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Braving the Outbreak with the Duke

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Healing people is her purpose in life, but she would never imagine she could mend a broken heart…

When a horrible disease spreads like wildfire in Falmouth, Bridget Garvey cannot stand aside and watch people die. Her knowledge in medicine is vast, thanks to her doctor of an uncle, and her resolve to help the ill is even greater.
But as the daughter of the Earl of Exeter, she cannot do so openly. Instead, she hides her identity underneath a mask, a necessary precaution these days…

When the Dowager Duchess of Falmouth gets sick, no one seems to want to tend to her. Rumors of her son, the recluse Duke, have all the townspeople wary of approaching the manor. But when Bridget volunteers to enter the Duke’s household, she will find that he is simply a man in pain, looking for a reason to live.

And he may have just found it…

623 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2021

182 people are currently reading
64 people want to read

About the author

Fanny Finch

331 books266 followers
Fanny Finch was born in United Kingdom but moved to Denver, Colorado when she was very young. She attended Washington University where she studied for several years and lives with her husband and their bulldog.

Upon leaving university, Fanny found a job as a proof reader for a small press. There, she honed her skills and also met and worked with author Abby Ayles, helping to polish her books to perfection.

But she is also an author in her own right and is working hard to become recognized as such as she starts to publish her own novels through her website.

Her genre is in the Historical Regency Romance category and if you like your reading material to be emotionally clean then you will be undoubtedly thrilled by the characters and scenarios Fanny develops.

When she has time to relax, Fanny enjoys listening to opera music and taking long walks in the outdoors. She writes almost every day as well and hopes to produce many more great books in the future.

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5 stars
323 (65%)
4 stars
116 (23%)
3 stars
40 (8%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Leena Aluru.
611 reviews41 followers
April 8, 2021
I actually loved this book. This is pandemic Regency style.

Bridget is extraordinary - strong and compassionate. She believes healing is her calling and shes out there doing her bit for the society even though her parents disapprove. Shes making ointments cough drops using her knowledge of herbs and flowers.

Aaron , is a duke and has is a recluse after the death of his fiance. he mistrusts physicians and takes time to warm up to Bridget . Both Bridget and Aaron are fantastic charachters. Its a relief from the entitled spoilt mcs the regular historicals portray. No tantrums or acting up just because they have nothing better to do. No steamy scenes at all. This one is a love story between 3 couples of varied ages groups, their acceptance of each other . The emotional and social growth of Aaron is well portrayed. Best of all, this book has compassion and empathy by the truckloads.

Recommended: definitely
2,716 reviews13 followers
March 29, 2021
A story of bravery and romance!

This is a powerful story that is apropos of what we have all been dealing with for the past year.

Bridget Garvey, daughter of the Earl of Exeter, cannot ignore the suffering the outbreak is causing the people of Falmouth. She has the medical knowledge to fight the influenza epidemic but she will have to hide her identity or face condemnation. Her bravery takes her to the bedside of the Dowager Duchess of Falmouth in spite of the frightening rumors about the Duke.

Aaron, the Duke of Falmouth, has every reason to distrust doctors since they were unable to save his fiancée and he has hidden away from the world for years. Now, with his mother gravely ill, Aaron must rely on a physician and the assistant with the bold, green eyes visible over the top of her mask, to save her.

I love Fanny Finch romances! She always delivers well-written historical romances with well-developed storylines. The characters are well developed and the deep plot made it a page-turner. In spite of the subject matter hitting close to home, I enjoyed the book and could not put it down once I started reading.
Profile Image for Rebekah.
93 reviews
August 12, 2022
Despite the silly cover and title of this book - I actually liked it!
I think my biggest complaint would be that it felt too "modern".
Great literature? No. But it was enjoyable, clean, and kept my interest - which is good, since I have had a difficult time picking up anything this year.
Profile Image for Susan Clair Holt.
1,365 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2021
Aaron and Bridget

Bridget ha been studying medicine by her Uncle Jeremiah's side for years but she is the eldest daughter of the Earl of Exeter. When an epidemic hits the area she is told she cannot risk helping him. She disguises herself as a maid and volunteers to help and when no one agrees to go to the Duke's estate to help treat the Dowager Duchesss, she agrees to go. At first her uncle doesn't recognize her and she spends the day every day until she is getting well but then Jeremiah recognizes her but agrees to let her continue because she is good and now the Duke is sick and needs care. Eventually her parents find out and secluded her at home. Aaron recovers and gets out to meet the doc to find out what happened to "Brenna" buy first makes rounds with the doc assisting him and discovering things that are critical to be done to save the area which he makes a plan and coordinates it but also finds out about "Brennan" actually being Lady Bridget. He visits Bridget the next morning, speaks with her and gets her father's blessing to marry her and for her to continue to help the sick. A short time later he proposes and they marry. The epilogue tells of their life 6 years after their marriage.
476 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2021
Love in a time of Influenza

This romantic historical story is engaging and readers would find the characters very likable, which is a problem in itself. Too likable, almost perfect; but it’s not inconceivable that people like them do exist. It’s not difficult to root for the beloved couple as they find themselves falling in love with each other despite the face of illness, the possibility of death as well as the perceived differences in social classes. The author weaves a very lovely tale where hope, healing and love are the themes. The writing is a bit simplistic, leaving less for the readers in terms of presumptions and surprise. This is highly recommended for those who adore historical novels about courageous, honorable and strong characters who would not hesitate for love to conquer all.
831 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2021
Such a story of a time similar to ours

Bridget, daughter of an Earl, had been taught healing from a young age by her doctor uncle. When an influenza epidemic came upon her town, she was denied the opportunity to help him. Defying convention, she dressed as a servant girl to volunteer her services to the doctor and was sent to the Duke's home to care for her mother. Aaron, the Duke, had not left his house for years and did not trust doctors as they had not been able to prevent his fiancée from dying. Gripping story of a woman concerned with helping others in spite of the conventions of the time and how her assistance changed people for the better.

Received an ARC in return for this, my honest review.
60 reviews
March 28, 2021
Braving the Outbreak with the Duke is an extraordinary book about a young daughter of an Earl born with a compassionate heart and a gift for herbal medicine and healing. The story was so well told and compelling that I didn’t want it to end. It’s set in a small village in Cornwall and there is a deadly influenza outbreak carried to this seaside village by a trading vessel. Bridget/Brenna’s parents wanted her to stay safe at home, but she desperately needed to tend the sick. I highly recommend this awesome book. I thank Fanny for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
454 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2022
Braving the Outbreak with the Duke is an extraordinary book about a young daughter of an Earl born with a compassionate heart and a gift for herbal medicine and healing. The story was so well told and compelling that I didn’t want it to end. It’s set in a small village in Cornwall and there is a deadly influenza outbreak carried to this seaside village by a trading vessel. Bridget/Brenna’s parents wanted her to stay safe at home, but she desperately needed to tend the sick. I highly recommend this awesome book. I thank Fanny for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
5,422 reviews67 followers
March 30, 2021
Braving the Outbreak with the Duke A Clean&Sweet Regency Historical Romance Novel

This is a very good story and it is about a outbreak of disease and a young woman Bridget that works with her uncle to help him as he is a doctor.She disguises herself as a servent and volunteers to help a duchess and then the duke and the duke and she feel an attraction This a Cinderella story The characters are determined and forgiving and the extended epilogue completes the story with a happy ending for the people and Bridget and Aaron
Profile Image for Diane Horne.
682 reviews7 followers
May 5, 2021
Braving the Outbreak with the Duke By Fanny Finch, Starfall Pub!ications

Five stars, Bridget was an Farm's daughter being groom for marriage, but she loves helping and becomes a healer.. When an illness breaks out in the village, she quickly uses her skills to help.. Her uncle the doctor directs her in helping the duke and his mother during their illness.. It was during this time that the Duke, Aaron falls for Bridget.. And story goes on with hope and happiness that this story brings
Profile Image for Sheila.
612 reviews4 followers
April 1, 2021
Horrors and Hope You'll find both and so much more in this tender yet scary story (a little too close to home in a sense).
What would we do without those like Bridget? Such a strong young woman, who chooses to help those in need. One of those in need with a different kind of pain is Aaron, who is such a compassionate man.
Grab your copy & probably some tissues, there is tears, both of sadness and some of joy.
4,589 reviews33 followers
April 1, 2021
I truly love strong heroines, ladies who take matters in their own hands and don’t stand around wringing them. Martina is one of those ladies, she can ride, shoot, work cattle, but don’t expect her to cook. I love Will’s heart. He might not have wanted a bride but he did need one, actually he needed Martina. I love how he works for the underdog and believes in second chances. Great job, Kathleen Lawless.
380 reviews
January 16, 2022
Unusual story, well written

Loved this story. The storyline was very original, and particularly familiar to us all as we continue on in this pandemic. The characters were well defined, engaging and relatable. The dialogue was acceptable; there were several expressions used which were not period-appropriate but on the whole, it was seamless and coherent. Thank you for a wonderful read.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,049 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2021
I read to escape present day problems. I don't like reading about what we are currently going through...masks, gloves, constant handwashing, social distancing. Where is the escape in that? Other than this I liked the book. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.
1,290 reviews5 followers
April 3, 2021
A unique clean and sweet story.

This is a wonderful, clean, and sweet story that has quite a unique plot, where love blossoms and vanquishes mistrust. The characters are crafted with the determination and courage to achieve their goals. The extended epilogue gives us a wonderful glimpse into their futures, and how their family develops. I read an ARC copy.
98 reviews
April 10, 2021
I enjoyed this book because it was quite different than other romances. Of course anyone living through our current epidemic could identify with the problems the village was experiencing so that added interest too. The love story wasn't the usual because the interaction between the main characters evolved around the sickness. I was glad that the duke was a reasonable man for the time period.
315 reviews
April 20, 2021
A very good read!! Recommended for romance lovers.

I enjoyed this book. It was a timely plot about outbreaks and how everyone must be thoughtful about people around us in times of sickness. It also points out that sometimes parents will sometimes have to keep us from doing things that may harm us. The dialog was a little stilted at times, but still a good read.
643 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2021
A story that is so closely related to the pandemic we have been dealing with. The characters were well described and heartwarming, while the storyline described the perilous results of dealing with influenza in the regency era. In the end it showed that with perseverance and compassion that some good can rise from the ashes.
Profile Image for Hollylovesbooks.
1,091 reviews
May 15, 2021
3.5 stars!
Really likeable main character. Very head strong and brave for her time. She just wanted to help people and I really liked that about her as a character. I love the dressing up as a boy trope so, that was already a plus for me. Really enjoyed.
628 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2021
Braving the Outbreak for the Duke

There are some who step out of the mold society has set for their conformity. Its not always easy. We need more people willing to do what's right more so than what society dictates.
54 reviews
July 5, 2021
I really liked this book. The storyline is about an epidemic in a Regency era. Sound familiar? Now this might sound off- putting but it is a charming story & of course there is always time to fall in love! Definitely recommend this one.
1,056 reviews4 followers
August 5, 2021
What an awesome story

The story was built on a foundation of deceit. Although it was a necessary one and turned out to benefit the lovers. There were also a few other surprises in the story.
64 reviews
October 25, 2021
Life’s passion

Sometimes in life you have a passion and you will do anything to engage in it. Brenna (aka Bridget)is just that type of person. You’re passion may just inspire others.
719 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2021
I have just finished reading this and I am very impressed with the story
To help the sick but she has to hide who she is
Was a very interesting book
302 reviews
April 10, 2021
Mixed Review

I gave this story 4 stars. The story had some incredible parallels to the pandemic we have been living with for the last year.
Bridget is the daughter of an earl and her parents have expectations for her that are more traditional than caring for the sick. The other prmary character is a young duke who has become self-isolating after a death of a loved one.
There is an illness in the town that Bridget wants to use her healing skills to fight. She meets the Duke when his household is hit with illness.
I liked the story but my only concern with it was the steps the town doctor took to end the illness. The procedures he took were too much like those of Covid. I know that in 1816 the small pox innoculation had already been introduced. That means that some doctors realized that there was a way or two in stopping infectious diseases. But I found that the remedies in the story were too new to have realistically been used within the novel's timeline.
20 reviews
April 5, 2021
A feel good book

This is a lovely story and worth the time taken to read. The characters are all lovely this story left me with a really good feeling Thank you
842 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2021
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this wonderful book down!
18 reviews
April 20, 2021
How timely!

What a wonderful story! I loved the characters and that there were so many, and they were so real. It really was a perfect theme for this time of pandemic.
183 reviews
April 23, 2021
Wonderful read

Compassion from a nobel woman and the wonderful effect it produces. The family is full of amazing personalities. This is Ms Finch's best novel
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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