Cheers to the Duke and Cheers to Sally MacKenzie for making me fall in love with Puddledon Manor’s Benevolent Home for Fallen Ladies and their Unfortunate Daughters! What’s even better is that I’m looking forward to downloading and reading books 1 and 2 of her Widow’s Brew series. Poor Edward Russell was perfectly happy working as a solicitor and raising his son until the dukedom of Grainger was thrust upon him. Now, he finds himself responsible for a large estate and all the duties related to the House of Lords. He has an heir, of course, but a responsible duke should have a spare. Thus far, his search for a duchess has been disappointing and exhausting. Until he meets Jo, the widowed Lady Havenridge. He thinks his search has ended, but Jo has responsibilities, too, and after a disastrous first marriage, she no longer trusts her judgement when it comes to love. I listened to the audio version and loved the narration by Justine Eyre. If you love Regency, you’ll love Cheers to the Duke.
Here’s the publisher’s note: The “fallen” ladies of Puddledon Manor’s Benevolent Home are restoring their reputations – and their future prospects – by operating their very own brewery and alehouse….As the founder of the Home, Josephine Smyth-Waters is determined to be there for the women who need her. But when those same women conspire to accept an invitation on her behalf, she finds herself suddenly on the way to the christening party of the Earl of Darrow’s baby. Guests at the party include her friends and former partners Pen and Caro-and Edward Russell, Duke of Grainger, the Home’s generous benefactor and the man she’s been writing to for months. While Jo decidedly does not have marriage on the mind, the duke’s handsome looks and charming words are enough to make the lovely widow a little reckless….
Even after a year, the title of “duke” still sits strangely on Edward Russell’s shoulders. When Edward encounters Jo – capable, fun, and utterly irresistible – he’s delighted to find someone he truly connects with. A trick of fate has placed them on two different paths…but Edward is beginning to realize that perhaps he’s not the kind of man who does the expected thing after all….
Contains mature themes.
