As the secret goings-on at her family's estate come to light, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love. Insecurity about her previous lack of suitors soon becomes confusion as Miranda finds herself equally intrigued by Marlow, a man she has come to depend upon but whose behavior grows more suspicious by the day. Shockingly, this breach of etiquette results in a reply from the duke that soon leads to a lively correspondence. Since she's never actually met the man, she has no intention of ever sending the letters and is mortified when her brother's mysterious new valet, Marlow, mistakenly mails one of the letters to the unsuspecting duke. Approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, the Duke of Marshington. Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. The romance portrayed is top notch and will cause readers to sigh with delight in the end.'- RT Book Reviews Top Pick

This air of mystery adds depth to the tale. The characters are endearing and their motivations are not always what they might seem on the surface. 'Debut author Hunter pens a fantastic Regency romance. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title.Ģ016 RITA Award Winner for Inspirational Romance When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthorne's and those they love. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men-one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behaviour is more and more suspicious. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother's new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke-with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories about but never met.

A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter