THE AUTUMN BRIDE

After governess Abigail Chantry saves her sister and two friends from abduction and ruin, the four women determine to survive together, finding a surprising champion in an elderly baroness—much to the chagrin of her handsome nephew.

When Abigail Chantry receives a mysterious message that her beautiful sister has been abducted and taken to a brothel, she races to save her and ends up with three young women to look out for. Bringing them to her home gets her sacked, so they rent a tiny room and look for work, hoping for some miracle that will keep them off the streets.  Instead, they meet Lady Beatrice, an ill, elderly baroness who is practically imprisoned by the criminally neglectful servants living off her. Abby takes charge of Lady Bea’s household, running off the servants and hiring a small crew of new ones, and the four young women—who call themselves the Chance sisters—begin to nurse the invalid back to health. At the same time, Lady Bea’s nephew, Max, who has been out of the country rebuilding his fortune, comes home to find his aunt thin and sick and blames the mysterious Abby Chance, who seems to have an alarming sway over his aunt. Confronting her with his suspicions, he is astonished when the woman counterattacks, admonishing him for abandoning his aunt and placing the blame for Lady Bea’s condition squarely at his feet. Max investigates and learns the truth of his aunt’s troubles and how the young women—whom Lady Bea has taken to calling her nieces—saved her. It doesn’t answer the question of where they came from or what their motives are, but soon Max is convinced Abby Chance is the woman he’s waited for all of his life. Unfortunately, he’s betrothed to another, and danger lurks from the girls’ past, so Max and Abby must fight for their chance at happiness. Historical romance author Gracie is known for her nuanced, unconventional characters and rich, original plot lines. This book, first of a planned quartet, doesn’t disappoint. 

A complex, charming heartwarmer that celebrates love, brave heroines and the miracle of second chances.