It was a marriage of inconvenience, but life has a wicked sense of humor.Charlotte Amelia Etheridge has cowered to her mother’s sharp tongue and endless demands for the last time. In a fleeting moment of rebellion, she recklessly asks a foreigner from the Leeward Islands for a dance. But her one courageous act lands her in a compromising position. Forced to wed a stranger, Lottie leaves the only … a stranger, Lottie leaves the only home she’s ever known to reside on the isle of St. Kitts.
Nathaniel Winthrop’s troubles are mounting, and the rumors of him being cursed are spreading. Due to the dwindling sugar crop, he risks everything to start his own shipping company. The last thing he needs is a wife, especially one with a weak constitution. Yellow fever has already claimed the lives of his mother and siblings. He must guard his heart against falling in love with this gentle beauty, knowing island life will be a death sentence.
No longer under her mother’s scrutiny, the newfound freedom of the island rejuvenates Lottie’s spirit. If her days on this earth are limited, then it’s time she lives life to the full. Now it’s up to her to prove that even though Nathan was coerced into marrying her, she’s the one he can’t live without.
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If you enjoy historical fiction set in the Regency period, then I recommend you give this book a try. Author Lorri Dudley has filled it with intrigue, danger, suspense, romance, and God. There are moments that will have you laughing, and others when you will be holding your breath.
Both main characters, Charlotte (Lottie) and Nathaniel, grew as the story progressed, which we would hope to see happen. Charlotte is a devout Christian who still needed to learn to shut out the pessimistic thoughts that tried to over take her thinking. Nathaniel needed to learn to trust God in all situations.
There were a couple of times when Lottie was called by the wrong name, simply an editing error. Also a few things that didn’t fit the period, but all in all it was a book I can recommend.
Good spiritual message built into a sweet romance.
This is Lorri Dudley’s second novel. She is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. With settings in the Leeward Islands and well-developed characters, I was quickly drawn into the story line. And what a story it is. Filled with romance, drama, and a touch of suspense, it kept me reading every spare minute I had. And I never suspected the scoundrels until near the very end. That’s not usual for me. Added to that, the spiritual thread was skillfully woven into the plot, giving extra power to the story. Don’t miss this wonderful read!!!
I completely loved this story!
This author has a wonderful talent for creating an amazing story, with interesting characters. She also beautifully wove in the aspect of salvation in Christ. It was very well done, with lots of scripture references and prayers. Both Lottie and Nathan struggled with their faith, but ultimately chose to trust the Lord for their outcomes. There was an importance placed in God’s faithfulness and his almighty power. Again, I found it very well done. There were several instances that were encouraging to me personally. My favorite line is “Problems are the soil in which miracles could grow”.
There is no shortage of surprises!! Definitely unexpected situations and resolutions, that had me guessing and eagerly turning pages. The supporting characters added a lot of interest and a bit of intrigue.
The romance is pleasing, with some clean passionate kissing.
I enjoyed this author’s first book in this series, but I think this one surpasses it just a bit!
In all honesty, I was thrilled, heartbroken, anxious, surprised, and contented (with the ending).
I have put this book on my ‘will read again’ list! And I highly recommend it!
I love the characters and the way Lottie’s sweet endearing, loving, strong brave, wholesome character is and not giving up to show her caring and love for Nathan. The suspense of when he would give in to his feelings for Lottie. It was hard to put the book down until the end.
I must say, this is just the story that I needed. I read it in one day. I have not done that in a very long time. This had just about everything in it I love in a story that captures my complete attention.
So there are pirates, curses, secrets aplenty, twists and turns one right after the other. There are ballrooms and dancing, a forced marriage, shipboard adventure, and a beautiful and strange island to call home.
Charlotte is a red haired beauty who definitely does not have any confidence in herself. Caught in quite a predicament for trying to have a little excitement she is now in a marriage she neither anticipated or wanted. Her new husband, Nathaniel Winthrop is from the island of St. Kitts and owns his own sugar plantation. He is not looking for a wife but protection for his ships from press gangs. However, what they got was a marriage to each other. And it doesn’t quite start on on the right foot.
Nathaniel needs to learn that he is worthy of love and to be loved, also to be a little more gentle with his wife. Charlotte will need to learn to stand on her own two feet now that she is out from her mother’s strict rules and sharp tongue. I really enjoyed watching these two learn to trust each other, become friends, and then really love one another.
And the twists and turns- wow! They kept coming at rather rapid rate. And the romance was swoon worthy with a capital S and W! You do not want to miss this story.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive reveiw and all the views and opinions are my own.
The Merchant’s Yield is the second book in the Leeward Island series by Lorri Dudley. I absolutely LOVED the first book in the series, and this book was no different. From the very beginning, The Merchant’s Yield grabs your attention with the unexpected and partly scandalous meeting of Charlotte and Nathan. Their unexpected match and subsequent journey to St. Kitt’s island was quite an adventure!
It’s easy to gush about the hero in a romance such as this, but I fell in love with Lottie as she sailed across the Atlantic. She was such a strong young woman–both in spiritual matters and emotionally. She made the most of her circumstance and her new-found freedom by trying to live every day for God and by honoring the people around her with Christ’s love. I admired her stalwart faith and how she tended to transform the people around her. She’s a heroine I’d love to have a cup of tea with!
But I will gush about Nathan, too, because (swoon) he is admirable, kind and handsome to boot! Lorri Dudley writes amazing heroes. Nathan may be an honest merchant, but he has the appeal of a pirate. I got frustrated (so did Lottie) with his obsession with a curse that he believes rules his life, but his dedication and kindness to the people under his care–both in his family and his plantation–makes his allure go beyond his dashing good looks.
The Merchant’s Yield is a breathtaking adventure. The excitement and nervousness about her new life are palpable and contagious. I loved every minute of this story, and I couldn’t get it out of my head as I went about my day. If you enjoy Regency Era romances, you will love The Merchant’s Yield! The tropical location only adds to the wonderful escape this book provides!
I was given a copy of this book by Celebrate Lit with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
Lorri Dudley has quickly become one of my favorite historical romance authors, giving such names as Julie Lessman, Pepper Basham, and Jody Hedlund some friendly competition when it comes to the leave-me-in-an-incoherent-puddle kissing scenes! Her debut novel The Duke’s Refuge is one of my top reads of 2020, and The Merchant’s Yield undoubtedly will be joining it.
Returning to the Leeward Islands, this time we arrive at St. Kitt’s (though we look over and wave at the island of Nevis & enjoy a brief mention of Georgia and Harrison from book 1). As with her first book, I was again struck by Dudley’s mastery at setting a scene so vividly that I can taste the tropical salt air and see the breeze rustle the sugar cane and hear the screeches and squawks of the island wildlife. Yet at the same time she is equally skilled at not over-describing with needless details.
I liked Lottie right away, though Nathan took a bit for me to warm up to him. Both hero & heroine struggle with a skewed view of themselves – of assumptions that are keeping them in bondage to fear. For Lottie, it is her fear of falling short of expectations, created in large part by her mother’s overbearing ways. For Nathan, it is his fear of the island’s superstitions – particularly the curse he believes he and all those he loves are under. As you might imagine, both sets of fears are obstacles from the beginning in the sudden marriage they find themselves forced into, the circumstances of which don’t help any. Yet, the story of their falling in love is also the story of their finding freedom from those fears – and both aspects are equally beautiful. And have I mentioned the toe-curling, breath-stealing, fan-needing kisses yet? Whew!
The message in The Merchant’s Yield is one of redemption, of grace, and of the power of prayer. Watching Lottie’s transformation – and the impact it has on those around her – is truly touching and inspiring.
“Jesus said we will have trouble, but to take heart because He has overcome the world. Living in fear isn’t living. I should know.”
Especially in these days we’re currently living in, her ability to overcome her fears with God’s help speaks right to each and every one of us who has ever struggled with the same.
Bottom Line: The Merchant’s Yield is an emotional, thrilling, and romantic tale that’s so much more than two people falling in love. Not only are there delicious kisses and swoony scenes, but through the author’s skilled pen you’ll also experience the sometimes harrowing voyage across the ocean, the lush and exotic sights, smells, and sounds of the tropical island, adventure, danger, miracles… it’s all here. Along with well-timed dashes of humor that will leave you chuckling and moments of grace that may bring a tear or two to your eye. This is definitely a journey you don’t want to miss!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Lorri Dudley has written another action-packed, romantic page-turner! The Merchant’s Yield showcases the human struggle with self-discipline, pluckiness, patience, and …. pirates!
Great story that is applicable to what is happening to all of us currently…fear and letting go of control to God.
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. After the first chapter it had me captive until the end. Beautifully written and looking forward to the next in this series!!!!
Lorri Dudley did not disappoint with her second book!!
Wow!!!
The author is an amazing writer. This is the 2nd books of her’s I am reading and it was amazing. There was not dull moment reading the book. The story was captivating, the characters stellar, even the not so pleasant ones.
I fell in love with the Heroine Lottie. She was an amazing spirited woman of strength and firm faith. I admired her sense of adventure but her prayer life was what endeared me to her. She was an inferno raging behind a frail exterior.
Nathan carried the world on his shoulders but he was never the same after his encounter with Lottie. I loved reading about their love. It was beautiful.
From the elite halls of England to the superstitious island of St Kitts, the author weaves an unforgettable tale of love, God’s redemptive power and the beauty of prayers and love.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
The Merchant’s Yield is the second book I’ve read by Lorri Dudley and I’m definitely a fan. Looks like another author has been added to my must have list! I was thoroughly entertained and captivated by her first book The Duke’s Refuge so I opened this one with great expectations. I was not disappointed. Once again the author has given readers exemplary characters who practically walk off the page. Her frequent touches of humor act as a welcome counterpoint to some very serious circumstances throughout the plot.
Amelia was my kind of heroine. Always dominated and criticized by her mother, the one time she rebelled against her mother’s unreasonable expectations, Amelia found herself innocently in what looked to be a compromising situation. It wasn’t long before she was married to an unwilling but honorable husband and on her way to the Leeward Islands. I so enjoyed watching Amelia and Nathaniel get to know each other despite their awkward circumstances. It was so heartening to watch Amelia step into her own strength and dignity with a steadfast spiritual confidence.
The Merchant’s Yield has it all – action and romance along with danger and betrayal and pirates. What more could a reader ask? I honestly did not want to put this book aside for anything! I can’t wait for The Sugar Baron’s Ring, third book in the Leeward Island series. If you love historical Christian romance, please give this new author a try. I don’t think you will be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Wild Heart Books. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This is the second book I have read in the Leeward Island Series and once again, I was enthralled by mystery, intensity, and a love for the realistic characters that keeps me coming back for more. It usually takes me a while to get through books because I generally lose interest. I have been unable to put these books down and often find myself staying up until the wee hours of the morning because I want to see what happens in the next chapter…one more chapter…ok, another chapter.
I really enjoyed this book, it had a lot of unexpected twists and turns, and I sure didn’t see them coming.
Surprise marriages, black magic in the form of curses, friends, and enemies, and even those of a notorious nature make an appearance here.
You certainly won’t get get bored with this one, and you will be like me quickly page-turning for answers and surprises.
A woman who needs to win her husbands heart, and she seems to win sailors at a drop of a hat, or a mended sail!
What a great job the author did with this tale that takes place during Revolutionary times, pirates on the high seas, and through it all a Love of the Lord!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
Lorri Dudley’s sophomore release firms her place in the Regency romance genre. With a lovable heroine, and hero you grow to love, the beauty of St. Kitt’s, and adventures at sea, The Merchant’s Yield drew me in and was hard to put down.
Lottie’s mother had dictated her entire life. While it isn’t ideal, when the chance to get out from under her mother’s roof is too tempting to pass up. Even if she doesn’t know her husband at all. Even if she will live in a place she’s never seen before. But Lottie has also learned some things from her mother and when she channels the woman, it’s downright enjoyable.
Nathaniel is more difficult to figure out. He’s angry but kind. When he hurts Lottie, he’s remorseful, and despite his best efforts to ward it off, love finds him anyway.
It’s hard for me to choose which book of Dudley’s I liked more—The Duke’s Refuge or The Merchant’s Yield. But without question, book three has already been added to my tbr list.
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.
Well, I love marriage of convenience stories and The Merchant’s Yield was a great one! What a rocky start these two characters had. There were some moments on the ship, as Nathan and Charlotte were traveling to the island, that had my emotions rolling first one way and then the other. There were misunderstandings and mistrust, yet I loved the moment that Nathan realized that his words, spoken in anger, had done true damage to his wife’s well being. His immediate attempt to help her and care for her gave us the first peek into the kind of man he really was.
Charlotte made such a difference in so many people’s lives in this story and she worked hard to point everyone, including Nathan, to the one true and powerful God, who could overcome any supposed curse that held them in fear.
This was such an enjoyable love story and I wish there had been an epilogue. I would have loved to have seen what was happening in Charlotte and Nathan’s lives a few months down the line. This is book two in the Leeward Islands series, yet it can be read completely as a stand alone.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Heretical though it may be, the Regency era generally does not appeal to me. I’m a country girl, and I’ve always been much more comfortable with pioneer stories and tales of the Old West. The aristocracy and le bon ton (“the ton”) do not really strike a chord with me except to make me glad that I do not belong in high society. However, since reading and thoroughly enjoying Abigail Wilson’s historical fiction, I have been challenging myself to step into the Regency period occasionally. Thus I came to read this second book of the Leeward Islands series, which can be read as a standalone.
“The Merchant’s Yield” by Lorri Dudley opens in a London ballroom but moves forward at a fast pace, encompassing a handful of locations along a journey of intrigue, romance, and yes, piracy. Heroine Lottie Etheridge has lived her entire life under her mother’s odious control, never measuring up to her standards, and after one ill-fated act of rebellion, she finds herself with a future she never expected. Nathan Winthrop, owner of both a sugar plantation on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts and a shipping company, is struggling to keep himself and his employees afloat, and his life just became more complicated. These two make for a very interesting novel because it is beautiful to watch them grow, in affection and in spirit. As Nathan sagely observes, “Pain is unavoidable, but misery is optional.” And although both are Christians to begin with, their faith undergoes trials and turbulence. Early on in the story, Lottie echoes her friend Priscilla in saying that “Everything would work out in the end. God had a plan for her life. Every miracle began with a problem. Did it not?” What an encouraging sentiment! If there were no problems, there would be no miracles, and that seems like it would be a mundane existence.
A few of the things that I enjoyed most about this story include the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter. While I always find these enlightening, in this book they are even more so because they are unique to any other story I can recall; they are comprised of quotations from the characters within the story, either from letters, journals, or other documents written by the characters. This technique offers valuable insight and behind-the-scenes information about the characters and their thoughts and emotions, which greatly enhances the story itself. Also, the curse that seems to plague Nathan is interesting because it speaks to the culture and superstition of St. Kitts and how even Christians can sometimes come to believe things that are only lies the enemy propagates, whereas God’s Word directs us to Romans 8:28. No matter the circumstances, if we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior and believe His Word, God will work all things out for our best and for His glory, always. “The Merchant’s Yield” is a beautiful illustration of this, especially in uncertain times.
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.
This book’s storyline is at different times suspenseful, romantic, and adventurous. I loved the character of Charlotte. Even though she felt rejected by her parents, she firmly held on to her strong faith and was determined to make the best of things after being forced into marrying Nathan. Charlotte’s feisty spirit was the driving force in this story. She never gave up and was a strong influence for right. She had great compassion for others; and was determined to fight for her marriage to succeed. I was undecided about Nathan at the beginning of this book, but wow, did he redeem himself at the end!
This story had some interesting twists that I never saw coming. The overall theme of the book seemed to be God walking beside us in adversity, even when we don’t see Him working behind the scenes. This was certainly a great book into which to escape during this time of “sheltering in place”. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
After being bullied by her mother for so long, she asks a stranger to dance and ends up being forced to marry him and move to an Island. Freedom or prison? Everyone got surprised. I really enjoyed how this story ended.