A ring is her only tie to a distant homeland, until a marooned Englishman anchors her heart. Hannah Rose Barrington is the island misfit. Orphaned at a young age, Hannah struggles to provide for her future, while her guardian, a weak-hearted island drunk, bleeds Hannah of her father’s inheritance. Caught between the classes of elite planters and white beggars, Hannah yearns to find a place to … Hannah yearns to find a place to belong.
University life has never been Bradlee Granville’s forte. His only hope to graduate is to impress his professors by documenting his travels. After claiming unforeseeable circumstances, he delays his final exams and sets out early on his Grand Tour. However, when his ship wrecks off the coast of the Leeward Islands, Bradlee is left without means to return to England, a mounting deadline, and ruined journals.
When Hannah rescues passengers from a ship breaking apart in the bay, she’s unexpectedly drawn to the witty charm of one of the men. Helping him settle into island life will be a pleasure. However, as creditors, like sharks, begin to circle and her guardian’s desperation becomes life-threatening, Hannah finds herself in need of rescue. Will Bradlee look past her pitiful situation to see who she truly is—the sugar baron’s daughter?
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The Sugar Baron’s Ring begins with a tempest, and the plot crests and troughs, keeping readers in suspense throughout protagonist’s journey. What I love about Lorri Dudley’s writing is the pearl of wisdom discovered in whatever washes ashore. Her settings amplify the faith journey of the believer.
“If you were looking for adventure, you certainly found one.”
I am loving The Leeward Islands series so very much – definitely some of my fave reads this year! The Sugar Baron’s Daughter is another fabulous installment, with a delightful mix of witty banter and tender moments.
Hannah barrels straight into your heart right from the beginning, her strength & resiliency immediately demonstrated in her daring rescue of the shipwrecked sailors & passengers from shark-infested waters. She has a warm heart toward God and other people, even extending undeserved compassion to her desperate drunkard of a guardian whose sins have begun to catch up with him. If anyone has a right to be bitter about her circumstances, it is Hannah. Yet she chooses to trust God in spite of everything she has endured and all the obstacles she continues to encounter. The fact that she is still innocently naive in some ways but wise beyond her years in others gives her further dimension and makes her a heroine you won’t soon forget.
I can’t really talk about Bradlee without also talking about Colin. Their dry banter kept me chuckling throughout most of the book, but their solid friendship touched me just as much. Both men are of strong character and kind hearts, and while at first they seem to be quite similar in personality they are in fact quite different once you get to know them more deeply. Bradlee’s struggle to fit into the mold expected of him is one that many can relate to, as is Hannah’s fight to rise above the classifications others have given her. Both characters want a place to belong and a calling to embrace, and their journey to find both is one that definitely spoke to my heart. This discussion in particular is one that I needed to hear:
“If it’s God’s will, then why have so many doors shut?”
“God’s not done yet.”
Bottom Line: The Sugar Baron’s Daughter is another fantastic read by Lorri Dudley. This author excels like few others at setting a scene and immersing readers into the lush island environment, and she proves it again with this third book. (Don’t worry though if you haven’t read the first two. Though you definitely should go back and read them for your own pleasure, they are only loosely connected and read well as standalones.) Delightful and layered characters will have you swooning, laughing, holding your breath, and even choking back a few tears as you join them on this journey to belong. Above it all, the gentle reminder that we are all dearly loved children of God, no matter that our circumstances or earthly guardians may tell us differently, and He is always at work to equip us for the calling He has laid on our hearts. Don’t miss this one!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Another wonderful read from Lorri Dudley. The story is rich with setting, well-developed characters, and a story line that takes the reader from one of the Leeward Islands to England with many twists and turns along the way. This is a historical novel you won’t want to miss.
I really don’t like romance novels but this book was so much more than that. I loved the clever banter between Colin and Bradlee. I found myself searching for the next remark Colin would make and then wanting to look back to read them again. I love that each book in this series can stand on it’s own and each one is significantly different from the others. I can’t wait to see what else Lorri Dudley has in store!
The only thing left of her family is her fathers ring and an Uncle who took her in. When she takes her Uncle’s boat out to save men from a shipwreck she becomes friends with a young man who will change her whole life. This story has a shipwreck with circling sharks, a beautiful trip on the island to see a fabulous waterfall, wonderful friendships and a sweet romance. Wonderful! One for my favorites list!
The Sugar Baron’s Ring is a nice addition to the Leeward Island series. Each book in the series definitely stands alone and can be read and understood even if you haven’t read the other books.
I felt so badly for Hannah, who was trapped in an impossible situation and desperately trying to find her way out. I loved the interactions that she had with Bradlee and Colin and I hoped that Bradlee would figure out that he and Hannah were the right match for each other. There was good chemistry between them, yet the fear of failing his father held Bradlee captive to his station in life.
This has been a very enjoyable series of books to read and I am happy to know that there is another novel on the way.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Had I not taken a chance on the previous book in this series, I would have missed out on two worthy Christian historical fiction novels, because “The Sugar Baron’s Ring” is just as well-written and entertaining, if not more so. Ordinarily, this type of novel would not appeal to me simply because I do not particularly like the beach or islands in general, and this is also not my favorite time period. However, I have to give author Lorri Dudley credit for writing an intriguing series that mostly features elements I do not care for and making me love the stories anyway!
One aspect of “The Sugar Baron’s Ring”, and Dudley’s writing in general, that stands out is the list of characters. What impresses me as a mark of successful historical fiction is having relatable characters who are timeless in the sense that readers can connect with them regardless of how long ago they lived. This novel accomplishes that. The endearing banter between Bradlee Granville and his travel companion Colin Fitzroy is delightful and laughter-inducing. It becomes more poignant when contrasted with the isolated Hannah Barrington, whose guardian restricts her social life and loses himself in intoxication. Hannah has felt, and has been made to feel, like an oddity since coming to the island at a young age. She does not belong anywhere, it seems, because she is a sugar baron’s daughter but considered a white beggar due to her guardian’s financial mismanagement. Especially considering the situations happening in America and around the world today with people of different skin color, racial identity, etc., books like “The Sugar Baron’s Ring” serve as a wake-up call that everyone is free to accept Jesus’s free gift of salvation, regardless of how old you are or where you live or what you’ve done.
Similarly, the theme of a homeland features prominently in this novel. From Bradlee who is, in a sense, running away from his homeland of England due to his insecurities, to Hannah, who feels a calling to find her relatives and to fulfill her sense of belonging. Interestingly, they both rescue each other in a different sense, and the overall imagery is comparable to how Jesus has already rescued us from our sins and how He will one day rescue us for eternity if we remain faithful to Him. As Hannah remarks, “Lots of children were orphaned. It didn’t make her anything special. It had taught her at a young age to lean on God.” The message resonates clearly throughout this novel: Trust Him, and remember Whose child you are!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
After reading the first two books from Lorri Dudley’s The Leeward Islands series, I was excited to get my hands on the third installment, The Sugar Baron’s Ring. Even though it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand along, but I do highly recommend reading the whole series.
I believe The Sugar Baron’s Ring may be my favorite of the series I have read so far. This is such a beautiful story of love, faith and hope. I loved the historical details and the settings. I found Hannah to be a true to life character that many could relate to and adored the scenes when she was with Bradlee.
I am giving The Sugar Baron’s Ring five plus stars. I was so happy to find out there will be a fourth book from The Leeward Islands series and am so excited to read that one when it releases next year.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Lorri Dudley gifts readers with another enchanting and engaging story that takes us to the Leeward Islands and into England. In The Sugar Baron’s Ring, Dudley once again proves she’s an author not to miss in the Regency romance genre.
If anyone might become embittered by their circumstances, it’s Hannah. But she’s doesn’t let her circumstances and disappointments crush her. Hannah is courageous and strong while, at the same time, vulnerable and naïve. And you just can’t help but like her for it.
Is it anyone Bradlee admires her? And that admiration grows as they spend time together. These two make each other stronger when they’re together.
In addition to the multi-dimensional characters, Dudley adds some intrigue and adventure to her stories that make them hard to put down. While The Sugar Baron’s Ring is my favorite of the series, each of the books is wonderful in it’s own right (and, even better, they each stand alone since the connection between them is the setting).
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This was a really good book. I loved the characters and the setting. I loved how it grabs you attention from the first chapter because it starts with a ship wreak. I love the romance between Bradlee and Hannah. I loved how even though they were attracted to each other from the beginning, due to Bradlee’s father’s wishes for him, it seemed their love was impossible. I loved how Hannah helped Bradlee to overcome his fears and to become more confident in himself. I also loved how Hannah came to know that God loved her and that she should never forget that she is his daughter. I really loved how Bradlee and Hannah couldn’t be together until Hannah realized her worth. I really like this series and the faith building of these books.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
This has been such a wonderful story that I am sad it is over. The author has demonstrated her ability to make a story flow with ease. Each step that Hannah took, I felt I was beside her. I could hear her cries as she so desperately wanted someone to claim her as family. The heartache she goes through with her uncle is unbearable to read at times. How could a person treat another as despicably as he does to Hannah? Many times Hannah would tell her uncle he needs Jesus, but he scoffed at her. Hannah is a breath of fresh air in the story. There are times she doubts Jesus hears her, but I loved seeing how she always found her way back to him.
Bradlee and Colin make the story come to life as they are rescued by Hannah. I found it funny that Hannah was able to bring them to safety while Bradlee and Colin were somewhat surprised at her actions. Bradlee has a royal title but he is more interested in following his dreams. His parents were not my favorite at first especially his father. His father has high hopes for Bradlee to become a professor even though it is the last thing Bradlee desires.
There are always reasons things happen and this story proves that point over and over again. It was no accident that Hannah was there to rescue two men she didn’t know. It was no accident that her friendship with Bradlee and Colin would prove to be valuable. Throughout the story we see God in the midst of everything going on. I loved how these three people had the same idea to go to England. Perhaps Hannah would finally find her family. What surprise will await her there? Can Bradlee convince his father that he must follow God’s direction to be happy? We mustn’t forget Colin who is a good friend to Bradlee. Will he find happiness in England?
I anxiously await the next book in this epic series. Where will the author take us next? What characters will we meet as the journey continues with trust and faith?
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
When I began the first book of The Leeward Islands series, Lorri Dudley was an unknown author to me. I immediately became a fan and with each subsequent addition to the series have become even more enthralled with her books. She has definitely earned a permanent place on my must read authors list.
The Sugar Baron’s Ring could possibly be my favorite of the series simply because of the witty dialogue between hero Bradlee and his friend Colin. I loved their sense of humor and the way that Hannah found it difficult to suppress her giggles around them. All three characters were wonderful! Hannah was brave, helpful, caring, and forgiving despite her unfortunate circumstances. Bradlee was an honorable man who also learned to overcome his own weaknesses and become the man God created him to be.
I loved how the entire plot played out and the parallels of a father’s love for his children to the love of God for His own. The Sugar Baron’s Ring is a wonderful story that I highly recommend. I look forward to more books by Lorri Dudley and hope for more about the Leeward Islands.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Wild Heart Books and Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I love a good story. This is a good story. I’ve enjoyed reading the entire series but I think this might be my favorite one yet. Hannah is such an engaging and sweet character. And then we have her “uncle” or guardian who is definitely the polar opposite of Hannah. So much deceit and deception going on in this household.
And then enter our hero! Bradlee is an aristocrat off on his grand tour enjoying life but he has this deadline looming in his brain because he has to pass his finals to continue on the life course that has been set for him. A life course that he isn’t too thrilled at by the way. Oh and let’s not forget the woman he’s supposed to marry. The woman he doesn’t love.
As Bradlee and Hannah begin an unlikely friendship it’s fun to watch their admiration grow. Bradlee is desperate to get Hannah out of her guardians grasp before it’s too late, but will he sacrifice his own freedom to get there?
A great read that I highly recommend. You’re going to love this one and the entire series.
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.
Lorri, has written another captivating, clever, love story full of inspirational lessons. Hannah the main character is courageous and strong. Throughout the book she displays selflessness. She is a true example of how we should live our lives. The book is brilliant with lots of twists and turns. God is using Lorri’s many talents.
God has a way of using bad situations to turn them around for His purposes.
The Leeward Islands were home to the large sugar plantations and Hannah Rose Barrington was the daughter of a Sugar Baron. Unfortunately death took her parents while she was yet a young child. With no apparent last will and testament, she was at the mercy of the governor who placed her in the care of her Uncle Reuben, a man known less for his work ethic and more for his ability to drink.
Running away from his college exams, Bradlee Miles Granville and his companion Colin Fitzroy are caught in a shipwreck just off the island of Nevis. What follows is a wonderful story of rescue and second chances. Realizing that God has gotten them this far, these well-developed characters finally understand what it means to be a victor and not a victim of those choices made for you by others.
What a wonderful lesson of what it means to never give up regardless of your circumstances.
This digital copy was received through Wild Heart Books and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
The Sugar Baron’s Ring, by Lorri Dudley, is an exciting page turner. Lorri makes the reader feel like they are part of the love story. Very visual, detailed and delightful with no fillers. I laughed, I cried, I hoped and in the end I was elated even though every step of the way held surprises that I never saw coming. Join Hannah, the high spirited , ever faithful, kind, resourceful, lovable orphan and Bradlee, the soon to be Oxford graduate, on an island adventure and see how Hannah changes even the hearts and minds of England’s aristocrats.
Hannah Rose Barrington is the Leeward Islands misfit. Her courage and strength demonstrate a strong woman of faith. Lorri made me feel as if I were in the Leeward Islands with Hannah admist her struggles and victories. I literally could not put this book and her other 2 down. I highly recommend you read all the Leeward Islands books. The Duke’s Revenge; The Merchants Yield and this one, The Sugar Baron’s Ring. I’ve cleared a shelf in my bookcase for these 3 books and cannot wait for more to come. I’m eagerly waiting for Book #4.
I loved “The Sugar Baron’s Ring” and I didn’t want to put it down. This is the third book in the Leeward Island Series and they keep getting better. I especially liked the clever teasing between the friends, Bradlee and Colin. I would recommend this book to others for a good clean read and romance too.
The Sugar Baron’s Daughter is my kind of feel-good romantic novel. this book reminds me of Francine River’s Redeeming Love in so many ways. Hannah Barrington has been dealt unfortunate hand. Feeling abandoned, unwanted, and being raised by an alcoholic, you cannot help but feel bad for Hannah and her situation.
In an act of bravery Hannah rescues many seamen from a shipwreck including Bradlee Grandville and Colin Fitzroy. Bradlee and Colin gradually begin to fall for Hannah because she has so many amazing qualities but she does not see her own worth. She still sees herself as a burden. In an attempt to free them from a future with her, she tries to make her own way and income. That too ends in disaster at no fault of her own, and she hits a new low. God redeems the situation and uses Hannah to help others while showing her that she is worth rescuing.
The book of Hosea and an unrelenting love are echoed throughout this book. I love the way that this book ends, wrapping everything up in a pretty bow and leaving me in the best mood. The Sugar Baron’s Daughter took me on a riveting journey from the shark infested waters of Nevis, to the aristocrats of England, and the streets of London while laced with humor, friendship, bravery, self-worth, and an unconditional love worth fighting for.
Third book by the author, Lorri Dudley, however, it is not a series. Loved the realistic characters, description of the times and location of the Leeway area. Uplifting, refreshing story line and a real page turner! Couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to more stories by this talented author.