Lana Dunleavy has known sorrow in her life, spending her
young years in an orphanage. Finally, she and her best
friend, Siobhan, travel to America, determined to make
their lives better. The birth of Siobhan's baby, Colin,
brings Lana to vow to her friend that she will always take
care of the two of them -- despite the nasty laziness of
Siobhan's husband.
Lana is working hard to save money to make sure that
Siobhan and Colin have a safe and happy home, getting time
off infrequently to see them. But then she arrives at
Siobhan's home to find that her friend was killed when a
carriage ran her over (the drunken husband was the driver
and was also killed) and Colin has suffered the same fate
of Lana's young years. He's in an orphanage and before Lana
can get him released to her custody, he's adopted by a
wealthy society woman wanting to show off her kindness.
Desperate, Lana turns to a man, Stone, she knows can help
her get Colin back. She's working as a maid in the society
woman's home and realizes that the family doesn't really
want Colin. Lana needs to present herself as wealthy and
well-bred and then she knows they would be glad to get rid
of him. But she must learn to speak well and present
herself as rich -- and she knows that Stone can help her
because the fraud has already convinced society that he's
an English duke when he's really just a lowly actor.
Stone agrees to help Lana and can't bring himself to tell
her that he is, indeed, a duke. He let's her believe that
he's lying to everyone because he wants Lana to get back
the boy who's so important to her.
As these two weave their convoluted lies, you'll find
yourself drawn into this story, rooting for Lana and little
Colin. The life the little boy is leading is terrible and
the themes of desperation and despair underlie the entire
book. Of course, there's plenty of time for Stone and Lana
to fire a hot attraction for each other. But how can they
ever find a life together -- particularly when Lana finds
out that he really is a duke and she's the one he's been
fooling?
This was a good historical. Lana is a wonderful character,
drawn with sensitivity and bravery. Her life definitely
draws the reader's sympathy and makes you wish for a happy
ending even more than usual!
Set in 1890's New York, Lana Dunleavy coaxes con artist
Jesse Jordan into helping her pass herself off as nobility,
in order to gain custody of a young orphan who owns her
heart. The only trouble is, the rogue Jesse is beginning
to win her heart as well.
A delightful romp, DUCHESS OF FIFTH AVENUE will leave you
laughing and weeping.
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