Susan's Review of A Lady of True Distinction by Grace Burrowes

Hawthorne Dorning either finds a way to turn his family’s vast botanical resources into a successful commercial venture, or the estate the Dornings have called home for centuries could be broken up. He loves the land and he’s never shied away from hard work, but he knows nothing about creating perfumes or fragrances.

Margaret Summerfield has put aside her passion for scent-making to tend to the serious business of raising her little nieces. She’s no longer the girl who wandered the countryside by the hour, lost in the pleasures of nature, nor does she want to be. Hawthorne needs her help, but what does he have that could possibly tempt to Margaret to entangle herself with his dreams?

Hawthorne Dorning is one of my favorite Grace Burrowes male leads. He is a good, caring man who is liked and respected by everyone in the community. Thorne has assumed the role of land steward of Dorning Hall. He takes his responsibilities seriously. He deals with his older brother, Lord Casriel’s, demands, listens to his younger brothers concerns and works alongside his tenants during planting and haying seasons. The Dornings are the classic example of land rich and cash poor land owners. Casriel has issued an ultimatum to his brothers; they need to make their Father’s botanical inheritance into a thriving business or he will be forced to sell off pieces of the estate.

Margaret Summerfield is a widow who is raising her two young nieces. Margaret’s estate Summerton is thriving. She follows a successful crop rotation plan, visits her tenants and attends the local community events. Margaret was well regarded for her medicinal herbal remedies and perfumes before she married. Thorne is aware of Margret’s knowledge and visits her.

I love Grace Burrowes’ descriptive writing style and her dialogue. Loved when Thorne arranged a picnic dinner with sandwiches, his brother’s favorite chocolates and flowers in Margaret’s bluebell woods. I fell a bit in love with Thorne as he listened to Margaret’s talk about her lonely childhood, tempted her with apple tarts and chocolates and romanced her.

Margaret trusts Thorne enough to confide in him that she believes that her brother-in-law is scheming to take her nieces to the family estate. Bancroft Summerfield’s estate is heavily mortgaged and he needs to marry a wealthy heiress and get control of his niece’s inheritance to avoid bankruptcy.

Hoping to avoid this situation, Thorne and Margaret decide to marry by special license. Bancroft exercises his right as co guardian and the girls are taken to his home for a two week visit. Loved that Thorne and his brothers worked together to bring the girls home. Thorne accepted Margaret’s past actions without hesitation. He truly understands why the girls are so important to her and what she has given up to raise them

The conflict between Margaret and Bancroft kept the plot moving. Loved the scene when Bancroft told Thorne that Margaret killed her first husband and that was the real reason the girls should be raised by him. Bancroft is one of the author’s best villains- a greedy, jealous, bully masquerading as a charming, gentleman farmer. Bancroft’s actions combined with Thorne and Margaret’s romance held my interest throughout the novel. The conclusion has several surprising plot twists and reveals.

And the epilogue? It’s a perfect peak into the Dornings future! A Lady of True Distinction has all the feels—it’s an emotional, deeply romantic story with captivating characters and a fabulous storyline!

It’s the perfect romantic read for a rainy weekend-be prepared to spend the afternoon with the Dornings as their story will captivate you from the first page.

Am hoping that the author pairs Valerian with Miss. Pepper in the future—wouldn’t want all of those dancing lessons for naught.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman