Loving Lady Lilac by Sariah Drake

Synopsis of the book: Eleanor Stanton has hidden in the shadows for two years, convinced the brutal attack that killed her brother and scarred her face has made her unworthy of love. When her father's failing health threatens to destroy her family, Eleanor must face the ton that whispers behind fans at her disfigurement.

Enter Elias Yates, Duke of Gainsbury—the only man who sees past her scars to the fierce woman beneath. His shocking acceptance awakens dreams Eleanor thought buried forever. But as she falls deeper under his spell, she discovers the perfect duke harbors dangerous secrets of his own.

When Eleanor uncovers what Elias does after midnight, their fairy-tale romance shatters. Now, with deadly enemies from her past closing in, she must return to the shadows or trust a man whose every kindness might have been a lie.

✨ My 19th read of 2025 and the 10th read of my summer challenge ✨

I think it's safe to say that I've found my new favorite author! This is only my second Sariah Drake novel, but I've fallen in love with her writing, characterization, and storytelling ability! Loving Lady Lilac kept me on the edge of my seat with its unexpected twists and turns and swoony closed door romance! I enjoyed the character building in this story-Eleanor and Elias are the most perfectly imperfect couple. ❤️ The mental health awareness and representation in this story was very insightful to read, and I believe it's an important element to add to fictional stories as it's an overlooked issue in the real world. I highly recommend this novel and author!

✨ Loving Lady Lilac is the second novel in The Dowager's Garden series, which can also be read as a standalone. Suitable for young adult readers and older. Contains mental health content that may be sensitive to some readers. ✨

Genres: Christian Fiction, Closed Door, Historical Fiction, Regency, Romance

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you for the complimentary copy, @sariahdrakeauthor


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