Edwardian Candlelight Series by Marion Chesney, M.C. Beaton, Jennie Tremaine

She was a bewitching minx, that pretty Polly Marsh, and she knew it. She also knew that beauty could be her passport into the castles where she had always known she belonged. So she set her cap for a duke and joined the firm of Westerman's as a stenographer. Surely one of that noble family would notice her and make all her dreams come true! Pretty Polly Marsh just didn't know her place. But others did.. moreShe was a bewitching minx, that pretty Polly Marsh, and she knew it. She also knew that beauty could be her passport into the castles where she had always known she belonged. So she set her cap for a duke and joined the firm of Westerman's as a stenographer. Surely one of that noble family would notice her and make all her dreams come true! Pretty Polly Marsh just didn't know her place. But others did...and were only too happy to remind her that dashing Lord Peter was merely playing when he seemed to be paying her court. The duchess was beside herself. Peter's brother, the starchy Marquis of Wollerton, was desperate to pry Peter from Polly's side. But Polly was determined to have Peter -- and her dream. He wouldn't betray her now... would he? less

She was a cheeky American upstart who thought that beauty, brains, and bravery were enough to conquer London Society. Well, They'd show her! Nobody-but nobody spurned Lord David Manley, the most eligible bachelor in society. Soon she'd be trembling in his arms, desperately in love with the man she dared to mock... moreShe was a cheeky American upstart who thought that beauty, brains, and bravery were enough to conquer London Society. Well, They'd show her! Nobody-but nobody spurned Lord David Manley, the most eligible bachelor in society. Soon she'd be trembling in his arms, desperately in love with the man she dared to mock. David Manley always got his way, and Miss Molly Maguire was a challenge he couldn't resist!But Lord David had never met the likes of this headstrong heiress who fought like the devil, looked like an angel, and had all of London dangling on a string. less

Poor Ginny Bloggs! She had inherited a fortune, a magnificent country estate, and her benefactor's disgruntled relatives - a quartet of querulous schemers - who were horrified to find themselves suddenly at the mercy of a low, common girl; a total stranger - the coal merchant's daughter! Poor Ginny Bloggs! The handsome Lord Gerald de Fremney himself had pledged to keep the more unruly relatives in line. He thought he understood thoroughly modern women... morePoor Ginny Bloggs! She had inherited a fortune, a magnificent country estate, and her benefactor's disgruntled relatives - a quartet of querulous schemers - who were horrified to find themselves suddenly at the mercy of a low, common girl; a total stranger - the coal merchant's daughter! Poor Ginny Bloggs! The handsome Lord Gerald de Fremney himself had pledged to keep the more unruly relatives in line. He thought he understood thoroughly modern women. Her reluctant guardians thought they understood society. Such was Ginny Bloggs; as delicate as a china doll, as bold as brass. She understood them all, and now she was going to teach them all what it meant to be a lady!ABOUT THE SERIESIn this whirlwind series, Marion Chesney brings us spirited, independent women who are at once bewitching, beguiling and determined to have their say and make their mark on both their world and the world at large, be it within their social circle or extending beyond. With their arms wide open, these women are absolutely original and unforgettable as are the tales in which they are featured. Here is life in all of its folly and foibles in a dizzying place where dreams are both shattered and made.ABOUT THE AUTHORFrom 1977 to the early 1990s, Marion Chesney wrote over one hundred romance novels. Now writing as M. C. Beaton, she is the bestselling award-winning author of two internationally successful mystery series - HAMISH MACBETH and AGATHA RAISIN. She lives in the United Kingdom. less

A twisting tale featuring a calculating marquess, a marriage of convenience, and a touch of mystery from the New York Times –bestselling author.Why would the Marquess of Heppleford marry someone like Tilly—plump, penniless, and paid companion to a deeply unpleasant duchess? Why, to insure his inheritance of course, by following the demands of his late father’s will. Once they’re wed, he can simply return to his rakish adventures in France... moreA twisting tale featuring a calculating marquess, a marriage of convenience, and a touch of mystery from the New York Times –bestselling author.Why would the Marquess of Heppleford marry someone like Tilly—plump, penniless, and paid companion to a deeply unpleasant duchess? Why, to insure his inheritance of course, by following the demands of his late father’s will. Once they’re wed, he can simply return to his rakish adventures in France.Tilly, unfortunately, is unaware of the real reason this highly eligible bachelor wants her as a wife—and is heartbroken when she learns the truth. But when he comes back from Paris, he will be shocked to discover that his plain bride has made herself over into a seductive, sophisticated beauty bent on revenge—all while danger lurks in the shadows . . .“A romance writer who deftly blends humor and adventure.”— Booklist less

Poor little Susie. A beautiful dreamer, she imagined herself happy in a rose-covered cottage, only to find herself mistress of a great damp castle and wife to the elderly Earl of Blackhall. Luck, not the lecherous earl, contrived to spare her, and by her wedding night she was transformed to a wealthy young widow. But her trials had just begun. The old countess was determined to turn the simple country miss into a sophisticated lady... morePoor little Susie. A beautiful dreamer, she imagined herself happy in a rose-covered cottage, only to find herself mistress of a great damp castle and wife to the elderly Earl of Blackhall. Luck, not the lecherous earl, contrived to spare her, and by her wedding night she was transformed to a wealthy young widow. But her trials had just begun. The old countess was determined to turn the simple country miss into a sophisticated lady. Meanwhile, handsome Sir Giles was determined to unmask her as a dangerously cunning young minx.Sweet, naive Susie. Luck had brought her a fortune she d never wished for, but what stroke of fortune could make her dreams of real and innocent love come true? less

In this Edwardian romance by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Hamish MacBeth mysteries, a lovelorn debutante finds herself in a deadly plot.In any given glittering social season, Edwardian London’s dizzying whirl has its share of surprises. The latest is Kitty Harrison, once achingly poor, suddenly an heiress and now, thanks to her determined mother, she is about to become a Baroness... moreIn this Edwardian romance by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Hamish MacBeth mysteries, a lovelorn debutante finds herself in a deadly plot.In any given glittering social season, Edwardian London’s dizzying whirl has its share of surprises. The latest is Kitty Harrison, once achingly poor, suddenly an heiress and now, thanks to her determined mother, she is about to become a Baroness. From the moment Kitty sets eyes on Lord Chesworth, she finds him to be the most exciting man she has ever laid eyes on. But Kitty is young, innocent, and easily dazzled. She does not even question the motives of the dashing bachelor who swears he loves her even as he courts the scandalously beautiful Mrs. Jackson. All too soon Kitty’s dream of marriage becomes a nightmare—someone is trying to kill her. Adrift in a sea of deception, Kitty soon realizes that to save her life and win the only man she has ever loved, she must learn to play the game, only this time, her smarter, better, and for keeps.  ABOUT THE COLLECTIONThe seven heroines of the Daring Debutantes Collection set out to conquer London’s glittering high society and the marriage mart. These headstrong women cannot help but keep London society dangling on a string, but will they find a husband or lose themselves in the game? less

Daisy Jenkins never expected to be anything more than a trespasser on the idyllic lawns of Marsden Castle. Then, suddenly, she was admitted into the magic circle of the Earl and Countess of Nottenstone, to await the arrival of the notorious Lord Chatterton, her father-a stranger whose very name was foreign to her. She was Daisy Chatterton now, adrift in a sea of aristocratic sharks who seemed both to court and mock her... moreDaisy Jenkins never expected to be anything more than a trespasser on the idyllic lawns of Marsden Castle. Then, suddenly, she was admitted into the magic circle of the Earl and Countess of Nottenstone, to await the arrival of the notorious Lord Chatterton, her father-a stranger whose very name was foreign to her. She was Daisy Chatterton now, adrift in a sea of aristocratic sharks who seemed both to court and mock her. And why did the elegant Duke of Oxeden offer his protection to this newcomer who made him laugh at the very word 'love'? less

She was an honored guest in a palatial country home. "Aunt Mabel", the lovelorn columnist of Home Chats magazine, had been summoned to prevent the Duchess of Dartware’s son, Paul, from a marriage that others believed a fate worse than death... moreShe was an honored guest in a palatial country home. "Aunt Mabel", the lovelorn columnist of Home Chats magazine, had been summoned to prevent the Duchess of Dartware’s son, Paul, from a marriage that others believed a fate worse than death. Who would have guessed that behind Aunt Mabel’s acid pen and ageless wisdom lurked the real eighteen-year-old Sally Blane… determined to make the handsome marquess her own! But how could she compete, wearing false wrinkles and a white wig? It was a challenge worthy of Sally herself: to conquer the upper-class of Dartware and bewitch her newfound Prince Charming without giving away the real secret of who Aunt Mabel really was…. less

A tragic past taints one woman’s future in this intriguing Regency romance from the New York Times –bestselling author of the Agatha Raisin mysteries.Maggie Macleod was weary of life with a soul sickness that ate into every fiber of her being. In a mad way, it did not seem strange to her that she should be on her way to the high court to stand trial for the murder of her husband. Her marriage seemed to have been one long, dreary desert lit by flares of cruelty... moreA tragic past taints one woman’s future in this intriguing Regency romance from the New York Times –bestselling author of the Agatha Raisin mysteries.Maggie Macleod was weary of life with a soul sickness that ate into every fiber of her being. In a mad way, it did not seem strange to her that she should be on her way to the high court to stand trial for the murder of her husband. Her marriage seemed to have been one long, dreary desert lit by flares of cruelty. But Maggie is innocent in the matter of her beastly husband’s death, and she resolves to answer the question that plagues Who  did  murder the man?Praise for M.C. Beaton“A romance writer who deftly blends humor and adventure . . . [sustaining] her devoted audience to the last gasp.” — Booklist“Veteran author Marion Chesney (aka M.C. Beaton) delivers top-notch Regency fare.” — RT Book Reviews less

New York Times –Bestselling It’s a long road from the slums to the London stage—but the path to love and happiness may be even more challenging . . .To better the lives of her sisters in the East End slums, Poppy Duveen built a new life as a star of the stage and then married a rich bounder . . . who soon left her a widow. Now she finds herself well off but forced to deal with her late husband’s uncle Hugo, the Duke of Guildham... moreNew York Times –Bestselling It’s a long road from the slums to the London stage—but the path to love and happiness may be even more challenging . . .To better the lives of her sisters in the East End slums, Poppy Duveen built a new life as a star of the stage and then married a rich bounder . . . who soon left her a widow. Now she finds herself well off but forced to deal with her late husband’s uncle Hugo, the Duke of Guildham.The attraction she feels is highly improper, but difficult to resist—despite his obvious disdain for her disreputable background. Poppy, however, has never been one to give up. Thus begins her plan to revive her career, because with or without a man, she refuses to let her future be controlled by an insufferable snob . . .“A romance writer who deftly blends humor and adventure.” — BooklistPreviously published under the names Jennie Tremaine and Marion Chesney less

WHAT A PRETTY PICKLE SHE'D GOT INTO--AND IT TASTED MORE SOUR BY THE MOMENT! Blessed with beauty, Mrs. Manners never bothered with the lesser skills of grammar and spelling. So, in order to entrap a second husband, namely the dashing Duke of Denbigh, she needed Miss Verity Bascombe. Surely the modest chit would be honored to write her love letters. Poor Verity! Her old schoolmate was as selfish as ever. But the lovely girl's gilded pen soon had the duke most intrigued by the poetic Mrs... moreWHAT A PRETTY PICKLE SHE'D GOT INTO--AND IT TASTED MORE SOUR BY THE MOMENT! Blessed with beauty, Mrs. Manners never bothered with the lesser skills of grammar and spelling. So, in order to entrap a second husband, namely the dashing Duke of Denbigh, she needed Miss Verity Bascombe. Surely the modest chit would be honored to write her love letters. Poor Verity! Her old schoolmate was as selfish as ever. But the lovely girl's gilded pen soon had the duke most intrigued by the poetic Mrs. Manners! But alas, what began as a tiny deception became troublesome indeed--for Verity soon found herself enamoured of the handsome duke herself! less

She was a lady's maid who longed to be a lady. How else could Lucy Balfour hope to win the favor of Andrew, Viscount Harvey, the toast of the town, who seemed ready to take a bride at last? There was only one way to command his attention, and it was an impossible dream. She must become the peer of her own mistress, the coldly beautiful Lady Angela, who was determined to claim Andrew for her own. Hamish MacGregor, the wily old butler, promised to make Lucy's dream come true... moreShe was a lady's maid who longed to be a lady. How else could Lucy Balfour hope to win the favor of Andrew, Viscount Harvey, the toast of the town, who seemed ready to take a bride at last? There was only one way to command his attention, and it was an impossible dream. She must become the peer of her own mistress, the coldly beautiful Lady Angela, who was determined to claim Andrew for her own. Hamish MacGregor, the wily old butler, promised to make Lucy's dream come true. With her uncanny luck at baccarat, they would win a fortune. With his cunning, they would conquer London society as "father" and "daughter" and meet the king himself! Having served the rich, Hamish MacGregor would beat them at their own game. And having met Andrew Harvey, Lucy Balfour would never be a servant again. less

In this Edwardian romance by a New York Times–bestselling author, things get all too real for a naïve young lady with a penchant for playacting.Miss Marjorie Montmorency-James is lovely, young, and very impressionable. All these characteristics contrive to help her fall in love with a certain Lord Philip’s picture when it appears in the newspaper. Until the day she sees Lord Philip’s photo, she has only fantasized about a mysterious lover whose shadowy features are never quite clear... moreIn this Edwardian romance by a New York Times–bestselling author, things get all too real for a naïve young lady with a penchant for playacting.Miss Marjorie Montmorency-James is lovely, young, and very impressionable. All these characteristics contrive to help her fall in love with a certain Lord Philip’s picture when it appears in the newspaper. Until the day she sees Lord Philip’s photo, she has only fantasized about a mysterious lover whose shadowy features are never quite clear. Now she has a real live nobleman to dream about. Little does she suspect that she will soon meet Lord Philip in the flesh. How can she imagine such a thing? After all, what can justify a daughter of the middle class rubbing shoulders with the nobility? Then suddenly that great day is upon her; she is to meet Lord Philip. But nothing turns out the way Marjorie expects. Love—and danger—lay waiting for Marjorie in London…ABOUT THE COLLECTIONWhat could be more engaging than the women who rise from the commoner classes and minor nobility to triumph in the unforgiving high society of London. Read about women who have lost their fortunes, country girls at their first season, and new wives who can’t resist temptation in the nine titles of the Changing Fortunes Collection. less