AN AMERICAN DUCHESS

Cultural and societal differences challenge two women and their
romantic interests in Victorian England.

Emma Brinkman Northcott never thought she’d leave her ranch in
Colorado. When her new husband, Beranger Northcott, learns he’s the new Duke of
Brightshire, he agrees to return to England with his American wife in tow.
Charlotte Aldridge is a scullery maid at the Brightshire estate. Orphaned at a
young age, she’s never had a chance to enjoy the finer things in life. As Emma
settles into English life, she takes the young woman under her wing, oblivious
to the rules of propriety. While Emma attempts to acclimate to British society
as an outsider, Charlotte begins to fall in love with a man above her station.
The two women form a lovely friendship. Charlotte helps Emma navigate the
unspoken rules of being a duchess, and Emma encourages Charlotte’s growth into
a confident young woman. There’s an intense focus on gossip and personal
politics, so much so that neither romance is very strong. Fans of more
traditional historical romances will find this straddles the line between
historical fiction and romance given the lack of standard genre conventions.
Though Emma’s and Charlotte’s individual storylines are given equal time, they
aren’t equally as enjoyable. Charlotte is an admirable heroine; she wants to
establish her own identity beyond being a maid. Emma’s sudden unconventional
circumstance—an American who now holds the title of duchess—has potential but
never becomes interesting enough to compete with Charlotte’s more tender
storyline. Simply put, it’s fine. The lack of exciting romantic entanglements
and engaging scenarios makes this a forgettable read, especially when compared
with other historical romances.

A half-baked plot with two lukewarm romances.