I am just over the moon in love with this book! I have picked a few duds lately and The Reluctant Duchess is just what I needed to pull me out of my book slump. If you are a Downton Abbey fan and like me, your morning the end of your favorite show…this book is for you! This book is definitely in the Downton Abbey era, but it also has a bit of mystery to add to the ambiance. For me, author Roseanna M. White hit a home run with Book 2 in her Ladies of the Manor Series. 

I honesty had never heard of White when I selected this title to read. I have not read Book 1, The Lost Heiress. The books are connected in the story they tell, but I did not feel lost. I could see there were details of the first book that might have enhanced this novel, but I still LOVED this book!

The Reluctant Duchess is the story of the weary Lady Rowena Kinnaird. Rowena has been mistreated not only by her father, but also the man she thought was the love of her life. Her life long companion Lilias comes up with a plan to change Rowena’s future. With the help of Rowena’s father, Lord Lochaber, Lilias arranges for Rowena to meet the Duke of Nottingham. Rowena must get past her terrible memories to find love. Brice (the Duke) has the difficult task of solving a mystery and earning the trust of Rowena.

Honestly, so much happens in this book it is difficult to summarize without spoiling the story! My advice to you is to read it! You will not regret it! The Reluctant Duchess is the top of my favorites list of 2016 and I am excited to add White to my MUST READ authors list. I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.