What a Difference a Duke Makes: School for Dukes

I am still smiling as I turn the last page!!! Delightful, humorous and entertaining from beginning to end! There are just so many wonderful words I could say about this story. I found myself laughing out loud and engaged with the quick repertoire of the heroine Mari Perkins. Mari finds herself desperate to get a job and has one waiting at an agency in London. One thing leads to another (and yes you will need to read to find out !) and she ends up at the Duke of Banksford, Edgar Rochester's house to become the governess for his two children. Having run off numerous governesses before her, she was determined to get the children settled! The Duke though is focused one one thing, bringing his invention to fruition and does not have a lot of time for anything else. When he first sees Mari, he tries to send her own her way because she was just too attractive and did not appear to be strong enough to handle the children. These were two people who needed each other, but it took awhile to figure it out. Mari is such an engaging, high spirited character and to watch her win the children over and everyone else that came into her realm was enchanting. I am sad to say this is the first book I have read by this author. Now I know what I have been missing!!! Cannot wait to read all her stories!!

Lenora Bell’s fabulous debut novel had cured my reading funk when it came out, and the extraordinary WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DUKE MAKES outshines How the Duke Was Won on every level! Mari Perkins had worked too hard to be instantaneously turned away from Mrs. Trilby’s Agency for Superior Governesses. On her way to the agency, Mari’s possessions were stolen, and she needs a position; she has nothing left. Almost on her way out, Mari hears that the Duke of Banksford’s new governess just quit, and Mari gets herself hired by the Duke. His nine year-old twins, Michel and Adele, are unmanageable, but nothing that Mari can’t handle. Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford, is busy with his steam engines; he needs peace and quiet, but governesses are forever leaving, so he reluctantly agrees to a one-week trial for Mari. It doesn’t take long before Edgar realises it had been a mistake to hire Miss Perkins … WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DUKE MAKES has a bit of a Mary Poppins vibe, but it’s not all fluff and froth. I was invested in Mari and Edgar’s story from the start because of Ms. Bell’s outstanding writing, her scintillating dialogues, the compelling and clever premise, and her exceptional characterisations, and this is only the beginning. Mari is very engaging, confident in her abilities, and her love and respect for children are palpable, this is done so well, that in one instance, it brought tears to my eyes. I believe Lenora Bell has written my favourite children in a romance novel ever. Michel and Adele are intrinsic components of the story, and the link to much growth from several characters. In spite of appearing unbending and gruff, Edgar’s heart is in the right place, and his backstory is one of the best I have ever seen, and makes believable things that otherwise might have been less convincing. WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DUKE MAKES provides the undeniable proof that solid backstories make for a more solid foundation to build the narrative, and supply the environment needed for characters to build and move on. The characters are works of art: every single one well fleshed out. WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DUKE MAKES unfolds at a brisk pace, and the prose is witty, sparkling, luminous; the writing is positively marvellous! Ms. Bell’s meticulous research shines through delightful period details about steam engines, fire brigades, child rearing, toys, books, which only serve to further enhance the genuineness of the story. The romance isn’t rushed; it builds slowly through trust, communication, respect, kindness, and Edgar is exactly the sort of hero I love reading about, and I wish there were more of his kind in romanceland. Mari is also on a personal quest, which concludes in a charming and whimsical manner; and Edgar’s relentless pursuit on improving fire engines contributes to the fabulous conclusion as well. There is no useless detail to this story, neither is there a single superfluous word, nor the slightest little lull. I cannot fail to mention the splendiferous India, Edgar’s sister, who captured my imagination like few characters do, and I am beyond thrilled that her story will be next; this is a book that will not release quickly enough! WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DUKE MAKES has one of the most satisfying HEA ever; it is perfectly enchanting!

So much of a story in one book. She came from very difficult beginnings and he is a duke with a hard past. The children he never knew he had have come to live with him and he can't keep a governess until Mari enters the home. Then everything changes. She is out spoken and he and the children are drawn to her. She is falling in love with all of them and still wanting to know about her past the reason she came to London to begin with. You will enjoy this book from the beginning until the end.