The Lady in the Moneylender's Parlour

Allen Abbey Romances, Book 2

By: Rosanne E. Lortz

Narrated by: Maria Johnson

After losing a hand at Waterloo and selling out of the military, Captain William Allen has little to live for. But when he encounters the clever and exquisite Margaret Blackburn, the necessity of extricating her from a moneylender's clutches gives him a new purpose in life.

If Margaret is to remain in London long enough to realise her goal of becoming a published author, William must convince Margaret's mother that he is a suitor in earnest. But navigating the shoals of an interfering aunt, a jealous rival, and their own growing affections for each other proves more difficult than either one of them expects....

This clean romance Regency novella is 45,000 words.

©2023 Rosanne E. Lortz (P)2024 Rosanne E. Lortz

Fantastic

This is the second book after “The Gentleman in the Ash Tree”. It’s the sister and cousin of the two main characters in the first book. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this one, but I do recommend that you do so. I loved these two characters in the first book. William was so kind, and Margaret was so feisty. It’s interesting to see that even years later, they still had the same personality.

William had been down on his luck, and Margaret needed money to publish her book. By chance they happen to meet at a Moneylender’s Parlor after not seeing each other for a few years. It’s there they strike up a deal to pretend to date each other so that she could stay in London.

Through the weeks the friendship grows into something more. As with the last book, there is an enemy who tries to sabotage the relationship. It’s easy to like William because he’s so caring towards Margaret, and he will defend her no matter what anybody else says about her. Margaret will also defend William and she treats him as a normal person, even though others look down on him for losing an arm fighting for his country.

I loved this wholesome story. It’s really nice to read romantic books where the man treats the woman with respect. The narrator was terrific. I didn’t really care for some of the voices she used in the first book, but after listening to this one, I can’t believe I had any negative thoughts about her because she was fantastic in this one. The different voices that she had for the characters were so unique and some very funny. She also did a great job with the male voices this time.

I was given an advanced copy of this audiobook for free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

I was given an advanced copy of this book for free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

excellent book

I enjoyed listening to this book, The narrator was amazing as well. I recommend this book if you enjoy heroes.

From Pariah to Paragon

Wonderful book, beautifully read. I could really imagine myself in Margaret’s and William’s world! So glad they found their way through harsh circumstances to their own happy ending. Author’s notes are helpful, as always.

I enjoyed this audiobook

I love all of the stories written by this author. Her books are exactly my cup of tea. I'm looking forward to future releases. I especially love hearing these books. The audiobook narration is perfect. I get so drawn into the story and Maria is so good at the narration and character voices, that I forget that I'm listening to an audiobook, I'm so drawn in. I look forward to hearing more audiobooks narrated by Maria, and I hope Rosanne and Maria team up again for another audiobook.

A rocky road to hea

This kept me on tenterhooks wondering which way Margaret would choose to place her affections. She had tenacity and perseverance in a time when it was unseemly for women. She didn't stop there. She struck a blow for the rights of slaves in Barbados. What followed that was a chain reaction of events that slowly helped change the world for the better. Mr. Russell was like a bad penny that kept turning up- unwanted!!!! He made me so angry! An enjoyable read. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest opinion. The narrator did a good job bringing the characters and story to life.