My Dear Miss Dupré

This book was a delightful romp into the Gilded age! The unique plot and romantic competition kept me on my toes and invested in this story. I am a huge Bachelor tv show junkie and this book was like putting the show into a time travel machine to the Gilded
Age! A house full of gentleman vying for the attentions of Willow Dupre’ an American heiress! What could go wrong? The outings and dates were fun and adventurous and reflected the time period perfectly! I enjoyed how the plot progressed and watching some relationships grow and others wither. I can’t say too much without giving spoilers, but the end has a few twists and some unforeseen conflicts! I enjoyed this book and found it to be delightfully light and fun! I have not read a historical romance with this particular plot before and I was a fan!

MY DEAR MISS DUPRE by GRACE HITCHCOCK is a delightful Gilded Age novel. The story starts on new year's eve 1882 in New York with Willow Dupré being drawn into a competition where thirty well vetted gentlemen will court her. With her father's deteriorating health and imminent retirement she needs a husband by her side as she runs the family sugar business, Dupré Sucré. Although she is quite capable of running the company, being well educated and having worked with her father for four years, she is looked down upon by the men on the board.
Her family are very rich, which is definitely a draw card for her suitors, but she wants to find a man she can love and who loves her for herself.
This competition, which was thought up by her mother and backed by her father, causes quite a stir,
The story is full of action and fun until secrets are brought to light which could lead to disqualification and even danger.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

The premise of this book sounded so intriguing that I knew I wanted to read it. Think “”The Bachelorette”, but an 1880s version. To maintain control of her father’s sugar business Willow Dupré needed to marry by a certain date, so her parents set up a competition in which their daughter would be introduced to thirty potential suitors and whittle down the list until she found one suitable for marriage. This book reeled me in from the first page and kept my interest going throughout the entire book. At times I found myself laughing out loud at the varied interactions Willow had with the many bachelors, as well as the antics of her younger twin sisters. There are also some plot twists which do not revolve around humor but lend an air of mystery to the story. I can see great possibilities for this series based on the variety of characters to which readers have already been introduced. Although this is the first book I have read by Grace Hitchcock, I intend to read much more from this author!

I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Have you ever wondered what a season of "The Bachelorette" would look like set in 1883? My Dear Miss Dupre will show you! Spinster Willow Dupre is cast in the role of the bachelorette, her mother takes on the role of "Chris Harrison" and her best friend Flora is the conscientious confidant who helps Willow sort out how she really feels.
An interesting concept, but I was happy for the intriguing sub plot running throughout. If the story had just been centered on the competition for her hand, I think I would have felt it was just a "knock off" of the television show.

This is the first book I have read by Grace Hitchcock and I enjoyed her writing. Her characters were beautifully written and with 30 bachelors vying for her hand they were diverse and unique. Mystery, danger and of course romance were plentiful in this book. I was happy to read that this is the first in a series...there were many characters I would love to read more about as they search for their one true love. My Dear Miss Dupre is Christian Fiction, themes of trusting God, forgiveness and waiting patiently for Him to move instead of seeking our own desires were plentiful throughout.

Thank you, Bethany House and Net Galley for the free DRC of My Dear Miss Dupre. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a fun twisty version of The Bachelorette, but set in the Gilded Age. Willow Dupré is forced to choose a man in six months to be her husband and to help run her family’s sugar refinery business. She’s to pick a mate from 30 of New York’s elite families. The process is so fun as it unfolds and you’re never quite certain which guy she’ll choose. A delight, especially for lovers of romance and strong female characters.

4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 02 Mar 2021
#MyDearMissDupré #NetGalley

Thanks to the author, Bethany House, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed reading My Dear Miss Dupre by Grace Hitchcock! I'm a huge fan of books with a strong female lead. Willow is strong willed, brave, hardworking and caring. Poor Willow is being forced into a competition that will help her choose a husband, bachelorette style. Strait away Cullen was mysterious and Teddy was sweet and loving. I liked the 3 POV and honesty had no clue who she was going to choose in the end as I was inside cheering them each for different reasons! Twist and turns throughout the book had me wanting to scream "NO, don't do it!" and "Just do it!". The different personalities of the suitors were fun and unique, making me laugh and squirm at times. If you love dating competitions, you'll love this fun take on it!

I wasn’t sure what to do expect from this book since I’d never read Grace Hitchcock before but at the recommendation of my bestie I dove in. And it was an absolute delight! As an huge fan of the Bachelor franchise I loved that this was basically The Bachelorette set in the Gilded Age and all the little nods to the show had me cracking up. It was like getting a bonus season, but it was also unique in its own right with a fresh writing style that had me completely enraptured. It was light-hearted and fun without going to over the top ploys for hilarities sake.
Willow was a fun heroine, and I liked that she was the strong can-do-whatever-she-sets-her-mind-to type without being abrasive and refusing to accept help. She had a hard job before her not only finding someone she could have as a husband but also one she could trust to be her partner in business. I thought she handled things admirably and I enjoyed the circumstances that led to some of the eliminations.
I feel like the author did a great job of not making it abundantly clear which of the front runners she would choose while also not making it feel like a love triangle.
I enjoyed the entirety of this book though I wasn’t as completely sucked in for the second half as I was for the first! This was a strong start to the series though and I’m looking forward to what else the author has in store for us!

The self-assured and enterprising Willow Dupre has been preparing for years for the day when she will step into her father's role as head of the Dupre Sucre sugar business. When Mr. Dupre falls ill, the capable Willow is ready to take the reins. But the board objects. In this Gilded Age, unmarried women do not run companies. Mr. and Mrs. Dupre hatch a plan: 30 potential suitors receive coveted invitations to court the dear Miss Dupre. As Willow learns to entrust her future to God, yielding her hopes and dreams to Him, she narrows the field. Ultimately only one man will remain. But who will it be?

Grace Hitchcock has become one of my favorite historical fiction writers and this book did not disappoint. The closer I got to the end, the faster I had to turn the pages. This book kept me guessing until the end!

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

Yes - read it! This first in the series starts out very strong and sets up some great future reads.

While you don't exactly know who are the two main characters (this is a romance after all), there are plenty of interesting characters you can enjoy and root for! There are plenty of sub plots to keep your mind engaged and make for a really enjoyable read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for an ARC to help me prepare for this review.

My Dear Miss Dupré, Book 1 of the American Royalty series, started out as a rather fun, frivolous high society story set in the Gilded Age; however, it turned out to be so much more! A unique, steadily moving plot that keeps you guessing; an intriguing subplot; delightful, diverse characters including a strong-willed female protagonist; an outlandish romantic competition; bits of humor; and an inspiring faith element combine to make an enjoyable, captivating read. I was drawn in from the beginning and stayed invested to the end. This well-written tale by an extraordinary storyteller is sure to delight and entertain, and I highly recommend it! I look forward to Book 2 in the series.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

My Dear Miss Dupre is a fascinating story of Willow, a business minded woman who, decided by her parents, must find a husband. Quickly. So they set up a competition with thirty men from their area to wed her and help assist her in the family sugar business. Beginning on New Year's eve, she must decide on one husband by June. She gets it narrowed down to eight, and eventually three, all the while, one man she really is interested in is working with her business adversary. Cullen, however, has become a changed man since meeting her. He is no longer working with the adversary, but rather working with Pinkerton agents to arrest the man. On the last day of this competition she has to decide between him and one other man, and it is a difficult decision for her. Great story I really enjoyed!

I loved everything about this book! It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. This is the first book I've read about dating competitions and it was wonderful. It will keep you guessing until the end who she will choose. It was a fun read and I look forward to the next book in this series. Thank you Bethany House and Grace Hitchcock via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Willow Dupre, eldest daughter and future CEO of the Dupre Sucre sugar company, needs to find a husband. In 1883 New York, the executive board of the sugar company isn’t willing to be subjected being led by a single female, no matter how capable. To ensure that Willow makes a proper match, her parents devise a competition in which 30 of New York’s most eligible bachelors will vie for the position of Willow’s husband and co-CEO of the family business. For fans of television’s The Bachelorette, this book will be a treat.

I requested to read and review this book for free from Bethany house Publishing Company. This book takes place in the 1800s. This story has romance, mystery, suspense and some comedy. It may or may not end like you think it should. It's a book for any type of reader and can be read anywhere. This book reminds me of a 1800s version of the Bachelorette! Can you actually forgive someone completely when they did something wrong? If they try or don't try to make it right? You will cheer on Will and the other surrounding her to make the right decision.

An utterly enchanting story from Grace Hitchcock! My Dear Miss Dupré captivated me from the beginning, and I never wanted it to end. I absolutely adored the parallels to modern reality shows The Bachelor and The Bachelorette (I definitely giggled a bit at the similarities), and I loved following Hitchcock’s Gilded Age version.

What I loved most about this story is the characters. Each were relatable in unique ways, and I absolutely need to see more of Teddy and Kit especially. Cullen’s moral dilemma and his devotion to Willow were so wonderfully written that I sincerely felt what both he and Willow were feeling. Hitchcock truly has a gift!

My Dear Miss Dupré will keep readers completely enraptured. I cannot recommend it highly enough, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the rest of the series! 5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I read about a book a day, and this was one of the most entertaining books I've read in quite some time! In a Victorian-age Bachelorette, Willow is being forced to find a husband as quickly as possible. It truly plays out like the Bachelorette tv show, with hijinks, underhandedness, and multiple affections...but this a Christian romance, so it is clean. It ended the way I had hoped, and I cannot wait for the author to write the next book in the series....I sincerely hope it is about Flora and the runner-up (did you think I would reveal the winner?), as they deserve their happily-ever-after, too!

My Dear Miss Dupre by Grace Hitchcock is similar to the TV show the Bachelorette, but set in the American Gilded Age. Not so willing participant, Willow Dupre, the heir of the Dupre sugar fortune can not believe what her family had gotten her into. She has 6 months to choose a husband and get married or lose her family business. No pressure!

I enjoyed meeting Willow’s family, her friends, and the bachelors. My Dear Miss Dupre had good chemistry, well crafted scenes, and the elegance reminiscent of the time period. I found the story original, romantic, funny, and I was wondering how it would all come together up until the end. It was truly a pleasure to read.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Bachelorette 1880’s style! My Dear Miss Dupre, opens on New Year’s Eve, New York City, 1882. Willow Dupre has been given control of her ailing father’s sugar empire. There are just a few slight problems. She’s a woman. She’s unmarried. She’s in charge of a business. In the 1880’s, this was simply unacceptable- on all accounts! Unbeknownst to Willow, her parents have devised a plan to help “fix” those problems. Enter 29 eligible bachelors. Willow’s parents have created a competition. The winner of this competition gets to marry Willow and become the “head” of the Dupre Sucre. Willow is not, and I repeat, not in favor of this plan! She feels trapped. She’s content running her father’s business and being unmarried. However, she loves her family and realizes that her father could lose the business (to her conniving cousin) because the company shareholders are demanding that a male figure be in charge. So, with that in mind, she agrees to her parents’ crazy scheme and starts to court these 29 bachelors. Some of the lucky bachelors chosen to compete are Cullen Dempsey (an Irish mystery man), Teddy Day (childhood friend), Kit Quincy (childhood crush), Friedrich Blythe (avid botanist), and many more. They all have 6 months to woo Willow into picking one of them for her husband. The competition is complete with the handing out of laurel crowns, one-on-one dates, group dates, and constant bickering between the male contestants. Throughout the story she whittles down the contestants until there are but a few remaining. Her heart begins to waver between the few that are left. Who will she choose? Who will win her heart? Who could end up destroying her and everyone she loves? I found this book to be quite delightful. It started off a bit slow and with a few eyerolls from me from all the drama. However, once the competition really got underway, I found myself intrigued and rooting for several of the bachelors. Willow surprised me many times by letting go the ones I was certain she would choose. Romance, drama, mystery, betrayal, and courage were all wrapped up into one cozy novel. It took a while for Willow to choose- this was going to be permanent after all, but in the end, I believe she chose wisely. This was my first book by Grace Hitchcock but certainly won’t be my last! Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the ARC of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

Beautiful, breathtaking, daring, adventure, romance...all these describe this book perfectly!
I am not even sure where to begin with this book. It has left me nearly speechless. It was perfect, I don't think there is a thing I would change. Oh there were times I was very worried how this all would end, but it ended very well indeed.
Willow Dupre is such a fascinating character. I don't think I could do justice to how much I liked her. She was daring, had insecurities, was a secret romantic and all around loveable lady. I cannot imagine having to go through all she did.
Cullen Dempsey was my favorite from the very beginning. I really liked his character. I mean how do you not fall in love with a man that is tall and has green eyes and is Irish no less?
Teddy, Oh Teddy. How you irritated me at times. I really wanted to like you, if you appear again in the future please be nicer.
As for Kit, I really hope he appears in a book and finds his own love. I secretly rooted for him too. There was something about him I simply loved.
I highly recommend this book, it was amazing. Please write more Grace Hitchcock. Please!! I already need the next book.

Don’t judge a book by its cover, this is one entertaining and delightful adventure with so many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Miss Depre’s parents are in a bind and need to have their daughter marry to save the family business. This took Miss Dupre by surprise, but she quickly accepted her parents wishes to proceed with her choosing a man that would be her husband in the next several months.

I adored this book which reminded me of our modern-day Bartlett Show. I enjoyed walking in Miss Dupre’s shoes as she takes on an impossible task of getting to know sixteen of these men in the hopes of finding not only a husband but a love match. Can she do that in such a short period of time? Her parents seem to think so.

I enjoyed how this author helps you know all the men up for grabs and strings readers along as the author reveals a mysterious plot to obtain the key role of husband to Miss Dupre. Readers hope she finds the rat before it’s too late. This book was pure joy and so much fun to read and would work well for your next book club meeting. I highly recommend it. This is the first book I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

This was an enjoyable read that will make you think of the Bachelorette only set in Gilded Age New York high society. There were moments of tension, and I really hope to see some of the bachelors and one best friend get their own books. There may be a sister who needs one as well. But the focus of this book is on Willow Dupre and the artificial pressure placed on her to find and marry a groom and the elaborate competition her parents set up. If you love Jen Turano's books, then you will enjoy this one too.

I really enjoyed this book by Grace Hitchcock. I liked how it was “the Bachelorette” but set in the late 1800s. I really enjoyed seeing the different men try to win her heart. I also liked how we weren’t entirely sure who she would end up with until the end. I also really like Cullen and how he wouldn’t give up trying to be with Willow. I like the romance in this book and I also like seeing some of the historical aspects in it as well. Overall, a great book and I would love to read more by her.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

While I have never watched the Bachelor, I do enjoy some reality shows and was intrigued by the premise of this book. Willow Dupre’s dad is unable to continue running his sugar empire. While Willow is fully capable of doing so, the board doesn’t trust a woman at the helm. Willow’s parents come up with a plan to get her married within six months.

“I wonder if my parents could have fashioned a more uncomfortable means of finding the love of my life” (location 217). No, I don’t think so. Willow’s parents invite 30 hand-selected men to their mansion to court their daughter. She is to converse and go on outings with them and decide which of them will be cut or remain in the competition.

It was a bit predictable. The favorites were quickly apparent. It had some similiarities to the Princess Diaries 2 movie with the questionable motives, betrayal, portfolios, guiding friend, etc. Still, I really enjoyed it and will look forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I have been seeing this around and eas excited to read it. I really enjoyed the humor and the fun journey Miss Dupré finds her self lart of in the Golden era Bachelorette style attempt to find a husband!

I enjoyed the process and seeing who stayed and who left early, and loved getting to know the characters!

Welcome to the Gilded Age’s version of the Bachelorette. Willow Dupre has six months to choose a husband from the thirty men her parents have picked out for her. Otherwise, she may not get to run her father’s sugar company. Willow feels she should be allowed to run the company without the aid of a husband; however, the board members think differently.

So begins Willow’s search for a husband. I was glad to see some of these dudes eliminated and pull for my choice. I also enjoyed the bits of humor inserted within the story. Sweet story.

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is my own.

Set up similar to the Bachelorette, Miss Dupre’s parents send invitations to the most eligible, upper class, bachelors to complete for the hand of their daughter in marriage. But instead of a rose, she sets a wreath of laurel upon their heads. The hook for the bachelors is by marriage to Miss Dupre, they are promised to run her father’s prestigious sugar refinery . And for Ms Dupre it is the only way to save her father’s company from being bought up by their competition as the board refuses to let a women run the company.
“He lifted his hand, staying her argument. “You and I both know that you are as capable if not more than any gentleman. But businessmen wed all the time to secure their footing in the world. If you wish to be treated as a businessman, er, businesswoman, you must make certain sacrifices for the good of the company. So, I must ask you, are you truly ready to wed someone in order to reign?” Willow had longed to be treated as an equal since she was a young girl, and her father, forward-thinking as he was, had made certain to educate and train her to take over as he would have any son. And any son of his would have had to marry for the betterment of the business. She was no exception. “Yes,” she answered.” And so the competition begins.

All her life, Willow Dupré has longed to help her father in his sugar refining business. And despite the naysayers, Willow has taken business classes at the university and worked alongside her father. Her mother has ensured Willow learned the social graces necessary to take part in New York Society.

When her parents surprise her with a crazy scheme to find a king to reign with her as the sugar queen, Willow balks at the idea. But when they explain the stockholders of the sugar company won’t let Willow take over for her ailing father without the support of a man, Willow realizes she must submit to their plan.

Her parents invite 30 eligible bachelors from society to spend time courting Willow—at the same time. She has just six months to fall in love and accept a proposal.

The list of bachelors includes a dear childhood friend, a hero from her youth, and a mysterious man who intrigues her. Will any of them turn out to be the perfect match—both in business and in love?

Why I Love This Book

Hitchcock marries The Bachelorette with America’s Gilded Age (1870s-1900s)—a time when many wealthy women married the man of their parents’ dreams for business purposes and few men considered women intelligent enough to make simple decisions, much less run a business.

With intrigue, suspense, action, romance, and historical detail, this book will tickle the romance fancy of lovers of inspirational historical fiction. Fans of Jen Turano and Sarah E. Ladd, and Jocelyn Green will enjoy My Dear Miss Dupré.

My Dear Miss Dupre by Grace Hitchcock

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

Grace Hitchcock brings readers the start of a new series entitled American Royalty - a start that kicks the series off with a Gilded Age "Bachelorette" styled romance that is spiced with excellent characters, snappy wit and just a bit of intrigue to keep things interesting.

This is one of those really delightful stories that pulls you in from page one and keeps you smiling after you finish the last page. Willow Dupre is the heiress to Dupre Sucre Company and has all the necessary qualifications to run the company with one exception - she is not a man. In an effort to appease the Board of Directors and allow her the opportunity to run things as she would like, her parents create an opportunity for Willow to find a husband of her choice. They have invited thirty of The Four Hundreds' most eligible bachelors to participate in a courting contest for Willow's hand taking place at their home. Shocked by this seemingly outlandish idea, Willow balks at the contest but soon comes to see the merit of such a plan. She is determined to find someone that she can not only depend on to allow her the freedom she desires but also someone she can love. So begins the contest and her introduction to some wonderful, and not so wonderful, gentlemen. Included in the gentlemen vying for her hand is an old friend, convinced she will fall in love with him, a mysterious Irishman, a childhood crush, a botanist and a host of other varied individuals. There is plenty of personality crashing around and lots of bravado coming from the most amorous of candidates. But alongside this incredible decision, Grace must discover how an vicious competitor of her company is keeping his hand in her business. Can she manage both? Will she find love? Is anyone not who they present themselves to be? These questions and others must be answered before Willow can finally become the leader she has always dreamed of being and finding the love she has secretly longed for. I loved the styling of this story and the development of the plot. Everything was so engaging and creative that I found myself smiling hugely at the careful crafting of scenes and the characters. Details of each situation were laid out so as to give only the information necessary while keeping the air of mystery intact. I loved the oddities of some of Willow's suitors and their hilarious attempts to gain her attention. One of my favorite odd characters was Mr. Harolds - his scene with Willow and the examination of her head was hysterical. Cullen was a marvelous "hero" and I loved reading of his struggle to do the right thing. Teddy was somewhat annoying in his arrogance towards Willow but I really felt like he did love Willow as much as he said. I also really liked Willow's friend, Flora, who seemed to be very excited to help Willow sort through the suitors. She was honest in her opinions and did make Willow think through her decisions about whether to keep a suitor or no. I could easily see her having her own story and it being a very good one. I will certainly be recommending this story to others in the hope that they will enjoy this fantastic story as I did. I will also be purchasing a copy of this book for my shelves as I know I will want to read it again. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

The Bachelorette meets the gilded age. While I am not a fan of the modern-day series, it seems back in the days of the New York 400, the elite would pull any number of stunts to gain a favorable match for their daughters, so why not a contest with 30 of the most eligible & desirable bachelors? I did think the contest stretched along farther than realistic for some of the poor besotted chaps. Of course, the final 2 were both favorites and the winner was obvious from the get-go, who I liked and was pulling for. The bad guy, in this case, was intriguing because he did not receive a lot of face time in the story, but his ominous presence lingered throughout. I enjoyed how Cullen grew closer to God as he sought to correct his ways and rely less on himself. Teddy was such a sweet, dear friend, but I found his ending to be rather unbelievable.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and the reading of something "different" and new compared to other historical, fiction novels I have read & I recommend it.

4 Stars= Very Good

I won this book in a Christmas drawing the author kindly held without further expectations. All opinions are mine alone.

What a creative idea for a book! Willow Dupre is an heiress who spent years preparing to run her family company and has no interest in marrying, however the company's board of directors won't let her take over without a husband at her side. Willow's parents devise a competition between thirty carefully selected bachelors to win Willow's hand in marriage. Willow has a set number of months to select a husband from this group that she gets to know through various dates and outings.

I found it challenging to keep track of the men in the beginning, but as some were eliminated from the competition and the group became smaller, this was not a problem at all. I would have liked the author to have used the opportunity to make some of the men even more eccentric and humorous, however she did a good job giving them each their own, very unique, personalities.

I liked Willow because she is an independent yet soft-hearted woman. I appreciated her passion for the family business and her drive to want to take over. Willow's head and heart battled during the competition and I wasn't sure which was going to win in the end.

While the main focus of the book is on the competition and Willow being forced to select a husband, there are some suspense and intrigue woven in as well. There were twists at the end that I never saw coming which I thought were excellent! I also really liked Willow's best friend Flora for her support of Willow and her spunkiness.

I found it inspiring that one of the competitors with a nefarious past, comes back to his relationship with the Lord through the events of the competition.

If you like stories set in the Gilded Age or are just looking for a unique read, I think you'll like this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In this 1880’s version of The Bachelorette, sugar heiress Willow Dupré is reluctantly thrust into a competition arranged by her parents to secure a husband in time to appease the board members threatening to sell their shares to a ruthless competitor. Deciding a husband from 30 of New York’s most eligible bachelors in such a public way is the last thing Willow wants to do, but she has little choice with less than 6 months to marry if she wants to take over her father’s company.

Among the suitors is Cullen Dempsey, who was planted by Willow’s nefarious competitor as a spy in order to appease a debt. But upon meeting Willow, Cullen quickly finds himself unable to follow through as she begins to capture his heart. He turns instead to the Pinkertons, in hopes of turning the tables on the competitor and freeing himself from his clutches.

The nods in this story to The Bachelorette are overwhelming, from the crowning ceremonies to the drama and everything in between. A lot of what goes on is a little unrealistic for the time. Willow’s reputation would have suffered irreparable damage and there’s no way her parents would have set her up for such a thing. However, I chose to let it go and enjoy the story for what it was. It WAS a fun story to read. There were funny moments and serious moments and dramatic moments. Willow made plenty of mistakes, over and over again. But her heart was in the right place, and I’m glad she was able to forgive and follow her heart. The happy ending was hard fought and not without casualties along the way.

Definitely recommended for those who enjoy the Bachelorette, less so, maybe, if the show drives you crazy. I think Jen Turano fans will enjoy this, and while Grace Hitchcock doesn’t have Jen’s signature humor that leaves me actually laughing out loud, this story had its moments.

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this story. My opinions are my own.

Willow Dupre is a delightful early twentieth-century American. Her family's money makes her American royalty. I enjoy reading about British dukes, duchesses, lords, and ladies. My Dear Miss Dupre by Grace Hitchcock offers the reader an American version. Willow is a delightful character and the cast surrounding her are believable. This is fun and gets quite exciting as it nears the conclusion.

This book was preposterous in its premise - yet I couldn't put it down! The bachelorette set in history - it was fun! Eye-rolling humor and a somewhat predictable ending, but a light, enjoyable read for fans of the TV series!

Having read Hitchcock's The Gray Chamber and The White City, the style and plot of My Dear Miss Dupré were quite unexpected. The mystery elements of Hitchcock's latest book are what kept me engaged. The romantic elements were not. The book reads like an 1882 version of The Bachelorette, but that said, the whimsical nature of the plot and the opportunities to piece together clues did lead me to give this book four stars. The theme of returning to a trusting relationship with our sovereign Lord was also a strong and endearing element of My Dear Miss Dupré.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this, the first book in Grace Hitchcock's new American Royalty series, from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

There was a lot to love about this debut novel. I enjoyed the set-up—very The Bachelor-esque but set back in the gilded age. I liked the humor and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me turning pages. Towards the end I started to have a few qualms with the heroine, but nothing that kept me from overall enjoying the book. I'm looking forward to reading more from Grace Hitchcock!

This book was such a fun read! Imagine the Bachelorette, except clean and modest in the late 1800s New York. Willow Dupre is heir to a sugar empire. However the board refuses to allow a woman to take over. She has to find a husband so her parents choose men to vie for her affection. It is witty, fun, mysterious, and action packed at times. The journey to find a husband is full of antics. I really enjoyed the read! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. It was almost a “Bachelor”-style story but set in the late 1800s. I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the storyline. It isn’t often you see the “Bachelor” trope in a historical context. This book was written from three different perspectives; Willow Dupre, Cullen Dempsey (one of the bachelor’s vying for Willow’s hand) and Theodore Day (another bachelor competing for Willow’s hand in marriage and a childhood friend of Willow.) This was interesting because, although you assumed Cullen would be the leading man due to his name being in the blurb, it wasn’t clear whether Cullen or Teddy would win overall. I even enjoyed the twists at the end of this story.

I look forward to more writing from Grace Hitchock. I hope that Willow’s friend Flora get’s her story soon. I will also have to go back and read the other books Grace Hitchcock has already written.

Delightful! I really enjoyed this Guilded Age version of The Bachelorette! Much better than the reality TV show. Miss Dupre is poised to take over the leadership of her father's sugar business. With his failing health, the only way the board members will approve of this arrangement is if Miss Dupre finds a husband. Author Grace Hitchcock spins a delightful, page-turning tale, and I was kept wondering until the end. I can't wait for the next book in this series!



Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. I highly recommend this story, especially to fans of Jen Turano.

“American Royalty”
In 1882, Willow Dupre has only months to choose a husband out of thirty suitors if she wishes to remain in control of her family’s business. And all of the men aren’t as they seem.

Doesn’t that premise draw you in? That’s how My Dear Miss Dupre began, and I loved the uniqueness. Throughout the novel, we’re given the point-of-views of Willow and two suitors, a change from the typical romance that I appreciated. At first, I wasn’t entirely sure which to root for, and isn’t that what we wish for from a romance? Some extra uncertainty to keep us guessing?

Where things got a little iffy for me were the group outings between Willow and the suitors. I didn’t entirely see those as the best way to weed out the right man. Some forthright questions (I won’t get too specific) seemed like they would’ve done the trick faster. But once I got over that, I became enthralled with figuring out the mysteries thrown in about which of the men could be trusted. I will say I did wonder why she kept some of them around as long as she did—and one guy got off WAY too easy.
Willow rubbed me the wrong way sometimes, but her friend Flora—man, I had so much sympathy for her. She wins as a secondary character, and I hope she gets her own happy ending soon. While Willow came across a bit spoiled and naïve at times, I loved watching her growth. And of course, I heartily approved of her final choice.
This was a fun, intriguing start to the American Royalty series, and I’m looking forward to the next one. (I'm rooting for you, Flora.)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book, but the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
#netgalley #mydearmissdupre

Thanks to Bethany House for the free book.
This was a super fun and unique romance. Willow must wed to keep running her business, so she starts with sixteen suitors and works her way down to one, but will it be love? I enjoyed the premise of the book. Each suitor was so different from the next. Some of them made me cringe and with others, I wondered who Willow would end up choosing, and there were a few men that I was hoping would continue in the challenge. Willow was a progressive woman for the time this novel is written in - the late 1800s. I liked how she fought for her job and loved the work she was doing. It was also interesting to see how Hitchcock handled the juxtaposition between finding a suitable business partner and also possible love, but love for the right reasons.
I laughed, I hoped, and I was surprised by some of the men and plot points in this book. If you like historical romance, I bet you'll enjoy this one.

This story line was so unique and a fun twist on the gilded era in American history! I loved how Miss Dupre is a young woman who is invested in building up her family's company, but who also is a socialite. This was such a fun story and I look forward to reading the next book!

What a fun story! I loved it and was kept guessing throughout this fun tale!
This is kind of like an old fashioned bachelor show.
Willow Dupre is the heroine. She's heir to the Dupre fortune, but in order for her to be in charge of all of it, she has to get married.
So her parents decide to hold a competition, and send out invitations to the thirty most eligible bachelors.
Willow is at first rather horrified, when she hears of this. But, then she decides to make the best of it.
The story moves along quickly, and it definitely kept me glued to the pages!
I loved reading about those famed Fortune Four Hundred. Some of her potential beaus were from that wealthy set, but I'm not sure that they necessarily all were.....
There was plenty to keep me guessing, lots of mystery, and I never knew quite what to expect.
I did feel sorry for poor Willow. I mean, trying to keep up with one boyfriend is enough for any woman to handle, I can't imagine how this might have been!
The time dwindles, and she has to keep narrowing down the competition...sometimes she has an easy time deciding who to eliminate, but then, other times, she had a very difficult time of it.
Throughout the entire book, Grace Hitchcock just does such a fantastic job at bringing all of this to life in front of your eyes. The setting, the characters, all just very beautifully detailed.
If you are looking for a fun, light-hearted read, I highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

How wonderful would it be to have your pick of 30 of the richest young men in New York to marry? This is the situation Willow Dupré finds herself in as the board of her father’s sugar will not let her run the Dupré Sucré company without being married. As tempting and this sounds, how do you turn down the other twenty-nine suitors? How will Willow know the man she picks is the right one?

Willow discovers that some men are honorable, while others are looking to advance their careers and their pocketbooks by marrying her. Crazy things happen as the competition grows fierce for her hand and the number of potential husbands dwindles. Frauds, fisticuffs, and friction between the suitors and Willow made this part of the story entertaining. I grew partial to some of the men and others I was glad to see leave as they were not her type and would have been a disastrous choice.

I loved the secondary plot of her company’s competitor and his villainous activities to stop at nothing to ruin the Dupré Sucré empire. The duplicity of one of the suitors, his struggle with his past mistakes and righting them were what really provided suspense and depth to the story. Will he be the man Willow chooses after she finds out what he has done?

Flora, Willow’s best friend, was a godsend. She was a sounding board and a wise counselor in helping her with her suitors. Her candor was refreshing and what Willow needed since her mother was not helpful in guiding her. She was a true friend who intervened when it was necessary to ensure Willow’s happiness.

I am looking forward to reading the other books in the American Royalty series because Ms. Hitchcock has introduced some intriguing characters who I would like to see receive their happily ever after. I recommend this book and hope you will enjoy this story as much as I did.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide an honest review. I am not being compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Well well, I must say Hitchcock has written an interesting book with a very unique story line. Willow is a smart business woman who has given her life totally to her father’s business. She has decided to never marry; just devote her time and interest to the Sugar business. But the board/owners had another idea, no woman would have the deciding factor for the business. Thus in the year of 1882, her wealthy parents concoct the idea to have different suitors seek her hand and at the end of the contest, she must choose one of them to marry. Willow is a sharp business woman and perhaps a little naïve about human character and relationships. She is sweet and wants not to hurt anyone’s feelings. She rather likes all of the suitors and treats them as friends and doesn’t want to offend any of them…. There is humor and romance with the different types of contests her parents arrange. All of this is done publicly for all of society to see and read about. Yet she must choose one. One by one they are eliminated down to the last three. Which will she choose? Her dearest friend of long ago, or the one who truly seems to love her or the ex-boxer rogue?……I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Thankful for the pleasure to read and review.

I've never read a book quite like this one. My Dear Miss Dupre is a gilded age romance novel.
The premise of it caught and kept my attention.
This book will bring to your mind the show, Bachelor because of a similar premise.
It's a fun book to get through really.
Willow comes from an extremely well of family and sure possible suitors could be interested in her for her money but she wants to find that one man who will fall in love with her for herself.
Her family runs a sugar refinery and she is set to take it over but she needs to marry by a certain date.
Her parents set up a competition and she must mingle and make her choice of one of these potential suitors. We learn a little of some of the potential marriage contenders , see some disastors, some funny moments and some you just say to yourself what the heck where they thinking?
I enjoyed seeing how this unfolded .
Recommended!!!!

Pub Date 02 Mar 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

What a great fun story this was! I mean from the very first chapter it has you chuckling. Willow Dupre is part of one of the most elite families of New York in 1883. However, she is not your typical socialite. She is smart and extremely business minded as she has been trained by her father to one day take over the sugar empire he father has built. However the board members only see Willow as a woman who should be paying more attention in finding a husband rather than concerning herself with the business. Due to her father's health declining, both her parents come up with a plan to marry her off. Oh goodness this was hilarious! Her mother was hilarious in all of this!

The romance in this was nail biting for me! There were two great candidates in my opinion and one of course that was running the lead the whole time but of course only one can "win" the competition and win Willow's heart. I will not give you any clues because you really should read the story! But I will say that Willow does have some tough choices ahead of her. She definitely seeks guidance from God but in the end she has some tough choices to make as she must trust herself to do so.

Overall this book was great! I really loved the spin off of the TV show the Bachelorette in this setting. There is intrigue, suspense and of course romance! I can't wait to read more from this new to me author and see where the next book in the series takes us! I would love to have a story with Willow's best friend Flora and if you read it you'll know why!

I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for My Dear Miss Dupre by Grace Hitchcock.

This was a fun bachelorette style book but set in the Gilded Age, which is my favorite time period!

Willow is slightly unusual for a women of her status in the 1880s where is she college educated and ready to take on running her families sugar refinery. Until the shareholders are unwilling to have a female take over. Willow's parents set up 30 potential suitors from the New York elite set to choose from to help her run the family business.

This is a fun book and I loved the different premise. This is a Christian publisher, so there are themes of that in the book but it doesn't take away from the book.

A delightful story, similar to The Bachelorette. Willow’s fathers health is failing and she has been studying to run the family company. But the board is requiring her to be married because she is just a woman. Her family arranges a competition for her to meet a suitor, but the time limit to do this is short.

Do you like the Bachelorette? Admittedly, I’ve never watched it or been all that interested, but the idea of a woman in the 1880s having to chose a husband from among thirty suitors over the course of six months—consider me intrigued! And Grace Hitchcock delivered in My Dear Miss Dupré.

Willow Dupré didn’t plan to marry, instead she invested in becoming the heir apparent to her father’s sugar empire. But the shareholders have other ideas. They don’t want a woman at the helm, so Willow must pick a husband or give up her dream of running the company. Neither option suits, so her parents surprise her with a competition. Willow’s only hope is to fall in love with one of the thirty gentleman her parents pre-selected.

Of course things get complicated. The collection of men include a long time friend, an old crush, a handsome stranger… the list goes on, leaving readers unsure who Willow will pick in the end. Frankly, I couldn’t pick who I wanted her to end up with either! And that’s what I loved about this story. The author made readers truly care about all the participants.

If you’re looking for a unique historical romance, definitely pick up a copy of My Dear Miss Dupré. It’s the first book in Grace Hitchcock’s American Royalty series and I can’t wait to find out all about book two.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

A delightful read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A unique story line. Unforgettable characters. And a very satisfying ending. Five stars.

What do you get when you mix The Bachelorette with a Gilded Age fiction? The unique historical fiction read My Dear Miss Dupre. Fans of the popular reality show are sure to enjoy the premise of this story--- a young woman having to choose from thirty eligible bachelors to marry. Definitely sounds like the makings of an entertaining read, doesn't it?

Overall, I found it to be rather enjoyable. While it took me a little bit to get into the story, I enjoyed the unique idea behind the story. Now, I do have to wonder how historically accurate parts of the story might be... the idea of 30 suitors in that time period seems a little unlikely, for example. Personally, I don't mind if books aren't historically accurate for the sake of a good story.

If you enjoy a fun historical read, this is certainly one to check out.


**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

I absolutely enjoyed My Dear Miss Dupre by Grace Hitchcock, and now cannot wait for book 2 in this series. I had so much fun getting lost in this fabulous storyline. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a 19th century-version of The Bachelorette because I’m not a fan of the modern television series, but I feel Hitchcock knocked this plot-line out of the park! I was engaged the entire time and felt like the pages flew by. I found the main conflicts — Willow’s immediate need for a husband and her father’s failing health — to be compelling and quite realistic for her time period. The characters are well-written, unique, and relatable overall. Cullen Dempsey is the BEST hero: he’s thoughtful, he pays attention, he’s cognizant of his failings and desires to better himself, and he’s got a heart the size of Texas. I love how he is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of what is right. And, I love how strong, capable, and manly he is. Cullen is the full package and the perfect hero to Willow’s heroine. As far as secondary characters go, Willow’s best friend, Flora, is my favorite. I actually wish she had a larger role in this story, but I’m hoping she will get more time in future installments of this series. My favorite aspect of Flora’s character is how supportive she is to Willow, but also how she keeps Willow grounded — she says the things Willow needs to hear and she refuses to sugarcoat things. Flora is a testament to true and honest friendship.

In addition to the fabulous storyline and wonderful characters, I appreciate the timely themes discussed in My Dear Miss Dupre. The topic that resonated the most with me is that of following my will versus God’s will. Cullen is the character who struggles with this issue the most and I appreciate how he deals with this. Cullen is sure he is on the right track — he has prayed about his situation, he’s made the “right” choice, but then things go wrong. Then he questions: “I thought I was obeying You … was it only me again? Trying to force my will?” What excellent self-reflection, and so relatable as I do this myself. I think I’m doing the right thing and I feel I’m on God’s right path. I pray all the time about all the things happening in my life. Things seem to be going well, and then, “BAM!,” I’m walloped up the side of the head and left wondering if it’s cause I’m forcing my will over God’s or if it’s just Life throwing a wrench into my existence. Regardless, I like that Cullen kept praying especially when things looked really dark. It’s a great illustration of the type of relationship we should all strive to have with God.

My Dear Miss Dupre is a truly wonderful Historical Romance that I wholeheartedly recommend. If you have not yet read this excellent story, you’ll want to as soon as possible as it’s a real gem.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Absolutely wonderful characters who made me laugh and melted my heart. I found this book to be highly addictive with each passing page, I couldn’t put it down. A fantastic plot that kept the reader so intrigued by each of the different suitors and quickly forming an opinion on who would suit best. This is definitely a fun and entertaining book that will grab your full attention from the very start. There were many times that I was laughing out loud as another suitor bit the dust and was asked to leave or matched out the door himself. The romance that is formed is so romantic and flirty it leaves you with stars in your eyes and a smile on your lips! I’m so excited for the next book in the American Royalty series.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

This book reminded me of the Bachelorette, its' set in the late 1800's and I immensely enjoyed it.
I could hardly put it down and it was captivating and yet, mystery.
It was full of trusting God and learning from your mistakes. Grace was woven within the pages.
I enjoyed the camaraderie and was pleased that my life is not as crazy as the book and being watched by reporters.
This was well worth reading!

If you like historical romances, opulence to the extreme, the Bachelorette, and love triangles (or a triacontagon), this is a book for you. Bordering on ridiculous (which the main character acknowledges multiple times throughout the book), the story is mostly light-hearted and fun, with a few serious bits woven in. Sometimes the Bachelorette-ishness was just a bit too much for me, but overall I liked it. It took a while for me to figure out which man to root for, and I have hopes the other man will have his own story in a later book in the series.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own and are unbiased.

I absolutely loved this book. It is the year 1882 and Miss Dupré needs a husband to keep her place at her father's sugar company. In order to find her daughter a husband, her mother creates a competition similar to The Bachelorette.
Much like you would expect, the competition has its fair share of drama and deception. These elements made it all the more engaging and entertaining. The characters were so fun to read about, I especially loved how strong Willow was when it came to business and personal relationships. The story overall was so cute and fun and I am so ready to read the next book in this series!

What a great story! You can’t help but fall in love with Willow Dupre. She’s caring, funny, and has a personality that’s all her own. I also loved the setting of this book. The author did a great job of describing the social scene among the elite “Four Hundred” and the way that Willow navigates this and all her “suitors” makes for entertaining reading. There’s also a faith aspect to the book that adds some encouragement and inspiration for the reader. A great storyline and a sparkling main character makes this one a must-read in the Christian historical fiction category. I’m hoping to see another new book soon from this author.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.