Repackaged and prettied up i guess. I love the old romance æsj from the 80s and 90s. They do not feel as polished as some books do today. We follow christa in this book, who has lost all during the french revolution. But as the kick Ass heroine she is, she finds new ways to survive. It was an entertaining read. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Losing everything in the French Revolution, Crista goes to London. She is forced to become a servant. Working as an abigail to a young lady, she finds a mutual attraction to the young lady’s brother. Servants don’t marry nobility. When her circumstances change drastically, her brother and his sister try to bring them together again. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books.

This was a pleasant re-write novel from the author's older titles. This was a lovely telling of how misfortune follows a young lady.
Set during the French Revolution, the heroine is escaping from France, when her half brother and mother are shot by the Frebch Army. The young lady of 24 years is in shock and taken by her British uncle to the family's English estate. Her uncle had been her half brother's heir and is now the Earl of Radcliffe. The uncle is not blood related, but has always had feelings for her mother. After hearing her mother had passed, he had a misconception of transferring his feelings to the heroine. The heroine, claiming it would be incest, requested the money her father had been sending over. The uncle claims there is none and her only recourse is marriage to him. She runs away to her cousin and eventually becomes a lady's maid. She had been brought up by her philosopher father who assured her that honest work was a dignity like no other. Her upbringing included an education in all things, no matter how mundane, to the estates. She was sucessful as a lady's maid, until her employer's husband tried to have his way with her. She fights him, loses her job and that is how she meets the hero. The hero helps her gets her things and leaves, taking a sculley maid with them. He offers jobs to both. The heroine speaks to the French chef and the French chef recognizes the comptesse d'Estlle, Barrone et Bretone, Barrone et Lignes. Those are her many titles. She had 3 estates prior to the revolution. Her mother had been married to the Earl of Radcliffe first, had 2 children, but only 1 survived and married the heroine's father and moved to France.
The hero had been in the Navy since he was 14 years old and after a horrible battle, his surgeon friend found him in a hospital and saved his life and his left arm. He is walking down the street when a woman is thrown at him. He catches her and helps her get her belongings back and then takes her to his home. His sister, who is out of mourning and has been down trodden by their mother for years, needs some town polish and a good lady's maid. She currently has her deceased mother's lady's maid and she is mean to the sister.
This was an involved novel of a woman's journey through a fictional life. It was a romanticized view of how a lady became a maid and then was a lady again. It was positive in that nothing dark happened to her and she was able to rise above the problems she had. I liked how all the loose ends and plot lines twisted and came together. But I felt the ending was a bit abrupt. I enjoy a book with an epilogue or conclusion. I give this book 5 stars and recommend reading.

A fine early book by the excellent Mary Jo Putney. This was originally released in 1988. I did not read the original book so I'm not sure if any of the content was edited, or if just the cover was redesigned. However, this is definitely worth a read, if only because of the strength and fortitude of the MFC, Christa, who has lost so much as a consequence of the French Revolution.

The plot is engaging, using the Georgian period as a backdrop, which is a time period not often explored in HR's. However, the pacing is occasionally erratic. Thankfully, Christa comes across as a survivor throughout. I will admit I wasn't a big fan of the MMC, Alex, nor the Big Misunderstanding, which is why this is a 4 star read for me and not 5. The steam level is fairly low.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for something with a good amount of historical research and an emotionally involving plot. It's hard to go wrong with this author.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for this opportunity.

This book will be released February 28.

Christa truly shines in this fun, witty romance during the French Revolution. The Kingsley siblings shine, but Christa is the story's heart. Mary Jo Putney has a talent for not letting plots get bogged down, even when circumstances are melancholy. This re-issue is well worth diving into.

I enjoy it when a romance takes place over an extended time, in this case, a year. The characters aren't rushed into feelings, and they grow more naturally. Change underlines much of the novel. Fashions are moving from the corseted looks of the 1700s to the Grecian-inspired high-waisted look of the Regency era. Families like Christa's are torn apart, and the survivors are left to pick up the pieces. Christa's upbeat attitude is tried by all of it, and she comes out on top.

The Kingsley siblings are unconventional, but Alex, Annabelle, and Jonathan love each other and those around them. Their naivete could get aggravating, especially when interacting with the sharks in London. Alex annoyed me when he wouldn't grow a backbone and then blew up about circumstances he made assumptions about. (A pet peeve of mine) I still loved them. An interesting note about the Kingsley siblings is that they share a learning disability, mixing up numbers and directions, which helps them grow closer together.

I adored reading about their interactions at the Orchard, the Kingsley ancestral home. They are not your traditional high-born family, which shows in the fun and informal events.

There is a lot to love about this novel. The characters are bright and entertaining. Everyone has a personality and motivations that make sense, even if they're wrong. But, really, the only reason this wasn't a five-star read for me was Alex's attitude toward the end of the book. Nevertheless, Christa's journey is well worth investing time in.

This review will post to my blog on February 20th.

We Shall Contrive

Mary Jo Putney has rereleased and refreshed her romance Lady of Fortune with a new modern cover. Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle (Christa) is ready to start over again, after running from the horrors of the French Revolution that has taken the lives of her family. When her protector Lord Radcliff threatens her with marriage, she flees again to London. Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley (Alex) has return to an empty house, and is determined to mend his relationships with his brother and sister. What he does not expect is the spirited Christa Bohnet to fall into his arms, and utterly charm him. Despite their differences in social station, Christa and Alex’s attraction slowly drifts into passion. As problems persist, they may not have a chance to be more than passing lovers.

Christa’s story starts out with the tragic events of her flight from France. Her morning is a bit glossed over, but her determination to live on with the memories of her loved ones is admirable. Christa shows her strongmindedness, fortitude, and humility as she faces each impossible problem. Her flight from Lord Radcliff, and his pursuit of her, leads her to accepting a poor situation as a lady’s maid. Which concludes badly, with a brief warning for attempted rape. Meeting Alex is serendipitous, and an answer to her troubles. Though she immediately finds him attractive and kind, she can see no way a relationship with him could work.

Alex’s life at sea as an officer of His Majesty’s Royal Navy has not taught him the rules of society. He talks as equals to all of his staff, including the attractive Christa. He is kind and respectful in all his encounters with her, though he cannot help but engineer happy outings with her. It is Christa’s attentiveness to his timid sister Annabelle, and her strength of character that wins his heart.

Lady of Fortune was first published in 1988, and Mary Jo Putney’s story building has improved since. This romance also has a different tone of writing than her subsequent books such as the Fallen Angel series, and the Lost Lords series. Though this book still has Putney’s thoughtful characters, and the challenging of social society. With intelligent spunky women, and wonderfully generous men. Christa and Alex share these qualities in spades, even when the plot seems troublesome. Filled with plenty of dilemmas from the ambitions of society, they overcome a lot to be with each other as true equals through love.

A rerelease of an old school romance that is worth a reread.

If you have enjoyed Mary Jo Putney's work before, prepare for a sort of unpolished version of her writing. The heart of this book is the female main character, Christa, who approaches life with cheer. I enjoyed that it was set in the late 1700s; it marked a change from most historical romances. However, as this is a book with many moving parts and Mary Jo Putney's first book, it may not be for everyone.

Star Rating: 2.5/5

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Have been reading Mary Jo Putney for years and she never fails to meet expectations. A well-enjoyed escape.

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for a copy of the re-issue.

For fans of Mary Jo Putney and nearly old school regencies. I consider Mary Jo Putney's The Rake one of the best regency romances written. Lady of Fortune was originally published a decade earlier and isn't as polished a work. However, we see a similar exploration of class and people a varying backgrounds. There is a large casat of charaters and we are given many points of view - which is unusual!

Christa and Alex are both likeable - their conflict comes from circumstances and is somewhat self-imposed. There are three (?) other romances also resolved which is not atypical of novels from the late 80s but is unusual today.

A light fun read with traces of its time.

This book release in 1988, with new lovely cover edition, it is the cover who lure me and then description.

Young Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle leave france because of revolution there, she come to England live with her uncle. One event make her decide runaway to London. She dosnt mind to work, happy as Lady maid (abigail) even when her first workplace not a nice household. Another life changing happend Christa meet Captain Alexander Kingsley, Viscount of Kingsley.

The storyline was slow, what i love is how author describe in detail how live in that era. Fashion, scenery, tradition, food, what nobel do to manage estat, rank in household, etique, dance lesson. Many story involve here, at least all end with happily ever after.

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#LadyofFortune #MaryJoPutney #KensingtonPublishing #ZebraBooks #NetGalley #ARC

I enjoyed the story about how she left France in desperation, and then the earl ran her off by telling her that she was penniless even if she had been born to a count and countess.

It made sense to me for her to get a job, even if she didn't necessarily need to be an abigail. She could have probably taught at a finishing school, but it wasn't the right choice for the narrative.

From the moment she is pitched down the first household's staircase and falls into the arms of the hero, he was a goner. There are the requisite confused misunderstandings, but everything works out once they are locked into a room together. I received a review copy from NetGalley and have left my opinion.

I am a fan of Mary Jo Putney. This was previously only available as a paperback. Since I was not lucky enough to get my hands on a copy, I had not read before. Fortunately for all of us who enjoy eBooks, this is now being re-released as a digital edition with an improved cover. I was very honored to receive an advance copy in exchange for a review. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher!

The time frame - Georgian - is not my favorite, but Putney delivered with the story. I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys her writing or likes a story with a French heroine escaping from the Revolution.

There were bad things that happened in the book. It was not completely light-hearted and fun. However, the writing tone and Christa's positive attitude kept it from being dark. Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle (Christa) had the ability to make the best of any circumstances. This is a trait that I greatly appreciate in anyone, so it was a joy to read her story and the challenges that she faced with grace and perseverance. She lived the life of a maid as well as she lived as a Comtesse before leaving France. She was a delight who inspired loyalty from everyone she knew.

Captain Lord Alexander Kingsley wasn't quite as likable as Christa, but he was definitely a man who wanted to do the right thing. He loved his sister Annabelle. He did his duty to King and Country.
He led his household with responsibility and love. He was just a little slow to realize what he felt for Christa was true love and might be worth any price to keep. Of course, with the class difference at the time, it was understandable; so I forgave him.

As expected, the book ends with a happily-ever-after that left a smile on my face. Enjoy!

Really enjoyed this classic romance from Mary Jo Putney. I have read other novels where the hero is an aristocrat and the heroine is in service and have disliked them a lot, but Putney did a good job of having Kingsley actually grapple with that, and Christa is a super strong woman, so you don’t feel like she is being pushed around. Instead it’s just romantic and lovely to read, especially as her secret is revealed.

■Thanks netgalley for the copy of this book.
■This is my own free opinion for the book Lady of Fortune.
■It is a classic story of one woman’s perseverance and strength in the wake of the French Revolution.


●Forced to escape the French Revolution, resilient young Comtesse Marie-Christine D'Estelle flees to London. But when she finds herself unexpectedly penniless, Christa hides her aristocratic background to become a lady's maid. . . . Until rebuffing advances from both her tyrannical mistress’s husband and her lover gets Christa cast into the street—directly into a hero’s arms . A Royal Navy commander ,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. 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.


■ This book is actually a sweet love story which is filled with love, understandings, misunderstandings, sacrifices etc.
■ I feel the story built up is kind of lengthy initially but it proceed well afterwards.
■ This was not the finest work of the author but it's one time read for me.
■ 3.75 ⭐.

This is a good read, but only a medium for me when it comes to MJP. It definitely is dated, but I love the two leads and the secondary characters are also a lot of fun. CWs for SA and parental abuse.

From Comtesse to lady’s maid Mary Jo Putney’s story telling is excellent. Fleeing from the French Revolution Comtesse Marie-Christine D’Estelle due to circumstances beyond her control ends up a lady’s maid to Lord Kinsey’s sister Annabelle. Sparks fly between Christa and the Lord. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the book and it ends with a happily ever after. Ms Putney is one of my go to authors and I highly recommend this and all of her books.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a reissue of a previously published novel by Mary Jo Putney. I am not sure if there were any changes overall to the storyline. She is an author that I have always enjoyed from her earlier works, such as the cleaner, more classic stories like the Carousel of Hearts and Diabolical Baron, to the entire Lost Lords, Rogues Redeemed, and Bride Trilogy.

This was the story of Christa, a French emigre who suffered the loss of her family, including her mother and half brother Charles, the Earl of Radcliffe, in France. She managed to escape to England where she was staying with the new Earl of Radcliffe, the uncle of Charles for her year of mourning. She finds her situation untenable when she finds out that she has not only lost her family, but also her fortune, and the new Earl makes an offer she finds she cannot accept.

She ends up changing her identity and is resolved to adapt and succeed despite the change in her circumstances. She ends up becoming an abigail for for a Society matron, but ends up being tossed out after being assaulted by the husband, and some of the staff. She literally falls into the arms of a passing gentleman, who decides to help her as his household is in need of a lady's maid. She ends up working for a debutante, Annabelle Kingsley, The head of the household, Alex, has newly returned to England after spending many years abroad with the Navy, and after recovering from severe injuries incurred during battle at sea. After years away from his family, he takes being head of the family seriously and wants to give his brother and sister a better family life and stability than they all had under their parents, especially their abusive, selfish, narcissistic mother.

Christa, with her warmth, wisdom, and general ability to get things done wins over the Kingsley household above and below stairs. While she and Alex are attracted to each other, nothing initially comes from it as she is unwilling to compromise herself and be his mistress. But this is a love story, and circumstances do change for the both of them in a way that leads to an HEA... Not to give any spoilers, but there is a sickbed scene where one character saves the life of the other... and they are left alone in the middle of the night and passion rears it's head. There is a ruined elopement and a character who vows revenge. There is a spoiled Ton beauty who compromises a character and forces a betrothal that seems to be a barrier to true love. Loved ones reappear... and there end up being three to four romantic entanglements... including between a couple who seemed closer to the villain end of the spectrum.

I rather liked the story overall. I found that the characters were drawn out well, and in general I did like them, though I found the senior Earl of Radcliffe to be a bit of a creepy character initially, though it later seems like he is more stiff and socially awkward than anything else. Also, while I liked Alex in general, he seemed to be a bit blind in how he approached Christa to begin with, limiting his options with her with his proposal of her being his mistress, because of his perceptions of her as a servant... but that was the nature of the story after all.

I really liked the little story line that develops later with Charles and Annabelle and how they conspire to bring their siblings together though. That was probably my favourite part of the story.

3.5 stars out of 5

I liked this book and the characters. I had not realized at first this book is a re-issue of Mary Jo Putney's 1988 earlier work. There is a lot going on within these pages and the dialogue/ intermonologue switches during the conversation occasionally. I believe every cliche thing that can happen in a historical romance happens in this book. It is a long book at 352 pages and can be slow at times.
However, it is a good story and worth the read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an honest review.

A solid read. Celeste, who is the daughter of a Count and the half sister of an English earl, flees France for England. Her mother and brother die in the escape so we find her in England a year later, living with the new earl and just coming out of mourning. He offers marriage and in doing so alarms her (he's a bit ... well, creepy and coercive about it) so she makes a run for it - to London where she ends up in service - working first in the house of a Lady and her lecherous husband before being bodily ejected in to the street - and caught by Alex, Lord Kingsley - who she ends up working for, as lady's maid to her sister.

And thus - mistaken identity, lots of misunderstandings, etc. ensues. It's fun - Celeste is a great character and the supporting cast are drawn in much more detail than is often the case. Thoroughly recommend this one!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

A countess flees revolutionary France for London, becomes a maid, and finds love with a former naval commander while caring for his sister.

This is a rerelease of a book that came out thirty years ago and I was honestly a little worried about how it might have aged.

I’m used to a deeper third person pov. This one has such a strong narrator that it took me half of the second chapter to figure out if the hero was one man or his friend. The third person omniscient seemed dated and it slowed the pace.

The story itself held up, although the romance was such a slow build I worried it would be more of a Mary Poppins story where someone comes in and makes everyone’s lives better rather than a romance. I liked the subtle disability rep with Alex, especially since it’s from the 80s. Likable characters, but the resolution was drawn out and contrived, and the overall pacing too slow for my taste.