Member Reviews

Like many people, I am partial to a well-written Regency romance, and in recent years Jane Dunn has become one of my favourite writers in this genre. In part I think it is the historical accuracy, which stems from her background as a historian, but somehow she manages to convey a world synonymous with the writings of both Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer.

As I began this book, I was reminded of Jane Austen’s Emma with the way in which Leonora had taken Charlotte under her wing, teaching her, guiding her, and wanting to find a husband for the foundling who was like a little sister in her life. There was a scene early in the novel, where a group of people were at dinner, nearly all of whom were mentally matchmaking others at the table. It was so effortlessly funny, and for some reason that I cannot explain, it made me think of the farcical comedy in The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

I thought that the resilience in Leonora was captivating, and as for Earl Rokeby, I am not sure I have ever been so attracted to a male literary character before. He was brooding and gruff, but also incredibly caring and thoughtful. They were perfect together although both burdened by the scars of war, with Rokeby’s scars mostly physical ones, but with both of them scarred emotionally too. A mention must also go to Achille, an ever-present and loyal wolfhound, oh how I love dogs in books!

The other characters in the book were all so multi-dimensional. I adored Nanny P (or Mrs Priddy), who had been the mother figure in Leonora’s life, quietly chaperoning Leonora and Charlotte with wisdom, sensibility and the tendency to fall asleep at the best moments. Charlotte was innocent but with a tenacity that was almost unexpected. I also loved George Lockwood, who had such a sunny personality, but with a steeliness when pushed. It would also not be a Regency romance without a cad or two, and Ormonde was a classic schemer, determined to get his own way.

I was so engrossed in this fabulous story that the world passed me by as I read it, and when a book is so good that you get immersed in the world within the pages I cannot think of anything better!

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A delightful book. As it started I was reminded of, not only those books written by Georgette Heyer, but also the charming stories of life in small towns where lace was soaked in milk to stop it going yellow, and gowns were made over to 'freshen' them with ribbon and frills and buttons a la Cranford.
Certainly, our heroines are country misses and not sophisticated town girls and their knowledge and behaviours reflect this upbringing. And their clothing too is simple and not high fashion - until their circumstances change.
The style was appropriate for the genre, and the book was well,proofed and grammatically correct.
Overall, a nice read and suitable for all ages.

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A lot of good in this book but the circular conflict singed it a star. The dialogue could also be improved upon but it may just be an issue of personal taste. Would read from author again and would likely recommend book to friends

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I read and enjoyed A Scandalous Match in January and was looking forward to another Jane Dunn novel to read this month. If you love Jane Austen and enjoy regency romances with brilliant characters and a gorgeous feeling of the time, these books are for you.
A Lady’s Fortune is set in Hasterleigh, a village in Berkshire. Leonora Appleby is 27 – the same age her mother died. Her father died two years before and after looking after the estate since, now George Lockwood is to inherit her home of Hasterleigh Manor.
Leonora’s best friend is Charlotte (Lottie) Blythe, who is 18 and lives at the Vicarage. She was a foundling left on the steps of the Vicarage as a baby and has always been brought up by Reverend Mildmay and his wife Sarah as their own daughter.
The village is soon ignited with excitement as the new Earl Rokeby, Alistair, returns. His brother died in the war and Alistair is mentally and physically scarred from war. How will his return affect the village and its dynamics?
Meanwhile, Leonora and Lottie go to London for the Season, leaving their safe countryside surroundings for the dangers of the big city.
Well, I hope that’s given you an idea of the set up of the novel. There’s lots going on, but I recommend you read it yourself to find out what happens. It’s such a lovely book, beautifully written with a wonderful use of language and well-paced so you never lose interest.
Jane Dunn writes such brilliant characters! So many realistic and unforgettable ones in here - from the adorable, kind and wise Nanny P (Peg Priddy) to the apparently psychic Rose Vazey and the horrible Lady Livia Dearlove, who is so spiteful and nasty that I wished I was in the pages and could give her a piece of my mind!
Another truly lovely read from Jane Dunn.

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I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This was a charming Regency romance. I quickly warmed to the protagonist, Leonora, and some of the other characters too. I found the writing to be sophisticated, but also with a lovely cosy quality, and I enjoyed how the author worked with the manor house and village setting to bring them to life for the reader. I think the character that made me smile the most was Nanny P.

The tone and style of writing actually reminded me of the classics, so if you do read classic authors, this may appeal to you. It wasn't particularly spicy, but it was romantic, heartwarming and charming.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

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I would like to thank and Boldwood Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest of the book.

This was another enjoyable tale, that reminded me a little of Emma. I don't think the third act break up was needed.

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Just what the doctor ordered: light, dramatic historical romance reminiscent of Mary Balogh and Jane Austen, perfect to get you out of your reading slump!!

This book was SO FUNNY, like laugh out loud at multiple point throughout the book funny. The humor was witty and sly, and fit perfectly into the family drama style of the book. The Countess of Bucklebury was SO messy but hilarious 😂 I also liked both of the main characters, Alistair and especially Leonora, and although I wanted to see more of their relationship development, I did root for them and believe in their lasting connection. The plot of this book also had its fair share of twists and turns, and the plot twist near the end felt like something out of a TV show, it kept me on the edge of my seat!

Overall, if you're looking for a book that will take you places you never expected it would go, and have tons of laughs along the way, I'd highly recommend this book!!

4/5
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

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Resigned to her future as a spinster, Leonora Appleby, is content to live at her beloved manor in the pretty village of Hasterleigh. However, soon Leonora’s home will be given over to the new owner of the manor, Mr George Lockwood, and Leonora must adapt to a very different way of life. A chance meeting with the enigmatic Earl Rokeby, owner of the nearby Rokeby Abbey, and newly returned from the Napoleonic War, turns Leonora’s life upside down and in so many ways her quiet life is about the be changed forever.

This is a really lovely story with all the trademarks of Regency life which this author describes so very well. The characters soon steal their way into your heart and you can’t help but want everything to work for all of them. I especially loved Leonora, who deserved such happiness, and also her young friend Charlotte whose exuberance for life is about to be so challenged with news that will change her life forever. The sensible Nanny Priddy made me smile and I so wanted to see the finished result of her interminable knitting as she acted as chaperone to the young ladies.

From the gentle peace of an English country village, to the excitement of the grand salons of Regency London, A Lady’s Fortune is another Regency masterclass from this talented writer who brings us history, and gentle romance, in a story which lingers long in the imagination.

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The life of self-proclaimed spinster Leonora is upended by the unexpected return of the presumed-dead Earl Rokeby. Thrust into the whirlwind social season of London alongside her best friend, Leonora must navigate balls, gossip, and the secrets of the enigmatic earl as she determines her own future.

This novel presents two interwoven romance stories. The tone is formal and the pace leisurely. The heroines don’t always behave in a circumspect way, which accounts for most of the conflict in the story.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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Wonderful regency romance

I have read all of Jane Dunn's regency romances and thoroughly enjoyed each of them. The Lady's Fortune is a real winner, well written, feisty female heroines, a variety of heroes (and villains) and a twisty plot. You really have to read this author, she is the best!!!!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

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Lenora Appleby is preparing to give up her childhood home to the new incumbent George Lockwood after her father’s death. Firmly on the shelf at the age of twenty seven she is happy to retire to a quiet life in the country with her beloved nanny.
But when the return of the brooding Earl of Rokeby brings with it surprises and twists in her own life, Lenora has to prepare for a season with her best friend Charlotte Blythe. In the excitement of her new situation, Lenora finds that she much prefers her life in the village – especially if a certain Earl is in the vicinity.
This is a likeable story with a strong plot which is well paced and keeps the reader interested with a couple of unexpected twists. The writing is excellent and is very in keeping with the period. The characters are well fleshed and really likeable. I loved Lenora and Alistair, Charlotte and George and rooted for their happy ever after.
I received an advanced review copy via Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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I enjoyed this story's classic Regency romance style. The characters are believable, and the detailed historical setting is easy to envision. I like the storytelling and the socio-political ethos that the author creates, leaving the reader in no doubt how vulnerable women were in Regency society. The two female protagonists push the boundaries of society, and the plot has an engaging combination of good and evil, romance, mystery, humour and poignancy. It's an absorbing and entertaining story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

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I definitely enjoyed reading A Lady's Fortune by Jane Dunn. While I regularly read Regency novels in the past, in 2019 I turned my attention to novels set in the WWII time period and have been reading novels about that time period for the past 5 years. However, A Lady's Fortune, a Regency novel, caught my eye and I felt ready for a change in time periods and writing style again.
It was a delight to discover the writing of Jane Dunn. While there were a number of similarities to many Regency novels I've read I appreciated Jane Dunn's approach to developing her characters. Each character was fleshed out in a way that I could see them as real people - whether they lived in 1815 or 2024 - and each one had their own unique mannerisms and attributes.
I particularly appreciated how the author presented the main character, Miss Leonora Appleby. Leonora was not just a typical Regency beauty in search of a worthy man - she was a mature woman who had an established life within her community and had serious thoughts about the differences of life in the country versus the lifestyles of those in the big city of London. She also took time to reflect on the serious wounds - both physical and emotional - that the Napoleonic wars had on the returning soldiers at that time.
The book is by no means overly serious - it does have the usual elements of a Regency novel - including twists and turns that kept this reader's interest. I definitely recommend A Lady's Fortune for anyone who enjoys novels set in the Regency period with well-developed characters.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book but all opinions expressed are my own.

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I just loved the characters in this book, particularly Lenora Appleby. She was such a kind and caring soul and at the age of 27, didn’t think she would marry. There are a good number of likeable characters and a special village feel about the place where they lived. Mrs. Prissy or Nanny P as she was affectionately known was always on hand to offer her sage advice when needed. She also knew everyone in the area, which came in handy day on a few occasions. There is also a time spent in London for the season. Alistair, Earl of Rokeby, has a number of issues, not the least being his injuries sustained from the war, physically and mentally. There are a few surprises and one or more romances. This was a very enjoyable read that left me with a smile on my face. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. However I did preorder my own copy.

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This is an enjoyable easy read. It's a clean romance. Two best friends Leonara and Charlotte both have romance stories in this book. There are some upsets along the way but they both have their happy ending.

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A Lady’s Fortune was a captivating and immersive regency romance, perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

I really enjoyed the Pride and Prejudice feel of the story, with the wounded and dashing Earl Rokeby, and the kind and gentle Lord Lockwood. The friendship between the Leonora and Charlotte was layered and moving, and I loved the way Charlotte’s social status was portrayed. With plenty of swoon-worthy moments (and even though I suspected the ending early on), what I loved most about this story was the journey. The author did a wonderful job of building an immersive country community, and creating characters with depth and tension, making the story a wonderful escape and a compelling read.

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

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I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Miss Leonora Appleby’s life is about to change. Following her father’s death, she will be moving out of the Manor that’s been her home her entire life, and just hopes the new heir cares for her home as much as she had. But there’s more than one new arrival to Hasterleigh, and the new Earl Rokeby, long presumed dead, but newly arrived home from war, is setting the town ablaze. He’s brought more than just war wounds, and some newly revealed secrets are going to change the lives of them all.

When I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew it would be a book for me. I really enjoyed the chemistry and development of the relationship between Leonora and Alistair. It was not an easy love story, and the added side stories surrounding Charlotte, and Alistair’s history, were great. The writing style did take a little getting used to, but one I was a few chapters in, I was hooked. There’s definitely a Pride & Prejudice vibe to the book, especially with the plot line surrounding the ‘baddie’, and the ending nicely tied all the plot lines together. A great Regency romance.

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A heartbreaking story about a wounded war hero with a sad past and a intrepid spitfire woman with the kindest of hearts that found each other in the same town they have lived all their lives but never met until now.

Leonora Appleby has lived her whole life cared by the same people. Her best friend Charlotte Blythe, is like a younger sister to her, so when her destiny is alter after years of yearning to know for her real parents is Leonora who will carry the torch and accompanied her in this new adventure to London to attend a season.

This is a story about wounded and kind heroes, those who carry a burden for years and others who keep their light on in spite of life cruel twists. The fact that you get two romance stories instead of one is a nice bonus.

I personally enjoyed this book, found their characters charming and the narrative engaging.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC

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I've read all of Jane Dunn's Regency romances to date, and they are all fabulous. A Lady's Fortune is a delightful addition to her books.

Our two main characters, Leonora and Charlotte, are refreshing in their outlook on life. Leonora is happy with her rural existence, while Charlotte expects little because the nature of her birth is a mystery. Both women flourish outside the constraints of the expectation of a London season, but are to be plunged into it, eventually, for much of this book takes place in their rural idyll, where our author is able to draw on her love of gardening and the outdoors (I follow her on X) to enrich the storyline - and this is coming from someone who can just about name a daffodil or a rose.

What I loved about this book is that we, the reader, really do know much of what will happen, but it unfolds in the delightful and charming way that Regency romances should - I read the last 30% in one sitting, unable to put it down.

Leonora, Charlotte, Earl Rokeby and George Lockwood will surely delight readers of the genre. 5 stars from me.

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This was my first book by Jane Dunn and I did really enjoy it! Beautifully written, it has everything you could want from a regency romance.

It starts off with Leonara Appleby a 27 year old “spinster” who is considered too old and unlikely to marry. Her home Hasterleigh Manor is soon passed over to the heir with Leonara needing to move into alternative accommodations. Nearby though Earl Rokeby has returned from the war, scarred in more ways than one with some news of others in the village. Without spoiling anything lots of drama, tension and romantic moments.

My main criticism though was how Leonora was portrayed with not being able to make up her own mind and often easily swayed by others comments and views.

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