Mary Jo Putney knows how to write a good historical romance, re-released or not, so I was delighted to delve into this one. And I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. This was a light and pleasant romantic respite full of tropes I love, characters I could root for, and a (sort of) forbidden love that traversed social classes.

Christa is a countess who is forced to flee France during the Reign of Terror. After losing her mother and her half-brother, Charles, on the journey to London, she arrives only to find herself penniless. So she does what she thinks she must to provide for herself, and shucks her aristocratic background, with all its titles and privileges, to become a lady's maid.

Sent home on medical leave after years of braving the seas for the British navy, Captain Lord Alex Kingsley is now head of his family and in charge of his two younger siblings. He feels a special responsibility to his sister, Anabelle, who is a shy and unconfident debutante about to enter her first Season. Knowing she's in need of an abigail, he sets out to find her a suitable one. However, before he can start his search in earnest, Christa is thrown - literally thrown - into his arms and in search of such a position herself. Seems like fate, right?

Anyway, it isn't long before Christa earns the favor of the entire Kingsley family. With her sunny disposition, her kindness, and her exceptionally broad intellect, it seems like there is nothing she can't accomplish and no one's heart she can't stir, Alex's especially. With the chasm in their social classes acting as a barrier, will they be able to keep their mutual attraction at bay? Or will love, and Christa's secret about her life, still manage to find a way to bring the walls down?

The characters in this were wonderful. So warm and likable. I also liked that this was written in an omniscient third person perspective, which isn't something I see much in this genre any more, because it allowed me to look in on the story, as well as the romance, as if it were a roll of film slowly unfolding. I think that helped me savor the sweetness of each obstacle being removed between Christa and Alex until they could be together, until they could admit they were in love with each other. I love me some slowburn tension, what can I say?

Special thanks to Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my review.

3.5 stars

Lady of Fortune by Mary Jo Putney is a reprint. I didn’t know this until I read a couple of reviews. Luckily, it was not a book I had read previously. Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle escaped the French Revolution with her life. Luckily she had a safe place to land, until it wasn’t. She fled and ended up as a lady’s maid.

Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley was struggling with his life. He knew he needed to marry. He knew he needed to help his siblings. When he literally ran into Marie, he hoped he found a way to help his sister.

The problem was that they were falling for each other. A servant marrying a Lord; not something that happens in Regency England. Marie never shared who she really was, until one day her family reappeared. Suddenly all the rules changed, but could they really happen for them?

Lady of Fortune by Mary Jo Putney was a good read.

The heroine, feisty and beautiful French aristocrat, Christa, escapes from France during 'The Revolutionary Terror' and falls on hard times when she tries to make an honest living in London. She secures a position as a lady's maid to a ghastly woman and after being prositioned by her mistress' TWO lovers AND her husband, Christa decides that she has had enough. She is thrown out onto the street, literally into the arms of the gorgeous Naval Officer hero, Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley, who rescues her and gives her employment as lady's maid to his shy young debutante sister, Annabelle. Christa and Alex fall in love, but do not reveal this to each other. She is unwilling to reveal to him that she is actually an aristocrat and a countess in her own right and Alex is unable to offer her marriage because she is a servant in his household. He does, however, offer her 'carte blanche', which she reluctantly refuses, for she is afraid that he may not love her deeply enough and that when he eventually has to make a suitable marriage, she will be heartbroken. How the two lovers do get together makes a terrific story with adventure, tears, humour and a lovely sub-plot

This book is a reprint of one of the author's earliest books, written in 1988. It is a wonderful character-driven story of a young French émigré who finds herself working as a lady's maid in the household of a Royal Navy captain. Their journey to a future together is not easy, with social expectations, secrets, and miscommunications to overcome.

Christa began life as the daughter of a French comte and his wife and a comtesse in her own right. But the French Revolution ended the aristocracy and cost her father his life. Christa and her mother, Marie, led a simple and quiet life until they learned their lives were also in danger. Christa's English half-brother, Charles, Lord Radcliffe, came to France to smuggle his mother and sister to England. Unfortunately, they ran into trouble, and Christa was the only one to escape. She went to Charles's uncle, the new Lord Radcliffe, mourning her losses for a year. When the year was up, she vowed to live as they wanted her to and made plans to go to London Society. However, Lord Radcliffe told her that her fortune was gone thanks to the revolution, and she was penniless. He offered to marry her himself, which Christa found unacceptable. She ran away to London, planning to find a job as a governess, but ended up as a ladies' maid when that was all that was available.

Christa was a unique young woman. Her parents raised her to be self-sufficient, emphasizing the importance of being able to do anything she asked of her people. She was very well educated, especially for a woman. Her first post as a ladies' maid was short-lived, as the lady of the house was mean-spirited, and her husband was lecherous. When Christa was forcibly ejected from the house after fighting back against his advances, she landed in a passing stranger's arms.

Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has just returned to England after fifteen years serving in the Navy. He is on medical leave, and after learning of his mother's death decided it was time to take his place as head of the household. He's worried about his younger sister, Annabelle, and younger brother, Jonathan, who he left in the hands of their cruel, selfish, and narcissistic mother. I ached for him and his worry about how they would feel about him after all these years. I loved their reaction to seeing him, but he was horrified to see the damage that their mother caused to their confidence. He's thinking about what he must do when he finds his arms full of the woman thrown from the house he's passing. I loved his concern for her and his swift action when he discovered her circumstances.

Christa has undoubtedly ended up in the perfect household for her. Alex, Suzanne, and Jon are not your typical high-society aristocrats; they are warm and loving with each other and respect and are respected by those who work for them. Christa has a lot of freedom when interacting with the Kingsleys and soon finds herself fast friends with Annabelle. I loved how she used the skills she learned as a popular young comtesse to help Annabelle gain self-confidence. There are fun scenes as she assists Alex and Jon in learning to dance, teaches Annabelle how to flirt, and encourages Jon to share his dreams with his brother, all without doing anything inappropriate. Christa is equally at home below stairs and makes friends with the Kingsley servants, especially their French cook.

Neither she nor Alex expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them. Both are conscious of the social divide between them and do their best to ignore their feelings. They mostly succeed, limiting themselves to a cautious friendship. That friendship plays an important role when Annabelle is targeted by an unscrupulous fortune hunter who tricks her into eloping with him. The pursuit scene was outstanding, and I loved the confrontation.

Unfortunately, Annabelle is not the only target of a fortune hunter. We get a good look at a young woman determined to capture Alex for herself. After spending all his adult life at sea, Alex has no idea what he is up against and finds himself compromised into offering for the young woman in question. I ached for him because she was the worst possible choice for him, but honor won't let him back out.

The feelings between Alex and Christa continue to grow, but neither believes anything can come of it. Forced proximity and irresistible attraction have them taking a step neither anticipated. But the social divide is still there, and Christa refuses to ruin his life by giving in to her dearest wish. Secrets and a lack of communication send Christa running while Alex finally realizes his feelings. But obstacles remain the same in keeping them apart.

A surprising development changes Christa's life in ways she couldn't have imagined, but her heart is still broken. Alex is still stuck with his fiancée and resigned to his fate. But Annabelle wants Alex to be happy and finds a willing co-conspirator to help make it happen. I loved watching the drama play out to free him, then reconnect him with Christa. Their reunion first must get past a misunderstanding where Alex makes a total idiot out of himself. Being locked in a room together is a unique way to make it happen, but you can't argue with success. I loved that Christa didn't stand back and take it and gave as good as she got. I loved how that storm cleared the air between them, and all the truth came out. Alex's reaction is fun to watch as he processes what he's learned and is finally able to put words to his feelings.

The secondary characters were well done. The two schemers were more selfish than evil, and I had to laugh at what became of them. Annabelle was a sweet young woman suffering from the effects of an emotionally abusive mother. Her transformation into a confident young woman was a believable journey orchestrated by Christa. I loved her close relationship with Alex. We don't see as much of Jonathan, but his changes are also evident. I liked the teasing between him and Alex regarding the superiority of the navy versus the army. Uncle Lewis creeped me out initially but redeemed himself somewhat at the end.

A perfectly engaging historical romance! This is one of Putney’s older works re-released but it still shines today as an example of strong characterization and good feeling. The stakes felt real and I cared about what happened to every character from the aristocrats to the cook.

With its focus on French revolutionaries, the examination of democratic values in the time of the haute ton made for a refreshing change to many novels of the genre. This is a novel more concerned with its themes than with angst, but I found the characters charming and the plot mostly well-paced. Low on spice, but high on ambience. If the various resolutions were a bit tidy and predictable, it was nevertheless a fun romp!

Normandy France - 1794

Marie-Christie Madeline Louise d’Estelle, Comtesse d’Estelle (Christa) is fleeing France during the Reign of Terror. Her father has died and she is leaving with her mother, cousin, and two servants. Just as she reaches the boat, they are attacked and everyone but Christa is killed. She just barely escapes with her life.

Radcliffe Hall, Berkshire England - 1795

Christa has been staying with her uncle, the Earl of Radcliffe, as she adjusts to the loss of her family. Now, she wants to go to London to stay with a cousin who will sponsor her for a season. But her uncle tells her that she has no dowry, even though her father had promised her that he had sent money to the Earl for her. However, he offers to marry her. Appalled, she grabs a few clothes and flees for London. She finally lands a job as a maid to Annabelle Kingsley, sister to Viscount Alex Kingsley. Christa will help her prepare for her upcoming season.

Alex has spent his career on the seas until he was severely injured in a skirmish. Now, he is told he cannot sail again. So, he is back in England to care for his sister, Annabelle, and brother, Johnathan.

The family is delighted with Christa who teaches all of them things as they prepare for their time in London and Annabelle’s season. With the time spent together, Alex is drawn to Christa, but only knows her as a maid with no idea she is a Comtesse.

This book is totally wonderful! I loved the story and all of the well-developed characters. I can honestly say this is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Don’t miss it!

Copy provided by NetGalley and Goodreads win in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A happy ending is guaranteed in at least 99%+ of romance novels. However, it is the twists and turns of how they get there that makes the story worth reading. This one has enough of those to keep the reader wondering if the two will ever be happy together. The heroine, Christa, has had more than her share of life obstacles in her short life. In escaping from the reign of terror in France, she loses her mother and half-brother when they are set upon by bandits. Mourning their loss, she has a home with her brother's uncle. Here the tale begins in earnest when she leaves there (under some duress) to make her way, ultimately as abigail to Annebelle Kingsley. The author certainly knows how to intertwine her characters into a story that captures the reader's attention and keeps it. Christa and Alex, the heroine and hero are people you would like as friends. The villains, though not too terribly villainy, do get exactly what they deserve in the end. A very enjoyable read.

I can only highly recommand you to read this book if you love spirit, sparkles and good exchange beetween heros. Even if the beginning is quite sad, Christa (comtesse d'Estelle) is a strong woman. She 's afraid, she has lost a lot (family and money) but she is resilient and will decide to go to London in order to become a servant. She thought first beginning a french governant but will end as a lady's maid. The best aspect of Christa is that she has a cheerful mind and try always to find the best in people and situation. She 's really a plus for her new employer Annabelle Kingsley. I really appreciate all the Kingsley siblings and the bonds they made with Christa.
Naturally the most important is Alex, the viscount. As Christa, he's a personn of honor, but he 's got his weakness : he's shy with women even if he 's rich and good looking.
Moreover I really appreciate the others characters (servants, Suzanne the cousin of Christa....)
The end is a bit too much a fairy tale, but I so enjoyed this book, that I will grand anyway the 5 stars ! I can only recommand you to read this book if you likes the brigertons of Julia Quinn. You will find there the same wit beetween the heros.
Run and grab this book !

Thanks #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #LadyofFortune by Mary Jo Putney in exchange for an honest review.

I've been rereading some of my favorite books by Mary Jo Putney lately but this one was new to me. I really enjoyed this rerelease. It is a light-hearted fluff kind of story even though there is some concern for the FMC at the beginning in escaping France and later escaping abuse from an employer but even those moments aren't too intense. Some may say that things wrap up too nicely but I liked it. I like having books that are realistic sometimes and some that are just a good escape from the dredges of real life. This is one of the 2nd kind. Alex and Christa are very cute together and you can't wait for them to realize they love each other so they can begin their HEA.

An entertaining read with many lovely scenes and very well written. However it did seem to drag quite a bit. It is a sweet simple read but didn't grab me. I wasn't aware it was a redone book from the 80's at the time of reading so perhaps that is why. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

1794 & Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle manages to make her way to the French coast & escapes to London but not without losing all who are dear to her. Then she finds herself unexpectedly penniless so the resourceful Christa hides her aristocratic background to become a lady's maid. Until rebuffing advances from both her tyrannical mistress’s husband and her lovers gets Christa cast into the street—directly into a hero’s arms. After a long absence, Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has returned to England on medical leave. Now head of his family, he must take charge of his younger siblings Annabelle & jonathan. He feels a special duty to his sister Annabelle, a shy debutante in need of a maid. So Alex is delighted to discover that the intriguing, outspoken, and lovely young woman who serendipitously landed in his arms is in need of just such a position . Christa soon wins the hearts of all the Kingsleys—especially Alex. But a Viscount & a maid is a scandal in the making
This is a re release from 1988 & it shows why the author is so popular plus the story is as fresh now as when it was first published. The characters are very well portrayed & have lovely depth, the pace is good & never lags. I loved both Christa & Alex, the chemistry between them sizzled, there were misunderstandings, assumptions & secrets, which made their journey to a HEA an engrossing readI also liked Annabelle who grew in confidence throughout the book. There were a couple of surprises I hadn't expected but were very welcome. An engrossing, riveting story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Lack of fortune and challenges...

Christa, a comtesse from France was born wealthy but, well, revolution. She ends up in England, where she finds herself penniless and in peril always. Usually from men who want her or to take physical liberties with her. Pretty much evey man she resides with. Until she ends up finally encountering Alex, who feels a great deal of guilt for leaving home and his younger siblings, especially his sister.
Lot's of challenges and the lack of fortune for Christa is abundant. The story is well written and engaging and Christa is pretty dauntless.
4.5

I very much enjoyed this re-issue of one of author Mary Jo Putney's earlier romance novels. The characters are strong and appealing, and the story flows easily. Recommended.

Will they be able to work out their true feelings before it is too late …

I discovered the author not so long ago with the reedition of her first novel, and while it had been classified in the bodice ripper category, the writing and density of the intrigue did not feel like it was outdated.
So when I saw this new reedition, I jumped on the opportunity.

The pacing is different from what I often read in today’s romances. Here, the heroes do not meet immediately in the first few pages, so we learn a bit of their background without it being a revisit of their past or a shared memory.

Christa after escaping France and the Terror, is no lady who will submit to anyone will, she traces her own path.
She is resourceful, determined, very independent and talented to adapt herself to close to any situation.
She has survived the French scaffold, she can face English society even if it below stair. She has all the weapons to create her own path, resilience, benevolence and a strong will.
Alex never wanted to resign his life at sea, but serious wounds and the passing of his scandalous mother bring him back in the city to take care of his younger siblings.
Their meeting is rather entertaining as is their unusual courtship. Everything is marked as impossible, yet they quickly form a sort of a friendship despite their differences. The pull they feel for one another is so strong, that whatever will they have to fight it, they seem unable to overcome it.

Yet this story is more than only Alex and Christa’s romance, it is a tale of friendship and family love, with many possible romances, some as second chances and about the friends life throws on your path.
A story which captivated me from the first page and I devoured in no time, eager to see how everything will come to its end.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen non detailed lovemaking scene.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

I went through many sensations with this book, at first the blurb didn't tell me much and the way it's assembled, like the Regency romance of the nineties, is a bit confusing, then it bothered me a bit that as the story progressed new ones characters appeared and despite being told in the third person each of them seemed to have their own point of view
.
Although each story closes perfectly, I reached the point that I was only interested in the main characters and perhaps their brothers. I felt it a bit exhausting having to read what the third parties in discord thought and even several secondary characters who had nothing to contribute to the plot think
.
Christa loses her brother and her mother while they try to flee France and for a year lives with her half brother's uncle who inherits his title but after finishing her mourning period he informs her that she has no fortune and proposes that she became his wife
.
Horrified by the way it happened, Christa decides to flee to London and disappear into the city working as a governess, but when she arrives in London she finds it difficult to find work as she is French and accepts a lower position as Abigail, lady of the lady of the house. When things get difficult and she is mistreated, a mysterious man appears to rescue her
.
Alex has just returned from the dead and must take control of his home, his title and his two younger brothers. When he comes across a young woman being thrown out into the street, he doesn't hesitate to help her and give her a job at home
.
There are many beautiful scenes and very well written, Christa integrates into the family without being inappropriate and Alex falls in love but at the same time they are separated by society and by the innocence of not realizing each other's feelings to the point where Alex get engaged to another woman
.
It has a happy ending, but not before having to read what happens with the other characters
.
It was an entertaining read and surely a favorite for people who enjoy reading regency romance and fill up on very well-formed details that make you feel capable of touching the scenes
.
Thanks to Mary Jo Putney and Kensington Books Zebra for give me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion

Lady of Fortune is a re-release of one of Ms. Putney's older novels. It aged like a fine wine. I'm not certain if I read this in one of my many trips into the historical romance genre, but it was a pleasant surprise to find it now.

During the Revolution in France, Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle must escape to England where she expected to eventually join polite society. Circumstances force Christa to embark on her own to London and secure a post to support herself. Who would believe a Countess of France would become a Lady's maid? After some rather unpleasant experiences, she is lucky to quite literally fall into the arms of Captain Lord Alex Kingsley.

Alex has recently returned to England and is quickly setting his house in order. He's intrigued by the spirited Frenchwoman and happily offers a position in his home. What better solution since his sister Annabelle requires a Lady's maid. Rather quickly it's as if Christa has always been a part of the house. As she helps to bolster Annabelle's self-esteem Christa finds herself embracing her new life. And if she's inexplicably drawn to Lord Kingsley, there is little hope for it. Or could fortunes change if he only knew of her true background?

This is truly a delightful read. The story starts from where each main character is coming from to the moment they met. Character development makes it so one gets to know each personality pretty well. The many story elements (philosophy, adages, betrayal, love, jealousy, shallowness, family and sibling love, sacrifice, etc) flow naturally and flawlessly that you hardly notice several enjoyable hours have passed.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

I so loved this story! Countess-cum-Abigail, Christa, is our heroine and oh la la hero is Alex. He's recently injured and recovering from the Navy and she is starting a new life in England after fleeing the Terror of France. She has no money and is ok in her "uncle's" house until he proposes. She bolts and suffers some ill-treatment at the hands of employers and staff. Our hero basically catches her and the story begins. Class difference and secrets keep these 2 apart but circling each other. I absolutely loved the resolution.

Originally published in 1988, this update is well-deserved.

Historical romance (the 80s readers might say 'bodice ripper') with a headstrong heroine and a handsome leading man.

If you're looking for an enjoyable read, Mary Jo Putney is a dependable choice.

"I will marry for love or nor at all."

Lady of Fortune is being reissued since first published in 1988. It is a stand-alone read and 373 pages a little bit lengthy, but I don't mind that at all.

Marrie-Christine Comtesse D'Estelle, but better known to those close to her as Christa, flees France in the wake of the French Revolution. She believes her mother Marie-Claire and English half-brother Charles have been killed as they tried to escape. She spends the first year in England with Charles' Uncle Lewis who has inherited Charles' estate, but when Lewis reveals that she is penniless and offers his hand in marriage, Christa runs to seek a position as a governess. Unfortunately, there are no such positions available, and Christa is reduced to seeking employment as a lady's maid. Her first place of employment does not work out after the husband tries to have his way with her. She is being tossed out the door as Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley catches her. After speaking with her for a few moments he then offers a position as a Lady's Maid to his sister.

Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley has returned home after receiving word, his mother has died. Alex was wounded and realizes it is time to return home to his responsibilities as head of the house to his sister Annabelle and brother Jonathan. All is not well when he returns home. His mother has left a lot of damage for him to repair. Annabelle and Jonathan are hesitant and lack confidence.

Christa is very knowledgeable and resourceful. When given the chance to prove herself to Annabelle, Christa is able to dress Annabelle in clothes more becoming and fashionable than those chosen by her mother. Spending time with Christa gives her the confidence she needs. In fact, she has a way with the whole household about her that even Alex and Jonathan fall under her spell helping them to learn how to dance in anticipation of Annabelle's coming-out ball.

Annabelle becomes infatuated with Sir Edward Loaming who has made a practice of luring unsuspecting young women on the pretense of marrying them only to be found just in time by their father's but willing to walk away with a tidy sum of money for his silence. Alex and Christa rush to save Annabelle but has a surprise for Sir Edward.

Meanwhile Christa and Alex have developed feelings for one another. But because he believes she is a servant he offers for her to become his mistress, but she declines the offer. Alex gets roped into an engagement with Sybil Debenham who is not looking for love but the best title she can secure. Both Alex and Christa are unhappy that he is forced to marry another woman. Edward decides to go back into the Navy and Christa decided it is time she left.

Charles, Christa's believed to be deceased has returned and is searching for his sister. When he locates her, they have a happy reunion, but there is an underlying sadness that Charles does not understand. Charles decides he must find the answers with Christa's last place of employment. Annabelle is happy to share that Alex loves Christa but is engaged to Sybil. Annabelle and Charles work together to create the perfect ruse for everyone to get what they want but will they succeed.

This was a surprise read for me. I had no idea that this was written in 1988 and about to be re-published. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. For the most part the emphasis was on the relationships and getting to know the characters better. This is a story with people who have to overcome many obstacles in order to find love and be happy. The only thing that was a little disappointing was everyone got a happy ending. There were a couple of disagreeable characters that I would have liked to see gotten what they deserved, but maybe they did.