Hawthorne House
By Kristi Ann Hunter
Lady Miranda Hawthorne has a secret - she's been secretly corresponding with brother's schoolmate the Duke of Marshington. No one knows that she has been writing these letters and if her mother found out she would tell her "Miranda, a lady never corresponds with a man who is not a family relation."
For 12 years this has been her emotional outlet, a means to act the part of a lady and yet let her emotions out without embarrassing her family. But she has never posted a single letter - hiding them away from prying eyes.
That is she has never posted one until her brother's new valet comes across one and posts it for her. Miranda will be ruined if word of her breach of social etiquette is revealed. Fortunately the Duke has not been heard from nor seen for nine years, so there is little chance of him receiving her letter. But when a reply is sent Miranda's world is about to crash in around her if this is discovered. How can she ever explain this if her mother, brothers, or sister find out what she has used her precious blue paper for?
About the Book:
Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke--with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother's new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.
When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men--one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.
Griffin's new valet - Marlow is not who he appears to be. Slipping in and out of rooms. Always everywhere it seems. He is searching for something or someone within the Hawthorne Estate and he is very good at what he does. England's war with Napoleonic France has been going on for years and the Duke of Riverton has access to information that could aid the French cause if properly relayed.
With the London season about to begin Miranda finds herself torn - she is entering her fourth season while her sister Georgina is about to enter her first. Miranda has never attracted the admiration of the eligible of London, her only draw has been as the sister of the Duke of Riverton. A less than flattering compliment and one that has kept Miranda from accepting any of the offers of marriage that have come her way. And now the eligible are seeking her out to inquire after her sister! Is it any wonder that she seeks a forbidden correspondence with a person she never expects to meet.
Lady Miranda doesn't not fit the mold of a perfect refined lady. Yes, she can appear so, but when she is unable to vent her frustrations through pen and paper you don't want to be the person who sets her off!
If you love historical fiction, with generous dashes of romance, intrigue, danger, and humor mixed together in one delightful story you have to pick up a copy of A Nobel Masquerade you won't regret the time spent reading!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House in exchange for my honest review - which is I loved it!
About the Book:
Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke--with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother's new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.
When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men--one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.
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