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The Runaway Duchess

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The Runaway Duchess

By: Joanna Lowell
Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells
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About this listen

A runaway bride dumps a duke and rewrites her own love story in this enchanting Victorian historical romance from the author of The Duke Undone.

Pretty and pampered, Lavinia Yardley always dreamed of becoming a duchess. But family disgrace forces her into marriage with the most vile duke in England, and she finds herself desperate for a way out. When a rustic stranger mistakes her for globe-trotting botanist Muriel Pendrake at a train station, Lavinia has a split second to decide whether to submit to her fate or steal someone else's.

Neal Traymayne spent his youth traveling the world as Varnham Nursery's most daring plant hunter. Now he runs the nursery and is ready to settle down with a like-minded wife who'll fit right in with his large, happy, down-to-earth family. His correspondence with Muriel Pendrake proved they're the perfect match. Odd that the woman in the flesh seems more like a society belle than a scientist.

As they tramp the Cornish moors together, Lavinia and Neal discover a wild and rare desire. But this blossoming love is rooted in lies, and when the real Muriel Pendrake shows up, they can't hide from who they are. The truth may wither their hopes of happiness, or it may bloom into the sweetest love of all.

©2022 Joanna Lowell (P)2022 Penguin Audio
Historical Fiction Romance Victorian Marriage Feel-Good
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Critic reviews

“Lowell’s finely wrought characters don’t have it easy when it comes to navigating restrictive Victorian society, but even their most outrageous actions ring true. Readers will be swept away by this entrancing, intelligent romance.” —Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"Compelling and exquisitely crafted, The Runaway Duchess is a beautiful romance that enchants from the very first page. Lowell's wit, sumptuous imagery, and vivid, endearing characters combine to make this a swooningly gorgeous read. Highly recommended." —India Holton, Author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels

“Lowell's smart and sumptuous tale is sure to please fans of Victorian romance.” —Booklist

What listeners say about The Runaway Duchess

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    4 out of 5 stars

Loved it - eventually!

Struggled to work out where this concept was going at the beginning but once things were sorted out, this book, thanks to Mary Jane Wells' excellent narration, was wonderfully enjoyable & heartwarming


Joanna Lowell's love scene was one of the very best I have read or heard.

Thank you Joanna & Mary Jane. More please.

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Loved it, just love it.

Oddly, it took me a few chapters to realise it was a follow on from "the Duke undone". but what a wonderful story in its own. truly lovely and heartwarming. a proper romance.
I'm always a fan of the narrator; she brings stories to life.

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Loved the first one and this was good too

The first one I loved and this was a good follow up and looking forward to the next

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Mary Jane Wells & Joanna Lowell are perfection

What a lovely second installment. I think I enjoyed it, somehow, MORE than the first… Lowell brings something incredibly whimsical and unique to period writing and romance.

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Good sequel

A very enjoyable audiobook that was well narrated despite the mispronounciation of Cornish place names.

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Not as good as the Duke Undone

I struggled a bit to get through this one, the first bit went on too long and it was all rather predictable. It was good in parts. I suspect Lavinia wasn’t a likeable enough heroine. It may be just me. Give it a go if you enjoyed the last one.

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Did not finish

I have no idea if this book was any good I could not finish it. I only listened to 3 chapters because I disliked the narration so much. The screeching voice used for Lavinia grated on my nerves so much. I have listened to other books using this narrator so was very disappointed.

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1 person found this helpful