A Lady's Dream Come True

True Gentlemen #9

by Grace Burrowes

Oak Dorning is an artist determined to take his place among London's most successful portraitists. Town life is expensive, though, so a temporary post restoring a few old paintings for a ruralizing widow strikes Oak as a prudent detour on the way to his brilliant future.
Verity Channing was married to a renowned artist, and knows firsthand how spiteful London sophisticates can be. A quiet life in the country is fine with her--also lonely and rather dull--until Oak finds scandalous treasures lurking in her art collection. When somebody sets out to ruin Verity, Oak must choose between his cherished ambitions and the lady who fills his dreams.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction, Regency, Historical Fiction, Ebooks

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2020

About the author

Grace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.

It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.

While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")

Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)

To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love those Dornings. Oak's a winner. Once again a wide range of topics brewing below the surface.

[Alvina · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW: sexual assault, suicidal thoughts (side character)

The best and worst thing about a Grace Burrowes novel is that her characters tend to talk a lot. I don’t want to call it purple prose, but there’s descriptions about the landscape, clothing, tea, scents, house. It’s an immersive experience. However, when you have introspective characters like Oak and Vera, this means pages and pages of thinking but no forward momentum. Though this “conflict” has more focus than some of her other books, and it’s not as filled with side character POVs, I was bored.

I honestly could care less about Vera’s troubled marriage. She made it out of her village and elevated herself in life, good for her. Yet, she’s such a milksop who lets things happen to her but takes no initiative of her own. Sure, women’s options were limited in those days. But, I’m reading fiction arent I? The end picks up as the couple arrives in London, but by then I was already skimming.

Oak was more interesting as a character, but I felt like a plant turning toward the sun whenever Valerian, Ash, or Sycamore (the other brothers) were mentioned. Maybe I’m moody? I didnt want this couple to get together. They seemed like people that needed some time for growth on their own.

I did cheer for this line though:
“Sheer complacence in the face of wrongdoing becomes us even less, and moral bankruptcy becomes us not at all.”

Go off Oak!

While the plot was not engaging for me, and I truly wasn’t invested in their romantic relationship, what kept me reading was my concern for Alexander. I just wanted someone to save this boy. All that time spent with the children at the start of the book, and we dont even see them at the end for the wrap up. Shame. The rating is for him.

[HappyBookWorm2020 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Oak's book, and a wonderful read. Oak pays an artist's attention to the people around him and his surroundings. Descriptions of light - shining on jet beads, silk shimmering in the early evening light, sunlight turning the side of a blade of glass white, are sprinkled liberally throughout the book. I could 'see' the characters through Oak's eyes - the confused six year old boy, the girl on the cusp of womanhood, and the widow finding her own way - and herself.

Oak is one of the younger siblings of the Dorning family of eight children. The family is not wealthy although their financial situations are improving, but in what matters - family, love, loyalty - they are rich beyond measure. Oak has put off his dream of becoming a portraitist (and eventually a member of the Royal Academy in London) in order to help his family. Now that his family's financial situation has improved, he is finally free to leave Dorset to follow his own dream. He was hired to restore paintings at the home of the widowed Vera Channing, whose husband, Dirk Channing, was himself a very famous portraitist.

Oak wants to earn a little money before he strikes off for London and his dreams. Vera needs to sell some of Dirk's collected paintings to fund a generous dowry for his daughter, who is illegitimate. Two of my favorite characters in the book are the children, 14 year old Charlotte and 6 year old Alexander.

However, in London there is an unknown, unsuspected villain whose 'help' is designed to lead to downfall. Without giving any more spoilers, I will say that the villain's comeuppance was a lot of fun to read. This is an excellent book with a complex plot and unforgettable characters old and new. I highly recommend it.

I was delighted to receive an advance reading copy of this book from the author. These are my opinions of the book.

[Rose Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1fi

Oak Dorning is about to pursue his dream of becoming a successful artist and obtaining membership in the Royal Academy. He imagines a life in the company of like minded individuals, pursuing their passion and sharing their creativity. But one does have to pay the bills. So, before he ventures to London, he’ll make a stop of a few weeks to restore some paintings for the widow of famous painter, Dirk Channing.
Verity “Vera” Channing lives comfortably in Merlin Hall, the manor and estate left to her young son by her late husband. Still, she also has to worry about launching her stepdaughter into society, and keeping the estate profitable until Alexander is old enough to take the reins. Her husband had made vague references to “treasures” left in the house, and Vera assumed he meant some of his own artwork. She hopes to find those treasures, and that some of the other paintings can be successfully restored and sold.

Oak, whose many male siblings also have timber-like names, arrives at Merlin Hall to find his temporary employer to be young and extremely beautiful. Also in the household are Alexander- her six year old son, Catherine - her fourteen year old illegitimate stepdaughter, Miss Diggory – the seemingly bland governess, and Mr. Forester – the annoying and abusive tutor. Oak and Vera are soon ditching formality, then sharing casual touches, and before long, speaking of becoming intimate while Oak completes his work. That physical relationship does happen, but so does an emotional closeness and caring that neither expected.

While Oak and Vera spend the nights together, during the day, he devotes some time to the children, giving them art lessons. Catherine appears to have some genuine talent, but young Alexander is withdrawn, overly polite, and nothing like a typical young boy. It’s obvious that the odious tutor has a lot to answer for, and Oak does his best to assure Alexander of his worth, and show him how to enjoy life. Oak’s presence has enhanced the lives of the whole Channing family, and Vera is already dreading the thought of his leaving. As is Oak.

Neither Oak nor Vera has addressed a future together, as that wasn’t part of their temporary arrangement. Though it’s clear their feelings have grown to something suspiciously like love, Oak’s future is in London, which Vera loathes, and her home and future are at Merlin Hall. As it comes time for Oak to leave, an unexpected opportunity arises for Vera and the children to accompany him, albeit temporarily, and Vera accepts as it will give her a little more time with him. Before Vera and Oak can even address the remote chance of a future together, more complications come their way in the form of blackmail and coercion, and from a source they both believed to be a friend.

A LADY’S DREAM COME TRUE is a more complex story than simply a couple with different goals trying to make a go of it. Vera’s marriage was not the fairy tale some imagine, and her treatment from Dirk’s friends was abominable, as was his lack of action in protecting her. Though she made some mistakes with how she was raising her children, they were not done from lack of love, but rather from trying too hard to do what she thought was right. Oak’s employment at Merlin Hall was timed perfectly, and acted as the catalyst to put some things in motion to make a much better life for Catherine and Alexander.

I so admire how Oak (just like his name) was strong enough to stand up for himself, his fellow artists, and for Vera, while publicly and openly confronting the villain. I love how his family, extended family, and friends rallied around to aid his cause. The romance started out as passion, yet each day became a little more. The love was sweet and fulfilled an emptiness that Oak and Vera didn’t realize was within them. As always, family relationships were strong and comforting without being cloying. Grace Burrowes continues to show growing intimacy of all kinds by reduced formality in address, touches, and the sharing of food and drink. These elements add a cozy warmth that I find unique to her writing. Young Alexander is so endearing, and I loved watching him become a typical, exuberant, and playful boy. A LADY’S DREAM COME TRUE is a satisfying romance with plenty of heart, one I greatly enjoyed reading, and which will appeal to readers enjoying a character driven story.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another satisfying ending. Burrowes sense of justice is highly advanced as well as entertaining. Restorative and empowering. The art world aspect makes me think of How to Steal a Million.

Library copy

[Brandi Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 9th book in Grace Burrowe’s A Perfect Gentleman series is just as pleasing as all of its predecessors. I did not know what to expect from Oak Dorning, the artist of the family, who had travelled off to Hampshire to the company of a widow, Verity Channing, to practice his craft. I am amazed each time how the author manages to create a distinct identity for so many Dorning brothers and make it seem legitimate each time. Yet they are each their own man with their own methods and reactions. Their commonality is their manners (they are perfect gentlemen, after all) and their commitment to family.

The books all have a somewhat languid feel to them rather than an intense urgency or passion, but it is part of the charm. The characters are moving into love despite their intentions and judgement because they like each other rather than because of an overwhelming lust, although that is present as well. It makes the relationship develop on a more natural, believable trajectory. It also has the benefit of making the characters more likable to the reader as well. Because of this, there is no intense climax to the story, but, rather, a foreseen turning point at which the characters must choose to trust each other and commit their fates to each other.

In short, this is a leisurely read through the English countryside with a casual foray into London. It is an easy afternoon read that will provide hours of enjoyment and contentment.

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt oddly removed from the main characters in this book. I was entertained and engaged by the story and loved the children, but both Oak and Vera left me cold. Can a couple be too careful, too tentative, too respectful with each other? I would have said no until I met these two. Maybe I was so angry at Vera for letting her little boy be abused by his tutor that I never liked or respected HER. What kind of mother sees her 6-year-old child become withdrawn and unhappy and believes a tutor who tells her the boy would be mortified by her attention? Who never pays unannounced visits to the schoolroom? Who doesn’t remove the birch rod in the corner? Who allows the tutor to call her son “The Terror?” Furthermore, is no one undressing this child and putting him to bed who would see red welts on his skin? And Oak, after finding out that the boy is being beaten, thinks it would be okay to wait until autumn to dismiss the tutor to avoid ugly gossip? Merciful heavens.

Rant over. The aspects of the plot dealing with art and villainy were enjoyable, although resolved a little too quickly.

After finishing this book and before writing this review, I began re-reading Ash Dorning’s story, the next in the series, which is superb. “A Lady’s Dream Come True” suffers in comparison.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oak Dorning, the aspiring artist of his large family, is commissioned by Verity Channing to review and restore a collection of artwork created by her late, and famous, husband. When many of the canvases prove to be hiding erotic, but beautiful, paintings, Verity must reevaluate her plan to sell the artwork. Along the way, Oak and Vera embark on a passionate, albeit temporary relationship. When Vera and Oak are unexpectedly threatened with social ruin, they coordinate their devastating attack on the unexpected villain. In the end they realize they are each others perfect soulmates. Ms. Burrowes has a special talent in that, not only are her characters beautifully created and fully fleshed out, but she creates “complications” which (we are certain), render an HEA virtually impossible. And yet, all her books end with a satisfying and memorable conclusion (which kept me reading until 2:00 am!). Ms. Burrowes writes beautiful descriptive prose, witty and realistic dialog, along with memorable and sympathetic characters. I highly recommend A Lady’s Dream Come True, as it is a worthy and lovely addition to the True Gentlemen series. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ummm, can’t not binge read these. I just love the characters and her writing style.

Want to smile or laugh, with a punch in the gut to follow with emotional things? These books deliver it all. This romance has a villain (well sort of a family worth, smarmy uncle), and brothers who are what family should be.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Oak. He's been on the sidelines supporting his brothers while doing his own thing. Art. I love how Ms. Burrowes describes how he looks at the world. How light affects the look of something. It tells me that even though I enjoy art, I am not an artist. I don't see what Oak sees. There was a good fleshing out of all the characters. The heroine, Verity/Vera, is raising her 14 year old step-daughter (who is illegitimate) and her son who is six. Her deceased husband was a well-esteemed artist and she has a reasonable living but wants money to fund the step-daughters more precarious future. She has hired Oak to restore some old paintings she's hoping to sell to support the step-daughter.

Along the way is a tutor who bullies her young son and a decent governess who is not learned enough for the step-daughter's intelligence. The tutor and the governess are dallying which sets up a bit of a conflict of interest. Oak, who is observant due to growing up in a large family, catches on to inconsistencies early on and his response to both children is avuncular and kind.

But, there is another person more in the background who has schemed with evil intentions against both Oak and his new love. This person is despicable and if violence solved things I'd wish violence on the blackguard. Oak is rich in family and friends and they come to his and Vera's aid in a non-violent but satisfactory way. The suspense was such that I wished I could read faster. I wanted to skim to get to the resolution but didn't want to miss a word of the story.

No one writes true gentlemen as well as Ms. Burrowes and no one writes families as well as her either. This was a good read for the mood I'm currently in with the world so amuck.

[george mills · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst book of the last 4 books released

Grace Borrows has always been very poor at writing me and children. I have kept with her since the stories were quite entertaining and just overlooked the fact that men don't interact the way that woman do and certainly they don't blow kisses to their brothers or lay their heads against another man's back while emptying their soul.
That being said, her writing has become tortuous to get through. Instead of making men more manly she has made the females helpless and simple minded.

I am sad to say that this is the last Grace Burrows book that I will be reading.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just was not my favorite story in this series. I liked the character Oak but Vera not so much. How the heck can you not know your kid is being beaten on a daily basis and he's only six. Vera was just so blah at least Oak has some interesting characteristics. I could go on and on but I won't waste any more time on this book. I'm sad to say only 2 stars for this one. Very disappointing.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of Grace Burrowes’ books and have to say that this is one of my least favorite. It felt very formulaic and was quite short despite having the price of a full-sized novel. A disappointment.

[Sadia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series of Dorning brothers is getting really really boring. I had thought Oak would get some of the wonderful magic Grace Burrowes writes but this was hopeless.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lady’s Dream Come True by Grace Burrowes is the ninth book in the True Gentlemen series. Grace Burrowes writes wonderful historical romances with good characters and interesting plotlines. In the last few books of this series, she focuses on the Dorning Family, a family with several children who have to find their own way. Oak Dorning is an artist. In order to be able to live independently, he needs to make a name for himself by being a famous portraitist and living in London. He has accepted a short time job helping Verity Channing find and clean paintings from her deceased artistic husband.

Verity Channing is raising a step daughter and a son. While the estate makes enough to pay for normal expenses and some frivolities, it will not allow her enough money for her step daughters coming out and a proper dowry. She wishes to sell what she can to help meet that goal. What Oak finds at her house and how it is dealt with is one of the key elements of the story. The other element is the passion of Oak and Verity. It is really a wonderful story about two people who are looking for their future, but not expecting to find love.

FYI: All of the books in the series can be read as a stand alone. A Lady’s Dream Come True by Grace Burrowes is a good read.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've said this before, I'm sure, but reading Burrowes is just so easy and typically satisfying. She's so good at flow, at aligning the main characters so that they're united against some external force and working together toward a common purpose, instead of the conflict being between personalities or cross-purposes (which can be engaging but exhausting at times).

I like Oak's character, though he was a little flat. This was the third of hers I read in quick succession, which meant that the male characters started blending together a bit. And the side characters were obnoxious. I got really impatient with Vera and her inability or unwillingness to face their incompetence and outright villainy.

*Slight spoilers*


I also think the tutor needed a solid birching himself after abusing a small child for so long. How could they let it go on for so long, and let it go so easily? In an almost deferential way, too, handing him and the governess far too much power. Burrowes was a bit heavy handed with her hinting, so it's not like they didn't realize something was off. They just were too busy canoodling to face the issues, even suspecting bad or incompetent behavior. I especially don't think they wouldn't deal with the tutor being incredibly inappropriate for so long.

[Pj Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been re-reading, this is a series I am waiting for the next

Several years, I've been reading Grace Burrowes. She has,happily for me, written many books. I've got dang near all of them! I started re-reading The Loney Lords kept me locked, eyes glued to my screen, one book after another. How I enjoy visiting with each family member, lacing them together to enjoy each romance. There is Heat in each novel, and romance keeps you rooting for the hero and heroine to make it to the HEA. There are 80 or so romances lying in wait for you. You could pick up The Heir and continue with each book in order. But each romance stands alone. Oak caught my eye a few books back, Vera deserved a stalwart hero and Oak is that, and more. Highly recommended, Thank you Grace Burrowes.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gently yearning entry in Burrowes's True Gentleman series. This time it's Oak's turn, as the introspective artist takes a commission to assess and restore a collection of paintings for a famous artist's widow. Said widow turns out to be the young and lovely Verity Channing, who is just out of mourning and missing companionship, as she raises her son and teenage stepdaughter in the country. Oak and Verity have an instant connection, and consider a short-term arrangement while he's staying with her. But as these things usually go, it's harder to say goodbye than they expected.

With every new book in this series, I'm reminded anew how much I love the botanically-named Dorning family and their various spouses and relatives. I am looking forward to the last brothers finally getting their happily ever afters soon.

[_boundbytales · Rating 4 out of 5]

╰►4/5 ⭐️ 1/5🌶️

I stumbled into this book randomly one day while desperately trying to get out of a reading rut, and I'm so glad I came across the book. I love the time period it was set in, and Oak was a great love interest. Despite there being children involved (not a storyline I enjoy) I loved the connection between the children and Oak. It just made me love him even more. There were times I wanted to shake Viera and tell her to get it together. Overall I had fun!

My rating system:

⭐️: Not my vibe at all.
⭐️⭐️: I finished it, but I didn't have a good time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️: Yeah, that was fun. I enjoyed myself. I probably won't reread it, but it was fun.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: I loved it and want to read more from this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Perfect, amazing, everything I love in a novel! 

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Dorning bites the dust

Oak, the artist Dorning brother, has finally gone to work on restoring a Widow's art collection. Of course she's beautiful and is in a slightly precarious position. And of course Oak will step in to help. The name of the series, True Gentlemen, is really illustrative of all the Dorning brothers and Oak is a fine example. I love the descriptions of practicing seeing before he actually teaches drawing. And it's his clear sight and calm response throughout the book that brings them to their HEA ending. Never fear, a few villains lurk with a different plot twist to add spice. Great series.

[N.W. Moors · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Oak Dorning's turn for romance and a lovely one it is. He's on his way to London via a short stop at the estate of widow Verity Channing to value at some of her late husband's art. Verity's charms convince Oak that perhaps the bright lights of London are not what he really wants, and the rest of the family rides to the rescue to help Verity from the machinations of one of her late husband's friends. The Dornings are such a nice family and so much fun to read about. Each of the many sons has a different interest and it was interesting to see art take the forefront here.
Another great book from Ms. Burrowes.

[Sandra Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and edited. An introduction into the world of artists in Regency England. It would have been nice to get some well researched information about how the Royal Academy worked rather than glancing allusions to this often talked about institution. I enjoyed the characters in the novel especially Oak. I also enjoyed the widow's son and step-daughter and it really would have been nice to hear more about them as the novel concluded. I rated it four stars because I thought that these were two areas of weakness that could have been easily remedied by deleting a lot of the chatter relegated to the internal thoughts of the main characters.

[Constance Holden · Rating 2 out of 5]

A depressing read

With everything from a tutor that beats a child, a widow who had been badly treated by her husband and his friends to a villain that ruined people's careers and lives, this was an unpleasant read. There was too much sex which did not add to the story either. I read these period novels to at least partially escape the growing evil that is happening all around us today. This was a disappointment all around. I have enjoyed other books by this author. However I will delete this one from my device.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.5 stars because I love books about art and artists and the creative process. Oak was a great character and I liked Vera too. The secondary characters were also sympathetic. The villains were quite villainous and I’m glad we got to see them get their comeuppance, though one was offstage, which doesn’t always happen in a Grace Burrowes book. I know Ash’s book is next and then I assume we’ll get Cam’s story.

[Holley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but had to look it up before leaving a review because it didn't stick with me. I liked the art parts of the book and the resolution for the mystery of the "treasure" was cute. On the other hand, the villain was pretty over the top. Worth a read for a light romance especially if you like this author, but it is not a book I would plan to read over and over again. Although, I might just because it didn't really stick with me :)

[MARIE MARUCCI · Rating 5 out of 5]

The leaders of the Academy are all DIRTBAGS!

The relationship between Oak and Vera had many twists and turns. Oak was so wise in figuring out how Forrester was mistreating Alexander. I wanted to reach through the pages and smack him!

As far as the attempted blackmailing later in the story, Oak and the rest of the Dornings and their connections saved the day.

I really enjoyed how both Catherine and Alexander "grew" through the story.

[Lydia Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art for art's sake

Highly recommended. Full of twists and turns with a mean tutor and governess . Widowed Verity is trying to do what is right for her stepdaughter , but she is deceived by a former friend of her dead husband. Enter Oak Dorning to restore some old paintings for her to sell to increase the stepdaughters dowery and discovers so nude paintings. Things turn very interesting after that. Friends are not always what they seem to be.

[amanda stoward · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not her best work

This is the first book I’ve only half read from this author as it’s disappointing. I really like her other male leads but Oak is a self absorbed prat that keeps pushing her into selling naked art which time and again she said no to and he is also a bit of a sleeze. She is still in mourning and talking and thinking about her husband all the time while having to deal with his crappy flirting.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usual story from Ms Burrowes; her prose is so distinct I could read a paragraph out of the blue and know it is hers. Oak is the painter in the family and is trying to earn enough money to move to London and apply to the Royal Academy. Verity is the widow of a famous painter and has hired Oak to do some restoration of the art work in her home.

[MELISSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy heart palpitations

Yes, another wonderful reading experience from Ms Burrowes. This time Oak Dorning and Veracity Channing are the focus and their story is as charming and heartening as all the other Dornings’ stories. I now move onto Ash’s story with Della Haddonfield. Smile.