Book Review
Jul. 4th, 2022 07:19 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kenjariA Duke in the Night
by Kelly Bowen
I very much enjoyed this historical romance set in the early 19th century. August Faulkner, the Duke of Holloway, rose from poverty to wealth through his talent for business, especially acquisitions. Clara Hayward is the headmistress of a finishing school, a model of propriety who is also an ardent believer and and supporter of women's capabilities and potential. Clara and August shared a scandalous waltz in their youth, and now August's interest in the Hayward family's business as well as his sister Anne's enrollment in Clara's summer term, has brought he and Clara back into each other's orbits.
I loved the feminism in this book. Clara's commitment to the intellectual abilities and development of her students is wonderful. A lot of the delightful banter comes from Clara poking holes in August's assumptions about the female experience and what his sister wants. One of the best things about the book is the way August learns and grows throughout the narrative instead of having a big revelation in the last quarter of the book. His gradual shift in perspective is really well done. I also loved how Clara has very strong feelings towards August, but the depth of her desire never overcomes her sense of self, purpose, or the value she places on her independence.
by Kelly Bowen
I very much enjoyed this historical romance set in the early 19th century. August Faulkner, the Duke of Holloway, rose from poverty to wealth through his talent for business, especially acquisitions. Clara Hayward is the headmistress of a finishing school, a model of propriety who is also an ardent believer and and supporter of women's capabilities and potential. Clara and August shared a scandalous waltz in their youth, and now August's interest in the Hayward family's business as well as his sister Anne's enrollment in Clara's summer term, has brought he and Clara back into each other's orbits.
I loved the feminism in this book. Clara's commitment to the intellectual abilities and development of her students is wonderful. A lot of the delightful banter comes from Clara poking holes in August's assumptions about the female experience and what his sister wants. One of the best things about the book is the way August learns and grows throughout the narrative instead of having a big revelation in the last quarter of the book. His gradual shift in perspective is really well done. I also loved how Clara has very strong feelings towards August, but the depth of her desire never overcomes her sense of self, purpose, or the value she places on her independence.
