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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Who doesn’t love a good Christian Regency novel set on a Caribbean island? Throw in a Duke hiding as a lowly sugar plantation owner, an adorable-yet-feisty little boy, and swoony romance. I highly recommend this one!
The Duke’s Refuge, by Lorri Dudley, held me captive from start to finish. Miss Georgia, the main character, is bound and determined to change her mother’s view of her as a caterpillar and transform herself into a butterfly out marrying her sisters but at what cost. See what it takes to break down the thick walls around her heart. Set sail on this emotional journey between London and the Leeward island of Nevis with a delightful cast of characters. A story of forgiveness, healing and becoming the person you were designed to be. Give yourself a heart check…you’ll be glad you did.
Excellent story line that brings a “ugly” young woman to adulthood and reveling her beautiful spirit. She finds the man of her heart instead of marrying someone her mother wants.
I loved this book! Georgia was spunky and Harrison was incredible. I would highly recommend The Duke’s Refuge and have already downloaded the second book in the series.
Lorri Dudley draws you immediately into the story as we see Georgia Lennox struggle to retrieve her trunks have been pitched into the sea. Regardless of her safety, she is determined to rescue her belongings. Harrison Wells, who has been given the task of escorting to her father’s home, is both amused and alarmed as he watches her struggle with this impossible task. Thus, begins the relationship between spoiled, insecure Georgia, and wounded, cynical Harrison.
There are several aspects I enjoyed about the book. 1) The clever way the correspondence that opens every chapter told another story that is occurring simultaneously without detracting from the main story. 2) The comedic events of Georgia’s clothing and how this plays a part in the story. 3) The flaws, struggles, and changes that occur in both Georgia and Harrison.
This is the first book in four of The Leeward Islands series. I am looking forward to reading the next book, The Merchant’s Yield.
Lorri Dudley’s books are the right balance of setting, characters, and interesting story line. I really hated to put this book down when I really had to. The characters grabbed me from the very first page and didn’t let go until the very last word. I highly recommend this book.
My Thoughts on The Duke’s Refuge:
I love a good romance and this one fits the bill really well. It’s well written and keeps you entertained.
The setting is wonderful and I could imagine myself there. And that’s something really fun because it’s cold and we have a layer of ice here in the midwest where I live.
All the characters were so well written and I loved getting to know them.
Oh, and who loves that there is a tiny bit of mystery when she learns that she wasn’t summoned by her ailing father but someone else. It definitely was not in her calendar for the time. After all, she’s trying to get a proposal from an Earl!
Love prevails! Loved the book. The setting, the characters, but ohh those secrets that can break people apart. Will the secrets tear them apart or pull them together? Can love survive secrets?
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
If you are a fan of Regency-era novels, you are in for a treat. The Duke’s Refuge takes readers to the island of Nevis (but you’ll also get a taste of London).
Lorri Dudley’s debut immediately immersed me in the time and unique setting of this story. The characters are fantastic. While Georgia comes across as a bit of a spoiled socialite at first, discovering more of her story makes her more likable as she navigates this strange and new place she finds herself in. Georgia and Harrison clash with each other at first but soon appreciate the other. Even the secondary characters in the book are well-developed and add depth to the story.
And the ending is just perfect. I look forward to visiting the Leeward Islands again with Dudley.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Captivating. Engaging. Enthralling. Lori Dudley has done it! She has written a beautiful, fascinating novel, from beginning to end. The Duke’s Refuge will take you on a page-turning journey that you do not want to leave. Grab a beverage and find a comfy seat because you will not want to put this book down!
Here is your opportunity to travel back in time to a place where tropical winds blow warm and the blue seas are cool and refreshing; just like this novel by talented author, Lorri Dudley. Meticulously researched, well-written, and intriguing, you can escape to the Leeward Islands and follow the ups and downs, the frustrations and flirtations, and the hardships and heartaches of the captivating characters as they adjust to island life. Put this novel on your reading list now and let’s implore Lorri to continue telling her stories of days gone by. She makes historical literature ever so fascinating when she puts pen to paper!
The Duke’s Refuge did not turn out as I thought. It was not just about one character, but the relationship between various characters. It was an enjoyable read and kept me turning the pages until it was finished. Once it was finished, I wanted to keep reading about the characters!! Enjoyable and captivating reading!!
I haven’t read a non-fiction book in over 10 years and romance novels are really not my thing. A friend recommended this book so I took a chance and tried it. Amazingly, I found myself grabbing it every chance I had-even as I was doing my hair in the morning! The author paints vivid pictures of island life and makes you feel like you are there. It is a well written story that makes me look forward to the next one!
Omgosh this book is so amazing and captivating in the Beginning I would recommend everyone to read it!!
I dove into this book and I finished the last page! I was immersed into 19th century England and the Leeward Islands. The author vividly described life in both places and I felt like I was actually there, as a bystander, watching all these characters as this story unfolded! It was amazing! I love discovering new authors and I will definitely read this author again. I love her writing style and her characters! I loved headstrong Georgia and sweet Harrison and papa Lennox and Harrison’s son Max who was adorable. I couldn’t get enough of them. The secondary cast of characters were fabulous too. Life on Nevis island was hard – heat, humidity, slaves, little education, etc. – but Georgia adapts after she is sent there to take care of her father who she feels left her when she was young. I especially felt the emotions that the writer brings out in her characters. A wonderful book all the way around. Already I want to read the next book!
Lorri Dudley has written a delightful, action-packed novel that offers spiritual resolution to the problem of father-hunger. As protagonist Georgia Lennox wrestles to forgive her absent father, readers acknowledge a universal need only a Heavenly Father can satisfy. What a wholesome message gift-wrapped in such an entertaining read!
Lorri Dudley is a gifted new author. The Duke’s Refuge is well written, held my interest and I didn’t want to put it down. The characters are real and grow in their faith. I liked her location as it is set apart from other historical romance books that are written. She has a way with details that bring the story alive. Can’t wait for her next book.
I loved it kept the reader guessing and hoping Georgia and Harrison would find each other in the end. The descriptions were vivid that you could picture the characters as the story unfolded. God was present throughout working for the good of all. It was very inspiring.
Right away I felt as though I had jumped into the 19th century, and was experiencing Georgia’s aristocratic lifestyle and pressure to conform to please society, and even her own parents. I immediately bonded with and embodied the main character, Georgia. She seemed desperate for approval and yet stifled by expectations; limited to experiences due to her gender and social class. My heart ached for her unwavering need to be accepted and lack of identity as she fought to portray who she thought society wanted her to be. Georgia is summoned to the island of Nevis to be with her ill father. There is an encounter with a likable, even lovable, character named Harry. He is humored by her need to be prim and proper, and yet cannot keep himself from needing more of her. The relationship was full of twists and turns, and my anticipation built upon every page. Georgia discovers her true identity as she struggles to fit a mold that she was never created to fit. This book moved me and changed me. I saw myself as Georgia but through an outside lens. I saw my need for approval and my damaged relationship. This romantic story gave me hope that God will one day restore it. I was reminded throughout the book that my Heavenly Father deeply loves me without any conformity or expectations, and how He forgives. Praise God for this book and the journey it took me on!
It was a compelling read that kept me riveted up to the end, and I was able to quickly delve into the story line. The story is told from the point of view of the two main characters; Georgia and Harrison. I enjoyed the quick back and forth between the two main characters. Georgia embodies every young lady who has always felt abandoned, unwanted, unloved and who has had to create walls as she became someone else to fit into the strong and snobbish demands of her society. Harrison (Harry) Wells is a Duke whose great loss drove him to the small Island of Nevis where he tries to forget his past. This book is one of forgiveness, second chances, and relentless love. If you love Tessa Afshar’s “Harvest of Rubies” then you want to get this book!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love a good romance novel and this did not disappoint. It was really well written and the characters were great. Couldn’t put it down.