Wanted: Governess for duke’s unruly childrenEdgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford, is one of the wealthiest, most powerful men in England, but when it comes to raising twins alone, he knows he needs help. The only problem is the children have chased away half the governesses in London. Until the clever, bold, and far-too-enticing Miss Mari Perkins arrives.Lost: One heart to an arrogant dukeMari … heart to an arrogant duke
Mari knows how to wrap even the most rebellious children around her finger. But their demanding, wickedly handsome father? He won’t be quite so easy to control. And there’s something else she can’t seem to command. Her heart. The foolish thing beats so wildly every time the duke is near.
Found: A forbidden passion neither can deny
As his employee, Mari is strictly off-limits. But what if she’s the one breaking all his rules? In the game of governess versus duke, how can Edgar maintain his defenses when the only thing he wants to do is let the tempting beauty win . . .?
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How fun was this? I don’t get to use the word “delightful” very often, but that perfectly describes this page-turner romance. Mari-rhymes-with-starry Perkins was such a unique and adorable heroine – outspoken, kind, strong and determined. I loved her and how easily she positively influenced everyone around her.
And the duke – what an awesome character. Not at all “duke-ish,” at least, not most of the time. Edgar had been through so much, and because of that he had an enormous, open heart for everyone, not just his peers. I loved how he was with his children, his servants, the tradesmen he knew and respected, his super-fun sister, and especially how he was with Mari. (They’re pretty hilarious together!) I’m starting the second book now (for his sister) and can’t wait to learn more about her. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a fresh take on historical romance. 5 stars!
What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell
There was quite a bit of comedy in this historical romance. The characters were delightful and entertaining. An entirely different view of the virgin orphan. Highly recommend.
What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell is the story of a novice governesses foray into the world of the Banksford household in London. Mari is a young lady with a good head on her shoulders and a strong backbone. She was raised in an oppressive charity school and there is some mystery regarding her parentage. Down to her last chance, Mari boldly seizes an opportunity and finds herself in the household of the Duke of Banksford. The Duke has recently acquired two children who excel at running off governesses. Mari may not be the governess that Edgar wants but she is definitely the governess his family needs.
Edgar and Mari are charming and sympathetic characters. I loved their scenes together as they met, struggled with attraction and fell into something more. They lit up the page with their conversations.The Banksford household is a terrific place to spend time in with excellent secondary characters and interesting insights into the beginning of industrial change in England.
Lenora Bell has written a fun, poignant and truly heartfelt book with nods to Mary Poppins and other literary classics. I highly recommend this book to readers who like clever humor, witty dialogue and a household of lively and unusual folk who seem to leap off the page. What a Difference a Duke Makes is a joy to read. This is the first book I have read written by Lenora Bell, but I know it won’t be the last. I’m looking forward to the follow-up in this series For the Duke’s Eyes Only.
Though I didn’t love this book quite as much as Ms. Bell’s last three, I still found this book immensely entertaining. Besides being very funny at times, this story was very sweet. There were some crying moments, which I think is a sign of a talented storyteller. I loved the chemistry between Edgar and Mari, a duke and an orphan. I normally don’t care for kids in stories, but Adele and Michel were engaging. Edgar’s sister India was interesting, and I’m glad the next book would be hers. This was a fun, quick read.
I am still smiling as I turn the last page!!! Delightful, humorous and entertaining from beginning to end! There are just so many wonderful words I could say about this story. I found myself laughing out loud and engaged with the quick repertoire of the heroine Mari Perkins. Mari finds herself desperate to get a job and has one waiting at an agency in London. One thing leads to another (and yes you will need to read to find out !) and she ends up at the Duke of Banksford, Edgar Rochester’s house to become the governess for his two children. Having run off numerous governesses before her, she was determined to get the children settled! The Duke though is focused one one thing, bringing his invention to fruition and does not have a lot of time for anything else. When he first sees Mari, he tries to send her own her way because she was just too attractive and did not appear to be strong enough to handle the children. These were two people who needed each other, but it took awhile to figure it out. Mari is such an engaging, high spirited character and to watch her win the children over and everyone else that came into her realm was enchanting. I am sad to say this is the first book I have read by this author. Now I know what I have been missing!!! Cannot wait to read all her stories!!
Charming and fun, reminding me of a Regency Mary Poppins. A truly feel good story with the requisite happy ending. A perfect weekend read.
Interesting story line spoiled by unnecessary lust.
Mari (rhymes with starry) and Edgar are the perfect pair to start this series. She’s a governess and he’s in dire need of an education. This is a charming story with enough complications and relationship intrigues to keep it interesting.
Loved it.
Really enjoyed this story! Loved all the characters! Light hearted, entertaining & kept me guessing as to whether she would discover or find her parents! Definitely looking to read more by this author!!
Good series
Great story
Fun and lovely story!
This is a fun tribute to Mary Poppins, Jane Eyre, and all those classic tales where the governess gets the guy. With all the interest in the return of Mary Poppins to the big screen, it’s fun to see all the references to the story in this book.
Mari Perkins is desperate for a job as governess, but when she finagles her way into Edgar Rochester’s household for an interview, she has no idea he is one of the most formidable and unconventional dukes in England. Edgar would rather be working on his steam engine designs, but he has two unruly children who have recently sent his household into chaos. He’s desperate for a governess to control the children, but a very pretty, impertinent young governess is not what he had in mind. He’s determined never to repeat his father’s horrible behavior, so he firmly places Mari in the “off limits” category. Good thing Mari is determined to bring him closer to his children, break down his walls, and show him what a little love could mean for his family.
I liked that the story spent a lot of time showing how Mari helped the children settle into their new life and didn’t just shove them to the side as an afterthought. It was also interesting that Edgar was an inventor and hard worker, not just a pampered duke. The secondary characters added a lot to the story, as well. I’m looking forward to the story of Edgar’s sister, India.
Lenora bell is fantastic
What a Difference a Duke Makes is the first installment of a new series by Lenora Bell, School for Dukes. This was a beguiling story inspired by Mary Poppins and I had such a good time reading it.
Miss Mari Perkins is our heroine, and that’s Mari-rhymes-with-starry, if you please. Mari was raised in an oppressive orphanage and has come to London to find work as a governess and find out more about her her parentage. When the proprietor of the employment agency refuses Mari a position, she takes it upon herself to present herself to a duke’s residence and pose as a quality governess. Mari was a delightful heroine. She was courageous, compassionate and cheerful. I was really surprised at Mari’s optimistic nature given her difficult childhood, but I appreciated it all the same. She was great with the children, and even better with the distracted duke. My only hang up with Mari’s character was her name… the rhymes-with-starry bit just didn’t work with my southern accent, so I called her Mary most of the time.
Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford, is an unusual member of the aristocracy. He shunned his title for a period of time and worked as a commoner, and now he is a duke engaging in trade. Specifically, our duke is endeavoring to build a lighter, faster steam engine for use by railways and fire brigades. I admired his determination and self-assurance. Edgar didn’t give a whit about society or its ideals, he was trying to make travel easier and cities safer from fire. He also didn’t hesitate to acknowledge and accept his illegitimate children when he learned of them, and he appeared quite distraught that their mother hid them from him for so long. While Edgar was self-assured when it came to his work and societal standing, he was vulnerable when it came to his past and his father. I liked this dichotomy in his character and felt it made him more relatable.
This relationship was sweet and uplifting. I loved Mari’s banter with the duke – she had some great quips in response to his more overbearing behavior. I liked that the duke was attracted to Mari from the very first, where she saw herself as undesirable with her carrot top and freckles. Through Edgar, Mari’s self-esteem grew and she blossomed on the page. Edgar grew as well, realizing that he wasn’t his father and didn’t need to maintain such strict control all the time.
The Mary Poppins aspect of this story was great. I thought the touches were subtle, but recognizable. When something familiar popped up, it made me nostalgic. Edgar’s children were great as well. They were precocious, but also unsure of themselves in their new life. I liked that Mari decided to be a bridge between their old life and new.
I highly recommend this story to any fans of historical romance. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Avon.
I loved the story line. I liked the all the characters. Especially the Duke and the governess. Little language and two sex scenes which I skipped over. Well written and enjoyable reading.
Always a fun read
This is a fun, easy, unputdownable read. It’s so enjoyable I finished it in only a couple of hours. The characters are engaging, from Edgar and Mari to India and Ravenwood, to the children, to the servants and tradesmen. There is an element of inside joke with the duke and governess pairing and I appreciate that being a long-time reader of historical romance.
Mari’s comparison to Mary Poppins is apt because she is capable and amazing with the twins Michel and Adele. I love that she’s bold and determined, she goes after what she wants.
I like Edgar and his struggle to not be like his father and fight his attraction for Mari. I love that he wants what’s good for his children and he doesn’t look down on his servants. I adore that he’s a great brother and son, father and lover.
The secondary characters are wonderful, especially the twins, India, and Grafton. I’m glad Lenora held back on India because she is such a fascinating supporting cast member. I didn’t feel as if she overshadowed the main characters, which is good because I’m looking forward to her book. Despite so many named people in the book, What a Difference a Duke Makes remained Edgar and Mari’s book.
The story flowed smoothly and the pacing was just right.
If I have a minor complaint, it would be that Edgar and Mari are incredibly virtuous while the villains have no redeeming qualities. Also, that Mari may be a tad forward for a virgin and someone who was sequestered in a strict orphanage. Other than these, I really like this book. It’s a 4.5 for me.
What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell is the First book in the School for Dukes series. This is the story of Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford and Mari Perkins.
Mari is just hit a down on your luck part in her life when she hears that the Duke is looking for a Nanny for his twins Michel and Adele. Mari goes forward to get that job and with it her heart is becoming lost to Edgar and the children. Edgar doesn’t want to be involved with Mari since she is is new nanny but it is becoming harder to fight the attraction to her.
This was a great entertaining story I thought and truly enjoyed it.