Of Love and Arrangement Series by Alice Lockley

Eleanor Avory lives with a cruel guardian, and at seventeen she seizes the opportunity of a better life, but the costs are heavy. As she follows the path of her new life, she begins to understand the truth of her past and family. Follow Eleanor over the course of four years as she seeks to attain her independence, and what she wants most, the man she loves... moreEleanor Avory lives with a cruel guardian, and at seventeen she seizes the opportunity of a better life, but the costs are heavy. As she follows the path of her new life, she begins to understand the truth of her past and family. Follow Eleanor over the course of four years as she seeks to attain her independence, and what she wants most, the man she loves. This is the first book of a stand alone series that follows women trapped in difficult lives finding their way to happiness through the Victorian period. Each book is a stand alone full length novel, but should be read in series order. less

Elspeth Brinkhurst is the daughter of one of the most notorious criminals in 1840's England, but he is a man with money and power, and she is as all people in his life are, a means to an end. She is beleaguered by her father, his mistress, and her father's friends, whose intent for Elspeth is less than welcome. When Elspeth makes a grave error in a bid to take charge her own life, the consequences ripple out, and Elspeth finds herself in an untenable situation... moreElspeth Brinkhurst is the daughter of one of the most notorious criminals in 1840's England, but he is a man with money and power, and she is as all people in his life are, a means to an end. She is beleaguered by her father, his mistress, and her father's friends, whose intent for Elspeth is less than welcome. When Elspeth makes a grave error in a bid to take charge her own life, the consequences ripple out, and Elspeth finds herself in an untenable situation. Her actions lead her to be outcast and just another of her father's pawns. When Elspeth meets the giant Henry Whiston, her life changes, and he appears to be the way out of her father's machinations and that of his friend, the terrifying Captain Grifton. Making that choice, and defying her father incurs not only his wrath, but also of her father's mistress, a woman as cruel as her father. Her struggle leads to love, disappointment, a terrible series of events, and the path to hope and family. This the second in a series of standalone novels charting the lives of strong and determined men and women, and though each book is its own story, they are best read in order. less

In 1854 Eloise finds herself at a party with a promise, to meet and share her life's tale with two other women who can understand what she has endured. Eloise tells her tale here, she relives a past full of hate, anger, and grief. One that is also tempered with love and acceptance... moreIn 1854 Eloise finds herself at a party with a promise, to meet and share her life's tale with two other women who can understand what she has endured. Eloise tells her tale here, she relives a past full of hate, anger, and grief. One that is also tempered with love and acceptance. Yet Eloise, for twenty years, has known there is no happy ending for her, perhaps now, through sharing her past, and finding new friendships, she can have the peace and affection long sought and little looked for through her loyal friend, Jane Colforth. This is not your average romance, the hero does not save the day, Eloise must live with the consequences of her actions, and learn that one might love again, even if it is of an unconventional kind. Can Eloise risk the censure of society once again to hold on to the love she wants? Of Love and Arrangement is a series of interconnected but stand alone novels, and while each one can be read without the others, they are best read in order. less

In the late 1840's a mysterious figure enters one of the worst places in London, she covers her face, and tends to the dying, opposes cruelty and oppression, she is beloved, and in terrible danger from those she defies and her own family. Yet she is famous, a champion of the poor, she is a thrilling tale to read of, and on the lips of all good society. Grace Newbury, maligned, unwanted, and unhappy, was rapidly approaching spinsterhood... moreIn the late 1840's a mysterious figure enters one of the worst places in London, she covers her face, and tends to the dying, opposes cruelty and oppression, she is beloved, and in terrible danger from those she defies and her own family. Yet she is famous, a champion of the poor, she is a thrilling tale to read of, and on the lips of all good society. Grace Newbury, maligned, unwanted, and unhappy, was rapidly approaching spinsterhood. But Grace had a secret, a dangerous one, one that a husband definitely wouldn't approve of, and one that would cause yet more trouble, more than that, ruination, not only to her, but her whole family. When Grace meets Sir Percival, in the midst of her worst humiliation at the hands of her four sisters, her life shifts, and things begin to change. In truth, she knew that her double life, the lies, and the lengths she went to in order to keeps secrets were wearing her down. Being The Angel of Potters Row had once been a thrilling and noble calling, but infamy and her family's continual contempt for her were warring within. Something had to give, and it was set into motion by a tall dark gentleman, causing Grace's world to come crashing down. Of Love and Arrangement are an interlocking series of stand alone historical novels, following the paths of men and women in the nineteenth century, and though not necessary, they are best read in order. less