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The Light in the Duke's Shadow
Lady Penelope Withersfield had always dreamed of finding love like the one in stories she hears and reads. But when she discovers a collection of old journals and diaries, a terrible truth comes to the surface. How could she break free of the curse that surrounded women in her family? The past seemed doomed to repeat itself and Penelope vowed that she would never be chained to a man’s name, and forced to smile demurely at his whims. Her fire and determination could bring her fortune or ruin, but when she stumbles upon a fallen duke, how could she save herself from the beauty of his face?
All Lord Jules Daventry, Duke of Richmond, knew was revenge. His incessant search for truth had brought him to gloomy places full of people envying his blood or his wealth. He would not give up until the truth of his parents’ murders was brought to light and his good name was restored. Yet, in his darkest moments, he came to see an angel. Is she friend or a foe?
Lord Jules must let go of his past, in order to see that there is beauty to be had and that revenge is not worth it. During this critical moment, he will have to choose between the dark desire of vengeance and his deeper need for redemption. How can he fulfill his vow without endangering the woman he grows to love?
"The Light in the Duke's Shadow" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
All Lord Jules Daventry, Duke of Richmond, knew was revenge. His incessant search for truth had brought him to gloomy places full of people envying his blood or his wealth. He would not give up until the truth of his parents’ murders was brought to light and his good name was restored. Yet, in his darkest moments, he came to see an angel. Is she friend or a foe?
Lord Jules must let go of his past, in order to see that there is beauty to be had and that revenge is not worth it. During this critical moment, he will have to choose between the dark desire of vengeance and his deeper need for redemption. How can he fulfill his vow without endangering the woman he grows to love?
"The Light in the Duke's Shadow" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2018
857 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 8, 2018
I loved this book! Wonderful individualized characters with realistic behavior. Interesting who-done-it plot and good dialogue. Penelope is convinced that marriage only leads to heartbreak and life-long misery, and the Duke is too busy trying to find his parents’ murderer to worry about women. How in the world can these two find romance?!
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January 24, 2019DNF at 7 %
Very irritated by the way the men all call each other Lord. ‘Lord This’ , ‘Lord That’. Did they really do so in the era? I thought acquaintances called each other 'Lord' the first time in conversation, followed by 'my lord' or the more informal 'Portland'
And there is some inconsistency in the addresses - Jules called Lord Portland "Lord Portland' and also 'Your Grace' and yet Jules is a Duke. Surely he would call Portland just that -- 'Portland'? It just doesn't read 'right' somehow.
The writing lacks polish and the characters are somewhat flat.
Very irritated by the way the men all call each other Lord. ‘Lord This’ , ‘Lord That’. Did they really do so in the era? I thought acquaintances called each other 'Lord' the first time in conversation, followed by 'my lord' or the more informal 'Portland'
And there is some inconsistency in the addresses - Jules called Lord Portland "Lord Portland' and also 'Your Grace' and yet Jules is a Duke. Surely he would call Portland just that -- 'Portland'? It just doesn't read 'right' somehow.
The writing lacks polish and the characters are somewhat flat.
July 13, 2020
It was a nice attempt but that's all it was; an attempt. It is too drawn out and it is inaccurate.
December 8, 2018
Fantastic! I love this story, the plot...
Characters that will be near to you...
Revenge... Love... Help... All in a perfect mix.
A book for all that love romance
Characters that will be near to you...
Revenge... Love... Help... All in a perfect mix.
A book for all that love romance
June 18, 2019
Okay story
Jules investigates who murdered his parents. Penelope rescues him from an attempted murder. He's seeking vengeance, while she wants reassurance love in marriage can last. This plot had potential, but wasn't developed. For instance, if I wanted to know I were marrying the right guy, I'd make sure I knew him longer than 1 day.
Stand alone HEA.
Contains no sex scenes, I don't remember any swear words, and violence (attempted murder twice, attempted rape or murder).
Jules investigates who murdered his parents. Penelope rescues him from an attempted murder. He's seeking vengeance, while she wants reassurance love in marriage can last. This plot had potential, but wasn't developed. For instance, if I wanted to know I were marrying the right guy, I'd make sure I knew him longer than 1 day.
Stand alone HEA.
Contains no sex scenes, I don't remember any swear words, and violence (attempted murder twice, attempted rape or murder).
November 10, 2019
💘Love Among The Ruins🏰
England
Penelope's mother, Lady Winchester, is trying hard to get her married off to a nobleman of the ton. Penelope💃💋 is a young woman who thinks and says what is on her mind. Both Penelope💃💋 and her mother are very good painters🎨, but the Earl she meets at the gala considers it a frivolous pastime. That earns the Earl👴 a 👎no in Penelope's mind and she is subtly rude to him! Besides, he's old👴 and fat! Lady Winchester is at her wits end! She fears her daughter is ruining her chances for marriage👰.
Jules Daventry🐺🍆🌋, Duke of Richmond, is at The same party. He is there looking for answers about the poisoning deaths💀 of his parents from 🍷wine meant for him! Finding the killer is his obsession. Society seems to place the blame on him, so he is gossiped about.
Leaving the gala, he is following Lord Portland👹, a man he is suspicious of being the instigator of the poisoning. Jules🐺🍆🌋 is attacked in a nearby dark alley and stabbed🔪.
Penelope💃💋 hears the scuffle🔪 while she and her mother are waiting for their carriage. Of course, being the impetuous young woman she is, Penelope💃💋 rescues Lord Jules🐺🍆🌋 and transports him to her family's manor.
Penelope💃💋 becomes fascinated by the tall, dark, handsome and buff💪Jules, as he heals from his near deadly wound🔪.
Even though her mother and father want to marry her off, they try to keep Penelope💃💋 away from the Duke🐺🍆🌋.
It's all about propriety!
ARC Received from the Author.
The opinions are completely mine.
I loved this latest release from Abigail Agar! This book is not only a beautiful and romantic Love💘 story, it's a suspenseful thriller!
England
Penelope's mother, Lady Winchester, is trying hard to get her married off to a nobleman of the ton. Penelope💃💋 is a young woman who thinks and says what is on her mind. Both Penelope💃💋 and her mother are very good painters🎨, but the Earl she meets at the gala considers it a frivolous pastime. That earns the Earl👴 a 👎no in Penelope's mind and she is subtly rude to him! Besides, he's old👴 and fat! Lady Winchester is at her wits end! She fears her daughter is ruining her chances for marriage👰.
Jules Daventry🐺🍆🌋, Duke of Richmond, is at The same party. He is there looking for answers about the poisoning deaths💀 of his parents from 🍷wine meant for him! Finding the killer is his obsession. Society seems to place the blame on him, so he is gossiped about.
Leaving the gala, he is following Lord Portland👹, a man he is suspicious of being the instigator of the poisoning. Jules🐺🍆🌋 is attacked in a nearby dark alley and stabbed🔪.
Penelope💃💋 hears the scuffle🔪 while she and her mother are waiting for their carriage. Of course, being the impetuous young woman she is, Penelope💃💋 rescues Lord Jules🐺🍆🌋 and transports him to her family's manor.
Penelope💃💋 becomes fascinated by the tall, dark, handsome and buff💪Jules, as he heals from his near deadly wound🔪.
Even though her mother and father want to marry her off, they try to keep Penelope💃💋 away from the Duke🐺🍆🌋.
It's all about propriety!
ARC Received from the Author.
The opinions are completely mine.
I loved this latest release from Abigail Agar! This book is not only a beautiful and romantic Love💘 story, it's a suspenseful thriller!
February 1, 2019
What a disappointment
I thought this was supposed to be a period romance but I got no sense of that at all. There was no chemistry between Jules and Penelope that I could feel. As for the way they spoke, when it gets to the party Lord Winchester holds you will see how immature and modern it is. To top it all, you get to the 'end' only to find that it is not, you are expected to get a extended epilogue. What is the point of that? Why not put it as a continuity.
Sorry but this felt like the author had an idea but had no knowledge of how to put it all down. A waste of time.
I thought this was supposed to be a period romance but I got no sense of that at all. There was no chemistry between Jules and Penelope that I could feel. As for the way they spoke, when it gets to the party Lord Winchester holds you will see how immature and modern it is. To top it all, you get to the 'end' only to find that it is not, you are expected to get a extended epilogue. What is the point of that? Why not put it as a continuity.
Sorry but this felt like the author had an idea but had no knowledge of how to put it all down. A waste of time.
December 10, 2018
The Light in the Duke's Shadow, by Abigail Agar.
Lady Penelope Winchester had a mind of her own when it came to marriage, particularly after having read her great-grandmother's, grandmother's and mother's journals which detailed unhappy marriages to domineering men. Much to her mother's dismay, she turned away offer after offer--affected by her own father's tyrannical attitude towards his wife. Penelope dreamt of love and understanding, not something her mother believed she would find.
That's why, when she meets Jules Daventry, Duke of Richmond, struck down in an alley following a ball, it came as a surprise to her that she found him copacetic. Even though his name had been dragged through the mud by a scandal involving the death of his parents, Penelope knew, with her painter's soul, he was not a murderer. What's more, if she hadn't found him, he would have died.
What follows is a slowly budding love affair in which Penelope not only defies her parents to help the Duke, but Jules has to make a choice between revenge for his parents' death, and a life with a sympathetic partner. He chose the latter, but not before he discovers the extent of the betrayal that led to the death of his mother and father. Through it all he receives the strong support of Penelope, who stands up to her parents' oppression.
I found this a fascinating read, not only because of Penelope's staunch character, but because so many back channels were at work to bring the Duke down. The betrayal of those closest to us is always a great fear, and the Duke survived it in spades although not without a near-death experience.
This enjoyable book is part mystery, part twisted criminal puzzle, and part love affair. Fortunately, the love affair wins out.
Lady Penelope Winchester had a mind of her own when it came to marriage, particularly after having read her great-grandmother's, grandmother's and mother's journals which detailed unhappy marriages to domineering men. Much to her mother's dismay, she turned away offer after offer--affected by her own father's tyrannical attitude towards his wife. Penelope dreamt of love and understanding, not something her mother believed she would find.
That's why, when she meets Jules Daventry, Duke of Richmond, struck down in an alley following a ball, it came as a surprise to her that she found him copacetic. Even though his name had been dragged through the mud by a scandal involving the death of his parents, Penelope knew, with her painter's soul, he was not a murderer. What's more, if she hadn't found him, he would have died.
What follows is a slowly budding love affair in which Penelope not only defies her parents to help the Duke, but Jules has to make a choice between revenge for his parents' death, and a life with a sympathetic partner. He chose the latter, but not before he discovers the extent of the betrayal that led to the death of his mother and father. Through it all he receives the strong support of Penelope, who stands up to her parents' oppression.
I found this a fascinating read, not only because of Penelope's staunch character, but because so many back channels were at work to bring the Duke down. The betrayal of those closest to us is always a great fear, and the Duke survived it in spades although not without a near-death experience.
This enjoyable book is part mystery, part twisted criminal puzzle, and part love affair. Fortunately, the love affair wins out.
December 9, 2018
I loved reading this book. It is full of energy, action, danger, romance and love. The heroine, Lady Penelope Withersfield, is a strong, determined young woman. She diplomatically works around her father's caveman philosophy. She is determined to have a marriage based on equality or none at all. The hero, Lord Jules Daventry, Duke of Richmond, is living in the shadows of misery and grief. His parents were murdered and he will not stop till justice has been served. When Penelope meets Jules it is under dire circumstances. She comes to his aid when he is bleeding and unconscious. Penelope takes the Duke to her home to recuperate. She and Jules get to know one another and he tells her of the revelation that hit him. For so long he has been focused on finding the person responsible for his parents murders. Now after meeting Penelope he starts to imagine a new life with her. He is not sure what to do. Does he stop his search or go after what he may desire? As life would have it, the murderer taunts Jules and promises to harm Penelope if he does not back off his investigation. A very exciting, suspenseful, tension filled, murder mystery. I highly recommend this book. It is a must read.
December 8, 2018
ONE THRILLING ADVENTURE!!!
OMG! Man, I have to say Abigail doesn't mess around. No holds barred, no pulled punches and no turning back. She works her magic once again in this intense and thrilling tale. All drama, mystery, intrigue, danger and suspense increases steadily as the tension spirals while the plot thickens. Twists and turns abound with unexpected circumstances and unpredictable surprises that you never see coming until it slaps you in the face. HARD! A whirlwind of emotions and events that really pulls those heartstrings. The characters are complex and believable with such depth and individuality it's easy to relate. The two main characters have an instant connection and the chemistry between them continues to grow as the tale unfolds. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive it's easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this little gem together beautifully. Abigail did a remarkable job bringing this read to life. Thanks Abigail for sharing this awesome read with us.
OMG! Man, I have to say Abigail doesn't mess around. No holds barred, no pulled punches and no turning back. She works her magic once again in this intense and thrilling tale. All drama, mystery, intrigue, danger and suspense increases steadily as the tension spirals while the plot thickens. Twists and turns abound with unexpected circumstances and unpredictable surprises that you never see coming until it slaps you in the face. HARD! A whirlwind of emotions and events that really pulls those heartstrings. The characters are complex and believable with such depth and individuality it's easy to relate. The two main characters have an instant connection and the chemistry between them continues to grow as the tale unfolds. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive it's easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this little gem together beautifully. Abigail did a remarkable job bringing this read to life. Thanks Abigail for sharing this awesome read with us.
December 16, 2018
SETTING: Penelope Witherspoon had read the diaries of her mother and grandmother and learned of their disappointments in love after marriage. Armed with such knowledge, Penelope had viewed all marriage prospects with suspicion. When she came to the aid of a stabbed and critically injured man, she forgot to guard her heart and thus lost it to Jules, a young man who had just inherited the Dukedom after his parents were poisoned. Now, Jules himself is the victim of a life-threatening attack. How does he catch the culprit and bring him to justice?
CRITIQUE: The storyline is interesting, and the H & h are likeable characters. The reader hopes they can overcome the setbacks that develop and have the HEA they seem to deserve. The other characters are lightly drawn. The villain is known from the beginning, although those aiding him are a bit slower to be discerned. The entire story seems to take place over just a few weeks, being a quick read. The story is clean and readers of all ages will enjoy this light romance.
CRITIQUE: The storyline is interesting, and the H & h are likeable characters. The reader hopes they can overcome the setbacks that develop and have the HEA they seem to deserve. The other characters are lightly drawn. The villain is known from the beginning, although those aiding him are a bit slower to be discerned. The entire story seems to take place over just a few weeks, being a quick read. The story is clean and readers of all ages will enjoy this light romance.
May 23, 2021
He had to find those responsible for his parents' murders, so he was very singled minded, until he almost lost his own life, in a dark alley.
She rescued him, and ensured he was treated for his wounds. He also gave him something else to think about.
However, was he going to choose the vengeance path, or the girl?? His choice is crucial. Why??
You need to read the book to find out. Yes, I enjoyed this story,
What I have begun to hate about this author's work, is the extended epilogue, that you have to connect to a website to view. Sorry, my kindle doesn't seem to handle this, which leaves me frustrated and annoyed. Then I am given three chapters of a book, which I am asked to buy.
Why can't I just have a proper and complete ending to the book, I am currently reading? Then I would look for more books from the same author.
She rescued him, and ensured he was treated for his wounds. He also gave him something else to think about.
However, was he going to choose the vengeance path, or the girl?? His choice is crucial. Why??
You need to read the book to find out. Yes, I enjoyed this story,
What I have begun to hate about this author's work, is the extended epilogue, that you have to connect to a website to view. Sorry, my kindle doesn't seem to handle this, which leaves me frustrated and annoyed. Then I am given three chapters of a book, which I am asked to buy.
Why can't I just have a proper and complete ending to the book, I am currently reading? Then I would look for more books from the same author.
December 5, 2018
Nice clean romance
While Penelope and her mother are waiting for their carriage to leave the ball, they hear loud noises from the alley. When Penelope rushes in she has no idea her life is about to be changed forever.
Jules, the Duke of Richmond, is trying to find the person responsible for murdering his parents. He knows Lord Portland is somehow involved and Jules finds himself following him out of the ball and down an alley into the fog. When he is attacked and stabbed all he can do is fight his way out of the alley into the light.
When Penelope starts into the alley Jules emerges and collapses in her arms.
Lots of twists and turns here so get ready.
You will enjoy this story.
While Penelope and her mother are waiting for their carriage to leave the ball, they hear loud noises from the alley. When Penelope rushes in she has no idea her life is about to be changed forever.
Jules, the Duke of Richmond, is trying to find the person responsible for murdering his parents. He knows Lord Portland is somehow involved and Jules finds himself following him out of the ball and down an alley into the fog. When he is attacked and stabbed all he can do is fight his way out of the alley into the light.
When Penelope starts into the alley Jules emerges and collapses in her arms.
Lots of twists and turns here so get ready.
You will enjoy this story.
January 5, 2019
Lady Penelope Withersfield has no desire to get married and carefully works to discourage the gentleman she is introduced to and dances with. Her mother, Lady Winchester, gets angry with her and decides they're going home while they are waiting for the carriage Penelope hears the noise from the alley and tells her mother to wait. She then runs to the alley and sees a man coming at her calling her an angel and he falls against her. She and her mother take him home with them until Lord Winchester that he saved Penelope from a strange man. She discovers that he is Jules Daventry the Duke of Richmond. To discover what's going on and whether he's committed murder or not you have to read the book.
January 1, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It showed that not all society women are ruled by men. These fresh new women write their own rules and question previous ones.
The title of the book was very simple and didn't have any depth in it. Even the 'failed' rape scene was expected. For such a strong character as Penelope a few better plots were needed. This book reminded me of reading Mills & Boom type of books forty years ago. Light, easy reading with nothing to keep you up late reading. An easy book to put you to skeep.
The title of the book was very simple and didn't have any depth in it. Even the 'failed' rape scene was expected. For such a strong character as Penelope a few better plots were needed. This book reminded me of reading Mills & Boom type of books forty years ago. Light, easy reading with nothing to keep you up late reading. An easy book to put you to skeep.
December 11, 2018
Great Romance
This is a great story about a young lady that is very determined to do things her way no matter what society says she must do. She has read her mother and grandmothers journals and believes the first year of marriage is good but becomes saddened there after. She decides if this is all there is she wants s no part of it. The story keeps you in suspense of what is going to happen next throughout the book
This is a great story about a young lady that is very determined to do things her way no matter what society says she must do. She has read her mother and grandmothers journals and believes the first year of marriage is good but becomes saddened there after. She decides if this is all there is she wants s no part of it. The story keeps you in suspense of what is going to happen next throughout the book
October 13, 2019
A grieving Duke and a very determined lady
After his parents were poisoned Duke was determined to find who had poisoned his parents. Penelope has decided never to marry and has managed to cause much grief and consternation. Yet Penelope rushes to give aid to a man as they leave a ball. There courtship is rather short but full of excitement and danger. I loved these characters and their story. Be sure to check out the extended epilogue.
After his parents were poisoned Duke was determined to find who had poisoned his parents. Penelope has decided never to marry and has managed to cause much grief and consternation. Yet Penelope rushes to give aid to a man as they leave a ball. There courtship is rather short but full of excitement and danger. I loved these characters and their story. Be sure to check out the extended epilogue.
January 6, 2019
This story deals with revenge and justice. What is the difference and how does the Duke get out from under the shadow of his parent's murders. Meeting Penelope changes how the Duke thinks and the wants in his life. Can Penelope get over the imagine curse over the women in her family and move forward with her life. This story is well written and keeps the suspense going to the very end.
December 5, 2018
Love will find a way
The Duke’s parents have been murdered and he is set on finding the true killer. He’s ambushed leaving a ball and rescued by a lady. They soon realize their feelings for one another, but does the Duke’s need for revenge mean the end for them?
The Duke’s parents have been murdered and he is set on finding the true killer. He’s ambushed leaving a ball and rescued by a lady. They soon realize their feelings for one another, but does the Duke’s need for revenge mean the end for them?
December 6, 2018
Sweet clean romance. Penelope sees the word differently then most, she’s always willing to help those that need it. Jules needs all the help he can get. I enjoyed their story, seeing them come together and see light overcome darkness. Very enjoyable read
December 15, 2018
Great Read
I truly enjoyed this story. Penny was such a strong woman who knew what she wanted and Jules who wanted to find who killed his parents. The has mystery, danger, twist and was interesting. Received an ARC copy and am giving my voluntary and honest review.
I truly enjoyed this story. Penny was such a strong woman who knew what she wanted and Jules who wanted to find who killed his parents. The has mystery, danger, twist and was interesting. Received an ARC copy and am giving my voluntary and honest review.
December 10, 2018
Absolutely wonderful!
I so do love Abigail Agar's books. Always romantic and exciting. This storyline had everything from excitement,intriguing and devastation. But true love always wins.
I so do love Abigail Agar's books. Always romantic and exciting. This storyline had everything from excitement,intriguing and devastation. But true love always wins.
December 15, 2018
Lady Penelope Withersfield and Lord Jules Daventry, Duke of Richmond's story kept me turning pages I was not putting it down until I finished it. A story I would say if you like this Author this is a book to read.
December 17, 2018
Excellent
I very much enjoyed this bok. Penelope is a more modern woman for the era the story takes place. A most enjoyable read and look forward to Abigail What's next romance. She is quite skilled in her writing.
I very much enjoyed this bok. Penelope is a more modern woman for the era the story takes place. A most enjoyable read and look forward to Abigail What's next romance. She is quite skilled in her writing.
January 30, 2019
Excellent
Excellent romantic story
You an be totally lost in the story
If a customer is giving a rating or writing a review
Then they should not be dictated to as to how much to write
Excellent romantic story
You an be totally lost in the story
If a customer is giving a rating or writing a review
Then they should not be dictated to as to how much to write
May 10, 2019
Penelope and Jules
A Duke and Lady solve a murderous mystery of his parents death. Penelope likes to help others and shows what good virtuous Ton can do. Meanwhile the Duke is harmed and fighting for his life then hers when her meddling gets her confronted by the murderer. - Babs
A Duke and Lady solve a murderous mystery of his parents death. Penelope likes to help others and shows what good virtuous Ton can do. Meanwhile the Duke is harmed and fighting for his life then hers when her meddling gets her confronted by the murderer. - Babs
September 30, 2019
Romantic and mysterious
I have found a new author to follow. I enjoyed this story very much and didn't want to stop reading. The characters were easy to like and want to cheer on.
I have found a new author to follow. I enjoyed this story very much and didn't want to stop reading. The characters were easy to like and want to cheer on.
October 14, 2019
Great Book!
Abigail Agar is a wonderful author! I loved this book. The characters are full of emotions that bring them to life for the readers. The twists and turns are surprising and keeps the readers intrigued from start to finish. I cannot wait to read her next book!
Abigail Agar is a wonderful author! I loved this book. The characters are full of emotions that bring them to life for the readers. The twists and turns are surprising and keeps the readers intrigued from start to finish. I cannot wait to read her next book!
April 14, 2020
A nice book for teenagers. Very infantile and sooooo drawn out about clothes, etc. I skipped so many pages and feel that I missed NOTHING. So repetitive and boring. I only got to the end so I could write this review. Should have been a two.
June 1, 2020
This was a nice romantic story and I enjoyed it a great deal. We have a man who is trying to get revenge for the murder of his family and is almost murdered himself when he is saved by Penelope his plans are derailed. I enjoyed the story a great deal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews