The Reluctant Duchess

February 22, 2016
Seeking escape from the abusive Highlander who plans to marry her, Scottish heiress Rowena Kinnaird finds refuge in the surprising marriage proposal of Brice, Duke of Nottingham. Despite not knowing Rowena very well, the handsome and unusually devout Brice patiently woos her in response to his unmistakable prompting from God. As their relationship develops, each is challenged by fears from without. Can Rowena overcome her battered self-image and fears that her rejected suitor will come after them? And how can Brice, who has been guarding the invaluable Fire Eyes diamonds for his friends, keep his new bride safe as he flushes out the schemers who would kill for the rare jewels? In this sequel to The Lost Heiress, White (Culper Ring Series) takes her readers to a Scottish Highlands where weighty topics such as recovering one’s identity after rape, and the ways such an event can define a marriage, are handled delicately and deftly. The spiritual themes are integral to the characters and plot developments, making this a well-rounded, intriguing, and satisfying story. Agent: Karen Ball, Steve Laube Agency.

February 1, 2016

Lady Rowena Kinnaird longs to escape Scotland, her abusive father, and an unwanted suitor. She enters into a marriage of convenience to the Duke of Nottingham but soon realizes that she may have traded one type of danger for another. The second volume in White's Edwardian series (after The Lost Heiress) is a solid pick for Downton Abbey fans.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 15, 2016
When Rowena Kinnaird is attacked by the man she thought she loved, a sympathetic English duke's proposal is her only escape from her cruel former lover, abusive father, and their Scottish homeland. While the marriage to Brice Myerston, England's most eligible bachelor, appears an adequate rescue, an unwelcoming British society and unwitting involvement in a plot for the Fire Eyes diamonds leave Rowena trapped and in danger once again. Brice must rely on his steadfast faith in God's guidance, not only to keep his promise to protect her from harm, but also to woo his reluctant bride and win her heart forever. Continuing the drama around the cursed Fire Eyes jewels, the second installment in White's Ladies of the Manor series features many of the characters from The Lost Heiress (2015). As readers tune into the cadence of the characters' Scottish brogue, the gripping plot is quickly established and refuses to release its hold. With the momentum and drama of a modern thriller and the charm and intrigue of an Edwardian upper-class romance, White's latest balances hearty helpings of names, ranks, and family history with highly entertaining situations and plenty of humor.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)