Autumn Duchess: A Georgian Historical Romance

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Fiona I. for Readers Favorite Antonia, Dowager Duchess of Roxton, has been in mourning for three years for her beloved dead husband and soul mate. Antonia has lost the man who meant everything to her and it appears she no longer has any enjoyment in life. That is until Jonathon Strang, a larger-than-life, forceful character, bursts into her life like a hurricane, and turns it upside down. Although Antonia is easily ten years older than he is, her amazing beauty and enchanting aura soon have him captivated. Jonathon began life as the second son of an impoverished second son. However, by virtue of hard work and good fortune in the colonies, coupled with several family deaths that have put him in line for a title, Jonathon is very eligible indeed. He also has links with the Roxton family that he wishes to pursue, namely, the illegal misappropriation of property that rightfully is his. One of these properties can only be signed over to him by Antonia herself. Antonia is initially repelled by the buccaneer: a man whose casual manners are almost insulting in a society obsessed with the niceties of conduct. His blunt approach, his sharp brain, his sense of humor and finally his blatant adoration serve to break down her icy disdain. Set in 1777, in Georgian England, against a backdrop of the imminent French Revolution and the American War of Independence, this compelling love story will appeal to romantics of all ages. I recently reviewed "Salt Bride" by the same author and was keen to revisit Georgian England. Lucinda Brant has carved a niche for herself in this particular patch of history and she is gifted in weaving both story and history into a compelling read. Passion is the keynote of this novel: abundantly clear in the passion of the main characters, the robust energy of the age, and the pulse of action that creates an energetic and well-paced novel. The author has a wonderful turn of phrase, creating a sense of the opulence and oftentimes excessive luxuriance of the era. Food, drink, clothing, entertainment, and appetites are all described in glowing detail in an era that celebrated abundance and sensual gratification. Although this is the third book in a series, and readers would derive even greater enjoyment by reading the first two as well, this story can stand alone with enough back history threaded through to keep readers in touch with prior events. Highly recommended.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A 5 star addition to the Roxton Series!

I LOVED this book. Ms. Brant did not disappoint with this fine addition to her wonderful Roxton series. Autumn Duchess explores Antonia's life after the loss of her Duke and how she finds love again - the hero is sigh-worthy to say the least.

Enjoyable story that leaves you smiling!

Review by Shannon: Antonia, dowager Duchess of Roxton still mourns the death of her husband three years later. He was the love of her life and she misses him greatly. Her son, however, feels that she should leave her blacks behind and re-enter society. He¿s worried about what people think, especially when his children come home from their bi-weekly visits with their grandmother to say she speaks to the statues in the mausoleum. The Duke threatens his mother, saying she won¿t be able to visit with the grandchildren until she stops mourning or else he will have Sir Titus Foley, a physician who says he can ¿cure¿ her melancholy attend to her.

Jonathan Strang-Leven has returned to London after making his fortune in India. He hopes to find a suitable husband for his nineteen year old daughter, Sarah-Jane, and get back his inheritance, which is being held by the Duke of Roxton. What he finds instead is the lovely Antonia. He¿s determined to have her, but learns there is more to this complex woman.

This was an enjoyable story. I liked the storyline between Antonia and Jonathan. He never pulled any punches with Antonia and helped her realize that there is life and love after the loss of your soul mate. He was there to save her when she needed it and her relatives as well. But Jonathan wasn¿t the only one saving. Antonia did the same for him, when his mooching relatives tried to steer his life and his daughters in a direction that was beneficial for them.

Lovely and engaging story that leaves you smiling.

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