A Duke’s Overlooked Spinster: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (The Courting Season Book 1)
A grieving duke. An forgotten spinster. A love that defies society’s expectations.
After years of caring for her domineering father, Sarah Brooke is resigned to spinsterhood, until a visit to her cousin’s estate changes everything. There, she meets Robert, the Duke of Clairwood, a widower haunted by loss and burdened by his mother’s schemes.
Drawn together by shared kindness and unexpected understanding, Sarah and Robert must overcome societal pressures and personal fears to claim the happiness they both deserve.
A tender and uplifting Regency romance about healing, hope, and finding love when least expected.
A Duke’s Overlooked Spinster is a historical romance novel of approximately 65,000 words, no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after. If you like the Regency and Victorian era, this novel is suits you.
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Customer Reviews
L*****7
The Spinster’s Widowed Duke
Sarah, the daughter of a reclusive viscount felt out of place at her cousin’s many social functions. Never having even had a full season as a debutante, Sarah never made friends in society. Robert, the Duke of Clairwood had not been out in society for five years following the death of his wife and the mother of his seven year old son. Robert felt that he had been unfair to Henry keeping him locked away in the country. He hoped the outing to Bath at the home of his school chum would be good for his son. This was what I would call a cosy story. There’s no action, no real excitement, just a nice story about two people slowly falling in love. I enjoyed this clean romance very much.April 12, 2025
R*****a
Can a spinster out of society for so long find love, can a duke heal from his grief
This is an unlikely love story of a young women who’s father gave her only one season (4 balls) to find a match, when she failed she was taken to their estate and took care of it as her mother was gone and then her father when he got ill. Her kind cousin invites her to visit, much to her surprise it’s a house party with many guests and she is no longer used to being with people. She accidently meets a dukes son when he runs into her and makes her drop her sketches. She is entranced by him. His father is a duke who’s wife died some time ago and has not gotten remarried. Can they find a connection? Will those in society allow a duke and a forgotten daughter of a baron find happiness? If you wish to find out get this book and read it. I found it most enjoyable and highly recommend it.March 22, 2025
L**************s
Formulaic and fun.
Sweet romance. Effective villain and great hero who moves beyond his controlling parent. Heroine is typical of young damaged girl who struggles because of her abusive parent. Wasn’t sure which way it would go to get to a HEA. I found that refreshing.February 20, 2025
K*******************a
Duke
A beautiful story of love, of challenges, of joy & sadness. Life sometimes sends twist & turns. A beautiful story of simple things like playing with children & puppies. What joy they can bring.February 8, 2025
D*********n
Will The Duke Follow His heart?
I enjoyed this well-written. Clean story. Duke Robert was a widower. He met Sarah Brooke and was immediately attracted to her. She was very good with Robert’s son, Henry, and that was important to Robert. Robert’s mother was pushing him to propose to Lady Marina but his heart was with Sarah. His mother did not think Sarah was good enough for his title, despite the fact that she was the daughter of a Baron. Will Robert be able to fight his overbearing mother and follow his heart? I did feel that Robert was very weak. He was a mature man, not a teenager. He should have stood up against his mother. I liked the caring attitude of Sarah and her relationship with Henry. A good story.February 6, 2025
Y********e
Light
Cute lightweight beach read. Only took a couple of hours. A feel-good book at the end. Not sure if would read another of the authors book.February 3, 2025
T***y
Great
This was such a good book. I loved Sarah and how kind and shy she was. Robert was so cute falling in love and Henry was precious!February 2, 2025
M***********n
very good
This was such a good read. It was very touching how two grieving people good find hope and healing, despite others interference.February 2, 2025
K*************r
Nobody is nobody! Famous words of Elizabeth
This was a great story, I did enjoy reading Sarah and Robert and Henry’s and of course Button’s story. Robert ‘s mother was a shrew for sure, she treated Robert like he was a child and I don’t think she was ever really nice to Henry. I, m happy Robert finally got some backbone where is mother was concerned. I was disappointed I did not get to read the epilogue, due to the fact I would of needed to go to a different sight. Thank youFebruary 1, 2025
cd
Enjoyable light reading
This is a good book to read on a trip or a weekend. I would also call this a good recovery book: the type of book to read after a particularly heavy literary read. Recommended if you subscribe to Kindle unlimited.January 30, 2025
C*****a
Highly Recommended
Our past sometimes defines our future. A difficult past may result in self-doubt. This is a sweet story of acceptance and change.January 28, 2025
V*e
Romantic Historical Love Story
These characters had me rooting for them from the very beginning, and then to add a lovable child and Buttons. I enjoyed the interactions between the Duke and Sarah, his mother was a bit much with her criticism. Overall this is a beautiful period love story.January 27, 2025
S****n
love
Sarah and Robert have been through a lot. Neither is looking for love nor expecting it. Will they find it or walk away?January 25, 2025
N*********z
Enjoyable read
I loved both main characters. I especially liked the fact that they did not allow the mother to run over them.January 21, 2025
D*b
Good story, but difficult to read
The characters were good and I wanted to like them, but their thoughts were so repetitive that I just got tired of both of them. I wanted Robert to stand up to his overbearing mother. I loved the relationship between Sarah and Robert’s son, one of the best parts of the story in my opinion.January 21, 2025
W******j
Loved it!!
Another keeper from Ms. Barnet. I enjoyed this book so much. Robert and Sarah had unfortunate things happen in their lives, and neither of them had expectations of making a love match at a house party. I was particularly sympathetic to Sarah. Having grown up in isolation living with her father in the country, she did not socialize much. Imagine how she felt when she arrived at her cousin’s house in Bath where she thought she was going to have a cozy visit only to find that there was a house party! This part really affected me because I am also quite shy and awkward in public situations where I don’t know the other guests. This was dealt with so well and I loved the support that she got from her cousin and Robert It made me love them even more. Robert’s son was adorable as well. Highly recommended!! I received an ARC, but this is my honest opinion.January 20, 2025
M******************a
Hope amidst grief and isolation
This is a wonderful historical romance due to the strong lead characters, who are willing to stand up for their feelings, give in to their hearts and not be cowed into others’ wills and whims. Grief may have overcome them due to the loss of those dear to them, but widower Lord Robert, the Duke of Clairwood, and spinster Miss Sarah Brooke remain steadfast in their virtues and ideals. They give importance to love and affection over societies expectations of choosing wealth and status in choosing their partners for life. As they discover each other, and develop feelings they never thought were possible any longer, they put their hope and faith in their love and fight for the possibility of their happy ending. Thrown in is a precocious child who pretty much settles the Duke’s mind in deciding his fate and future with the alluring, intelligent and sensitive Miss Brooke. Highly recommended for those who wish for lovers who will fight for their love against all odds.January 20, 2025
M**y
Spinster overlooked always?
A duke and spinster…How could this even be. Pick this one up and read the tale.January 19, 2025
k*********e
Really good read!
Really good story that kept me hooked to the end. I was confused initially about the whole engagement charade but figured it out by chapter 8 or so. Loved the endingJanuary 19, 2025
W***********d
Regency at its best ( cousin’s loving concern) and worst ( ugh his mother )
This sweet story takes on societal expectations and domineering mother knows best tropes. Sarah missed out on a normal society debut because of a selfish father who insisted on her help and company rather than letting her meet any future prospects after his own wife died. Robert the Duke is still paralyzed by grief after his wife’s death 5 years earlier leaving him a young son to raise (a responsibility he feels strongly), but with a domineering, manipulative mother who pushes an acceptable debutant on him. Sweet little Henry is a spot of joy and sun who unknowingly plays matchmaker between the two reclusive heroes. Add in a playful pup with cuteness overload and you have a winner. They all come together when Sarah is invited to visit her cousin and finds she’s an unexpected part of an extended house party in Bath. Clean and wholesome.January 19, 2025
R*********e
Sweet and heartwarming Regency Romance set in Bath, England
This charming regency romance takes place in Bath and in this author’s signature way, the setting is described with attention to detail to bring the beauty and customs of this part of England to life. It felt like I was there experiencing the architecture and the Roman baths, for which the city is named, for myself. Sarah had been out of society for quite some time. Because she was relatively unknown, when she rejoined society, some looked down on her. By chance, she met a duke and his young son and formed a friendship with both. She fell in love with the duke and developed maternal feelings for his little boy. A puppy brought them all even closer and before long, they all became one happy family.January 17, 2025
J**********e
Love overcomes
This sweet tale introduces the reader to Robert and Sarah, two gentle, shy individuals lost without love in their lives. Fortunately, they find each other and sparks fly, despite the machinations of a controlling, interfering mother and other manipulating people. I so enjoyed Henry, an adorable little boy who is glue that binds the new couple together. A very nice read!January 16, 2025
G**.
hope
Reading about Sarah and Robert’s story reminded me never to give up hope for better days when reality seems overwhelming.January 15, 2025
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.January 15, 2025
B***Y
Good reading
Well written and entertaining. Enjoyed reading, liked the heroine and hero. Good plot!January 15, 2025
G**********y
Loved the story
Really enjoyed this book. Characters are well developed and I loved how the story developed. I definitely recommend reading itJanuary 15, 2025
K*************r
Xxx
Fast read. Liked itJanuary 15, 2025
K***********f
Love
Book is well written. I truly enjoyed reading this story. Love suspense and acceptance. Artist description of work you could see in your mind. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.January 15, 2025
E******e
Sweet clean romance
This is the love story of Sarah and Robert. It is a sweet clean romance, with some humor thrown in. Sarah and Robert have their ups and downs, people interfering and a scheming Mother on their road to a HEA. A very sweet story you will enjoy.January 15, 2025
B***y
Healing Love
This is a beautiful story of Robert and Sarah, who each find healing from personal loss through their love for each other. This story was so well-written that the action and characters lept off the page. Their road to the HEA was fraught with challenges, and being an observer to the action was very satisfying and engaging. Another most enjoyable read by Emily Barnet. I received a free preview copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.January 15, 2025
Jo
Well paced
A clean well paced story with humor built into the plot. Excellent characters and engaging.January 15, 2025
C***********g
A Most Riveting Storyline
Well crafted story with such memorable characters! So riveting that I read this all in one sitting! A book well worth your time for reading.January 14, 2025
E****************y
A beautiful story
A lovely story – a quite and mild spirt wins the day. Very sweet.January 14, 2025
D******h
Tender Regency romance
“A Duke’s Overlooked Spinster” by Emily Barnet -A tender Regency romance about healing, hope, and unexpected love. Sarah and Robert’s connection grows amid societal pressures and personal loss. Charming characters, period-accurate decorum, and a delightful young boy add warmth. A sweet, heartfelt read with humor, emotion, and a satisfying slow-bloom romance. I received a free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion, freely shared.January 14, 2025
J*d
Excellent read!
Wonderful love story with very engaging characters. The plot was the usual pushy mother line but the beauty of the love story kept me reading. Sarah took care of her ill father and now at twenty-five knew her future as a spinster was what was ahead of her. Traveling to Bath to visit her cousin and husband turned to be a surprise seeing they had planned a house party. Life has it’s twists and turns and it looke like Sarah’s life is in for a change.January 14, 2025
T**i
Historical romance between a grieving duke and a resolved spinster
Enjoyed the artful descriptions of the estate gardens, the lush mansions and the appeal of the local towns. TheDukes young son brought extra sweetness and joy to the usual society gossip and cruel censure they both endured. Once again there was an overbearing mother and a caring cousin to create tension . Slowly romance blooms . Too much repetitive descriptions of their feelings but certainly affords the reader of an emotional connection. Enjoy as you read the welcome outcomeJanuary 14, 2025
M**K
Delightful
Another sweet, delightful romance by Emily Barnet. House parties are amongst my favorite stories! Storyline flows easily and characters are consistent.January 11, 2025
A*C
Good read for clean historical fiction.
Good clean storyline. Got me laughing a few times and upset a few times. Characters were believeable. The story mostly stuck with period decorum. The little boy had me laughing. He was likely my second favorite character after Sarah. The villains were believable without being too much. I could relate to the main characters as I also dislike extensive social interaction and much prefer the countryside. With real people vs people stuck on societal standing. Showing the face they think the world wants to see.January 10, 2025
