Synopses & Reviews
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Publishers Weekly Summer Reads 2020 Editors' Pick
"Smart and witty...the perfect historical read." Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Created by a shrewd countess, The Widow's Grace is a secret society with a mission: to help ill-treated widows regain their status, their families, and even find true love again — or perhaps for the very first time...
When headstrong West Indian heiress Patience Jordan questioned her English husband's mysterious suicide, she lost everything: her newborn son, Lionel, her fortune — and her freedom. Falsely imprisoned, she risks her life to be near her child — until The Widow's Grace gets her hired as her own son's nanny. But working for his unsuspecting new guardian, Busick Strathmore, Duke of Repington, has perils of its own. Especially when Patience discovers his military strictness belies an ex-rake of unswerving honor — and unexpected passion . . .
A wounded military hero, Busick is determined to resolve his dead cousin's dangerous financial dealings for Lionel's sake. But his investigation is a minor skirmish compared to dealing with the forthright, courageous, and alluring Patience. Somehow, she's breaking his rules, and sweeping past his defenses. Soon, between formidable enemies and obstacles, they form a fragile trust — but will it be enough to save the future they long to dare together?
"One of the best historicals I've read in years." Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author
"Vanessa Riley at her finest." Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author
Review
Riley loads her expertly crafted romance with intrigue, droll banter, and steadily building passion. Readers will be hard-pressed to find a flaw in this big-hearted Regency romance." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
Review
"...debuter Riley delivers a fine first outing in what looks to be a promising new series, welcoming a determined West Indian heroine to the Regency subgenre." Library Journal
Review
"[The] story of how a family develops against great odds." Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Fascinated by the Regency and early Victorian eras, Vanessa Riley made time for renaissance fairs, and period novels and films while obtaining her Ph.D in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Specialty RWA Chapters: The Beaumonde, and the Georgia Chapters, as well as the Historical Novel Society. Vanessa also juggles her military hubby, mothering a teen, and speaking at women's events. Visit her at www.vanessariley.com.