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Stately Scandals #1
The Runaway Bride
Only the boldest of ladies risks her heart and her reputation...
Inspired by the incredible true story of Lyme Park’s most scandalous love affair, perfect for Bridgerton fans
1827. At first sight, young heiress of Shrigley Hall, Ellen Turner, does not seem the type to elope with a stranger. Yet when Ellen vanishes from her boarding school in the arms of the rugged scoundrel Edward Wakefield, and the pair are sighted in a carriage racing from Gretna Green to the Port of Dover, everyone is forced to question her virtue. What possessed her to make such a wild transgression?
As the newlyweds appear in court, the rumours fly out of control. And the man judging the case is—mortifyingly for Ellen—her childhood sweetheart, the handsome and adventurous Thomas Legh of Lyme Park.
He says she planned the whole scandal.
She says she had no choice.
Who will society believe?
Inspired by the incredible true story of Lyme Park’s most scandalous love affair, perfect for Bridgerton fans
1827. At first sight, young heiress of Shrigley Hall, Ellen Turner, does not seem the type to elope with a stranger. Yet when Ellen vanishes from her boarding school in the arms of the rugged scoundrel Edward Wakefield, and the pair are sighted in a carriage racing from Gretna Green to the Port of Dover, everyone is forced to question her virtue. What possessed her to make such a wild transgression?
As the newlyweds appear in court, the rumours fly out of control. And the man judging the case is—mortifyingly for Ellen—her childhood sweetheart, the handsome and adventurous Thomas Legh of Lyme Park.
He says she planned the whole scandal.
She says she had no choice.
Who will society believe?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2023
174 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 19, 2023
More of a crime story than a romance
The protagonist is a likable person at the cusp of becoming a woman. The loss of her schoolgirl identity and her transition into a strong-willed future wife is portrayed well by the author. The circumstances of her transition occupy most of the story. The ensuing trials are on the back half of the novel. Her love interest is not on the page as frequently as the antagonist. This is somewhat dismaying for readers who love alpha males.
For readers who want an HEA, they should skip the fact-based epilogue.
The author shifts POV several times in this novel, and it does help to “flesh out” the antagonist into a more interesting character as the reader sees his motivations and behaviors when he’s not around the protagonist.
There are mistakes in the writing that more and better editing could address. Overall, the story is interesting as it’s based on an actual scandal. Readers who want lots of dialog between the romantic partners will be disappointed as the main romance is somewhat sidelined for most of the novel. There is some kissing and sexual innuendos, but the story is mostly PG.
The protagonist is a likable person at the cusp of becoming a woman. The loss of her schoolgirl identity and her transition into a strong-willed future wife is portrayed well by the author. The circumstances of her transition occupy most of the story. The ensuing trials are on the back half of the novel. Her love interest is not on the page as frequently as the antagonist. This is somewhat dismaying for readers who love alpha males.
For readers who want an HEA, they should skip the fact-based epilogue.
The author shifts POV several times in this novel, and it does help to “flesh out” the antagonist into a more interesting character as the reader sees his motivations and behaviors when he’s not around the protagonist.
There are mistakes in the writing that more and better editing could address. Overall, the story is interesting as it’s based on an actual scandal. Readers who want lots of dialog between the romantic partners will be disappointed as the main romance is somewhat sidelined for most of the novel. There is some kissing and sexual innuendos, but the story is mostly PG.
March 16, 2025
I found this really boring. The premise sounded intruiging and it had big potential but I couldn't bother caring about any of the characters.
May 23, 2023
DNF
The premise of this book, being based on fact, was intriguing. I was hoping this would be a “based on true events Evie Dunmore” book. Sadly, it wasn’t.
I started this book based on a post from Smart Bitches and the writing was tough for me to get into. I jumped over here to GR and found a review saying it was more historical fiction (nonfiction?) than romance and that the romantic leads were not on page much, so I DNF’d it. Would’ve been different if the reviews said it was a slow start but got better.
The premise of this book, being based on fact, was intriguing. I was hoping this would be a “based on true events Evie Dunmore” book. Sadly, it wasn’t.
I started this book based on a post from Smart Bitches and the writing was tough for me to get into. I jumped over here to GR and found a review saying it was more historical fiction (nonfiction?) than romance and that the romantic leads were not on page much, so I DNF’d it. Would’ve been different if the reviews said it was a slow start but got better.
January 18, 2024
Anya - per RFS
.
Scandali e amore sono i punti di forza di questo libro, assieme a un perfetto mix di imbrogli, fughe e dolcezza. I protagonisti della storia sono molteplici: Ellen Turner, suo padre William, la madre Jane e il vicino di casa, Thomas Lengh. Nel romanzo sono presenti anche personaggi negativi, come Edward e James che rivestono una parte importante, tanto che a loro saranno destinati quasi tre quarti del libro.
Ellen ha diciassette anni e frequenta una scuola per ragazze perbene assieme alle sue due migliori amiche. È una creatura avventurosa, gentile, caparbia e senza paura. È molto legata ai suoi genitori, per i quali farebbe di tutto. La sua intelligenza e la sua forza la aiuteranno a districarsi nelle brutte situazioni in cui si ritroverà.
Thomas è un avventuriero che ha viaggiato molto, un uomo dolce, simpatico, di grande valore e con dei principi ben radicati. A causa di un vecchio scandalo familiare non riesce a godersi la storia d’amore e decide di rinunciarvi, ma, nonostante tutto questo, cercherà in tutti i modi di aiutare Ellen e la sua famiglia. Questo libro mi ha intrigato fin dalla trama in cui si fa accenno a imbrogli e scandali. Il lettore intuisce da subito la “coppia” che si verrà a formare, ma verranno alla luce anche i numerosi ostacoli al loro amore … non vedevo l’ora di scoprire come si sarebbe risolto il tutto. Ero tentata di saltare alla parte finale, ma ho resistito e mi sono goduta pagina dopo pagina la risoluzione della storia.
Non voglio assolutamente fare spoiler perché il libro merita di essere letto; vi basti sapere che c’è un lungo viaggio verso una meta scozzese molto visitata dalle coppie (sono sicura che avete capito di che luogo parlo), un lungo processo verso la verità e un finale dolce-amaro che garantirà la felicità della protagonista ma che purtroppo non fermerà le dicerie e le malelingue.
I capitoli sono scanditi dai POV dei personaggi; personalmente avrei voluto leggerne molti di più di Thomas e di Edward, per capire i loro punti di vista e la loro reazione alle diverse situazioni, ma anche così ho apprezzato il fatto di poter intuire le diverse personalità.
La storia è ben scritta e ben presentata, con i giusti colpi di scena che movimentano il racconto. Mi sarebbe piaciuto trovare più spazio all’interno del romanzo riservato alla coppia e alla loro storia d’amore perché sono due protagonisti davvero forti e molto dolci.
Mi piacciono molto i libri come questo dove a fianco delle tante regole dell’aristocrazia inglese vengono presentati scandali, corse a cavallo e fughe d’amore.
Lo consiglio a chi apprezza il romanticismo con un pizzico di azione.
.
Scandali e amore sono i punti di forza di questo libro, assieme a un perfetto mix di imbrogli, fughe e dolcezza. I protagonisti della storia sono molteplici: Ellen Turner, suo padre William, la madre Jane e il vicino di casa, Thomas Lengh. Nel romanzo sono presenti anche personaggi negativi, come Edward e James che rivestono una parte importante, tanto che a loro saranno destinati quasi tre quarti del libro.
Ellen ha diciassette anni e frequenta una scuola per ragazze perbene assieme alle sue due migliori amiche. È una creatura avventurosa, gentile, caparbia e senza paura. È molto legata ai suoi genitori, per i quali farebbe di tutto. La sua intelligenza e la sua forza la aiuteranno a districarsi nelle brutte situazioni in cui si ritroverà.
Thomas è un avventuriero che ha viaggiato molto, un uomo dolce, simpatico, di grande valore e con dei principi ben radicati. A causa di un vecchio scandalo familiare non riesce a godersi la storia d’amore e decide di rinunciarvi, ma, nonostante tutto questo, cercherà in tutti i modi di aiutare Ellen e la sua famiglia. Questo libro mi ha intrigato fin dalla trama in cui si fa accenno a imbrogli e scandali. Il lettore intuisce da subito la “coppia” che si verrà a formare, ma verranno alla luce anche i numerosi ostacoli al loro amore … non vedevo l’ora di scoprire come si sarebbe risolto il tutto. Ero tentata di saltare alla parte finale, ma ho resistito e mi sono goduta pagina dopo pagina la risoluzione della storia.
Non voglio assolutamente fare spoiler perché il libro merita di essere letto; vi basti sapere che c’è un lungo viaggio verso una meta scozzese molto visitata dalle coppie (sono sicura che avete capito di che luogo parlo), un lungo processo verso la verità e un finale dolce-amaro che garantirà la felicità della protagonista ma che purtroppo non fermerà le dicerie e le malelingue.
I capitoli sono scanditi dai POV dei personaggi; personalmente avrei voluto leggerne molti di più di Thomas e di Edward, per capire i loro punti di vista e la loro reazione alle diverse situazioni, ma anche così ho apprezzato il fatto di poter intuire le diverse personalità.
La storia è ben scritta e ben presentata, con i giusti colpi di scena che movimentano il racconto. Mi sarebbe piaciuto trovare più spazio all’interno del romanzo riservato alla coppia e alla loro storia d’amore perché sono due protagonisti davvero forti e molto dolci.
Mi piacciono molto i libri come questo dove a fianco delle tante regole dell’aristocrazia inglese vengono presentati scandali, corse a cavallo e fughe d’amore.
Lo consiglio a chi apprezza il romanticismo con un pizzico di azione.
November 6, 2024
Intressant, men tidvis väldigt snabbspolad.....Hade väntat mig lite mera av den
May 30, 2025
i feel so sad learning that she died 4 years into her marriage giving birth to her child. i know her story with Thomas is probably not 100% true but damn that hurts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
I was hooked from page one, entertained by the intrigue, and still slightly horrified by everyone’s obsession with reputation.
June 20, 2023
wonderful
Very well written story that kept me on the edge of my seat. It was all the more thrilling for being based on a true story.
Very well written story that kept me on the edge of my seat. It was all the more thrilling for being based on a true story.
May 10, 2023
The Great Lie!
Believe me when I say that this book is different! Never read a book that was so full of lies, betrayal, and strength in a young lady! She loves her neighbor, but every one thinks she’s too young, only seventeen, but she goes through every kind of betrayal and shows strength! Very good!
Believe me when I say that this book is different! Never read a book that was so full of lies, betrayal, and strength in a young lady! She loves her neighbor, but every one thinks she’s too young, only seventeen, but she goes through every kind of betrayal and shows strength! Very good!
February 27, 2025
SWE ↴
Den försvunna Bruden av Felicity York är en spännande historisk roman som handlar i huvudsak om romantik och en stor skandal, allt inspirerat av en sann händelse från 1826. Berättelsen handlar om Ellen Turner, en ung arvtagerska som blir kidnappad och försvinner från sin internatskola, för att sedan gifta sig med en man vid namnet Edward Wakefield. Denna plötsliga "rymning" och sedan efter giftemål väcker upprördhet, främst hos hennes familj. Detta ledera till ett sensationellt rättsfall som ifrågasätter Ellens dygd och vare sig fickan blivit bortförd eller om hon rymt med sin stora kärlek för att leva ett lyckligt liv i Frankrike.
Men samtidigt som Ellen måste bevisa att allt varit en lögn, att hon blivit lurad och att hon inte alls älskar sin man kommer en av hennes största hemligheter ut i domstolen. Hon älskar någon annan. Någon som vägrar att gifta sig och någon som Ellen inte kan sluta tänka på.
Denna bok har verkligen varit en liten Berg och dalbana på många plan, den har väckt mycket irritation hos mig samtidigt som jag tyckt om den väldigt mycket vissa stunder. Det som gör den mest intressant är de faktum att denna bok är baserat på en sann historia. Vilket jag blev mycket glad över då det betyder att någon har fått sin röst hörd och historia berättad 🤩
Men jag är även en väldigt kritisk läsare vilket innebär att även om denna bok var bra och jag gillade den så kommer jag inte ge den ett jättehögt betyg för det krävs MYCKET att få ett högt betyg från mig 🙈
Självklart skulle jag rekommendera boken och denna historien kommer jag sent att glömma men idag får denna bok en stark trea 📚
Tack HarperCollins Sverige för en möjlighet att få läsa om Ellen Turners historia!💓
★★★/5
Den försvunna Bruden av Felicity York är en spännande historisk roman som handlar i huvudsak om romantik och en stor skandal, allt inspirerat av en sann händelse från 1826. Berättelsen handlar om Ellen Turner, en ung arvtagerska som blir kidnappad och försvinner från sin internatskola, för att sedan gifta sig med en man vid namnet Edward Wakefield. Denna plötsliga "rymning" och sedan efter giftemål väcker upprördhet, främst hos hennes familj. Detta ledera till ett sensationellt rättsfall som ifrågasätter Ellens dygd och vare sig fickan blivit bortförd eller om hon rymt med sin stora kärlek för att leva ett lyckligt liv i Frankrike.
Men samtidigt som Ellen måste bevisa att allt varit en lögn, att hon blivit lurad och att hon inte alls älskar sin man kommer en av hennes största hemligheter ut i domstolen. Hon älskar någon annan. Någon som vägrar att gifta sig och någon som Ellen inte kan sluta tänka på.
Denna bok har verkligen varit en liten Berg och dalbana på många plan, den har väckt mycket irritation hos mig samtidigt som jag tyckt om den väldigt mycket vissa stunder. Det som gör den mest intressant är de faktum att denna bok är baserat på en sann historia. Vilket jag blev mycket glad över då det betyder att någon har fått sin röst hörd och historia berättad 🤩
Men jag är även en väldigt kritisk läsare vilket innebär att även om denna bok var bra och jag gillade den så kommer jag inte ge den ett jättehögt betyg för det krävs MYCKET att få ett högt betyg från mig 🙈
Självklart skulle jag rekommendera boken och denna historien kommer jag sent att glömma men idag får denna bok en stark trea 📚
Tack HarperCollins Sverige för en möjlighet att få läsa om Ellen Turners historia!💓
★★★/5
October 11, 2023
A terrific tale from Felicity York, based on the true story from 1826 of the plot to abduct Ellen Turner, a seventeen-year-old heiress, by a man who wants to marry her for her fortune.
This was a skilful combination of fact and fiction, very much telling the tale from Ellen's point of view. The pacing is terrific as we're led through the planned abduction from Liverpool and the frantic journey to Gretna Green and beyond, followed by the drama of the court case.
Ellen comes across as a poised and strong-minded young woman, working her way through a tissue of lies and manipulation to realise that she has been tricked into marrying a man against her will. I was thoroughly involved in her fate and fascinated by the wonderful historical background and details threaded through this story, like Ellen needing consent from the House of Lords for an annulment of the marriage. A wonderfully told slice and history and an engaging romance, too.
This was a skilful combination of fact and fiction, very much telling the tale from Ellen's point of view. The pacing is terrific as we're led through the planned abduction from Liverpool and the frantic journey to Gretna Green and beyond, followed by the drama of the court case.
Ellen comes across as a poised and strong-minded young woman, working her way through a tissue of lies and manipulation to realise that she has been tricked into marrying a man against her will. I was thoroughly involved in her fate and fascinated by the wonderful historical background and details threaded through this story, like Ellen needing consent from the House of Lords for an annulment of the marriage. A wonderfully told slice and history and an engaging romance, too.
August 25, 2024
Ja, ni vet ju att jag älskar historiska romanser. Speciellt, om de utspelar sig under regency tiden. Det jag gillade extra mycket med denna är att den faktiskt är baserad på en sann historia. Om stackars 15-åriga Ellen Turner som kidnappas och luras in i giftermål av 30-åriga Edward Gibbon Wakefield. Sök på ”Shrigley Abduction” för att läsa mer! Mycket intressant, och hemskt såklart. Denna version har såklart tillägg som är av fiktion, Ellen är också äldre i denna bok. 17 år gammal när hon bortförs och fyller 18 under bokens gång. Det var en otroligt spännande och intressant story, som också visade hur otroligt hemskt det var att vara kvinna på denna tiden. Herregud, ville hoppa in i boken flertalet gånger och ruska om mer än en karaktär (ville göra ännu mer). Älskar efterordet där man får lite mer info kring vad som hände efteråt, i verkligheten då, fint men sorgligt.
Väldigt bra bok, om ni gillar Bridgerton, Pride & prejudice m.fl. så rekommenderar jag er starkt att läsa denna! 💕
Väldigt bra bok, om ni gillar Bridgerton, Pride & prejudice m.fl. så rekommenderar jag er starkt att läsa denna! 💕
October 25, 2023
Historical romance novels are my go-to, so I was excited to discover this new to me author. Although the storyline and premise held promise, the writing style didn't quite resonate with me. Regrettably, I had to mark this one as DNF around the 20% mark.
Although, I did skim through to the end. Surprisingly, the author's note at the end, delving into the historical context and accuracy, was the most engaging part of the book for me. Given the recent rejection of Indigenous people in Australia at the time of this review, that knowledge added an extra layer of intrigue to the discovery.
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Although, I did skim through to the end. Surprisingly, the author's note at the end, delving into the historical context and accuracy, was the most engaging part of the book for me. Given the recent rejection of Indigenous people in Australia at the time of this review, that knowledge added an extra layer of intrigue to the discovery.
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May 4, 2025
NOT A ROMANCE! Just to get it out there and you don't go in reading it as one, then you will be dissapointed. More... Crime against a young woman/girl in the 1800's, when women pretty much have no voice.
This is a good story, especially when you know it's a true story! Would have given it a 5* if we had been given more about the characters. Also, the first chapters were a bit confusing jumping between characters you haven't gotten to know, as well as in time and space. For a long time the book was a 3* for me because of this but it gets better so do not give up! Worth reading and an interesting story to keep research on google. :)
This is a good story, especially when you know it's a true story! Would have given it a 5* if we had been given more about the characters. Also, the first chapters were a bit confusing jumping between characters you haven't gotten to know, as well as in time and space. For a long time the book was a 3* for me because of this but it gets better so do not give up! Worth reading and an interesting story to keep research on google. :)
November 9, 2023
This is a fabulous book. A well written, gripping account of a girl who was abducted by a charlatan in order to compromise her, force her into marriage and then force her family to settle a fortune on her to avoid public shame and scandal. The father in particular, sticks to his principles, fights the legal battle to secure a criminal conviction and an annulment, despite having to endure the disapprobation of society. In the end she secures a love match. Based on a true story, this is an excellent read and deserves wide coverage
August 26, 2024
Well written story based on true events. I liked the heroine, who was is very young (17 years) but very mature. Her hero was not present in the story the whole time, but what I glimpsed from him was : typical English gentleman, rather reticent, quiet and unobtrusive, very bland. There was a villain, too, who abducted the heroine, who was very sleek. If the heroine had not been the mature young woman that she was, she would have fallen for this conniving man.
The historical background to this novel, that is presented after the end of the book are very sobering.
The historical background to this novel, that is presented after the end of the book are very sobering.
May 21, 2023
The Runaway Bride by Felicity York surprised me. From the cover, I’d expected a typical historical romance. But based on an actual English legal case it falls effortlessly into two genres: historical romance and historical fiction, both of them good. I’m not going to say anything more about the story except that it’s every bit as surprising and full of twists as a good historical romance. This is the first of Ms. York’s Stately Scandals series.
August 22, 2023
It's been a while since I've had so much fun reading a book. York's characters are funny, somewhat relatable despite the Edwardian setting, and scandalous in nature. While Ellen is incredibly naive in her escapades, you still root for her all the way through. And Mr Legh sounds like a catch. The only issue I had is how to say Legh. I pronounced it differently every time it was read.
PS: Ellen's father is a legend.
PS: Ellen's father is a legend.
August 9, 2024
The cover is deceiving. Actually the title is misleading too. This is a fictionalized account of an actually abduction in England in 1826, of a young woman, Ellen Turner (17 in this book but 15 in the actual events), by a con man who tricked her into marrying him in order to get hands on her father's fortune. So she didn't run away, she was conned. I liked the story, and I stuck with it to see how she got out of trouble (answer: some very juicy court battles) but it was a little LOONG.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2024
This book was a gripping read that gives a fascinating glimpse into life in the 1800s. It’s interesting to see how society worked back then and how different the priorities were, especially for young women. Knowing that the story is based on real events and features real people makes it even more engaging. The slightly old-fashioned language fits the time period perfectly and adds to the story’s authenticity.
October 2, 2023
3.75 stars
I would not categorize this novel as a historical romance in a traditional sense. It deals more with the kidnapping of the MC Ellen and the court scenes that follow. I liked the way the story unfolded and the characterization of Ellen stood out to me. In short, I enjoyed reading this.
I would not categorize this novel as a historical romance in a traditional sense. It deals more with the kidnapping of the MC Ellen and the court scenes that follow. I liked the way the story unfolded and the characterization of Ellen stood out to me. In short, I enjoyed reading this.
October 22, 2025
The fact that this story is based on true facts makes it a fascinating story. I found it a riveting read and it was hard to put down. Ellen is an amazingly brave person, to endure what she had to go through, through no fault on her part and come out strong at the end days a lot for her character
A great read and a well deserved 5 stars.
A great read and a well deserved 5 stars.
May 11, 2023
A romance with a back story. It had substance to it and it didn't drog on the plot too much. However I do have a short attention span and the book did nearly lose me a few times from boredom. However the proganist takes a turn in character and I read on just to watch her grow.
May 5, 2024
what an exciting story
If you are looking for mystery, intrigue, scandal, and romance, the book has every bit of it. and more. In spite of running a fever, and going to bed like I should, I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. It definitely will not disappoint!
If you are looking for mystery, intrigue, scandal, and romance, the book has every bit of it. and more. In spite of running a fever, and going to bed like I should, I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. It definitely will not disappoint!
July 3, 2023
Reads Like A Thriller!
I enjoyed this book , it was something completely different. Based on a ture, documented event, it was fascinating to see it unfold. Well done!
I enjoyed this book , it was something completely different. Based on a ture, documented event, it was fascinating to see it unfold. Well done!
July 14, 2023
So sad to read the end linking this to a true story.
September 4, 2023
Fun read! Regency romance with a bit of uniqueness to it! I thoroughly enjoyed this tale based on a true story. The characters are well spoken and have distinct personalities.
December 8, 2023
More historical fiction than romance but a good read nonetheless
June 20, 2024
At last I found a book that is captivating. I have been searching for sometime now, it's been a while since I last read such a nice book. This book is excellent, highly recommend.
July 2, 2024
Historical Scandal
Interesting true story about a different time and place. Kept me turning pages. Not something I would usually read but I am glad I did.
Interesting true story about a different time and place. Kept me turning pages. Not something I would usually read but I am glad I did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews