The Duchess of Drury Lane


Book Description

Passion, jealousy, and scandal abound in this regency romance based on the real-life rags-to-riches story of British actress Dora Jordan. Having grown up poor and fatherless in Ireland, Dorothy Jordan is determined to overcome her humble beginnings and become the most famous comic actress of her day. While performing on London’s Drury Lane, Dora catches the eye of the Duke of Clarence, the man who would become King William IV. Beginning a romance that will endure for twenty years—and produce ten children—Dora experiences great happiness with the Duke. But ultimately, Dora’s generous nature becomes her undoing. Betrayed by the man she loves, Dora is faced with the harsh reality that life rarely resembles the happily-ever-afters of the plays she performs. An extraordinary woman born into extraordinary times, Dora Jordan’s story is one of great passion and even greater pain. In The Duchess of Drury Lane, Freda Lightfoot reveals the true story of the rise and fall of an actress who captured the heart of a king. “With a host of fleshed out characters, this fast-paced, biographical novel is pleasure to read and a great addition to historical fiction centered on royal personages.” —Historical Novel Society




The Duchess of Drury Lane


Book Description




Behind the Doors of Notorious Covent Garden


Book Description

Covent Garden, the cultural heart of London, is notorious for its history, ghosts, and the Old Market. Discover the special places unique to this area. It would be interesting to read about the latest fashionable shops, popular pubs and hotels that existed in Covent Garden a hundred years ago but there is no accurate record as far as I know. This book, therefore, may be of interest in 100 years hence when we are all gone. There are biographies of the people who lived and worked here of course, and some of the restaurants and theatres they visited are still in existence, but in 100 years time, they may be all gone, too. While doing research for this book I came across the writings of theatre people, who had lived and worked in Covent Garden, when I was a student, and who had inspired me, although they were a little before my time. They have a chapter in this book. Clemence Dane, (Winifred Ashton) Alan Dent, Angus McBean, James Agate all wrote about the area and their stories make fascinating reading.




Where There's A Will


Book Description

In Where There's a Will, a short story that kicks off A Duke in Time, first in a brand-new series from Janna MacGregor, a recent widow and her despicable, late-husband's brother meet, with sparks flying almost instantly. Prequel to A DUKE IN TIME Katherine, Lady Meriwether Vareck, dreads attending the reading of her husband’s will, but she’s hoping she’ll at least have her dowry returned. And meet her departed husband’s half brother, the popular war hero duke, who seems to be everywhere, including her daydreams. Though the errant duke has never bothered to write or see her, Katherine decides to go to his house and introduce herself. Their first meeting shouldn’t be at a solicitor’s office, after all. Even though he’s just returned home from the war, Christian Vareck, the Duke of Randford, is quite tired of all the ladies vying for his attention by throwing handkerchiefs his way. That is...until he catches a glimpse of her, the woman with a handkerchief in hand, walking to his front door. When she suddenly turns and leaves without introducing herself, Christian is surprisingly devastated. Determined to discover her identity, he plans to scour the streets of London until he finds her. But first, he must locate his late half brother’s missing will, then meet his late brother’s widow, too...




Fifty Classic British Films, 1932-1982


Book Description

200 striking photographs, in-depth commentaries, plot synposes, contemporary reviews, and more — about 50 British classics from yesterday and today. Preface. Text. Alphabetical list of films. Bibliography.