An estate on the line. A marriage of convenience. A bride with a hidden past… Read the spellbinding new Regency novel from multi-award-winning author Sally Gardner.

‘A delicious romp’ The Times
‘Beautifully written and propulsive’ Adele Parks
‘I adored The Bride Stone – Sally Gardner's best novel yet’ Amanda Craig

1796. Newly released from a French prison, Duval Harlington returns home, clinging to memories of the peaceful estate that kept him alive. But Muchmore is in upheaval, and his late father’s will presents a cruel twist: Duval must marry at once, or lose everything.

With only a few hours left, Duval stumbles upon a wife sale and is horrified – until he sees Edmée, a woman whose quiet composure masks something far more complex. On impulse, he makes an extravagant bid and marries her. But little does Duval know, this is only the beginning of his troubles.

For Edmée is not who she says she is, and her secrets will soon threaten to dismantle everything Duval holds dear...

"A delicious romp of a novel." - The Times

"Historical fiction can be hit or miss, but this is a cracker ... What a treat this is: intelligent escapist fiction." - The London Standard

"Infused with wit, imagination and maturity...just be warned. I stayed up very late to finish this book." - The Spectator

"Beautifully written and propulsive." - Platinum