Sophia Wilson has fled America to England with her mother to escape an unwanted proposal of marriage. At the turn of the last century, American heiresses crossed the pond to try their hand at London's Marriage Mart in the hunt for a husband with a title. But Sophia is different from the other girls. She won't marry unless it's for love. 

Although many suitors find her attractive, and her wealth is definitely an asset, the only man who captures her heart is James Langdon, the Duke of Wentworth. She hears the whispers about his family's past, but brushes them aside because of her fierce attraction to the handsome, yet haunted man. She eventually lands her man, much to her mother's delight, but when she arrives at his palatial home, she discovers the rumors might be true. 

But Sophia isn't a shrinking violet and takes on the entire household on in her matter-of-fact style. Passionate and poignant, "To Marry the Duke," not only provides a great romance, but tackles tough topics with grace and aplomb. Author Julianne MacLean captures the spirit, manners and mores of Victorian England in this book that is based on a true episode in history.

TO MARRY THE DUKE by JULIANNE MacLEAN (Avon Books, June 2003, 369 pp., $5.99).

*Check out Donna's review of Julianne's next book,  An Affair Most Wicked

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Julianne Maclean (The Writing Craft)