaving Ash to waltz to the rescue.

Della is compromised by a thoroughgoing bounder, and only Ash's loyalty stands between her and hopeless ruin. But Ash has played least in sight with her for too long, and too many secrets lie between them for Della to believe that Ash is motivated by anything other than gentlemanly duty. When troubles comes calling once again, Ash and Della either learn to trust their love, or they will lose everything they hold dear—including each other.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2020

About the author

Grace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.

It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.

While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")

Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)

To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[Alvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW: depression, suicidal ideation, victim blaming, homophobia
Tags: friends-to-lovers, marriage of convenience

This might be uncomfortable for some readers so I need to mention it upfront: the hero has depression and the heroine has anxiety. It’s the primary conflict for a majority of the book and the author goes through all of the SIG E CAPS as the heroine learns about his “melancholia”.

I’ve said it before but historical romance is roleplay not realism. Della is super open-minded in a way some readers might find anachronistic. Personally, I found it amusing and consistent with her previous appearances as the observant sister. She’s refreshing and the banter she has with the hero is adorable.

However, readers looking for excitement might give this a pass since a majority of this book is noble idiocy— basically conversational back and forth about marriage and expectations. I eat that up but I can see how it’d be a yawnfest for others. Della’s secrets became too tedious and hypocritical for too long.

I liked only half this novel, the part that was focused on the couple and their compatibility and frank discussions about mental health. I have been waiting for this book for ages so I might be biased but their chemistry shines on every page and the conflict was tragic because it was so relatable. There was tons of story potential and depth to be explored around their relationship dynamics, so I’m disappointed Burrowes chose to instead include a dumb villain+gambling plot. Literally everyone at that house party seemed content to get raped or blackmailed without fighting back. A mere Baronet! How do they survive in greater society?!! We hear so much about the hero dreading his “melancholia” but never see them tackle that hurdle! Why dabble if you’re not going to follow through? I will say, kudos for discussions about erectile dysfunction and hyperventilation.

Burrowes always looses me with her villains and lack of satisfying retribution. I hated the end, the rapist villain was let off too easily and it ruined what started as a super promising novel. Also, idk if it’s because its not usually discussed in romance novels, but I thought this novel was almost overtly focused on homophobia as a scare tactic.

Overall, the hero and heroine’s discussions about mental health and the couple’s compatibility saved what was otherwise an exposition of regency rape culture.

PS: Max aka Adolphus is never mentioned as a Haddonfield, can anyone solve this mystery?
PPS: Not excited for Cam’s romance with the sarcastic widow.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Burrowes perfection once again! No wonder she's one of my fav. authors!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Grace Burrowes’ books. There is something so comforting and comfortable about opening one and delving into different characters facing demons both internal and external. Now, it’s been a while since I read any of the “True Gentlemen” series, but this one checked off most of my ‘must have’ boxes to make me sigh happily - secretly smitten hero, a heroine with frailties or perceived weaknesses who shows the ‘strong’ hero the path to acceptance and happiness, and an overarching theme centered around showing not telling that troubles when shared with the right person or persons make you stronger, not weaker. This one had just enough of all of those to make me want to catch up on the TG series. Thank you and bless you, Ms. Burrowes!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash Dorning, despite being madly in love with Della Haddonfield for as long as he can remember, refuses to offer marriage, believing his bouts of “blue devils” (what today we would call seasonal affective disorder) make him an unworthy partner. Della, (who is madly in love with Ash), is just as certain she is an unsuitable wife for any man; she agrees to a mad scheme of a failed elopement with a rogue of an acquaintance. Her plan is to save the acquaintance from an unwanted arranged marriage, and to leave herself slightly tainted so she can retire to the country a confirmed spinster. When the scheme goes awry, Della is nearly raped and completely ruined. In an effort to save Della’s reputation, Ash does the gentlemanly thing and offers for her. Thus begins the tale. In most romances, the H and h getting together is the conclusion of the story, but here, the author weaves a tale of two damaged people, who love each other enough to try to do what is best for the other, no matter the cost to themselves. How Della and Ash come to a common understanding that works for everyone involved is a lovely journey. This author revels in setting up what seem to be situations with no possible resolution in sight, and then, bam! The perfectly reasonable and logical conclusion hits you, leaving you satisfied but wondering how she did it! The descriptive (but not overly wordy) prose in this author’s writing style puts you right into the drawing room and makes the characters ones you truly miss when you finish reading (and it kept me reading until 4:00 am!). I highly recommend this standalone addition to the True Gentlemen series. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Kathy Cohen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Continues the Haddonfield/Dorning family saga. Although having the usual Burrowes flippancy, this novel deals with serious, sometimes disturbing issues--severe depression, crippling anxiety, homosexualilty, attempted rape, infidelity, self-mutilation, and flagellation. It may not be for everyone.

[Ana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not worth it.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who suffers from mental illness & has family members with mental illness, this book was a little hard to read at times. It describes the experiences of the person AND the impact on family & friends in a way that I find familiar. Ash most likely suffers from SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is depression that worsens during the winter months & Della has what we generally now call panic attacks. Even in the modern era people with a mental illness are stigmatized and misunderstood, so imagine what it was like over 200 years ago. Fortunately these 2 both have a loving family who does what they can to help battle something that they don't really understand. Like all of Grace Burrowes books the story revolves around family & friends uniting to assist the hero & heroine. I know it sounds trite and simplistic but having family & friends around that *try* to help is beneficial even if they don't really understand what you are dealing with.
On a side note...now I am really not very patiently waiting for Sycamore's story. I've always thought there was little more to him than the happy go lucky youngest sibling persona. This book gave an insight into the relationship between him & Ash that only made me more impatient to read his story.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical M/F low steam romance between two characters battling mental illness. Mutual pining turns to marriage of convenience and ends with a genre typical epilogue. Overall just never truly connected with the characters and just couldn't bring myself to care about the subplot.

CW for a yucky/rapey dude doing a heaping load of yucky/rapey things.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the series.

[Brandi Day]

I have been waiting for Ash’s and Della’s story for years and through many books in the True Gentlemen series. It did not disappoint. If you are not already invested in the characters, I cannot say if you will be as instantly swept into the story as I was, but I was caught from the first page, eager to see what would unfold for these two star-crossed lovers.

Ash and Della have been circling each other for years, each willing to admit to themselves that the other is the only person they will ever love, but unable to do anything about it. Della has the limitations of being a woman in a time when women rarely pursued their passions and being confused by Ash’s aloof demeanor. Ash has his own laundry list of concerns. When the time comes, however, Ash cannot allow her to marry anyone but him even knowing they risk terrible heartbreak if they cannot overcome their weaknesses to make the marriage work. Ultimately, they determine that they would rather attempt to muddle along together than separately.

One note of caution: This is not a traditional romantic romp through Regency England. The author tackles serious issues related to mental health in the book. She does it honestly and brilliantly. While the book is by no means depressing, it also isn’t a light, cheery read. There is a lot to digest.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash and Della's story is the latest of the stories of the Haddonfield and Dorning families, a series of wonderful books. You can still enjoy this book separately from the rest of the series due to Grace Burrowes' excellent story-telling with just the right mix of character development, period and area descriptions, love, sweetness, and fun. Ash and Della are two that you would like to have as friends and that you want to have their happily ever afters.

I received my copy of this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and voluntarily have written this review.

[Amy Ikari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book since I read Will’s True Wish. I love the Dorning brothers. It was wonderful to step back into Grace Burrowes’ magical world. The years have been challenging to Della and it is interesting to see the climax between her and Ash. Grace Burrowes is a must read for me. I recommend her to anyone and everyone.

[Rose Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1ll

Ash Dorning has finally found a degree of financial stability, as he and his brother, Cam, manage the Coventry Club, a gaming hall thinly disguised as a supper club. Ash has also found the woman he would like to spend forever with, but he can’t bring himself to burden Della with his affliction. So after the couple shared some lovely kisses, Ash decided to back off, leaving Della bewildered and hurt. Her overtures were met only with politeness and friendship. So, after years of having her loving but misguided family try to arrange a match for her, she takes a desperate step. She’ll take part in a fake elopement with William Chastain, who is already unhappily engaged to someone he doesn’t want to marry. When William’s father catches up with them, he’ll see the light and allow William to break the engagement. Della figures that she’ll be tainted sufficiently, so that her family will allow her to retire in peace to their country home. The plan goes awry, when William’s father is late catching up with them, and William becomes a villain by trying to force a real marriage. Della is not truly ruined, though she’s definitely suspect in the eyes of society.

The Haddonfield family won’t let Della hide away, insisting that she continue with her social obligations. Meanwhile, Ash has learned the news, and has arranged for several dance partners for her, including himself, to make it appear that she’s not being ostracized. When Ash and Della are finally able to have some time alone to talk, Della is insistent on knowing why Ash withdrew from their relationship. Ash finally confesses that he suffers from extreme melancholia, having bouts that can last from weeks to months. This news doesn’t deter Della, and the couple decides to marry quickly, then attend an upcoming house party to show the world that Della isn’t ruined. Little do they know that William Chastain is also going to be a guest, and that his villainy seems to have no limits.

Ash and Della already had strong feelings for each other, so their marriage gets off to a warm, companionable, and passionate start. Then things begin to fall apart. Chastain is enraged that Della got away, and that his family forced him into an unwanted marriage. He’s now determined to have his revenge not only on Della, but on Ash, and his club, as well. Chastain is a true lowlife – a spoiled, petulant bully who can’t see his own weaknesses, and blames everyone else for his woes. His anger fuels him into scheming, lying, and blackmailing seemingly most of the guests at the house party. If that weren’t bad enough, Ash is starting to feel his melancholia coming on, causing him to lose interest in things happening around him, even apparently, his own wife.

MY HEART’S TRUE DELIGHT is both a tender love story and somewhat of an eye opener as to the far reaching effects of melancholia. In today’s world, we call Ash’s condition depression, perhaps even SAD (seasonal affective disorder) since it seems to happen mostly during the winter months. The violence Ash was driven to in order to combat the condition is heartbreaking, and even shocking. I felt such compassion for his helplessness, and I still loved the man he is. When it is learned that Della had been hiding a secret disorder of her own, Ash’s reaction is supportive and loving, just as hers was to his revelation. I think that Grace Burrowes must be a very kind person, because her villain received what I thought was nowhere near the comeuppance he deserved, as he was truly a nasty piece of work. (I’m hoping that in a future book in this series, she throws in a little paragraph about him truly receiving his just deserts.) The relationship between Ash and his brother, Cam, is beautifully written, with a couple of very emotional scenes. There is also a satisfying epilogue, something I always love to see, which shows how this couple’s love and dedication carried them through the difficult times. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for readers who enjoy a strong and warm romance, along with complex characters, wonderful family relationships, and, of course, happily ever after.

[piranha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good: the plot features mental illness (Ash has SAD, seasonal affective disorder, Della has anxiety to a quite debilitating degree). This doesn't happen often in Regencies, and it was handled reasonably well. The newly married folks have a lot of cerebral conversations about it, and I like how it even affects their lovemaking, which isn't the usual perfection. Kudos to Burrowes for tackling something so difficult.

Mediocre: the houseparty as a plot device, when it would have been not only most sensible but also perfectly socially acceptable for the newly married couple to spend their honey month privately. It threw me out of the story it was such an idiotic decision. But the author needed to throw Della and the villain together, and put extra pressure on Ash; I just wish she had handled that more elegantly.

When Ash comes clean, Della keeps her secret. That really makes very little sense; it was a perfect time for bonding, and for showing him that he was not alone in harbouring a shameful affliction. Fortunately she doesn't keep it from him for the entire book. I am admittedly also a bit iffy on her also having a mood disorder, that seemed a little pat and more designed for balance with Ash than as a genuine issue of its own. Especially since I don't recall it being an issue whenever we met Della before -- so maybe Burrowes hadn't thought of it before this book. Or maybe I just don't remember?

Bad: as usual in Burrowes' books, the villain is completely bad, no redeemable features, and if there had been airlocks in Regency times I'd have spaced him. I think badly of Della for even agreeing to a scam elopement with him; what a ninny.

Ash is less perfect than the usual Burrowes hero IMO, not really because of his depression (though that is a great flaw to pick), but because he left Della hanging for years. Ok, so he thinks he is unmarriageable, that makes sense -- but then, you coward, come clean already. Della was quite unusually forward for a woman of her time; so she wasn't unapproachable. If you can have conversations about sexual deviancy, you can talk about why you don't think you can marry (those conversations were quite anachronistic IMO). If you love somebody, you can work up the guts to set them free. So while I liked Ash overall better than many others as a hero, this flaw weighs heavily.

This is also the second book in which a younger sister is thoroughly neglected by her band of brothers who have been previously presented to us as paragons of gentlemanly behaviour and as super protective of their families. But here only George (formerly gay-baited bro now happily married to a woman) makes an effort and he doesn't call in the cavalry either. Maybe they're all too busy swiving their wives in order to make more babies, because there's no HEA for Burrowes without a litter of those.

[Jack Vasen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book in the True Gentlemen series tells a complete story and could stand alone. It does feature characters and details from earlier books and later books, but not much to the reader's detriment by not having read those.

I was torn between 1 star and 2. Many things in this book offended me. The two main protagonists suffer depressing disabilities. The main antagonist is very prominent in the story and he is everything evil there is in a man. For one thing, he attempts rape (though not described in detail), and brags about wanting to rape others. He also brags about physically abusing various women and encourages an acquaintance to physically abuse his stepmother. It offends me that rape is so casually bandied about in the story despite that fact that apparently it was common for "gentlemen" to do so with "the help" and other commoners not to mention occasionally with the gentry. In some stories, a man will coerce a woman into marriage by being caught raping or at least assaulting her. Perhaps it is that which offends me and this book reveals that more than most.

The language by characters and in the narrative is more crass than I remember by this author and certainly more than I remember by the other writers I have read in this genre. Several crass subjects related to what many would consider deviant sexuality are discussed openly.

I mentioned the protagonists briefly above. Della's disability is heartbreaking and it is unveiled slowly at first. Ash's melancholia is revealed early and it is also difficult. I suffer a very mild form of it. I was almost scanning towards the end but didn't notice that SAD was mentioned specifically but there is a hint that Seasonal Affective Disorder is part of his problem as it is for me.

However, taken together, this is not the most cheerful book.

I found Chastain's coercive power over so many people to be unlikely given his use of blackmail tactics on so many people it should have backfired on him long before it should have brought the distress created in the story.

Mature themes: I described most of them at length above. There is at least one moderately explicit sex scene. And one of the ways Ash deals with his depression is to either physical abuse himself, including cutting, or to seek out fights where he suffers pain. Interestingly, alcohol abuse is dealt with in such away as to emphasize the negative consequences.

[HappyBookWorm2020 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. Ash is quiet and intelligent, one of the two Dorning brothers who own a popular gambling establishment in London. Delia Haddonfield is the youngest, the smallest, and the darkest of the very numerous, loud, blonde, tall Haddonfields. As the youngest, the quietest and the smallest, she became accustomed to be overlooked - even to the extent of being left behind on some of their family excursions.

Except, now her large family has her in their full sights. She has had several seasons with no proposals, and they are anxious about her marriage prospects. Delia decides that a little misbehavior could gain her a nice long soujourn at home in the country, and a respite from the marriage market. Unfortunately, she chooses the worst possible partner and her plan blows up in her face. The scandal is so huge that the family decides she needs to marry in order to regain her reputation. Enter Ash, unmarried, solvent, known to the family and willing to marry Delia.

This book was a delight to read. Since the couple already knew each other so well (or thought they did), there was little in the way of courtship. Instead, they got to know each other after the marriage, and discovered they had more in common than they thought. Together they decided that their first social foray as a married couple was to attend a house party - only to discover after they arrived that the scoundrel Delia had 'eloped' with is there with his new wife.

I highly recommend this book. Since the couple was married for much of the book, it is a little different than most historical romance where the focus is on courtship, but it is a delightful difference.

I received this e-arc from the author who randomly selected several commenters from her website, and am voluntarily leaving a review for this very enjoyable book.

[ike pauh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate a story that depicts mental illness during a time where not much is understood or what is understood is totally not how it should be treated.

This book is unlike most of the contemporarily written historical romance books I've read. Conversation dominates the book, conversation that is not so current-y, not a contempo disguised as HR (is that a Grace Burrowes thing?). Sometimes, I appreciate that and this is one of those moments. It's gentle enough for and there is not too much leapfrogging for me to do when compared to instances where I'm reading one of the classics (Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters and etc).

It is quiet, it is quaint, there is much emphasis put on the role of family and friends.
Similar to the classics, I needed to discern the meaning and undertones behind conversations. Occasionally, I was confused.

Chastain was toady and why Della and Ash couldn't just make haste and seclude themselves to his abode? Ah, societal conventions hound them. And provide their early start to marriage with troubles. Anyway, I suppose removing themselves from society would have just brought about Ash's seasonal condition quicker...and it wouldn't have resolved the issues Della was facing.
Since this is the 10th book in a series and it's the 1st book I've picked up, I may have missed some things. Oh well.

No explicit sex scenes, much is vague written. No swearing, just smarmy toady-ness. Mentions of possibly commiting suicide. Talks of depression, anxiety and panic attacks.

[MacKenzie Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went through the entirety of The True Gentlemen series to get to this story that was sparked in book 3 (Will's True Wish). And boy, was it worth the wait!
I never imagined that I would get to really see a part of myself in not one, but two of the main characters in a romance (would be 3, but George Haddonfield never made to full-fledged MC). As a person living with depression and anxiety, it was so refreshing to see those mental illnesses not just mentioned, but illustrated and explored. For me to be able to follow these characters as they fell more and more in love and came up against unforgiving (social/interpersonal) odds and say "I relate to that; that's me," was more comforting than I ever could've imagined.
All the blessings to Grace Burrowes and her wonderful brain for creating these characters, these stories, and the situations to bring about their HEA and bring their truths into our light. My Heart's True Delight has found it's place among my top 5 favorite books, and Grace Burrowes is very close to disposing Johanna Lindsey as my favorite romance author (I <3 the Malorys forever). I have a feeling Sycamore's book may decide things.
READ THIS BOOK! READ THIS SERIES! READ THIS AUTHOR!

[Elke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally finished this book and it took me almost two whole years and three full tries. Not because it was bad, but because it contains such a painfully accurate of a disease people in the nineteenth century called melancholia. Burrowes described the shame, lethargy and compulsions of depression in sharp but quick brush strokes, details in an otherwise good plot. She draws in George's backstory, which made for a truly heartbreaking scene, and fleshes out both Della and Sycamore in unexpected and again extremely resonant ways. As someone who has lived with suicidal depression and social anxiety for almost thirty years, I think this book needs a serious trigger warning. It's also a must-read, because it contains one of the most concrete and painfully true depictions of depression I ever read in fiction.

[N.W. Moors · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book about a terrible issue. Ash Dorning suffers from depression and though he's loved Della Haddonfield for years, he fears commitment to her because his illness would ruin any chance of happiness for them. Della, not understanding and tired of waiting for Ash, inadvertently falls into a scandal, and Ash must come to the rescue.
Ms. Burrowes writes such lovely stories and I always pre-order all her books. I've been waiting for Ash and Della's story and it does not disappoint. Depression is such a serious topic today that one forgets its existence in past times. It might have been called 'blue devils' or something else, but it has been an issue for centuries. It was interesting to see how it was addressed here in this thoroughly beautiful romance.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tackling a tough subject
This story didn’t seem to flow as smoothly as some of Grace Burrowes’ stories, but I admire her for tackling a tough subject so straightforwardly. I think I was a little disappointed that the characters weren’t completely honest with each other sooner, but that was far outweighed by the story’s complexity for dealing with what would now be termed mood disorders, in the context of a era when the concept wasn’t really acknowledged. I’ve been shipping these two characters since they were introduced, so it was great to finally see them get a happy ending!
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily giving an honest review.

[Make · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gentle and sweet romance from Grace Burrowes. This was cozy and soothing right when I needed it- so ready for all this Covid-19 stress to be gone!!

Ms. Burrowes seems to be making her villains even more evil and heinous lately, and the truly black depravity that they demonstrate often seems just a little cartoonish? And yet highly distressing.

I do love the Dorning family, and its so lovely to be back in the bosom of their family again. I can't wait for Sycamore's book!

[Kristy565 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC, but I plan to buy the print version to keep on my shelf for re-reading.
Ash and Della's story is not an easy one, but it is wonderful. In the end, I didn't want it to be the end. If you have followed the Dornings and the Haddonfields, I think you will still be surprised by certain details. I root hard for Ash and Della!!!
Grace Burrowes is such a great writer and I'm so glad a friend recommended her to me.

[R. Beach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace Burrowes is one of my favorite historical romance writers and this book is no exception to her creative writing ability. Recent books have focused on mental health issues which I have some familiarity with from my workplace. These issues affect most everyone but not always to an extent that they are visible to our loved ones. This book with Ash and Della finally coming together and strengthening each other despite their 'perceived' weaknesses was a fine piece of storytelling.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been anticipating this book for ages it seems but when it came to the romance between the main characters it fell a bit flat for me. The heroine’s evasiveness and nerve struggles combined with the hero’s depression just seemed a bit forced to me. As a fan of her other works I find it incredible that the close haddonfield family could be so careless and oblivious and still smother her at the same time so her struggles didn’t ring sincere for me. Highlights were catching up on the minor characters and the intriguing subplot.

[Jessica Maynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Grace Burrowes, but her plots usually follow a predictable pattern. This one is no different, but the characters themselves face challenges we haven’t seen in her Regency-era world: mental illness. She approaches and handles these topics sensitively, making the case that “HEA” looks different for some folks.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Heart’s True Delight was quite readable and I sympathized a lot with both Ash and Della. And holy crap was the villain awful. Fortunately there was a reckoning, and I was okay with how things played out. The epilogue was also quite touching. I’m looking forward to reading Daisy and Cam’s books next year.

[MELISSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy sighing

Another fascinating Dorning story with Ash and Lady Della Haddonfield as the focus and various other Dornings and Haddonfields wandering in and out. Most intriguing reading due to topics of melancholia and anxiety along with a mean blighter trying to spoil the whole HEA. Of course, love will out as this is historical romance. Smile.

[Celia Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable couple

Truly remarkable story! Challenging personality issues, determination, persistence, and of course, love! Their course of true love was definitely rocky. I enjoyed, and was fascinated by Ash's issues, then shocked by Della's own issues. What a pair! So very well written that I could not put this book down til the end!! Highly recommended.

[Susan Sieger · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome read!

I really enjoyed this story! Ash and Della's story was a show of how much they loved each other with wanting to help the other with their ailments. Their love proved to be the best medicine. I highly recommend this story! 👍👍👍❤❤❤