A Lady's Honor

A.S. Fenichel

Apr 2018 · Lyrical Press

About this ebook

A Regency romance that proves not every match is made at the marriage mart—a sparkling series debut from the author of the Forever Brides books.
 
After a disastrous, short-lived engagement and years of caring for her ailing grandmother, Phoebe Hallsmith is resigned to spinsterhood. But if she must be unmarried, far better to be of use than languishing at home, disappointing her parents. As an employee of the Everton Domestic Society of London, Phoebe accepts a position at the country home of an old friend and discovers an estate—and a lord of the manor—in a state of complete chaos. 
 
Losing himself in the bottle has done nothing to ease Markus Flammel’s grief over losing his wife. Not even his toddler daughter can bring him back from the brink. Now this fiery, strong-minded redhead has taken over his home, firing and hiring servants at will and arousing unexpected desire. As not one, but two, suitors suddenly vie for Phoebe’s hand, can Markus move past loss and fight for a future with the woman who has transformed his world?
 
“If you love historical romance with a strong-willed heroine, this is a must-read! Fenichel’s outdone herself with a lush romantic story with honest, emotional depth, high stakes and humorous dialogue. I can’t wait for the next one in the series.”—N. N. Light’s Book Heaven
 
“Much like the other books that I have read by A. S. Fenichel, the romance is complex yet lovely. I would recommend this book also for readers who love HEAs and overcoming large obstacles.”—JoJo’s Modern Life

Ratings and reviews

The romance was fantastic and the plot had huge potential. What gave it four stars instead of five was the dead spouse trope. I've never been able to understand how one can love two people at the same time and with the same intensity. It doesn't seem fair. Granted, at one point Markus tells Phoebe that he's never yearned for another as much as he yearns for her. However, it was the only time he tried to spell out the difference, if there was any. Perhaps I struggle with the trope because I believe in soul mates and true love, and perhaps I need to not compare fantasy and reality. In conclusion, this was a great romance, with one caveat: I wish the difference between Markus's marriage with his first wife and his love with Phoebe was better communicated. As it is, it seems like the two simply accept that Markus has two loves of his life.

I thoroughly enjoyed Phoebe. She knew what she wanted to do and did not truly care what others thought. She was faced with a situation of heartbreak, lost love, and despair. Despite her feelings, she managed to turn things around for Markus, but she was blind to her own world. I love the second chance at love to show one can love more than once in a lifetime. The Everton Domestic Society was a wonderful idea. I loved this story and recommend it. I look forward to more in the series. I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

My heart is full as I turn the last page of this story. I knew this would be a wonderful story because every book I have read by this author is a keeper! Two souls brought together that were meant for each other but had to go a long way to find out. Having lost his beloved wife Emma over two years ago, Markus Flammel had been trying to drown himself in drink. Neglecting his home and his two year old daughter, he cannot bear the thoughts of his lost wife. Lady Phoebe Hallsmith has lost a lot herself. Betrothed and then rejected, she spent several years taking care of her dying grandmother before coming back home. Now on the shelf at 24 she has gone to work for the Everton Domestic Society and helping other people get their lives together. She is sent on a mission to pull Markus back up and get his house in order while making sure his daughter is in good hands. But you see, Phoebe had been his wife Emma's best friend, so she knew Markus and all that he had been through. As she begins to take control and gets Markus to shape up, Phoebe becomes invested in his sweet daughter and in Markus himself. Can anything come of their budding attraction? I loved these two characters and eagerly turned the pages to see what would happen. At times I wanted to shake Phoebe because she would not let herself believe that life could be more. This is one of the best stories I have read this year and cannot wait to read more!!

About the author

A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful IT career in New York City to follow her husband to Texas and pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back. A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic, and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story. The author of The Forever Brides series, the Everton Domestic Society series, and more, A.S. adores strong, empowered heroines no matter the era, and that’s what you’ll find in all her books. A Jersey Girl at heart, she now makes her home in Southern Missouri with her real-life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing, she enjoys cooking, travel, history, puttering in her garden and spoiling her fussy cat. Be sure to visit her website at asfenichel.com, find her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.