About the Book:
Title: A Lady to Treasure
Author: Marianne Ratcliffe
Page Length: 300
Publication Date: October 15, 2023
Publisher: Bellows Press
Synopsis: They can save their families. But will it cost them their hearts?
Louisa Silverton is the daughter of a wealthy American businessman, brought up to believe a healthy profit is the only route to happiness. With the family company over-leveraged and in need of a capital injection, she travels to England to find a rich husband.
The Honourable Miss Sarah Davenport has no time for romance. The family estate of Kenilborough is mired in debt and only she can save it. Unconventional and outspoken, Sarah is dismayed that somebody as intelligent and attractive as Louisa is willing to sacrifice herself for financial gain.
As Louisa pursues her campaign, Sarah realises her objections to the project run deeper than mere principles. At the same time, Louisa finds herself captivated by Sarah’s independent spirit. Yet to indulge their unexpected passion would surely mean the ruin of both their families. Bound by duty, will they ever be free to follow their hearts?
LINKS: Goodreads
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My Review:
A Sapphic regency romance, A Lady to Treasure follows Louisa, an American sent to England by her father to find a wealthy husband, and Sarah, an outspoken neighbor of Louisa’s family. I really enjoyed the story. Louisa and Sarah are dynamic and compelling characters, and their slow-building romance is wonderful.
The story takes place in the early 1800s, and I liked how the dialogue, historical references, and imagery enhanced the setting. Characters like Sarah and Louisa, who often ignore societal norms and expectations, further highlight the time period and the many inequities women faced.
Louisa and Sarah are very different from each other, and their personalities definitely clash at times. Both women are layered and interesting characters, and I enjoyed their arcs, individually and as a couple. Louisa grew up without love and is very business-minded, and she’s willing to do anything to help solve her father’s financial woes, even if it means entering into a marriage with a wealthy man she barely knows. Sarah is a proud and unconventional woman who doesn’t shy away from voicing her opinions. Though she has the best intentions, she sometimes seems harsh, and she is well-respected and liked by those who know her. She’s a hard worker who takes on an immense amount of responsibility to get her family’s estate out of debt, but she struggles to let others help her. Both characters grow and change over the course of the novel as they face some difficult situations and have to make hard choices.
As Louisa and Sarah gain a deeper understanding of each other, they start to see that they actually complement each other well, and they have more in common than they originally thought. Both put their wants aside to help their families, both are strong and resourceful, and both are quite intelligent. It was wonderful to see both characters slowly become more open with each other as they grow closer. Plus, they have great chemistry! Whether they are arguing, flirting, or doing anything in between, the chemistry between them is fantastic.
The secondary characters are great too, especially Ann and Eleanor, as is the plot. It took several unexpected turns, and I was surprised at how some things played out. I also love the messages about women’s rights, being true to oneself, and fighting for the people and things you believe in.
Special thanks to Marianne Ratcliffe for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance!
- The characters.
Favorite Line:
“We are all imperfect creatures.”
