When love comes in a tempest, who knew it would wear pink? Georgia Lennox has traded in her boyish ways for pink gowns and a coy smile to capture the eye of the Earl of Claremont. However, on the day she’s convinced the earl will propose, Georgia is shipped off to the Leeward Islands to care for her ailing father. But when she arrives on Nevis, the last thing she expects is to learn that her … the last thing she expects is to learn that her abrupt departure was not at her father’s bidding but that of the infuriating, yet captivating, island schoolmaster. And now her plans may well be shipwrecked.
Harrison Wells is haunted by the memories of his deceased wife and hunted by the subsequent women who aspire to be the next Duchess of Linton. Desiring anonymity, he finds sanctuary in the Leeward island of Nevis. He’s willing to sacrifice his ducal title for a schoolmaster’s life and the solace the island provides. That is until unrest finds its way to Nevis in a storm of pink chiffon—Miss Georgia Lennox.
As Georgia and Harrison’s aspirations break apart like a ship cast upon the rocks, a new love surfaces, but secrets and circumstances drag them into rough waters. Can they surrender their hearts to a love that defies their expectations?
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‘But then there were times, when something he would have never chosen, blessed him in a way he would have never expected’
Oh my gosh – what an absolutely fun book to read! There were multiple times I laughed out loud at the scrapes Georgia got herself into. She has such a way of being so very lovable at times and then being so difficult you just want to send her to her room. The author has done a great job of detailing the way that misunderstandings can occur in a family and even between friends.
It is wonderful to see how the characters realize that God is the God of second chances. Whether or not they will learn to trust and make those changes is the question. God wants what’s best for us, but it isn’t always how we picture it, a realization that can come with a great deal of struggle.
This first book in The Leeward Islands certainly has set the stage for a fabulous series, one that I will be sure not to miss. I received this ARC through Wild Heart Books and CelebrateLit. My comments and impressions were in no way solicited.
The Duke’s Refuge is a beautifully written historical novel. The characters are easy to fall in love with. It was a delight to read and I am looking forward to read another by Lorri Dudley.
What a tremendous first novel for Lorri Dudley! As a picky-reader, I was pleasantly surprised that The Duke’s Refuge didn’t just keep me interested…it engrossed me. I loved watching Georgia’s character develop from a shallow girl into a compassionate and mature young lady. And Harrison…he’s definitely the leading-man type that I’ve always admired in historic fiction. Dudley reveals spiritual truths without being “preachy” and provides insights about how our relationships affect our views of God. I was very impressed and can’t wait to read the next one!
I found the combination of Historical Fiction and Christian Romance to make for a unique and fulfilling read. It was my first book of it’s kind, and I’m longing for more! I found that while the journey the author took me on was a much-needed escape from reality, I also deeply related to the main characters’s inner thoughts and struggles. I finished the book feeling like I had made a new friend in Georgia.
Looking forward to reading more of this series in the future!