Book Review: Charming The Duke by Holly Bush

Hi all,

 

I had the honor of reading, CHARMING THE DUKE, the latest novel by author Holly Bush. If you read my blog, you know that I am already a devoted fan of Holly's and have enjoyed all of her other books, including Train Station Bride, Cross the Ocean, and Reconstructing Jackson. Holly writes historical romances and each one is unique, heartfelt, and intriguing. I found CHARMING THE DUKE to be as delightful as the rest, and I am so pleased to have had the chance to read it.

Here is more about Holly Bush's novel and my five star review:

 

Charming The Duke

Holly Bush

 

Book Description:

1849 . . . Matilda Sheldon, the middle daughter of the sixth Earl of Bisset, has never been interested in the fashionable society events that so preoccupy her parents and siblings. Her loving, albeit, daft family cannot understand why. But Matilda has little use for silly rules and dramas. She would rather occupy her time with a worthwhile cause such as opening The Sheldon Home for Orphans, much to the chagrin of her mother and grandmother. They are quite certain a venture of this nature will discourage suitors. Matilda is quite certain that if suitors are discouraged it is because she is clever, plain, a bit clumsy, and inevitably compared to her beautiful sisters.

The Duke of Thornsby is in tight spot. After receiving the title on the death of his father, he discovers the inheritance is to be gifted elsewhere if he does not marry before his thirtieth birthday. Unfortunately, our man-about-town is embroiled in a scandal, not of his own making, and the marriage mamas won’t let any eligible misses anywhere near him. What’s a Duke to do? Get invited to a house party hosted by the notoriously absent-minded Earl of Bisset, who just happens to be Papa to some young ladies of marriageable age!

Thornsby finds himself fascinated, not with the two Sheldon debutantes actively seeking a husband, but rather with the ‘brown wren’ he first mistakes for a servant. Matilda is counting the hours until the house party ends when the necessity of conversing with the guests will be over, and ridiculously handsome men go far away. Can a worldly Duke convince a sensible girl to accept his court? Find out in Charming the Duke.

 

Buy Charming The Duke:

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My Five Star Review:

 It's 1849 and Matilda Sheldon is not interested in snagging a suitable suitor like her two sisters are. Fashion, gossip, and all the other trappings of her social status do not interest her, especially putting on a show to find a husband. She feels she is not as pretty or graceful as her sisters and therefore puts her energy into other more serious pursuits like starting an orphanage. But when The Duke of Thornsby, who desperately needs to find a proper wife, meets Matilda, he finds himself not only irritated by her manner, but also drawn to her at the same time.

CHARMING THE DUKE is another delightful romance novel by Holly Bush. Holly is a talented writer who is able to draw you back in time with the language and nuances of her prose, yet make the characters so believable they jump off the page. I like the no-nonsense Matilda and the prim and proper Duke. Humor and drama are combined to create a wonderful, historical world you can lose yourself in for a few hours.

I highly recommend CHARMING THE DUKE to anyone who loves reading historical romance. You won't be disappointed.

 

I hope you give CHARMING THE DUKE a try. All of Holly's books are a joy!

 

Cheers,

Deanna