Lady Bridget's Diary

December 21, 2015
Rodale’s first Keeping Up with the Cavendishes novel is chock-full of romance and humor as it transplants Bridget Jones’s Diary to Regency England. After James Cavendish learns that he is now the Duke of Durham, he and his sisters, Amelia, Bridget, and Claire, travel from America to England. Josephine Marie Elizabeth Cavendish, widow of the previous duke, assists the siblings with their entry into society, but their attempt to assimilate into the world of the British aristocracy isn’t without mishaps. Lady Bridget falls onto her back at her first ball and is rescued by Rupert Wright, the handsome brother of insufferable Lord Darcy. While her diary reflects her gratitude toward Rupert, her comments regarding Darcy are scathing—but their constant sparring becomes a prelude to their attraction, and soon a different side of Darcy is revealed. Rodale has deftly portrayed Bridget as a spunky protagonist who is the perfect antithesis for Darcy’s stuffy persona. With a well-developed cast of engaging characters, this tale will appeal to Rodale’s fans and newcomers.

February 15, 2016

Torn from their familiar, informal horse-raising life in Maryland when their brother, James, inherits a dukedom in England, the three Cavendish sisters, woefully lacking in proper ton behavior, are quickly taken in hand and put through their "Lady-ness" paces by their aunt. Lady Bridget, determined to comply, unfortunately falls flat on her back at her first ball, catching the cold, disapproving eye of Dreadful Lord Darcy. Bridget takes his brooding look as a challenge to change his mood, totally unaware that she has ruffled his inner aplomb--and stirred his emotions. Secrets, scandal, and a spiteful competitor add spice to this clever lark. The dilemma of either fitting in or being true to oneself presents a lighthearted twist and an extra helping of wit. VERDICT An impeccably correct earl and an irrepressible and imperfect American fall for each other against all odds; an excellent start to a promising series. Rodale (What a Wallflower Wants) lives in New York City.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.