Two sweet romances in one, this was pure fun.

I’m a long time Jane Austen fan and I love regency romances - contemporary ones that are well written, I am extremely partial to. After reading a couple of more hard-boiled stories, A Lady’s Fortune was a pleasure to read and I easily lost myself in the story, while appreciating Ms Dunn’s attention to historical detail and engaging plot.

This would be great to listen to curled up on the couch one night, crocheting, with a hot mug of ginger tea.

This was my first book by the author. I will definitely read more of her work.



Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the DRC

This was good although I've enjoyed other books by this author more. What stopped this from being as good as others (for me) was how Leonora couldn't trust her own judgment. It was infuriating! But I liked Chartotte and the other characters and the story progressed nicely. Give it a try if you like regency romance!

A Lady's Fortune comes out next week on August 5, 2024 and you can purchase HERE.

As she lay in a deep feather mattress, her gaze travelled around the palatial bedroom, the details just visible now the pale light was beginning to seep through the curtains. Her four-poster bed was hung with silk curtains frayed into ribbons at the edges but once beautiful. Pale yellow and embroidered with flowers and bees, they looked too fragile to pull closed and she feared she'd be enveloped in a cloud of dust if she did. The room itself was panelled and painted a pearl grey to which time only added an attractive smoky patina. It was restful to lie there warm and safe, and Leonora's mind returned to her beloved Hasterleigh and the Earl.

This beautifully written Regency story contained some of the most deliciously romantic lines I’ve ever read. In the tradition of Georgette Heyer, this reminded me of the books I used to read years ago. There’s a tall, dark and brooding hero scarred by war, a feisty and principled heroine whose hopes of love are past, a fun subplot involving a foundling, and a lovable nanny who mentors everyone.
With terrific characters, misunderstandings galore, heroic rescues and impassioned declarations of love, this has all the ingredients of a swoonworthy romance.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC which I received in return for an honest review.

I love a Regency romance… you hit this one out of the park, Jane Dunn.

If you’re a fan of Jane Austen or Charlotte Brontë, you will absolutely devour this one.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A wonderful book to read and get lost in. It tells the story of Leonora Appleby and the neighbours that surround her in the village where she grew up. Hasterleigh Manor, Nora’s home, is about to taken over by the new heir, George Lockwood, a strapping, sweet natured man. Nora’s good friend is Charlotte Blythe, who lives close to her with the Reverend Blythe and his wife.

The new Earl of Rokeby, Alistair has returned to the village having lost his older brother to the war and he himself is badly scarred following the war and wants to escape society.

A charming story of two souls who have lost loved ones and must learn to live and love again; to trust in themselves and each other. Brilliantly written and wonderfully descriptive that everything jumps off the page. A gem worth reading.

I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my voluntarily review.

In the fourth Regency romance by this author, we will be able to get our Bridgerton fix once again as we travel to Regency England where it is time for the Season once again and two more ladies are in need of a husband. Leonora Appleby at twenty-seven is considered by many (including herself) to be past the marriageable age. She had been betrothed once before, but the man she loved was sent in to battle and lost his life. Now, her childhood home, Hasterleigh Manor, is soon to be taken over by the heir to the land, George Lockwood, and she must find other accommodations . But life has a way of springing surprises and the return of the brooding war hero Earl Rokeby, presumed dead on the French battlefields, to the magnificent neighboring Rokeby Abbey has the village atwitter with speculation. Earl Rokeby has returned, scarred in mind and body, with news for Leonora’s best friend Charlotte Blythe – news that will change everything. Charlotte, who was left on the doorstep of the parsonage as a baby, has always wondered about her parentage. Not knowing her background and having any dowry has kept her from attending the Season in the past, but with the return of Earl Rokeby, she finds the answers she has always wanted.

I love these books. I am a huge Bridgerton fan, and as all of the other like-minded individuals would agree, it is entirely too long in-between seasons. These books are my Bridgerton fix. I get swept up in them the same way I do my favorite show. I love the characters, and how each book only focuses on a couple of young ladies at a time, so you stay invested in their story. If you are a Bridgerton fan, or just love a good romance, then you will love this. Each book is written as a stand-alone, as the characters do not repeat, so you don't have to read them in order. I highly recommend this!

This was the perfect regency read for me! I needed this!

Two romantic stories--both special in their right. And they checked off all my boxes.
I also really loved the friendship between Leonora and Charlotte.

This was sweet, clean, charming, and fun! And if you enjoy Jane Austen, you'll enjoy this one!

This was a wonderfully written historical romance. It had echoes of both Emma and Pride and Prejudice in it and was a joy to read from start to end. You can tell that it was written by an author with expert knowledge of the time period and the level of detail observed was excellent. It was not fast moving but held me totally engrossed and I did not want to finish and leave them. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to an early copy of this book.

This is Jane Dunn’s fourth regency romance and is another entertaining story of love amid the regency world of balls and rides in Hyde Park.
Leonora is happy living in the country and looking after her father’s estate. Her fiancé was killed in the Napoleonic wars and at the age of 27, she is resigned to never marrying. Suddenly her life is turned upside when the heir to her father’s estate arrives as well as the Lord of the nearby Rokeby Abbey. With two eligible bachelors in the neighbourhood, Leonora’s life suddenly becomes a lot more interesting. We also have Charlotte, who is the ward of the local vicar and his wife and as close to Leonora as a sister. When Charlotte’s true parentage comes to light, the two women find themselves whisked off to London to partake in the season.
I really liked Leonora’s character and she and Charlotte contrasted with each other nicely. The details about their lives both in the country and in London are well written and give us a good picture. The two principal men were also interesting and a good contrast to each other. The romances played out nicely and there was enough uncertainty to keep things interesting.
I still feel that Jane Dunn’s characters are heavily influenced by Georgette Heyer especially the men. However, she is definitely making the period more her own and this is a hugely enjoyable story which stands on its own merits.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Absolute blinder of a book.
I really enjoyed the story, the pace and the cast of characters.
I found it truly immersive and I will definitely keep my eye out for future releases from this author.
Great for fans of historical fiction and sagas.

I really enjoyed “A Lady’s Fortune”. It was a sweet romance novel with not one but two love stories! Charlotte and Leonora are best of friends and two men come into their quiet country lives and change everything! There were a couple times where I was frustrated with the girls for certain misunderstandings that caused issues but in reality no one is perfect so it’s not unrealistic by any means! There were twists and turns and excitement I didn’t expect and found myself wishing I could read my book while I work so I think that’s a sure sign of a well written romance!

I love that Jane Dunn has pivoted from scholarly biographies to Regency romance novels and, judging from the author's note at the back, she is loving it, too, as she absolutely should. I have to say that I didn't love this novel as much as some of her others. As ever, her attention to historical detail was there, which is always a lovely surprise in historical romance novels. Her characters could have been really fascinating, but I have to say it always felt as though we were held at arm's length from many of them and others were introduced far too rapidly, making them no more than lovable at best. It is slightly spicier than some of her earlier novels, but still very much closed door, if that makes a difference to you. The plot was also interesting and explored underrepresented areas of Regency society, such as inheritance, illegitimacy, spinsterhood, and the physical and mental scars of those returning from the Napoleonic Wars. In all of those areas, however, I also felt that we didn't get quite enough. The plot was very slow to start, but then wrapped up very quickly by the end. Leonora was also a contradictory heroine; seemingly sensible, but prone to defensive, passionate outbursts that completely contradicted everything she was feeling. I'm glad I read it, though, and look forward to seeing what else Dunn has in store.

I found this book really engaging and it had a great use of language. It explor3s the lives of a few people whose lives have been upended by the war in the peninsular. One person was severely injured, one los5 her fiancé and believed herself beyond marriageable age. The story weaves to get her several romances opening various possibilities. While the plot is good, to me there was a flaw. One person was exposed as a former spy for Boney yet his ‘punishment’ was to emigrate. Surely he deserved justice in front of a court of law. However this does not spoil what is an enjoyable read.

A thoroughly enjoyable regency era novel following 2 lovely ladies, and 2 very different gentlemen. The book is told from the perspective of the 2 women, however it’s told in such a way that you feel you really get to know everyone in the book. I guessed early on who would end up with whom, but there were still many twists and turns on the path to true love, and some unexpected surprises. I very much enjoyed this book and will be keeping an eye out for others from this author

Leonora Appleby, being unwed at the positively ancient age of 27, has contented herself with her country life. She spends her time managing her father's estate and in the company of her best friend Charlotte Blythe. And then Leonora and Charlotte's quiet lives are upset by the arrival of the handsome George Lockwood--heir to Leonora's father's estate--and the battle-scarred Earl of Rokeby...

A Lady's Fortune has all the drama and romance one can expect from a good Regency romance. I was immediately pulled in by the characters and the slowly brewing drama. I also loved the attention to historical detail in the book; not just the customs and clothing, but the author's word choices as well.

Absolutely worth the read by any fan of Jane Austen and Regency romances.

These were wonderful Regency romances! I loved both of these stories, although I think Leonora and Alistair were my favorite. Looking forward to more by Jane Dunn.

This lovely tale engages the reader with two delightful romances marked by wit, charm and compelling characters. The author also brings the Regency era to vivid life through her fine literary brush strokes and keen understanding of the historical period. A gem!

A very cute regency romance (or 2 romances).

Leonora: smart, capable, but a little judgemental, has been through the loss of her parents and close friend.

Alastair Rokeby, torn apart physically and mentally by the ravages of war and losing his best friend, his brother.

Charlotte: leonoras best friend from the village. Given a chance for a London season by Lord Rokeby.

Mr Lockwood: heir to Leonoras father. Kind, smart and an arborist.

Each of these characters have their stories and Dunn brings them together to weave a charming romance. Witty conversations, good character development, slow burn and a clean closed door romance makes this book a solid read.

Jane Dunn does it again! What a lovely story. 5+ stars. I don’t have enough words to describe how much I have enjoyed it. I can only highly recommend it especially if you love Jane Austin and Brontë sisters. This book reminded me of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.

The only shortcoming for me was the nudity towards the end. It was out of character for them and unnecessary.

Many thanks for the free copy in exchange of an honest review!

Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.