The Prodigal – Jessie Lewis & Amy D’Orazio

Austenesque/JAFF Readers Should Follow This Dynamic Duo Into Their NEW Traditional Regency Romance Series!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance Novella

SERIES: Rags to Richmonds #0 (prequel)

THE PREMISE: James Richmond, son and heir to Earl of Tipton, has just learned a big family secret – he is not his father’s son! This prequel travels back one generation with the Richmond family to 1794, where three brothers – Charles, Damien, and Robert are young bucks around town. Charles is about to marry a titled heiress, Damien is happily indulging in all his wicked propensities, and Robert is about to cause a colossal stir when he announces to everyone who he has fallen in love with…

MY THOUGHTS:

It is a truth universally acknowledge that when two of your favorite Austenesque authors collaborate and decide to create a Regency Romance series – it must be read by one and all! Having ardently loved and admired the characters, clever premises, and expressive prose of these two authors, I am elated to see them create their own characters, connections, and conflicts in a whole new setting.

I loved how this series began with family drama and some contentious sibling dynamics. The three brothers are distinctly drawn – Charles is dutiful and burdened by upholding expectations, Damien is a selfish reprobate, and Robert is sensitive and independent. Family ties are severed when Robert defies everyone’s expectations and wishes for him. He absconds to a new locale and starts anew with his beloved wife, Susan. I cannot help but admire Robert’s fortitude and conviction. He knows his heart and is not afraid to follow it. Regardless of the consequences. My only wish was that we saw more time spent seeing Robert fall/discover is feelings of love for Susan and his internal feelings as he contemplates his family’s reactions.

This prequel is a wonderful introduction to the heartaches and hardships the Richmond family experienced in the past. The rest of the series will follow the next generation – including Robert’s son (who was secretly raised as Charles’s son) – James. But it sounds like there will be plenty of more secrets and surprises, family drama and discoveries, relationships and romances in store for the Richmonds throughout this series! I cannot wait!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🙌🏼  Huzzah! For a new Regency Romance series! And for a brilliant author collaboration!

🤩  With the hints of scandalous secrets, surprising discoveries, complicated family dynamics, and new romances, I’m already so invested in the Richmond family and this series!

💗 An inspiring tale of having the courage and determination to defy others and seek your own happiness.

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7 comments

  1. Thank you so much Meredith! We are so excited to bring readers into this Rags to Richmonds world we’ve created and hope you’ll all enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed writing it!!

    Thank you again for a lovely review!

  2. Thank you for a lovely review, Meredith. We’re so excited for you to delve into the main series to see Robert’s children forging their way in the world!

  3. I have this on my list but am waiting for the rest of the series to read it (my memory isn’t what it was I’m afraid!)
    I’m wondering why Charles has claimed James as his own? Maybe to prevent Damien from inheriting?

  4. I enjoyed reading this and can hardly wait for the official series to come out! I also love the cover!!! The details are beautiful with the little bird and basket of apples, the letter and cat (maybe that’s Poppy?!) Makes me wonder if there are hidden meanings behind all the details on the lovely cover…

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