The Duke’s Widow: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Marriage and Duty 1)
“You will never be his, Martha…”
Josiah Elkins, the reluctant new Duke of Pembroke, has lived in the shadow of his older brother’s cruelty and greed. Now, with the title thrust upon him, he returns to Pembroke Manor, where duty compels him to confront the one woman he swore to forget Lady Martha, his brother’s widow and the only woman he has ever loved.
Scarred by an abusive marriage and burdened by society’s expectations, Martha has vowed never to let another man control her life. Yet Josiah’s quiet strength and steadfast kindness stir something she thought she had lost forever hope.
But the ghosts of the past linger in every shadow, and the weight of the present threatens to tear them apart. With scandal looming and unspoken truths between them. Will they fight for a love worth risking everything, or will fear drive them to let it slip away?
If you enjoy historical romance with strong characters and a touch of redemption, The Duke’s Widow is for you. It’s a heartfelt story of love, hope, and second chances that will captivate you.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Also available free with Kindle Unlimited.
Customer Reviews
E***y
Romance
This story was good, with ingesting characters. The ending was a bit rushed though. Could have had a bit more suspense.June 2, 2025
A*****a
Book One
I read the second book of this series and enjoyed it. This one, not so much. It has a great storyline, but the telling of it is lackluster. It needs more stringent editing, and more polished writing. I will still read Ms Sheldon’s other offerings because I see her potential. Maybe this was her very first book? It would benefit from experience to make it a really fine work.April 30, 2025
L*****7
Misunderstanding Trope
Speaking as someone who will read a cereal box when I’m in the mood to read, I didn’t have a hard time getting through this book. For some reason, I managed to go all the way to the end, so the writing wasn’t completely abysmal. Let me just say that the story is about a Duke who stole away the woman his brother was attracted to. The Duke died and the brother became the new Duke and was still “smitten” but his brother’s widow. Of course you can guess the end, but for the life of me, I can’t imagine how it could’ve possibly turned out a HEA. Two and a half stars.April 11, 2025
R*****.
Good read!
Loved it!April 8, 2025
l*****t
Wanted more
I love beginning of the story , but toward the ending after he found out she didn’t steal the rubies,they didn’t say what happen to lady that did steal them,been nice was a weddingApril 7, 2025
M***e
A great read
Love love this book. Grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go till the end. So realistic for the period in time and relative to now.March 24, 2025
P*********************e
Wonderful and enjoyable read
Oh my goodness I completely enjoyed this book. It is full of loss, love and hope. I found it to be unputdownable and also very intriguing. What a great start to a fantastic series.March 17, 2025
A*************r
This one missed the boat
If this were my first Dorothy Sheldon, it would be my last. The two main characters were not at all believable or likable. I just skimmed the last few pages.March 17, 2025
H******n
A fun read
A fun and quick read about love, misunderstanding and how cruelty can affect one’s viewpoint. But of course there is a happy ending.March 17, 2025
PK
Great Storyline
Enjoyed the book … Good storyline and great characters. There are quite a few typos … need to get another proofreader to take a look.March 5, 2025
V*****G
The Duke’s Widow
A story of tragedies.. from beginning to end there are twists and turns to navigate through and feelings to combat. But with the colorful characters and the tale told it will keep you entertained.March 3, 2025
C*****a
Recommended
Although I enjoyed this novel and thought the plot was good and ran smoothly, I felt the ending was too abrupt. It was almost as if the author was tired and wanted to finish the book.February 21, 2025
G****a
Granna
This is a truly good book!! It kept me up late reading. I just couldn’t put it down. I just love all of Dorothy’s works!!February 18, 2025
R*****a
a must read
This is a lovely story about loss and finding a person who will truly love you. No matter what mistakes are made among the wayFebruary 13, 2025
M*********t
Not for me
The main female character was abused by a beast of a pig. She went thru enough and ,thank goodness, became a widow. Her BIL, the new Duke, was terrible, treated her awful, especially for liking her before hand. He was immature, constantly angry, acting like a petulant child then confused as to why she didn’t like him. I was so irritated that I returned it at 40%.February 12, 2025
P*****n
HEA not possible historically
I started this tale curious as to how it would involve a clever circumvention of the laws of Regency era England, only to be disappointed. The writer did not research the marriage laws of the historical era properly. At that time, a sister-in-law was deemed to be the same thing as a sister, and therefore any marriage to your brother’s widow was illegal and any children produced would be bastards ineligible to inherit. A HEA is not possible for this couple without some clever finagling. Their happy ending would be devastated by the reality of their historical era. It is otherwise a decent story & a quick read – spelling and grammar are proper, and the basic concepts are intriguing. But it lacks description (Hair color? Dress? Location?) and involves entirely too much flat dialogue for my taste. Both main characters would be doomed without the wisdom of their bestie to set them straight.February 11, 2025
D****************y
Starting Over
This was a little different take on this time period in which we usually find a young woman, age 18-22, going through her “season” during which it is hoped she will find a suitable match, meaning a wealthy husband. In this case, we have a young woman married to a man who was a cruel drunkard which prompted her household staff to hide and protect her from him. Following his unexpected death and after a suitable period of mourning, she finds herself starting over, vowing to never marry again. It was interesting that a widow seemed to not have the restrictions placed on her behavior as found placed on a young woman in her season. It did not appear that she was required to always have an escort and she was allowed to actually be in a room with a man alone.February 9, 2025
O*****1
? Was not a whole book – just a sample!
What? Nowhere do I see that it says this books is a sample. UNTIL I was multiple chapters in when it abruptly stopped and displayed a message thanking me for reading the sample! I don’t see the complete book available??February 8, 2025
M**V
A Beast/A Beauty/A New Love
A marriage in danger with a mad Duke who treats others poorly with Another love far away who has His own issues. And everything must be handled until he comes to his senses & professes his love.February 8, 2025
L*****G
Emotional
Very enjoyable story. So much emotion involved really gave me the depth of characters I love. Well done!February 7, 2025
B****y
Second Chance Story
Engaging and disturbing storyline.February 5, 2025
A***a
The Dukes Widow
I enjoyed reading the book. What I didn’t like was at the end of the book it said epilogue but there was none. What happened after they finally got together? I would really like to know. Thanks.February 4, 2025
K**********n
Good story
I love this author Dorthy Sheldon, she is a wonderful writer, I love how she solves all the horrible problems and how she deals with them, I just wish there was more romance, just when you think it’s getting good all you get is a kiss. Don’t get me wrong I love a good clean romance just want a little more …February 4, 2025
D******n
Missing Jewels Strikes Action
Marquess Josiah Elkins found the lady that he wanted to pursue, but reluctant as to how to approach her as he wanted to make a good impression. He confided in his brother a duke and the next thing he knew he had arranged a marriage between himself and Lady Martha the woman he was interested in. Heartbroken he left for the continent not wanting to be near knowing his brother had what he wanted. Unknown to him the duke was not a kind man and Martha made every effort to avoid him, until one night coming home drunk, he fell down the stairs and died. Then Josiah became the duke and was expected to return and take up his duty. He truly had mixed feelings as he didn’t know that the marriage was tumultuous and chose to ignore Martha. After sending her away he still was adrift wondering about her, unknown to him she was doing the same. Upon discovering there was an inheritance of jewels, and it was missing he determined she must have found and took it and he was determined to get to the bottom of it. ARC ReviewFebruary 4, 2025
L********y
The Dukes Widow
This book kept me up late because I couldn’t put the book down. I loved this book and can’t wait for Dorthy’s next book.February 3, 2025
T************d
Good development of characters with an inventive plot.
Good development of characters with an inventive plot.February 3, 2025
G*********e
Great read with great writing
Great read. Finished in one day as once you start reading you can’ wait to turn the page to read more. Great character description and dialogue. Highly recommend to allFebruary 2, 2025
T***y
Not much that I know
It’s a very interesting bookFebruary 2, 2025
A*******.
Quite a nice book
I absolutely loved the storyline! It kept me intrigued from the beginning, as to how this whole tale would unfold. I was so enthralled, that I had all but forgotten the book’s title, as I was wondering how the female lead was going to get free of the evil duke! I was at the edge of my seat at the pinnacle of that confrontation, and hoping for the right turnout! I enjoyed the journey Josiah went on to get to his true feelings, and that he was able to give Martha some comfort and validation. Overall, I truly enjoyed the story…my only qualm was the sheer amount of times the word ‘mayhap’ was used, but maybe that’s just a personal preference! 4 out of 5 stars for me. Well doneFebruary 2, 2025
C***n
Romance with a touch of mystery
Josiah and Martha were in the initial stages of like when Josiah’s brother swept in and married Martha. However, the marriage was not good and circumstances caused it to be short-lived. Do Josiah and Martha have a second chance? Even when Martha is suspected of stealing family heirlooms? I good read with romance and a touch of mystery.February 1, 2025
K*************r
Disturbing couple in The Duke’s Widow
Be prepared for a different kind of relationship in The Duke’s Widow. The relationship between Martha and Josiah is not believable. Outside forces do not influence the incidents of the novel because these characters bring all of the strife upon themselves. Josiah convinced himself that he was in love with Martha when he never really knew her. She was married to his brother and this obsession continued when he left England. Years later, when he returns to claim the title, he is fixated on Martha’s relationship with her deceased husband, friends, possible suitors and her behavior. He questions everyone about his brother’s death and does not trust her, even though he chafes that he is in love with her. Martha, in turn, is uncomfortable in his company and does not trust Josiah. After Josiah is satisfied that Martha did not kill his brother and knows his brother was an abusive scoundrel even to his wife, he continues to not trust her, spies, confronts her and fixates on his love for her. Martha, despite his obsessiveness, warms to him even after her history with her husband. Josiah at times displays a borderline personality disorder and Martha forgives his behavior. I do not see a happy-ever-after for the couple. Martha observed that Josiah’s behavior was, except for the physical abuse, almost as bad as his brother’s. Josiah spent years seeing the world through only his own viewpoint and it seems Martha will have years ahead of placating him and forgiving him. The Duke’s Widow is not a pleasant satisfying read.February 1, 2025
A********r
Five and a half stars!
A gentle and kind Martha has fallen into the hands of a mean-spirited and drunkard of a husband, until he is gone. Pembroke, the Duke’s brother, may be a carbon copy of his sibling, including the explosive anger and violent outbursts. Fortunately, both Martha and Pembroke have an ally to help sort out their duties and their feelings. I couldn’t put this beautifully written Regency romance time piece down and neither will you. Five and a half stars!January 31, 2025
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.January 31, 2025
G**.
heartbreak and hope
Josiah and Martha both have suffered from an abusive relationship, I understood how hard it was for them to find trust and courage to leave the past behind, show their true feelings, help each other heal and build a happy future together.January 30, 2025
B************i
A widow and the new duke
This author is my favorite for historical romance reads, she never disappoints. This one was another one that didn’t disappoint. The main character Martha became a widow which wasn’t a bad thing since her husband was a drunk who beat her up. Meanwhile, her husband’s brother had feelings for Martha before his brother pretty much stole her before he could tell her of his feelings. Now that Martha was a widow, does the new Duke tell her of his feelings or has things changed? The story line is very good about what happens after Martha becomes a widow, the Duke tackles his feelings about his brother’s widow, and how they go on in the future. A great read.January 30, 2025
J**********e
Strong read
This novel finds our heroine Martha trapped in the darkness of fear, pain and despair, and ends in the blinding light of love. What a rollercoaster of emotions! This is a book that I honestly did not want to end – I admired the main characters and could understand the reactions that led to their behavior, and wanted to know more of their happiness. A strong read, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this engaging story.January 30, 2025
R*********e
For her price is far above rubies
Josiah returns to his brother’s manor about a year after his death. He was subconsciously avoiding seeing his brother’s widow, Martha, the woman that he, himself, loved. His manner towards her left her believing he despised her. She did not realize that he was trying to keep the walls of his heart intact. He sent her away to another property, taking the manor for himself. Martha returned to society, finally free from the house where her husband had beaten and abused her. Josiah soon followed, after learning that the heirloom rubies were missing. He fell even more in love with Martha although she was not thrilled with him at all. He had a horrible way of constantly saying and doing the wrong things, making him seem cold and hateful. When he confronted her about the ruby jewelry, she was left thinking he only wanted to get to know her because he thought she had stolen them and he wanted her to confess. The true thief was revealed and stunned them both. Finally, Josiah took time to explain to Martha the extent of his brother’s cruelty. When Martha finally understood, everything made sense and she realized that Josiah really had loved her all along and that the buried tender feelings she always had for Josiah were right.January 30, 2025
A*********r
Heartfelt
Martha is married to the Duke of Pembroke who is a drunk, and violent person. He married her knowing his brother Lord Josiah Elkins was interested in her. Through unforeseen circumstances Lord Josiah Elkins is now the new Duke of Pembroke. Just the beginning of a struggle between the two of them about their feelings, and possible future together. A great love story.January 30, 2025
A*************r
Unexpected twist
Great readJanuary 30, 2025
W***********r
Quick read
This book should have a trigger warning for abuse. I might have missed it in the first few pages but I didn’t see one. I struggled to connect to the characters in this book but it was a nice quick read.January 30, 2025
J*d
Good read!
Lots of emotions with the characters, they are very engaging and real. Both Josiah and Martha were severely injured by their past. Josiah’s brother was a very evil and wicked man deceiving his brother by marrying the woman he loved. Can this wrong be righted? Will Josiah and Martha find happiness and love? This book is a little slow at times but still definitely worth reading.January 30, 2025
r**e
Sweet story
Well written, full of drama, love, romance, abuse, mistakes, intrigue, twists and turns. Josiah is the new Duke after his brother’s death. This is the time for him to come face to face with the widow, Martha. She is the woman he loved and that his brother took away. Martha doesn’t plan to marry again as her marriage was abusive and not happy at all. JOsiah will have to work hard to change her mind and heart. Sweet story with great characters. Would recommend to others. I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.January 30, 2025
L******s
regency with a twist
Lovely story with an unexpected twist. I am still wondering,what has happened to the rubies.January 29, 2025
E****************y
A heart warming story
A lovely story. Your heart will go out to Martha.January 29, 2025
G**********y
Great story
I liked reading this book. A different story of attraction to love . Had a hard time putting the book down because I wanted to finish it and see if the main characters would be able to turn things around.January 29, 2025
G**************r
A Very Good Read
Well-rounded characters and interesting plot made for a good read. Loved this book.January 29, 2025
Jo
Uniquely Different
A uniquely different plot and story line. Two brothers are almost at the opposite end of the spectrum from each other. In the middle is Martha. The complexity of the characters and the story will keep you turning the pages as the twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat.January 29, 2025
C*************r
It’s an emotional read!
Talk about a story with twist and turns. I was sitting on the edge of my seat for most of the book. The book actually had two villains in it. I’m gonna let you guess who they were, it’s not who you think. You take a heavy dose of sibling rivalry, one of which has narcissistic tendencies add in a friend with a secret and you’re in for a wild ride. The heroine is a very likable character, in fact, the servants love her. It’s a very engaging read with a bit of an abrupt ending. It’s on my read again later list.January 29, 2025
S**************z
a lovely romance
Martha has suffered at the hands of her husband one night he Comes home drunk and tries to get to Martha and falls down the Stairs and dies. His brother becomes he Die who really loved Martha This is Pembrook and Martha fighting back and forth to decide that They really loved each otherJanuary 28, 2025
K********************a
Great book
I really enjoyed this book even though it was not my usual genre. I’m glad it ended with a happily ever after. I recommend this book.January 27, 2025
3M
A good read
A widow, having been badly abused by her husband, sets an example of being quick to forgive and finally finds love, loyalty, and joy in her life. A good read.January 27, 2025
M**B
Wonderful book
Dorothy has done it again, This is such a good clean love story that kept my interest from chapter 1 till the very end. Great story line and wonderful characters. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.January 26, 2025
S****n
interesting
This is a story with a lot of twists and turns. Perhaps things are still that way in matters of love sometimes.January 25, 2025
T********l
I couldn’t read it fast enough
I absolutely loved the first half of the book!!!!! I couldn’t read it fast enough I loved the characters especially the staff. My heart broke for Josiah and Martha and what they had to cope with. When Josiah discovered the missing jewels I knew who did it. So each time they were mentioned I looked for telltale signs and yes you delivered them The last half was slower and I was not as excited,I was conflicted she didn’t want to marry [especially after what she had been through] and yet she had so many to choose from she could have made a BAD choice but I was very happy for the HEAJanuary 24, 2025
B**********i
Can a widow find love where she thought only love was anger and abuse
I was skeptical when I accepted to read this as an Arc only because I usually read darker romance books and romantasy. I was not disappointed. The story was focused on a two brothers and one woman, while one brother harbored affections towards the FMC and didn’t have the courage to tell her, his older brother decides to take her hand in marriage only for his own selfish needs and he was a horrible man, only when his brother dies unexpectedly does he have the chance to finally see her but the past andnot understanding what had happened behind his brothers doors. I did enjoy the story but I gave it 4 stars only because it needed just a little more spice .January 23, 2025
S*H
Sweet second chance story
I enjoyed this book. Josiah trying to come to terms with lost love and the manor in which it was lost, combined with Martha’s abusive marriage, allowed a unique angle to the storyline. I particularly liked Martha’s servants. For side characters, they added a lot to the story. It did seem that Josiah was his own worst enemy at times in how he chose to behave towards Martha, which got old. Also, the story seemed to end somewhat suddenly. The epilogue could have easily been the final chapter (though I think it could have been longer), and there could have been an epilogue explaining, among other things, what had happened to the jewels. That whole side story seemed to be forgotten and never really wrapped up. Another scene with Martha’s loyal servants would have also been nice. Overall, I enjoyed this clean, sweet story. Warning that those with domestic abuse triggers may find a couple of early scenes in the book difficult.January 23, 2025
