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Lady of Fortune
Reissued and repackaged for the very first time since 1988, Lady of Fortune is a classic story of one woman's perseverance and strength in the face of insurmountable odds in the wake of the French Revolution. A countess turned servant . . . Forced to escape the French Revolution, resilient young Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle flees to London. But when she finds herself unexpectedly penniless, Christa hides her aristocratic background to become a lady's maid. . . . Until rebuffing advances from both her tyrannical mistress's husband and her lover gets Christa cast into the street--directly into a hero's arms . . .
A Royal Navy commander . . . After a long absence, Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has returned to England on medical leave. Now head of his family, he must take charge of his younger siblings. He feels a special duty to his sister Annabelle, a shy debutante in need of a maid. So Alex is delighted to discover that the intriguing, outspoken, and lovely young woman who serendipitously landed in his arms is in need of just such a position . . . The heart of a household . . .
With her warmth, charm, and surprisingly refined intellect, Christa soon wins the hearts of all the Kingsleys--especially Alex. And while their mutual attraction deepens to something more, the gap in their social stations seems an impossible obstacle. Only when Alex and Annabelle become the targets of fortune hunters, will the truth about Christa have a chance to be revealed. But will it mean a chance for true love to triumph?
A Royal Navy commander . . . After a long absence, Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has returned to England on medical leave. Now head of his family, he must take charge of his younger siblings. He feels a special duty to his sister Annabelle, a shy debutante in need of a maid. So Alex is delighted to discover that the intriguing, outspoken, and lovely young woman who serendipitously landed in his arms is in need of just such a position . . . The heart of a household . . .
With her warmth, charm, and surprisingly refined intellect, Christa soon wins the hearts of all the Kingsleys--especially Alex. And while their mutual attraction deepens to something more, the gap in their social stations seems an impossible obstacle. Only when Alex and Annabelle become the targets of fortune hunters, will the truth about Christa have a chance to be revealed. But will it mean a chance for true love to triumph?
567 pages, Library Binding
First published September 6, 1988
198 people are currently reading
1944 people want to read
About the author
Mary Jo Putney
167 books2,261 followersShe writes young adult fiction as M.J. Putney.
Mary Jo Putney was born on 1946 in Upstate New York with a reading addiction, a condition for which there is no known cure. After earning degrees in English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she did various forms of design work in California and England before inertia took over in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has lived very comfortably ever since.
While becoming a novelist was her ultimate fantasy, it never occurred to her that writing was an achievable goal until she acquired a computer for other purposes. When the realization hit that a computer was the ultimate writing tool, she charged merrily into her first book with an ignorance that illustrates the adage that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Fortune sometimes favors the foolish and her first book sold quickly, thereby changing her life forever, in most ways for the better. (“But why didn't anyone tell me that writing would change the way one reads?”) Like a lemming over a cliff, she gave up her freelance graphic design business to become a full-time writer as soon as possible.
Since 1987, Ms. Putney has published twenty-nine books and counting. Her stories are noted for psychological depth and unusual subject matter such as alcoholism, death and dying, and domestic abuse. She has made all of the national bestseller lists including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and Publishers Weekly. Five of her books have been named among the year’s top five romances by The Library Journal. The Spiral Path and Stolen Magic were chosen as one of Top Ten romances of their years by Booklist, published by the American Library Association.
A nine-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won RITAs for Dancing on the Wind and The Rake and the Reformer and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. She has been awarded two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, four NJRW Golden Leaf awards, plus the NJRW career achievement award for historical romance. Though most of her books have been historical, she has also published three contemporary romances. The Marriage Spell will be out in June 2006 in hardcover, and Stolen Magic (written as M. J. Putney) will be released in July 2006.
Ms. Putney says that not least among the blessings of a full-time writing career is that one almost never has to wear pantyhose.
Mary Jo Putney was born on 1946 in Upstate New York with a reading addiction, a condition for which there is no known cure. After earning degrees in English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she did various forms of design work in California and England before inertia took over in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has lived very comfortably ever since.
While becoming a novelist was her ultimate fantasy, it never occurred to her that writing was an achievable goal until she acquired a computer for other purposes. When the realization hit that a computer was the ultimate writing tool, she charged merrily into her first book with an ignorance that illustrates the adage that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Fortune sometimes favors the foolish and her first book sold quickly, thereby changing her life forever, in most ways for the better. (“But why didn't anyone tell me that writing would change the way one reads?”) Like a lemming over a cliff, she gave up her freelance graphic design business to become a full-time writer as soon as possible.
Since 1987, Ms. Putney has published twenty-nine books and counting. Her stories are noted for psychological depth and unusual subject matter such as alcoholism, death and dying, and domestic abuse. She has made all of the national bestseller lists including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and Publishers Weekly. Five of her books have been named among the year’s top five romances by The Library Journal. The Spiral Path and Stolen Magic were chosen as one of Top Ten romances of their years by Booklist, published by the American Library Association.
A nine-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won RITAs for Dancing on the Wind and The Rake and the Reformer and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. She has been awarded two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, four NJRW Golden Leaf awards, plus the NJRW career achievement award for historical romance. Though most of her books have been historical, she has also published three contemporary romances. The Marriage Spell will be out in June 2006 in hardcover, and Stolen Magic (written as M. J. Putney) will be released in July 2006.
Ms. Putney says that not least among the blessings of a full-time writing career is that one almost never has to wear pantyhose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
November 14, 2022
Thank you, Kensington Publishing and Netgalley, for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I didn't know this was a re-issue when I requested the ARC. This book is one of Ms Putney's earliest works (it was originally published in 1988). The writing isn't as polished and engaging as some of her other later works. The plot is good, though. The romance between Alex and Christa is sweet. This book is very much a character-driven story. Two things kept them apart; the social divide (Christa is a countess in France but fled to England during the French terror and is currently working as a lady's maid to Alex's sister, Annabelle) and a misunderstanding on Alex's side. Annabelle's storyline is engaging and doesn't detract from the main couple.
Everything feels too contrived for my tastes. Everyone finds their perfect partner; everyone's a little too nice and a little too perfect. I liked some flaws in the characters as it gives a sense of realism.
This book is perfect if you're in the mood for something with low angst. I enjoyed it despite the quibbles. 3.5 stars.
I didn't know this was a re-issue when I requested the ARC. This book is one of Ms Putney's earliest works (it was originally published in 1988). The writing isn't as polished and engaging as some of her other later works. The plot is good, though. The romance between Alex and Christa is sweet. This book is very much a character-driven story. Two things kept them apart; the social divide (Christa is a countess in France but fled to England during the French terror and is currently working as a lady's maid to Alex's sister, Annabelle) and a misunderstanding on Alex's side. Annabelle's storyline is engaging and doesn't detract from the main couple.
Everything feels too contrived for my tastes. Everyone finds their perfect partner; everyone's a little too nice and a little too perfect. I liked some flaws in the characters as it gives a sense of realism.
This book is perfect if you're in the mood for something with low angst. I enjoyed it despite the quibbles. 3.5 stars.
December 15, 2025
A family of bumbling idiots
How are we supposed to look favorably toward a zero that's stupid enough not to see
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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How are we supposed to look favorably toward a zero that's stupid enough not to see
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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January 3, 2023
I am a fan of Mary Jo Putney. This was previously only available as a paperback. Since I was not lucky enough to get my hands on a copy, I had not read before. Fortunately for all of us who enjoy eBooks, this is now being re-released as a digital edition with an improved cover. I was very honored to receive an advance copy in exchange for a review. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher!
The time frame - Georgian - is not my favorite, but Putney delivered with the story. I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys her writing or likes a story with a French heroine escaping from the Revolution.
There were bad things that happened in the book. It was not completely light-hearted and fun. However, the writing tone and Christa's positive attitude kept it from being dark. Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle (Christa) had the ability to make the best of any circumstances. This is a trait that I greatly appreciate in anyone, so it was a joy to read her story and the challenges that she faced with grace and perseverance. She lived the life of a maid as well as she lived as a Comtesse before leaving France. She was a delight who inspired loyalty from everyone she knew.
Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley wasn't quite as likable as Christa, but he was definitely a man who wanted to do the right thing. He loved his sister Annabelle. He did his duty to King and Country.
He led his household with responsibility and love. He was just a little slow to realize what he felt for Christa was true love and might be worth any price to keep. Of course, with the class difference at the time, it was understandable; so I forgave him.
As expected, the book ends with a happily-ever-after that left a smile on my face. Enjoy!
The time frame - Georgian - is not my favorite, but Putney delivered with the story. I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys her writing or likes a story with a French heroine escaping from the Revolution.
There were bad things that happened in the book. It was not completely light-hearted and fun. However, the writing tone and Christa's positive attitude kept it from being dark. Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle (Christa) had the ability to make the best of any circumstances. This is a trait that I greatly appreciate in anyone, so it was a joy to read her story and the challenges that she faced with grace and perseverance. She lived the life of a maid as well as she lived as a Comtesse before leaving France. She was a delight who inspired loyalty from everyone she knew.
Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley wasn't quite as likable as Christa, but he was definitely a man who wanted to do the right thing. He loved his sister Annabelle. He did his duty to King and Country.
He led his household with responsibility and love. He was just a little slow to realize what he felt for Christa was true love and might be worth any price to keep. Of course, with the class difference at the time, it was understandable; so I forgave him.
As expected, the book ends with a happily-ever-after that left a smile on my face. Enjoy!
February 21, 2023
1794 & Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle manages to make her way to the French coast & escapes to London but not without losing all who are dear to her. Then she finds herself unexpectedly penniless so the resourceful Christa hides her aristocratic background to become a lady's maid. Until rebuffing advances from both her tyrannical mistress’s husband and her lovers gets Christa cast into the street—directly into a hero’s arms. After a long absence, Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has returned to England on medical leave. Now head of his family, he must take charge of his younger siblings Annabelle & jonathan. He feels a special duty to his sister Annabelle, a shy debutante in need of a maid. So Alex is delighted to discover that the intriguing, outspoken, and lovely young woman who serendipitously landed in his arms is in need of just such a position . Christa soon wins the hearts of all the Kingsleys—especially Alex. But a Viscount & a maid is a scandal in the making
This is a re release from 1988 & it shows why the author is so popular plus the story is as fresh now as when it was first published. The characters are very well portrayed & have lovely depth, the pace is good & never lags. I loved both Christa & Alex, the chemistry between them sizzled, there were misunderstandings, assumptions & secrets, which made their journey to a HEA an engrossing readI also liked Annabelle who grew in confidence throughout the book. There were a couple of surprises I hadn't expected but were very welcome. An engrossing, riveting story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is a re release from 1988 & it shows why the author is so popular plus the story is as fresh now as when it was first published. The characters are very well portrayed & have lovely depth, the pace is good & never lags. I loved both Christa & Alex, the chemistry between them sizzled, there were misunderstandings, assumptions & secrets, which made their journey to a HEA an engrossing readI also liked Annabelle who grew in confidence throughout the book. There were a couple of surprises I hadn't expected but were very welcome. An engrossing, riveting story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 3, 2023
Repackaged and prettied up i guess. I love the old romance æsj from the 80s and 90s. They do not feel as polished as some books do today. We follow christa in this book, who has lost all during the french revolution. But as the kick Ass heroine she is, she finds new ways to survive. It was an entertaining read. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
November 10, 2022
Firstly let me say I really enjoyed this. It’s a long time since I last read a simple (not an insult) romance. And I think that’s partly why I enjoyed it so much.
Christa (Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle) finds herself alone and penniless after fleeing France. Realising she has to work she looks for a position as governess. After a fruitless search she becomes an abigail.
Christa is well educated, intelligent and engaging and fits into the position easier than imagined.
Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has been at sea for fifteen years. Injured in battle he finds himself back in England. Facing a brother and sister that are almost strangers to him.
Circumstances put Christa and Alex together. The awareness and interest is instant. But he’s a Lord and she’s a servant. Still the attraction simmers and they do their best to fight it.
Like I said I really enjoyed this one. I’m giving 4* which is generous for me since normally this would be a 3* read. But I found myself absorbed in their world and I was up reading until 3am.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Christa (Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle) finds herself alone and penniless after fleeing France. Realising she has to work she looks for a position as governess. After a fruitless search she becomes an abigail.
Christa is well educated, intelligent and engaging and fits into the position easier than imagined.
Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has been at sea for fifteen years. Injured in battle he finds himself back in England. Facing a brother and sister that are almost strangers to him.
Circumstances put Christa and Alex together. The awareness and interest is instant. But he’s a Lord and she’s a servant. Still the attraction simmers and they do their best to fight it.
Like I said I really enjoyed this one. I’m giving 4* which is generous for me since normally this would be a 3* read. But I found myself absorbed in their world and I was up reading until 3am.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
February 24, 2023
Originally published in 1998, this has been given a new cover and (I assume) brought more up-to-date, if one can say that about an historical romance.
Marie-Christine ('Christa'), Comtesse D'Estelle, flees France in the wake of the French Revolution believing her beloved mother Marie-Claire and English step-brother Charles. have been killed by revolutionaries as they tried to escape. She spends the first year in England with Charles' uncle Lewis who has inherited Charles' estate, but when Lewis reveals that she in penniless and offers his hand in marriage, Christa feels compelled to run away and seek employment as a governess. Unfortunately, at the height of the French Revolution London is awash with french emigres seeking employment and Christa is reduced to seeking employment as a lady's maid.
Captain Lord Alexander ('Alex') Kingsley receives word from England that his vicious, narcissistic mother has died. Unable to command a naval ship after receiving shrapnel wounds in battle, Alex realises it is time to return to England and face his responsibilities as head of the house and older brother to his sister Annabelle and brother Jonathan. To his surprise, he is greeted with joy by his siblings, but he is horrified at the damage that his mother's spite has wreaked on them, both Annabelle and Jonathan are hesitant and prone to self-doubt, no doubt Annabelle's shyness and insecurity has been fanned by her mother's lady's maid who she has inherited, and who loved no-one but her mistress. His first job must be to find Annabelle a new maid to help her make the most of her features.
When Alex quite literally catches Christa as she is being forcibly ejected from her previous employment for spurning the advances of the master of the house, he is immediately struck by Christa's beauty, but also her quick wit and charm. He has rescued a lady's maid and his sister has need of one - how serendipitous!
Being a sophisticated and resourceful woman, despite being only twenty-four, Christa is soon able to dress Annabelle in clothes more becoming and fashionable than those chosen by her mother, with her knowledge of beauty treatments and the like she soon has the shy heiress looking exquisite. Christa also weaves her magic over Alex and Jonathan, helping the two of them learn to dance in anticipation of Annabelle's coming-out ball.
While Alex and Christa fight their growing attraction, little do they realise that a wealthy titled young aristocrat and his innocent heiress sister will be the target of fortune-hunters.
Well this has everything, missing heirs, wounded sea captains, fortune-hunters, elopements, compromising positions, daring rescues, and all's well that ends well. If I were being picky, Christa is a bit of a Mary Sue character, able to act as a lady's maid perfectly able to teach young men to dance, able to sew her own gowns beautifully, able to make herbal remedies and beauty potions, able to perform first aid, etc, etc. Also, there is a frankly ridiculous thing that happens on Stornaway, not once but twice, which stretches incredulity to breaking point. Nevertheless, this was a hugely enjoyable historical romance, which avoided some of the biggest clichés of the genre and tied everything up very neatly - maybe I need to read more historical fiction written in the late 1990s?
Recommended if you like a resourceful FMC and an honourable MMC, beset by trials and tribulations.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Marie-Christine ('Christa'), Comtesse D'Estelle, flees France in the wake of the French Revolution believing her beloved mother Marie-Claire and English step-brother Charles. have been killed by revolutionaries as they tried to escape. She spends the first year in England with Charles' uncle Lewis who has inherited Charles' estate, but when Lewis reveals that she in penniless and offers his hand in marriage, Christa feels compelled to run away and seek employment as a governess. Unfortunately, at the height of the French Revolution London is awash with french emigres seeking employment and Christa is reduced to seeking employment as a lady's maid.
Captain Lord Alexander ('Alex') Kingsley receives word from England that his vicious, narcissistic mother has died. Unable to command a naval ship after receiving shrapnel wounds in battle, Alex realises it is time to return to England and face his responsibilities as head of the house and older brother to his sister Annabelle and brother Jonathan. To his surprise, he is greeted with joy by his siblings, but he is horrified at the damage that his mother's spite has wreaked on them, both Annabelle and Jonathan are hesitant and prone to self-doubt, no doubt Annabelle's shyness and insecurity has been fanned by her mother's lady's maid who she has inherited, and who loved no-one but her mistress. His first job must be to find Annabelle a new maid to help her make the most of her features.
When Alex quite literally catches Christa as she is being forcibly ejected from her previous employment for spurning the advances of the master of the house, he is immediately struck by Christa's beauty, but also her quick wit and charm. He has rescued a lady's maid and his sister has need of one - how serendipitous!
Being a sophisticated and resourceful woman, despite being only twenty-four, Christa is soon able to dress Annabelle in clothes more becoming and fashionable than those chosen by her mother, with her knowledge of beauty treatments and the like she soon has the shy heiress looking exquisite. Christa also weaves her magic over Alex and Jonathan, helping the two of them learn to dance in anticipation of Annabelle's coming-out ball.
While Alex and Christa fight their growing attraction, little do they realise that a wealthy titled young aristocrat and his innocent heiress sister will be the target of fortune-hunters.
Well this has everything, missing heirs, wounded sea captains, fortune-hunters, elopements, compromising positions, daring rescues, and all's well that ends well. If I were being picky, Christa is a bit of a Mary Sue character, able to act as a lady's maid perfectly able to teach young men to dance, able to sew her own gowns beautifully, able to make herbal remedies and beauty potions, able to perform first aid, etc, etc. Also, there is a frankly ridiculous thing that happens on Stornaway, not once but twice, which stretches incredulity to breaking point. Nevertheless, this was a hugely enjoyable historical romance, which avoided some of the biggest clichés of the genre and tied everything up very neatly - maybe I need to read more historical fiction written in the late 1990s?
Recommended if you like a resourceful FMC and an honourable MMC, beset by trials and tribulations.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
February 12, 2025
Rating: *yawns* / 5
Unfortunately, I did have to slog my way through this, waiting for something exciting to happen or something that I'd care about, but it just...takes a while getting there, and then some.
I'm in the minority here, but I'm not a fan of either the worldbuilding or the heroine here. It takes up the first 100 pages just talking about her and the hero separately, and I just kept waiting and waiting (and waiting) for them to hurry up and get together at least to meet, but...they just don't. Quite frankly, it's far-fetched how they even DID. What I expected is that Christa would apply to work as a governess for him in his household and it'd be that kind of situation, but instead she works for another totally irrelevant lady, who has TWO lovers, both of whom (along with the woman's husband and practically every male servant she comes across) lust after Christa and cup a feel at every single opportunity.
Like...ew. Was it just that ever man was a pig back then, or that there's something so "alluring" about Christa?
Ahem, anyways, yeah, I didn't care about her. And also, try to make her 1980s feminist independent as you want, but for the 1790s, as a deposed French aristocrat, no way would she have had such an insistence on her "independence", especially not with considering life as a servant. If she'd had to in order to stay alive or something, I'd understand; but considering that she IS given another option...yeah, NOPE.
As for the hero, I also don't really see what's special about him either, and didn't care enough to stick around for the so-called "chemistry" between the two.
All in all, it took far too long to even get a buildup, and unfortunately as a result it lost me before it properly got started.
Unfortunately, I did have to slog my way through this, waiting for something exciting to happen or something that I'd care about, but it just...takes a while getting there, and then some.
I'm in the minority here, but I'm not a fan of either the worldbuilding or the heroine here. It takes up the first 100 pages just talking about her and the hero separately, and I just kept waiting and waiting (and waiting) for them to hurry up and get together at least to meet, but...they just don't. Quite frankly, it's far-fetched how they even DID. What I expected is that Christa would apply to work as a governess for him in his household and it'd be that kind of situation, but instead she works for another totally irrelevant lady, who has TWO lovers, both of whom (along with the woman's husband and practically every male servant she comes across) lust after Christa and cup a feel at every single opportunity.
Like...ew. Was it just that ever man was a pig back then, or that there's something so "alluring" about Christa?
Ahem, anyways, yeah, I didn't care about her. And also, try to make her 1980s feminist independent as you want, but for the 1790s, as a deposed French aristocrat, no way would she have had such an insistence on her "independence", especially not with considering life as a servant. If she'd had to in order to stay alive or something, I'd understand; but considering that she IS given another option...yeah, NOPE.
As for the hero, I also don't really see what's special about him either, and didn't care enough to stick around for the so-called "chemistry" between the two.
All in all, it took far too long to even get a buildup, and unfortunately as a result it lost me before it properly got started.
May 10, 2024
h is resourceful H is oblivious, story took a long while to get truly interesting and plot points took too long to resolve. But the in between was good. Wish h would have been forthcoming about her situation sooner. The impromptu rescue was great.
December 11, 2022
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a reissue of a previously published novel by Mary Jo Putney. I am not sure if there were any changes overall to the storyline. She is an author that I have always enjoyed from her earlier works, such as the cleaner, more classic stories like the Carousel of Hearts and Diabolical Baron, to the entire Lost Lords, Rogues Redeemed, and Bride Trilogy.
This was the story of Christa, a French emigre who suffered the loss of her family, including her mother and half brother Charles, the Earl of Radcliffe, in France. She managed to escape to England where she was staying with the new Earl of Radcliffe, the uncle of Charles for her year of mourning. She finds her situation untenable when she finds out that she has not only lost her family, but also her fortune, and the new Earl makes an offer she finds she cannot accept.
She ends up changing her identity and is resolved to adapt and succeed despite the change in her circumstances. She ends up becoming an abigail for for a Society matron, but ends up being tossed out after being assaulted by the husband, and some of the staff. She literally falls into the arms of a passing gentleman, who decides to help her as his household is in need of a lady's maid. She ends up working for a debutante, Annabelle Kingsley, The head of the household, Alex, has newly returned to England after spending many years abroad with the Navy, and after recovering from severe injuries incurred during battle at sea. After years away from his family, he takes being head of the family seriously and wants to give his brother and sister a better family life and stability than they all had under their parents, especially their abusive, selfish, narcissistic mother.
Christa, with her warmth, wisdom, and general ability to get things done wins over the Kingsley household above and below stairs. While she and Alex are attracted to each other, nothing initially comes from it as she is unwilling to compromise herself and be his mistress. But this is a love story, and circumstances do change for the both of them in a way that leads to an HEA... Not to give any spoilers, but there is a sickbed scene where one character saves the life of the other... and they are left alone in the middle of the night and passion rears it's head. There is a ruined elopement and a character who vows revenge. There is a spoiled Ton beauty who compromises a character and forces a betrothal that seems to be a barrier to true love. Loved ones reappear... and there end up being three to four romantic entanglements... including between a couple who seemed closer to the villain end of the spectrum.
I rather liked the story overall. I found that the characters were drawn out well, and in general I did like them, though I found the senior Earl of Radcliffe to be a bit of a creepy character initially, though it later seems like he is more stiff and socially awkward than anything else. Also, while I liked Alex in general, he seemed to be a bit blind in how he approached Christa to begin with, limiting his options with her with his proposal of her being his mistress, because of his perceptions of her as a servant... but that was the nature of the story after all.
I really liked the little story line that develops later with Charles and Annabelle and how they conspire to bring their siblings together though. That was probably my favourite part of the story.
3.5 stars out of 5
This is a reissue of a previously published novel by Mary Jo Putney. I am not sure if there were any changes overall to the storyline. She is an author that I have always enjoyed from her earlier works, such as the cleaner, more classic stories like the Carousel of Hearts and Diabolical Baron, to the entire Lost Lords, Rogues Redeemed, and Bride Trilogy.
This was the story of Christa, a French emigre who suffered the loss of her family, including her mother and half brother Charles, the Earl of Radcliffe, in France. She managed to escape to England where she was staying with the new Earl of Radcliffe, the uncle of Charles for her year of mourning. She finds her situation untenable when she finds out that she has not only lost her family, but also her fortune, and the new Earl makes an offer she finds she cannot accept.
She ends up changing her identity and is resolved to adapt and succeed despite the change in her circumstances. She ends up becoming an abigail for for a Society matron, but ends up being tossed out after being assaulted by the husband, and some of the staff. She literally falls into the arms of a passing gentleman, who decides to help her as his household is in need of a lady's maid. She ends up working for a debutante, Annabelle Kingsley, The head of the household, Alex, has newly returned to England after spending many years abroad with the Navy, and after recovering from severe injuries incurred during battle at sea. After years away from his family, he takes being head of the family seriously and wants to give his brother and sister a better family life and stability than they all had under their parents, especially their abusive, selfish, narcissistic mother.
Christa, with her warmth, wisdom, and general ability to get things done wins over the Kingsley household above and below stairs. While she and Alex are attracted to each other, nothing initially comes from it as she is unwilling to compromise herself and be his mistress. But this is a love story, and circumstances do change for the both of them in a way that leads to an HEA... Not to give any spoilers, but there is a sickbed scene where one character saves the life of the other... and they are left alone in the middle of the night and passion rears it's head. There is a ruined elopement and a character who vows revenge. There is a spoiled Ton beauty who compromises a character and forces a betrothal that seems to be a barrier to true love. Loved ones reappear... and there end up being three to four romantic entanglements... including between a couple who seemed closer to the villain end of the spectrum.
I rather liked the story overall. I found that the characters were drawn out well, and in general I did like them, though I found the senior Earl of Radcliffe to be a bit of a creepy character initially, though it later seems like he is more stiff and socially awkward than anything else. Also, while I liked Alex in general, he seemed to be a bit blind in how he approached Christa to begin with, limiting his options with her with his proposal of her being his mistress, because of his perceptions of her as a servant... but that was the nature of the story after all.
I really liked the little story line that develops later with Charles and Annabelle and how they conspire to bring their siblings together though. That was probably my favourite part of the story.
3.5 stars out of 5
November 20, 2022
A countess flees revolutionary France for London, becomes a maid, and finds love with a former naval commander while caring for his sister.
This is a rerelease of a book that came out thirty years ago and I was a little worried about how it might have aged.
I’m used to a deeper third person pov. This one has such a strong narrator that it took me half of the second chapter to figure out if the hero was one man or his friend. The third person omniscient seemed dated and it slowed the pace.
The story itself held up, although the romance was such a slow build I worried it would be more of a Mary Poppins story where someone comes in and makes everyone’s lives better rather than a romance. I liked the subtle disability rep with Alex, especially since it’s from the 80s. Likable characters, but the resolution was drawn out and contrived, and the overall pacing too slow for my taste.
I received an arc from NetGalley
This is a rerelease of a book that came out thirty years ago and I was a little worried about how it might have aged.
I’m used to a deeper third person pov. This one has such a strong narrator that it took me half of the second chapter to figure out if the hero was one man or his friend. The third person omniscient seemed dated and it slowed the pace.
The story itself held up, although the romance was such a slow build I worried it would be more of a Mary Poppins story where someone comes in and makes everyone’s lives better rather than a romance. I liked the subtle disability rep with Alex, especially since it’s from the 80s. Likable characters, but the resolution was drawn out and contrived, and the overall pacing too slow for my taste.
I received an arc from NetGalley
August 9, 2024
It wasn't the worst book but it was one of the more frustrating ones. Also boring!
It was much too long, with too much detail about things that little to do with the hero or heroine or their story. I ended up skimming pages and pages and pages, only stopping to read more closely when either one of the main characters showed up. I missed precisely zero percent of the story.
I don't know how to describe it but it had a strange focus, like it was a standard novel that happened to have a historical romance thread somewhere in it, rather than a straightforward romance novel.
And I didn't buy the big tension that kept the hero and heroine apart: She did not want to tell him she was actually his social equal, an aristocrat. Like, seriously? She's that committed to her life of service? Ridiculous. She should have told him early on and then they would have saved themselves months (a year?) of stress.
The female villain was far too over the top. She practically twirled her invisible mustache. Ridiculous.
It was much too long, with too much detail about things that little to do with the hero or heroine or their story. I ended up skimming pages and pages and pages, only stopping to read more closely when either one of the main characters showed up. I missed precisely zero percent of the story.
I don't know how to describe it but it had a strange focus, like it was a standard novel that happened to have a historical romance thread somewhere in it, rather than a straightforward romance novel.
And I didn't buy the big tension that kept the hero and heroine apart: She did not want to tell him she was actually his social equal, an aristocrat. Like, seriously? She's that committed to her life of service? Ridiculous. She should have told him early on and then they would have saved themselves months (a year?) of stress.
The female villain was far too over the top. She practically twirled her invisible mustache. Ridiculous.
December 14, 2022
■Thanks netgalley for the copy of this book.
■This is my own free opinion for the book Lady of Fortune.
■It is a classic story of one woman’s perseverance and strength in the wake of the French Revolution.
●Forced to escape the French Revolution, resilient young Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle flees to London. But when she finds herself unexpectedly penniless, Christa hides her aristocratic background to become a lady's maid. . . . Until rebuffing advances from both her tyrannical mistress’s husband and her lover gets Christa cast into the street—directly into a hero’s arms . A Royal Navy commander ,After a long absence, Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has returned to England on medical leave. Now head of his family, he must take charge of his younger siblings. He feels a special duty to his sister Annabelle, a shy debutante in need of a maid. So Alex is delighted to discover that the intriguing, outspoken, and lovely young woman who serendipitously landed in his arms is in need of just such a position.
■ This book is actually a sweet love story which is filled with love, understandings, misunderstandings, sacrifices etc.
■ I feel the story built up is kind of lengthy initially but it proceed well afterwards.
■ This was not the finest work of the author but it's one time read for me.
■ 3.75 ⭐.
■This is my own free opinion for the book Lady of Fortune.
■It is a classic story of one woman’s perseverance and strength in the wake of the French Revolution.
●Forced to escape the French Revolution, resilient young Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle flees to London. But when she finds herself unexpectedly penniless, Christa hides her aristocratic background to become a lady's maid. . . . Until rebuffing advances from both her tyrannical mistress’s husband and her lover gets Christa cast into the street—directly into a hero’s arms . A Royal Navy commander ,After a long absence, Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has returned to England on medical leave. Now head of his family, he must take charge of his younger siblings. He feels a special duty to his sister Annabelle, a shy debutante in need of a maid. So Alex is delighted to discover that the intriguing, outspoken, and lovely young woman who serendipitously landed in his arms is in need of just such a position.
■ This book is actually a sweet love story which is filled with love, understandings, misunderstandings, sacrifices etc.
■ I feel the story built up is kind of lengthy initially but it proceed well afterwards.
■ This was not the finest work of the author but it's one time read for me.
■ 3.75 ⭐.
February 22, 2023
Thanks #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #LadyofFortune by Mary Jo Putney in exchange for an honest review.
I've been rereading some of my favorite books by Mary Jo Putney lately but this one was new to me. I really enjoyed this rerelease. It is a light-hearted fluff kind of story even though there is some concern for the FMC at the beginning in escaping France and later escaping abuse from an employer but even those moments aren't too intense. Some may say that things wrap up too nicely but I liked it. I like having books that are realistic sometimes and some that are just a good escape from the dredges of real life. This is one of the 2nd kind. Alex and Christa are very cute together and you can't wait for them to realize they love each other so they can begin their HEA.
I've been rereading some of my favorite books by Mary Jo Putney lately but this one was new to me. I really enjoyed this rerelease. It is a light-hearted fluff kind of story even though there is some concern for the FMC at the beginning in escaping France and later escaping abuse from an employer but even those moments aren't too intense. Some may say that things wrap up too nicely but I liked it. I like having books that are realistic sometimes and some that are just a good escape from the dredges of real life. This is one of the 2nd kind. Alex and Christa are very cute together and you can't wait for them to realize they love each other so they can begin their HEA.
November 21, 2022
A solid read. Celeste, who is the daughter of a Count and the half sister of an English earl, flees France for England. Her mother and brother die in the escape so we find her in England a year later, living with the new earl and just coming out of mourning. He offers marriage and in doing so alarms her (he's a bit ... well, creepy and coercive about it) so she makes a run for it - to London where she ends up in service - working first in the house of a Lady and her lecherous husband before being bodily ejected in to the street - and caught by Alex, Lord Kingsley - who she ends up working for, as lady's maid to her sister.
And thus - mistaken identity, lots of misunderstandings, etc. ensues. It's fun - Celeste is a great character and the supporting cast are drawn in much more detail than is often the case. Thoroughly recommend this one!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
And thus - mistaken identity, lots of misunderstandings, etc. ensues. It's fun - Celeste is a great character and the supporting cast are drawn in much more detail than is often the case. Thoroughly recommend this one!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
June 10, 2023
I suspect this is an earlier work of Putney’s, due to too much explaining to the reader instead of revealing the plot through the character’s words, thoughts, and deeds. Plot veers into incredulous territory often. I mean, sex with a man on death’s door just hours earlier? I liked a lot of things in this book and it did keep me reading, but all the contrivances became tedious and the big reunion at the end was a letdown—too much drama, not enough genuine emotion.
June 29, 2023
Not bad. I enjoyed reading it once, but I would never re-read it.
December 11, 2022
From Comtesse to lady’s maid Mary Jo Putney’s story telling is excellent. Fleeing from the French Revolution Comtesse Marie-Christine D’Estelle due to circumstances beyond her control ends up a lady’s maid to Lord Kinsey’s sister Annabelle. Sparks fly between Christa and the Lord. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the book and it ends with a happily ever after. Ms Putney is one of my go to authors and I highly recommend this and all of her books.
December 9, 2022
From countess to lady’s maid Mary Jo Putney’s story telling is excellent. Fleeing from the French Revolution Christa due to circumstances beyond her control ends up a lady’s maid to Lord Kinsey’s sister. Sparks fly between Christa and the Lord. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the book and it ends with a happily ever after. Ms Putney is one of my go to authors and I highly recommend this and all of her books.
December 27, 2022
Really enjoyed this classic romance from Mary Jo Putney. I have read other novels where the hero is an aristocrat and the heroine is in service and have disliked them a lot, but Putney did a good job of having Kingsley actually grapple with that, and Christa is a super strong woman, so you don’t feel like she is being pushed around. Instead it’s just romantic and lovely to read, especially as her secret is revealed.
November 5, 2022
I've always loved classic Mary Jo Putney (not as enamored of the more recent stuff), so I was happy to have the opportunity to read an ARC of this rereleased title from the 80s. And it was okay.
Here we have French émigré and former countess Christa and current viscount cum naval captain Alex who like each other very much. However, as she is his sister's maid and he knows nothing of her titled history, they mostly keep it clean. I won't get into how Christa became a member of the servant class; you can read the book for that.
The book is a fairly slow burn until it isn't for a few wildly "huh, not sure about that" pages, and then it returns back to fairly chaste. The characters are lovely though, so I didn't find myself missing the steam. Where it's weird is that Christa, who fled a revolution that took the lives of people she loved and who has found herself in seriously reduced circumstances never once falls into what would have been very reasonable despair. Instead, she's a French Mary Poppins, always composed and cheerful and able to do pretty much anything. I love a strong, competent heroine, so I wasn't NOT okay with it. It was just a little bit of a stretch.
Alex is lovely if a bit naive. He and his sister are nice if a little class oriented (normal for the time), though they acknowledge it. The "bad" guys in this novel are more vain and stupid than evil, so the story conflict is more just the passage of time than anything else.
Overall, it's a good book that read smoothly, but it's not precisely unforgettable.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Here we have French émigré and former countess Christa and current viscount cum naval captain Alex who like each other very much. However, as she is his sister's maid and he knows nothing of her titled history, they mostly keep it clean. I won't get into how Christa became a member of the servant class; you can read the book for that.
The book is a fairly slow burn until it isn't for a few wildly "huh, not sure about that" pages, and then it returns back to fairly chaste. The characters are lovely though, so I didn't find myself missing the steam. Where it's weird is that Christa, who fled a revolution that took the lives of people she loved and who has found herself in seriously reduced circumstances never once falls into what would have been very reasonable despair. Instead, she's a French Mary Poppins, always composed and cheerful and able to do pretty much anything. I love a strong, competent heroine, so I wasn't NOT okay with it. It was just a little bit of a stretch.
Alex is lovely if a bit naive. He and his sister are nice if a little class oriented (normal for the time), though they acknowledge it. The "bad" guys in this novel are more vain and stupid than evil, so the story conflict is more just the passage of time than anything else.
Overall, it's a good book that read smoothly, but it's not precisely unforgettable.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
November 2, 2022
Lady of Fortune is a delightful regency romance by Mary Jo Putney. The story follows Christa, a former French countess who is a refugee from the French Revolution. She escapes to England alone, but unharmed. When there, her Uncle makes her an offer she must refuse and she feels his protection and strikes out on her own in need of a profession. She becomes a Lady's maid and finds herself in the employ of Lord Kingsley, a Naval officer and viscount.
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Riches to rags
Lack of Communication
What I loved:
- Both of the Main Characters are strong and likable. They feel well matched and their romance feels earned.
- Multiple points of view
- Messaging about women supporting women!
What I questioned:
- Lack of Communication trope!!!
- Christa's uncle as a character and his resolution in the story
Overall, this was an absolute treat that I couldn't put down. Highly recommend to fans of the genre!
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Riches to rags
Lack of Communication
What I loved:
- Both of the Main Characters are strong and likable. They feel well matched and their romance feels earned.
- Multiple points of view
- Messaging about women supporting women!
What I questioned:
- Lack of Communication trope!!!
- Christa's uncle as a character and his resolution in the story
Overall, this was an absolute treat that I couldn't put down. Highly recommend to fans of the genre!
December 8, 2022
This is a good read, but only a medium for me when it comes to MJP. It definitely is dated, but I love the two leads and the secondary characters are also a lot of fun. CWs for SA and parental abuse.
November 25, 2022
I liked this book and the characters. I had not realized at first this book is a re-issue of Mary Jo Putney's 1988 earlier work. There is a lot going on within these pages and the dialogue/ intermonologue switches during the conversation occasionally. I believe every cliche thing that can happen in a historical romance happens in this book. It is a long book at 352 pages and can be slow at times.
However, it is a good story and worth the read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an honest review.
However, it is a good story and worth the read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an honest review.
February 24, 2023
It was a pleasure to read #LadyofFortune, an updated version of an early book by Mary Jo Putney. It tells the story of a young French émigré, Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle (Christa) who ends up in London after escaping the excesses of the French Revolution. Although her half-brother, Charles, the Earl of Radcliffe, and her mother {Marie-Claire) had attempted to escape with her, only Christa made it across the English Channel that night.
She spends the next year in mourning for her mother and brother, living with Charles’ uncle, Lewis, who is the new Earl (with Charles presumed dead). After an unexpected marriage proposal from Lewis that leaves Christa feeling bullied and frightened, she feels compelled to runs away to London, where she has some friends and relatives in the emigre community. She becomes a ladies’ maid, by chance ending up as an abigail to Annabelle, the sister of Alexander, Lord Kingsley. Alex is a naval captain who has recently returned home, recuperating from a serious injury, which has left him with a piece of shrapnel embedded in his torso. He also bears a burden of guilt for being away from Annabelle and his younger brother, Jon, for many years, leaving them to the mercy of their beautiful but narcissistic and bad-tempered late mother.
All the Kingsleys find reasons to appreciate Christa’s warmth and intelligence. She helps Alex save Annabelle from a disastrous elopement, plans Annabelle’s debut ball, nurses both Annabelle and Alex back to health and generally makes herself indispensable. Despite the unusual range of skills and knowledge that she possesses, neither of them think to question her position as a ladies' maid.
Of course, despite the supposed difference in their social rank, Christa and Alex fall in love. And since this was written in the 80s, miscommunication on both their parts, keeps them apart for much of the story. However by the end, MJP has managed to bring not only Christa and Alex together for a happy ending, but almost all of the secondary characters as well!
While not her best work, the story is very enjoyable, turning a carousel of relationships into four happy endings.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Kensington for the ARC!
She spends the next year in mourning for her mother and brother, living with Charles’ uncle, Lewis, who is the new Earl (with Charles presumed dead). After an unexpected marriage proposal from Lewis that leaves Christa feeling bullied and frightened, she feels compelled to runs away to London, where she has some friends and relatives in the emigre community. She becomes a ladies’ maid, by chance ending up as an abigail to Annabelle, the sister of Alexander, Lord Kingsley. Alex is a naval captain who has recently returned home, recuperating from a serious injury, which has left him with a piece of shrapnel embedded in his torso. He also bears a burden of guilt for being away from Annabelle and his younger brother, Jon, for many years, leaving them to the mercy of their beautiful but narcissistic and bad-tempered late mother.
All the Kingsleys find reasons to appreciate Christa’s warmth and intelligence. She helps Alex save Annabelle from a disastrous elopement, plans Annabelle’s debut ball, nurses both Annabelle and Alex back to health and generally makes herself indispensable. Despite the unusual range of skills and knowledge that she possesses, neither of them think to question her position as a ladies' maid.
Of course, despite the supposed difference in their social rank, Christa and Alex fall in love. And since this was written in the 80s, miscommunication on both their parts, keeps them apart for much of the story. However by the end, MJP has managed to bring not only Christa and Alex together for a happy ending, but almost all of the secondary characters as well!
While not her best work, the story is very enjoyable, turning a carousel of relationships into four happy endings.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Kensington for the ARC!
November 6, 2022
I love a good Mary Jo Putney. Especially her earlier books. So I couldn't wait to dive into this one.
We start with French émigré and former countess Christa and former navel captain Alex (( now Viscount) ALex who are attracted to each other. But she is his sister's maid and he doesn't know she is a countess so they try to stay away from each other.
It's a sweet love story, full of longing and love and want. A misunderstanding of course as these things go. but all was well in the end.
This was not her best, but it was still good.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
We start with French émigré and former countess Christa and former navel captain Alex (( now Viscount) ALex who are attracted to each other. But she is his sister's maid and he doesn't know she is a countess so they try to stay away from each other.
It's a sweet love story, full of longing and love and want. A misunderstanding of course as these things go. but all was well in the end.
This was not her best, but it was still good.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 15, 2020
First of all the cover on this book, which mom would like to say here she loves the bodice ripper cover, would definitely lead one to believe that there is way more 'passionate' content happens in this book, but as mom and I can attest after having read the whole book, the passionate content does not come about until the very end of the book. This book definitely mom and I would consider a Traditional Regency Romance.
First of we meet Christa and watch her escape from the uprising in France, (This is one of the best parts and does disappoint mom that some times historical authors do not take advantage of all the lush history we have and the trials and tribulations the weave their way throughout history.) She manages to make it to England and were she spends a year recovering. As she comes back to health and gets ready to enter society her uncle ends up making an unwanted offer, that he later comes to regret. Christa feels forced to run away, and as she tries to traverse London on her own she is literally tossed into Alex's arms and from that moment Alex takes responsibility. As Alex and Christa come to know each other their love for each other grow, but each thinks the other can not or does not want them.
This was a well written and fun regency romp. We highly recommended the read if you can get your hands on a copy of this book.
First of we meet Christa and watch her escape from the uprising in France, (This is one of the best parts and does disappoint mom that some times historical authors do not take advantage of all the lush history we have and the trials and tribulations the weave their way throughout history.) She manages to make it to England and were she spends a year recovering. As she comes back to health and gets ready to enter society her uncle ends up making an unwanted offer, that he later comes to regret. Christa feels forced to run away, and as she tries to traverse London on her own she is literally tossed into Alex's arms and from that moment Alex takes responsibility. As Alex and Christa come to know each other their love for each other grow, but each thinks the other can not or does not want them.
This was a well written and fun regency romp. We highly recommended the read if you can get your hands on a copy of this book.
November 7, 2022
I'm not sure how I missed this Mary Jo Putney story, but it was a great read. I finished it in two days! The story between Christa and Alex was poignant, and I loved how the author weaved her intellect and wit throughout the story. Definitely recommend! 4.5 out of 5 stars.
December 2, 2025
Thanks #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #LadyofFortune by Mary Jo Putney in exchange for an honest review.
I've been rereading some of my favorite books by Mary Jo Putney lately but this one was new to me. I really enjoyed this rerelease. It is a light-hearted fluff kind of story even though there is some concern for the FMC at the beginning in escaping France and later escaping abuse from an employer but even those moments aren't too intense. Some may say that things wrap up too nicely but I liked it. I like having books that are realistic sometimes and some that are just a good escape from the dredges of real life. This is one of the 2nd kind. Alex and Christa are very cute together and you can't wait for them to realize they love each other so they can begin their HEA.
I've been rereading some of my favorite books by Mary Jo Putney lately but this one was new to me. I really enjoyed this rerelease. It is a light-hearted fluff kind of story even though there is some concern for the FMC at the beginning in escaping France and later escaping abuse from an employer but even those moments aren't too intense. Some may say that things wrap up too nicely but I liked it. I like having books that are realistic sometimes and some that are just a good escape from the dredges of real life. This is one of the 2nd kind. Alex and Christa are very cute together and you can't wait for them to realize they love each other so they can begin their HEA.
September 20, 2011
i've been trying to get this book for years at a decent price, and when i did, i was not disappointed. putney always tells a great story, and while the heroine's accomplishments may be a trifle overdone for her times, i still enjoyed it.
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