ABANDONED. Hero and his grandmother help launch the heroine into society...

[Ridz]

Hi,

I am looking for a historical romance that my friend swears is great, but can't remember the name of! I have googled until my palms are raw, but couldn't find it, and I was hoping you could help me.

The heroine lives with her uncle's family who are abusive towards her. Her mother runs away from home to marry a poor parisher- something that her uncle never forgave. The hero comes to their house to propose to the heroine's cousin, who is considered to be the diamond of the season, but he overhears a conversation and learns of her true character. He’s leaving in his carriage when the heroine runs away from her uncle's house and lands in his path. She tells him about how she has been mistreated by her uncle and cousin and the hero decides to launch her in society to teach the cousin a lesson.

The hero’s grandmother takes on the role of a chaperone and soon enough the heroine is the talk of town. Eventually, the uncle arranges for the heroine to be kidnapped and I think he arranged for her to be married to some old dude.

She is rescued and happily ever after ensues.

Any help in finding this book would be much helpful! Thanks!

[Daphne]

The first book sounds almost-but-not-quite like several books by Georgette Heyer. Sprig Muslin, Charity Girl, and even Cotillion come to mind. Charity Girl is probably closest.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Ridz, it will be much easier and less confusing if you separate out your second book into a new thread.

[Ridz]

Lobstergirl wrote: "Ridz, it will be much easier and less confusing if you separate out your second book into a new thread."

Will do. I just didn't want to spam the discussion since I don't have many details on that one :)

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Oh, we don't consider that spam.

[MJ]

Oh, I hope someone finds this book. Would love to read it as well.

[Kris]

The Bridegroom Wore Plaid by Grace Burrowes?

Here's a description on Amazon: "Popular Regency author Burrowes moves into a new subgenre with this delightful Scottish Victorian romance. Ian MacGregor, a reluctant earl, must marry for money. He invites a wealthy English family to his castle so he can woo Genie, a young miss. But one of the girl’s penniless chaperones, cousin Augusta Merrick, catches his interest instead with her wit and appreciation of his situation and land. When someone tries to kill Augusta, Ian’s protective instincts kick in and force him to see which bride he truly wants. Intelligent Augusta will uncover a solution to Ian’s financial situation as well as her own in a satisfying ending for all concerned, except the villain. The main love story will engage readers with emotion and sensuality, as will the adventures of Ian’s siblings as they, too, find love. Burrowes has a talent for filling traditional-romance situations with depth and the unexpected, and her fans as well as Scottish-romance readers will greatly enjoy her latest."

Ridz, when did your friend read the book?
Do you know the location and time (e.g., Regency romance, Scotland, etc.)?
Why is the heroine living with her uncle's family?
Where is she running away to? Is she trying to escape an arranged marriage?

[Kris]

The Arrangement by Mary Balogh? https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

It's similar to your description. What's notable is the heroine is an orphan (why she lives with her uncle's family who treat her like a servant) and the hero was blinded in battle.

[Cynthia]

It sounds like something that Barbara Cartland would have written. I read her books growing up and there were a few like that.

[Ridz]

Thank you for all the replies. I showed this thread to her, but she said none of the authors ring a bell, and the books suggested do not match.

She did remember a few more details though, I am editing the main post to include those as well.

Thanks again!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Ridz, are you or your friend still looking for this?

[Ridz]

Hi Lobstergirl, yes, never found an answer for this one either, and my friend does not remember the title still...

[Kris]

A long shot - The Marriage Wager by Candace Camp?

Around what year did your friend read this book?

Is the heroine's mother and father still alive - or is she orphaned?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Still looking now?

[Sycorax]

It made me think of a different Mary Balogh - The Ungrateful Governess. She's a governess rather than a poor relationship, though. I guess that's a pretty commonly used trope in romance, especially more old school romance.

[Rouan]

Elsie Lee wrote several Regency type romances as well as her modern ones. Your friend could check them out too and see if any of them ring a bell.

[Rhiannon]

Bump

[Tamara]

Could it be by Jane Anne krantz? I am not home to look through my books, and sadly I read a lot of her through the library, but seems familiar...

[Taylor]

Maybe Her Cinderella Season?

[Kris]

Ridz, are you still looking for this book or did you find it?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Lobstergirl wrote: "Still looking now?"

No response; moving to Abandoned.