"Everyone has secrets, Sweetheart. Secrets are best kept hidden lest they become weapons in the hands of others. One can unwittingly arm foe, friends, and even family."

It's 1767 in England and Lady Morgan Beaufort is turning eighteen. It should be the happiest time of her life. It's not.
Morgan is haunted by visions of a young woman. Is this woman real? If she is, she's in danger.

Morgan has no one to help her. Her twin sister, Lady Sarah, ridicules her. The bishop calls her evil. Her parents, Lord and Lady Beaufort, determine marriage is the only solution for her ‘childish delusions.’ She's pursued by two men: Lord Damaunt and Lord Randall. She wants neither. Or does she?

Lord Damaunt gets what he wants because he can. He wants an heir. He's willing to provide a wife with everything—everything except his heart. Lord Randall wants Lady Morgan and will use any means necessary to get her.

At her birthday ball, Morgan is caught in the arms of a dangerous man and flees from a forced betrothal. In search of the mystery woman, she finds herself in the seedy underbelly of London and kidnapped.

Nothing in her pampered upbringing prepares her for the destitution and depravity she finds or the scandalous secrets she uncovers. Nothing prepares her for the love of the man who comes after her, who will stop at nothing to find her. Nothing prepares her for the love in her own heart.

Amazon Customer Reviews of “From Riches To Rags: Secrets, Truths, Love”

February 8, 2023

I loved this book! Riches to Rags has so many levels—historical novel, erotic bodice ripper, spiritual quest, a young woman’s awakening to her own power. The characters are fully developed and operate on many levels. Each one is unique and intriguing. I was pulled in immediately by the entrancing main character— Morgan— and her search for identity and freedom in restrictive 18th century England.

Jamieson pulls all the stops in the breakthrough first novel. The story is engaging and fast paced, drawing the reader in from the start. We witness Morgan’s gradual sensual awakening—always tasteful and real but also compelling. There is heroism and villainy, suspense and magic, mystery and mysticism. Her romance with Lord Damaunt grows slowly, but fiercely. His opposite, Lord Randall, is by turns menacing and frightening.

Jamieson is drawing on many sources here. Fans of Jane Austen will recognize references to favorite characters, as will folks who love Barbara Cartland. There are also intriguing details around herbal healing as well as 18th century medicine. We are given a window on urban poverty and crime that is disturbingly real, a powerful counterpoint to the insulated lives of privilege usually portrayed by writers like Austen and Cartland. There is clearly a nod to Dickens here.

Riches to Rags builds with confidence and flair and reaches a climactic finish. There is something for everyone here, including a distinctly feminist take on and within the central character. Jamieson walks a fine line, acknowledging the many restrictions on women at this time, but also capturing unique and timeless aspects of what it means to be a young woman finding her own identity. I strongly recommend this wonderful first novel!

***

March 1, 2023

Although Rags to Riches is not a genre that I usually turn to, I was engaged from page one and stayed up late into several nights reading, completely involved in this riveting story. Part romance, part mystery, this well-woven tale keeps you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of the next twist in the story. Such exquisite detail, characters and setting, I think it would make a fantastic movie. Jameson's first foray into novel writing is impressive and I eagerly await her next!

***

May 21, 2023

I have never been drawn to romance novels, but reading the reviews of this one and various other synchronicities led me to order the book. The author, Sue Jamieson, has written a gripping and beautifully crafted story that held my attention and drew me into a world I knew little about. She painted landscapes, plot lines, and complex characters with her words. The imagery unfolded in my mind with ease. I believed in the authenticity of each character. The intersecting plot lines kept me wondering and engaged. Yes, there was wonderful romance, but also misunderstandings between those involved that led to new plot twistings. Drama was high, and adventure ever present, with mystery and intrigue erupting from within. There were moments when I thought I knew what would happen next, but often some other surprise would present instead. Though I am not a scholar of British history beyond the knowledge that remains from high school many decades ago and various occasional period movies, this book feels like the real deal – a window into the complex lives and times of people living over 250 years ago in England. Speaking of movies, this would be a blockbuster if the book was converted into a screenplay. If you are interested in a really great read, in which the author shows you over and over again what is happening, rather than telling you about it, I urge you to get this book. Even if you’ve never read a romance novel before! And especially if you have. One way or another, it is really fun to read.